1 Tp: All Highway

Tpr Matt Burke
28 August 2009

As the tour is coming closer and closer to an end, we are all counting down the days until we are finally back home with all of our families once again.

The Troop has been very busy lately. Between the Aug 20th elections and the multiple QRF calls, we have gotten to see a lot of Afghanistan. All of us able to grow moustaches have released them from long slumbers and are looking forward to sporting the "all highway" look in Cyprus. The arrival of two sets of Wolverine claws for Cpl Ryan Sebo and Tpr Matt Burke were definitely an excellent surprise and are proving to be an effective non-lethal, stylish, and morale-building deterrent against rock-throwing children.

Jackson (a duck), the 1 Troop mascot and good luck charm, enjoyed three weeks of fun in the sun when he travelled along side Cpl Trevor Osborne to the Greek islands, Paris and Normandy. He ended his trip by visiting the Vatican and Coliseum in Rome where he sampled most of the local delicacies regardless of the price - no matter what was offered he eagerly put all items onto his bill. He had a great time to say the least. Looking quiet dapper in his three piece tuxedo, Jackson proved to be the ultimate "wing man" for young soldiers enjoying all that Europe has to offer.

Another way we keep busy is by a little bit of gossip. Speculation is running rampant through the camp in what is shaping up to be a mystery in grand old fashion. A pale white figure shining in the moon light has been spotted twice now running from the showers to the One Troop bunker and can be identified by its distinctive command presence and aura of inspirational leadership which is palatable despite its bewildering lack of clothing. Whether or not the identity of this mysterious ``Gray-man`` will ever come to light is debatable, but he seems to pose no DANger to anyone. The LTs agree that this budding young Napoleon-esque nudist should be left alone in his embarrassment and treated gingerly.

As C Sqn is getting ready to trade hot sand for cold snow, the soldiers of the Sqn are staying focused on the job at hand and looking forward to the insane stresses of the holiday season. After spending 6 months with the Taliban, the soldiers’ families will most likely be much easier to handle during this chaotic time of year.