It was another work day in Iraq but after dinner some of my friends and I went to the newly constructed band shell to participate in the Memorial Day service. The 34th ID Band started by playing our National Anthem. Even in this desert heat I got goose bumps when I heard our National Anthem and saw our flag marching by.
A few years back, Brian and I had the opportunity to visit France for a couple weeks. We spent a good portion of the trip visiting Normandy Beach and we included a trip to the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery. The cemetery was difficult to find but once we did, it was breathtaking. I couldn't believe what a beautiful resting place Americans had on foreign soil. At the cemetery, we visited the grave of my relative, Private Arthur Lambert. He was 18 years old and died as he rushed from the trenches. How different a war we are fighting now, yet the principle the same; to live in a free country and protect that way of life.
Following the Memorial Day service the Minneapolis band, Catchpenny, performed a concert for us. They played some of their music as well as other artists' songs and at the end, handed out free CDs to everyone. They even included their giveaways to the Iraqi workers that were standing on the other side of the fence. Are they actually going to listen to it or will they sell it for profit? I'm guessing on making a profit. During the performance, a number of the Soldiers were jumping off the stage and being caught in the crowd below. All I was thinking as Soldier after Soldier did this...someone's going to crack their head open and then there will be the Line of Duty (LOD) investigation. Luckily, no one cracked their head open. Good thing, I hate being an investigating officer.
http://www.catchpennyband.com/index.htm
Even though I wasn't sharing this day with my family, I was glad to be sharing it with my fellow Soldiers.
To Service Members everywhere whether in uniform or retired: Thank you for your service.
To my friends that I share this adventure: Thank you for keeping me laughing and making it a little easier to be away from home.
To Service Members that have paid the ultimate sacrifice: Thank you. You have my deepest appreciation.
"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the Soldier's and Sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868
May 25, 2009
May 24, 2009
6500 Miles Away - Running with Stillwater
Our Sergeant Major coordinated with the city of Stillwater to conduct a sister race in Iraq. The Stillwater 12k Sister Race was one of the many activities we had planned for the day to celebrate Memorial Day.
http://www.stillwatergazette.com/articles/2009/05/22/news/news110.txt
The race check-in started at 0500. I was helping with the safety brief so I was up by 0420. When I stepped outside my trailer, all I could think about is how hot it was already at 0430. It wasn't quite "Holy Cow Hot" yet, but I had a feeling that it was going to be a scorcher.
Coach from the engineers was there. I had shamed him into running with us and he was a great sport about it. The race went well and no one fell out or got into trouble with a heat injury. The band had a couple different sites that they played on the side of the road and even though there wasn't a sprinkler, one of the volunteer Soldiers was squirting us with water as we ran by.
After the race, I deviated from my normal Grapenuts and had a great Perkin's style breakfast. It wasn't until I went to shower that reality slammed me in the face when there was no electricity or water in the shower trailer. I LOVE Iraq! NOT!!! Four water bottles later and I was off to work. There were softball and volleyball tournaments scheduled all day but since I'm much better at individual sports and I hate getting hit in the face (seems to happen every time I play), I didn't sign up for those events. About the volleyball, we had to construct the volleyball court from scratch. This included purchasing the sand for the court and we got high grossed by the Iraqi vendor. Imagine that, in a desert and you have to pay for the sand! I took a few hours off in the afternoon; practiced my guitar, worked on a pastel piece and basically enjoy having the night to myself.
It eventually got really hot outside and one of my friends brought up one of his own rules.
CPT Cunningham's Ways to Prepare for a Deployment:
#1. Have someone hold a blow dryer in your face, on high, while occasionally throwing sand into your face.
That's a good analogy but it was even hotter than a blow dryer on high heat.
http://www.stillwatergazette.com/articles/2009/05/22/news/news110.txt
The race check-in started at 0500. I was helping with the safety brief so I was up by 0420. When I stepped outside my trailer, all I could think about is how hot it was already at 0430. It wasn't quite "Holy Cow Hot" yet, but I had a feeling that it was going to be a scorcher.
