We rise before the sun, but not before the rain gusts. The trek to morning chow is a soggy one.

I’m soaked. It’s clear that keeping my equipment dry is going to be a challenge.

Breakfast consists of two biscuits, two sausages, an egg, an apple juice, and coffee or a soda.

The convoy will soon head out towards Louisiana. But first, there is a briefing in 20 minutes.