RECENT UPDATES Update 8/27/2008 Hello once again from the desert.  It has been a couple of weeks since I've been able to update everyone.  I'm now in the home stretch and it looks like I'll be heading home in early September.  That will be followed by some much needed rest, relaxation and family time... then ease back into my work schedule at Fox 2 on/about September 20th. Between now and my redeployment there is still much work to be done.  It is very easy for folks...myself included... to get "short-time-itis" that is to say...we see the finish line and slack off.  I'm fighting that big time and have adopted a "sprint to the finish" mentality.  I'm working hard in the office by day and working out hard to stay in shape and focused in the evenings.  I have also been spending quite a bit of time catching up on my thank you notes.  I have received many cards, care packages and letters from folks these past 3.5 months and I'm doing my best to make sure everyone gets a personal note of thanks.  Speaking of thanks... I have to say it again... what a great showing by the St. Louis area in the Flip Flop and Drop campaign.  I was actually concerned about receiving too many flip flops.  Well, I have now found homes for all of them!  So far they have been spread out to field units and hospitals throughout Iraq and will hopefully soon be heading into Afghanistan.  A large number will be delivered to a major army hospital in Europe where they tell me they go through them "like candy".  We also thought it would be a good idea to keep some of them in St. Louis so some of the Veterans facilities in the Bi-state area have received them as well.  What a response! As you can see at the top, I've changed my picture.  I thought it was time for something new.  Just a different look...and you can get an idea of how much weight I've lost since I arrived.  By the way, everyone here thinks I should keep the "bald" look...we will see.  -Chris