USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ Camp Run-A-Muck ~ WooHoo! ~ March 26 2003

Soldier Helps 101st Stay Wired to Home
Wall Street Journal ^

Posted on 03/25/2003 5:57 PM CST by BurbankKarl

PAGE ONE

Soldier Helps 101st Stay Wired to Home

By DAN MORSE and JESSE DRUCKER Staff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

WITH THE ARMY'S 101st AIRBORNE DIVISION, Northern Kuwait -- "Remember, if you do not hear from me for several days, it is because we lost Internet, or we are gone. Then just watch news for us. Will always love you for eternity," Lt. John Knight, 31 years old, typed in a recent e-mail to his wife in Tennessee.

"I miss you so much I can hardly stand it," wrote Leza Knight, 28, who has kept the volume on her computer speakers turned up so she could hear the beeps throughout the house when her husband's instant messages arrived. In the 101st Airborne's units here, data cables snake under sandbags and into tents. Inside, laptops sit open atop cardboard boxes and storage crates, ready for soldiers to hit "send" whenever they can.

Up to 300 soldiers have one colleague to thank for this service: Dustin Price, a 21-year-old private from northern Michigan. Since arriving here at Camp New York three weeks ago, he has spliced together nearly two miles of abandoned wires and modems left behind by a U.S. tank division. A crucial piece of the project: A hub-switching box -- hooked into a government network -- that he and his tent-mates originally brought so they could duel in computer games such as "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" and "Warcraft III."

Pvt. Price has wired 11 tents, providing e-mail and limited Internet access, as well as follow-up service. He takes no fees, save for a supply of anti-inflammatory pills the medics gave him to curb swelling in his right knee. The tents he has wired are crammed with as many as two dozen soldiers, many sleeping on the floor. The tents, usually equipped with one or two laptops, host constant visitors, who call them "Internet cafes." Other tech-savvy soldiers have linked into Pvt. Price's lines, creating more connections.

Still, many tents aren't wired, and with winds blasting up to 50 miles per hour, service does go down. Camp New York also has an official e-mail tent, where soldiers can use computers, but waits there can stretch to 90 minutes.

As battles loom, soldiers have less time to send messages home. But as more elements of the 101st head into Iraq, Pvt. Price has a plan to follow them with e-mail service, via satellite. He cautions that service may be limited, at least initially. "It all depends on how much CAT-5 I can get," he says, referring to the Ethernet cable he is trying to obtain from other units.

Pvt. Price says he's long been fascinated by how things work. When he was 6, he took apart an electric piano and put it back together. He went on to work in construction and to build and test circuit boards at an automotive-systems manufacturer. He first spoke to an Army recruiter on Sept. 10, 2001, sealing his decision the next day.

In his current position, he's responsible for maintaining communications and computer equipment -- "best I've ever seen," says his platoon leader, Lt. Scott McDonald, 32, for whom Pvt. Price also serves as a driver. "I don't have to ever worry about not having Internet service."

E-mailing soldiers are essentially on the honor system. Commanders must trust them not to spread secrets much as they do with phone calls or letters.

When Lt. Knight, a medic who sometimes messages his wife when he can't sleep, arrived at Camp New York, he met with Lt. McDonald.

"You want Internet?" Lt. McDonald asked.

"You got to be kidding me," Lt. Knight answered.

"No man, we can hook you up. I got just the guy for you."

Pvt. Price wired Lt. Knight's tent, which now holds 20 soldiers and their gear in a 30-by-15-foot space. Seventeen medics sleep and hold ad hoc classes in the main section. In the back, cordoned off by a heavy, white vinyl curtain, is a room the size of a small elevator. Behind it live three platoon leaders, their towels and underwear hanging from makeshift clothes lines. A single laptop sits on an MRE (Meals Ready-to-Eat) box, turned on its side.

"I keep saying, what we need to do in Iraq is take a cappuccino machine from a Starbucks, and we'll be set," Lt. Knight jokes.

TELL ME A STORY

Read selected excerpts from the anthology "Floating Off the Page: The Best of The Wall Street Journal's 'Middle Column' " at WSJbooks.com/floating.

