Saturday, March 31, 2007

30 March 2007: Blackhawks over LSAA

LSAA is home to a Combat Support Hospital (commonly referred to as the "cash"). I've visited the place since I've been here to speak with soldiers being treated there. Several times a day the hospital receives inbound medevac Blackhawks. Whenever a pair of medevacs appears overhead it is a solemn occasion. Inbound means casualties. Although we may have a casual attitude about IDF attacks, we always notice the medevacs. Yesterday was a busy day at the Cash. There were a lot of Blackhawks over LSAA.

My day? Big event was briefing my AAR (After Action Review) of the mission to Camp Striker. Then my team did a massive cleaning and organizing of our office. We're fully functional again. It's a lull around here but it won't last long. That's a good thing because the only time this place gets in your head is when you aren't busy. I like being busy.

I must give a shout out to all my friends and cadets back in the Providence College Army ROTC battaliion. It's Military Ball weekend! Damn I'm sorry I'll have to miss this one. I expect a full report. Just keep in mind that I can't run interference with the hotel manager this year. You're all on your own. Try not to get us banned from another hotel ok? Spontaneous fun is what I'm all about. Just use this rule of thumb and you should be good - "What would LTC H do?"

Rock on! Baseball opening day is coming soon - GO SOX!!!

Friday, March 30, 2007

29 March 2007: Day in Life Anaconda Style

If I'm in Anaconda it means I'm not out on mission. That means I have a little more time to lay back and enjoy the good life. Today started out with a bang (literally) when we had a pretty intense IDF (indirect fire) attack. I guess the bad guys didn't want us to miss breakfast - the most important meal of the day. I just laid in bed and listened to the whole thing. The sound of the C-RAM (Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar) system is rythym to the ears. It's a radar-controlled gatlin gun that puts a wall of lead in the air. Hell I don't need any alarm clock here. Thanks insurgents!

So the day was slack. Having returned late the night before I gave the rest of the team off. I went to our morning training brief at the battalion and then I proceeded with a day of recovery from mission. That meant, basically, going back to bed for a while. However being the officer in charge of my team meant that I had to get some work done (behind the scenes stuff like writing up my after action review of the mission to Camp Striker). I made it to the gym to work up a sweat and voila! It's the end of another day. But not quite..... There was another activity that called my attention. I stopped by the Air Force MWR (Morale Wellfare Recreation) center to see what type of entertainment was in store. Ah! Karaoke night! What's wrong with today's AF? Every singer in the line-up was belting out some slow, sappy, lovefest shit that was peeling paint off the walls. I had to make one of two choices - puke my guts out or shake things up. I chose the latter. First I got up and sang "Longview" by Greenday (replete with F-bombs). Then I electrified the previously catatonic crowd with "TNT" by AC/DC. The DJ was so excited he asked me to enter the upcoming "Balad Idol" contest. You see - even in the middle of all this there's fun to be had. Now, if I could just have a beer.... Yuengling perhaps.

So that was the day. I hope you figured out that it wasn't a typical day.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

28 March 2007: C17 - The Cadillac of Air Mobility

Hello Friends! I do apologize for my tardiness in this post. I've returned to LSA Anaconda. My team and I got back late on the 28th. We flew out of BIAP and arrived at almost midnite. Our flight was supposed to be a C130, which is a turboprop airplane of 1950's vintage. Don't get me wrong, the Hercules (C130) is a true workhorse that has soldiered on for many years. It isn't the most comfortable plane to ride on though. You have to sit on cargo net seats packed in with pallets of whatever else. The plane is noisy and if you have to use the toilet it requires you to move to the back of the plane, fold out an apron that blocks everyone else's view, and then do your business to the rythmic swaying and bucking of the aircraft. God help you if you need to do number 2. So at this point you must be thinking what does a C17 have to do with this? I'll tell you. We ended up making the trip on a C17, which is a big, beautiful, modern, jet transport. Instead of cargo nets we get padded fold-down seats with plenty of elbow room. The inside is gleaming and spacious. The bathroom is just like one you'd find on a jetliner. It's literally the Cadillac of Air Mobility. It was a happy occasion for all of us when they announced the change of airframes for our flight. The flight from BIAP back to Anaconda? Smooth - lasting all of 17 minutes.

