Dispatches from the Front

Dear friends,

Thank you for your kind words over the past few days. I can't tell you how much joy it brings me to know that you are standing behind me! I believe I'm now over my jetlag and am ready to tackle the mission at hand.

Today, I met with the senior logistics officer for this headquarters, known as the "J4". He invited me out onto the patior for a cigar, and while I'm not usually a smoker, I did accept his offer. Due to the current threat posture, all personnel must wear full "battle rattle" when outside, which made the heat outside all the more intense. The J4 and I had a lovely conversation; we talked of our previous travels and desire to serve our country. I feel I will truly enjoy working for him.

It is amazing how cigars seem to draw a crowd! In fact, this command has a "Cigar Aficionado" club that frequently meets for a bit of a smoke and a social atmosphere. I was pleased to be offered memebership, and naturally I accepted.

I am still learning about this mission and my colleagues, and I apparently have more initial training to complete before I am able to fully learn my job. In the meantime, I am enjoying cigars and the new people that I'm meeting. Until next time...

Sincerely yours,
Paul