Coach from the engineers was there. I had shamed him into running with us and he was a great sport about it. The race went well and no one fell out or got into trouble with a heat injury. The band had a couple different sites that they played on the side of the road and even though there wasn't a sprinkler, one of the volunteer Soldiers was squirting us with water as we ran by.
After the race, I deviated from my normal Grapenuts and had a great Perkin's style breakfast. It wasn't until I went to shower that reality slammed me in the face when there was no electricity or water in the shower trailer. I LOVE Iraq! NOT!!! Four water bottles later and I was off to work. There were softball and volleyball tournaments scheduled all day but since I'm much better at individual sports and I hate getting hit in the face (seems to happen every time I play), I didn't sign up for those events. About the volleyball, we had to construct the volleyball court from scratch. This included purchasing the sand for the court and we got high grossed by the Iraqi vendor. Imagine that, in a desert and you have to pay for the sand! I took a few hours off in the afternoon; practiced my guitar, worked on a pastel piece and basically enjoy having the night to myself.
It eventually got really hot outside and one of my friends brought up one of his own rules.
CPT Cunningham's Ways to Prepare for a Deployment:
#1. Have someone hold a blow dryer in your face, on high, while occasionally throwing sand into your face.
That's a good analogy but it was even hotter than a blow dryer on high heat.
May 22, 2009
May 20, 2009
Patched!
When a Soldier participants in either Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), they earn the right to wear the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia – Former Wartime Service, commonly referred to as the “Combat Patch”.
Some history: The Red Bull insignia of the 34th Infantry Division was based on a design by Marvin Cone of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who drew it for a contest while training with the Division at Camp Cody, New Mexico, in 1917. A steer skull imposed on the shape of a Mexican water jar (called an “olla”) recalled the Division’s desert home not far from the Mexican border.
During WWII, German soldiers in Italy referred to the American soldiers who wore the familiar patch as “Red Devils” or “Red Bulls”. The latter name stuck, and the Division soon adopted it officially, replacing its WWI name of the “Sandstorm Division”.
Well, yours truly, was picked to be the master of ceremonies for the patching ceremony. All that training in protocol keeps coming back to haunt me. The first day we had rehearsal at 1200 and it’s really gotten hot as of late. Temperatures are hitting over 100 degrees so the sweat is rolling off me in sheets as we stand there and go over everyone’s role in the event. I had run into another protocol officer later in the day and asked him about the word “olla”. “Is it a long “o” or short “o”?” I ask. “It’s a long “o”, Kris”. Great, I start practicing the script and go over it at least two dozen times.
The following day, same thing; we’re back in the sun rehearsing the ceremony. This time I remember to bring a big water bottle as we’re standing there. I wish I had brought two…it’s really, really hot. We have it down and we’re ready for the ceremony the next morning.
0630 and the ceremony begins in 30 minutes. One of the commanders walks up to me and says, “Hey Kris, my Soldier says the “ll” in “olla” is pronounced as a “y”.” Great, I’ve only been practicing it the other way at least 40 times. Another reason I should have taken Spanish instead of French! Oh, that’s right…it wasn’t offered at Two Harbors High School!
The Commanding General and his entourage arrive and shortly after, the ceremony begins. I didn’t mess up the correct pronunciation of “olla” but I was thinking I’m not asking that protocol officer anything again; at least not anything that has to do with Spanish words. In his speech, the General spoke of the history of the Red Bulls and how we are forever tied to other combat veterans from the Red Bull Division. After being gone from my family, a patch may seem insignificant to some but I certainly feel honored to share this symbol of history.
Some history: The Red Bull insignia of the 34th Infantry Division was based on a design by Marvin Cone of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who drew it for a contest while training with the Division at Camp Cody, New Mexico, in 1917. A steer skull imposed on the shape of a Mexican water jar (called an “olla”) recalled the Division’s desert home not far from the Mexican border.
