Goodnight, everyone.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day 38
Short and simple today. Nothing at all happened that warrants much conversation. No phone calls home. No "firsts." It was a typical day here. I suppose the weather was a bit different. The wind kicked up which made the mountains that surround us invisible because the wind brings all the sand into the air and reduces visibility to nothing. Bad taste in your mouth, too. Later in the day, we took a long walk to a bazaar on the outskirts of base to check out the offerings. Scarfs, wood carvings, local crafts...pretty nice stuff to start and learn about. Too bad the language barrier is strong. I think I need to learn some basic communication words like "Hello," "Goodbye," "Thank You, "Have a nice day," etc. I picked up a few small items for Tin Man and Scarecrow. I'm sure they'll like them.
I'll leave it at that for today. Here is a photo of a big clock on the wall in my office. I look at it...say...50 times a day? I only look at two times most often: "Oz" time and Eastern time where Kansas is. When I get to work, family back home is in bed or heading to bed and as my day progresses, they sleep...and I think about them all day. I wait anxiously for the 5 o'clock hour when Dorothy normally sends me a text that says "Good Morning!" That's the highlight of my day!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Day 37
Could we have another day of firsts? I have a few. Guess what? It was hot. It was sunny. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. Those things don't seem to change here. I did, though, see a lot of foreign soldiers around the air base today. I'd seen them before but never been saluted by them before. As an officer, I'm saluted no less than 25 times every time I walk outside my building because we're situated along the main artery of the base where everyone is walking to and fro. But, it is very rare, if ever, to be saluted by a soldier not being an American. Another first...a whole bunch of Korean enlisted soldiers passed me this afternoon and all saluted. They probably know or have been trained by their leadership about how to identify U.S. military officers and to render the proper salutes. Totally surprised but totally cool. Of course, I returned the salute. I'll tell you who is easy to pick out of a crowd...the French. Those guys and their bright red berets. They look like exactly what you'd expect...a bunch of pretty boys! Some of you ladies would love 'em with their accents and all. There are also Egyptian, Polish, and some other countries represented. We are all part of the NATO force here, working together to defeat the enemy.
In the office, it was a day of meetings...too long of meetings. I'm quickly learning which meetings I will go to in the future and which ones I will not. Still trying to learn about Erector Sets as best and as quickly as I can. I have a feeling I'll be traveling to some Theme Parks in the not-so-distant future. I'm looking forward to seeing other parts of Oz...in full body armor, of course. After work...another first. There are a wide variety of galleys/chow halls/dining halls all over the base and serving basically the same thing each meal with some variations. There is, however, a dining hall nestled away in the corner of the base, run by the U.A.E., aka: United Arab Emirates. Ever heard of Dubai? Anyway, it's near Kuwait...south of Iraq, and a very wealthy Middle Eastern country. I actually visited there in the mid to late 1990s. Anyway, for a change of scenery and food, I was invited to go along and check it out. As soon as we walked up to the gate, we knew we were early and had to wait but were offered hot tea by the gate guard. Over here in the Oz region, tea is a major cornerstone in society and often the catalyst by which their culture reaches out in kindness and friendship to others. Even if you don't like tea, it is advisable to never reject the offer of it as it would be seen as an insult. So of course, we accepted and tried to engage the UAE soldier in conversation but he didn't understand any English. We thanked him and enjoyed our tea. A bit later, the dining hall opened and secretly, I was praying for hummus. Oh how I would love some of that! No hummus but they did serve beef kafka, a slaw of sorts, some funky lookin' rice, and some other Middle-Eastern-lookin' things that I have no idea of their names. I grabbed a few tortillas and using the beef kafka and their bean dish, made a most excellent tortilla. Certainly not called a tortilla by them but you get the point, right?! They also served bottles of grape juice from Lebanon in a bottle that looked like a beer...but juice. Only "grape juice" and "made and bottled in Lebanon" were in English. The rest was in Arabic. I would've snapped a pic but that would've been one very good way to lose my iPhone. No deal! Afterwards, I enjoyed a wonderful Chai tea. Afterwards, we had to go back to the office for a few minutes since our counterparts back in the States were now at work and a few things had to be done, phone calls made, etc. I think I worked 13 or 14 hours today. The good part...or justifiable part of those hours is the mission. My "erector set" mission is something that directly impacts our soldiers and allies. They are directly a tool to build bridges with the people and military of Oz. It will help build the infrastructure that they so desperately need. It is then that we can bring our sons and daughters home. I now understand the great importance of my job here and the small part I can play in the overall big picture and goal. Finish the job. Bring them all home.
