Day 205

The room next to me is the room I checked into a Day 1. Today, Day 205, I am next door and forever changed. While only separated by a few inches of drywall and 2x4's, thousands and thousands of miles were traveled between these two rooms and countless experiences gained. Tomorrow, after I've been able to get a good night sleep and gather my thoughts, I'll write about the last 40+ hours. I now sit at stop #2 on the way home. Since I last wrote, I have traveled from Kuwait to Germany (5 1/2 hours), Germany to Baltimore (8 1/2 hours), Baltimore to Charlotte (1 hour), then 1 1/2 hours to my current location which is my last stop before being reunited with my family only a few short days away. For now, though, I've been up for about 47 hours straight which should facilitate me resetting my body's clock to United States time as I expect to be asleep within seconds of my head hitting the pillow in a few minutes. Like I said, I'll write more tomorrow. I will say this, though...it was nice to take a shower in my bare feet tonight. First time since I was last here...over 6 months ago. Still...coming back to the USA hasn't hit me...and it won't...until I hand over that little bear in my uniform pocket to Tin Man and Scarecrow and embrace Dorothy. Mile 99...yep, I'm right there. Just a few more steps...

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 204

"Oh, General Patton, why must you wake me every morning at 6am?" Well, I suppose it's better than F-15 Strike Eagles taking off and the occasional rocket attacks that woke me up back in Afghanistan. So I slept in to 6:30am...I know...living dangerously. I made my way over to the decompression tent and caught up on some e-mail and benefited yet again from the Keurig coffee maker and Wolfgang Puck's blend. (my espresso pot is packed away) I headed off to my last breakfast in Kuwait and just barely made it in before they locked the doors. Afterward, the next thing up on my agenda for the day was the final travel brief but first, I took up the ex-Marine now Navy chaplain on his offer for the Sunday morning service. I think I was only 1 of about 6 in there but it was good to be there. Shortly after that, I headed back to my tent to grab all my baggage and head over to the main hangar/tent for our final brief and have me and my luggage weighed. It was PACKED! All of a sudden, we had Army personnel on Navy ground....wuz up wit that? Well, it turns out that they will fill the flight to the United States and leave no one behind or seat unfilled. Yea, I'm definitely good with that. "Bring us ALL home, I say." So as the hangar filled with soldiers, sailors, and their gear, we had a seat and listened to the instructions about weighing our bags, customs forms, and the schedule for TONIGHT.

Afterward, I went and watched another movie to pass the time..."The Adjustment Bureau" this time, starring Matt Damon. Pretty good flick. After that, it was lunch and more downtime to kill.

OK..confession time. I wrote this blog post in the middle of the afternoon, Kuwait time...morning for you. A cool feature of Blogger is, though, that I can schedule the post to go up when I dictate...I actually use that feature all of the time. Well, in interest of operational security and never talking about future movements before they happen, this post will go up later tonight when I will lack the ability to write. I'd hate to miss a post, right? Right. So, by the time you read this, I will be on my way HOME. Most likely, if you read this timely, I'll be in the air somewhere between here and the U. S. of A. A lot of travel will happen on one day...nearly 17 hours of in-air time and four different flights...all bringing me to my processing station which is the final stop before my trip home to Kansas. Hopefully, you'll get a Day 205 post which will tell the tale...hopefully some photos, too, of the journey. I'll have my iPhone ready. Remember the plane shots on my way out here? We'll see what I can get.

So that's it for today...much will have happened before you read this and I (and many others) will be in uniform, on a packed commercial (but chartered) flight, heading for America...appropriately named the "Freedom Flight."

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 203

It was a rough day in Kabul today. If you haven't seen the news yet, a suicide bomber in a vehicle hit one of our convoys and killed at least 13 Americans. Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan and about a 15min helo ride south of where I was. I have friends there and luckily, have heard from all of them. The loaded suicide vehicles are not uncommon for charging entry points at bases are uncommon to ram a convoy. To take that many lives in a convoy, the blast had to be significant as most of our armored vehicles don't hold that many people. Please keep the families in your prayers who most likely, just had two uniformed service-members knock on their door and deliver the most feared news.

Back here in Kuwait, this morning stayed busy. It started at 8am with another travel brief, but specific to the place we are headed for out-processing Stateside. I had a feeling that most would be heading to Norfolk and San Diego as those are big Navy hubs in the world. I was right. There are only 6 or 7 of us heading to my location in Mississippi. That's a great thing! Less folks to process through = more efficiency in pushing us through. During that brief, I met another Navy reservist who also is from my area, is going to the same processing site, and is flying back to the same airport! RATS! I'm not going to get that plane to myself on the final trip home! The funny part? His first name is the same as mine! So, I'll be sure to forewarn him that there may be signs or shouts where he may think someone is shouting out for him! Funny, eh?! He's a young guy and I think, only him mom and dad will be there to pick him up. I tell ya...what are the chances of THIS happening?! Flippin' hilarious, I tell ya!

After that travel brief, we had our one workshop, mandated by the Chief of Naval Operations. There was about 8 of us...all Navy officers of almost the same rank. The conversations rotated around reintegration, coping with stress, our different experiences while deployed, and expectations when we arrive home. It's true...I have a picture in my mind what homecoming will be like on that day and the days and weeks following. So does Dorothy, Tin Man, and Scarecrow. I guess we all just need to communicate and work together. We also talked about the cheers and thank-you's that we'll hear and how that makes us feel. Like the others, it feels "weird" and undeserving. To me, the "heroes" are on the frontlines and the ultimate heroes have sacrificed their lives. But, since less than half of 1% of our country is serving right now (yes, 0.45% of the U.S. population is in uniform), I can see how folks do show their appreciation to anyone in uniform and I/we do appreciate it! We just don't know how to react because we simply don't feel like we deserve it. Make sense? So please, show your appreciation and never stop...it is appreciated but just know, we really have no idea how to respond. Me? I usually just shake your hand, smile and nod my head. Doesn't feel right to say "You're welcome." Anyway, it was good to share with others and listen to what the others had to say.

For the rest of the day, it was relaxing and watching a few flicks. Tonight, I'm doing another load of laundry and getting myself squared away for my eventual departure. One last travel brief is coming up tomorrow morning where we'll bring all of our luggage in to have it weighed. They need the cumulative weight of every person and gear to properly load the jet out of here. So with that, friends, Day 203 is a wrap. Onward to 204...

Oops...."Happy Birthday, Dorothy. I hope you enjoyed your short and sweet "Happy Birthday" video I sent you this morning. I hope you had a wonderful day!"

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 202

One day closer to home and the day I got to shed a LOT of gear. If you remember back to my first few weeks of this deployment, I was issued a lot of gear including my body armor...about 3 seabags worth of "stuff." Today at 8am, I was in the first of 3 groups to haul their gear out of their tents and bring them over to the entrance of the main tent. At 8am, we were briefed that as soon as the big roller door went up, we'd all walk in and be told how the gear drop would go then we'd come out and get our gear. The door went up and about 70-100 sailors broke out in thunderous applause. We were totally shocked as we walked through them all. It reminded me of the night we boarded the plane to leave the United States. Remember that? All of those Boy Scouts and VFW members were out there to send us off. It was really cool today and I'll admit, it felt darn good. Like I was telling Dorothy earlier, we don't look for thanks or anything and haven't heard any kind of applause since that night we boarded that plane, but to be thanked in applause like that from fellow sailors who are deployed themselves is pretty darn cool. The gear drop went well and in under an hour, we were done. I also got rid of all my Army uniforms except for my favorite pair, the ones I'll wear on the flights home.

