Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas to all! Wish I could be there with you...enjoy my videos.

Camp Ashraf

I took off this week to help out on a situation brewing at Camp Ashraf. Ashraf is occupied by the Me K, a dissident Iranian group that left Iran in the 1980s to help Saddam against the mullahs in the Iran-Iraq War. They are a crazy lot.

The have marriage, but abstain from contact with their spouses, choosing instead to live in barracks type conditions separate from each other. They are led by women, which is odd in this culture. They are very disciplined, conducting group exercise every morning and evening.

They are, however very intelligent, with many doctors and engineers among them. You might say they were cultish--some have described them that way. If you want some more detail, then Google them, but the bottom line is, the current Iraqi government wants to move these people to a new location and they don't want to move. They have spent over 20 years in the camp and have spent $22million to make it nice...and it is. Much nicer than many other Iraqi towns I've seen.

The issue is also that there is a US FOB co-located with Ashraf. The US used to give these people protected status, but it is a sovereignty issue now, and the Iraqis need to work it out.

The Me K don't want to go quietly, so there is the possibility for violence (as happened in July 2009).

Point is, I went to help the unit deal with what we see as a potentially hot event, with plenty of media attention. I would assist to develop talking points, set up interviews, address questions, and report on the event with our own broadcast journalists.

The Iraqi's plan was to do a "soft move" and bring in buses to the camp, and invite the Me K to get on board. "Hey, these look like nice buses...I think I'll climb aboard and let these guys drop me off 100s of miles from my home and put me in a tent to live." How does that plan sound to you?

Actually it's an honest attempt to do this peacefully. It's not our problem to fix--they have to be able to work out these difficulties within the framework of humanitarian treatment of these people and the rules outlined in their constitution. I expect to go out there again.

I wish I had better news...

I just received word that my lovely Grandma Allen passed away yesterday. I am grateful that I had her in my life for so long. She filled my childhood with many wonderful memories of warmth and love. I will cherish those memories and pass on those experiences to my own children, so they too can appreciate everything she meant to our family.

I remember as a young boy visiting her at the jewelry store where she worked in downtown Lincoln, Illinois. She seemed to take real joy in her work...the kind of joy that she showed in all areas of her life. Sure, everyone has a bad day and not everything is wonderful all the time, but I never knew her to be angry, cross or bitter about anything. She was always cheery and fun-loving, sharing her love for people and life.

PawPaw and Grandma are together again. That makes me happy to think about. She so loved my grandfather. It was obvious in so many ways, but became painfully apparent after PawPaw passed away in 1989. I was a senior in college and I remember how from that time forward Grandma would always talk to, and about PawPaw. She talked about the good times we all shared together, and while the rawness of the loss eventually healed, she never lost that affection for my grandfather.

Her other true love was her family. She would frequently remark that she couldn't believe how large and successful her family had become, with great-grandchildren, grandchildren, and children all bringing her pride. It is true we all sprang from this humble couple from central Illinois, but to me they were the root of a family of character and love. Their demonstration of hard work, tolerance, and love speak to me even today.

So now, as I reflect on her life and the influence she has on me, I send my condolences to the rest of my family. I know you will soon gather to share memories and celebrate her life. I'm sorry I won't be there with you, to share in the celebration. Please know that it's only distance that separates me, but the bond of Grandma's memory draws me close.

Grandma, I love you. Rest peacefully, brimming in the rich reward in our Lord, Christ Jesus.

Patch Ceremony

In the Army we are all about stuff on our uniforms. Stuff that means something. Stuff that has a history and is wrought with tradition.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) is part of this stuff. Oh, and we like acronyms too. The SSI is worn on both the left and possibly the right shoulder of the ACU (Advanced Combat Uniform, duh!) The uniform regulation says you have to wear the SSI of the unit you are currently a part of on the left sleeve. The right sleeve is reserved for the patch of the unit you have deployed with in combat.

Before 9/11 rarely did you see people with the right sleeve SSI, or "combat patch". The Gulf War in 1991 was the last time it was doled out, so by 2001, not too many people had it.

9/11 changed all that, and now everyone has it. So much so, if you see someone in uniform without a unit patch on their right shoulder you catch yourself wondering, "Where's that knucklehead been hiding out all this time that he hasn't deployed yet?"

I am authorized to wear the patch of the 101st Airborne Division, "Screaming Eagles", for my last deployment in 2005-2006. I am proud of my time with that unit and I generally think the 101st patch is one of the coolest looking patches in the Army.

Now that I'm here with the 3rd Infantry Division, I am now authorized to wear the Marne Division Patch on my right sleeve. Technically I can only wear one at a time on my right sleeve, so I have to choose. The commander is famous for saying, "Love the one you're with." So, I am proudly wearing the patch of the mightly 3rd ID.

We had a patch ceremony not too long ago to kind of reinforce that tradition of the right sleeve SSI. Maj. Gen. Cucolo did an awesome job as usual delivering a speech that lasered in on what it means to be a part of this division, to serve, to serve voluntarily in a time of war, and to be here and now with the Marne Division.

He honored me by "patching" my right shoulder with the familiar blue and white diagonal striped patch. I can honestly say I am proud to wear it, and proud to be a part of this storied division. Me and Audie Murphy. (If you don't know who that is, look it up, you'll be a better person for it.)

