Among them are the servicemen of the Columbus-based Alpha Battery, 155th Brigade Combat Team of the Mississippi National Guard. The 130 soldiers of Alpha Battery left Camp Shelby a month ago, and are currently in Kuwait for more training before being deployed to Iraq.
Capt. Dennis Biddle, the battery commander, sent this note earlier this week to soldiers” families:
Greetings families from Kuwait! It is HOT! The guys (and gals) are getting acclimated, but it is a long process. The temperature during the day tends to reach 120+. However, the guys are doing well and learning how to cope with the heat and continue their mission.
So far we have done various weapon training and shooting ranges, convoy training and drivers training. Some days are slow, but then some days are filled with events.
The food here is actually really good. It is MUCH better than anything we had at Camp Shelby. It will be even better in Iraq. Of course all meals are free but if they choose, soldiers can buy KFC, Burger King, Pizza, Chinese food, Starbucks, and Green bean coffee.
There are plenty of ways to call home, but don”t get discouraged if you don”t here from your soldier for a day or two. Between training and the long lines, sometimes it can be frustrating.
There is a really good PX here. It sells everything from toothpaste to flat screen TVs. So guys won”t be without.
I have to go for now, but I hope this helps. Please get this to the families of the soldiers and let me know how things are going.
Thank you, Capt. Biddle, and all the soldiers of Alpha Battery.
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The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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