My team will return to Camp Striker in a few weeks. The soldiers we assisted were extremely grateful for the training we provided. We were presented with Certificates of Appreciation in a nice ceremony. A COA and a $1.75 will get you a small coffee at Starbucks. It did make us feel good about our efforts. In that regard, it was a nice "atta-boy" for all of us - especially the younger soldiers on my team. Some of you are probably wondering what my team does. I'll save that for another blog. It's late and I'm beat. Sorry this post was kinda lame. I'll make up for it.

Later friends!

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

27 March 2007: Mongolian BBQ at the Commando Cafe

Ha! The photo challenge is solved! I will edit some of my previous posts to include images. I'll just leave my comments below "as is" rather than attempting to edit.


First I have to apologize that I don't have any photos. I'm working on it. It's not that I haven't taken any - to the contrary. Once I get back to LSA Anaconda and have access to my own computer I'll be able to upload a few images. Anyway, back to my thoughts for today. About the title? I failed to note that the name of the massive Camp Striker mess hall is "Commando Cafe". It's not exactly original but it is fuckin' awesome. So simply stated, today for lunch I ate in the Mongolian BBQ line at the Commando Cafe. If you are ever passing through Camp Striker make sure you stop by the Commando Cafe for chow. It rocks. I'll see if I can get it posted (with a 5-star rating) in the Michelin Guide.

My team has wrapped up our training for today. We'll spend the rest of the day and evening exploring this massive complex. That means I'll have more to share as a postscript. Stay tuned and don't worry - photos are coming. Later friends!

Monday, March 26, 2007

SSG Darrell R. Griffin, 13 March 1971 - 21 March 2007

Yesterday after training was complete I stopped by my hooch before heading over to supper. As I left to the DFAC I heard the mournful call of a bagpipe coming from the MWR (Morale, Welfare, Recreation). "Amazing Grace" guided my path into the MWR area, where I found soldiers gathering for a Fallen Comrade ceremony. Assembled were the troopers of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. They were there to bid farewell to one of their own, a brother, a leader, a friend. His name was SSG Darrell R. Griffin. He died in combat 21 March 2007. On the stage were the traditional boots, rifle, helmet, and dogtags placed before the U.S. flag and the Army flag with campaign streamers. A photo of SSG Griffin was placed to the right of his boots. I didn't know anyone present but stayed. I listened to the words of his commander and his squad mates and felt the powerful, positive way SSG Griffin had impacted all of them. When he didn't answer the roll call of the First Sergeant a farewell volley was fired followed by taps. At that time every soldier of his unit paid a final, silent tribute to their fallen comrade by approaching the stage in groups of three, saluting in unison, and then moving off in precision. Some say that a real man never cries. I say that's bullshit. A real man sheds tears for his friends, his family. Yesterday I was surrounded by real men. SSG Darrell R. Griffin, I never knew you nor did I ever have the privilege of serving along side you. I sincerely regret that I never did on both counts. God bless you.

26 March 2007: Dixieland Jazz Lunch at Camp Striker


My team and I swooped in on BIAP (Baghdad International Airport) last night around 2230 courtesy of Uh-60 Blackhawks flown by "Catfish Air". They're a great outfit from the Alabama National Guard and did a damn fine job flying under night vision. The only "action" was a test fire of weapons by the side door gunners after we took off. I tried to film it but lighting was no good. Now we're at Camp Striker conducting redeployment training and we'll enjoy our stay here for a few days. This place is just one of several camps that comprise the massive Camp Victory complex that surrounds the airport. Camp Striker is a labyrinth of massive jersey barriers surrounding tents and trailers. It's pretty standard stuff around here. I get to stay in one of the "VIP" trailers. It's about 10x10 with a TV. I still have to walk about 300 meters to the shower. Latrines are courtesy of KBR port-o-jons. Stay tuned for a story on that subject.

