A clean-up note from last week, where I spent several (mostly) pleasant days at Camp Blanding, near Starke, FL.
Normally, we train at Avon Park, but we had to go to Blanding because it has the only KD course in the Sunshine State, and it was time for us to do the full-blown rifle range. Full-blown being a relative term, because in the reserves, unless you do it over an AT, the range is a true ten drills of shit in a six-drill bag.
Blanding, like most Guard bases I’ve been to, has an impressive array of facilities– nice lake too– and it’s pretty well run. I give a Hotel Tango to alcon, because we were met with near-universal cooperation wherever we turned for assistance.
Also, I need to give a huge thumbs-up to Johnny’s BBQ & Catering. The chow hall at Blanding wasn’t able to support us, because our drill there was actually rescheduled from two weeks prior (Tropical Storm Hanna), but Johnny and his band of merry men and women leapt into the breach. Outstanding chow, delivered where and when we wanted it, no questions asked. Highly recommended if you’re training there, or even just passing through.
You probably got the better deal going to Johnnys. They ARE GOOD. Was over there yesterday for a going away luncheon for several Soldiers from our ’6′ shop who are about to deploy. I’ve always enjoyed visiting Blanding – for training and for pleasure.