I am quickly learning a few other things. One is that I have got to set some boundaries or I am going to be in that office from 7am to 7pm every day. I need to establish a routine to better manage my time or I am going to burn myself out, plain and simple, and won't be of much use to anyone. Another thing is that even though I know I'll look back on this and think: "Wow, that went fast," it is NOT feeling that way. I miss Dorothy a lot and am constantly thinking about home. I hope that once I really get in the groove that it'll make things more distracting and move this thing along. For now, though, it's a struggle. I will admit, though, I enjoy coming back to my CHU each night to talk to you all! :-) I know many of you read this but most importantly, Dorothy reads it so it's a very cool way that we can stay connected and she knows what is going on over here. Thanks to Amber for sharing this video at just the right time. Enjoy.
Goodnight, everyone.
In the office, it was a day of meetings...too long of meetings. I'm quickly learning which meetings I will go to in the future and which ones I will not. Still trying to learn about Erector Sets as best and as quickly as I can. I have a feeling I'll be traveling to some Theme Parks in the not-so-distant future. I'm looking forward to seeing other parts of Oz...in full body armor, of course. After work...another first. There are a wide variety of galleys/chow halls/dining halls all over the base and serving basically the same thing each meal with some variations. There is, however, a dining hall nestled away in the corner of the base, run by the U.A.E., aka: United Arab Emirates. Ever heard of Dubai? Anyway, it's near Kuwait...south of Iraq, and a very wealthy Middle Eastern country. I actually visited there in the mid to late 1990s. Anyway, for a change of scenery and food, I was invited to go along and check it out. As soon as we walked up to the gate, we knew we were early and had to wait but were offered hot tea by the gate guard. Over here in the Oz region, tea is a major cornerstone in society and often the catalyst by which their culture reaches out in kindness and friendship to others. Even if you don't like tea, it is advisable to never reject the offer of it as it would be seen as an insult. So of course, we accepted and tried to engage the UAE soldier in conversation but he didn't understand any English. We thanked him and enjoyed our tea. A bit later, the dining hall opened and secretly, I was praying for hummus. Oh how I would love some of that! No hummus but they did serve beef kafka, a slaw of sorts, some funky lookin' rice, and some other Middle-Eastern-lookin' things that I have no idea of their names. I grabbed a few tortillas and using the beef kafka and their bean dish, made a most excellent tortilla. Certainly not called a tortilla by them but you get the point, right?! They also served bottles of grape juice from Lebanon in a bottle that looked like a beer...but juice. Only "grape juice" and "made and bottled in Lebanon" were in English. The rest was in Arabic. I would've snapped a pic but that would've been one very good way to lose my iPhone. No deal! Afterwards, I enjoyed a wonderful Chai tea. Afterwards, we had to go back to the office for a few minutes since our counterparts back in the States were now at work and a few things had to be done, phone calls made, etc. I think I worked 13 or 14 hours today. The good part...or justifiable part of those hours is the mission. My "erector set" mission is something that directly impacts our soldiers and allies. They are directly a tool to build bridges with the people and military of Oz. It will help build the infrastructure that they so desperately need. It is then that we can bring our sons and daughters home. I now understand the great importance of my job here and the small part I can play in the overall big picture and goal. Finish the job. Bring them all home.
I am quickly learning a few other things. One is that I have got to set some boundaries or I am going to be in that office from 7am to 7pm every day. I need to establish a routine to better manage my time or I am going to burn myself out, plain and simple, and won't be of much use to anyone. Another thing is that even though I know I'll look back on this and think: "Wow, that went fast," it is NOT feeling that way. I miss Dorothy a lot and am constantly thinking about home. I hope that once I really get in the groove that it'll make things more distracting and move this thing along. For now, though, it's a struggle. I will admit, though, I enjoy coming back to my CHU each night to talk to you all! :-) I know many of you read this but most importantly, Dorothy reads it so it's a very cool way that we can stay connected and she knows what is going on over here. Thanks to Amber for sharing this video at just the right time. Enjoy.
Goodnight, everyone.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Day 36
For many, the day of rest. For others, they ran 100 miles today in the mountains of Virginia. For others at home, they ran a marathon or 1/2 marathon today. For me, I still worked but let's not talk about that today. For me, it was also a day of firsts. Let's sum them up and we'll call it a day here on the journal. Nothing happened that was very exciting at work today.
1. The first woman from Ohio ever to finish the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 in Virginia. Here "handle" is Kimba and she did it in fine fashion!! Also, congrats to first-time MMT finisher, Brandon and Paul L.!!! AWESOME!!! The MMT is considered the toughest 100 miler on the east coast. Also kudos to Gombu, Slim, Dave P and Roy for their repeated finishes! You all are amazing and inspirational!!!