I stayed at Camp Striker briefly back in 2005 and much has changed since then. One of the changes is the mess hall. Back then it was a tent mess hall. Now it is a huge warehouse facility, completely modern, with seating for probably 2,000. Like all the other DFACs here it is run by KBR. There's a short-order, stir-fry, homestyle meals, sandwich, smoothie, salad, pasta, and ice cream line. Today there was a group of soldier musicians serenading us with Dixieland Jazz while we ate. It's an amazing facility in the middle of this place. Walking into the mess hall today made me think of something about Iraq that every soldier experiences. It's the question of toilet paper or paper towels. Let me explain....

When you walk into any DFAC (dining facility) you are required to wash your hands. Several sinks and soap are provided. The problem comes when you go to dry your hands. There are towel dispensers but the paper has the consistency of very flimsy toilet paper. So you have to pull a huge wad out to dry your hands without making a sticky mess of paper goo. Ok so you've eaten in the mess hall and it's several hours later. Now you pay the price and have to visit the Port-o-let. You go to wipe, only to find that the toilet paper has the texture of course paper towels and feels like sand paper on your ass. I've heard it called "John Wayne toilet paper" because it's "rough as hell and doesn't take shit off of anyone." So it's one interesting dilemna because the TP would come in handy at the DFAC while the "drying towels" would be much more useful wiping an ass. Ah the goofy tales we'll tell our grandchildren....

Till tomorrow friends!

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Sunday, 25 March 2007; Pax terminal hell

What a day. It's not an unusual event around here to spend hours and hours in pax(passenger) terminals waiting on military transportation. My team and I did just that today. Oh we were definitely "space-blocked" and on the manifest. We even rode the bus out to the waiting C130 with the other passengers. It wasn't until then that we were told there was only room for 11 due to the restricted load plan. I gave up our spots to a group of soldiers that were headed home on R&R. I thought it wouldn't be any problem to get manifested on a later flight. Wrong!! Cargo flights only to Baghdad and they were closed out. Since my team has a mission to perform we had to get a flight. So we headed over to "Catfish Air", which is the Army helicopter portion of the flight line. We're still waiting to find out. The mission to Baghdad may get put on hold for a day or so. All of these aircraft at LSAA and no space for six soldiers. We'll get to where we're going though. It just might be a day or two late. Stay tuned.

It rained cats and dogs last night turning every bare spot of dirt into a muddy quaqmire. I can't really describe Iraq mud and give it justice. It's like sticky bondo goo that won't come off no matter how hard you pound your boots. You literally have to wait until it's completely dry and then chisel it off like cement. Ok, gotta go for now....

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Stuck in Anaconda, waiting for a mission...

Ok, this isn't Apocalypse Now. I just like the reference. Actually, I am awaiting my first mission. My teams are ready and we really will be getting very busy in just a few days. That's why I'm taking advantage of this opportunity to send out my latest update. I've mentioned before that my teams will be assisting brigade-sized units with their redeployment home. We'll be the first point of contact for the warfighters and will make it much easier and efficient for them to move their gear to the ports in Kuwait. Basically, my teams are the tip of the spear for redeployment. These guys won't be coming to us for help - we go to them. That means I'll probably visit every FOB (do I need to define that term again anyone?) in Iraq. Anaconda is just the base of our operation. Now back to the reference to Apocalypse Now - our first mission is upcoming. Due to operational security, I won't tell you anything about where I'm going. You'll get the generic "this is where I've been" stuff.

Now Anaconda isn't a bad place to be as far as a war zone. I know I told you some about the place. Did I mention that there's a Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Subway, and a Popeye's? Hell there's more fast food restaurants than you'll find in all of Providence. Speaking of, all my peeps back in RI will be happy to know that I'm still an "East Sider". That's right - Anaconda is divided into LSAA East and LSAA West. Most of the Air Force pukes(just kidding Hoz) live on the West Side. So even thousands of miles away I'm still on the East Side. I haven't found the LSAA Ivy Tavern though. Plenty of opportunity here Dave - think about it. When you drive around this place you realize that most of the streets are Monopoly names. It is an interesting place. There's a mortar attack about 3-4 times a day. Nobody reacts though because they are so inaccurate and normally hit outside the wire.