Thanksgiving Day

The Thanksgiving meals were over abundant. The contracted food service people here do a great job in making it special. They're from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other Asian nations and they are very skilled in carving melons, baking intricate breads, molding butter into shapes, and ice carving. I even saw an alligator made out of pineapples, with pointy crab legs as his jagged teeth. He was about 7 foot long! I hope to post some photos.

I got to serve the meal at lunch time for a couple hours. Several of the officers and senior NCOs volunteered to work the chow line, dipping, and ladleing, and scooping onto the Soldiers' plates.

At 1100 this morning we had a combined worship service. Let me back up...

Yesterday morning I fell out of bed and was stumbling along the rock trail to the shower chu when I noticed a billowing tower of thick, black smoke in the near distance. As I cleared the Hesco barriers I could see that the smoke was originating from the building that housed my TV studio...plus the theater, an MWR center, gym, coffee shop, several small offices, and the chapel.

Come to find out, the building was indeed on fire, completely gutting the building. We were wondering, among other matters, where would we do the Thanksgiving service. Plus, what was the condition of all of the musical instruments and sound equipment that were in the chapel.

As things would have it, country music star Aaron Tippen was here Wednesday night to perform for the troops on a USO tour. The MWR folks decided to leave up the stage in the main gym, and to provide us with instruments and such that they had in storage, so we could have our service. And they have set aside a room for us, with instruments, to have our services every Sunday. What a blessing!

So, we executed our worship service which was a combination of the contemporary service I regularly attend and the gospel service. I didn't play for the service, but I wish I had...I just couldn't commit to the extra practices. The contemporary "Spirit of the Rock " band played two songs in our style, the gospel "Spirit of the Rock" played three in their style, but when the two groups came together on stage, it was simply wonderful. Not only was the music so much better, but it was a grouping of Christians the way Christ intended...people from all sorts of backgrounds coming together in praise. It was truly an amazing thing to see. The songs were interspersed by prayers of thanks lifted up by the Chaplains. It was a very nice event.

So, in between all of that, I did my regular work: press releases, powerpoint slides, working groups, meetings, etc. Sort of an unusual Thanksgiving. But I was so thankful to have it.

Veteran's Day

To all my brothers and sisters in arms, past and present, I hope you felt appreciated yesterday. The day was set aside in honor of you. And me. I feel pretty good about that.

The CG (commanding general) decided to pen a letter to the troops expressing his gratitude for our service. That's a pretty normal thing for a CG at any level to do. The problem this year is that he finished it at 1045 Tuesday night and blasts it out to me and three other dudes with the instructions to make sure it gets widest dissemination. Internet, email blast, poster-sized versions posted in the DFAC...oh yeah, make sure it's formatted correctly so I can sign it first.

Well, needless to say, a couple of us scrambled a bit and put together a plan. The personal staff guys formatted it for signature while I contacted the commo section to build an all-encompassing email list, contacted FSGA to be prepared to post it to the website, coordinated to have it posted on our Facebook account (search for it if interested, but I'd like my blog to be somewhat anonymous from my unit so I'm not going to name the unit), and scrounged up some large 28X18 picture frames to place the jumbo versions.

The next morning we got the signed version after our morning meeting so I missed posting the message for the breakfast meal. I got it printed of on a large plotter, cut the versions to size, and had them delivered to the DFAC s by 1215 or so. Everything else went off OK. I think the boss was somewhat pleased. I had to call a guy from FSGA to come in on his day off to do the website bit, however. He wasn't upset by it, I don't think.

I say all this to give you a frame of mind yesterday during the actual Veteran's Day. I didn't really appreciate it. It wasn't until today, when I was reading and listening to the news coverage of the many events honoring veterans that I really grasped how even I, an active duty service member deployed overseas, am so thankful for our Veterans. In light of the events at Fort Hood, even more so. Thank you my brothers and sisters. Thank you for your service to our nation. God Bless America.

Tomorrow I will wake up and instantly be 42 years old. It's my birthday. I think I will have a bowl of ice cream after dinner to celebrate. Maybe smoke a cigar.

Sunday I am playing drums for the first time with the contemporary chapel service. We'll see how it goes. The chaplain who runs that service, CH(MAJ) Terry Romine, is a gifted preacher and a no-pulling-back ambassador for Christ. It will be good to have him around during these long, lonely months.

I'm reading Galatians right now. Trying to be consistent, but it's tough. I've never studied the book before, but it has been a helpful way to start each day.

If you have been paying attention, a helicopter crash killed two OH-58D pilots this past week. Training accident right outside our FOB. Please remember us in your prayers--safety and continued success. Thanks.

Iraq--a haiku

For my loyal readers, I offer a...haiku.

Iraq

Dust, dusty powder silt

Penetrates the attitudes of men

Culture clashes daily

Thank you.

Transfer of Authority (TOA)

Last Tuesday we officially took over control of MultiNational Division-North in N. Iraq in a ceremony at Speicher. The staff planned for days upon days to make sure this event was a good step forward. VIP generals from Baghdad and officials from the State Dept were in attendance as were Iraqi generals and elected officials from Salah ad Din province.

My duties, of course revolved around the media and the post-event interview with my boss. We invited western and Iraqi media from Baghdad to fly up for the event...we even arranged for a helicopter to pick them up especially. We had commitments from the New York Times, AFP, and 8 Iraqi agencies.