2. For the first time ever as I walked along the road here at WDW, I looked at a pile of rubble along the road and thought: "I wonder if an IED is buried there." Remember back in combat training how wee were trained on IEDs? Often, a pile of rocks along the road in Oz either is concealing an IED or acting as a marker showing that one is near. No chance of them on WDW but my brain is essentially on a swivel 24/7 and I'm questioning everything I see. I don't think I'll ever look at a pile of rocks the same.
3. I went to bootcamp in late 1991. Within the first 24 hours, they shaved my head. Since then, I vowed to never get that haircut again. Well, here in Oz it is very warm and I am often walking the streets in my moisture-holding uniform. I wanted a clean/tight haircut to simplify my life a bit. So, I headed to the barber this evening and my barber was from Kyrgyzstan, which was part of the former Soviet Union. She spoke Russian and struggled with English. Under a magazine on her counter, there was a book she's obviously been reading about learning our language. One thing she did understand was "high and tight?" So, I didn't get my head shaved 100% but quite a bit of it. I doubt many who know me will care for it much but that's OK. I like it. It was also the first time I've received any haircut while wearing a loaded weapon. :-)
4. While eating lunch today, I shared the dining facility with soldiers from Korea, France, and Egypt. Very different uniforms but all here as part of the joint NATO force. Another first!
5. I drove a diesel power Toyota SUV, stick shift. Yea, no biggie. Just another first.
6. I had chicken empanadas for dinner. Definitely a first and no, they weren't very good. The sweet and sour sauce helped.
7. An order to all U.S. service-members in Oz is no alcohol. In a sort of humorous twist, in my opinion, is that they serve Germany's Beck non-alcoholic "beer" in the dining facility. Just for giggles, I had one at lunch. It tasted like a cheap beer I'd never drink back in Kansas. I drank half, poured the other half out, and recycled the can. First and last time for a Beck.
8. I talked on the phone to Tin Man and Scarecrow for the first time since I left the United States today!!! WOO HOO!!!! Certainly the highlight of my day. I just hope they like my haircut when they see it. :-) I LOVED hearing their voices on something other than a video-conference. Totally different...and priceless.
9. Josh Gracin. Remember him? Country singer that was on American Idol and former active duty Marine. I ran across this song of his today and video. Couldn't help but post this today. It's called "The Other Little Soldier." The last of today's "firsts." Please watch.
Goodnight, everyone.
1. The first woman from Ohio ever to finish the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 in Virginia. Here "handle" is Kimba and she did it in fine fashion!! Also, congrats to first-time MMT finisher, Brandon and Paul L.!!! AWESOME!!! The MMT is considered the toughest 100 miler on the east coast. Also kudos to Gombu, Slim, Dave P and Roy for their repeated finishes! You all are amazing and inspirational!!!
2. For the first time ever as I walked along the road here at WDW, I looked at a pile of rubble along the road and thought: "I wonder if an IED is buried there." Remember back in combat training how wee were trained on IEDs? Often, a pile of rocks along the road in Oz either is concealing an IED or acting as a marker showing that one is near. No chance of them on WDW but my brain is essentially on a swivel 24/7 and I'm questioning everything I see. I don't think I'll ever look at a pile of rocks the same.
3. I went to bootcamp in late 1991. Within the first 24 hours, they shaved my head. Since then, I vowed to never get that haircut again. Well, here in Oz it is very warm and I am often walking the streets in my moisture-holding uniform. I wanted a clean/tight haircut to simplify my life a bit. So, I headed to the barber this evening and my barber was from Kyrgyzstan, which was part of the former Soviet Union. She spoke Russian and struggled with English. Under a magazine on her counter, there was a book she's obviously been reading about learning our language. One thing she did understand was "high and tight?" So, I didn't get my head shaved 100% but quite a bit of it. I doubt many who know me will care for it much but that's OK. I like it. It was also the first time I've received any haircut while wearing a loaded weapon. :-)4. While eating lunch today, I shared the dining facility with soldiers from Korea, France, and Egypt. Very different uniforms but all here as part of the joint NATO force. Another first!
5. I drove a diesel power Toyota SUV, stick shift. Yea, no biggie. Just another first.
6. I had chicken empanadas for dinner. Definitely a first and no, they weren't very good. The sweet and sour sauce helped.
