It's official. All of I Corps has returned from the sandbox. It took a series of redeployments, lots of time in limbo (aka Kuwait) and countless posterboard signs lovingly colored with "Welcome Home " but Ft. Lewis families are once again complete.
We recently had the opportunity to celebrate the year-long campaign and the safe return at the Courage Ball this past weekend. Union Station, downtown Tacoma, was set-up beautifully to host about 700 soliders and spouses from I Corps for dinner and dancing. Of course we left before the dancing, although this time it wasn't because of Patrick, but rather to relieve the babysitter.
One of the Army traditions that I find most amusing is The Grog Bowl. At formal army receptions it is customary to make a unique, yet delicious beverage for the soliders to enjoy. This particular Grog consisted of maybe 9 different types of liquor (i.e. sake to represent asian allies, vodka for the Cold War and cinnamon schnapps in remembrance of some other event). Utterly unappetizing, right?
Unfortunately for those who drink it, after the alcohol is added it starts to get interesting. At this year's Courage Ball, various Sergeants Major added their own spin. Addition one: water from the Tigris River. Gross. Addition two: dirty, sandy socks from PT in Baghdad. Downright disgusting. Even worse? The JAG office all decided they absolutely could not leave the ball until they all tried it.
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