Some of you may be wondering how the morale is holding up. To put it plainly, morale is sky-high. With all the gloom you hear in the news back home it may be hard for some of you to believe that. However, folks here are doing their jobs and enjoying a comradeship that people who've never worn a uniform have a hard time understanding. Another thing to keep in mind is that our military is all volunteer. Yeah, morale isn't an issue whatsoever. Last night I saw "300" at the LSAA theater. The place was packed to capacity. I wasn't overly moved by the movie. However it was easy to understand why soldiers, marines, airmen, sailors are flocking to see it. The basic premise of why we willingly sacrifice of ourselves is expressed. Comradeship is broken into it's most basic component that represents the building block of teamwork. You count on the person to your left and right - they, in turn, count on you. Now for my critical piece on the movie? Again, I wasn't that overwhelmed. It doesn't even come close to touching on the amazing history surrounding Thermopylae. Anyone who hasn't read history will walk away thinking the Persian king Xerxes was an 8ft tall gay man. I guess the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was first implemented in the Persian army of 450BC. If you haven't seen the movie I'd advise you wait for the DVD. In the meantime, read up on your ancient Spartan history.

Ah Camp Shelby is a distant memory now. I don't miss it at all. Enough for now. I hope all of you are well.

Days without a beer: 15

Later friends

Reporting for duty at Anaconda

My first report from Anaconda, Balad, Iraq:

Iraq at last! Greetings everyone! Yep! I'm in Balad. This place is the logistics center for everything going on here in country. It's referred to as Logistic (or Life, depending on who you talk to) Support Area Anaconda. We just call it Anaconda for short. It will be my home for the next year (though not where I'll spend the entire time). However, it will serve as the place I hang my hat and keep my gear. As accomodations go I'm living large. I'm in a one-man trailer that has it's own latrine (including shower). Is it a big deal? Hell yeah. Once I get my trailer configured it will have a TV, internet, coffee maker, frig, and a microwave. This isn't your typical redneck trailer home that tornados zero in on. My trailer is part of a huge complex of trailer billets. Each cell has a mayor and is surrounded by giant jersey barriers. Each individual trailer is, in turn, surrounded by sandbags. I didn't mention that this place gets mortared a lot. Over the years it's come to be known as "Mortaritaville".

Let's see... I also have my own level 2 up-armored humvee to drive around. I know that some of you have actually been here so you already know what this place is all about. Most of you haven't so you may find all this hard to believe. However, Anaconda has an excellent gym, a first-run movie theater, several excellent dining facilities (mess halls for you old-school types), and a swimming pool. When I have time off I do have things to keep me occupied.

My work will have me travelling quite a bit so Anaconda is just a place to call home. As time moves on I'll fill you all in on what I do and what a normal day consists of. I don't have any photos right now but many will follow. Also, I'm still intent on starting a blog. I'm going to be working very closely with just about every major Army unit presently in country. Remember what I told all of you before I left - my job is to help soldiers come home faster. Stay tuned. Sorry this was more generic than my normal updates. Let me just say this - I'm fuckin' happy as hell to have Camp Shelby in the rear view mirror. Now it's time to get down to business.

Days without a beer: 8

Later my friends!

Pre-deployment training part 6

From 9 March 2007 - finally on my way to Iraq:

Greetings All!

This will be a brief update. As you must've guessed by the subject line I'm on my way. I'm writing from Liepzig, Germany, where our contracted airliner stopped for refueling. There's about 300 soldiers on our flight - most of them returning to Iraq from their 2 weeks of R&R. I'm heading up our unit advance party so I've got three other officers with me. I'll arrive in Balad, Iraq on the 10th after an overnight in Kuwait. The rest of the unit will follow in a few days. Once there I will send out my new mailing address. Bottom line - don't send me anything to Camp Shelby as I've departed that resort for greener pastures.

That's about all for now. I'll give a more extensive update soon. This past weekend was fabulous and it was great to be a civilian for a few days. I had a wonderful time with Jacqueline and my parents in Memphis and Tunica. Sideline benefit? The beer counter has been reset! Ah the memories I'll be sharing with you all in the coming months! Stay tuned!

Days without a beer: 3

Pre-deployment training, part 5

This one brings everybody up to 25 February 2007, Camp Shelby, MS:

Hello Everyone!