7. An order to all U.S. service-members in Oz is no alcohol. In a sort of humorous twist, in my opinion, is that they serve Germany's Beck non-alcoholic "beer" in the dining facility. Just for giggles, I had one at lunch. It tasted like a cheap beer I'd never drink back in Kansas. I drank half, poured the other half out, and recycled the can. First and last time for a Beck.
8. I talked on the phone to Tin Man and Scarecrow for the first time since I left the United States today!!! WOO HOO!!!! Certainly the highlight of my day. I just hope they like my haircut when they see it. :-) I LOVED hearing their voices on something other than a video-conference. Totally different...and priceless.
9. Josh Gracin. Remember him? Country singer that was on American Idol and former active duty Marine. I ran across this song of his today and video. Couldn't help but post this today. It's called "The Other Little Soldier." The last of today's "firsts." Please watch.
Goodnight, everyone.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Day 35
I felt much better this morning. I still only got about 5 or so hours of sleep but waking up at 5:20am felt "normal" at last. A few more days and I should be golden. I have the option of going in late tomorrow morning so I may just skip setting the alarm when I eventually get to bed. It's already 11:50pm as I start this post...I sacrifice sleep to write this every day! That's ok, though...I enjoy it and I think it's turned into somewhat of an outlet for me.
So, I've been brainstorming and talking to Dorothy about how to continue this anonymous blog now that I've arrived in Oz. Here's what we came up with: My particular location in Oz will now be known as Walt Disney World, or WDW for short. Surrounding WDW and scattered throughout the country are smaller bases called Forward Operating Bases...sorta like tentacles off of the main base where I'm at. They all have names but to keep it all secret, we'll call those Theme Parks, just like at Disney. As I visit different ones in the course of my deployment, they will be numbered...ie: Theme Park #1. Then, my job...or my job description/mission while here will be my Erector Set. Betcha wonder where that came from, eh?! Well, in an erector set, you have to take all different pieces/parts, bring them all together, and build a functional item. That's sort of what I'll be working on. Here, these "sets" have a name, of course, to remain anonymous, and they could be to build a building, an aircraft hangar, a galley, or anything needed when building the infrastructure at a location. These are critical to the warfight and are high priority and high visibility all throughout Oz. Got it? OK. Well, the agency I am here for is the conduit from which all parts flow. We take the order, we get bids for parts or whatever, we write the contracts, and we ship the items worldwide wherever our military needs them. There are MANY hands in this process with Erector Sets. Way too many and they all are speaking a different language. Not literally, but in the way they do things. My job will be to identify problems in the process, go and meet with the applicable players, and help make it better. Heavy on relationships, heavy on Excel and communication, and heavy on multi-tasking as these Erector Set requests flow in daily. Honestly, I love it. I had a one-on-one chat today with my boss...a senior Army officer. We really hit it off. Sometimes, senior Army officers don't look too kindly at junior Navy officers...especially reservists but I must have made a great first impression because we totally saw eye to eye on what my mission is to be. Once I get the wheels turning, I will travel a bit with him to different Theme Parks where the most Erector Sets are being requested to see them face to face. Keep in mind, Erector Sets are ultimately there to support the warfighter. That's the whole reason I'm here. I really feel this is an area that I can make a difference and excel in. He also wants to move me into operations/leadership as I get this Erector Set thing under control. For now, it is the number one priority. So there you have it....make sense? I hope so! If not, leave a comment and I'll try again.
Around 5pm today, we had a Hail and Farewell for another officer within the agency who has completed his tour and is heading home in a few days. Some Pizza Hut pizza (can't believe they have that here!), Cokes and waters, and a small award ceremony for him. Afterwards, I headed on back to my CHU. I then quickly got downstairs for a quick Facetime with Dorothy and the girls. The place was packed so I had a horrible connection and eventually lost them. That's OK, though...I actually called and talked to Dorothy today...that was AWESOME!!! First time on the phone in a week.
Unwinding, I decided a run was in order. Mr. Moon and the stars were out so I decided to run the perimeter of WDW. As night falls, as it already had, the warfight begins. Our advantage lies at night as we can fly and fight in total darkness while the enemy cannot...thus the reason I keep hearing F-16s taking off I as I type this. Throughout the run, I was passed by up-armor humvees and other top end armored vehicles. At one point, I froze...two F-16s were taking off right over my head...and definitely NOT smooth on their bellies, if you know what I mean. All you could see were their afterburners and then they disappeared into the night. So awesome and the sound/sight of FREEDOM!!! Go Air Force! Eventually, I rounded up my run to an even 1/2 marathon, 13.1 miles. I did it to honor Dorothy who is running yet another 1/2 marathon tomorrow. It was sorta like doing it with her. So glad I did that tonight.
