Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and wishes during Christmas and my birthday. Christmas was good with lots of sleep and visits to santa and the elves. There were many activities around our little Bedrock, as the Air Force community here is known as. Carnival, poker games, volleyball and horseshoe tournaments and such.
Tomorrow I am headed off base and into the community nearby. Should be interesting. Also get to go near the Zigurrat, a 6000 year old structure in remarkable condition. This area is where Abraham lived and the concept of monotheasism was concieved. Truly the birthplace of western civilization. Wow...what happened?
I will post pictures and more when I return tomorrow night!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Nice day today
Had a very nice day. Cleaned my CHU. Took down the bunkbed. Put my own sheets on. No more of the ragged GI linen. Got rid of most of the dust, sand and mud that accumulates in here. Weather was about 70 degrees (I'm guessing) and sunny. I think I'll plan a little cookout for the guys for next Sunday. Buy a little weber, some burgers and brats and get all the rest from the chow hall. You have to have something to look forward to!
This week was very busy. We were visited by Gen McNabb, commander of US Transportation Command. Then by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen. Followed those guys around all day taking pictures and writing stories about the visit. Had to remeber how to lay out a news magazine, but finally got that completed. The Bedrock Bulletin is emailed to everyone on base every Friday. We embed video reports produced by Miguel into the Bulletin, so it is a nice product. I do this every week now. Should keep me busy.
Miguel, the LT and I took a little drive yesterday to the local Iraqi market on base. Bought a Battlestar Galactica movie I hadn't seen (I'm a sci fi geek) and the complete seven seasons of the Soprano's for $26. Little different from the states. Took a swing by Chemical Ali's labroratory and the golden archesd that used to be the main entrance when the Iraqi's owned this base. Pictures to follow.
Spoke to Jodi via the magic jack (great investment!). So nice to talk like you're in the next room. In the old days when I was assigned overseas ('78-'80, '81-'83), it cost a fortune to call home. Or I used the MARS system of volunteers staffing a shortwave radio system. Everytime you stopped talking, you had to say "Over." Then every volunteer along the way switched a lever that allowed the other person to speak. It was a good system, as long as you said the magic word. Today, everything is over the internet. I'll be skyping later.
So all is well here in Iraq. Hope everyone is getting ready for the holidays and not getting too stressed. I'll have lots of pictures next week of the christmas festivities. Oh yeah, I saw Anna Konikova as she came off the C-130 on a USO visit. I was there to photograph Adm Mullen and there she was, right next to me. So I took a paparazzi shot. I'll post a few pictures in a bit...
This week was very busy. We were visited by Gen McNabb, commander of US Transportation Command. Then by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen. Followed those guys around all day taking pictures and writing stories about the visit. Had to remeber how to lay out a news magazine, but finally got that completed. The Bedrock Bulletin is emailed to everyone on base every Friday. We embed video reports produced by Miguel into the Bulletin, so it is a nice product. I do this every week now. Should keep me busy.
Miguel, the LT and I took a little drive yesterday to the local Iraqi market on base. Bought a Battlestar Galactica movie I hadn't seen (I'm a sci fi geek) and the complete seven seasons of the Soprano's for $26. Little different from the states. Took a swing by Chemical Ali's labroratory and the golden archesd that used to be the main entrance when the Iraqi's owned this base. Pictures to follow.
Spoke to Jodi via the magic jack (great investment!). So nice to talk like you're in the next room. In the old days when I was assigned overseas ('78-'80, '81-'83), it cost a fortune to call home. Or I used the MARS system of volunteers staffing a shortwave radio system. Everytime you stopped talking, you had to say "Over." Then every volunteer along the way switched a lever that allowed the other person to speak. It was a good system, as long as you said the magic word. Today, everything is over the internet. I'll be skyping later.
So all is well here in Iraq. Hope everyone is getting ready for the holidays and not getting too stressed. I'll have lots of pictures next week of the christmas festivities. Oh yeah, I saw Anna Konikova as she came off the C-130 on a USO visit. I was there to photograph Adm Mullen and there she was, right next to me. So I took a paparazzi shot. I'll post a few pictures in a bit...