Afterwards, I watched another movie, had a catnap, then was back for our admin brief at 1:30pm. Talks from the Chaplain and others regarding future travel were covered. I picked up a command t-shirt and coin afterwards. For the rest of the day, I just hung out and relaxed. Not much to speak of. Tonight at 7pm, the Chaplain invited us out to the Memorial Garden for "Holy Smokes," as he called it. Cigars for all and a time to just unwind. I'm no smoker but I figured I'd give it a puff. Afterall, the Chaplain said smoking isn't a sin, it's a vice! True dat! So I did and after a few puffs, it was confirmed why I never took up smoking...yuck! Still, some good downtime to relax with the others. Tomorrow, we have more briefs on travel to our processing site Stateside following by a workshop to "talk" about our deployment. I'm not sure what this workshop entails but it is CNO-mandated. (Chief of Naval Operations) I'm curious to see what it's all about. Not much for the rest of the day after that. Sunday will be busy, though. :-) With that, Day 202 is history. Time for a shower and bed.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 201

One thing is for sure: I have no intention of getting to Day 210. Just sayin'...

So I set my alarm for 6:30am this morning...just so I could leisurely get my shave and breakfast with plenty of time before the 8am weapons cleaning. Nope...didn't happen. Instead, I awoke at 6am to reveille and General Patton's song...yes, "Patton's Own" 3rd Army is here. Oh my my...the Navy may have taken me back but the Army still keeps it coming! Back to that shave...first time in 201 days that I got away with going ONE day with no shave. The travel stuff got me that little nugget of goodness. It was nice to have a super smooth shave as a result. It's the small things, ya know?!

At 8am, we cleaned our weapons and officially turned them in. After that, we were free for the day. I spent it doing not much of anything. Some Skyping, lots of internet stuff, watching tons of movie trailers on my iPad, and even watching some 80s hair band music videos on YouTube...namely Cinderella's "Coming Home" which I bought for 99 cents tonight. It'll be my "wheels up" song when my "Freedom Flight" gets here as I leave Kuwait, bound for the U.S. of A. I also watched some YouTube videos of returning service-members surprising their spouses and kids. Yea, I was searching out that tug on my heartstrings and I sure did find some! I did find a really good one that I have to share. Here it is (and for those of you reading this post via e-mail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFLBR87naoU&noredirect=1):
The look on the little girl's face when she turns and sees her dad is what got me...couldn't help it!

Tomorrow at 8am is our gear drop. AMEN to that! I'm shedding a LOT of stuff...3 seabags worth of stuff I do not need and they can have back. After that, more free time and I believe we have an admin brief later in the day. For now, I think I'll take the smiles that this video brought and get my shower and head on to bed. Patton is waiting at 6am. :-)

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 200

12:30am and the alarm goes off. Why? It's time to get back on the Yellow Brick Road and put Oz in my rear view mirror. By this time, I was totally packed and had cleaned my room yet again so I'd leave it in perfect condition for the next person. The admin guy in my office met me at 1am and we were off to the terminal to meet a few other fellow sailors and found out right away, that the flight wouldn't be taking off for about 4 or 5 more hours. But, where else were we to go?! I had tried to sleep in my room but I swear, I was like a kid on Christmas Eve...not too much sleep at all. So, a lot of sitting around, palletizing all of our seabags and gear for the trip aboard the C-17, and a little catnap. Eventually, the call came and we were on a bus and rolling across the flightline to a waiting C-17...my chariot out of Afghanistan...finally.

After a short wait as cargo was loaded, we walked aboard and found our seats along the outer walls facing in. As I sat there, I still hadn't yet decided what song I wanted to listen to as the wheels left the earth. I finally decided on Toby Keith's "American Soldier." Yea, I'm a sailor but it still applies. So, as the engines fired up and we started to roll, I cranked it up and silently inserted "sailor" in the place of "soldier" in the song and heck, it worked! I could feel the wheels leave the tarmac and as they did, I snapped a screen shot of my phone just to prove it...precisely at 6:12am local time I left Afghanistan...hopefully, forever. For the next hour or so, I switched the tunes to Passion 2011. I was just in one of those worship kind of moods.

We climbed and climbed quick. I had watched countless C-17s take off from our airfield and always dreamed of being on one so I knew exactly what we looked like from the ground and how it has to climb fast to clear the mountains that surround the airfield. Oh yea, now that Afghanistan is in my past, I can tell you where I was: Bagram Air Field. It is the major airfield for the entire country and boasts over 40,000 in population, of which barely 15,000 are U.S. military. Tons and tons of contractors from around the world and local nationals working on base. Anyway, I tried to sleep and did just a few times but I always did it in a way that my neck was killing me. I just couldn't get comfortable in my First Class accommodations! About an hour into the flight, I stood up and walked over to the tiny 6" peephole and snapped this photo of what I saw. Not much but still kinda cool. After a few hours, we arrived in Kuwait...stop #1. We could feel the heat as soon as we touched down. At elevation in C-17, it was cold and we all had our jackets on. Quickly, those were all shed as the heat poured into the wide open space of the C-17. We boarded a bus and headed on over to the holding camp where we needed to catch the 2hr shuttle to the Navy's camp where they welcome us back, take our weapon and gear, and give us much-needed "decompression" time.

Well, we missed the shuttle by about 15 minutes. It was 9:15am local...we picked up 1 1/2  hours from Afghanistan and now we're 7hrs ahead of the East Coast vs. 8 1/2. The next shuttle? 6:30pm! ugh... But, just like the Navy has been doing great for us, they did it again. They rounded  up two Suburbans and we overstuffed them with people and gear and made the trek immediately. Interesting trip, too. I'm so used to going no faster than 15mph on base that doing 90mph took a little bit getting used to. No speed limits and wide open highways. It also felt really weird to be in a normal vehicle...on a highway, and not be worried about a rocket attack or small arms fire. We were no longer in a war zone but our minds have been for so many months so it just took a little bit getting used to. Once at the base, we had our weapons taken immediately and briefed about what was going to happen. But first, this is what I walked into and you know what they say about first impressions:

Bottom line from their commander: "Your job here is to relax and rest. Nothing more." OK!! We don't even have to wear a uniform anymore. Anything is acceptable. In fact, I'm wearing running shorts and my red tech tee from the Air Force Marathon back on September 17th. AND, no weapon strapped to my leg!!! WOO HOO!!!! So I got my rack made up with linens they provided and spent the day just doing this, that, and the other. I did two loads of laundry (amazing how good that felt...to do my own laundry....yea, I know I'm a bit off my rocker but I enjoyed it!), sent some e-mails, rested a bit, walked around a bit, and even ran into a fellow Supply Officer friend of mine who I used to serve with. Small world! He's going to give me the tour of the base tomorrow.