The day before the event, every single one of them cancelled. We had a commitment of 20 more journalists from the local provincial area, but after that letdown, I was wondering if were were going to get any media coverage at all.

On the morning of, the weather was pretty sick looking. There was a large dustcloud that had formed over most of our area, shutting down rotary wing flights for most of our guests. The CG (commanding general, my boss) made the call to delay the event 3 hours to let the weather clear. The problem was, 12 Iraqi TV , newspaper, and web journalists had descended on the base. Once they get through the security checks it it very difficult to tell someone to come back later. Fortunately we had set aside a break room for the media to chill out before the ceremony--complete with food and beverages--so they weren't too upset about the delay.

It gave me the chance to mingle and meet with them. I even recognized one of the cameramen and I struck up a conversation about how I had seen him before. It was a good chance to build relationships and to learn more about the culture. Vivian and Hayder, our interpreters, helped me with the communication.

One of the journalists who was working for Reuters was complaining about being feverish and having congestion. Not sure what to do I found a medic and we had him looked at. Turns out he had been sick and receiving medication...through an IV that was stuck in his hand for the past five days! We cleaned him up and gave him some Tylenol. Not much else we could do--but he appreciated it and he seemed to feel better. At least it didn't stop him from doing his job,napping pictures all over the place.

The ceremony went well, the after event interview went well...overall everything was fine. They had wanted to have more time with the CG, but the MNF-I commander was on hand and they had a meeting to attend.

One peculiarity: They asked if they could put their TV microphones on the podium. You have seen them before--the ones with a box around the handle with the station's logo emblazoned on it. I said, "Sure, no problem."

The podium was littered with these microphones, but none of them were plugged in! It was all about getting a camera shot of their TV station on hand for the event.

It's a concept called " wasta", or street credibility, or machismo. They just wanted to build the wasta of the organization. Interesting.

See the b-roll video we shot here:http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=71982

As a side note: I'm praying for my grandma's right now, especially Grandma Allen. She's pretty sick and probably in for quite a battle with the treatment and recovery phase of this. Please remember her in your prayers; for a full and quick recovery.

Speaking Other Languages

Hujambo rafiki!

That is a greeting in a foreign languge. You'd think that maybe it's a greeting in Arabic, but you'd be wrong. It's Swahili.

Why, do you ask, am I speaking Swahili? Well, it's because I am having more interaction with Ugandans than I am Iraqis at this point. There is a contractor here who provides facility security for most of the bases all around Iraq. They get most of their guard force from Uganda. Don't ask me why...they just do.

The Ugandans are a very professional lot, and they are very good at guarding the gates and checking IDs on the FOB. One of my predecessors in the 25th Inf. Div. used to exchange greetings with them as he'd come and go. I kind of like that, so I've picked up a few phrases so I can continue the exchange.

So when you next see me, be sure to ask, "Habari?" and I'll answer "Mizuri!"

You figure it out.

Into the City

I went deeper into Baghdad this morning. We took an armored convoy into the IZ or "Green Zone" where the Army has a few bases and where the embassy lies. It was pretty uneventful, other than the fact I had to be up by 0430 so we could link up with the convoy by 0510. Sleep has become my nemesis.

The city is nothing like I remembered. We've reduced our presence in the city tremendously. We went there to coordinate with Armed Forces Network personnel and the Combined Press Information Center. They are both located on a small FOB, surrounded by areas we have already turned back over to the Iraqi government.

AFN transmits live radio programming to bases all over Iraq. They also send out Soldiers to cover stories for broadcast on AFN television stations that air in theater. CPIC does the direct liaision with the Baghdad press corps, both Western and Pan-Arabic. They are the entry point for media that wished to embed with our units. It was valuable to meet with them again and review how we can interface with them, how they can support our efforts, and the best ways to take advantage of their services.

Here are a few pics from the trip.

Here is a familiar pose in front of the crossed sabres that Saddam erected to commemorate the "victory" over Iran in the Iran-Iraq War. It's in a worse state of repair compared to the same picture I took there three years ago. However, the area now belongs to Iraqis, thus I couldn't get as close as I would have liked.

This picture is me standing on the balcony of one of Saddam's mistresses' palaces. The Grand Mosque is under construction in the background. It's been under construction for a while now...since Saddam's time, I believe. They ceased work on it for a time because it was going to be bigger than a mosque elsewhere- some other more important Islamic city. Completeing it would have been an affront to this holy site, although I'm uncertain where that city is exactly. They've restarted construction because Indonesia has gone ahead and built an even larger mosque. Problem solved...let the construction effort commence!

The most notable thing is the city behind me. Other than the sound of traffic it was very quiet. No explosions, no billows of black smoke, no gunfire...it was pleasantly quiet in the city.

Lastly, here is a picture of me on a chair at Al Faw palace on Camp Liberty. We visited our higher headquarters after the trip into the Green Zone. Safe and sound.

The Chair was given to Saddam as a gift from Yassar Arafat. Both men are now dead. I get to sit in the chair. I kind of like that.

In B'dad

Al Faw palace during the day and at night. A view across the lake.

I'm in Baghdad for a conference. I took a few pictures of Camp Victory so you can see some of Saddam's architecture. This used to be a resort area for him and his cronies with it's many palaces and man-made lakes.