Lots of e-mail covers mundane -- which is not to say unimportant -- matters. "LOST MY WALLET," Specialist Nick Pease typed in the subject line to his pregnant wife, Rachael, in Ravenswood, W.Va. She immediately canceled all the credit cards belonging to her husband, her high-school sweetheart.

Soldiers also type missives designed to keep the household in check. First-Sgt. John Bradshaw, 37, recently wrote to his 11-year-old daughter, four-year-old son and 36-year-old wife in Clarksville, Tenn.

"Shelby-You listen to me, just because I'm not there do not think you can do what you want. Like walking over to your friend's house etc ... I love you dearly...Be a good girl and be a team with your mother. Thank you sweetie.

"Hunter-I miss you boy and look forward to...doing all the cool boy things with you -- baseball, football and hunting. Be good for mom and keep your room clean. Help Shelby feed the dogs for me.

"Sweetie-Thanks for all you do and taking care of everything while I'm gone. I'm truly grateful...Hopefully, this picture brightens your day in some sort of way. I love and miss you all. Take care and God bless.

Love, John/dad."

In a p.s., First Sgt. Bradshaw apologized in advance if his picture attachment didn't work, offering to try again in the morning:

"By then, one of these computer smart guys will be awake," he wrote.

In a tent about a half-mile away is Sgt. Jerome Draper, whose two sons, 12 and six, normally live with him but are now staying with their mother. To Jerome Jr., the eldest, he wrote: "I promise this is my last time being separated from you all. Continue to take care of your Mom and brother since you are the Big Dawg of the house. You're becoming a young man and I expect big things from you. Much love, Daddy. Holllllaaaa Back!"

Jerome Jr. did, with NCAA predictions and news that a test he'd taken had placed him in advanced algebra. "We are praying for you every day," he added.

Pvt. Price wires up laptops that soldiers brought from home, as well as ones owned by the Army. After hooking up a tent, he likes to joke: "You owe me $29.95 a month."

He works to maintain the network. Earlier this month, the e-mail system he set up was constantly going down, because a 1½-mile cable snaking to a main communications hub wasn't protected. It whipped in the wind and was often snapped by five-ton trucks rumbling across the sand.

Pvt. Price set out to bury the line 8 inches underground in stretches that crossed truck routes. He hacked away with a 2-foot folding shovel. It took three days. By that time, though, he'd connected so many soldiers that he had help. The diggers used two-way radios during blinding sandstorms.

Plenty of other techs have wired other soldiers -- such as Staff Sgt. Jeremy Rich, now traveling with the First Marine Regiment in Iraq. He recently typed a note to his wife, Lisa, reporting how he listens to an audio message she sent him of their 21-month-old son Avery: "I still listen to the voice recorder when I am having a rough day and the kid laughing can cheer me up."

In another exchange, Lisa was able to offer a response:

"Avery wants to type something ...v gikb9o8' 'o9 9'p; 0'; 'p0;'0p'0'pp0

"That's his version of 'love you.' "

PAGE ONE

WAR IN IRAQ

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• For continuing coverage, see War in Iraq.

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Soldiers and Families Connect via E-Mail

Dustin Price, 21, has connected U.S. soldiers at Kuwait's Camp New York with their families using abandoned wires and ingenuity. The resulting electronic exchanges range from the mundane to the emotional. Here are excerpts of e-mails and instant messages between three soldiers -- in Camp New York and elsewhere -- and their wives. (Back to main story)

Jeremy Rich, 26, is a Marine staff sergeant who has been stationed in Kuwait since early February. He has been married to Lisa Rich for over three years and they live in San Diego with their 21-month son, Avery. Ms. Rich, 26, is expecting her second child in September. Jeremy Rich has been in the Marines since high school, though this is the only time he has been deployed away from Lisa since they met four years ago at a Virginia bar.

