"Victory Starts Here!"

Hi, this is Brig.  Just got back from Fort Jackson where when you go onto post, you're greeted with a smile and a "Welcome to Fort Jackson!  Victory starts here!!"

While we were there, the ranges were hot 24/7.  I caught Steve on more than one occasion looking wistfully in the direction of the mortar and machine gun fire.  You know what they say, "You can take the man out of the Army, but ...".  You have to hand it to the men and women who were out there training night and day because it was H-O-T!  If you've ever been in the south in the summertime you know how oppressive the humidity can be.  And instead of the rain bringing relief, it only brought more steam!

Me and the boys (our dogs, Kyle and Charlie) hiked Black Squirrel Trail and saw red-headed wood peckers, Kyle's arch nemesis the squirrel, deer tracks and tons of butterflies.  Is it butterfly season?  Is there such a thing?  They were everywhere.  The best part was listening to the wind blowing through the pines and the sound of the cicadas - very relaxing.  (Yes, even with the explosions in the distance.) =)

We ran into some folks at the campground who Steve had met when he was here prior - Ralph and Billie who we call "The Honeybee People".  We traded one of Steve's books for some local honey they recently harvested from their hives.  And oh yah, it's good!

Before jumping off of here, I did want to mention a gentleman Steve met during his last stop at Fort Stewart - "Philly" Phil Parks.  He is a homeless Vietnam veteran who is an incredible artist.  Philly Phil also has some pretty good worldly advice.  Like - 'don't buy a woman a house just because she gives you a little leg' and 'definitely don't let her keep it when you break up!'.  Good advice I would say for those young, naive troops out there.  The AAFES Exchange has made it possible for Phil to sell his artwork - kudos to them!  And if you're at Ft. Stewart, stop by and check out his work - you won't be sorry!

Please continue to think of our troops and keep them all in your prayers.

There are 10 Green Berets in this photo.  Can you find them? 

Only at a military campsite will you see this. =)

Kyle, looking for squirrel.

Okay, next stop - Fort Gordon!!