Paul's training is going well with computers and graduation is finally set for July 30th! That's when he can truly wear the title of Human Resource Information Technology Systems Management Specialist. It's also known as a "42-Fox".... or you can just call him PFC Wheeler! :)
He's looking forward to graduation and being able to put all this new knowledge to work.
Before he does that, though, he's arranged to be able to come home for two weeks and work for the Army Recruiter's office... that way he can see friends at night and on the weekend before he has to report to his duty station, Ft. Riley, Kansas!!
Here's a picture of a huge, expensive, satellite powered computer that he's gotten to "play" with... it's called a VSAT which stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal. This is a picture of the antenna that I found on Wikipedia... don't know if Paul's was this large, but it gives you an idea of what they've been using:
and here's the "inside equipment" which is the satellite modem which works almost like our DSL modem, except for the fact that it dials a satellite instead of Bellsouth! It takes about 15 minutes to connect! Have you got room for that on your desk?? I'd have to clear a few things off to accommodate this! It comes in any color you'd like, as long as it's "army green".....
Even though the equipment is large, they can get reception from anywhere in the world.... and that is a computer nerd's dream.... NO Limits....
If you fall into that category of Computer Nerd, and wear the title proudly, you might want to know more about the VSAT... Paul sent these two links that tell you all you've ever wanted to know:
http://www.comsys.co.uk/vsatnets.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Very_small_aperture_terminal
We're looking forward to having our soldier home and enjoying his company for a while. If you plan to write him, it's probably best not to send anything after July 22nd, as it may not reach him before he graduates and leaves Ft. Jackson, SC.
Thanks for checking in!
Love, Cyndi