So friends and supporters...it's Day 200 and I'm on my way home. I really couldn't be happier. It's hard to even tell you how it feels inside because even I don't really know. I'm happy to be heading home...yes. I'm humbled by the unbelievable outpouring of support from SO many people. I cannot wait to hold my family in my arms....of course! Still, though...I don't think it's truly hit me. I think that "hit" will start when I board the plane for the United States after my time here concludes and I finally set foot on U.S. soil and then arrive back in "Kansas." It's going to be like a slow IV drip of medication flowing into my body called "Coming Home." For now, though...I've had practically no sleep since I woke up at 5am on the morning of Day 199 so I must get a shower and get to my temporary rack inside of a very old, green, Army tent in this desert called Kuwait. I will sleep like a baby tonight and will enjoy no F-15s taking off and no incoming rockets by the Taliban. Tomorrow? Weapons cleaning and lots of "decompression" time.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 199

Wow...it's Day 200 Eve! TWO HUNDRED DAYS...a very, very long journey that is not yet over. Tonight, I remain in Oz. This morning, I slept in and stayed away from just about everything as my duties here in this country have concluded. I cleaned my room, packed a little bit more and watched some TV. As lunch approached, I walked on over near where I get my hair cut and the internet folks are located who've been taking 70 bucks from me every month since May. They have a pretty good deal that when you're about to leave, they'll pro-rate your month and give you cold, hard cash back for the unused month. So, I told them when to cut it off and grabbed my cash then had some lunch just a few steps away....loaded baked potato today...oh so good. I'll miss having lunch here.      NOT!!! Anyway, I grabbed the base shuttle (in reality, it was a nasty, dirty 'ol bus) and made my way back to the Navy's office on the other side of base for the 3:30pm meeting. 3:30 because at 3pm, they update flight schedules for the next 12-24 hours. To fill the time before 3:30pm, I hung out at the Pat Tillman USO and just relaxed on a sofa, watching a movie. At 3:30pm, the 7 of us mustered, got our updated travel brief then were cut loose once again and back on the shuttle I went. Back on the other side in my room, packing and cleaning was wrapped up and a few calls back to Kansas. Beyond that...not much else. Oh yea...I've been smiling a LOT today. The time is drawing very near!

Given that Day 200 is just about here...clearly a landmark, I think it's time for some "happy thoughts"...like what I'm looking forward to. Let's see...  The obvious...Dorothy, Tin Man, and Scarecrow. No doubt. I am looking forward to growing many more friendships that have become more apparent during this journey and letting others go. I've seen the good, bad, and the ugly...a deployment to Afghanistan will do that. It's like the glass has been made clear and fogginess wiped away when it comes to relationships. I am truly blessed to have many good friends! I look forward to mud, stream crossings, and standing on a trail and hearing nothing but some rustling leaves and my breathing... God's creation...totally immersed in it for miles and miles. I look forward to walking through the yard in my bare feet, even if it is cold outside. I took it for granted before but won't again. In that yard, I look forward to seeing Old Glory and the Navy Jack flying every morning as I leave and as I return home every evening. I look forward to dates with my two little girls. Salad and breadsticks with Scarecrow and whatever Tin Man is in the mood for...of course, both want to head to the trails, too. :-)  I look forward to driving my car over 25 kilometers per hour and having a sound system in it that works. I look forward to returning to my home church and having men's breakfast once a month where we consume far more calories than should be allowed. I look forward to returning to my job as a civil servant where I will serve the poor and disabled, face to face. I look forward to falling asleep on the couch with Dorothy as we fool ourselves into thinking we can stay awake through the current episode of "House." I look forward to waking up at 3:30am, brewing my espresso, hitting the road at 4:30am for a run over the country roads with Mr. Moon and among the sleeping horses and cornfields. I look forward to the 2011-version of Wi-Fi instead of internet at the speed it was well over 10 years ago.  I look forward....to setting foot on United States soil. Free soil. The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave...because of those who wore, wear, and will wear in the future, the cloth of their nation. I will never forget Day 121 as over 40 caskets were loaded aboard two C-17s and my arm ached and wobbled as I held the longest salute of my life as every last one passed only a few feet in front of me. I was forever changed that evening and will think of it every day for the rest of my life as I wake up to Old Glory blowing in the wind outside my home. Lastly, I look forward to holding Dorothy's hand and pulling her in close. We will celebrate 19 years of marriage soon after my return and I can't imagine anyone else to share my life's journey with. "I love you, Babe! See you SOON!"

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 198

THIS is the day I've been looking forward to for many weeks. Today was the day I was to show up at the Navy's doorstep at 3pm and basically shout: "Here I am!!! Take me back!!!"...and they would. To start the day, though, I had a crisp, 43F run at sunrise along the perimeter fence. It was a really good run and as always, I was glad I headed out.

Yesterday, my relief and I spent some time out of the office and some inside. We didn't knock too many doors down as it was Sunday and reaching folks might be a challenge. Today, though, we headed out right away. I wanted to do for him what wasn't done for me. This job was dropped in my lap and not much at all was turned over to me. I had to take it by the horns and reinvent the wheel. I really didn't want to see all I accomplished just disappear because of a poor turnover. First by foot and then by vehicle, I gave him the base tour along with a few meetings with critical players where relationships are everything. You know how when you're talking to someone and they are gazing off in a different direction and look "annoyed" at the sound of your voice? No interest in what I was saying and no questions. That's pretty much what I was getting from the guy who is taking over my job. At times, I'd give the background story so things could be put in context and better "absorbed" but I think it was going in one ear and out the other. I wanted to say so many times: "You just wanna head back and call it quits?"...but I didn't. I figured that I'm turning over all of the critical parts to do this job well and it's his choice to ignore it. I wanted zero regrets about putting a bookend on my job and deployment here. 

Once our tour was complete, it was nearing lunchtime where a whole lot of us went together, including our new Marine colonel. He definitely pointed much conversation at the lunch table towards me and my return to "Kansas". Being married for nearly 30 years and the entire time spent in the Marines as well through many, many deployments, he had lots of stories about experiences with his wife and kids and painful lessons learned that he shared with me. Afterwards, it was back to the office for the 1pm videoconference that I have every Monday. During this, I always brief one section and I wanted my relief to see that brief so he'd have a model to take away and do it in the future. I also wanted him to see the relationships forged that didn't exist before me and how they heavily rely on me...especially for the winterization material that is still in the pipeline...and winter is coming! Once done, I had less than a half hour to go to 3pm...the time to check in to the Navy. With less than 10 minutes to go before I had to start walking nearly a mile to that meeting, NOW my relief had questions. I started to grow very frustrated as not only was he asking a million questions all of a sudden but he was insulting the very work I had done, created, and fine tuned into a very well-oiled machine. Not only did he have all of my work but he had detailed instructions on how to pick up and run with it all. Still, all he wanted to do was make changes. As I was trying to explain the "how" and "why" to his questions, he clearly wasn't listening to anything because he'd start his next sentence before I even finished talking. It was making my blood boil because I was starting to see the very fabric of my work of 6 months start to unravel before my eyes. Not only is my work fine tuned and managing over $40 million worth of inbound material, but it's doing it in such a way that serves the customer very well and provides real-time tracking and up-to-date information 7 days a week at any given moment. Over 120 different projects spread among the eastern and northern parts of the country make up the responsibility of the job...a job where I have been the "center of the supply chain wheel." Zero experience, zero willingness to listen and learn, and a "know it all" attitude...combine that with a very, very tight timeline to conduct turnover and it could all eat me alive...if I'd let it. However, I am going home...no matter what...I am going HOME!!!! It sounds bad but all I could do is turn my back and flip the switch. My job is done. The warfighter has been served and done so with excellence, professionalism, and a heart of service. I cannot force those things to the next person. They have to want them for themselves and for our customers...the war fighters. It will, in my opinion, be a rough road ahead for him but it is what it is. I cannot direct that path any longer because at 3pm, the Navy took me back. (Rest assured, this is not easy for me. I am Type A all the way and take my work very seriously and expect nothing but the very best from myself. I hear it all the time: "I'm done! Forget it!" Easier said than done but honestly, I have no choice. The very best thing I can do is to just to walk away and not look back...difficult but no other option exists.)

No greater words than these could've been spoken when I sat down with 6 other sailors this afternoon: "Congratulations. You're going home." What followed was a short 15min brief where we filled out some paperwork and our flight reservations out of the country were conveyed to us. I was also happy to hear that we have a brilliant weather forecast this week so I'm hoping for no cancellations of any flights that could keep me hear one moment longer. After we heard the details of what we've been longing to hear, we headed on out. I went back to Green Beans Coffee and grabbed an Iced Espresso Chai Latte and then caught the shuttle bus back to my room. NO WAY in the world was I going back to the office. I am done...the Navy said so!!!