So there you have it...another day, another day closer to home. Goodnight, everyone!
So, I've been brainstorming and talking to Dorothy about how to continue this anonymous blog now that I've arrived in Oz. Here's what we came up with: My particular location in Oz will now be known as Walt Disney World, or WDW for short. Surrounding WDW and scattered throughout the country are smaller bases called Forward Operating Bases...sorta like tentacles off of the main base where I'm at. They all have names but to keep it all secret, we'll call those Theme Parks, just like at Disney. As I visit different ones in the course of my deployment, they will be numbered...ie: Theme Park #1. Then, my job...or my job description/mission while here will be my Erector Set. Betcha wonder where that came from, eh?! Well, in an erector set, you have to take all different pieces/parts, bring them all together, and build a functional item. That's sort of what I'll be working on. Here, these "sets" have a name, of course, to remain anonymous, and they could be to build a building, an aircraft hangar, a galley, or anything needed when building the infrastructure at a location. These are critical to the warfight and are high priority and high visibility all throughout Oz. Got it? OK. Well, the agency I am here for is the conduit from which all parts flow. We take the order, we get bids for parts or whatever, we write the contracts, and we ship the items worldwide wherever our military needs them. There are MANY hands in this process with Erector Sets. Way too many and they all are speaking a different language. Not literally, but in the way they do things. My job will be to identify problems in the process, go and meet with the applicable players, and help make it better. Heavy on relationships, heavy on Excel and communication, and heavy on multi-tasking as these Erector Set requests flow in daily. Honestly, I love it. I had a one-on-one chat today with my boss...a senior Army officer. We really hit it off. Sometimes, senior Army officers don't look too kindly at junior Navy officers...especially reservists but I must have made a great first impression because we totally saw eye to eye on what my mission is to be. Once I get the wheels turning, I will travel a bit with him to different Theme Parks where the most Erector Sets are being requested to see them face to face. Keep in mind, Erector Sets are ultimately there to support the warfighter. That's the whole reason I'm here. I really feel this is an area that I can make a difference and excel in. He also wants to move me into operations/leadership as I get this Erector Set thing under control. For now, it is the number one priority. So there you have it....make sense? I hope so! If not, leave a comment and I'll try again.
Around 5pm today, we had a Hail and Farewell for another officer within the agency who has completed his tour and is heading home in a few days. Some Pizza Hut pizza (can't believe they have that here!), Cokes and waters, and a small award ceremony for him. Afterwards, I headed on back to my CHU. I then quickly got downstairs for a quick Facetime with Dorothy and the girls. The place was packed so I had a horrible connection and eventually lost them. That's OK, though...I actually called and talked to Dorothy today...that was AWESOME!!! First time on the phone in a week.
Unwinding, I decided a run was in order. Mr. Moon and the stars were out so I decided to run the perimeter of WDW. As night falls, as it already had, the warfight begins. Our advantage lies at night as we can fly and fight in total darkness while the enemy cannot...thus the reason I keep hearing F-16s taking off I as I type this. Throughout the run, I was passed by up-armor humvees and other top end armored vehicles. At one point, I froze...two F-16s were taking off right over my head...and definitely NOT smooth on their bellies, if you know what I mean. All you could see were their afterburners and then they disappeared into the night. So awesome and the sound/sight of FREEDOM!!! Go Air Force! Eventually, I rounded up my run to an even 1/2 marathon, 13.1 miles. I did it to honor Dorothy who is running yet another 1/2 marathon tomorrow. It was sorta like doing it with her. So glad I did that tonight.
So there you have it...another day, another day closer to home. Goodnight, everyone!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Day 34
Guess what...after a day like yesterday, it's a bit tough to fall asleep. Add in F-16 fighter jets taking off, landing, and someone testing these engines, seemingly on my doorstep, you can just forget about falling asleep. 2am...yep, I was awake to see that time and yet, I had to meet others at 6:45am. I think I got about 3 hours of sleep after a crazy day and week prior. It's all good, though...so the day began.
This is the part of my journal that is going to get tricky. I have kept this blog very security conscious up until now and have maintained the secrecy of all details, places, names, and upcoming timelines. How do I now talk about my daily grind without detail about what I'm doing? I suppose I could come up with more code names...perhaps using Disney as a reference? That's a possibility. I'm going to dwell upon this for a bit and will get back with you. For now, though, I'll just give you the highlights of today...generally.
The first pretty cool thing? I am in an office with an Army officer, an Air Force officer, and me...a Navy officer. Also a Navy enlisted guy. Across the hall and part of the team is a civilian with the Agency I am here for who is a retired Navy guy. A lot of times in the service, you stay within your service and the opportunity to work joint...like this...is a great opportunity to work together, learn about each other's differences, likenesses, and develop some great friendships. I hit it off pretty good with everyone.