During WWII, German soldiers in Italy referred to the American soldiers who wore the familiar patch as “Red Devils” or “Red Bulls”. The latter name stuck, and the Division soon adopted it officially, replacing its WWI name of the “Sandstorm Division”.
Well, yours truly, was picked to be the master of ceremonies for the patching ceremony. All that training in protocol keeps coming back to haunt me. The first day we had rehearsal at 1200 and it’s really gotten hot as of late. Temperatures are hitting over 100 degrees so the sweat is rolling off me in sheets as we stand there and go over everyone’s role in the event. I had run into another protocol officer later in the day and asked him about the word “olla”. “Is it a long “o” or short “o”?” I ask. “It’s a long “o”, Kris”. Great, I start practicing the script and go over it at least two dozen times.
The following day, same thing; we’re back in the sun rehearsing the ceremony. This time I remember to bring a big water bottle as we’re standing there. I wish I had brought two…it’s really, really hot. We have it down and we’re ready for the ceremony the next morning.
0630 and the ceremony begins in 30 minutes. One of the commanders walks up to me and says, “Hey Kris, my Soldier says the “ll” in “olla” is pronounced as a “y”.” Great, I’ve only been practicing it the other way at least 40 times. Another reason I should have taken Spanish instead of French! Oh, that’s right…it wasn’t offered at Two Harbors High School!
The Commanding General and his entourage arrive and shortly after, the ceremony begins. I didn’t mess up the correct pronunciation of “olla” but I was thinking I’m not asking that protocol officer anything again; at least not anything that has to do with Spanish words. In his speech, the General spoke of the history of the Red Bulls and how we are forever tied to other combat veterans from the Red Bull Division. After being gone from my family, a patch may seem insignificant to some but I certainly feel honored to share this symbol of history.
May 15, 2009
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Myself and some of the leadership attended a memorial service tonight of a major from 4th Infantry Division (ID). He was a 61 year old officer who had gone through two tours in Vietnam. His wife had passed away from cancer so he was here in Iraq with troops; his second love.
We did not know him but as a Brother in Arms, it was important to show our support to the Soldiers of 4th ID. When I worked for the General, I went to a number of services for fallen Soldiers. This service was different since there was no grieving family members, no Patriot Guard Riders lining the sidewalk, and we were all dressed in our Army Combat Uniforms (ACU) with our weapons at our side. However, the sadness that hung in the air was very much the same.
Five service members spoke about this officer and what he meant to them as a leader. At the conclusion of the ceremony the First Sergeant of the organization started Final Roll Call. As he called off names of Soldiers in the group, they sounded off with, “Here, First Sergeant.” At last he came to the fallen Soldier, calling off his name three times with no response. Taps began to play.
For all the times I have heard Taps, it always brings me back to the day we buried my Uncle Ernie. I don’t remember if it had rained the night before but there was ice covering the branches on the trees and the sun was glistening on them as if they were made of glass.
As Taps concluded the Soldiers formed a long line to pay their respect at the Fallen Soldier Battle Cross. The Battle Cross is comprised of the Soldier’s boots, weapon, helmet and dog tags. I was near the end of the line and as the multitude of Soldiers moved forward to pay their respect with the customary salute, it truly was a somber affair. I was amazed at all of the items his fellow Soldiers had left at the Battle Cross from coins, to stuffed animals and other memento items.
Leaving the service, I thought about all the families that have been affected by this war due to losing a loved one. If there is any consolation to the family of this officer; he was loved by his Soldiers.
Myself and some of the leadership attended a memorial service tonight of a major from 4th Infantry Division (ID). He was a 61 year old officer who had gone through two tours in Vietnam. His wife had passed away from cancer so he was here in Iraq with troops; his second love.
We did not know him but as a Brother in Arms, it was important to show our support to the Soldiers of 4th ID. When I worked for the General, I went to a number of services for fallen Soldiers. This service was different since there was no grieving family members, no Patriot Guard Riders lining the sidewalk, and we were all dressed in our Army Combat Uniforms (ACU) with our weapons at our side. However, the sadness that hung in the air was very much the same.
