[southerngrit]

Love the pics from the Constellation. There are 3 guys aboard who are from the Lake Charles area. They got in touch with me after I used that link Tonk posted yesterday. Hey, guys - if you're lurking, thank you for your service to our country.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Aviation Ordnancemen of VFA-151 prepare to install an AIM-120 Amraam (Advance Medium Range Air to Air) missile onto an F18 Hornet for its first sortie in support of Operation Southern Watch of WestPac 2002-2003. (Photo by PH2 Felix Garza Jr.)

A Marine pilot of VFMA-151 arrives back on deck after the first sortie of Operation Southern Watch and briefs the maintenance crew on adjustments to be made to the aircraft before its next flight. (Photo by PH2 Felix Garza Jr.)

F/A-18 Hornets of VFMA-151 fly over the deck of the Constellation as they arrives back from their first sortie of Operation Southern Watch. (Photo by PH2 Felix Garza Jr.)

[Kathy in Alaska]

How cool is that to connect with someone from your own area. I just got one from a guy who grew up just north of Anchorage. I'll write back tomorrow (later today). I hope you survived your "party". Thanks for spending time with our troops today. I think a great time was had by all. American Preservative sure did throw a nice Cheese Ball.