There’s not a lot of good things about Camp Shelby.  But there are a couple of times a day when I like being here.

Every morning at five minutes past six the sounds of reveille are played over the post loud speakers.  Then at six at night, the loud speakers sound retreat.  Everyone on foot stops and faces the flag at post headquarters and render a salute.  Soldiers driving stop, get out of the car and do the same.  Come ten o’clock we get taps to tuck us in.

It’s not a big thing.  It’s just something that makes being a Soldier feel right.  The recorded trumpets tie me back to something bigger than myself.  It makes me think about all the Soldiers that have laid on cots under canvas shelter halves hearing those same notes. 

And I realize that I’m lucky to be part of something that has real meaning.  It makes being in this shit hole easier to tolerate.

Saber Squelch Out.