July 4th

Today Allen had to go back to base. We get to see him everyday for the next 2 weeks, though. He has put in for passes for the next 2 weekends, so hopefully he gets those approved. That would mean that he could spend the weekends with us without having to go back to barracks for formation and bedcheck. Check out the scruff on him! He shaved everyday since Feb.23. He didn't shave once all weekend! We didn't care. But, (sigh) time to get ready to go back to base. This is the main gate to Fort Gordon coming in from the north heading south. I took this from a ways away. You have to show your ID to the MP's before you can get through those gates.

This is Signal Towers. Notice there is only one, yet it's called "Towers." Weird. Lots of upper brass work in there. Allen had to do some cleaning detail in there, and said it's nerve-wracking with all that brass around you.

Cael and Allen played catch while we were waiting for formation to start.

Tough guys Burke and Blake. They were at Fort Leonard Wood together, and now they are members of Bravo Co. 551st Signal Battalion at Fort Gordon. PHB! That's the company motto. (Physical training, Haircuts, Barrack maintenance.) Allen taught Cael to yell in a tough guy voice "PHB!" as we walk around the base.