1st. Lt. Stephanie Melton - November 17, 2009
1LT Stephanie Melton
551 MP CO
FOB Prosperity
APO AE 09348
November 17, 2009
Hello family,
Well this is my first official day as XO. I'm getting over the heartbreak of leaving my platoon but it's still hard to know they have a new leader. I know it's my own insecurity but I keep hoping that they don't like him better, lol. Being the XO is definitely different. There's alot more work to do which I'm glad about. I was getting terribly bored as a PL. The most I ever had to do was run mission, do paperwork or just visit ECPs. Now I have meetings and paperwork and balancing the company budget. XO has alot more requirements and obligations. It's going to be more involved and I think that will help time pass faster, There's a lot to learn though, especially about the property book and maintaining all the equipment. I've still been going out to visit my platoon at the ECPs though since me and Chaplin are still training each other on our jobs.
I'm actually enjoying the senior leaders' company now. I've been joking around with Chaplin and Devine like we used to do 9 months ago. I actually like going into the office.
The weather is turning cold now. It's been raining for days!!! The sand turns into this thick swamp mud that sticks to everything. I's impossible to get it out of the treads of our boots and you end up tracking it everywhere. I didn't expect it to get this cold either. Some of the nights have gotten down to the 40s and 50s. Although it can be uncomfortable to be wet and cold I'm glad that the seasons change here. I was worried the whole year would just be the same season.
I'm sending home christmas presents soon so put in your final lists. I've gotten more packages from Dorothy Weyant and some of the Presbyterian churches Dad is friendly with. It's always nice to get mail and I can tell they put alot of thought into what they send me. I've still been setting out the packages for my Soldiers to pick through. They'll always be like my kids. Speaking of kids, how are my dogs? I'd love to get some pictures of them after being groomed again. I miss them bunches. And I miss you too of course. I better get back to work so I can get out in time for the gym. I've been working out nightly with that American contractor I told you about. You'd think I would have learned my lesson about lifting with a guy whose biceps are bigger than my thighs. I've been sore for days! But I'm getting all buff. I've got a PT test in a few days so I'm starting to take it easy so I'm not sore during it. I miss you and love you all!!
Stephanie