Most of the day was spent walking around the near vicinity of my office location and meet/greeting with different people in the different facets of the operation here. All pieces of the pie and all folks I need to know and build relationships with. Some civilian...some military...but all on the same "team." As the day wore on, I grew really, really tired. The lack of sleep and the greatly increased elevation were taking their toll on me. After securing my access badges for my building and computer accesses, I headed on back to relax, grab a latte, and pay for a month of internet in my room. It's flippin' expensive...$70 a month! That's insane but the connection with Kansas is priceless. Here's the thing, though...a short walk is free internet and I lose the convenience of in-room internet. After this month, I will decide whether or not to continue this railroading price of internet for this "convenience." I do not feel good about getting it even though Dorothy supported it. We'll see. The rest of the evening was spent responding to an e-mail that Tin Man sent me, Skyping with my dad, a little bit with Dorothy, and watching a movie in my room. I guess I'm as settled as I'm going to get. Since I have a microwave in my room, I need to pick up some popcorn. That sounds sooooo good right now. Light salt, lightly buttered, please.
We need goals. We all need goals. Tin Man asked me in her e-mail today about when I'm coming home from Oz and I gave her some hints to break down the time between now and then. Little interim goals to break it up..sorta makes it go faster. Hopefully that helps her. Plus, her soccer season will be coming up which will speed it along. Dang, I'm going to miss being at those games. For me, my goal is simple: do my job to the best of my ability, stay busy, and stay positive. By staying busy, time moves quicker and my ultimate goal is achieved faster....going HOME. I really feel that this tour will define my future in the Navy. Do I stay in? Do I get out? When I get home, I'll have over 14 years and can retire at 20. But, would I want to leave Kansas again? Would I REALLY? I never WANT to leave but would I be willing to do it all over again. I will propose this question at different times in the future and give you my answer. Today? Undecided. I can't say yes...or no. I just don't know. On the outside, I show no emotion. Inside, I miss them desperately. I am so thankful for technology and seeing them but seeing Dorothy today....dang, I miss her. She IS the other 1/2 of me.
Goodnight, everyone.
This is the part of my journal that is going to get tricky. I have kept this blog very security conscious up until now and have maintained the secrecy of all details, places, names, and upcoming timelines. How do I now talk about my daily grind without detail about what I'm doing? I suppose I could come up with more code names...perhaps using Disney as a reference? That's a possibility. I'm going to dwell upon this for a bit and will get back with you. For now, though, I'll just give you the highlights of today...generally.
The first pretty cool thing? I am in an office with an Army officer, an Air Force officer, and me...a Navy officer. Also a Navy enlisted guy. Across the hall and part of the team is a civilian with the Agency I am here for who is a retired Navy guy. A lot of times in the service, you stay within your service and the opportunity to work joint...like this...is a great opportunity to work together, learn about each other's differences, likenesses, and develop some great friendships. I hit it off pretty good with everyone.
Most of the day was spent walking around the near vicinity of my office location and meet/greeting with different people in the different facets of the operation here. All pieces of the pie and all folks I need to know and build relationships with. Some civilian...some military...but all on the same "team." As the day wore on, I grew really, really tired. The lack of sleep and the greatly increased elevation were taking their toll on me. After securing my access badges for my building and computer accesses, I headed on back to relax, grab a latte, and pay for a month of internet in my room. It's flippin' expensive...$70 a month! That's insane but the connection with Kansas is priceless. Here's the thing, though...a short walk is free internet and I lose the convenience of in-room internet. After this month, I will decide whether or not to continue this railroading price of internet for this "convenience." I do not feel good about getting it even though Dorothy supported it. We'll see. The rest of the evening was spent responding to an e-mail that Tin Man sent me, Skyping with my dad, a little bit with Dorothy, and watching a movie in my room. I guess I'm as settled as I'm going to get. Since I have a microwave in my room, I need to pick up some popcorn. That sounds sooooo good right now. Light salt, lightly buttered, please.
