About five days ago I received my first shipment of candy in from the new Candy ministry of FBC Sparta. Not knowing when I would be leaving the FOB again I put the box of candy away to find out that my next mission was only days away. So the day came of the mission and we got all of our stuff ready to go and I couldn’t forget the box. Unfortunately I had to stay in the bottom of the Gun on this trip but the work still had to be done. SGT Campbell, the Chief of Section, did the work of throwing the candy out to all the children he saw and was quick enough to get a picture of them picking it up also. Thanks to all who participated in the new ministry and remember that this isn't by any means my ministry, but out ministry. I just get to see the fruits. Hope you enjoy the picture (used by permission of SGT Campbell).
On the way back in from our mission we drove though Tuz and saw this school. It looked like a pretty big school, but maybe not compared to our standards. The children seemed pretty happy to see us as they all ran to the wall; to bad we couldn't throw the candy we had left that far. Also, notice their love for basketball. The goal isn't even there. Got to feel bad for the country; just joking.
This was one of our longest missions. We were out of the FOB for about 6 hours and shot a total of 13 rounds. This is a picture of Gun 12 shooting, SGT Linebarger's section. We were shooting our Super 8 Red Bag, the largest powder bag we have and as you can see it puts out a little smoke. After firing we headed up to the impact area to talk to the FO's (Forward Observers) who are the ones who call in the grids for us to hit. They said we were STEEL ON TARGET once again. This has been another added to a good list of accomplished training missions where our shooting has been flawless. If I was the insurgents I would stay away for the Peacemaker AO (Area of Operation).
We found these little guys up on the roof of our bunker. Well, actually SPC Bridges did and he was the one with the courage to catch them. I would have rather just stepped on them myself, but that is just me. They were only about the size of a thumb so I don't think they were too dangerous yet, but what do I know. Nor do I know how big they will get. Hopefully not too big and hopefully we don't find anymore, especially near my sleeping area.