Transitions

We're in the middle of a transitory period as my unit takes over for the unit that has been here for the past year. We call it a "RIP" or relief in place. Another common Army term for this is "right-seat, left-seat ride". In other words, I'm in the "left seat" with my predecessor for a while as he drives, then I move over to the "right seat" to take the wheel. This is figurative, of course, since public affairs officers don't typically drive anything.

Basically, I'm learning what the other PAO did here over the past year, then he will step back and assist me as I attempt to take the reigns. It's how we ensure that the valuable lessons that were learned over the years are transferred to the next crew: what works and what doesn't, tactics, techniques, procedures, media personalities, organizational idiosyncrasies, where to get a good cup of coffee--you know, the important stuff.

The 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning" from Hawaii has done an outstanding job here over the past year. My crew and I are learning everything we can from them before we fully take the reigns in a a few short days.

My personal life is still in a bit of transition as well. I still have not adjusted to the 8-hour time change from home. I've been gone a week, but I have yet to enjoy a full night's sleep. Last night was typical. I fell asleep around 11:00pm, only to awaken at 00:09am. I laid awake, frustrated and bored, until 4:00am. At that point I switched on my light and read a few articles in a magazine I brought with me. (Countryside Magazine. I was reading about some dude's homemade greenhouse. Tell me that's not sleep inducing!) At about 4:30 I tried to sleep again, and finally did until my alarm went off at 6:15.

It was one of those wake ups where your eyes feel cemented together and you have to wipe the drool from your cheek as you look down at the wet spot on your pillow. I looked in the mirror to see the deep lines created by my sheets embedded in my face. I was NOT ready for the day. I stumbled to the shower trailer convincing myself that tonight will be different. We'll see...

Landed in Iraq

As many of my readers know (all three of you), I have returned to Iraq for duty. What you may not realize (if not, I'll be disappointed) is that I am returning to the very same base that I was in during my time here in 2005-2006. In fact, at this very moment, I am blogging you from the exact same desk I worked from during my last deployment.

Here's the rub...it's like I never really left. Sure, much has changed. There are new buildings and structures all over the place, new roads have been asphalted, and the evidence of previous units is abundant, but it's like I was simply away for an extended leave period only to come back to the same dusty, dirty, tan corner of Iraq.

Now, what has changed is the level of activity. In my first daily briefing today I was amazed and very pleased to see that every unit, save one, reported that there were no significant activities in their area of operations today. When I was with the 101st, we would experience months at a time where a Soldier was killed or wounded every day!

Do you realize what a significant improvement that is? You don't have to be Patton to see how that represents a tremendous victory.

So, it's good to be here at this time in history. I look forward to observing, first hand, how this nations transforms into a fully independent nation. Let's pray that it all works for the good.

In Kuwait

The travel time to Kuwait was long and exausting. The day started Friday as I got up to get the kids off to school. After they left, Katie and went back to bed for a few more hours of sleep since I knew we'd have a late night. After we woke at 0900, we went off to Walmart for some last minute toilletries shopping. By the time we came home, the boys were retuning from school, and I had to pack my bags. Without exaggerating, I would say my bags weighed over 200 lbs. There is no way I can carry them all at once, so I was concerned about how I was going to be able to move them around when we got to our destination.

By 1630, we all piled in the car and took off for Savannah one last time to have dinner. We've been talking abouit going to Vinnie Van GoGo's for pizza for a long time, so we just did it. The pizza was very good...but nothing has yet to compare with Aurelio's or Chicago deep dish like you'd find at the real Uno's or Lou Malnatti's. There was a homeless dude wandersing around the restaurant...all of the seating is outside in Market Square. I guess he was picking food out of the garbage. The manager shoo'd him away a few times. We had several pieces left over, so we boxed them up and found the guy across the street in Franklin Square. We gave him what we had, and although he didn't have the presence of mind to express it, I could tell he was thankful.

After a few hours at home with the boys and a few last games of Call of Duty 2, we again loaded up the car and headed to post. We waited around for a long time to say goodbye. It was excruciating. I could tell the boys were bored and tired, yet feeling guilty because they were bored...and still wanting to spend as much time with me as possible. Finally the time came when our collective hearts were broken as I had to detach from the security of my family. As I write this my heart again aches and tears fill my eyes thinking about that moment when I have to say farewell and "I'll see you in a year...hold on, be strong, I love you". No one should have to endure that moment with their family, yet as long as Soldiers have gone off to fight, families have had to do this very thing.

The flight was long--about 17 hours total travel time to Kuwait. What made the flight extra-long were the two stops in Shannon, Ireland and Leipzig, Germany. The trip made for one long day--we arrived at 0900 on Sunday morning.

When we arrived we immediately began inprocessing, attending briefings, and beginning our training. The time here is designed to get one acclimated to the harsh desert environment. It's windy and hot. Hopefully we won't be here long.

Katie Wins the Race!

I've been waiting for a friend to send me a couple pictures, but I can't wait anymore. I have to let everyone know what a great athlete my wife is turning into.

On 26 Sept. we ran in the "Top of the Rock Run" 5K. It is an annual event held here on post, and it's probably typical of many low-level 5/10K races. Lots of novices, but being on a military installation, many participants who are familiar with the fitness/ running way of life.

Our friends Steve and Becky were there, as well as our longtime friends Shane and Susanna. It was great to get out and participate. The nice thing was that it wasn't so large that we didn't have the chance to compete in our age groups. They all ran the 10K, but we have not been training for that distance so we stayed with the 5K. CrossFit training usually includes running, but it's often kept at multiple short bursts at 400-800m, and usually not more than 2 miles per WOD (workout of the day).

Steve, Becky, and Susanna all placed in their age groups. Shane could have placed, but I think he ran with Susanna-- not that she runs slowly, but I think he just wanted to run with her.

I ran OK, I guess. I just have to admit that with my current conditioning, I am not going to win any speed records. I missed placing in my age group by only 9 seconds, so I'm not too dissappointed.

Katie, though, had a great race. She finished in 25:59, her all-time best for a 5K. Plus she placed first in her age group, even running better that the first-place finishers in the two age groups younger than Katie.

She didn't place overall--those winners can flat out run!--but she wasn't far off. I'm so proud of her. When I get the pictures in I will add them to the site.

GOOD JOB KATIE!!

Coin and Covenant

The chaplains held a "coin and covenant" ceremony last week. The idea being that a couple can come together, think about the commitment they made to each other, then recommit in a simple ceremony that would sustain the relationship while deployed.

Sounds good. We like it. We went. It was good.

Katie and I exchanged small cards with our promises to each other hand written on them. The cards were then laminated. I have Katie's promises to me in my pocket now. She has mine in her purse.

We were also given a "mizvah" coin--you've probably seen them, the "coin" necklace that is broken in two, with two parts of a prayer written upon it. It's a symbol of our unity and the hope that we will one day rejoin the coin to be together again. God willing.

It was an all-too-short moment in time when I could try to communicate to my bride just what she means to me. The words were all true, the emotions real, but I wish we had more time to reflect and experience the moment. The organizers tried to squeeze the ceremony in during a lunch break. I had a staff meeting immediately after the ceremony at 1300, so guess where my mind wandered off to. I was getting worried about making my meeting on time. Katie certainly deserves better.

The local paper sent out a reporter to cover the event and to do a report on chaplains in general. We were interviewed and the paper ran the article this morning. The picture is from the article. If you're interested you can read the article here: http://www.coastalcourier.com/news/article/16817/

Great Labor Day Weekend

We had a great time with Dave, Sue, and their kids. Dave and I hit the golf ball around (notice I didn't say we 'played' golf), we went to the beach at Tybee, and yesterday afternoon Alex and I joined them for a horse-drawn carriage tour of Savannah.

I actually learned quite a bit on that tour. Savannah is an interesting town.

The video is not the best--the music is drowning out our tour guide and I haven't figured out how to lower the background music volume on the software I have. But, the video does capture what we saw.

I wish I had video of the beach to share. The weather Saturday was perfect! The water temperature was wonderful. Just a great day in the sun...which we followed up with a nice dinner at AJ's on the island.

Visitors

It's Labor Day weekend. I have a few days off, so my brother and his family came down to visit. This will probably be the last time I see them before I depart for Iraq.

He's a good trooper. They left their home yesterday after finishing work. They drove all night and got here at about 0430 this morning. That's crazy! But, like I said, he and his family are good troopers and I really appreciate the effort they're making to spend time with us.

A community on Hilton Head Island is offering Soldiers free rounds of golf this weekend. We're going to take advantage of that later today. I think my brother is a very good golfer, so I think he'll enjoy playing there vs. playing on post. The post golf course is fine...it looks nice and is fun to play, but it lacks the same panache as playing on H.H.Is.

We'll probably hit the beach Saturday, attend church together Sunday, and they'll be off on Monday.

I'll keep you up to date on how the weekend progresses.

Braves, Outkast, Digital Images and the Marimba...say whaaaat?

I haven't updated this blog in a few weeks, but frankly I haven't had much new to say. I mean, I could tell you about my latest butt-chewin' or project-gone-wrong, but what's the fun in that?


This week, however, has been more interesting than the norm. On Wednesday and Thursday Lee and I went to Atlanta to visit with FORSCOM and get some additional training on the Digital Visual Information Distribution System (DVIDS) http://www.dvidshub.net/index.php.


We left post after my regular Wednesday briefing and got into Atlanta by late afternoon. We were able to visit with the PAO sergeant major, SGM Webster, and get some vital information we needed before deployment. The best part, though, was seeing Webster. He was the 101st PAO NCOIC my last deployment and a great NCO. Plus, he has become a good, good friend over the years. I grew to rely on his abilities and expertise in the past, and I don't know if I would have made it through Iraq last time without him.

After the meeting we went to see the Braves vs.Padres. Hey, why not? We were in Atlanta, we got some great seats from a contact we knew, so it made for a good way to spend the evening.

The funny thing is, I just saw the Padres beat the Reds when I was in Cincinnati (which you already know because you're an avid reader of this blog, right?). The Braves lost...got whipped, really. But, in all it was a good game.

Plus, Andre of "Outkast" was in the stands right behind us (seated to the far right in the picture). What? You don't know Andre? Well, all I can say is, ask your teenager or Google him.

I was trying to get a picture with my cellphone without looking like I took a picture. Was I successful?

The next morning we went to Crawford Communications for the one-day executive course on DVIDS. It was a great training session since DVIDS has changed so much since I last deployed. We gained several new tips on how to make the system work for us while we deploy.

The problem with the trip is I missed my oldest son's first cross country meet. He's a senior and just decided to join the cross country team for the first time this year. He's a good athlete and I think he'll improve mightily over the season, but he started out very well for a first-timer. He ran the 5K trail in about 26 minutes, so I think that's pretty good. I'm very proud of his gumption to go out and join the team like this.