We need goals. We all need goals. Tin Man asked me in her e-mail today about when I'm coming home from Oz and I gave her some hints to break down the time between now and then. Little interim goals to break it up..sorta makes it go faster. Hopefully that helps her. Plus, her soccer season will be coming up which will speed it along. Dang, I'm going to miss being at those games. For me, my goal is simple: do my job to the best of my ability, stay busy, and stay positive. By staying busy, time moves quicker and my ultimate goal is achieved faster....going HOME. I really feel that this tour will define my future in the Navy. Do I stay in? Do I get out? When I get home, I'll have over 14 years and can retire at 20. But, would I want to leave Kansas again? Would I REALLY? I never WANT to leave but would I be willing to do it all over again. I will propose this question at different times in the future and give you my answer. Today? Undecided. I can't say yes...or no. I just don't know. On the outside, I show no emotion. Inside, I miss them desperately. I am so thankful for technology and seeing them but seeing Dorothy today....dang, I miss her. She IS the other 1/2 of me.
Goodnight, everyone.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Day 33 - Arrival in Oz
It has been a long journey and thousands of miles have been covered, lots of bullets shot, and gallons of sweat poured out, but I have finally arrived in Oz. Honestly, today feels like I lost a whole day of my life with yet another timezone shift. Here's how today went...
The day started hot again where it had since Sunday. Breakfast, caught up on some e-mail, then I headed on back to finish packing for yet another journey. Where we started at a few hundred for Army training, this group numbered under 20. We loaded yet another bus (horrible A/C, by the way) and headed to the airport where they put us in a tent...or like I like to say..incubator. Just by walking in the room, the sweat literally started pouring out. It was a train wreck. Plus, there were a LOT of Army folks already in there, adding to the moisture content in the air. We spent about an hour there then had a brief outside to go over our timeline then back to waiting. About 1/2 hour later, we lined up alphabetically, but now with about 100 Army soldiers, and boarded yet another bus for the flight line. At the line waited our "chariot"...an Air Force C-17. No flight attendants, no peanuts, and no TSA doing a body scan of us all. The photo here is a stock photo so for any of you thinking I am revealing private info, simple Google C-17 and there is a plethora of info about it.
The day started hot again where it had since Sunday. Breakfast, caught up on some e-mail, then I headed on back to finish packing for yet another journey. Where we started at a few hundred for Army training, this group numbered under 20. We loaded yet another bus (horrible A/C, by the way) and headed to the airport where they put us in a tent...or like I like to say..incubator. Just by walking in the room, the sweat literally started pouring out. It was a train wreck. Plus, there were a LOT of Army folks already in there, adding to the moisture content in the air. We spent about an hour there then had a brief outside to go over our timeline then back to waiting. About 1/2 hour later, we lined up alphabetically, but now with about 100 Army soldiers, and boarded yet another bus for the flight line. At the line waited our "chariot"...an Air Force C-17. No flight attendants, no peanuts, and no TSA doing a body scan of us all. The photo here is a stock photo so for any of you thinking I am revealing private info, simple Google C-17 and there is a plethora of info about it.
We were simply cargo on this jet and not one seat was spared. Sardine can and about 3 air pallets loaded down with all of our gear (remember those 4 seabags? they are still with me). We sat there for over an hour while the aircraft was loaded and engines fired up. That alone was a 20 minute evolution. Taking off was like any other jet except it felt like I was on an elephant lifting off the ground. Once at cruising altitude, I was the first one to pop up and go sneak a peak out the tiny little hole they call a window. I didn't snap a photo like my other flights because I really didn't want my iPhone confiscated. We're kinda in love with each other. :-) Once we were up there, it cooled off considerably which was a nice change from the 105F heat. I slept for some, read a magazine, played a few games, and before I knew it, the announcement came "We're now flying over Oz." Shortly thereafter, we made a rapid decent and landed not on sand, but on concrete!! After seeing nothing but desert for days, I was very happy to set foot on a concrete slab. I also felt a nice, cool breeze blowing. Reminded me of a Spring night back in Kansas. After landing, I sent a quick text off to Dorothy to let her know I arrived safely and included the comment "So this is really happening." Yep...it sure is.
Immediately upon landing in Oz, the local Navy representation greeted us and gave us a 30min brief. After that, my contact here was waiting! Talk about curbside service! We shook hands (trying to make a great first impression...only one chance!) and he helped carry my gear to our office's vehicle..a Toyota SUV. We weren't 50 yards off on the road and the conversation quickly turned to my job and what my mission will be. Yes, it was immediately obvious that they've been waiting for me. Before we even got in the SUV, though, he said he had some news for me. To be honest, I had but one wish...put me in my CHU (container housing unit) sooner than later. The CHU is like a baby apartment with a shared shower/toilet with one other person. I expected to live in a B-Hut for awhile (plywood wall room...no privacy) for two weeks. Well, that's EXACTLY what he said. My CHU was ready! We bee-lined straight there and even a TV/DVD was there. Not too shabby. I'll post some pics of it later. We then grabbed a bite to eat since I hadn't eaten since breakfast....just a cold-cut sandwich. Talk continued about the job. After a bite, I got a 30sec tour of the recreation facility just steps from my CHU where I am sitting now. Free WiFi, a gym, some pool tables, and that's about it. Internet in my room comes at a cost..I will look into that ASAP. For now, though, I'll take what I can get. It's not too slow, either.
