Tomorrow some 40 crew members will leave on a Hercules C17 for McMurdo Bay. The remaining 14 will filter out during the next two weeks. As for me I am scheduled to leave on November 3rd with a one night lay over in McMurdo and arrive in Christchurch on the 5th.

I have accepted the Green House Technician position for next winter FY08. While in Christchurch I hope to complete my physical. Paperwork will have to move quickly before I head on my travels and back to the states.

On our fourth flight we did receive letter mail, I received two letters and one post card form last February.

Tonight on October 28th, 2007 we held the annual winter over ceremony and received our medal of service in the Antarctica program as well as a fleece shirt, and certificate. During the year 12 flags are flown at the South Pole, and then raffled off during the winter. I won the French flag (I thought Brigitte would be proud of me!)

Background and History of the Antarctic Service Medal

Extracts from “Antarctic Medals of the United States” Antarctic Journal of the United States November-December 1968 “Of the four medals that the United States Government has authorized in recognition of Antarctic expeditionary service, only one – the Antarctica Service Medal – is presently awarded.”

• The Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal
• Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal
• U.S. Antarctic Expedition Medal, 1939-1941
• Antarctica Service Medal – current

The ribbon of the Antarctica Service Medal is elaborate in its symbology. The outer bands of black and dark blue comprise five-twelfths of the ribbon’s width, representing five months of Antarctic darkness; the center portion, by its size and colors – grading from medium blue through light blue and pale blue to white – symbolizes seven months of solar illumination, and also the aurora australis.

Although the former rigors and dangers of Antarctic exploration have largely been banished by technology, the words on the reverse of this medal are yet a wise injunction to those who go to the Antarctic:

COURAGE SACRIFICE
DEVOTION