Thank You

Caring for reporters, like herding cats, is a thankless and difficult exercise, so I want to thank the folks who eased my way to report on the Army network integration evaluation exercise at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., this Wednesday.

First, I'd like to start with the really smart grunts who patiently explained their gadgets and gizmos to a clowder of reporters, particularly Sgt. David Johnson and Pfc. David Benham of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, stationed at nearby Fort Bliss, Texas.

One of the ironies of this job is that it is easier for me to talk to generals than ordinary grunts -- and based on the time I spent with Johnson and Benham, they may have more smarts than your average general.

Many thanks to Monte Marlin and Cammy Montoya in the public affairs shop at White Sands, who served as gracious hosts, and Paul Mehney, the public affairs officer for the program executive office for integration and head reporter herder.

See, I'm not cranky ALL the time.