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30MM Jr is in Germany for a NATO exercise with his ARW. Saturday he went to Bastone, thinking it would be a nice walking tour:

\"The Bastonge thing was painful, not the 20k sightseeing walk I thought (the European version of Tough Mudder); but awesome! We literally walked the defensive perimiter. It was about 33 degrees, and rained and sleeted the whole time, so it was pretty historically accurate. Along the way Belgians, who have lovingly maintained U.S. equipment left over from the war (including vehicles) set up on the perimeter for reenactment purposes. The uniforms were faded, but in excellent condition, and the weapons looked like they just came out of an armory. Most of the trek (death march) was uphill on jeep trails that were liquid mud. I didn't know this, and effectively ruined my new tennis shoes. However, like I said, it was just like in 1944, and it was the closest tribute I could give Grandpa that I could. As I marched, I thought of his and the others' sacrifices on both sides, and felt a little closer to my predecessors. There were no warming stations, or water stations, you just made it happen. On top of most of NATO, about half of Belgium showed up to make the walk. Old, young, fit, fat, even babies in strollers paid tribute to veterans. Everyone was in camo, even the civillians. Belgian homes, most of which are the same as in the war displayed Belgian and/or U.S. flags. Many of the flags only had 48 stars, but looked fresh out of the package. The German Army sent a delegation, and they marched with big German and U.S. flags. After the march, everyone intermingled over Coca Cola and beer, and felt good about each other. I got a Belgian certificate of completion, which I'll frame, and a patch. An active crew chief and I smoked the Germans, Czechs, Belgians, and other Americans!

Got your Chrismas presnt- I reserved a case of Heffeweisen Dunkel for you today. It's like Amber Bock, if Amber Bock could kick this much ass! Also I'm working on a couple patches for you as well. \"

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson