Sorry to report

[US Scout]

Present!

However, not part of the command. I am but a lowly Quartermaster Sergeant.

Merry Christmas!

No one in the GAF is "lowly", particularly anyone who wears sergeant's stripes, for it is the sergeants who keep the officers out of trouble.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF

[Texas Lawdog]

That is so True, Sir!

[Trailrider]

In my limited experience, the old saying was absolutely TRUE:  the officers may command an outfit, but the NCO's run it! 

Happy Holidays to all!

[Niederlander]

We were always told, as Lieutenants, that the NCO's and Staff NCO's were and are the "Backbone of the Corps".  I found that to be exactly true.  I was blessed with outstanding examples of both, and consider it an honor to have served with them.

[MUD MARINE]

My experience in the Corps as a sergeant was good officers let us handle the men and the officers handled the strategy. The officers also had the burden of ultimate responsibility. At least in my long past day, that system worked.

According to my eldest son, a Captain of Marines, that system still works!  :-)

Semper Fidelis!

[Frenchie]

Present for duty, sir! Just checking the stores, you know, making sure we have lots of good chow to keep the men happy. Oh, by the way, the medical officer begs to report he's running a bit low on alcohol, the, uh, medicinal kind, you know (wink, wink). <hic> Oh, beg pardon, sir...

[litl rooster]

   If you haven't seen me...then I am doing my job correctly

[Delmonico]

I have dispatched couriers to all GAF posts and stations with orders directing that all personnel not on duty or engaged in operations against the hostiles, are to be given Christmas Day off from all unnecessary labors (after all, cavalry and artillery horses must be cared for no matter the day). 

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

Thank You Sir, however I must report that on the 26th was once again engaged in mortal combat with hostiles armed with returns and gift cards.  This battle is still going on, but seems have tapered off and we seem to be winning.

[Pitspitr]

Not absent, just afflicted with electronic laryngitis...and a real life cold that seemed to require me to sleep when not engaged in vital duties.

[Bull Schmitt]

Col Pitspitr,

I'll see if Gen US Scout will authorize a double whiskey ration for you.


Coll Bull

[RattlesnakeJack]

(Cough ..... Cough ....)

Er ..... I seem to be coming down with a bit of a cold too, Col. Bull!     

[Bull Schmitt]

Col Rattlesnake,

I think it is something going around and is highly contagious!! I'm feeling a little peaked myself!

Sure hope the whiskey supply holds out.

Col Bull

[Delmonico]

Col Rattlesnake,

I think it is something going around and is highly contagious!! I'm feeling a little peaked myself!

Sure hope the whiskey supply holds out.

Col Bull

Well if it were up to the cook, he'd just issue a double shot of castor oil to any troops on sick call and cure more than the colds.

[Frenchie]

Well if it were up to the cook, he'd just issue a double shot of castor oil to any troops on sick call and cure more than the colds.

I'm pretty sure that would cure malingerers' making unnecessary visits to the Infirmary, if nothing else 

[Delmonico]

I'm pretty sure that would cure malingerers' making unnecessary visits to the Infirmary, if nothing else 

Yep and those that were down it would get them up and doing what they need to do.

[Bull Schmitt]

You would sure keep the troops on the move!!

[Pony Racer]

I am feeling great but tomorrow will be difficult.

Happens every year I have been at HQ - I call it the "oh my gosh we have been off too long rush".  It will be tough this whole coming week.

Then again, I come home at night, sleep in my own bed and I ain't geting shot at!!

PR

[Trailrider]

To: Adjutant, Dept. of the Platte
From: Bvt Major Trailrider
Subject: Request for extension of recuperative leave or at least limited duty.

Sir:
I have the honor to report that I have seen the local "saw bones" (literally!) and after examination by means of Professor Roentgen's imaging device, and manual examination, my fractured kneecap is healing nicely. (I had to promise both him and Missus Trailrider that I will stay off of ladders for the foreseeable future!) However, the doc recommends I keep the knee brace for another month, except when driving the horseless wagon. (Have to put the thing on when I exit the driver's seat.  Brace goes on by means of fabric strips that work like cockleburrs...called Velcro.)  I can start physical therapy in a couple of more weeks!

Until I get this infernal brace off permanently, and strengthen the knee, I will have to refrain from pushing gun carts, etc., and so will be unable to take to the field.

I therefore request extension of my limited duty or recuperative leave for another month.

I will, of course, continue work on leather accoutrements for those desiring to acquire such.

Wishing all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

I remain,

[Delmonico]

To: Adjutant, Dept. of the Platte
From: Bvt Major Trailrider
Subject: Request for extension of recuperative leave or at least limited duty.

Sir:
I have the honor to report that I have seen the local "saw bones" (literally!) and after examination by means of Professor Roentgen's imaging device, and manual examination, my fractured kneecap is healing nicely. (I had to promise both him and Missus Trailrider that I will stay off of ladders for the foreseeable future!) However, the doc recommends I keep the knee brace for another month, except when driving the horseless wagon. (Have to put the thing on when I exit the driver's seat.  Brace goes on by means of fabric strips that work like cockleburrs...called Velcro.)  I can start physical therapy in a couple of more weeks!

Until I get this infernal brace off permanently, and strengthen the knee, I will have to refrain from pushing gun carts, etc., and so will be unable to take to the field.

I therefore request extension of my limited duty or recuperative leave for another month.

I will, of course, continue work on leather accoutrements for those desiring to acquire such.

Wishing all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

I remain,

Inactivity causes constipation, double round of castor oil for that man.

[US Scout]

I am alarmed that a Commissary Officer is providing medical advice, though it is as probably sound advice and as good as any surgeon would provide.  At least you didn't recommend amputation for Bvt Major Trailrider.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF