Someone’s children

In today’s world it seems that some people do not teach their children right from wrong. I know that parents are not always accountable for their children’s actions. Some them are just rotten.  When I was growing up I could have never even imagined doing intention damage to someone’s property. I did not write on bathroom walls. I did not paint graffiti on walls or sidewalks. I think the most “damage” we did as kids was toilet paper people’s trees or shoe polish car windows and I truthfully cannot remember ever participating in either of these.
 
Just like here in Afghanistan we have people who are just downright disrespectful and nasty. Imagine this, you live in a metal connex. The metal connexes are stacked two and three high in two rows. They all face inward and have a hallway between both rows. Approximately 20 doors on each floor.  These heavy fire doors have assisted closure devices on top to ensure they close behind you. Now the respectful people guide the door closed with their hand to ensure it does not SLAM. Out of the 20 doors on the floor probably 10 of them Slam on a regular basis at all hours of the night. Makes me want to get up at 1 am and just stand outside of my room and slam my door over and over again until everyone comes out of their rooms to see what is going on. Then, with fire in my eyes, I would tell them "NOW YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL!"

Nasty comes in mainly in the restroom. There are some people who do not understand the plumbing here. Without gives too much detail let’s just say it is required to flush before, during and after. If you flush and it does not work then YOU STOPPED IT UP so use a plunger and fix it, but nope they cannot do that. They shave and leave hair in the sink, they cut their hair in the floor and barely sweep it up, they blow their nose in the shower and leave the evidence. I know they do not do this at home and this is my home for the next year. I wish their mothers were here to see these pigs.

So let’s see I am tired of the food, tired of the house, tired of most of the people and really wish I was at home with my beautiful wife, kids and grandkids. I miss everything about home, including the stuff I did not like to do, like mow the yard, take out the trash and even doing the Laundry would be okay right now..  ok well maybe that is a stretch.. I hate doing laundry…

Missing home, but praying for the 12

Military Intelligence?

Military intelligence has been defined as a military discipline that exploits information and analyze it to provide guidance to commanders as they make war time decisions.  The theory behind this concept draws on three types of intelligence sources.  

·         Strategic Intelligence is concerned with broad issues such as economics or a political assessment.  

·         Operational Intelligence is information useful in the planning of strategic objectives.

·         Tactical Intelligence is information to out bound patrols on the local threats and mission priorities.

Our government pours massive resources into the field of military intelligence, making it the backbone of our war effort.  Yet, with all of the recourses employed in this discipline, wouldn’t you expect the people in the military to also have some level of normal intelligence?  I know, for a fact, that there are many really smart people serving in the US military.  I also know, for a fact, that there are many whose behavior makes you question putting the word military and the word Intelligence together in the same sentence.

For example, consider if you will, the flight service center at the military airfield in Kabul, Afghanistan.  A fellow soldier and friend of mine was attempting to make his way from Kabul, back to Bagram Airfield where he is stationed.  With a smile on his face he approached the counter and inquired if any seats were available on the next flight out.  Here the ever helpful representative informed him that what was available to him was the back wall and a red line on the floor.  What he could do was go stand behind it until it was his turn and someone called him forward.  Obediently, although a bit stunned, he moved to the back wall and stood behind the noted red line.  Upon arriving at his newly assigned position, he turned around just in time to hear the same representative yell, “next!”

It was at this point that he realized that his journey might not go as smoothly as he had hoped.  After a rather intense conversation with the not so customer service oriented representative, he was informed that his plane would be loading shortly and he was to have a seat in the staging area where he could wait.  A mere three hours later his group was called forward to go through the security check point in preparation for their flight.  Along with the others, my friend was instructed to remove all metal objects and place them in the plastic bins located to their right.  

As instructed, he removed his bullet proof vest and placed it in the appointed plastic bin.  In addition he obediently deposited his Beretta 9mm pistol with three 15 round magazines, one M4 semi automatic rifle with 210 rounds of ammunition, 2 colored smoke grenades, 3 fragmentation hand grenades, an 18 inch bowie knife and of course for safety reasons, he was also required to remove his combat boots.  

As he moved through the metal detector, he became quite discouraged when the alarm went off and a very large security guard pulled him off to the side for additional screenings.  A total body pat down was performed and then with the help of a hand held scanner it was discovered that he had not followed instructions as his belt buckle was indeed made of metal.  After a scolding suited for a six year, my friend now being fully stripped of his belt and his dignity was sent back through the metal detector.  Once it was confirmed that he was not a terrorist want-to-be and that he was not attempting to sneak anything on the plane that might pose a danger to his fellow passengers, he was allowed to recover his belongings.

On the other side of the counter he recovered his boots along with his Beretta 9mm pistol, his M4 semi automatic rifle, all of his grenades, and the 18 inch bowie knife and was allowed to board for his flight.

I am so glad that the US military has this stringent level of security in place.  You just never know when someone will try to sneak something as dangerous as a belt buckle on a plane.

Feeling secure,

John P.

Praying for the 12.

Old Man in the Mirror

As I sat in the barber chair this morning I pondered, just who is this man looking back at me. Am I who I should be? Am I the father I have always strived to be? Have I loved enough, shared enough been kind enough or am I simple another man. My reflection looks old, the lines on the face are deep and it looks leathery. When did I get “OLD”? My oldest son has called me,  “old man” for several years but the man looking at me is not me, he is old. Where have all of the years gone? Have the best ones been given away to my country? If I were gone tomorrow would my memory fade as home has faded in my 5 LONG months away. Will I be remembered for anything that I have done or will I, am I simply just another Man in the mirror?  Take a little more off the top please, there is still too much gray showing.

Praying for 12

Robin Williams Makes me sick.

So night before last I went to see the USO show, knowing that Robin Williams would be the last performer as he was the biggest name on the bill. First was a female comedian, I cannot remember her name but she was funny, not VERY funny, just funny. Lance Armstrong was the announcer. He was funny but it seemed as if he had better things to do. He really seemed like he was not into it. Then came Kix Brooks and a song writer. I really wish they had not broken up, because without Dunn, they just cannot be the same. They did put on a good performance though. 

Then after about 2 hours of standing outside while the temp dropped from “OH MY gosh cold” to “you must be stupid for standing out here cold”, Robin Williams comes bounding on stage. I saw him arrive in and noticed his smile through the vehicle window. The smile of someone who truly loves what he was there to do. He put on a heck of a show. I think just because he supports the troops he is the best comedian of all time. I remember his Mork and Mindy days all the way till the present. 

After the show the performers staying and took pictures with the troops. This is where this blog really begins. The performance was over and as I began to move off the bleachers I noticed that my muscles seem to have frozen while standing there. With each step I walked my body got colder and colder. At one point I did not think I was going to be able make it back to my room before I collapsed. By the time I reached the door to the barracks I was trembling violently. I was chilled through and through. I went straight to my room and got in bed. There I stayed for 36 hours. I had feverish dreams about numbers. I woke up soaking wet and freezing with chills that hurt. Thanks to my friend Wayne for checking on me, I would not have eaten all day. This morning I still feel chilled but was able to make it to the office. Still feeling a bit sweaty and sick but could not stay in my room for another day.

So Robin Williams made me sick……………..was it worth it????????????? Yeah Robin Williams is awesome..

Pray for the 11

Almost Christmas . . .

I was recently reminded of the time I spent in Iraq back in 2005.  It was approaching Christmas and like every other soldier I was dealing with a host of heavy emotions.  Every fiber of my body wanted to be home, not just for Christmas, but for my children’s ball games, for their birthdays and for my anniversary.  These emotional wants were held in check by the fact that my fellow soldiers and I serve at our country’s bidding, not the bidding of our own desire.  If this means we’re away from home during the holidays to accomplish our mission, then so be it. 
  
I found a wonderful peace one day when I actually realized where I was.  I was in the middle-east where so much of what we call biblical history took place.  I found that even though the birth of Christ had taken place thousands of years before, the Christmas scene had really not changed much.  I actually saw camels that were being led by the stars.  I saw modern day shepherds who stayed awake and watch their flocks by night.  And of course, there were Army tanks patrolling the city streets.  The last part may not sound very biblical, but when you consider that the Roman Army was embedded in the area at the time of Christ birth, the stage for the story really hasn’t changed.  

With this said, it is Christmas in America, in the Iraqi desert, and in the Afghan mountains. I will spend this wonderful time of the year over 7,000 miles from my home.  But before you feel sorry for me, I recall another person who also left their home to accomplish a very special mission.  His name was Jesus Christ and he left his home in glory to be miraculously born of a virgin. Throughout his life he was loved and hated. Some saw His presence as a threat; others embraced the gift he offered them.  In the end, he changed people’s lives and as a result, he changed the world.

When we talk about Christmas our minds produce a host of beautiful images.  We can all visualize the manger, shepherds, angels, and a city called Bethlehem.  But, do you realize that all of these images are pictures from the second act of the story?  The birth of Christ was not the beginning.  The Christmas story began over 4,000 years before the manger in a place called the Garden of Eden.  It was in the garden that our Heavenly Father gave the greatest Christmas gift of all time.  He made the choice to forgive rather than to condemn.  His path of forgiveness walked through the laws of the Old Testament, down the New Testament streets of Bethlehem and up to the top of a hill called Calvary.  This is the Christmas story that brings me peace for today and hope for tomorrow even if I am sitting in Afghanistan.  

This year my Christmas celebration will be eating dinner with a few thousand of my new found friends, looking at pictures of my loved ones, and thanking God for the gift of His son. It will be merry because I choose to make it so. 

Are you still looking for that special Christmas gift? It’s not too late and I have the perfect suggestion.  “Hold the one you love… and cherish the love you hold.” 

May we all embrace our Heavenly Father’s love along with that of our families. May your days be merry and bright and may we all join as heaven and nature sing… Joy to the world; the Lord has come. 

Merry Christmas to all,

John P.

Pray for the 11

Forced March

Today we had a forced March. We lined up in formation at 9 pm(give or take) and marched down to a hangar here. We only knew that some dignitary was coming, we did not know who is was and really did not care. We would have much rather gone to bed as the night before we had a fallen hero ceremony for a soldier killed in action. As we walked through the door we could see off to the left, a band set up on a stage. At first we thought we were being forced to attend a Rock concert where the music was not mixed properly. The drums drowned out the singing so we were unsure of what the songs actually were.

From my vantage point on my tip toes I could see a podium with two microphones. Then I saw a soldier come across the stage and put the presidential seal on the front of the podium. Whether you voted for him or not, whether you think he has run this country into the ground or not, whether you respect him or not, I was in the same hangar with the president of the United States. It was kind of neat. Once he walked out and started to speak I was ready to leave. I came, I saw, I wanted sleep. Then he “acted” as if he was going to cry over the awarding of purples hearts. Was this a ploy to gain more votes or a sincere sadness in his heart for soldiers here, no one will ever know. I know what I believe.

Pray for the 11

Am I a heathen?

Yesterday I got into an altercation with a MSG. He was confronting two soldiers about something that they did not do.  When I started the conversation with him I could have begun it differently. I could have told the two soldiers to carry on or told the MSG to leave them alone or something other than what I said which obviously instigated what turned into an UnGodly shouting match that ended with me calling him something that I never should have been said. He was wrong and was very disrespectful  but I let myself stoop to his level. I am tired of people only thinking about themselves and only themselves. This person is supposed to be a leader of troops yet none of the troops here respect him and he continually disrespects them. Being a Christian but not showing the values of one has made me miserable today. Thus the title of this blog am I a heathen. God challenged me yesterday, It is not a pass or fail but a test to make me stronger. What I learned is listed above.
I am ready to go home….

Pray for the 11

Ode to the Cookie

That kind and gentle woman
Who changed my life today
I find she is the one to blame
For my tooth decay

She made those cookies look so nice
The batter mixed complete
To only eat one dozen each
A task I could not meet

One by one I munched away
With no regard for fat
How shocked I was to finally see
My stomach in my lap

I knew that I should stop at once
Before I had my fill
But darn those cookies taste so good
I didn't have the will

The only thing a man can do
With cookies on his face
Is thank that woman far away
As no cookie went to waste

John P.

Pray for the 10.

The Short Fat Man

The short fat man, who works here in Afghanistan, would like to thank all involved in his weight gain. Just yesterday he received three boxes. One loaded from top to bottom with bags of cookies. The other two loaded from granola bars, chili, refried beans, Corn chips, movies and numerous other things. He did not mention the sugar cookies or the pumpkin bread because I think his first thought was to hide these items from everyone and not share.  However after looking at the massive feast in front of him, the fat man decided that it would be impossible to eat everything that had arrived and that it was necessary to share these items with others.  Even a Short Fat man can get too much to eat.

Signed The Short Fat Man

Thank you MoM and PoP for the wonderful boxes of goodies. They will be enjoyed by all, actually have been enjoyed by all already. Breakfast this morning was Pumpkin bread and coffee with two friends, John P. and Wayne S. The Sugar cookies arrived in tact with the exception of a few broken edges. As you can tell by the picture I was already miserable yet I could not part with the two items in my hands. 

NOTE: I had to delete and cover up a couple of things in the back ground of the picture for soldier safety.

Wilma, Thank you so much for the cookies. They arrived pretty much intact and were enjoyed by many of the soldiers here yesterday.

It is great to have the support of friends and family back home. Just know that I am turning into a Short Fat Man….haha

Thanksgiving 2010, what am I thankful for:

I am thankful for the sirens that blare in the wee hours of the morning. INCOMING, INCOMING, INCOMING.
I am thankful for the concrete barriers that protect us as much as possible.
I am thankful that the mortars are guided in by ALLA and that he is a bad shot.

Seriously though:
I am thankful that I have an understanding God and that he loves me.
I am thankful that I have family back home who are waiting for my return.
I am thankful that I was provided with a wife who shows me unconditional love even though I am a bonehead on occasions (okay, more often than not).
I am grateful that my children are growing up in a home where they are taught right from wrong.
I am grateful that my oldest son finally is beginning to understand the meaning of life and that his wife is there by his side.

The majority of the things I am grateful for are back in the states, but here I am thankful that I do not live in a tent and that my job does not call me to kick down doors or travel the dangerous roads of this place. I am thankful that I have friends who push me to do the right things, no matter how hard they might be.

Time for a laugh

Last night at around 2000, that is 8 pm for you civilian folks. I left the office. I walked down the stairs like I always do. As I walked out into the parking lot I saw a dog in the shadows across the parking lot. Remember this is not the big city, lights are at a minimum here, so there are dark corners everywhere. So here I am all alone with this dog across the way. Since I have never seen a dog here it struck me as odd. As I walked it seemed to be following me. At one point I stopped and it stopped. I was starting to worry. The hair stood up on the back of my neck in a kind of fearful warning. I began to walk and it began to walk. As I focus on the darken side of the parking lot I came to realize that I had almost pulled my gun on my shadow. There was just enough light coming from two directions that my head appeared only 10 or 12 inches off the ground and gave the appearance of a dog. Oh, thank God I figured that one out before firing on my own shadow. I would have never lived that one down with my friends..

A card of Hope...

I received a card at the same time I received the boxes from Grandma and Aunt June. This card was so special that it deserved its own entry. Sometimes in my blog I express feelings of the moment or feelings that last but this card touched on one of my blogs of a fearful heart. I am not sure which but this card from Dawn is one that was most definitely to lift the spirits. 

               She Writes" 
Jay,
Hi, just thought I would drop you a few lines to say "hi". I just got home from work. I was  getting ready to go to the gym. (ha,ha) And I thought about you. God laid this on my heart to share with you. I don't know why, but I know that God knows. :) I believe it was Abraham Lincoln who said "courage is not the absence of fear." Well... me I have always been afraid of the dark. However right after I got saved God showed me this verse:" For God has not given us the spirit of fear: but of power and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 Anytime I feel afraid I just say that verse and I find comfort in God's word. Another Good verse is: "be of good courage and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Psalms 31:24 

However my two favorite verses are these: "Casting all your care upon Him: for he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 and Jesus said "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

Mom, was telling me that on your blog that it sounded like your spirits were down. Well I hope this lifted your spirits. Stay safe and be careful.

Praying for you and Rosario always
Your cousin,
Dawn :)

Yes, my spirits are lifted. "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." Nelson Mandela.

I learned a long time ago that fear is a healthy emotion that will warn you of impending  disaster or problems. When I talk of fear I assure you that it is a passing emotions as I cannot and refuse to walk anywhere in fear. I do go through a range of emotions as do most soldiers. The one that gets me the most is lonely. Even being surrounded by friends lonely is a hard one to shake. The only cure for lonely is my wife and soon enough we will cure each others lonely.

One Bible quote about fear that I really like is from John 14:27 "Let not your heart be troubled or fearful". But of course as a soldier my favorite verse is John 15:13 " No greater Love has no one that, this that he lay down his life for his friends.

Dawn, keep up the words of encouragement and may all who read this be encouraged. For in him all things are possible...

50 pounds of "stuff" in a 30 pound bag

In my 20 some odd years of military service I have learned numerous things. One thing I have learned is how to pack. I can squish and fold and roll and push and squish more until I can get 50 pounds of "stuff" in a 30 pounds sack. But I have to admit that this week I learned that you can put a full shopping cart load of goodies in two small postal service boxes. I received two boxes yesterday from Grandma Connell and Aunt June in Amarillo. 

When I picked up the boxes I realized their weight. Upon opening these boxes I realized that I know nothing about packing. I am going to give you a list of items in these two small boxes. 5 or 6 Industrial size tubes of toothpaste. Two containers of coffee (1 1 pound and 1 3lb) 2 boxes of granola bars, 8 to 10 packs of gum (my favorite by the way) one large bag of trail mix. 7 Movies most of which I have not seen or will really enjoy watching again. 20 to 30 bags of hot cocoa and enough to tea to throw a tea party for the whole unit. 

Great job Grandma and June in shopping and packing this box it will last us for a while.... a long while....

And all the Soldiers Say Thanks Grandma and Aunt June.

One of Those Days

Have you ever had one of  “those” days? You know the kind I am talking about. That dark and miserable day when for no good reason, life just does you wrong. Maybe you overslept or you forgot about a project at work. Maybe your child clambered into your room at two in the morning begging to sleep next to you and then promptly wet the bed. I have good news for you, you are not alone. Do you remember Alexander? He is the main character from Judith Viorst’s book Alexander and The Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day.

From the moment Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair, things just don't go his way. As he climbs out of bed he trips on his skateboard. At breakfast his brothers discover toys in their cereal boxes, while Alexander finds nothing. He doesn't get to sit by the window on the way to school, his teacher doesn't like his drawing and he is deserted by his best friend during lunch. Later he finds out that he has a cavity and then he has to eat lima beans for dinner. For poor Alexander, life just continues downhill. His bath water is too hot, he gets soap in his eyes, and his pet cat goes and sleeps in his brother’s room. Can you relate? How are you and Alexander supposed to deal with the stress of days like these?

On behalf of those serving in the United States military, we want you to know that we understand. Indeed, sometimes life can be harsh. I think it is fair to say that sooner or later everyone has one of those bad days. Officially, there is a scientific term for this phenomena, it is called “life.”

It has been suggested that the soldiers serving in Afghanistan could well have the inside track on this “bad day” thing. Perhaps we can make your day just a bit brighter by offering you a small touch of perspective. Ponder with me if you will. Exactly how bad was your day? Care to compare?

For your consideration, may I present the Engineer Route Clearance Platoon, or as we call it, the RCP. The mission of the RCP is a fairly simple one. Travel the open roadways of Afghanistan and find all of the road side bombs that have been planted there by the Taliban. Nothing to it, right? A normal RCP day begins around four in the morning and by daylight the 35 soldiers of the RCP have loaded up in their vehicles and are on the road. In their search for Improvised Explosive Devices they are often required to dismount from their vehicles and move across an area on foot looking for indicators. An exposed electrical wire or an abnormal pile of rocks can only mean that a bomb is near. This task also makes the RCP a central target of ambushes and taking sniper fire is common place. At the end of an exhausting sixteen hour work day, the roads are safe, lives have been protected and just like you, our soldiers want to go home where they can kick back and relax.

That was the plan last week when one of the RCPs returned through the main gate. All that stood between these boys and their X-Box was downloading their equipment and refueling their vehicles. Like every other night, the vehicles were convoyed to the fuel point and parked as they waited their turn. As the boys began to brag about their heroic exploits, they heard the familiar whoosh and whistle of a mortar shell flying through the air. Then, in the middle of their tales there was a frozen moment when no one could move. The whistle that is often heard trailing off in the distance was getting louder. I won’t attempt an exact quote of the sergeant who realized what was happening, but I am told it sounded something like “%#;*%$*#!”

Mortar shells normally miss everything and fall harmlessly to the ground with a dusty thud, but in this case, it is really quite amazing what one mortar shell can do when it strikes dead in the center of a fuel storage tank. Let’s just say the 4th of July came early this year. In the end, all but two vehicles were totally destroyed by burning fuel in the explosion, yet not a single soldier was hurt. Explain it any way you choose; fate, luck or protection from the almighty, but I know that the families of 36 soldiers are very happy tonight.

The next time you begin to feel down and discouraged and you think that this might be one of those terrible horrible no good very bad days, just think about the boys of the RCP and smile. Life really is good.

Counting my blessings,
 John P.

Understanding -

Yet another Soldier will suffer..... as he makes his way through this place he seems to be in a downward spiral. I had heard that this man was rude and hateful, so God made it a point to have me try to speak to him.

I asked if he was sick and he snapped at me. I stopped him and said in a peaceful calm voice, "What is going on in your world?" "Why are you so down on life?" He stopped and grasped the door and at first I thought he was going to slam it but instead he closed it swiftly and caught it just at the point of closing. He turned and said "Chief, my wife is leaving me." In my talks with John P. I have learned there are always two sides. I have known this my whole life but it has hit home a little more in my dealings with John. I spoke to this man with what I can only describe as inspired words. The following day a completely different man showed up for work, smiling. 

On this earth I am but a grain of salt, all by myself I cannot prove my worth...
The God who put me here has made me wonder why on occasion, Have I done as instructed am I pleasing to his eye?

Why?

"You can't always sit on the fence while the world passes by, sometimes you've got to ride." Chris LeDoux

If you live your life in hiding, your children will only know how to hide. Four Engineer soldiers died this week. I am becoming numb to the loss of life as have the people of the United States of America. Another soldier giving his life for his country is just another news story these days. The concern is how many of "them", the enemy, did we kill. I think not enough as they lay in wait to kill my brothers. They were supposed to go home soon. Please dear God make it stop, bring peace to a world that is probably already too far gone. Maybe we cannot instill love in everyone but we can pray for peace. And the Soldiers say Amen.

The Kindness of the Turkish People

While on this road trip I had the opportunity to try some different foods. On the base I am currently on there is a group of Turkish people who work contracts for the government. They said that after being here for a while and eating the "American" food they could not stand it anymore. I told you that food was not good at the base I am on. Well the food is really terrible on this base.

On their small compound, almost hidden from the rest of the base, they constructed a brick oven and their own kitchen. When I was invited I was told that they make pizza each day for lunch. Well they don't always eat pizza for lunch. When we arrived we were greeted with a friendly smile and a hand shake by two very nice people. They directed us to a table where we sat and waited for our food like we were in a Five star restaurant. When the food came out it looked wonderful, it looked like a chef had carefully arranged it.

It was not until later that I found out that it actually was arranged by a chef hired to feed my new friends and their workers. The food was fabulous and I left there with a full belly. THIS was by far the best meal I have had in this miserable place. Thank you to the Turkish people and my new friends.

Test Fire or Real?

Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 7:51 AM

In my half dazed state, I was sitting down to dinner with my beautiful wife, Rosario when I was brought back to reality by three machine guns firing in unison. Holy Crap what is going on as I remove ther dreamed sushi and wine taste from my mind. Was this a test fire or were we fired upon? I pray it was a test fire but I will never know.

Patience

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
Proverbs 15:18


Patience is a virtue I do not pretend to possess.
Lots of time in life, this has led to unhappiness.
Today I prayed for a little patience in the hopes of some peace.
I pray that my ruffled feathers and anger will shortly cease.


I pray for understanding as I carry on this day.
I pray that the ones who make me mad stay out of my way.
I hope that God can hear me as I plead from here below.
I say that he can give me what it is I need to grow.


Lord if it is your will, I leave this in your hand.
With your help I will get through it, yes I know I can.
With you on my side there is nothing I can't win.
And all the folks in the congregation reply with a big AMEN!

Give one another day

I woke up this morning and I was still here. I was hoping that my bad dream had ended. I keep thinking that just maybe if I sleep a few minutes longer that I will wake up in my big bed at home with my beautiful wife beside me, but it has not happened yet. 

I have found encouragement through the words of my Friend John P. He is a Christian and has challenged me to study my Bible. He attends the Church of Christ services with us and asks all kinds of questions, as he comes from a Baptist background. (he also attends a Baptist Service). I really like his questioning as it sheds a new light on what is biblical and what is "just because." 

As I study and learn more about religion I find that all religions have their "just because" elements. As people walk through life they chose a religion that fits them and soon they will see that the "just because" in some denominations outweigh the scriptures.  I have moved around to many different Churches in the last twenty years of my life and sometimes I moved because of the "just because" and other times because of someone preaching opinion or talking down on people.

 Religion is a choice, you can choose wherever, whenever and however or chose not, but you have still made a choice. God knows your heart and that is what will count in the end.

They call the winds . . .

I remember while in Iraq the winds would blow and the sand too but yesterday here was something that made the wild winds of west Texas looks like a summer breeze. The winds beat against the sides of the building but I really had no idea of the fury until I stepped out to walk to dinner last night.

Since the exit to our building faces south and the winds were from the North it really did not hit me until the bottom of the stairs. As I stepped out the wind hit me, the sand hitting hard against my face. It felt like little needles sticking me. I turned out of the sand to face the opposite direction only to find that the wind was almost lifting me in flight. 

After walking slowly to the chow hall, we get in out of the weather and  I begin to speak, only to find the crunchy residue of the sand lining the inside of my mouth. Yuck, I wonder how much of this stuff is stuck in my lungs. We grab our trays and find a seat.  The chow hall that is closest to us is a great big tent.  We could hear the winds whipping the tent flaps and canvas. Numerous times during our meal I just knew the tent was coming down. The wind would lift it about 6 inches and just almost clear the support poles. Wow what a day. .

This morning the tent was still standing and the temperature 20 degrees cooler to start the day. Winter is still coming and it is riding the wind to get here. . . . .

And a baby was born..

Yesterday for me (Today for you, 22 Oct 2010) Brianna Nicole was born. She was brought into this world at 7 Lbs and was 19 ¼ inches long. I was not there “of course”, it seems that I miss them all. Well I just want to congratulate Russ and Jessica on the newest member of their family and want to also tell GRANDMA ROSARIO congratulation as well. (I will probably here about that one)…. Haha

This day is Great……

Love you ALL…

There's no place like home

(More from my friend John P)

Here is a little something you can ponder on today.  Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz, might have had it right when she said, “there’s no place like home.”   Home is a very interesting concept from my Afghanistan point-of-view.  We have all heard the old clichés; home is where the heart is, home is where you feel loved, or home is where you go when all your work is done.

I am a staff officer in the United States Army.  I am paid to sit behind a desk and take care of administrative…“stuff.”  My day is filled with routine, and monotony remains my greatest battle.  Yet without the repetitive action of soldiers like me, this massive machine we call the military would not work.  Each morning, my life consists of reporting to my desk where I faithfully perform my duties.  As I do, I often consider the lives of our combat soldiers.  Like me, these men wake up every morning.  Unlike me, they strap on 50 pounds of gear, mount up on their vehicles, and go out to face our enemy.

Day after day these amazing soldiers place their lives on the line.  The mental fatigue that they work under is unfathomable.  As soldiers try to determine who is the ally and who is the enemy, the stress of combat compounds.  The young Afghan boy who grins and waves today could well be the one that fires a rocket propelled grenade at you tomorrow.  Adding insult to injury, these men live with the memory of friends who at one time walked by their side through the battlefield.  Some have been killed in action, many have been physically maimed, while others have been mentally wounded and sent home.  These warriors try to act tough and they pretend that it doesn’t bother them.  But, late at night I can hear them as they shed the hard tears of broken men.  How do we as soldiers keep going?  How do we not give up?

We carry on because we know a simple truth.  We know that this battlefield is just a temporary home.   While stationed in Afghanistan, we will do great things for our country.  We know however, that soon all our work will be done and we will go to our real home; where our heart is.

Does any of this make sense to you?  Can you see the connection?   I know that each of you live in your own personal war zone.  Every day you wake up and put on your battle gear.  Maybe it’s a hard hat or a business suit, a briefcase or an apron, either way; you go into your own battle.  You are physically confronted with people who wave at you in the hall and then as you turn the corner they attack you from behind with hateful words and actions.  This is also true in the spiritual realm.  The bible tells us, that like the soldier, we face an enemy who wishes to steal, kill and to destroy us. If you let him, this enemy will use the selfish nature of people to steal your joy.  Then, while you are down he will use things like the abuse of alcohol or the false comfort of inappropriate relationships to destroy you.

Think about it.  Can’t you recall friends who once walked by your side through the battlefield of life.  Some, the enemy has killed in action; many have been spiritually maimed, while others have been emotionally wounded and have quit trying.  So, how do you keep going?  How can I encourage you not to give up?

There is a verse from the bible that I really like.  It is found in 2 Peter 1:5-8 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive…”  Go out there, be effective, be productive, make a difference in this battlefield we call life.

Billy Graham once said, “My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world.”  This same thought was echoed in a song performed by Carrie Underwood.  The chorus says:

This is my temporary home
It's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going I'm not afraid because I know this is my Temporary Home."

As soldiers, we are committed to doing great things as we pass through our temporary Afghan home.  I challenge you to do great things as you pass through this temporary home we call life.

I close with a thought that I have often shared with my children.  This thought may prove to be the greatest advice that I have ever given anyone.  It applies to relationships, jobs, church and to every other aspect of your life.    “Leave it better than you found it.”

A Combat Soldiers Prayer

Dear Lord,

Keep us safe today as we go through our daily turmoil.

Keep the drivers of the vehicles alert as they make their way through the treacherous country-side. Lord let the bullets be off the mark as the bad guys try to take us down.

Lord keep the children in this country safe from the mines that they might grow to appreciate what it is that we are doing here. Let these children find that killing is not a way of life that it is a choice.

Heavenly Father please keep all soldiers safe from our enemies no matter where they are in this Combat theater. And Lord it is in your hands so if you could possibly see fit could you please let the IEDs and VIEDS and HME placed on the roads to kill American soldier be either duds that miss or could you please blow them up with the people who emplace them to ensure that they will not be able to emplace them anymore.

Lord if it is in your will please keep us safe and our families safe so we can experience that joyful reunion that we all look forward to on a daily basis.

Lord forgive the things that come out of my mouth as bad things happen and help me to walk with you and keep my sanity. It is in your heavenly name I pray.

Amen

Jerry's Excellent Adventure.. part 2

Sunday is kind of a slow down for the unit. We still have some jobs that must be done but most people try to take it slow on Sundays. Since I traveled on Sunday I got the feel for the area. It is truly in the middle of the desert. There is nothing around the base except desert. Off in the distance you can see a town/city/village. Not sure which one they call it. It appears to be fairly large but cannot tell and since there is a Taliban presence I have no urge to venture out there for a better look. I am good right here inside the wire. 

So over the next few days we identify the fact that the last unit left us with numerous issues to clear up. The main person who caused these issues is best described as a "kid with Daddy's credit card in the mall for the first time". He was ordering/buying for everyone on the base. His record keeping skills.... Well did not exist. In fact there was talk of recalling him back to theater to clean this up. But would you want an idiot trying to help fix something he messed up. NOT ME.. So we developed a tracker. 

We talked with the Contracting offices and the Theater office and got an idea of what shipments have been ordered and are in bound. There is a lot of "stuff" on the way in that was paid for with last year's funding. After getting the poor unfortunate supply Sgt. lined out on what needs to be done and giving the "Cluster O' Colonels"  a briefing on how to fix the unit's property errors, as well as having a talk with another "Light Colonel" about the same issues, I am ready to get back to my own bed.. or at least the one that I will occupy for the next 9 months or so. 

That afternoon I report to the terminal with one thing on my mind. I want to fly on a smaller helicopter, if possible. A black hawk is a lot smaller and has been on my "bucket list" for a long time. I have been told stories such as people get sick from all of the movement of these smaller air craft. Not me, this was a great experience. The flight back seems to take forever and there were times when I actually thought the engine had changed pitch and we might be "going down". 

At one point high above the desert floor. I saw God's wonder in this country. It was an awe moment for sure and lucky for all it was a Kodak moment. The picture was taken at about 1800 hours local time from roughly 7 thousand feet. At one point I had begun to think God was not allowed in this country as he is not allowed in our schools back home but you can clearly see in this picture he is here with us...

This was a Good week.......

Jerry's Excellent Adventure.. part I

Beep beep, beep, time to rise and shine. I did not sleep a wink. I was too busy thinking about today's upcoming events. It is 4 am, quick shower, bags packed, journey begins soon. Check in at the terminal then sneak away for my early morning drug.... COFFEE.....

When they called my id, I respond with "here". Soon it will be time to go. In my 22 years of military service I have had three opportunities to do what will finally today become a reality.  We board the bus for a short trip down the runway. Today's ride, purely by choice, what looks like a bus with propellers on top. A Chinook helicopter... I believe it to be the largest helicopter in the Army's fleet, but not really sure. After arranging us passenger in order by last stop to first stop, we board this rickety looking bus.  First the engines start and the thing shakes like it is coming apart, kind of like a lawnmower with a bent blade from when your oldest son hit a tree stump with it - Oh, where was I? It shook, it shimmied and I was a bit nervous, then without warning straight up we went. Wow, what a feeling!

All three gunners actively scan the area for any threats until we are at a safe altitude. The mountains surround us and I wonder if a Rocket Propelled Grenade RPG could hit us from them. The trip is a courtesy trip to help out my unit down south. We were left with an ugly waste of tax payers' dollars to clean up and the unit needs guidance. My lack of sleep the night before this trip can be attributed to thoughts of "Blackhawk Down". Helicopter crash on the news, young - OK, old  soldier on a mission to help out his unit, crash lands in a helicopter and has to fight his way back to safety. It would make a great movie but thank God I arrived safely.

As we are flying over the country I am inspired by the beauty of this place and wonder how God could let these people suffer through all of these years of war. Will they ever know the feeling of freedom, as defined by you and me, or will they always be oppressed. God can save them but they do not believe in him. (Maybe some do.) Their homes are built into the walls that surround their property. At one point I was reminded of Long Beach CA. The box houses built practically one on top of each other going up the hillside much like the homes, on the coast surrounding Long Beach. The big difference is no color, mostly desert tan homes made of mud or adobe or something. Some of the houses are white but very few. From my perch high above I can see people moving around but none really seem to have a purpose except for the occasional goat herder. Is this the reason they plant bombs? I heard that the Taliban will pay money for attacks on American Soldiers. What would you do to support your families if you too lived in a poverty stricken nation? One of my soldiers told me that the kids in these communities beg for pens and pencils, when they go out. Not so they can use them but so they can sell them.  What happens when we leave and there are no soldiers left for them to kill? Back to extreme poverty?

As we fly I am impressed by a young Army SGT, as he sits at his perch. With his tether in place, he lowers the back ramp of the helicopter and then walks out to the Edge of the ramp and flops down with his feet dangling high above the country side. Altitude was probably about 3 thousand feet, not me no thanks I am securely strapped to my seat. We make a couple of stops and then arrive at my destination. What a ride!

Good Day Family and Friends:

From my friend, John P -

As Christmas is approaching, people have begun to ask, “What can we send you and your fellow soldiers that will bring a little joy in to your lives?”  I certainly appreciate your desire to bless the lives of our soldiers.   So here is the quick down and dirty on Packages:

Hint #1 - There are no wrong answers (just some more logical than others)

Hint #2 - Remember that chocolate and 120 degree temperature do not work well together.

Hint #3 - Travel size bath products are cute but don’t last long.

Hint #4 - If you DO NOT want it, there is a good chance the soldier will not either.

Hint #5 - If you DO want it, there is a good chance a soldier will like it also.

Hint #6 - A soldier will eat the entire box, bag, container, or package in one sitting.  And no, it doesn’t matter what it is.  With this said, single servings are better than bulk purchase.

I well remember a package I received while I was in Iraq on my last deployment; an entire case of the most wonderful Girl Scout Cookies.  How much do you really know about the ever delectable Girl Scout Shortbread Cookie?  Let me break it down for you…

On the label you will find enlightening data explaining that there are 4 cookies in each serving (Ha Ha).  This means that there are 11 servings in each box and at least 15 boxes in each case.  Doing the math, you will discover that someone blessed me with the gift of 21,450 calories and 990 Fat Grams.  Can you feel the love?  Well, if you can’t, I promise that with one hug around my waist and you would have certainly at least felt the love handles (reference Hint #6).  We calculated that it would only take me 53 hours to walk off those extra calories on a standard treadmill.  But, I am glad to report that we have found a secret in dealing with issues like these.  If the cookies are broken in shipment, it is a scientific fact that all of the calories leak out.  This was a wonderful revelation for Chief Warrant Officer JPB or Mr. B as I call him.

It was mail call last Thursday when I noticed that Mr. B was walking around just a bit on edge.  As the letters and packages were passed out he fidgeted around like a 5 year old at Grandma’s house on Christmas Eve.  Then it happened, they called his name.  I saw him close his eyes as if in prayer when he took the package and held it in his hands.  He slowly turned it over and let out a “WOO HOO” that shook the building.  The package was from Grandma and Christmas had indeed come early!

Like a surgeon, Mr. B cut loose the tape, being ever careful not to shake, bump or disturb the stability of the box.  With trembling hands he carefully pulled out the green aluminum container, removed the wrapping and discovered it was what he had been waiting for, Grandma’s homemade Peanut Butter Cookies… that had been smashed into 100,000 tiny pieces.  I’m not sure but I think I saw a tear in his eye as he sat at his desk frozen in shock.  Then, almost imperceptible at first, the corners of his mouth began to slowly turn upward.  A gleaming twinkle flashed from his eye as he spotted it; in the back corner, beneath the crumbs, a whole cookie.  No, there was not a single cookie, but as the crumbs were brushed away there were 2…3…4… no, 5 whole cookies.  He held up his treasure for all to see just like Mufasa holding up Simba in the Lion King.  There were whole cookie and they were all his!

It was later that evening, in honor of Grandma, that I gathered up the broken cookie pieces and placed them in a zip lock bag.  You must understand that we are trying to eat as healthy as possible during our deployment and we have reserved only Sunday night for ice cream.  As we sat at our table the next Sunday evening, our bowls contained a single scoop of vanilla ice cream.  I took out my zip lock and began to sprinkle Grandma’s homemade Peanut Butter Cookie Crumbs into each of our ice cream bowls and I explained the science behind the calorie leakage phenomena found in the broken cookie.  As we took part in this little pleasure, we thanked Grandma and the US Postal Service for a job well done.

With love handles and a sweet tooth,

MMMM COOKIE

Today, in excited anticipation, I watched as the mail soldier brought the packages in. I watched as one for you one for him and then only one left.  I waited to see if perhaps my name would be called. It was wooo hooo now just have to close my eyes and pray that it is from....... is it.... could it be.... YES it is.... it is the package from Grandma and Aunt June.

First a quick smell of the box. I am not sure what I expected to smell but it smelled like cardboard. I scurry off to my office like the kid who stole a cookie out of the cookie jar and was worried about
getting in trouble. With my mouth watering and as other soldiers look on I cut the box open. 

As I slide the tray out I look and think oh my gosh they are all broken. It is a tray full of crumbs. Perhaps that is why Grandma and Aunt June put the spoons in the box. As I take the tray out with a slight hint of sadness in my heart I see it. In the back corner it appears. Is it real? I grab what appears to be a large piece from the crumbs, Wow! It is a whole cookie! Wait, there are more in there. After I "dust" the crumbs I find about two dozen cookies that are quickly devoured by all of the soldiers here. Each one said to tell "Grandma" we said thank you...

Grandma and June, thank you very much for both packages. We will put the items in the one to good use and the cookies, well, they arrived around 1 o'clock today and they are gone. Thank you, the 176th ALOC Soldiers.

"Yeah! Right!"

We need more high paid civilians and less soldiers.

This week's blog is twofold. First it seems that the military should change its name to the civilian Army or something. There are more civilians here than service members. They run everything from the dining facilities to the Gyms to the Phone centers to the sleeping arrangements for the soldiers. They are everywhere. Some of them know their jobs and that is great. Some of them DO NOT know their jobs and make it difficult on us. I am tired of trying to convince a civilian that he or she is wrong and that the Regulation says so. One of these civilians and I got into a pretty heated discussion about his ignorance. He is supposed to be the "all knowing" and instead and is the "make it up as you go" person. If there are rules in place then these civilians should have to follow them.

Now on sleeping arrangements, we live in 20 foot metal boxes. There are two sets of bunk beds and three wall lockers in each room. The clearance from the top bunk to the ceiling is 2 and 1/2 feet except where the A/C is ducted into the room and then it is only 1 and ½ feet. Now we are being told by a civilian and One Army guy that we must put three people in this tiny room. We will not talk about the fact that some of us are experience the old age syndrome and just the thought of climbing on a top bunk makes my hip pop out of socket. Here is a thought put these rule makers, three per room, where they live smelling soldiers feet, flatulence and body odor after a hard day. Make them stay in this room for a year at a time and see how long it takes them to change the policies.

The next topic is one that I have spoken of many times. I am a National Guard soldier. I joined the National Guard to guard my nation, not to come to a combat zone. I however "stand ready to defend my country against enemies foreign and domestic". I am here where Active Duty units are and I think we are pretty darn successful at the job we are here to do.

I AM TIRED of the Active Duty looking down on us like we are plague or not worthy to stand on this ground. They look at the Unit patch on your sleeve before they speak to see just how they will speak to us. I am tired of the stupidity that is thrown at us because we are National Guard.

Let me say MR. ACTIVE DUTY soldier if it was not for us you would be in Combat Zones more often. We fill in with rotations that give you an earned break. So before you look down on me know that I have 21 years of faithful military service, I have been to both Combat Zones and I know my job just as well as you do. So I recommend you show US  the same respect as you show your active duty counterparts. Cause you never know when you will need us to have your back.

Sorry for the angry words but ENOUGH is ENOUGH....

The Other Side . . .

Below is the take on the events of the last few days from my friend, John P. -

In the last five days my unit has seen four soldiers killed in action.   Tomorrow morning we will have our third Ramp Ceremony for the week.  The Ramp Ceremony, by design, is performed to show the highest level of respect for those who have died in battle as their bodies are loaded on the plane that will fly them home.  There is an intensive effort here to bring honor to these men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  While the ceremony is designed as a tribute to the fallen soldier, deep down I know that it is actually for me.  With each ceremony, I have realized that its personal impact on me is cumulative.  Each event brings a point of closure, but at the same time, an intensifying reality check on how fragile life actually is.  I am surrounded by a constant reminder that we have no promise of tomorrow, much less next week or next year.

On a normal day I sit at my desk and listen to people complain;  I have to walk too far to use the latrine, there aren’t any paper towels, the a/c is not cool enough, or someone tracked dirt in my office.  All of this absurd whining takes place in the safety and the security of our office building.  Meanwhile, our soldiers are putting on their gear and fearlessly driving into the local towns and villages to face a hidden enemy.  Their only goal is to do the right thing.  Every day they go out.  Sometimes, they come back.

Today another American soldier was lost.  I wonder if his baby daughter will ever understand why her daddy died in Afghanistan.  Will she ever be able to grasp the complexity of war?  Can she tell the difference between an insurgent and one who fights for freedom?  Will that little girl care about the politics or will she just cry when her daddy doesn’t come home for Christmas?  What peace will that beautifully wrapped Christmas present bring her, when she holds it instead of holding her daddy?  But, in the end, her daddy is gone and he won’t be home for Christmas.

The Ramp Ceremony brings a momentary lull to an airfield that operates at full capacity 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  There is a sense that time stands still as the massive C-17 Cargo plane pulls into place.  The plane sits on the tarmac in an eerie silence as the rear aft door slowly drops.  In the distance you can hear the vocal commands of the honor guard and you can almost feel each step as 30 soldiers march their way toward the rear of the plane.  They methodically separate into two columns and cordon a path of honor for their fallen comrade.

The order is given to “Present Arms” as a vehicle slowly pulls forward with one more American hero.  Arms are raised in salute as eight fellow soldiers, in drilled precision, move forward and take charge of the casket.  As the flag draped casket is slowly marched toward the plane, the drum like sounds of boots echo across the airfield.  You hear the voice of the detachment commander, “left, left, left…” as he leads the procession toward the rear of the plane that will take this soldier home for the last time.

As these days have passed, I find myself almost feeling guilty if I laugh or smile.  Yet, I remember the words of John 10:10 when Jesus said, “I came that you might have life and have it abundantly.”  I often ask myself where the realities of war and the call for abundant life come together.  I pray that someday, I will find that answer.

Tonight I will pray for a mother that I do not know.  Tonight I will cry for a child that I have never seen.  Tonight my heart will break for a world that does not realize the magnitude of what they just lost.

A DAY IN THE LIFE…

I started today like all the rest, hit the snooze button at 0455, twice and got out of bed at 0505. Took my shower as quickly as possible to ensure I am conserving as much water as possible, since there is a water shortage. After getting dressed I left my room and walked to the office. It is only about a 5 minute walk but I really enjoy starting my day off looking at the beautiful mountains, that have now begun to show a light sprinkling of snow. Winter is coming.

This morning I have to go and escort about 1 million dollars worth of property to the air terminal for shipment to another FOB (forward operating base), so it is important that I get my coffee started early. I drank my coffee while checking my email. When I first arrived the internet was not working. During our search for the issue we found a cable unplugged and plugged it back in, and got the internet back up. I talked to my lovely wife for about 20 minutes or so and then made my way to breakfast with a friend but had to eat quickly since I had an appointment. Oatmeal and a bagel with peanut butter and jelly and some bacon was breakfast today.

I arrived back at the office and loaded up with two other soldiers, my clerk and the transportation NCO. After a twenty minute drive around the Air Strip we arrived at the pickup site. We had to track down the forklift operator and the truck driver since they of course went to the wrong place. There are not street signs here, no addresses, just landmarks and made up names like the CRISP yard or NETA yard. No one knows for sure where these names came from but we continue to use them as a means to get around or identify a location. After all was loaded on the truck then it was off to the Air terminal to ensure the load gets manifested on the earliest flight possible. Sounds like it might take two weeks for this cargo to make its way 2 or 3 hours south.

Since the transportation NCO has the “ball” now, we decided to leave the keys to the truck and walk back. Walking is a normal occurrence. In fact I walked through a pair of boots shortly after arrival. They were not new by any stretch of the imagination but they would have lasted another couple of years stateside. After our twenty minute walk, we arrived back at the office to the bad news.

COMMUNICATIONS BLACK OUT.

Blackouts are usually the result of two things, either the net is down and we must wait for repair, or the death of a soldier. Unfortunately this time it was the latter. Two soldiers in our Brigade were killed in action and another two were injured when the vehicle they were driving hit an IED. Now the somber mood is all around us. I did not know these soldiers yet, they were my brothers. One soldier has a family member in the same unit. Can you imagine? The depressing feeling is with most of us. I feel guilty if I smile. I feel sad if I laugh. I feel wrong for being where I am. I know that feeling guilty is not going to make anyone come back to us. I know there was nothing I could have done. But the big question I have is WHY IN THE HELL ARE WE HERE…..

We are told that we are here to “win the hearts and minds”. Well right now my heart goes out to the soldiers of the unit and the family members of the soldiers killed here. My mind is going off the deep end wondering what we are doing here. If we were not here we would not need to clear the routes, we would not need to have soldiers out there looking for the bombs that often times kill or injure them. So winning the hearts and minds is the mission but how are we supposed to win the hearts and minds of people who want to kill us. I hate to say it but I think we either need to go back to the “all or none” combat concept or get out of here. I do not wish to kill people, I do not wish to see people killed but I am really tired of being here while America people are killed. It is like being in a bad movie, bear with me for a minute. Let’s say that you are in a movie or just live in a bad neighborhood. Every time you go to the grocery store someone dies. You visit twice a week and people die, you visit once a month people die, how long would it take before you decided you would not do business in that place anymore. We have been here for eight years now…

Last night, standing on the flight line, watching the green then white then green of the strobe light rotating. After a quick train up, we are ready. The flag draped caskets of my brothers arrive ever so slowly in the back of three “spit shinned” HUMMVs. In three caskets are two soldiers, the reality of war has really hit home. In attendance one soldier, tears in his eyes, obvious pain in his heart, walking towards the plane carrying his own father. Extreme sadness turns to extreme madness as an Airman disrespects the ceremony by dipping snuff and spitting in a bottle while in formation. I see red. Our lives must go on but never will they be the same.

Eleven thirty now, head on my pillow and thus ends an emotionally charged day. Maybe God will make tomorrow a better day for us all.

Sorry for the rant, my apologies for scaring anyone, my condolences and prayers go out to the families of the injured and deceased but once again I must ask….. WHY IN THE HELL ARE WE HERE.

Brace Yourselves.

Controlled Detonation- to detonate something in a controlled environment.

The announcement came out day before yesterday that a large bomb of some sort of bomb had been uncovered on the base. The rumor mill said it was a 1200 pound Russian bomb planted during the Russian occupation of this area. The announcement was in the form on an email that said we must stay indoors in the morning and that the mess halls would be closed. We were all anticipating an Earth shattering boom.

The night before the big "boom" we all collected extra food from the mess hall to cover us for our missed meals. There were MREs being handed out left and right. (Not to me though yuck). While at church we joked what if it was daisy chained to a bunch more and they blow up the whole base, or what if after the LARGE detonation the shaking earth sets off some of the millions of land mines still buried here on the base. We all had a good laugh.

