Changing The Rear Axel....me?

Today I got to roll up my sleeves and get involved in a line of work that’s outside my norm. They are starting to train me to replace various parts on the vehicles. Today they trained me to change the rear axel. Including taking it off, stripping it down, putting it back together while replacing various components with new ones then putting it back together and putting if back on. It is a very greasy job. Even after several scrubbings my fingernails still betray the dirty job they were involved in.

Additionally the Captain, our company commander, walked through the storage/office tent that I’ve put so much attention into this week. And later on he and our other company leadership remarked and how good it look and complimented me on a job well done.
We did another convoy today. We had to go over to the infamous, Abu Graib Prison. We have some of our company personal over there. Anyway, we dropped off the First Sgt. So he could spend the evening over there taking care of some business. We were kind of on edge cause a lot of soldiers have died on the road between here and there. Including passing out of the gates were there have been some recent attacks with improvised exposive devices (IEDs), small arms fire and rocket propelled missiles (rpgs). But we have a good team that’s on its toes. Everyone is locked and loaded with clean weapons and plenty of ammo. Additionally, we are continually being schooled on what to look for and how to respond. Also Abram tanks and infantry crews lie along the path at some of the most troublesome spots policing the area. Then not to be left out God’s definitely got our back protecting us and getting us from point to point safely.