An inch is as good as a mile.

Spc. McFlute has arrived at Fort Jackson. I know this because I was speaking with her as the bus was pulling up to Fort Jackson, SC. I further know this b/c The Powers That Be

(henceforth known as "TPTB"...everything in the Army is an acronym or abbreviation. For instance, "POTUS" is how one in the military identifies oneself as having KP. "POT" is an abbreviation for "I will be scrubbing pots" and "US" refers to "we who are doing the scrubbing." "KP," of course, is an acronym that stands for "Kome Klean up my Pots, Potlicker.")

saw fit that Scp. McFlute call home and inform Mr. Spc. McFlute that she had indeed arrived safely, was reasonably content, had not been directly screamed at by a participant in the Army's "Non-Commissioned Officers With Low Self-Esteem" (AKA "Drill Sergeant") program, and was scheduled to begin the Basic Training portion of Basic Training on Monday (Lord willing).

Spc. McFlute made a statement (or issued a reminder, depending on your perspective) in her very first letter home (or "VFLH") that I found compelling and would like to share with you.
She writes:

My life is no longer my own [having officially taken the oath of office...err...allegiance]. I'm trying to work on turning my will on and off, stifling my reactions, and keeping my opinions in check. Just do. Wait. Wait some more.
But my life has never "been my own." I am a servant to a Higher purpose and calling.

Thanks for the reminder, dear. It is as pertinent to those of us at home as it is to you. Just don't tell the Army that there is a higher calling...at least not until you get the direct deposit set up.

Speaking of perspective, over the last couple of days I've noticed some pretty distinct people groups that take themselves way too seriously. This is by no means exhaustive, as I'm sure all of you people (who should think twice before saying "I know you are, but what am I?") will attest.

1. The Cialis guy. If you watch ESPN you know exactly who I am talking about. He's kind of excited that his pill will last for 36 hours, but not so excited that he doesn't have time for his daughter (or is it his girlfriend?)'s surprise visit just when he thought "the mood was right." He's also not too excited to issue 23 seconds of warnings and possible side effects. Also, you need to know that you should not take Cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain.
2. The folks at the Due Process Facility in Dallas. Especially a certain sergeant who I will not name here , but who's initials are Casey at The Bat. Really, if you guys saw yourselves in the proper perspective (you are being kept out of the way so that you don't screw up something that is actually important) you would make life better for all the folks passing through the Due Process Facility (by the way, the acronym for "Due Process facility is "MEPS") AND you will probably live longer so you can enjoy those military retirement benefits that you are racking up. To be fair-ish, Spc. McFlute did have positive experiences with one of the civilian employees at the un-Due Process Facility. She found him to be not only competent, but also personable and friendly!
3. President Pelosi and Vice President Reid, and to a lesser extent, Speaker Obama and Senate Majority Leader Biden (Biden could probably be safely left off this list). I think their inclusion is self-explanatory.
4. Hewlett-Packard's level 2 customer service supervisors. These folks have a fancy title (compared to the level 1 lackeys, but not compared to the Customer Care Case Manager (CCCM) that I eventually got to talk to), but no power. Their only power lies in their ability to transfer you up to the next level, and to wear down a customer's defenses by repeating the same four sentences over and over and over and over and over and over and...for approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes (but who's counting?). These may be the Due Process Center's closest rivals for least efficiency for the greatest number of people award.
5. Finally, those poor soul's for whom the euphonium is their first and only instrument. May they one day see the light.

Speaking of taking things too seriously, I encourage you to go to your local watering hole and ask your friendly server for an ice cold "Triple Gold." If they look at you like you are crazy, you just might be.

Spc. McFlute and Mr. Spc. McFlute appreciate your continued prayers. Keep watching this space for information on writing to Spc. McFlute. If you are inclined to send cookies, please don't. Spc. McFlute is not allowed to receive packages containing food or adult-type pictures. Instead, send your cookies to me, and for heaven's sake throw those dirty pictures away.