Date: February 2, 2003 From: Jeremy Rich To: Lisa Rich

Well I'm finally here after the worst traveling I have ever experienced. ... The living conditions are good. We live in a G.P. tent that has a wood frame and raised wood floors. There are laundry rooms and trailers with bathrooms with stalls, sinks, single showers, and hot water. We eat Air Force chow and the food is good. Even has Hagen Das ice cream. I wish I could spend the war here but I'll leave for a new unit soon. I miss you and Avery and hope all is well. Can you send me envelopes, paper and beef jerky?

Love you, Jeremy

Avery,

Hi buddy. How are you? I am doing good. You would like the food here because I can have grapes and chocolate milk with any meal I want. I also get to see big trucks drive by all the time and there are airplanes that take off and land and I get to see them. There is also plenty of dirt to play in. I wish I could be home with you and mom but I have to finish here first. When I get home I will take a lot of time off so we can play and go exploring. I have to go now but give mom and kiss for me and remember I love you and can't wait to get home.

Love, Daddy

Date: February 2, 2003 From: Lisa Rich To: Jeremy Rich

I am SO glad to hear from you! We love you so much and we both miss you a lot. I didn't think it was going to be this hard without you but I am trying to stay busy so don't worry. Avery has been really bummed about you leaving. Whenever I put in your video he points and yells "My da! da! da! da!" I sent you a letter yesterday and I will get the notebook/envelopes out to you this week. Do you want any Mountain Dew? I also got a couple of Motor Trends for you that I will send. Ah, babe I miss you so much already! I can't sleep without your stupid knee in my back. ... Anyway, I am thinking of you all the time and hope you are home soon.

All our love, Your Family

Date: February 10, 2003 From: Jeremy Rich To: Lisa Rich

Sorry I haven't been able to write in awhile. The lines for email are really long and you should see the lines for the phone. ... I do look forward to coming home. I would like to go trout fishing for a couple days when I get back in either New Mexico or Colorado. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Avery (hopefully the new baby won't be born yet). Well I am sorry to keep this short but there are a lot of people waiting and I need to go to sleep.

Love, Jeremy

Date: February 10, 2003 From: Lisa Rich To: Jeremy Rich

I thought long and hard about telling you this. They found some thyroid abnormalities at my last appointment. It is very important if I do have a problem that it is controlled as risks of miscarriage or birth defects can be quite high if it is not. There are a lot of ifs and I will let you know after I have the tests done. I wasn't going to tell you but no one knows and I am tired of dealing with all the questions by myself. I am stressed, tired, and probably a terrible person for telling you about it this early in the game but I want someone else to share the worry with. If there is a thyroid problem I will most likely be referred to an OB instead of a midwife, as it will be a high-risk pregnancy at that point. The midwife also thinks that this may be why I have been so sick and why I have been losing weight instead of gaining. Frankly, if there is a condition it should have been dealt with before I got pregnant but I guess that is a moot point now.

Love, Me

Date: February 13, 2003 From: Jeremy Rich To: Lisa Rich

How likely is it that you will have a miscarriage? I am quite worried about that for many reasons. I am looking forward to being a dad again plus I won't be there (yet again) to help you through it. There are really too many questions to ask. When is your next appointment and when will they know for sure what the problem is? Well, I wish I had time to say more but I really have to be going. Wish I was there, I really miss you and Avery. I am really concerned that Avery won't know who I am and I have to start our relationship all over again. Well I hope you have a good Valentine's day. I am sorry I couldn't be with you.

Love you, Jeremy

Date: February 14, 2003 From: Lisa Rich To: Jeremy Rich

I don't really know all the details on the thyroid issue yet. I am really waiting to get a second opinion and a second set of tests before I go into anything. I think now that I am coming up on the second trimester, chances are really good that I will carry the baby to term. I don't really think it will turn out to be all that serious though, hon. I feel really terrible that I even told you about it. I will take care of everything and it will be okay. I don't want you here unless there is something VERY seriously wrong with the baby, which isn't going to happen. You are doing a job that needs to be done and I want to support you as much as I can and let you know that I am proud of you.