The rest of the afternoon/evening was spent doing some e-mailing, packing, and just miscellaneous stuff in the room, dozing off here and there. I did watch Sunday's 60 Minutes broadcast where they dedicated it to Steve Jobs and interviewing the man who wrote his biography which just so happened to hit the market today. Pretty interesting episode, that's for sure. So with that, Day 198 comes to a close. Now I wait...a C-17 is in my future and only time stands between me and my seat on that bird. The day I step on that aircraft will also be the step aboard the Yellow Brick Road. On the other end? Kansas.

Goodnight, everyone. 

Days 194 - 197

Hey again...I needed a few days off. I was to the point that I didn't feel compelled to write and was tired of saying absolutely nothing to you. Basically, these days were spent just doing my job and hearing over and over again how my relief was delayed from arriving here. That wait ended super early this morning, though.  After the impossibility of sleeping, I headed on to the terminal at 1am to say for the last time, "Welcome to Afghanistan!" This time, it's to the guy who is taking over my job here. After the typical pleasantries, we loaded up his gear, got him a bite to eat, and got him a temporary room for a few days. First impressions? Young guy...only 6 years in the Navy but the same rank as me. He finished college and headed straight in. He's active duty vs. me..a reservist. Just like my first impressions about 2 or 3 months ago...a guy who thinks he knows most of everything yet doesn't. I figured I'd give him the crash course of turnover and remove the opportunity for him to interject. With that said, I did exactly that. We spent hours on the road, walking to several locations, shaking lots of hands, and reviewing all of what I've built back in the office. I will say this...it's a bit rough to hear him nearly immediately tell me how he's going to change certain things. All that does is make me want to put my fingers in my ears and ignore. How in the world could he possibly say something like that with zero experience? He has no clue and before his feet even get wet, he's ready to change things. No doubt, I will choose to remember what I have built and accomplished as I left it and honestly, do not want to know anything else after that. So, while he chose to stay in the office late tonight, I did not and headed on back to my room. I'm totally exhausted by nearly no sleep at all last night so I'm crashing very, very soon and will hopefully wake up for some laps of the NASCAR race today...only 5 races to go to the Cup! Tomorrow, I'll spend the morning with my relief again and this time, driving and meeting more folks and showing him the logistics of how things move on this base. I'll give him 4 hours then I'm done. Then it's lunch, my normal Monday video-conference with the North where I'll introduce him, brief my slide, then that (as far as I'm concerned) concludes the turnover. By 3pm tomorrow, I'll be in the Navy's hands and standing by for future direction as to my leap aboard the Yellow Brick Road. Of course, I can never discuss future movements here. You'll find out after the fact but I will let you know.

There have been some highlights of wrapping up my time. As I pushed out e-mails to my customers to notify them of my departure and turning over my position, I received many thank-you's from them that were heartfelt. Their sincere words really make it all worth it. I know this...beyond a shadow of a doubt: when I went through graduate school from 2002-2006, the cornerstone of the school was "servant leadership"...leading other by serving them. Truett Cathy did it and does it with Chick-Fil-A along with many other successful businesses. Out here, I came here with one goal...to serve the warfighter with excellence, far exceeding what they expected. I did that...I heard it on e-mail and many times today as I said my goodbyes. I will leave with that knowledge...and a few medals to document it! :-) But seriously, knowing I served and excelled is enough for me.

If you're wondering, by the way, about what "mile" I'm at in that 100-mile race....Mile 96. Yea...I can taste the finish.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 193

Over and out, folks. Another day down and on the downward slope to the weekend...my last weekend in Oz. Really? REALLY? Really! Rumor has it, too, that my relief "might" be flying into Oz tomorrow...we shall see. Other than that, nothing I really want to write about tonight.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 192

Not much today to speak of, folks. Played tour guide to one of our higher-ups who arrived last night. I gave him the "windshield tour" of the base then brought him back to the office. Besides that...not much else except for my daily grind. So with that, this day is history.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 191

I was wide awake at 4am this morning so I called Dorothy right away just to hear about her day. (I'm lovin' this free Skype phone trial that I'm using) It was great to wake up to her voice. By 5am, I hit the road for a sunrise run and the moon was still out, too. I caught this photo while out on the run this morning...pretty cool how my iPhone played with the colors when facing the sunrise, eh? How about that barbed wire?!?! I bet you wish you had that on YOUR running route, right? Well, I'm ready to trade it in for the rolling hills and cornfields back home and the wet and muddy trails that I love to run on. 

After a great and swift 6 miler, I got ready and headed in the for the day. Plain 'ol boring today. Dreadfully boring. So boring that I called it a day before 5pm which never happens on a weekday. The really great news today is that my boss flew out of the country tonight...yep...he's heading home. Why is that so great? Because I am next!!! WOOHOO!!! Now that's a milestone I like to reach! But while I wait for my relief to get here (he is on this side of the world now, but not in country, yet), I shall tread water and do my job. Still...I'm pretty much packed and ready to roll. :-)

The rest of the night was spent doing very little but veggin' in my room and exchanging e-mails, etc. Passing the time until I feel just a little bit sleepy which means it's time to crawl into bed and get to tomorrow. I tell you what...I'm tired of living day by day by day like this! It's like running in circles! In "normal" life, you just get up and live the day and that's it. Here, it's all about getting to the next day. So weird and so over it! So there...Day 191 is history. Done. Sealed. Time to sleep my way into 192.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 190

Wowsers...Day 1 of a new week and Day One Hundred and Ninety. That's a long time! Today was a pretty good day, I will admit. I set the alarm for 3:45am but woke up at 4:15am so I missed the National Anthem but did catch the Green Flag at the NASCAR race in Charlotte, NC. From there to the finish of that race, I was asleep and awake many times over. It was a great race and I was glad to see it LIVE. Afterwards, I decided it was time for my final haircut so I headed back to the one place I'd never had a bad haircut. The last one was not good and that woman left a lump on my head!!! Of hair!!! Bad attitude, to boot. So, I went on back to the tried and true location and she did a really good job. At the end, she asked if I wanted a shampoo and at first, I declined but then thought "Heck, it's my last haircut and I deserve a bit of pampering!" so I accepted the offer. Head back, eyes shut, and hot water and shampoo...nice. I broke the bank at 11 bucks, too.

Afterwards, I was off to the office via the crammed shuttle bus, filled mostly with Polish soldiers. All I could think of was my cousin who loves polka and still dances. Once to the office, I quickly got the work done that needed done and took an extended lunch where I walked out to an area where I could get a few good photos of the snow-covered mountains since the sky was clear and sun was super-bright. Here's one of the pics I took.

I had a few more things to do in the office and considering it was Sunday, I took off at the first opportunity to get back to my room. Back in my room, I had just finished packing one final box to mail home with items I really don't want to carry home so I headed on over to mail those then picked up a footlong sub at Subway! Yep, they have one here but I'd never walked in there. It just sounded good to me today so I thought it was time to give a little American food a whirl. One 6" part down so far and pretty good! Once back, I called all 3 of my girls...Tin Man and Scarecrow and then Dorothy. Always great. Then...more packing! Yea, I'm pretty much to the point now where I can't pack anymore until it's time to leave. I haven't taken all of the kids' artwork off the wall yet, though. I look at those everyday so I think they'll have to stay until the last minute.