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Why does every other blog
look better than mine? Guess I just don't have the time, energy, or interest in making this thing an award winner. However, it's fun just to do it. So we have a very busy week, especially as the guys are leaving and Miguel and I are taking over, along with the lieutenant. I'll describe the week's events this coming Sunday (my day off) as best I can, considering where I'm at and what we're doing. I think you'll find the week very interesting!
Hope everyone is having a fine time getting ready for Christmas. Remember that the holiday is meant to be with the ones you love and that love you, whether together or just in spirit and memory.
And now for a few pictures.
Hope everyone is having a fine time getting ready for Christmas. Remember that the holiday is meant to be with the ones you love and that love you, whether together or just in spirit and memory.
And now for a few pictures.
My CHU.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Flag football time
Going to the Sunday football game. Be sure to check out my older posts on the blog; lots of pictures.
In Iraq
Again, it has been a whirlwind. We left Qatar on a C-130 and arrived at Ali Base, Iraq at 1 am Thursday. Checking in was relatively painless and quick. My compatriot, Miguel, and I were met by Lt. Korey and the three enlisted Public Affairs guys that we're replacing. After the paperwork shuffle, they took us to our CHU's (containerized housing units) for a few hours sleep.
All things considered, the CHU's are pretty nice. It's a long trailer divided into four individual rooms. Fridge, bed, desk, wall locker. Pictures to follow.
Thursday I spent at the 407th Aero Expeditionary Group headquarters meeting people and getting the lowdown on the mission. I have an office and all the tools to get the information job done. Friday and Saturday were spent gleaning as much info from the outgoing guys as possible. I think they'll be here until next Tuesday, when they catch their freedom flight back home. All three are young guys in their mid 20's.
We work six days per week, 7 am to 7 pm. However, that's not too bad when you consider what else there is to do. I will fill you in on the recreational activities as time goes on. It's Sunday, December 13th at 10 am at the moment and Sunday at 1 am back home. So I can't call anyone as they're all in bed.
Yesterday I ran a 5K Fun Run. Wasn't sure I could do it as I haven't run 3.2 miles in probably 30 years. So you suck it up and see what happens. Hey, there were still people behind me when I finished so I'm happy!
Anyway, time to post some pictures. You can always post comments, I like to hear from my 'peeps'!
All things considered, the CHU's are pretty nice. It's a long trailer divided into four individual rooms. Fridge, bed, desk, wall locker. Pictures to follow.
Thursday I spent at the 407th Aero Expeditionary Group headquarters meeting people and getting the lowdown on the mission. I have an office and all the tools to get the information job done. Friday and Saturday were spent gleaning as much info from the outgoing guys as possible. I think they'll be here until next Tuesday, when they catch their freedom flight back home. All three are young guys in their mid 20's.
We work six days per week, 7 am to 7 pm. However, that's not too bad when you consider what else there is to do. I will fill you in on the recreational activities as time goes on. It's Sunday, December 13th at 10 am at the moment and Sunday at 1 am back home. So I can't call anyone as they're all in bed.
Yesterday I ran a 5K Fun Run. Wasn't sure I could do it as I haven't run 3.2 miles in probably 30 years. So you suck it up and see what happens. Hey, there were still people behind me when I finished so I'm happy!
Anyway, time to post some pictures. You can always post comments, I like to hear from my 'peeps'!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Blistering
Hot out here today. Pushing 80 degrees, bright and sunny. We leave a little later this afternoon and head to parts unknown. Hopefully, we'll get to where we're going quickly. But...our flight could be cancelled on the runway or we could be diverted to another base. Either way, I live to serve.
A friend, Matt, observed how odd it is to be sweating profusely during the day and have to wear another layer in the evening due to the chill. I would think that Arizona is similar, but I have no first-hand experience. As you can tell, I'm typing to kill time, sitting in the coffee shop where the single air conditioner in the wall is working overtime to keep the heat out. Not sure that it is winning.
