This Ain't Northwest Airlines

I've been counting down the days for the last month and finally, I'm leaving for R&R! Or so I thought....

For once, I was packed four nights prior to leaving. I have a few items I purchased and I'm bringing my laundry I've been hand washing since 1 April. I figured a good washing in a machine was better than my garbage pail. One duffel bag and one carry on. Not too bad, I'm thinking.

I arrived at the PAX terminal at 0930 with my gear and started the long wait. The rule is; you must arrive three hours prior to any flight in the event the flight arrives sooner.

I checked my duffle bag in and moved to the tent (gate) to wait with the other Soldiers and contractors trying to leave this place. SKA's travel assistant came in at 1240 to tell us our flight had been canceled and we needed to pick up our luggage. Great-NOT. So I find my duffle bag on the pallet outside, call the orderly room for a ride and wait outside.

About 10 minutes go by and a Soldier comes out and tells us to come back in, they might put us on the next flight. Back to the checkout counter I go with my duffle bag. Oh, I forgot to mention, I'm also lugging around my body armor and helmet all this time.

The guy scans my ID again and back to the tent I go. I'm hungry and I didn't bring any snacks. Good thing there are Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) abound in the terminal. I dig through one and find crackers and peanut butter. Long ago, I quit eating them if I didn't have to. I'd have to be close to starvation to actually eat any of the meal packets.

We wait and wait. Finally, at 1700 (5pm) , we put on our body armor, grab our carry ons, load the bus and drive to the flight line to await the arrival of the C130. The bird was in the air and we knew it was only a 30-35 minute flight from their last location. I look at my watch. It doesn't look good since we've been waiting at least 45 minutes. Sure enough, the travel assistant tells us the plane was circling overhead but due to the visibility, it had to turn back.

Back to the tent we go. He tells us they will try and put us on the next flight. So we wait and wait. At 1930, he tells us the flight was canceled and is moved to the 17th. What the Hell?!!!! This bites!!!! Back to the pallet we go to pick up our duffel bags.

I call the unit. This is no surprise to the Soldier, who answers the phone that I haven't left. It happens ALL the time. Now, it's personal.

I wanted to leave this place so bad and now I’m stuck. This place sucks!

Saying Goodbye

After Friday at 5 (Happy Hour), MAJ Riha and I went to the oasis for dinner, a movie and to say good bye to a good friend. Lieutenant Colonel Ramirez is redeploying to the states. What a mix of emotions. I was happy for him that he was leaving and starting his new job yet sad for myself since I would miss the camaraderie. Spending time with people like him, for a brief while, I forget I’m in Iraq.


Klink and SGM Wortham


The Mean Mean First Sergeant. He brought his birthday tiara for me to wear.


I had asked Coach to teach me to throw a football better...since he is a coach!


Lieutenant Colonel Ramirez







More sunsets

Moving Day....again

I finally had to move to a new trailer. I was hoping I would be able to stay at my current location until our replacements arrive. No such luck. This is my 3rd trailer since arriving on 1 April and my sixth location for the entire deployment.
Once notified, I had 96 hours to move, however, once I picked up the key, I had only 12 hours to complete the move. What happened to the 96 hours?! I went over to check on my new location and the room was left in a filthy mess. My roommate and I spent two hours cleaning a space that is approximately 10’ x 12’. Where’s my Mom when I need her?! This would be right up her lane.

I’m not going to go into all the details of why we had to move but suffice it to say, it’s a sore subject amongst Red Bull Soldiers. Lots of angry Soldiers who just want to stay where they are. I wasn’t happy myself since I was told my last trailer was my permanent location.

Luckily, my roommate and I are staying together. Some Soldiers haven’t been as lucky and have had terrible roommates to say the least. One such Soldier was told by her roommate that she should get a boob job! How do you even respond to a statement like that?! This roommate of hers isn’t even a friend. Her two roommates prior to the current one were just as bad. Like I said, I’m luckily. This place is bad enough and to have a bad roommate would make for an agonizingly long deployment.

The Best Daughter Ever!

Receiving mail has to be one of the best parts of the day but today was especially great! Specialist Wortham brought a package over for me to sign an acknowledgement of receipt. This isn’t typically of mail that I receive but I gave my John Hancock and cut the box open. Inside was a quilt made by my daughter with an inscription on one of the squares.

Dear Mommy
I cuddled up in the blanket so I am right there with you!
I Love You!
Lyndsey
July 19, 2009

Wow! Instant tears…they couldn’t have come faster. I looked over at SPC Wortham and his eyes were glistening too. I was carrying around this blanket and showing everyone what a beautiful gift I had received from my daughter….the best daughter ever!

Thanks Peanut Girl! I love you a bunch!

Memories and Mementos

Last night I waited until 10pm my time to Skype my birthday girl. I will say this being able to Skype my family has certainly made a world a difference. Family and friends were at a birthday party hosted by my Mom and Spud. It was great being able to see my family, especially my birthday girl!

Certainly one of the most difficult aspects of this deployment is not being able to be home for special occasions. An entire years worth of memories of spending time with loved ones is seemingly out of reach. We are all missing out on special events such as our Soldiers that are becoming fathers and miss out on the birth of their children.

Instead of sleeping in (at least a little bit this morning), my roommate and I participated in a 5k run sponsored by the Courage Center. The driving motivation to get out of bed was a T-shirt. Not that I really need any more T-shirts from races and fun runs but now I actually have some items as mementos of this journey. Just as I have my grandfather’s wool coat or the belt he wore around his waist from his time during WWII; Lyndsey will have my T-shirts.

My good friend Tracey wrote me the other day: I'm sure as you have figured out; your time there is what you make of it. Experiences you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Yes, I’m collecting a year’s worth of memories and experiences with my military family.

2 August 1990: Graduated Basic Training / The day Iraq invaded Kuwait

2 August 2009: Boots on Ground in Iraq

Nineteen years of memories.


Some Network Support Company Soldiers











The 34th ID Band played some intro music before the race began.


Say NO to short shorts! You can always tell a Brit...they always wear the shortest shorts!

A Very Special SHOUT OUT!!!!!

HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY PEANUT GIRL!!!!

Lynner,
I want you to know you mean the world to me! Your father and I are so blessed to have you in our life. We are so proud of you and the young woman you are becoming!

I can’t wait to see you and give you a great big hug and the SUPER Weasel!!!!

Love you!
Mom