Then morning came and we all scurried to our offices to be in a "hard" structure for the detonation.  So we wait.. Then the crackle of the speaker, the speaker system on base to warn of attacks but in this case a controlled det, "All personnel seek shelter in a hard structure".

So we wait, in an excited anticipation, for an Earth shatter boom and then without any more warning. Pffffsss, it sounded almost like an M80 firecracker going off. Since I have been here, there have been louder lightening claps and other things.  All that hype and preparation for nothing. Wow what a day, and to think I missed my morning oatmeal for that. Haha  

Another missed celebration

22 years of marriage and once again I am not home on my anniversary. To hear me say that you would think I was a bad husband. I have missed more anniversaries in my life, than I think I have made. This one was like the rest of the ones I have missed.

 I daydreamed about my wife and wondered what she was doing at that exact moment. I can now tell you, since the day has passed and the gift was received, that I had some earrings made for her here. I picked out two very nice Aqua Marine stones and had them placed in silver settings (no gold here). You don't just walk into the shop and find what you are looking for in most cases. They have numerous items on display but they also have loose stones of every shapes size and class. So Aqua Marine is what I chose. After carefully sifting through a pile of different sizes and shapes I finally found two that were a perfect match.

 It took them ten days to get them complete due to Ramadan (religious holiday). I was very worried about getting them back in time. They did not make it but the gift was not to terribly late. I also found a collapsible bowl at one local shop. It actually was the only thing I was going to send to her since the earrings did not turn out like I had hoped. The bowl is cut from wood and it will collapse or stay upright. To me it is nicer than the earrings but she really liked them both. And then the handmade card was the best of all she really liked it. I looked for a Hallmark store for a couple weeks and could not find one here. Hahaha.... The hardest thing to be away from is family.

Even though this is a late Blog since our Anniversary was 25 Sept. I still want to wish my Beautiful wife a Happy Anniversary and I pray for many more years when I can tell her in person and not on a phone.
Rosario I love you..............................

18 Years

We left for lunch as we do every day. We walked down the street to the other mess hall to eat since the BBQ place has gotten old. We got our plates, found a seat and began to eat and talk.

I was watching people go by when I saw him. I know this guy but not sure from where, not sure how but I know him. I decided to get up and go and talk to him. His name is W Barry. He is a CW4 now, but how do I know him. I walked up and told him "I know you from somewhere". He looked at my name tag, it has last name only, and said "Jay". I could not believe it. 

After 18 years he would remember my first name, turns out he remembered a lot more about me than I did of him. In 1992 we worked at Ft Lewis in the vehicle registration office together. When he told me memories come flooding back. Last  night I went to the Warrant Officer dinner and we talked about old times. He told me things that I had forgotten after all these years. He is doing well for himself and has his family settled and ready, for him to retire. He has deployed four times in his active duty career. Small world or is it a big world since this is the first time I have seen one of the soldiers I served with at the beginning of my long military career.. 

Misdirected Anger

Have you ever met someone in a position of authority or supervisor who has no right being there? I have. I do not know if perhaps he was promoted too quickly up the chain or maybe he had bad mentorship in his early years but wow. The endless meetings where things are discussed so in depth and detail, that it is painful. I have heard of people getting "in the weeds" this guy is in the dirt under the weeds.

I have had the displeasure of speaking to him three times since my arrival and all three times he has been rude and just downright hateful. It is almost as if he resents my existence or something. By virtue of answering the phone I am the one in charge, or at least in his mind. I have been talked down on, for missing a meeting that does not even pertain to me. 

Then when I ask the ones who it pertains to, they say they do not know anything about it either. I know the man who mentored him and he was the  same way. So how can I fault the guy for acting like an a$$ if he was taught that way. Just wish all of the soldiers as a unit would come  together and tell him that we are people. We WILL do what he says on two conditions, one that he speak to us with dignity and respect, and that he listen to us when we talk and suggest a better idea. I think that is what a "staff" is all about. But who knows I am just a PBO. And I am thankful that I do not have to deal with him on a daily basis......

Chow Time!

The following is from my friend John P. :

What can I tell you about the wonders of Bagram Airfield?  23,000
soldiers, sailors and airmen ranging from the age of 18 to 60 and they
all have one thing in common.  They want to eat.  With this massive
number of people packed into such a small place, you will find a
different chow hall about every half mile.  Okay... the official term
today is "Dining Facility" as the military is a bit classer than it used
to be.

Right across the street from my high rise condo is what we have nicked
name the BBQ Shack.  They have everything it takes to keep a soldier
healthy and strong.  The menu highlights such nourishing delights as
hamburgers, hot dogs, hot links, chicken, beef skewers, brisket,
sausage, ribs, chili, corn on the cob, baked beans, and rolls.  But fear
not my friend; the US Army would never dare to destroy such a vast array
of cholesterol packing poisons with anything that even remotely looks
like a green vegetable.  I lay odds that there is not a green bean to be
found anywhere within a 100 mile radius of this place.  So why fight it.
Let the US Soldier shout the manly mantra for the entire world to hear,
"We need our protein!"

But wait; there is more to this grand dining adventure for all of us to
share.  First we acknowledge that despite our wants, needs and desires,
there will be no veggies found in our food pyramid.  Yet, we know that
man truly cannot live on beef alone.  So the brothers and sisters of the
armed forces cried out and Uncle Sam heard our plea.  Yes he said you
need more.  You need ICE CREAM!

That is right my happy little brisket buddy.  Ice Cream is there with
every meal, to be served, not on one of those silly little cones, but by
the bowl full.  Not one insulting scoop, but rather a full man sized
triple scoop with all of the toppings to include chocolate syrup,
whipped cream, strawberries and crushed nuts.  Throw a couple of those
chocolate chip cookies on the side and you have created the
Cardiovascular Surgeons retirement plan.  Long live the wonders of
balloons, stints and triple bypass surgery.

At one time we feared that horrors of the Improvised Explosive Devices
that were used against us by the insurgency forces.  Now we have
presented the battlefield with a much more deadly weapon.  The flying
button has been added to the arsenal of the military.  Private Joe, who
joined the army with a 32 inch waist, has now been transformed to a
solid 36 incher with buttons that cry out for relief.  So, we announce
aloud for all of the Taliban to hear, WE HAVE BUTTONS - and they are
aimed at you!

Serious Side note:  You really do have to be careful here.  The food is
not that great, but there is a lot of it.  For those who go outside the
wire busting it every day, they do need the food volume just to
replenish their bodies.   But, on the other hand, there are those old
men like me who have a desk job and must fear the "Furniture Disease."
What is the "Furniture Disease?"  That is where your Chest drops down to
your Drawers.

Take care my friends and pray for a soldier today.

Everybody was Shakin'

Why are you shaking my bed? Get away from me. Damn it, I am not playing.

Then I was awake and the whole bed was shaking. It was as if I was the subject of a practical joke.  But when I opened my eyes the room was moving too. The bed was shaking and I was a bit nervous.

We live in Containers stacked one on top of another three levels high. I am in one of the ones in the middle. Never in my life have I experienced anything like that. It is a feeling of helplessness. I am told it was a really mild earthquake, so I cannot even imagine what a BIG earthquake would feel like. The news reports this morning that is was a 6.3-magnitude earthquake centered in Northern Afghanistan. No damage and no injuries were reported.  I guess I can add this experience to my list of firsts, just hope I can add it to my list of lasts too....