Can you hear me now?

Editor’s note: As a special service for our readers, WND is running a series of dispatches from Allan Wall chronicling his transition from civilian life as he prepares to fight with his National Guard unit in Iraq. Allan will write for us as often as he is able in order to let our readers vicariously experience what people in his position are going through. We hope you will check regularly for Allan’s dispatches and encourage your friends and family to do likewise.

Fort XYZ, USA – Today, Aug. 26, my deployed, Iraq-bound National Guard unit had more medical business to attend to. Many of us were bussed to a clinic here on Fort XYZ where we had our ears tested.

We sat in a soundproof room, put on some earphones and listened for the tones. When we heard a tone, we were to push a button. Some of them were very hard to hear, and I must have missed some of the tones. My hearing is getting worse, especially in the left ear, and today’s test confirmed that. But, I still passed the test and so remain on the “Deployable for Iraq” list.

Keeping in contact with one’s family is very important; it certainly is for me. Last night, I called my wife, Lilia, and talked to her and David. Since they live in Mexico, I have to make an international collect call.

Nowadays, many guardsmen use cell phones, and you can see them being used all over the place. Yesterday, I saw an amusing sight. A platoon was marching by with the platoon sergeant marching at the rear talking on a cell phone. (He later told me he was talking to another platoon sergeant.)

Another soldier, though, was talking on a cell phone while standing in a formation. He was caught and punished by having to do some push-ups. Even in this age of high-tech communication, some things are still off-limits!