Don't worry about Avery. There is no way he could forget you. Here are some ways he talks about you (in his own way) through out the day: whenever we go to the Jeep he yells "da! go bye da!"; whenever he wears his adventure hat he says with a nod "um hmm da" and touches the hat; whenever he sees your video (I thought I was your damn favorite person ha ha) he points and says "my da"; he looks at the picture of you and I when we were in Baltimore and carries it around sometimes (he doesn't really say anything about it); and whenever we go to Miramar and he sees someone in cammies he yells "hey da!". If he could remember you when you left for two months when he was 7 months old, he's not going to forget you when he's two, no matter how long you're gone.

Love you, Me

Date: February 20, 2003 From: Jeremy Rich To: Lisa Rich

Lisa,

I got the package and it was nice. I'm still looking forward to getting my MotorTrend though. ... I am really enjoying the recorder; I've probably listened to Avery laughing about ten times already. It definitely cheers me up. ... Anyway, we finally have our tents built and I am now trying to get moved in for the long haul. Not a bad setup really, especially considering the conditions at some of the other camps. We have showers and three hot meals a day. Although the meals aren't always the best in the world. I'm looking forward to eating my beef jerky but I think I'll save it for tomorrow. You can send more, I won't mind. Well I gotta be going, I will try to write a letter tomorrow and send it out.

Love you and give Avery a hug and kiss for me. Jeremy

Date: February 20, 2003 From: Lisa Rich To: Jeremy Rich

I am going to get another package together for you today. As far as your package goes I am going to put in: More beef jerky, two Motor Trends, Maxim, the Dixie Chicks CD, money, various other crap.... Anything else? I am glad you liked the tape recorder. Avery and I had fun doing it for you (you know how he loves buttons). He was pretending it was a phone. He sure does miss you, especially at night. I think he got used to waiting for you to come in and say go to sleep and sing twinkle twinkle. So he asks for you a lot and we talk about how much you love him and how you will be home soon. I don't know if he understands but he likes to talk about you so we do. Well, I talk and he says "Dad go bye?" ...

Avery wants to type something:

v gik

b9o8' 'o9 9'p; 0'; 'p0;'0p'0'pp[p]0

That's his version of "love you"

love, us

Date: February 22, 2003 From: Jeremy Rich To: Lisa Rich

Lisa,

Don't send any more email after today (your day). Looks like I'll be moving tomorrow and won't have an email. I sent a letter off today and will try to write as often possible. ... I will be fine and you probably think it is worse than it is by now. I just have to go to another unit because they don't have anyone to lead them. I love you and will write as often as I can.

Love You

P.S. I told Avery on the phone last night that you would buy him a new truck for me.

Date: February 22, 2003 From: Lisa Rich To: Jeremy Rich

Okay, I am going to try not to worry. I guess I got spoiled being able to email you. Are you going to another camp? Who are you going to be with? More details please! Or at least as much as you can tell me. The more I know the less I worry. I am worried that you aren't going to get the package I sent you this week. I love you so much! But you aren't getting a truck! HA HA Were you talking toy truck for Avery? That I can do.

Love, Me

Date: February 23, 2003 From: Jeremy Rich To: Lisa Rich

Lisa,

This is my last email because I am leaving. So from here on out all my correspondence will probably be via letter. Someday I will come back here, but that day is long off. Like I said before, don't worry. I will be with the 1st Marine Regiment, so if you see anything about them on the news you will know where I am. Once I get settled I will write you a letter with my new address, but it will take longer for mail to get to you from there. So until my letter gets through the government chain remember I love you, don't worry and I will be home as soon as I can.

I love you and Avery more than you will ever know. Don't worry about me. You know I am too stubborn and mean to have anything happen to me.

Love you, Jeremy

P.S. I meant get Avery a TOY truck. Like I'd expect a real truck from you. I know you don't have any taste.

(Editor's Note: Two weeks after Sgt. Rich was loaned to another unit, Avery was taken by ambulance to a local hospital due to pneumonia, reactive airway disease, and croup. Lisa sent Rich a message via his chain of command and received the following message a couple days later. Avery is doing much better now.)