Five service members spoke about this officer and what he meant to them as a leader. At the conclusion of the ceremony the First Sergeant of the organization started Final Roll Call. As he called off names of Soldiers in the group, they sounded off with, “Here, First Sergeant.” At last he came to the fallen Soldier, calling off his name three times with no response. Taps began to play.
For all the times I have heard Taps, it always brings me back to the day we buried my Uncle Ernie. I don’t remember if it had rained the night before but there was ice covering the branches on the trees and the sun was glistening on them as if they were made of glass.
As Taps concluded the Soldiers formed a long line to pay their respect at the Fallen Soldier Battle Cross. The Battle Cross is comprised of the Soldier’s boots, weapon, helmet and dog tags. I was near the end of the line and as the multitude of Soldiers moved forward to pay their respect with the customary salute, it truly was a somber affair. I was amazed at all of the items his fellow Soldiers had left at the Battle Cross from coins, to stuffed animals and other memento items.
Leaving the service, I thought about all the families that have been affected by this war due to losing a loved one. If there is any consolation to the family of this officer; he was loved by his Soldiers.
May 10, 2009
Mother's Day
Another holiday in the desert and I was actually looking forward to this day. It was my first day off in three weeks. My roommate and I got up at 0600 and ran 4.5 miles. I would have liked to have slept in longer but it starts getting too hot out and I didn’t want to miss this particular breakfast.
I have a decent supply of Grapenuts and Starbucks coffee thanks to family and friends so I’ve been eating breakfast at the office.. For one, it saves me having to walk in the opposite direction from the office and secondly it saves my arm from having to salute 100 times just to get to the door on the DFAC. I can’t understand why the senior leadership hasn’t made the area a no-salute area. I’m sure their arms are ready to fall off, too. I like walking with my commander to meals so I don’t have to salute every lower enlisted Soldier and of course I rub it in while we’re walking!
Anyways, I was looking forward to this breakfast since I had homemade “Old Troll” maple syrup that Dad had made. So I broke from my traditional breakfast and had an omelet and French toast. It was the best! Thanks, Dad!
After breakfast, I made coffee in my French press. We just got our totes this past week so I finally have the remainder of my stuff. I was excited to pull out the French press, extra towels, T-shirts, art supplies, books, pictures of family and friends, guitar books and bedding. My roommate and I sat on our deck; drinking our coffee.
Our deck is made up of three pallets with plywood nailed to the top. It sits on the side of our trailer and I was able to acquire some camo netting to hang over our deck. We recently got chairs and a table so we’re livin’ large! Not quite the same as sitting on the deck at home and looking over the horse field but it’s better than nothing. I even received a pot with potting soil and seeds from the Jensens so my green thumb is at work here in Iraq..
After sitting and enjoying just the chance to relax, we walked to church. This is about one mile from our trailers so by the time we get there; we are always sticky and sweaty. Right away I notice Chaplain Chang is there. I was a bit disappointed (ok, I’m waiting for the lightning bolt) since he’s really hard to understand during his sermons. It reminds me of trying to take algebra in college from my Asian professor and not understanding the lesson at all. Probably why I failed….it couldn’t have been for my poor study habits. Lucky for me, there was a visiting Chaplain to deliver the sermon.
Following church, we went to the oasis for lunch. Once again, I wasn’t disappointed but I was still full from breakfast so I didn’t eat as much as I usually do when I visit the engineers. Our battalion commander had gotten invited to lunch, too. When he found out that I had been eating there frequently, he gave me a hard time for keeping it secret. All I had to do was my Sarah Palin imitation to have an open invitation to dine. Maybe he could work on imitating someone!
The rest of the day was uneventful. I sat on the deck some more, practiced my guitar and watched a movie with Keanu Reeves. When that was done, I tried Skyping the family at the internet café. I got through but it was a terrible connection. The frustration level was high with the stupid technology.
Over this day, I thought a lot about family and particularly my Mom and the wonderful support she has provided through the years and especially now. I thought about how much I miss my own daughter and how I wish I could hold her close, forever.