It's a sleepy Sunday here in beautiful Camp Shelby. Actually, don't take that description to heart. I don't really have that much to report but thought a few quick comments would be in order. We've been done with our required training since the 11th. Basically, we're just waiting for our expected ship date. For me it will be sometime around the 9th of March. So in the meantime we get to enjoy an all-expenses paid stay at this premium resort facility. It's complete with a mess hall where at least once a week you can recall your childhood with meals like corndogs and hot pockets. The labyrinth of sidewalks go nowhere and were most likely the results of local boy scouts completing their Eagle projects. There's beer for sale in the PX but we can't buy any. I did discover something unexpected - Camp Shelby does have an incredibly nice museum. It covers both the history of the Camp and it's association with the wars of our nation dating back to the Civil War.

Ah but there is relief coming in the form of a 4-day pass. It will be next weekend. I must apologize to all my friends in Providence because I won't be spending it there (too much of a weather risk on my travel). Instead I'll be spending part of the pass in Memphis, TN with Jacqueline. Then we'll be joining my parents in Tunica, MS at their favorite casino. Anyone planning on being in Memphis next weekend? Let me know so we can get together. What about my "days without" counter? Good question. General Order #1 is not in effect during my pass. So the counter will get reset to zero and start over after the pass.

I'm so glad that I'll be putting Camp Shelby in the rear-view mirror soon. As hard as it may seem to believe, my living arrangements will be so much better in Balad. Camp Shelby is retro-Army dating back to the days when Nathan Bedford Forrest was leading his cavalry at Brice's Crossroads (that's Civil War for you all who are history challenged). I get the impression that running water was only recently introduced around here.

Ok so I'm just rambling now. Thanks to all of you who have dropped me a line. I love hearing from all of you. Please don't hesitate to let me know what's up with you. Until next time!

Days without a beer: 41

Pre-deployment training, part 4

1 - 13 February 2007, Camp Shelby, MS:

Greetings All!

Yes it's time for me to update all of you. I'm sure you've all been holding your collective breath wondering what's going on. Actually, if you fit that category I'd recommend you pick up a hobby or something. I know it has been more than a week but, to be fair, I have been rather busy until now. The good news is that as of this past Sunday we have completed the 1st Army directed training. That means no more waking up at 0400, putting on all my body armor and rolling out to the woods. From now on the unit will be conducting internal training that's designed to sharpen the skills we're expected to bring to the table to complete our mission. So 28 straight days of generic pre-deployment training is over. Basically, I've gone through ROTC advanced camp but this time I WAS the cadet. The past week and a half we learned basic operations of a tactical operations center (TOC), setting up an entry control point, base defense operations, counter-IED patrolling, individual movement techniques (yes, we all had to do buddy teams of high crawl, low crawl, and 3-5 sec rushes), first aid, donning the chemical protective clothing, and (best for last) we went into the tear gas chamber for a healthy dose of CS. Attached is a photo of some of my comrades and me in the chamber. I'm the 3rd guy from the right. If you are wondering what in the hell we're doing just hold on - I'll explain. In the Army you don't just go in the chamber and walk out. Instead you go in and wait for the gas to get REAL strong. Then you do things like the side-straddle hop, push-ups, running in place to get your heart rate up before you unmask for a good wiff of tear gas. Only then do you exit. So that's us doing the side-straddle hop in our protective masks. The sterno-stove looking canister in the forefront is the CS gas dispenser. Don't you all wish you could do this?

Just because we're done with the hard core training doesn't mean there isn't any more excitement around here. This morning we were rousted out of bed at 0430 by a tornado warning. A severe weather system came through and a tornado actually formed in the same county. What did I do? I got dressed and walked to the mess hall. Hey as long as I'm up I'm going to get some coffee and breakfast. After all, we're not near any trailer parks here so there was nothing to worry about.

