SPC George M. Mercuri Update

Hi Everyone!
George landed safely in Ballad, IRAQ at Camp Anaconda (You can see this on Google Earth or Maps.com) on July 1st, I received a phone call from George just before church, he sounded upbeat and rested. He will be sleeping in temporary quarters (Tent City with sleeping bags on wooden floors) while in transition to permanent quarters learning his new job from the unit they are replacing!
 
He informs me that his shared permanent quarters will be a trailer with bedroom, living room, , Air conditioning, and his own TV of which he can watch American shows. He is currently trying to get internet access at his permanent quarters but that will not be until after the 1st week in August. He will have access to computers at his work station and at a Cyber Cafe near his work! George being the all resourceful young man has already found a way to call home at no-cost! It takes a little longer setting up the call but his voice is clear with about a 2 second delay for the transmission to be received on either end.

Here is his Postal Address (Per his Commander):
SPC George M. Mercuri
HHD, 719th Transportation BN (MC)
APO  AE 09391
 
Some family have asked about sending George some items, how thoughtful and thanks George will appreciate this gesture. My suggestions are to refrain from sending perishables like milk chocolate; however, hard candy is fine, personal items and reconstitued products like "Ramagen Noodles" or baby wipes appears to be OK. CD's and DVD's all titles are welcomed because they share them with one another. He also likes Fruit Roll Ups and Rice Krispies that you might find a BJ's or Costco Wholesale locations.
 
Here is his e-mail address:
George.mercuri@yahoo.com

George is due to be promoted to Sergeant (SGT), therefore when that happens you must delete the Rank of SPC and add SGT that will be the only change, I'm sure he will let us know. Also, he has given me permission to send this information out to family and friends, it is a requirement that the service member allows this to happen before any personal information is given out.
 
Keep in mind he has not settled into a routine just yet so his e-mail is not connected and it will be a little slow in the beginning, but he will respond as he gets into a routine. George began this past Thursday his daily work routine, working from 8PM to 8AM each day 7 days per week 365 days per year, he is exactly 8 hours ahead of us i.e. if it is 3PM here (EST) then it is 11PM in Ballad, IRAQ on the same day.  He says the food is great and the location is AWESOME according to him (More to come on what he means by that later) !
 
I sent some photos as an attachment with this e-mail, the first, George is the one on the far right in full uniform near a HUMVEE, the next (Note: Name on Name Tag)is with one of his best friends PFC Juan Rivera. Both were taken at Fort Bragg, NC which was his Mobilization (MOB) Site for this group. I hope this helps, sorry for making it so long . . . . . .Joe

As Always,
COL(Ret)Joseph W. Mercuri
mercurijw@erols.com