Mom: Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for everything! Love you with all my heart!
I have a decent supply of Grapenuts and Starbucks coffee thanks to family and friends so I’ve been eating breakfast at the office.. For one, it saves me having to walk in the opposite direction from the office and secondly it saves my arm from having to salute 100 times just to get to the door on the DFAC. I can’t understand why the senior leadership hasn’t made the area a no-salute area. I’m sure their arms are ready to fall off, too. I like walking with my commander to meals so I don’t have to salute every lower enlisted Soldier and of course I rub it in while we’re walking!
Anyways, I was looking forward to this breakfast since I had homemade “Old Troll” maple syrup that Dad had made. So I broke from my traditional breakfast and had an omelet and French toast. It was the best! Thanks, Dad!
After breakfast, I made coffee in my French press. We just got our totes this past week so I finally have the remainder of my stuff. I was excited to pull out the French press, extra towels, T-shirts, art supplies, books, pictures of family and friends, guitar books and bedding. My roommate and I sat on our deck; drinking our coffee.
Our deck is made up of three pallets with plywood nailed to the top. It sits on the side of our trailer and I was able to acquire some camo netting to hang over our deck. We recently got chairs and a table so we’re livin’ large! Not quite the same as sitting on the deck at home and looking over the horse field but it’s better than nothing. I even received a pot with potting soil and seeds from the Jensens so my green thumb is at work here in Iraq..
After sitting and enjoying just the chance to relax, we walked to church. This is about one mile from our trailers so by the time we get there; we are always sticky and sweaty. Right away I notice Chaplain Chang is there. I was a bit disappointed (ok, I’m waiting for the lightning bolt) since he’s really hard to understand during his sermons. It reminds me of trying to take algebra in college from my Asian professor and not understanding the lesson at all. Probably why I failed….it couldn’t have been for my poor study habits. Lucky for me, there was a visiting Chaplain to deliver the sermon.
Following church, we went to the oasis for lunch. Once again, I wasn’t disappointed but I was still full from breakfast so I didn’t eat as much as I usually do when I visit the engineers. Our battalion commander had gotten invited to lunch, too. When he found out that I had been eating there frequently, he gave me a hard time for keeping it secret. All I had to do was my Sarah Palin imitation to have an open invitation to dine. Maybe he could work on imitating someone!
The rest of the day was uneventful. I sat on the deck some more, practiced my guitar and watched a movie with Keanu Reeves. When that was done, I tried Skyping the family at the internet café. I got through but it was a terrible connection. The frustration level was high with the stupid technology.
Over this day, I thought a lot about family and particularly my Mom and the wonderful support she has provided through the years and especially now. I thought about how much I miss my own daughter and how I wish I could hold her close, forever.
Mom: Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for everything! Love you with all my heart!
May 9, 2009
One of Six
A full moon was shining over Iraq as I drove to the terminal. Tonight I would be fulfilling one of my goals.
Earlier in the evening I had met friends at Echo's Restaurant. It's really only one of two social places to gather on the entire base. I had only been there once before and that was only to have a pop. I met some of my coworkers and we all ordered hamburgers and fries. I hadn't had a burger since Kuwait and it had been the consistency of a hockey puck. This time the burger was decent. It was great not sitting in the dining facility (DFAC) with all the other Soldiers. It's times like this that I don't quite feel like I'm deployed...even if it's only for an hour or so.
At the terminal I met up with my forklift instructor. He brought me out to the yard and we walked over to the forklifts they use to move pallets and containers off of the big aircraft like C130s, C17s or C5s. This isn't a Home Depot or Menards version of a forklift. The cab floor alone is at least 6 1/2 feet off the ground.
The instructor showed me all the pre-checks prior to driving and then I climbed the ladder and planted myself in the seat. Next he went through all of the controls and before I knew it, I was starting the engine. Here I go-
He had me drive around the building a couple of times which I would probably have felt less anxious if the crazy Brits weren't driving through the area with their fork lifts.