Friday, after we returned, Katie and I went to Jake's first half-time show at the local HS football game. He plays trumpet but due to several factors, is playing marimba this year. Actually I think he prefers it. And, he seems to do pretty well for a trumpeteer.

In all, a good week.

UFC 101

As you may have figured out by now, I like to comment on the UFC fights after I see them. Last night's fight was a major disappointment for me since a) there were no really "good" fights, and b) the two people I wanted to win got beat.

First, Forrest Griffin looked silly in his loss against Anderson Silva. He went in there looking bigger and stronger than the Brazilian, but the fight ended with a beat-down Griffin begging, "No mas!" Unfortunately, the only clip anyone will see from the fight is the portion where Griffin is floored by Silva's right jab, as Silva backpedaled away from Griffin's reckless assault. Up to that point, the real damage was done when Silva clocked Griffin to the floor twice with clubbing shots to his cranium. The jab was just icing on the cake, but because the shot was not that impressive to look at, it will make people think that Griffin was TKO'd by a simple jab. Unfortunate, indeed.

The other fight where I was disappointed in the outcome was BJ Penn v. Kenny Florian. Truth in advertising alert: I do not really like Penn. He's just...I don't know...cocky? irritating? But, that's not the point, is it? He is a very good fighter--I have to give him that. And last night, he proved it again. I really thought that Florian was winning the fight through the third round, although the strategy he employed made for a humdrum affair. Florian's smothering of Penn against the fence served to tire the champ, but it also made for a lackluster first three rounds. In the fourth round, Penn finally decided to get offensive with his BJJ and took the attacking Florian to the mat. He quickly dominated the position and forced Florian into giving up his back. It wasn't long after that when Penn found the rear-naked choke to end the match.

My question is: what took you so long? I believe ego forces fighters into a striking attack when the ground game may be their stronger asset. That's what I detect was happening here. Penn could have ended the fight earlier if he had just taken Florian to the mat earlier in the bout. But, no, he had to come out with a stand-up attack first, thinking that was the best chance.

It resulted in a win, regardless, but I think it could have been just as decisive earlier if Penn had applied a different strategy.

The post-fight octagon interview with Joe Rogan, however, revealed the real weakness in Penn's game. He said, "I woke up this morning and asked myself, 'why the heck do I put myself through this'?" Penn's mind is weak. He is losing heart. The toil and strain that being a professional fighter requires is dulling his will. I question whether or not Penn will be able to push himself into too many more fights, let alone title defenses.

At a Ballgame in Cincinnati

The game was over a week ago, but this is the first chance I've had to get it posted. The new ballpark in Cincy is pretty nice...it's new, clean, and has an intimate atmosphere. I like the view we had of the field with our ability to look outside the walls to see the Ohio River.

It rained a bit during the game causing us to abandon our seats for the cheap seats higher up in the stands. It was the only place on our level where we could get overhead cover and still watch the game.

Katie's brother, John and our sister-in-law Lisa joined us for the game (thanks for the tickets,John!). Kyle was there, of course, and he was a good sport the whole time. I can tell he is accustomed to spending some time in the stands!

In all, it was a good day with the family spending time watching America's pastime.

The Cruise --What a blast!

Well, we just returned yesterday from our 5-day cruise aboard the Carnival ship, Fasciniation. We had a wonderful time visiting Key West and Nassau, Bahamas, as well as taking advantage of the many activities on board the boat.

As many of you already know, the food aboard these ships promotes gluttony, and I wish I could say we all restrained ourselves from over eating, but alas, it was not meant to be. We ate, we ate well, and we ate often. The boys enjoyed the "fancy" dining opportunities, but they also took advantage of the ever-available pizza cafe and the 24-hour room service.

We did stay active, however. We took advantage of the fitness center on board, working out several times during the week. We also stayed active during the shore excursions. We did a parasailing trip in Key West and a catamaran/ snorkel adventure in Nassau.

The crew was great, the shows entertaining, and the music enjoyable. Everything was very good and we had a great time together. The one downside...five people in one stateroom. It was cramped, but we managed.

This was our last big hoo-hah together before I deploy this fall. It was a good time to be together and share the love that we have as a family.

Gold Medal of Remembrance Ceremony

Last night my division honored the sacrifice of children who have lost their fathers while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom. It was a moving and emotional experience, yet it was still filled with hope for the future.

Each of the 32 children on hand received a Gold Medal from the division commander. The medal was designed for the White House Commission on Remembrance (http://www.remember.gov/GoldMedalofRemembrance/tabid/163/Default.aspx).

After the formal ceremony, I was able to set up a quick interview with my boss and the media that was on hand. I sort of eavesdropped in on the conversation and got this video.

I am posting this video so Americans can get a sense as to what makes Army Brats so special. These resilient kids put up with some pretty demanding and unusual situations, and as my boss says, these experiences makes them more prepared for the future when compared to their non-military contemporaries.

Army kids everywhere: you're the best!!

UFC 100...hooooah!

Did you see the fight Saturday night?

Man, what a show that was! My brother asked me two weeks ago to fly out to Vegas to see the fight. He had access to three free tickets and asked me to join him. I was thinking, "OHHHH YEAAAH!!"