Yesterday the officers and senior NCOs of our unit were treated to a terriffic talk by LTG Russel Honore (1st Army Commander). All of you are familiar with him. He's the Army general that basically got the Hurricane Katrina relief effort moving (I don't mean that facetiously either). The man would be elected mayor of New Orleans in a landslide if he were running. He's a straight-talking, no-nonsense cajun that I would not want to cross. Also at his talk were the commanding general of the Afghanistan Army and the Chief of the Afghan National Police. He had a variety of quotes that I loved. My favorite was at the end. He said "I carry a big'ol sack of whoop ass and a bag of lollipops everywhere I go. I'm fresh out of lollipops though." His open-door policy included inviting anyone in his organization to e-mail him. Just remember it's Russel with one L.

Some of you may wonder what I've done for recreation. Not much actually, although there have been about three opportunities to go out in Hattiesburg for supper or shopping. Last night a group of us went to Outback (please understand that this isn't Providence). For fun afterward we went to Walmart. Oh my God it just doesn't matter where you go to Walmart, the mullet and camouflage hunting outfits are ALWAYS in style. That isn't gender specific either. Did going off-post mean drinking? Not unless you include unsweetened ice tea and water.

So what's next? Well it appears I'll be here at Camp S-HELL-by (thanks Terry) until around mid-March. Then we finally leave (THANK GOD) and get on with the real business. I'm still headed to Balad, Iraq but fresh info leads me to believe that I'll be spending part of this deployment in Afghanistan as well. Whatever.... That's just what we do and we do it by choice. No matter what your opinion of this war may be I respect it and nothing I ever say in my updates or blog will be to promote one side or the other. I do have one request though. If something were to happen to me on this deployment (IT WON'T SO DON'T WORRY) please DO NOT use my name as fuel for protest pro or con. I do what I do by choice. In my opinion this generation of soldiers, sailers, marines, and airmen are the greatest generation. Why? Because every one of them do what they do by their own free will. They all wear the uniform because they made that decision - not because they were forced. Quite frankly, some of the finest men and women you will find in this entire great nation of ours wear the uniform proudly. I only hope that all of you have the opportunity to meet some of the people I've been honored (and will be honored) to serve with.

That being said, it doesn't mean that what we do doesn't come without hardship. I do miss you all. There will be a big party when this is over. You're all invited and I hope that you all attend.

Holy shit this letter is getting a little long. Time to wrap up - until next time folks!

Days without a beer: 29

The pre-deployment training, part 3


20 -31 January 2007, Camp Shelby, MS:

Greetings to all! Some of you are just now getting added to the list. If you want my first two updates just give me a shout and I'll forward them to you. Ok, on with it.... Yes it's Fort again and I apologize for the delay since my last update. It's actually been rather busy around here. I just got back from a five day field exercise (I'll describe later). Computer access has been limited. I know you won't believe me when I say this but I'll have better e-mail access once in Iraq. Let me start by saying that I hope everyone is doing well.

Camp Shelby continues to live up to its reputation as a veritable paradise. Since my last update my unit has trained on identifying IEDs, reacting to IEDs, mounted combat patrols, land navigation, combatives, etc., etc. During the past five days we drove out in a bunch of Humvees to a simulated FOB (forward operating base). That tent city - surrounded by high berms and concertina wire - became our home. While there we did a lot of convoy type operations in both simulated and live fire conditions. All in all, the training was pretty well conducted. The FOB was pretty realistic too except that there was no food court, internet cafe, PX, phone center, rug shop, bling bling shop, etc. I mean that too because in Iraq all those comforts are provided. Not in Camp Shelby though... It was pretty damn cold too. Walking in flip-flops on gravel to the shower tent when it's 25 degrees out is an interesting event. I have a stubbed toe to prove it.

So what's on the agenda now? I'm really not certain. General order 1 (shelby style) will dictate that no alcohol can be consumed for the Super Bowl. I know the Ivy crowd will be happy to hear that my Super Bowl will be a unit party with hot dogs, chips, cokes, and a single 27" TV hooked up to rabbit ears. Holy shit I'm so excited about the prospect that I almost have spontaneous bowl movements when I think of it. Now if I can just figure out who to root for. I expect to be here for another 3-4 weeks in case anyone is wondering.

