Day 2 at CRC

Those of you in the Army know the tried-and-true saying, "Hurry up and
wait." The CRC (Continental US Replacement Center) is no different
from the rest of the army in this respect, as we reported at 0700 this
morning just to be moved to a holding area to wait for an hour prior
to clothing and body armor issue (see picture). Well, at least it's warm and dry in the holding area, and the cadre provided hot coffee.

All in all, this doesn't seem like too bad a place. I have a four-
person room to myself with an indoor bathroom/shower and heating/
cooling that actually works. The DFAC (dining facility), troop
store, day room, and gym are within a few minute walk. We can buy
wireless Internet too!

We are located at a place called Harmony Church at Fort Benning. I
have never been to this part of the post before, even though I have
been here four times. On the way from the airport yesterday, I smiled
remembering my first four trips here. All took place in 2002 when I
was in medical school. The first trip was in spring 2002 for the
Military Rugby National Tournament; I can't remember much of that trip
(for obvious reasons). I came down in the summer to attend James'
basic training graduation, and I remember that the heat was
astounding. The most interesting trip was in the fall during which
Tonya and Michael drove me down to Columbus after I missed my flight
out of Baltimore. What stories we have to tell from that trip! My
final trip to Benning occurred in December, and it started out pretty
badly when I boarded a flight to Columbus, OHIO!!! (I can't even
believe the airline staff allowed me to board, sit, and fasten my seat
belt before figuring out that there were too many people on the
plane!) But it was a fabulous trip because I was afforded the
opportunity to commission James when he completed OCS (officer
candidate school). This visit to Fort Benning will no doubt also be
memorable, as it will serve as the introduction to my first overseas
deployment and my first extended separation from Matthew.

More updates to come!