Just got a haircut. Shortest it's been since my Dad and boot camp cut it this close to the skull. But it is just too hot to have anything on top. Saw a few civilian contractors with poneytails. You know the type; forty something men with the widow's peak and long hair pulled into a pony-tail via a comb-back barely covering an almost bald pate. I wanted to ask them, "Uh, what's the point? The statement you're trying to make?" When I retire from the Reserve upon my return next summer, I'm starting a pony tail. Or maybe pig tails. Now that's a statement.
A friend, Matt, observed how odd it is to be sweating profusely during the day and have to wear another layer in the evening due to the chill. I would think that Arizona is similar, but I have no first-hand experience. As you can tell, I'm typing to kill time, sitting in the coffee shop where the single air conditioner in the wall is working overtime to keep the heat out. Not sure that it is winning.
Just got a haircut. Shortest it's been since my Dad and boot camp cut it this close to the skull. But it is just too hot to have anything on top. Saw a few civilian contractors with poneytails. You know the type; forty something men with the widow's peak and long hair pulled into a pony-tail via a comb-back barely covering an almost bald pate. I wanted to ask them, "Uh, what's the point? The statement you're trying to make?" When I retire from the Reserve upon my return next summer, I'm starting a pony tail. Or maybe pig tails. Now that's a statement.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Made it to the AOR!
Whew! Been a wild couple of days. Started in Minneapolis, where I spent a week before I deployed with my family, wife Jodi and my daughters Emily and Megan. It was wonderful to be with them but sad at the same time. Sometimes it's just better to pack your bags and go than to prolong the departure. But I'm glad we spent that time together as a family. Had a great send-off dinner at Jodi's sister's house with Lisa and Ted, Erin and her kids, minus Dean who was playing drums at a gig somewhere. Too bad, whould have liked to have seen him. Jodi's mom Loretta was there too. Always a good time.
So the next morning, Dec 5th, we said our goodbye's and I outprocessed from the 934th Airlift Wing. Caught a flight to Norfolk, VA and on to Norfolk Naval Air Station. Spent the night in lodging and on to the military passenger terminal the next morning. About 130 of us left on a chartered 757 for Germany at 10 AM. After 7.5 hours, we landed outside Berlin at midnight. Weather was about 40 degrees. Spent the next six hours haning out at the terminal and unable to sleep. Left Germany at six AM and caught the sunrise somewhere over Egypt. Then on to Al Eudid, Quatar. So we are on an island in the Persian Gulf until tomorrow.
This base is better known as Camp Cupcake, as it has a large pool, Dairy Queen, BK, Pizza Hut, three beers a day, and a coffe shop (thank heavens!). Looks like Arizona, brown everywhere, as is the sand. Yesterday was filled with in-processing (wait in line), being issued our IBA (Individual Body Armor), chemical suit, helmet and all kinds of gear to lug around. OK, my bud Miguel is here and we're headed to the chow hall for lunch. More info and pictures this afternoon!
So the next morning, Dec 5th, we said our goodbye's and I outprocessed from the 934th Airlift Wing. Caught a flight to Norfolk, VA and on to Norfolk Naval Air Station. Spent the night in lodging and on to the military passenger terminal the next morning. About 130 of us left on a chartered 757 for Germany at 10 AM. After 7.5 hours, we landed outside Berlin at midnight. Weather was about 40 degrees. Spent the next six hours haning out at the terminal and unable to sleep. Left Germany at six AM and caught the sunrise somewhere over Egypt. Then on to Al Eudid, Quatar. So we are on an island in the Persian Gulf until tomorrow.
This base is better known as Camp Cupcake, as it has a large pool, Dairy Queen, BK, Pizza Hut, three beers a day, and a coffe shop (thank heavens!). Looks like Arizona, brown everywhere, as is the sand. Yesterday was filled with in-processing (wait in line), being issued our IBA (Individual Body Armor), chemical suit, helmet and all kinds of gear to lug around. OK, my bud Miguel is here and we're headed to the chow hall for lunch. More info and pictures this afternoon!
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