Date: March 10 From: Jeremy Rich To: Lisa Rich

I got the message about Avery, at least a version of it. I don't know if it's the latest version or not because they seem to have thought I already knew. So I know I missed at least one. Have Cpl. Ericson email me the whole story because if my little buddy is in a life-threatening situation I will fight like hell to get out of here and to him. I don't know what I would do without that little guy. I still feel terrible because I spent my last night that I could have played with him on the computer. A situation like that puts things into perspective. Unfortunately there is nothing I can do about it now. Anyway take care of him (not that I have any doubts or even have to say that) and let me know what is going on.

... I still listen to the voice recorder when I am having a rough day and the kid laughing can cheer me up even when I'm thousands of miles away from Avery. That's the worst part of being here is that he changes so much so quickly and I will miss it and he will be a new little boy when I get home. I already missed so much of last year that it doesn't really seem fair that I should have to miss most of this year too. I guess I just have to remember that we're here so that a chemical bomb doesn't have the chance to end up exploding in his school. I'm really looking forward to taking Avery "Adventuring" some more when I get home. There are still a lot of national parks and national forests in the southwest that we haven't been to.

I miss you too of course. I guess it's just different because you're an adult with a fully functional memory and are pretty much set if your ways. ... I do know what I want my mom to make when ever we get down there to visit here. Tell her chicken fried steak, fried potatoes and fries okra (over all this time of no fried food I deserve it), and tell her no fancy stuff. Just make it the same old way. And I want you to make Lasagna (translate that it Italian and you'll know what I want) with garlic bread and cheesecake (once again no fancy stuff). And tell my dad I will expect ribs upon our visit to him (don't have to worry about fancy stuff because he always does it the same way).

Anyway I am running out of things to say, as I have a short attention span and limited communication (especially written) abilities. So with that I love you and hope to be home soon.

I love you, Lis. Jeremy

Avery,

Hey buddy how are you? I am doing good, but am a little worried because I heard you are sick. You need to get better so that we can continue to go on adventures when I get home. Those are very special trips to me and I really have a good time taking places to see new things. Hopefully you enjoy, and will continue to enjoy them as much as me. I have your picture hanging in front of my computer so that I can see you and I listen to you and the recorder whenever I am having a hard day. You always have a way of cheering me up. So get better so that you can write me a letter. I am going to try and bring you home some dirt from everyplace I go. I just have to find something to put it in. Did mommy buy you a new truck? Let me know so I can talk to her for you if she didn't. ... Are you sleeping in my bed still? Don't get used to it because when I get home you will to big to fit in it with us so you will have to sleep in your own bed. Maybe even in your very own room. Have you learned any new words lately? I'm sure you have because you are very smart, just like daddy. Well buddy I have to go now but I will write again soon and hope to be home before to long.

Love You, bye bye. Daddy

U.S. Army Specialist Nicholas Pease, 25, and his wife Rachael, 24, have been married since December 2001. He's been in the Army since 1998, and left for Kuwait on March 6. They've known each other since they were 12 and 10 years old in Ravenswood, W. Virginia, where they dated all through high school. Rachel is three months pregnant and uses the name Sister Rae online.

From: Nicholes Pease To: Rachel Subject: LOST MY WALLET

YOU WILL NEED TO CALL AND CANCEL MY ATM, STAR AND CREDIT CARD. YES, YES I CAN RECIVE BOXES. CAN YOU SEND ME SOME CHECKS? OUR INTERNET HAS BEEN DOWN THAT IS WHY I HAVENT WROTE YOU. LOVE YOU, NIC

From: Rachel Pease To: Nicholas Pease

What about your Military ID can you get it replaced? I sent out checks today... Tomorrow I'll send more in your care package. Do you need cash? OH GUESS WHAT! We saw your camp on NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw!!! We were watching footage on the sandstorm and we saw soldiers with the black heart patch on the helmets and everybody started yelling Than we saw the sign that said five O' deuce on it and we started yelling even louder. Your mom was like, "Hey I sewed Nicky's patch like that on his helmet." Than we were all grumpy at the cameramen for not getting a shot of you. HA HA HA!

Your baby is getting bigger. The day of my appointment will be 11 weeks! The sex of the baby is developing by now... so if we had a good ultrasound it could tell.... do you want to o know or not? I know I 'm a wretch for sending you so much to read but I miss talking to you so much!

I love you sweet boy. Your angel pie...

Sister Rae

Date: March 15, 2003 From: Nicholas Pease To: Rachel Pease

WELL, MY WALLET WAS TURNED IN SO I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MY ID. I WILL CALL YOU TONIGHT YOUR TIME ABOUT 9 OR 10 PM. I DON'T REALY NEED ANYTHING BUT ENVELOPES SO I CAN SEND YOU LETTERS. AND YES, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE BABY IS AND IF YOU CAN SEND ME SOME PICTURES. HOW IS MY KITTY DOING? HAS HE GOT USED TO EVERYONE YET?

LET MY MOM NOW I AM DOING FINE. PRETTY BORED RIGHT NOW.

Date: March 20, 2003 From: Nicholas Pease To: Rachel Pease

WELL, I'M STILL OK. I AM HAVING A HARD TIME SLEEPING WITH ALARMS GOING OFF EVERY 2 TO 3 HOURS. BUT I SHOULD BE FINE. I LOVE YOU.

Date: March 20, 2003 From: Rachel Pease To: Nicholas Pease

I don't know if the baby is a boy or girl. The doc says we should wait until 20 weeks to ensure accuracy. But I promise I will be sure to tell you as soon as I know ... in fact, I won't tell anyone else until you let me know that you get the message. I have the heart beat on tape but I'm going to wait until after next month's appointement because we will record more of the heart beat and it should be louder. We couldn't get a whole lot of it because I started laughing and the baby was swimming round and round. I love you with all my heart. Rachael (Angel Pie)

Lt. John Knight, 31, and Leza Knight, 28, have been married for seven years. Both are from Texarkana, Ark. and now live in the U.S. Army's base at Fort Campbell, Ky. They have one five-year-old daughter, Bailee.

Date: March 10, 2003 From: Leza Knight To: John Knight

I'm so happy you emailed me. I cried when I saw it because it was such a relief. I miss you so much I can hardly stand it. I'm not handling things as well as I thought I would. Don't worry, though. That's the last thing I want you to be thinking about. Bailee just said today how much she misses you. She's doing good. We are moving the 17th through the 19th. Mom and Dad are coming down this weekend.

New address follows….

They gave us housing in some of the oldest houses on post. I don't like it, but they said if I didn't take it, I'd have to wait another 9 months. I'm gonna try to get a cricket phone this pay day so when I do I'll email you the number. I don't really have much else to tell you since I haven't been doing much. I hate this so much. I wish you could come home.

Enough of me, how are you doing? I hear the sand storms are more frequent now. I bet that's hell. Julie told me you are at Camp New York along with Frank. I'm glad you are somewhere halfway decent. He said you are the only PA there. I know you stay busy. Even if you weren't the only PA, I don't expect you to get in touch with me that often. I just miss you so much. I'm scared, too. So, I worry a little. I told you mom about the hone card. She's probably renewed it by now. Well, I guess I'll stop writing now. Write me back when you can. We love you.

Date: March 11, 2003 From: John Knight To: Leza Knight

Hope you get this; I will send more tomorrow in separate mailings.

Remember:

--talk to dad about gps and bincoculars

--give me the date on dd 1059 from OBC; and mail copy to me

--call rich's parents

--kiss bailee for me and tell her i love her everyday

--remember how much i love you and miss you

love you babe.

talk with you tomorrow. remember; if you do not hear from me for several days; it is because we lost internet, or we are gone. then just watch news for us.

will always love you for eternity

IM conversation between John Knight and Leza Knight

J.W. Knight says: are you there?

Leza says: I'm here

J.W. Knight says: great!

J.W. Knight: i love you

Leza: did you get my e-mail?