After a couple of loops and feeling more confident, he had me pick up a large cargo pallet. The moment of truth. I had to watch his hand and arm signals to maneuver the fork; up, down, tilt forward and tilt back. I picked up the pallet, backed up and drove around the compound with the pallet, returned the pallet to it's original location and repeated the process with a smaller pallet. Success!!!!
The rest of the evening I couldn't keep the grin off of my face. I've gone from being coffee girl to forklift operator!
Earlier in the evening I had met friends at Echo's Restaurant. It's really only one of two social places to gather on the entire base. I had only been there once before and that was only to have a pop. I met some of my coworkers and we all ordered hamburgers and fries. I hadn't had a burger since Kuwait and it had been the consistency of a hockey puck. This time the burger was decent. It was great not sitting in the dining facility (DFAC) with all the other Soldiers. It's times like this that I don't quite feel like I'm deployed...even if it's only for an hour or so.
At the terminal I met up with my forklift instructor. He brought me out to the yard and we walked over to the forklifts they use to move pallets and containers off of the big aircraft like C130s, C17s or C5s. This isn't a Home Depot or Menards version of a forklift. The cab floor alone is at least 6 1/2 feet off the ground.
The instructor showed me all the pre-checks prior to driving and then I climbed the ladder and planted myself in the seat. Next he went through all of the controls and before I knew it, I was starting the engine. Here I go-
He had me drive around the building a couple of times which I would probably have felt less anxious if the crazy Brits weren't driving through the area with their fork lifts.
After a couple of loops and feeling more confident, he had me pick up a large cargo pallet. The moment of truth. I had to watch his hand and arm signals to maneuver the fork; up, down, tilt forward and tilt back. I picked up the pallet, backed up and drove around the compound with the pallet, returned the pallet to it's original location and repeated the process with a smaller pallet. Success!!!!
The rest of the evening I couldn't keep the grin off of my face. I've gone from being coffee girl to forklift operator!
May 3, 2009
Murphy Strikes Again!
Auge's How to Prepare for a Deployment:
#3. After you shower, walk to your neighbor's house in only a towel.
A few days ago, I was walking back from work when I saw who I thought to be one of my male Soldiers walking across the area in a shirt and a towel wrapped around his waist. He wasn’t close enough to yell at and we don’t want Soldiers to get so comfortable that they walk back from the shower in towels. Anyways, by the time I got to where he was, he was gone. I figured the next time I see him he’ll get what’s due.
Today, I was in the shower trailer brushing my teeth when one of the Soldiers yells, “Someone took my clothes!” All the females in the trailer looked through their belongings and no one had them. The Soldier recalled Captain Murphy (made-up name) being next to her. We figured it out….Captain Murphy took the clothes. She’s not the brightest bulb and this isn’t the first time she’s done something dumb like this.
I saw my Soldier tonight at gate guard duty and when I asked him what the heck he was doing walking in a towel, he said, “Ma’am, someone stole my pants when I was in the shower!” Unbelievable, Captain Murphy struck again!!!! I’ll have to remember to keep an eye on my clothes when I’m in the shower.
Another latrine story: I went to the latrine trailer the other morning and when I opened the door, there in front of me was the Iraqi cleaning guy in his knee high rubber boots. Immediately, he indicates to me through hand gestures that I can use the latrine. HELL NO! I’m not sitting with my pants around my ankles while a male Iraqi is in the same room. The Porta John was looking good. Really good!
I got to go to lunch today at the oasis. My roommate, co-worker and I were at church and there was Coach (one of the engineers) and he invited us to lunch. He always tells us, “If you go to war, go with the Corps.” A truer statement was never spoken after he shared with us their living conditions compared to ours. What was especially nice about this visit is he is looking for Soldiers to sponsor an orphanage or like organization. If approved we would even have a chance to visit the people/children of Iraq. What an opportunity to actually experience some of the culture here. I was beginning to think I may never experience Iraq except for the cement T-walls and chain-linked fence that keeps the bad guys out but makes me feel like a prisoner.