Then, reality hit me. Flying from the East coast to Vegas was going to cost a little bit. Add in food, a room, and mad money, and all of the sudden "free" tickets end up costing over $1000. Unfortunately, I had to back out. I'll do something else with him before I go to Iraq.

So, to make up for the missed opportunity, Katie let me buy the PPV. (Thank you, baby!)

All I want to say is, "Dan Henderson beasted Michael Bisping." That was one of the sickest knockouts I have seen in recent memory. I have nothing against Bisping--he's a good fighter, but Dan is a quality American. Don't go dissin' the red, white, and blue on national television, and then think you're going to survive three, five-minute rounds with Hendo.

Lights out. 'Nuff said.

GSP was stellar. He is a quality athlete. I don't know what else to say but that he obviously was prepared to go in there and take it to his opponent. The best man won that fight.

As for Brock Lesnar...well, you had to see it coming. When a man that size starts throwing around those canned hams he calls fists, it has to get ugly. I don't condone his actions, however. After the fight he looked like a punk rather than the world-class athlete I know he is. He needs to take a shower and get all that WWE off of him before he steps back into the octagon.

Overall, an entertaining fight card.

My Beautiful Bride's Birthday

Today is my wife's last day before she meets one of the infamous milestones of life with the coming of her birthday tomorrow. It's true that she will leave one decade and enter another, but regardless she is in the prime of her life.

We went to dinner this evening to celebrate. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Savannah. I made reservations for 5:oopm, thinking I wanted to get in before the crowds. Well...mission success. We were the first diners for the evening. In fact, we had the full attention of the entire waitstaff for about 40 minutes before the next guests arrived.

Strike number one, we looked like out-of-towners. (Y'all don't get to the big city much, do yah?)

In the early evening they offer a $39.95 "special" that includes salad, protein entree, side dish, and dessert. We both opted for that. Plus, we decided we wanted to try a glass of wine with dinner. You know...to look sophisticated with a discriminating palate. So, we looked at the wine list (by-the-glass of course) and noticed some wines cost as much as $25--a glass! We promptly chose a grenache that we knew absolutely nothing about. But, it was the second cheapest wine on the list. We didn't choose the cheapest because, well, we didn't want to look cheap, after all.

Strike two, we looked cheap.

After a very satisfying meal, we looked at our bill (which was over the century mark), and promptly pulled out a gift card for $88. (It was a great deal! $44 gets you an $88 gift card from savannahmenu.com!) In all the meal only cost us about $58 plus tip.

Strike three...wait a minute! That's not strike three, that's a home run!

We had a great time, and I got the chance to spend some quality time with my honey to talk and reminisce about the twenty years we have been together. It was a wonderful time with my wonderful lady.

Happy Birthday, Honey! I love you and am so thankful for the many years we've had together. May God grace you with many, many more.

The way ahead in Afghanistan...by looking back?

A few days ago, a good friend of mine offered me an article about the current operations in Afghanistan, and asked me my opinion. I thought this blog might be a good venue to share that opinion...not to say I think my opinion deserves a wider audience than just a few emails between friends, but I was hoping in reading the article, you too might be able to share your insights and observations.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/06/30/call_in_the_calvary

The article talks mainly about a British Cavalry officer, Captain Charles Trower and his 1845 memoirs concerning his experience in Afghanistan. The article author asserts that the DoD could learn a lot about how to wage this conflict based on the experiences of this captain.

In reality, the defense department has used past experiences as a ready-made guide in how to execute the current era of persistent conflict we find ourselves in. We have borrowed liberally from the Brit's experiences in Malaysia and Iraq, as well as the French forays into Algeria and Indo-China. They have helped us in determining what does, and does not work when fighting an insurgency or asymmetric/ unconventional war.

We have our own set of experiences, too, learned from our time in Vietnam. Although, these experiences taught us mostly what not to do. Still, many of those lessons have not been forgotten.

Mostly I found the article to be applicable, but not that novel. I would suggest that we have people within our ranks who are already applying the three principles addressed in the piece: incentivize, live and let live, and go native.

While most of my experience lies in the Iraqi theater, I would say we would be wise to listen to, and study the experiences of the past. While our society has progressed immensely since 1845, it appears that Afghanis have not, so the lessons learned by Capt. Trower might be more applicable than we think.

To All U.S. Citizens...

Happy Independence Day!

Worth Fighting For

Last night I took two of my boys and wife to post for another Twilight Tattoo. (My third son was still at church camp) It's Independence Day weekend, and the tattoo was a great way to start off the festivities.

The tattoo again featured the band, a division history display, and plenty of Soldiers on the field in historical and modern uniforms. The jumbotron displayed videos played in synch with the band's music, and there was a howitzer firing battery who effectively punctuated the tunes to great effect. It was a thrilling, chest-pumping, get-out-of-your-seat dose of American and Army pride. I loved it.

The commanding general took about five minutes to speak. I wish I could say I had something to do with his speech, but alas, he writes his own. That's a good thing, because he's a master of oral communication.

I've attached a video I took of his speech. I think people should hear, from the perspective of a Soldier, what the Army is about and why we are here. These tattoos are his brainchild and I give him all the credit for making these events happen. (forgive my cinemetography--I didn't have a tripod and I was using my new Zi6 for the first time)

We're having one more tattoo before we leave for Iraq. I suspect it will be in September some time. Be sure that I will report back to you about it.

