[Percy's Mom]

Once again, thank all of you so much for your kind words and thoughts. I have "spoken" to Matt via IMs a few times, and it seems that they will have constant internet access when they have down time. That will indeed make things SO much better for all of us. I'm going to set up a new AIM screen name for Mom, so she can chat with him as well and give her a quick REtutorial on how to do so. We've also received a couple of phone calls and emails.

He finally arrived at his assigned base today. They are starting "battle sight zero" testing tomorrow. Basically, they have to make sure they can use their rifles properly and accurately with live rounds in the dessert. As they are a rescue unit, they won't have as much need as the infantry guys, but you never know what will happen out there, and it's so much safer if they are prepared for all situations.