J.W. Knight: what are you wearing? (laugh)

J.W. Knight: yes i go t your email

J.W. Knight: i miss you

Leza: I miss you more

J.W. Knight: is the housing that bad?

Leza: it's not great

J.W. Knight: do we have a garage

Leza: and it's small

Leza: we have a carport right next to the neighbors

J.W. Knight: they would not work with you for something else

Leza: What time is it there?

J.W. Knight: did you tell them I am a O-1E, not a new 2LT and we have alot of stuff

J.W. Knight: it is 735 in the morn

Leza: yeah, I argued with them over it.

Leza: We won't be here that much longer.

Leza: we miss you so much

J.W. Knight: i will im you every night before I goto bed. you are 9 hours behind me; so it will be about 1200-1300 your time when I am able to talk

J.W. Knight: it is next to impossible to get on the phone; this is the easiest way to keep in touch

Leza: This is fine

J.W. Knight: i can also send pictures to you by digital cam. I will send some today

Leza: that would be good

J.W. Knight: we will not be here much longer; so if a day goes by that i dont email you or im you; you can assume we are gone, so watch the news

Leza: I'm just happy I can talk to you right now

J.W. Knight: everyone is doing fine. there was no plane crash; chaplain hart said a rumor was going around about that

Leza: Yeah, I know. I just found that out tonight

Leza: I don't know where that one came from

J.W. Knight: i am keeping a journal for you. i will keep you informed on what is going on so you can stop rumors. i knew this would happen once we left

J.W. Knight: while I am thinking about it; tell dad I need a GPS--and fast (the smaller the better)

Leza: so you'll mostly e-mail me around 12 or 1 in the afternoon here

Leza: Did you get your key?

J.W. Knight: yes, IM around 1200-1300, (be ready to talk), no I have gotten no mail

Leza: They say mail will take up to two weeks.

Leza: packages may take longer.

J.W. Knight: Great-- that means i will not get a GPS before I really need it

Leza: probably not

Leza: who do you hang out with

J.W. Knight: already being interrupted by sick-call

J.W. Knight: mostly the staff; CPT Avilla, CPT Sparkman, Rich, Cowden

Leza: that's good

J.W. Knight: Rich, Dr Fagbuyi, and I sleep in back of aid station

Leza: Is it better there?

J.W. Knight: we still have no medical equipment as of yet. all we have is what we carried. our stuff hasnt arrived yet

J.W. Knight: it is a challenge to do anything. you have to walk 1/2 mile to go anywhere

Leza: so what do you do.

J.W. Knight: so far, I bummed some meds off of a PA from 3rd Infantry Div; but that was a challenge. they have been told by their leaders not to help us out

J.W. Knight: they are very bitter at 101st for taking this camp from them

J.W. Knight: we have 24hr guards in camp to watch our camp. it is surrounded by wire to keep them out.

Leza: have there been any close calls

J.W. Knight: nothing yet; there is nothing going on yet; all of our things are not here yet; so we can do nothing. alot of bullshit time; but that should change today or tomorrow

Leza: Are you ready for war?

J.W. Knight: myself?

Leza: it may begin next week

J.W. Knight: yeah; they are keeping us informed on what is going on. we have our mission; we will begin planning soon

J.W. Knight: how is my baby, bailee?

Leza: I'd hate to know the plan.

Leza: Bailee is doing well. She talks back a little more than usual.

Leza: She asks when are you coming home

Leza: She wears you slippers and she'll give them back when you come back.

J.W. Knight: Tell her i love her and I carry patrick everywhere I go. I will send some pics today. Tell dad about the GPS, add me to your IM list in case you catch me online; you will know. Tell Bailee I love her and miss her and keep my slippers warm for me. I need to go. Sickcall has started and DR Fagbuyi is nowhere to be found. I will talk with you later today. I love you and miss you.

Leza: we love you and miss you more

J.W. Knight: Good bye. I love you.

Leza: l love you too, Bye

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l love you too, Bye

Leza: I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The following message could not be delivered to all recipients:

I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Updated March 25, 2003 1:32 a.m.

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