So all in all, a pretty good day and almost entirely to myself. The end is in sight, I've passed Mile 92 of 100, and my relief has left the United States en route to HERE. It's all good! Good times ahead...good times ahead.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 189

Well, we made it just over 30 days but a clear night last night and a few days without rain supposedly was perfect for the bad guys to come out of hiding again. It wasn't too late last night and there went the sirens again...another rocket attack. I felt this one hit but I don't think it was too terribly close. I remember the first time this happened...do you? I was only here for a few days when it did. When the siren sounds, the voice after it tells us to put on our armor. The thing is...it's already happened and done at that point. Back then, though, I didn't know any better and I remember waking up at 3am in my shorts and t-shirt, putting on the armor, the sitting on the floor next to my bed. I didn't know any better. This time? I took a shower! It's not that I'm getting lazy...just being realistic. If it's going to hit me, it'll hit without warning...and I needed a shower!

This morning was the same 'ol Saturday as always...crazy busy. Before I knew it, it was lunchtime. After lunch, I headed on back to the bazaar and did get a few things for Tin Man and Scarecrow. There's a stone out here called "Lapis" that is mined in the extreme northeast part of the country...that piece that's really skinny and just barely touches China. You didn't realize I was that close to China, did you? Yep..it's to the east on the other side of Pakistan. Once I did my shopping and bartering for some lapis, I headed on back for our 2pm staff meeting and then hung out for awhile to talk to Dorothy as she was headed out for the last day of residency as she kicks off her graduate degree program in nursing. She's definitely whooped from a very busy week but it's been a great experience so far. Afterwards, I called it a day and headed back early.

I figured out a great strategy tonight to pass time and a great way to leverage the power of my free Skype phone trial...make phone calls! I started, of course, with Tin Man and Scarecrow...talked for about 35 minutes. Tin Man did end up going turkey hunting with Dorothy's dad and didn't get anything. The funny thing? She told me she fell asleep! Yep...they were hiding behind some trees and she said she fell asleep for about 5 minutes until Grandpa woke her up. Now that's funny! Both conversations with the girls, though, centered around what they wanted to do when I get home. I also talked to my dad, my younger brother and his wife and their two kids, and also a good friend of mine and her kids. I did try calling my only grandparent but couldn't get a good connection anymore. By the time I knew it, it was 9pm! Shower and then here I am.

That's a wrap, folks. I think I'll set the alarm to wake me up around 3:45am tomorrow so I can catch the green flag at the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Not only do I love NASCAR and the pre-show, but heck...Sara Evans is singing the National Anthem! Then, I can go back to sleep. It'll be Sunday, after all.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 188

Passed Mile 91 today...that was nice. Ordered a pair of Brooks Pure Grit trail shoes for those wet and muddy trails that are waiting for me...should be back in Kansas by the time I get there. Spoke to some Navy folks here in Afghanistan about my relief: that guy better be ready to rock and roll when he gets here because we'll be lucky if we have 48 hours to turn over by the time he gets here. Like I said before...I'm leaving on schedule, dude! Stop sitting at combat training and get over here! The rest of the day? Quick chats with Dorothy, Tin Man and Scarecrow...always great. Turns out, Tin Man is going turkey hunting with Dorothy's dad. Hmmm.... I'm looking forward to HER version of that story tomorrow! Other than that, same 'ol Groundhog Day like every other day. Not a bad day, not a wonderful day, but another day which is all that matters. Time for the weekend...I hope to spend some more time at the Afghan bazaar this weekend for one last look before I start to PACK MY BAGS! Zing!

Goodnight, everyone. 

Day 187

I know I just said we have been getting rain each night but today was flip-flopped. We had a heavy downpour this morning and tonight, the stars and moon were out. Still, more snow on the mountains and a day today that didn't get out of the 60s. I'm lovin' this cool weather.

Today, I stayed pretty busy all day long and did have a chance to slip away and buy another month of internet for 70 bucks. It's nice, though, that they'll credit me back the unused portion when I leave...definitely won't need a whole month! Hmmm...where will I be a month from today? Kansas! No, the 13th of November is not my arrival date. (nice try, though!) I worked through about 6pm tonight then hopped on a shuttle and headed on back. The weather was good tonight so I wanted to get a run in under the moonlight and crisp air. I ended up with 6 miles tonight and it was the fastest in a long time. I dedicated tonight's run to my Navy as we celebrate 236 years today, the sailors who lost their life on the USS Cole, 10 years ago yesterday, and to all of my fellow sailors who are serving afloat, ashore, or in Harm's Way. It's great to be a sailor!

Tonight after having my salad for dinner and a shower, I was watching The Colbert Report and they had a Lieutenant Colonel on who commanded a special forces unit back in 2001 when we entered Afghanistan. He lost two of his elite fighters during that tour. One question that Stephen asked him was what is appropriate for Americans to say to service-members. Most say "Thank you for your service." I've always appreciated that but unlike nearly everything else where someone tells you "Thank you" and you reply with "You're welcome," that just doesn't work for most people wearing the uniform. It just doesn't feel right. As an all-volunteer force, most don't look at themselves as needing thanks, praise or anything. We don't do it for those reasons so when someone thanks us, we appreciate it but many like myself, usually just nod or say "thank you" right back. I, like the lieutenant colonel on the show tonight, believe the real heroes are the ones who gave their lives, were injured, and those still serving over here. So when Stephen asked what people should say, he agreed that "Thanks for your service" is still appropriate but people really shouldn't expect a response. So when you do thank someone, it's OK for them just to smile and shake your hand...rest assured, they do appreciate your thanks.  Anyway...that interview tonight really pulled me in and I thought I'd share a little with you. With that said, it's about time for the weekend! By the time it ends, I'll be hittin' Day 190! To think that 200 is really not that far away is just a tad bit overwhelming.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 186

I finally heard about my relief's status today. Just like when I flew out late from combat training, so is he...about 3 to 4 days later than I expected. That should put him here in barely enough time for us to turn over. So, I started creating more turnover material today so if something were to happen and he doesn't make it in time, I'll leave enough "bread crumbs" for him to have a partial clue on how to proceed. I doubt that'll happen, though. We should have 2 or 3 days, I'm guessing. I love it, though...the clock is tickin' in my favor!  You know what? I haven't mentioned what mile I'm at in a very long time...I was telling you before what mile I was at if this was a hundred mile race. Well, today I passed Mile 90!!!! Woot!!!

Today, it was a cool day...more snow on the mountains from last night's rain. It's so strange, here...I didn't see any rain since April. Nothing. Now, it rains EVERY single evening...steady. Right now as I type, I can hear the pouring rain hitting the metal roof over me. It doesn't rain in the morning or afternoon...just the evening. With that rain, the upper elevations are getting more snow and the snow pack is deepening. I hope to go out to my picture spot one last time before I leave and photograph the mountains with the snow. Been nothing but clouds, lately. That's the other change...clouds. We never had them all summer long and now, it's hardly ever a clear sky. Anyway, it's been nice to turn the air conditioning off in my room.

Wednesdays are supposed to be busy but today simply wasn't. Boring. I escaped for a few hours back to my room, though, and got some time to myself. Later on in the day, I had my bi-weekly brief with the northern part of the country where I brief the general. It's basically my 30 seconds of fame. Say what I have to say, be 110% accurate and ready to answer any question, and throw it back to the general. It went well and I'm happy to say, I won't be doing THAT anymore! Last one! (where's my relief? oh yea...he can take care of the next one...hehehehehe) Afterwards, we waited for the boss to wrap up his last conference call and we headed out for the night. There's really not much else to speak of today. Eventually, you know....there is going to be a lot to talk about. I can almost see that Yellow Brick Road...a little bit of glowing gold in the not too distant future in front of me. Patience...