Alright I'm not going to bore you all any more. It just hasn't been that exciting here (if you can imagine). We did have my official promotion ceremony and I've attached a photo. In perfect Army fashion it was held in pre-dawn darkness. Hmmm... I guess that's about it for now. Snookers crowd - how about letting me know how the contest turned out ok? Stay tuned. I certainly miss everyone. More to follow. Next time you tip a beer remember me.

Days without a beer: 17

Later all!

Mobilization to Deployment, 16 January - 9 March 2007; part 2

16-19 January 2007, Camp Shelby, MS - as I recollected:

Hello Everyone!

Did I mention that Camp Shelby is the armpit of the Army? It's quite possible that it qualifies for an even more infernal description. There hasn't been a sunny day yet. The past week has been busy, boring, tedious.... get the point? Today we fired 9mm pistol qualification. That was actually a welcome excitement compared to some of the lectures I've sat through in the past few days. Tomorrow we have combatives training. It boils down to this - every unit has to validate a long list of training tasks before it can deploy. It's a "crawl, walk, run" approach that makes veterans of this process (like me) suffer.

Some of you have heard me describe "General Order 1". It basically states that soldiers deployed to the Mideast are not allowed to drink or possess alcohol. I won't go into the why. However, it turns out that this craziness also applies to Camp Shelby. So for your enjoyment I will be listing my "days without a beer" counter. You all at the Ivy know that I'm somewhat of an amateur beer connoisseur. My last beer was Sunday night in Baton Rouge, LA while I watched the Pats dispatch the Chargers. It was a Shiner Bock (from Spoetzel Brewery in Shiner, TX). Damn it was good.

So this weekend we will continue our training with hand-to-hand combat tomorrow and orienteering on Sunday. It looks like we'll be back from training just in time on Sunday to watch the Pats game. I'd love to hear from all of you when you get a chance. I have a lot to be thankful for in my life. Experiences like this really highlight how wonderful all of you are and how much I enjoy the fun I've had with so many of you. If I could have packaged up Ivy Tavern and taken it with me then many of you would be deploying with me. I'm sure your all much relieved I can't do that! Rock on and GO PATS!!

Days without a beer: 5 (and counting)

Mobilization to Deployment, 16 January - 9 March 2007; part 1

Ok, I'm off to a late start in the blogging business. If you are reading this then welcome - my first, and only, blog. Why am I doing this? That's a worthy question. I just want to express my thoughts and observations of this whole adventure. This will be my third time deploying and in the past I've seen a lot of amazing things, met incredible people, and visiting places very few Americans have been. This time around I want to share. Will you live this vicariously through me? I hope not. Just gain some insight and form your own opinions.

Ground rules - I am extremely apolitical. I'm not taking sides on any issues. This blog isn't to promote anyone's cause. There will be no activist fodder here. Sarcastic humor? you bet! You can't be a soldier without it.

Since I'm playing catch-up, the easiest way for me to get you up to speed on what's transpired so far is to post the series of e-mail news updates(sans photos) I've been sending out weekly to friends and family. Once I get a little more comfortable with this I hope to add some pics and videos. For now read on. Assume you are a friend of mine. If you're taking the time to read this then I consider you a friend. Welcome and enjoy.

Here's the first of my past news updates. It harkens back to reporting to beautiful Camp Shelby for training. From 16 January 2007:

Hello All,

I say that knowing full well that I've omitted some names already. My internet access is limited right now but I'm slowly getting the distribution list complete. If you hadn't figured it out yet this is Fort. Ok, so I've made it to Camp Shelby, MS. It's either the armpit of the Army or the garden spot of Mississippi (take your pick). I'll be here for a month of pre-deployment training then it's on to Iraq. This will be the first of many updates that I hope you will all enjoy. Likewise I hope that you will all drop me an occassional line to let me know what's up with you. Once I arrive in Iraq I intend to begin a blog that I hope to update daily. You'll all get the goods on where to find it. The past week was a lot of fun and I thank all of you for the various sendoffs. For those of you who came to my party - just wait till I come back! Surely we can do better than 5am! I will miss the entire Snookers crowd, the crew and regulars from Ivy Tavern, and the rest of you who I'm just plain happy to know. Drink one for me often and stay tuned. I've got some good shit coming your way. Say tuned and stay in touch!!

Go Pats!