Brain Fertilizer

I appreciate all the well-wishes. It warms my heart to see the out-pouring of good will...

...however, I do want to clarify: I'm so far behind the front lines, I'm in virtually no danger. I'm probably in more danger during my morning commute back home than I am here.
They take pretty good care of us: internet access, video games, movies, activities, hot food, air-conditioned rooms, decent coffee...they even have a Pizza Hut, Subway, Baskin Robbins, and several coffee/espresso huts around.

The last time I was here (just a few scant months ago...!), we still lived in tents with only a sheet separating you from your tent-mates, no way to turn on the light without disturbing someone sleeping on another shift, and only about 40 sq ft of personal space.
Now it's more like 100 sq feet in a private room. Definitely a step up!

I will never encounter or even see the enemy. I am in no danger whatsoever. I am a part of the military machine, but I'm several inches back from the point of the spear. I am support.

I am proud of what I do, and I do it darn well, and I have a significant role in keeping some of our pilots safe. But there really is no need to worry about me.

...now my next assignment (I'll find out what it is within about 6 months) might be different. We'll see. And "here's hoping!" [grin]