Preparation and Departure

Steven Dutch, Professor Emeritus, Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Up at 0700, go to airport. Former MSG Bechlem, CPT Gomoll are there to see us off. Fly to Detroit, then Raleigh-Durham. Plane half empty, great view of Appalachians. I had no idea there were places that empty east of the Mississippi, and I have been in a lot of places. There was snow cover on the ground all the way. Raleigh had had a foot, and still had snow even though it was 50 out. There were two buses for us. All the baggage we sent ahead on Friday was there. We formed a bucket-brigade to move it. We bus to Bragg via I-40 and SR 210. The billets, not far from where we stayed for Desert Shield, were crowded but thinned out as the previous occupants left. I share a bay with Comfort and Miller.

We are Force Pack 6. FP4 is due to leave January 29, except for our guys who will leave on the 18th. We hear the holdup for the other units is their paperwork. All kinds of rumors are afloat - long delays, too many people called up, some will be sent home, etc.

We arrive at Bragg during half-time of the NFL Championship game. Green Bay has given a good account of itself and is tied 17-17, but Dallas makes two quick scores and wins 38-27. Sob. Texas guys are gloating.

We are in Building 5073, females in 5074, field grades in 5274. The buildings have long been scheduled for demolition and look it. They have a lived-in look - lived in by Serbs and Croats. There are holes in the walls, etc.