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 185

Hey everyone...it's me. Sailor14. Anyone not know why I chose that? The obvious first...I'm a sailor. The 14? I've been in for 14 years. I know...deep stuff! I'm looking for the day in the not-too-distant future where I can tell you who I really am, where I really live, and show you Tin Man and Scarecrow...along with their real names. Anyway...it was a Tuesday like nearly every Tuesday before it...quite slow. Wednesdays are always the boost towards the weekend and when the work and busy days accelerate so I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Overall, not very busy today yet again. So, I worked on some more turnover stuff so when my relief gets here, I can get him up and running ASAP. Speaking of whom, I haven't heard from him. I am a bit surprised, though, as I am sure he is aware of his flight schedule by now for crossing the great Atlantic Ocean. If my departure, though, was dependent on his arrival, I'd be a bit on edge. It is not so whenever he gets here...he gets here. I'm leaving, regardless! If things work to plan, he should be on the way by week's end.

Back home, Dorothy is starting her graduate degree today so I'm really excited for her. She has done so well throughout her career and has always supported me, my pursuits, and my education so I'm more than ready to support her in this. It's the next logical step for her in her career and we're fortunate to have such a great program so close to our home. It's also perfect that just as she ramps up her school, I'm about to go home to pick up the slack with the rest of life and our family. I love our team!

I know lately that there hasn't been much talk of war, Afghanistan, and all that "stuff." Well, the war goes on but unlike Iraq which doesn't have the traditional winter, this country does and the mountains surrounding us now have snow pack on them at 12,000 feet and above and that is lowering each day. In a country that lacks something as simple as electrical power, the Taliban largely retreats into Pakistan to take refuge for the winter. Now down south where it's still hot, the fighting does continue...mostly Marines are involved down there. So yes, it is quieter these days and today marks one month since our last rocket attack at my base. In addition, there is a LOT of turnover on my base so the "business" in the area I handle has been down. I still am managing about $40 million worth of material on order and on the way into country but most of the orders for winter preps has been done and that material en route or on the ground. The enemy is still out there (they just caught a few folks trying to photograph our security procedures at our main gate) but simply less aggressive right now. So there you have it...a little explanation on the current state of things. And with that..adios, 185.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 184

It's great to have a boss who is more "short" than I am...meaning he is leaving soon and before me. Today was practically another Sunday with it being a Federal holiday (Columbus Day). To start, I was able to go in late. I did. Once I arrived, the others were going to call it an early day and before Noon even hit, the boss was gone for the day. I had a 1pm video-teleconference where I had to brief the boss who runs the northern part of the country so my goal was to do that and wrap up my day shortly thereafter. That I did! By 3pm, I was walkin' and the room was locked up for the night. Hehehehehehe....love it. Before I caught a shuttle back, I went back to the Afghan DVD shop where bootlegged videos are all $2 to exchange my copy of Transformers. While there, I picked up "The Help." I had heard great things about this movie but had no clue about it. But heck...for 2 bucks, it couldn't hurt. So that's how I filled my afternoon...watching "The Help." What a GREAT movie! Set in the 1950s in Jackson, MS, it's a story about a wanna-be journalist/writer (played by Emma Stone) who interviews and writes about local maids in a time of heavy racism and segregation. As someone very against that mindset and approach to other human beings, I do like to be educated about how things once were in our country. It was a very well done movie and I can see why so many raved about it. After that, dinner, and internet that crashed, I crashed myself then awoke again around 11:30pm....in time to jot down these few notes for you. Yea, not too much to say today but that's great, actually. I just zipped through a Monday which is traditionally the slowest day of the week. Still waiting to hear from my relief as to when his "across-the-pond" flight is. Should be mid-to-late this week. With that, everyone...it's a wrap. Adios, #184!

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 183

I'm not gonna lie...I love Sundays. Many, many Sundays in the past, they were days where I had too much time to myself and I dove into depression while I missed my girls but here in the final stretch, quite the opposite. Not too many Sundays left so they are spent more making plans for home and making Skype calls home. After not really sleeping in, I knocked out 6 miles mid-morning then headed on in to the office. As any Sunday, there are some things that I have due out so I knocked those things out first thing. Throughout the day, though, I was constantly checking in on the Oil Creek 100 Mile trail race in northwest Pennsylvania. The Oil Creek 100 is the last 100 mile race I ran in 2009. As a result, I have a lot of great friendships and absolutely love Oil Creek State Park and the community who comes together to put on a fantastic event. I didn't run it in 2010 but instead volunteered. Thanks to a webcast, I watched closely as friends covered 50 kilometers, 100 kilometers, and the full 100 miles. Just a few minutes ago, the 32 hour time limit expired and the scene at Titusville Middle School is one of cleaning up and the remaining runners eating some lunch and taking showers.

Mid-afternoon, I headed on out of the office to camp out in my room for the remainder of the day. I had a nice long chat with Dorothy and Scarecrow before they headed off to church, too. My free Skype call month is still going which has proven great to stay in contact with all of them. We don't do video much as the connection is so poor but we did today which is ALWAYS awesome and seeing them is totally different than talking only. Can't help but smile! Afterwards, I watched some Jeff Dunham comedy and grabbed some dinner. For now, though, they are broadcasting the NASCAR race LIVE so I'm going to catch the green flag...finally! I might have seen 1 or 2 green flags this entire season so I won't miss this one from Kansas....literally....they're in Kansas this week!

Oh yea....14 years ago today I ran my first marathon, the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA. It's a beautiful, fall foliage, point to point marathon. I returned in 1999 to run it again. Amazing how things have changed in the last 14. Now, I have 26 marathons under my belt, multiple 50K trail races, a 100K race, and three 100-mile finishes. Will I return to the 100-miler? Not sure. I'm very curious what kind of shape I can return to after I get home. I am very, VERY out of "ultra" shape but they say the body doesn't forget. We'll see! Oh yea #2: my relief...hehehehe...you've got a plane ride later this week! Combat training wrapping up in the next few days, goodbyes to your drill sergeants, and a big chartered commercial plane ready to bring you across the pond. I'm ready and waiting! :-)

Oh wait....Oh yea #3: I just thought I'd let you know. The 9/11 rocket attacks must have been the Taliban's last effort before retreating into Pakistan for the winter...it's been very quiet in that category since then. I hope I didn't jinx us but the fighting season does appear to be slowing way down.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 182

4 hours of sleep, a busy morning, a steak-n-potato and homemade-jalapeno-infused-baked-beans cookout,  a hail-lightning-thunderstorm, and multiple Skype calls home...that's pretty much the day today. Simple, eh? That it is.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 181

It was great to wake up to the eventual defeat of the New York Yankees this morning...it really was. I'm not a fan of them nor the Detroit Tigers but if given a choice as to who I will like less, it will always be the Yankees. Of course, the Air Force guy in the office is a diehard fan so he actually came into the office late so he could watch their defeat. My morning was pretty busy along with our Marine colonel coming into "town" again, en route HOME. Yep, he completed his turnover and he'll be leaving early tomorrow morning out of Afghanistan. Great for him! It was great to work for him and just a few hours ago, I shook his hand goodbye and wished him a safe trip home.