So there you have it. I expect tomorrow will be a "fire hose" delivery of admin stuff, welcome aboard stuff, and base orientation. I don't expect much compassion (nor do I want any) for adjustment time. I expect the work to begin immediately. 7 days a week, too.
I thank you ALL for your prayers and support. It is time NOW to do what I was sent here to do...to support our country's warfighters...to keep them supplied, to be their advocate, to serve THEM as they serve US and keep us all FREE. I may lay my head down in a CHU tonight but many of them are out in the middle of nowhere in a tent, on a mountainside, trying to get some shut-eye. At least Mr. Moon is shining bright here tonight to keep us ALL company.
Goodnight, friends. It is way past my bedtime!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Day 32
105F...again. 82F, though, at 5:45am local time when I went for a run, my first run ever in the desert. It was strange...my clothes never even got sweaty through 6 miles due to the rock-bottom humidity. I felt totally parched, though. It was a great run followed by a pretty good breakfast. Later on after lunch, I Skyped with a good friend who runs the morning program on a local radio station back in Kansas. However, it wasn't the average Skype...I was on the air! That was pretty cool. He had interviewed my family and me about my deployment before I left so this was like an update for his listeners. Afterwards, I said good morning to my girls and to Dorothy via video yet again. Technology is great!
I'm going to keep it simple for you today...today was the day of laziness. I reorganized and packed some of my gear, did my laundry, picked up a few necessities at the exchange (retail store terminology), and even tried to take a nap..unsuccessfully, by the way. Late afternoon, the Navy folks who are stationed here briefed everyone on our next travel itineraries. This is the time where the majority of the group who went through combat training together is split in multiple directions. Everyone has their unique mission and ultimate "Oz" as do I, and this is where we reach our final destination. So yea..I now know the future plans, timeline, etc. Better yet, the folks expecting me have let me know they'll be there waiting for me...I bet!! My immediate senior said that he's been working on a project for the past three weeks and "can't wait for me to get there" so he can turn it over to me. The way I see it...the busier I am and more production I am, the faster time will go and the sooner I'll be heading home to Kansas. Yea, it's only Day 32 but I missed home 31 days ago.
I did well in the food category today. Came in under my calorie goal. I'm loving that new iPhone app and website. Very easy to use and a great tool to track how I'm doing throughout the day. I may not be able to send texts and make calls out here, but that iPhone is still in contant use. It's been priceless in its ability to Skype and FaceTime. So much easier than lugging a computer around.
That's it, folks. Yep, the shortest post in 32 days!
Side note: sunsets and sunrises here are so blah...no color, no anything. I really miss the beautiful ones on a daily basis from back home in Kansas. I also miss the feeling of carpet between my toes. The little things, I suppose.
Goodnight, everyone.
I'm going to keep it simple for you today...today was the day of laziness. I reorganized and packed some of my gear, did my laundry, picked up a few necessities at the exchange (retail store terminology), and even tried to take a nap..unsuccessfully, by the way. Late afternoon, the Navy folks who are stationed here briefed everyone on our next travel itineraries. This is the time where the majority of the group who went through combat training together is split in multiple directions. Everyone has their unique mission and ultimate "Oz" as do I, and this is where we reach our final destination. So yea..I now know the future plans, timeline, etc. Better yet, the folks expecting me have let me know they'll be there waiting for me...I bet!! My immediate senior said that he's been working on a project for the past three weeks and "can't wait for me to get there" so he can turn it over to me. The way I see it...the busier I am and more production I am, the faster time will go and the sooner I'll be heading home to Kansas. Yea, it's only Day 32 but I missed home 31 days ago.
I did well in the food category today. Came in under my calorie goal. I'm loving that new iPhone app and website. Very easy to use and a great tool to track how I'm doing throughout the day. I may not be able to send texts and make calls out here, but that iPhone is still in contant use. It's been priceless in its ability to Skype and FaceTime. So much easier than lugging a computer around.
That's it, folks. Yep, the shortest post in 32 days!
Side note: sunsets and sunrises here are so blah...no color, no anything. I really miss the beautiful ones on a daily basis from back home in Kansas. I also miss the feeling of carpet between my toes. The little things, I suppose.
Goodnight, everyone.
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