Socks, Socks, Socks

Jared called this morning at 5:00am--much better than 2:00am!!! He has moved locations. He is now at Camp Bastian on the other side of Afghanistan--near Iran. It is a British base and his battalion is the first American's there.

His whole battalion re-located there--which is about 1000 Marines. They are still experiencing some logistical issues. The mess hall is not able to feed that many, so they only get one hot meal a day in the mess hall--the other meals are MRE's. They also are unable to send mail out. They can get it in, but can't sent it out. Eventually they should have a mail system in place.

Phone calling is much more limited than the other location, so don't know how often we will talk to him.

He said it is VERY HOT. They are soak and wet with sweat all the time. At night it cools down enough that if they lay on top of their cots in the "shorts" they can at least stop sweating!

Thus the title of this post: SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS

They need socks to be able to change them often to keep their feet dry. If you are able--please send him a box with white cotton socks that go up the calf. They all need them--so if he gets too many he will share! Let's "shower the Marines with socks!"

He also needs gatorade (or other sport drink) powder. Can not send liquid, but wants the powder. Need to drink a lot to stay hydrated in the heat.

There is nothing there! It's a big sand burm. They live in tents that do have air conditioning, but since it is so hot, if they run them too high they freeze up--which is what has happened to his!

It sounds as if all the companies in his battalion have specific missions--mainly to train the Afghans. His company, however, is more for security and stays back ready to respond as needed.

Can't think of anything else--will post if I do!!!

Again--SEND SOCKS!!!