It was very clear that we were entering a 3-day weekend as the day wore on. Pretty much zero activity coming from Stateside as the day began over there. So, I kept busy managing the trail race that ended up selling out a few hours ago...only 6 days after I opened registration. Looking at the registration list, it's basically the "who's who" in the local trail running community. I can't wait to get back on the trails with them! That took me into the early evening before I headed back for the night...but only temporarily. At 11:30pm (3pm EST), we had our appointment to call Dave Ramsey. Every Friday is "Debt Free Friday" on his show and people call in from all over the country (and world, in our case!) to tell their story and eventually scream "We're debt free!!!!!!!" Well, tonight was our turn so I took a cat nap then headed back to the other side of the base with the intention to call Dorothy at 11:30pm...3pm her time. Just as planned, I called her then she conferenced us in to Dave who is on his book tour, currently in Houston, Texas. After speaking with his producer, we were on hold for about 6 or 7 minutes then went live on the air to hundreds of thousands of people! Truth be told...I was shaking like a leaf the whole time. Just a tad bit of pressure knowing so many are listening. In the end, though, it worked out well and they'll be sending us the podcast of our "scream" next week!

So it's 12:30am now...time for a quick shower then bed. It was certainly worth sacrificing sleep for this tonight. When I first learned of being deployed, Dorothy and I set the goal to do our scream from Afghanistan...live on the air on one of his "Debt Free Fridays". That would mean reaching our goal 3 months early. We did. WE did. It was teamwork all the way and no other way. "Thanks, Dorothy, for sitting me down on Christmas 2009 and insisting we make some hard decisions...like writing our first budget in over 17 years of marriage and sticking to it. Many say it is tough to do this. I say the opposite. When we sat down and wrote a budget, lived to it, and held each other accountable, it removed a stress that once plagued us and has not returned. Thank YOU for taking the initiative and the lead. YOU started it...WE did it...WE finished it TOGETHER. I love you!"

Goodnight, everyone. 

Day 180

6 months down. Way less to go. I will keep it very, very short for you today. It was a very non-glamorous day and only a few highlights stick out. To start out...I wake up to the passing of Steve Jobs...co-founder of our beloved Apple. In true Apple fashion, I hit the road for 6 miles at sunrise along with my iPhone playing Miles Davis from last night's iTunes download. Steve would be proud.  Later on today, I got my flu shot. No biggie. We also had a steady rain...big news over here. I haven't seen that since combat training in late April. Lastly, I received my travel reservations almost all the way back to Kansas! Yep...I now know the date and time I will leave this part of the world and every layover and connecting flight to get me to my processing station where this all started. The only flight I don't know is the final trip HOME...won't know that until less than 48 hours until I make that trip. I added up the flight times...about 24 hours of total flight. Two words: jet lag! No problem, though...bring it! Anyway, the reservations are a bit early since my relief is still at combat training but getting those reservations...well, I've been waiting for those for a very, very long time. Of course, I shared them with Dorothy which shot a dose of reality into returning home. Very good news.  Other than that, folks, not much else to say on this landmark day at 180. I expect a very quiet 4-5 days ahead as it's a 3-day weekend again back home with Columbus Day. That's 4-5 days closer to home.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 179

8 hours of sleep will do a body good...especially after a bit of food poisoning. After that, all was well today and no lingering effects. First thing after I did wake up, I skimmed quickly through all of the Apple news conference notes to find out all of the announcements that many in the Apple cult of followers were waiting for then headed on in for the day. I was happy to hear about everything but surprised that no iPhone 5 was announced. Still, all great news. Happy to hear, too, that the entry level iPod Touch was lowered in price by 30 bucks since that's atop Scarecrow's Christmas list.

The morning was fairly quiet and a little bit ahead of lunch, I made my way through the Afghan bazaar (found nothing interesting) then found a soldiers' lounge and hung out to read for awhile. Before I did, I found a comfy lounge chair, closed my eyes, and listened to a free download off of iTunes...Miles Davis Quintet: Live in Europe from 1967. I played the trumpet for years and really enjoy instrumental/jazz stuff like his. The free track I downloaded was 14min long and I imagined walking the streets of New York City...hand in hand with Dorothy...just after nightfall atop a wet sidewalk. The sounds of Miles Davis were in the distance as a street side trumpeter was playing some of Miles' music with an accompanying CD playing on his old boom box. We stopped and listened for awhile then tossed some coins and cash in his trumpet case and moved on. Lights flickered above us, taxis flew by, and romance just filled the air. It was just perfect...nothing else in the world but us...and that was all that mattered. Eyes open...

Back to my book...I put Miles on again and on the repeat mode and got reading Dave Ramsey's new book. I got a chapter read then headed on over for some lunch then back to the office. As the afternoon wore on, I had an Army unit who ordered material contact me with trouble finding their stuff that I know landed here about 3 days ago. I ran a trace again and sure enough, it did get here and WAS here. I asked her if she had a vehicle and time which she did so I said "Let's go!" I love a treasure hunt and lately, I'm batting 1000. It's sad that it's so difficult to figure out the system here on base but it is. We started where it should be then went backwards in the process. She had no clue where even to start (which is totally normal) but I did so eventually, we ended up at the airfield and sure enough, found someone who knew what we were talking about. When the words were spoken "Do you want to see this stuff?", of course, I took them up on the offer. And there it was...on the flight line after not moving for 3 days...and no intention to for some reason. Ironically, I found more material that I was tracking and didn't know was lost so in the end, two problems were solved when only one was known of. Back in the office, I shared some photos with the team Stateside and how some procedures weren't followed...again, and insisted they do what they are supposed to do. I am sure...there is one person there who cannot wait for me to leave. Another e-mailed me and told me they've never had someone do so much in this position and will really miss me when I leave. Unfortunately, none of them have ever left their cubicle and simply don't "get it" when it comes to supply logistics in a war zone. I do and I have done my best to communicate how best to serve the warfighter during my tenure. I will certainly leave this country knowing I have made a difference.

Tonight, just more downtime, ab workouts, and downloading. Yep...that Miles Davis freebie hooked me and as I type, I'm downloading 10 of his greats from 1967. Here's his website about this release. This download is only the "best of" a multi-album + DVD set that was released last month. I can't wait to crank this stuff up when I get back in my car and am driving to work again someday back in Kansas. Man, I miss my car! Well, folks...that's a wrap. Day ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY beckons. 180...6 months...too long since I've held my girls.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 178

OK, let's start Day 178 right after midnight...how about 12:03am? Reflecting back to dinner last night, that being a chicken club sandwich. That fine-tasting sandwich had a whole lot in store for me than just satisfying my hunger. Oh yes...food poisoning. I awoke at 12:03am and what I felt was as if someone had my abdominal muscles all twisted up...it hurt so bad. To the bathroom I went...for nearly an hour. From then on, about every 2 hours, I awoke in pain and back to the bathroom. There was one time when I was on my knees over the toilet thinking I was going to lose it...never did, though. When morning finally did arrive, it only got worse before it got better. Finally, it was time to head in to work for the day and I bet I was as white as a ghost. My lips were super dry and I felt totally parched. Put on top of that a very, very slow day. I ate cautiously when I did eat and tonight, I feel pretty good. I had a winning dinner, too: salad...and french fries. Balanced meal, eh?! Yea, right. Simply nothing looked good tonight but those two things did. Oh yea, a bit of praline ice cream from my Afghan friend, too. Mohammed Azim is his name.

I think I'll just close the book on this day. Not much to talk about today and honestly, I had such a horrible night last night, I just want to head to bed and curl up. Speaking of curling up, I was getting so dehydrated last night that as the night progressed, I froze in bed and could not keep warm. Tonight...I'm in sweats. I'm not messin' around! See you at 179...

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 177

You know when someone introduces you to a newcomer and in the same breath/sentence, mentions that you will be leaving soon...your time is limited. Oh yes...if you are already getting tired of hearing my talk about going home, may I make a suggestion? Unsubscribe now! You will be disappointed for a long time to come. If not, then keep on coming back for more and to see how this all unfolds. 