#3. After you shower, walk to your neighbor's house in only a towel.
A few days ago, I was walking back from work when I saw who I thought to be one of my male Soldiers walking across the area in a shirt and a towel wrapped around his waist. He wasn’t close enough to yell at and we don’t want Soldiers to get so comfortable that they walk back from the shower in towels. Anyways, by the time I got to where he was, he was gone. I figured the next time I see him he’ll get what’s due.
Today, I was in the shower trailer brushing my teeth when one of the Soldiers yells, “Someone took my clothes!” All the females in the trailer looked through their belongings and no one had them. The Soldier recalled Captain Murphy (made-up name) being next to her. We figured it out….Captain Murphy took the clothes. She’s not the brightest bulb and this isn’t the first time she’s done something dumb like this.
I saw my Soldier tonight at gate guard duty and when I asked him what the heck he was doing walking in a towel, he said, “Ma’am, someone stole my pants when I was in the shower!” Unbelievable, Captain Murphy struck again!!!! I’ll have to remember to keep an eye on my clothes when I’m in the shower.
Another latrine story: I went to the latrine trailer the other morning and when I opened the door, there in front of me was the Iraqi cleaning guy in his knee high rubber boots. Immediately, he indicates to me through hand gestures that I can use the latrine. HELL NO! I’m not sitting with my pants around my ankles while a male Iraqi is in the same room. The Porta John was looking good. Really good!
I got to go to lunch today at the oasis. My roommate, co-worker and I were at church and there was Coach (one of the engineers) and he invited us to lunch. He always tells us, “If you go to war, go with the Corps.” A truer statement was never spoken after he shared with us their living conditions compared to ours. What was especially nice about this visit is he is looking for Soldiers to sponsor an orphanage or like organization. If approved we would even have a chance to visit the people/children of Iraq. What an opportunity to actually experience some of the culture here. I was beginning to think I may never experience Iraq except for the cement T-walls and chain-linked fence that keeps the bad guys out but makes me feel like a prisoner.
May 2, 2009
19 Years and Counting
Today marks 19 years that I have been in the Minnesota Army National Guard. I joined a little later than the average Soldier at the age of 22 (yes, do the math). At the time I had already lived on my own, gone to college and held various jobs. I joined for job experience and I remember thinking that my initial contract of six years was a long time.
Fort Dix, New Jersey was the setting for my basic training. My battle buddy, Connie, was an African American from the south. She was a beautiful lady with a beautiful voice. I remember the night before we graduated, she was cutting her braids off in the latrine. When I asked her what she was doing, she just laughed and said, “Oh Kris, this isn’t my real hair!” I’ll never forget my shock at finding out about hair extensions that day.
On the day of graduation, we stood on the parade field and as we went through the ceremony, I knew at that moment that I would stay in for 20 years. Hard to believe it’s almost here. Long ago, it quit being for the job experience and ever since then, it has been so much more. The irony of the this is, I graduated on 2 August 1990; the day Iraq invaded Kuwait.
Other than being here, I wish I could slow down the time. I’ve had some incredible experiences while being in the military from going to Guatemala, Norway and Croatia to the jobs I’ve held and the people I’ve met. I would have never finished my degree if it hadn’t been for needing it to get promoted to Captain. As challenging as the process was for me to finish my degree, (I still hate math) it remains one of my proudest moments since it was so painful to get there…19 years from start to finish.
I remember someone asking me why I would stay in the military now that I have a child. How could I not? It means more to me now than ever before. As difficult as it is to be away from my daughter, it is for her continued freedom that I remain a Soldier.
Fort Dix, New Jersey was the setting for my basic training. My battle buddy, Connie, was an African American from the south. She was a beautiful lady with a beautiful voice. I remember the night before we graduated, she was cutting her braids off in the latrine. When I asked her what she was doing, she just laughed and said, “Oh Kris, this isn’t my real hair!” I’ll never forget my shock at finding out about hair extensions that day.
