FYI...


----- Forwarded by Brook Scheiber/AAA on 05/09/2005 04:47 PM -----

Chris Langford
<weething@gmail. To: Arif <marifm@...>,
Aunt Connie <ConnieOrdway@...>, Aunt Dorie
com> <dorieschultz@...>, Ben
<bal0411@...>, Carrie <sweetkeri1@...>, Chuck
<cvogwill@...>,
Cindy McNamara <nicetry.dh3@...>, Cocco
05/07/2005 03:05 <s04.jcocco@...>,
Cousin Steph <StuhldreherS@...>, Dad
AM <willie.monster@...>, Dad
Don <cvogwill@...>, Drilled
Please respond <LADYGYPS@...>, Feller
<bafeller@...>, Flounder
to Chris
<bscheiber@...>, Gramma <verafran2@...>, Greg
Langford <schultzgr@...>, Janet
<paige3162@...>, Jarred <summerteeth77@...>,
Jay <jrcross13@...>, Jenn
<24otd@...>, Joe <jfl0801@...>, Julie
<juls.wood@...>, Kurt
<kurtissimo@...>, Libby <bigsislib@...>, Missy
Sine <smsine@...>, Mom
<BLangford4@...>, New Shoez <grievemike@...>,
Pastor Keith Miller
<keithjoanmiller@...>, phWedgie!
<Chris_Chrisman@...>,
Seegert <jseegert@...>, Therese Funk
<ThereseFunk@...>,
Tim <mosbruckerTOPDOG@...>, Uncle Ken
<vogwill@...>
cc:
Subject: Another update, not sure
which number tho...





Hello again!
It's been a while since I've sent out an update as to what's been
going on here. I'll try to let you all in on everything I can, but I
know I'll miss some stuff. First off, the desert is starting to show
it's true colors now, and the temp reaches the triple digits on a
regular basis. Not too bad if you're in shorts and a t-shirt, but when
you throw in the cammies, boots, flak jacket (with SAPI plates),
Kevlar helmet, water, ammo, and rifle, the heat becomes a little
problematic. I swear I sweat out a couple pounds a day, at the least.
It seems like I have to have a water bottle glued to my hands to keep
up with the water my body is constantly losing.

The dam is finally starting to get a few "amenities" as well! We have
had a chow hall that churns out its "food" (notice the quotation
marks) on a regular basis, but I'm usually out on patrol during the
times when meals are served, which isn't always a bad thing. There are
only a few menu choices for the cooks to rotate thru, and they are all
getting old. Except the steak, we have steak about once a week, and
that's good. There is also a gym, which has been here, but it is
slowly starting to collect more wieghts and equipment (anyone know how
to get a medicine ball here?) I've actually started using the gym
quite a bit, which, along with the protein shakes I drink religiously,
might actually help me gain weight out here. The big news as far as
additions goes here would have the be the construction of a PX. The
Dam Px opened a week or two ago, and is usually our of everything that
I might need, but most of the people use it for tobacco, which is not
an issue for me, thank God. Nothing else new, although we do see a
few Iraqi Army every now and then. They're interesting...yeah, that's
it.

Unfortunately, we now have several reminders that we are, in fact, in
a combat zone. 3/25, including weapons company, has taken several
casualties and KIA. One of the hardest things about this is that we
have no time ot grieve the loss of our brothers, but instead have to
go out on patrol to take their place. We cannot let the scum we are
fighting against know that they are affecting us, so we continue.
There have been several difficult days here at the dam as a result.

Personally, I am doing pretty well, a bit shaken at times from what
was stated aboce, but overall I'm doing well. I truly appreciate all
of the care packages, letters, and motomail I have received, though
the written correspondence seems to take longer than packages to
arrive (e-mail is still the best way to contact me). I am trying to
keep myself in the loop, with the help of my wonderful wife =), who
sends me dvd's of the weeks shows I used to be addicted to watching on
the couch (mainly any variation of CSI and WIthout a Trace). As far
as my military assignment, I was once again transferred, this time
temporarily I'm told, to a smaller size rifle platoon that has been
dubbed "Team America" (F*ck Yeah!). I't kind of nice to get away from
my MAP for a while...spending 24 hours a day in a humvee with people
tends to make them irritate you a little. And the missions we have
been completing have been motivating. I can't go into it now, but I
am keeping a journal of every patrol/mission I go on, and I will
gladly let others peruse it when I return home.

Well, that's all I have for now, sorry there isn't much comedy or
anything in here, more of an informative e-mail, but I'll try to get
soem humor in my next one...promise. Best of luck to my brother Ben
who will be signing his papers in a few days to join the ranks of the
military in the Army (thank God not Marines). Don't join infantry!!!!
Anyway, since I'm not sure what my commitments might be at the time,
I'd like to wish all of the mother's receiving this email to have a
Happy Mother's Day, especially my mom, stepmom, and my wife. Love
you and miss you all!

I'll be in contact sometime soon,
Love to all, On-On, and "in ZAX"

Chris