Today was a pretty typical Monday...quiet and slow. I started the day out by finishing my download off of iTunes of Dave Ramsey's new book, EntreLeadership. Primarily targeted at business owners but also a lot of practical leadership/financial advice, too, from someone who has 20 years of being at the bottom of the barrel to the top of the heap. One of the reasons I really like Dave is how easy to read and grasp everything he says and writes. I do not like to read books...never have. But with him, I really enjoy reading. Speaking of Dave, we'll be "speaking" with him this Friday between 3pm and 4pm EST...LIVE on his radio show as we scream "We're debt FREE!!!!!"...I will be conferencing in with Dorothy to Dave who will be in Texas that day. Looking forward to it!

As the day was winding up, I had one of the best-ever talks with Tin Man and Scarecrow. I can "feel" their excitement, too, about being reunited next month. It's like getting a slow IV-drip instead of a waterfall....just tip-toeing towards home. First, they taught me how to feed my monster on "Moshi Monsters"...a kids' make-believe website that I got involved in simply to play with them virtually. Afterwards, I talked with each about date-days we'd have when I get home. With Tin Man, we talked about going on a trail run/hike together...probably a bite to eat afterwards, too. For Scarecrow, she LOVES lunchtime at Olive Garden and nothing but salad and breadsticks...and Alfredo sauce for dipping, too. Maybe we'll share a Starbucks afterwards and just "hang out." From what I heard from Dorothy later, they were really excited after we got off the phone about our "dates." Not sure who is more excited here! Tin Man was also proud because she said she put her hair in a bun all by herself today. I, of course, asked that Dorothy send me a pic. The pic...a very simple photo but one that just made my heart melt. Hair pulled back, hoop earrings...she looked sooooo grown up. (her ears were pierced only 3 weeks before I left) I felt right then like I had missed a whole part of her life. Yea...it's "only" been 6 months (I HATE when people say that), but she looks so much older than I remember and when I hugged her on Day 1. That armor I've been working on...you know, the armor that helps me "keep it together" when it comes to them got a little crack in it. For a moment, I felt just a sampling of what I was going to feel when I hold them again. A dam busting wide open is a good word picture of what I will not be able to avoid.

After we talked, I fed my "Moshi Monster," I got some more work done, and I headed on out for the night and read my book on the way back. While at dinner, I was watching some folks entering the tent where I was eating and couldn't help but notice the wide-eyed faces of people who obviously are brand new to the base. You can just tell when the new folks show up.  For the military folks, it's easy to tell up close as their uniforms are not yet faded and may still have some wrinkles in them from the packaging. I don't think I could've told before but I can certainly tell now. It's nice not to be the "new guy." :-) For the rest of the evening, I stayed in for the night, watched some TV, read a bit, did a bunch of abdominal exercises and just relaxed. Oh yea, I did peruse a lot of photos of the girls and me....getting kind of addicted to those feelings of home and don't want them to end. With that, friends...family...known and unknown supporters...that's a wrap for Day 177. Off to 178...

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 176

Pretty good day...slept in for starters...a great perk for Sundays.  I gave Dorothy a quick and to the point phone call (rare for me) and spent most of the morning PACKING! Yea, yea, yea....a bit early, but I've got so much gear, I just wanted to dump it all out and repack it and make sure I didn't bury something in there back in April. Plus, the tighter I can fill these seabags, the better they'll travel when it's time. I headed on in around lunchtime and surprisingly, I was pretty busy through mid-afternoon where we had another Hail and Farewell scheduled...MY TURN! Yep...at today's farewell, we said "hello" to a few and goodbyes to others. I still have time to go but the next farewell won't happen until after I'm gone. They served up some food then went through all the motions. As for awards today, I received the NATO/ISAF medal and also the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, both of which will be added to my other medals and ribbons on my uniform. Those are in addition to my weapons quals that I did back in April/ May at combat training...remember? I qualified as Sharpshooter with the 9mm and qualified on the M4 rifle. Those both are medals. That makes 4. On my way out of here, the Navy will give me the Overseas Service Ribbon, as well...five. Then, there are two commendation medals I will be awarded based on my accomplishments over here. One is a Joint Service Commendation Medal and the other an Army Commendation Medal. Both are higher than anything else I've ever received. The Army one is pretty cool to get, too, for a Navy guy. I haven't "officially" received these two yet, though...but I know they're coming. Anyway, once we were given those two medals, we said a few words and then given our one-of-a-kind parting gift...the infamous "T-Wall." (pictured here) The "77" is the name of the company who manufactures all of the huge concrete T-Walls that surround the base here so they are essentially an eternal reminder of our deployment. They are an exact replica and made by the 77 Company and given to us for free. In the center is our official coin. Pretty cool takeaway, eh? After we were all presented our medal and T-Walls, we said goodbye to my boss...he'll beat me out of here by under a week. He didn't want the medals presented to him as no one was senior to him to do so. But, we did have a little present for him. We all pitched in and got him a gift certificate to one of his favorite restaurants back home and I made up a certificate to go along with it. He was totally surprised and as he began to say a few words...it hit him like a ton of bricks...it's his last deployment. With 22 years in, he'll be retiring from active duty next year and that combined with the surprise gifts got him all choked up...and I mean choked up to tears. I thought about Dorothy right then...she'd be crying, herself! It was cool, though...just raw emotion about serving his country for 22 years and this deployment being the capstone on it all. I happened to have my new camera with me and caught that emotion. When I got back to the office, I checked them out and they turned out really well. I sent them to him and him alone to do with as he pleases.

So, around 6 or so, we called it a night and headed back. Not too much else to speak of today...just a little TV, internet, and some reading back in my room. Ready to start another work-week. Not too many more of these! Woot!!! Only a couple more days till Day 180...dang.

Goodnight, everyone.

Day 175

Glory, hallelujah, October is here! Like all things, if you start things out with a run, you stand a better chance at success so I did just that. I hit the road at 5am for a sunrise run. This time, though, I took a turn to head out to the outskirts of the base where the new prison is here on base. I'm glad I did, too. No dust, no traffic, relatively new roads, and a spectacular view of the sunrise over the Hindu Kush Mountains. The run was a loop route, too, which I had never run before. I left my room with a goal of 6 miles before work and believe it or not, it was an exact 6 mile loop. Perfect.

Once back in my room, I got ready and headed in for the day. Soon after cleaning up my inbox, I got one of two last haircuts in this country. Again, not thrilled with the haircut but it'll do, I suppose. I will be going back to the other location where I've been happiest here in a few weeks. This location is not bad but she can't seem to make the top even! ARGH!!! The rest of the day was quiet (boss still gone) and we locked up the office before 4pm and called it a day. For the rest of the day, I made a few of my free Skype calls, watched a movie, took a couple hour nap, had some dinner, and here I am. Just passing the hours, really. I'd love to head down to the movie theater and catch a flick, to Outback for some dinner, then a Starbucks to cap off the night but alas, none of that exists over here. Perhaps NEXT month I can do those things, right? Meantime back at combat training, my relief has concluded Week #1 with the Army drill sergeants and an endless supply of "Hooah!" and Army slang. "Enjoy your Sunday, brother! You only have this one and 2 more where you won't have to work! Enjoy those civilian clothes tomorrow, too...you'll soon forget what they are." Well...another short post here on Day 175. Calling it a night and intending to sleep in tomorrow. Another "Hail and Farewell" cookout tomorrow afternoon. I feel like I'm sneaking up on Day 180. I can't believe I've been away from Kansas for nearly 6 months straight. Toooooo long!

Goodnight, everyone.