On the day of graduation, we stood on the parade field and as we went through the ceremony, I knew at that moment that I would stay in for 20 years. Hard to believe it’s almost here. Long ago, it quit being for the job experience and ever since then, it has been so much more. The irony of the this is, I graduated on 2 August 1990; the day Iraq invaded Kuwait.
Other than being here, I wish I could slow down the time. I’ve had some incredible experiences while being in the military from going to Guatemala, Norway and Croatia to the jobs I’ve held and the people I’ve met. I would have never finished my degree if it hadn’t been for needing it to get promoted to Captain. As challenging as the process was for me to finish my degree, (I still hate math) it remains one of my proudest moments since it was so painful to get there…19 years from start to finish.
I remember someone asking me why I would stay in the military now that I have a child. How could I not? It means more to me now than ever before. As difficult as it is to be away from my daughter, it is for her continued freedom that I remain a Soldier.
May 1, 2009
May Day
Another flip of the calendar and I’m reminded of when the neighbor girls ring the door bell, drop a bag of candy and run. I have never wanted time to go by faster than I do now. I miss my life outside of the uniform. I miss my family and my friends back home. I miss sleeping in, waking up and having a cup a coffee during the weekend. I miss being able to shower with the water running the entire time. I miss having a weekend off.
I miss running near my house and seeing the green trees and horses in the field. There is nothing of interest here to look at while I run and we’re not allowed to wear our IPods while running. The 1000 mile goal is as daunting as ever. I still have to add up my miles from the past month but I’m not off to a good start. I realize I need to run more miles over fewer days rather than fewer miles over every day. Acting as travel agent and not feeling well a couple days set me back. I’m still working at it. At least my plantar fasciitis hasn’t kicked back in. One of our Soldiers contacted the race organizers for the Stillwater marathon and they are sponsoring a 12K for us during Memorial Day weekend. I’m looking forward to getting my first running T-shirt in Iraq.
Speaking of being on the road, the other day a US Soldier got run over by a Brit. (remember, one of my concerns about being here) The Soldier was getting off the bus and was crossing the road at the front of the bus and the Brit decided to pass the bus. The Soldier wasn’t killed but she had to be taken to the hospital. I was telling Grandma Dart about the incident and when we were ending our call, she said, “Don’t get run over by one of those damn Brits!” Love it! That’s a good Swedish Lutheran for ya!
So with everything that I miss in life outside of uniform, I will certainly appreciate them more than ever once I get back to that life. At the moment, I’m learning to find joy in the small things that pop up during my day. Mail is an especially good one for a small joy!
Paul Bakken: Thanks for the awesome care package!!!! What a great May Day treat!
I miss running near my house and seeing the green trees and horses in the field. There is nothing of interest here to look at while I run and we’re not allowed to wear our IPods while running. The 1000 mile goal is as daunting as ever. I still have to add up my miles from the past month but I’m not off to a good start. I realize I need to run more miles over fewer days rather than fewer miles over every day. Acting as travel agent and not feeling well a couple days set me back. I’m still working at it. At least my plantar fasciitis hasn’t kicked back in. One of our Soldiers contacted the race organizers for the Stillwater marathon and they are sponsoring a 12K for us during Memorial Day weekend. I’m looking forward to getting my first running T-shirt in Iraq.
Speaking of being on the road, the other day a US Soldier got run over by a Brit. (remember, one of my concerns about being here) The Soldier was getting off the bus and was crossing the road at the front of the bus and the Brit decided to pass the bus. The Soldier wasn’t killed but she had to be taken to the hospital. I was telling Grandma Dart about the incident and when we were ending our call, she said, “Don’t get run over by one of those damn Brits!” Love it! That’s a good Swedish Lutheran for ya!
So with everything that I miss in life outside of uniform, I will certainly appreciate them more than ever once I get back to that life. At the moment, I’m learning to find joy in the small things that pop up during my day. Mail is an especially good one for a small joy!
Paul Bakken: Thanks for the awesome care package!!!! What a great May Day treat!
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