finally got to okinawa a couple days ago, and we are staying in a

hotel for the next few days. hopefully we will get housing in a

couple days. we are still trying to adjust to the time change, but we

should be good in a couple of days. when we get settled we will let

you guys know more. talk to you later.

chris

sir yes sir, aloha...

man I always wanted to go there but they stuck my in DC and never let me leave until discharged.

Eat some sushi for me.

While in Okinama look for marine Col.Scott Campbell. He's my step brother.

i remember landing at kadena on okinawa once and was not thrilled with the steep bank the aircraft had to make to turn and land.

could have been a hot shot pilot or a necessary bank to avoid a mountain.

iwo jima was worse, hoping the runway was long enough to let the plane slow down and stop before it found water on it's wheels.

Was stationed at Kadena for 2 years back in 77. Have alot of fun memories. You really need to take up Scuba Diving, the waters can't get much warmer than there....

Gregg

Good to finally hear from you, dude. Tell the famliy I said Hi.

Batie

Moshi moshi? Anata wa eigo o hanashimasu ka?

Might wanna learn that phrase.

Translated: Hello? Do you speak English?

Hey Chris! Good to see that you all made it safely. Email Rug with your new address when you get settled. I'm sure he'll have a "housewarming" present for you!

Heather

Hey Gunny, shoot me an e-mail when you get a chance. My handle at hotmail.

E4A

Shawn, when did you learn to speak Klingon?

Hey... i've traveled through Japan on a number of occasions... you pick things up, ya know?

Okay... I googled Japanese Phrases.

Domo a regato, Mr roboto, Domo!

EOD,

It's pretty hot, eh?

I left out the day you arrived, but will be back in Okinawa for a couple days starting around the 21st-24th. I'll be in the city (Naha). If you're around let me know....I'll have the C*bans with me as always.

Welcome to the East, and rembember, you are only an hour from Taiwan, two hours from mainland China, 1.5 hours from Hong Kong, 1 hour from the Phillippines, and 3 hours from Singapore, Thailand, and all of the other wonderful places to visit in Southeast Asia. Asiana, ANA, JAL, China Airlines, Phillipine Airlines, and China Eastern will all take you out of Okinawa (nobody else flies the routes). Get settled, see the island, then go to the tour and travel center and get some really cheap tickets for weekend trips to some of those places. The family will love it.

Oh......and learn to scuba. It's a necessity.

take care.

Why do I see an old man in a long coat on a park bench with a pocket full of candy bars? Hey little boy, I've got cubans...

Glad to hear you made it! Send me you snailer when you get issued one. I need to know the lag time on the mail so we can properly bomb you when the time comes! Bill