Just got through with the National OCS Reunion here at Columbus, GA and we had a great time. Looking forward to seeing you all at the 15th Boxcar Reunion at Indianapolis, Indiana the 10th - 14th August 05.

I had the privilege to work with the Local AUSA Chapter over the Christmas Holidays and about six of us went to the Atlanta Airport and ran the USO for a shift of duty. All the soldier were going back to Iraq and Afghanistan and the trainees were going back to Ft Jackson and Ft Benning after the Christmas Holidays. Must of cooked and served a thousand hot dogs. Everyone should have that great opportunity to really see what is going on outside of their busy little world. I was really surprised at the age of some of these Reserve and National Guard soldiers going into the war zone. In one small town alone they had the only bank president, the Fire Chief and two of the town's cops. I expect that is about the same all over America. Some of the female nurses were saying good-by to their grand children. Not a good sign. I am telling you all this to let you know that for some of you hard chargers that want to get back on active duty there is still a chance so don't talk too loud.

I also worked with the AUSA Chapter assisting in loading the aircraft headed for Iraq from Lawson Army Airfield here at Ft Benning. We handed out paper back books and neck cushions to those that wanted them. Most of the active duty looked in pretty good shape but there were far too many over weight females with Teddy Bears in their ruck sacks that couldn't hardly get up the steps to load the airplane. I don't know whether we are sending assets or liabilities over there to the combat commanders.

I like to be optimistic when I can but I don't see much difference between Vietnam and what we are into over in Iraq at this time. The casualty list is about 1700 now. We don't seem to be getting ahead much with the task at hand. I don't think we will ever succeed in getting a democracy started over there with all the different interests and religions. Looks to me like the poor people and middle class are again fighting the war and the rich people are getting richer at the tax payers' expense. We'll talk about it at the reunion. You all drive carefully and plan on having a great time. SEE YOU THERE........

Ken Sines
Boxcar Six