Also...Ben was named the runner-up camper of the week! In practical terms it means we get a 50% discount on camp next year. In terms that matter, it means that Ben experienced God in a new, real way and others saw His light shining through my precious son. It was an answer to our prayers that he had a fulfilling and meaningful week.

I asked him how the week went. He replied,"I had fun. Oh, and I grew closer to God." Nothing could be better than that.

All Trained Up

Last weekend was a relaxing respite following the two weeks of field training my unit just completed. It was 14 days of 6am until midnight work days, with plenty of stress and few meals. You'd think I'd lose a bunch of weight, but the stress must increase my cortisol levels which kind of keeps me at status quo.

What's so stressful, you ask? A team of observer/trainers came up from Ft Leavenworth to train and evaluate us, the staff. I had a colonel devoted to looking over my shoulder, to analyze every thing my team and I did. He was actually a great help...a wealth of recent experience and knowledge, but it doesn't make it any easier.

The other stress comes from performance anxiety, as the commander establishes his requirements from his staff. I always want to do my best for him. He deserves a good PAO; one that meets his information needs and delivers sound advice. I hate it when I come up short. It's like I disappointed my dad, or something.

In the end, the staff and command team performed superbly. We'll be ready to go, without a question. The question is, what is Iraq going to look like when we get there? With the US forces leaving the cities tomorrow and handing security over to the Iraqis, it will be interesting to see what Iraq will have devolved (evolved) to by the time we get there. I pray for success, but realism says they will be facing some extreme challenges that we may have to help them with. Many mistakes we may have to undo. Areas we may have to reestablish.

Iraqis--I wish you well. Do your best. Don't let your commanders down.

Happy Father's Day! Happy Birthday, Son!!

Because of the training I'm in, I won't be with my fathers or be with my own children during Father's Day tomorrow. Katie took the boys to Baltimore for my cousin's wedding. My Mom and Dad are there, too. Katie's dad is at home.

So, when I get up tomorrow, I will wish myself a happy father's day--because I'm happy to be the father of three great sons. They are the joy of my life. That is, when they aren't fighting with each other.

To my dad, and my wonderful father-in-law: I love you both and wish you a wonderful Father's Day. I appreciate each of you for the role you play in my life. Your wisdom, acceptance, love, and guidance has been essential to my progression in life. I am thankful for both of you.

To Dad--you have been a great father and I couldn't ask for more. I enjoy the times we spend together and I look forward to the day when we can do it with continued frequency. You're the best!

To Jacob--happy birthday, son! You make me so incredibly proud. You are a great guy; talented in so many ways. I can't believe it was 14 years ago when I held you in my arms as a newborn, only to have you stare at me with the expression,"What!?" I am thankful for the honor God has given me to be your father. See you in a few days.

Getting Ready to Go

I'm on a 36-hour break right now. I've spent last week in the field on a Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX). It's the last training event before getting ready to deploy. The deployment is still several months away, but this training event is our certification that we are ready to do the job that needs to be done.

It's a tough exercise. Trainers from Ft Leavenworth's Battle Command Training Center are here to help us by observing and assessing where we are at; how ready we are. We started last Sunday and paused the exercise yesterday afternoon. Afterwards we did a mid-point after action review to see where we're at in the process. By all accounts we are doing well.

I think my team is doing very well. I know I've been stretched personally and I've been tested by some difficult situations. It's stressful. There are lots of events going on simultaneously, and each one requires full attention and concentration in order to make the right decision.

In my job, people are relying on me and my Soldiers to make sound recommendations to the commander and then be prepared to put out accurate and effective messages about the unit's actions. The people of America deserve the best information we can provide them, and the command deserves for me to be on top of my game. So far I think we have upheld our part of the mission.

The exercise is based on a simulation of operations in the area of the country we're deploying to. As a member of the staff, we react to requests for information from the "media", publish command information products to the families "back home", prepare the commander and other leaders for engagements with Western and "foreign" media, and respond to misinformation, among other things.

The BCTP folks simulate media, foreign nationals, foreign leaders, etc.with role players who act out their part in the scenario. It makes it all very realistic.

We have one more week of the MRX starting tomorrow at about noon. Hopefully we can take the lessons learned from last week and make the improvements the BCTP observer/trainers have suggested.

Happy 234th Army Birthday!

Tonight was Ft. Stewart's Twilight Tattoo in celebration of the Army's 234th birthday which is this weekend. It was a wonderfully thrilling and patriotic event. The kind of event that makes your heart pump with pride. The 3rd ID band performed spectacularly, and the Soldiers who took the field represented all the tough and disciplined Dogface Soldiers in the division.

A tear rolled down my cheek when the band played "America the Beautiful". The commanding general, Maj. Gen. Cucolo offered a stirring, yet brief speech--it was aimed directly to the point. The Army is here, and always has been here, to defend our freedoms. To defend our nation. To defend our Constitution.

This was a great event, held by a great division, in honor of a great Army. I wish you all could be there. "Worth fighting for."

What do I do? Glad you asked...

One thing I really like about serving as an Army officer is the variety of duties I've been able to perform in my 17+ years of service.

I started my career as an aviator. I was trained to fly UH-1H and OH-58A/C/D helicopters. That, in itself, was unusual and exciting. I think it's fair to say that not many people have learned to fly, fly helicopters, under night vision goggles, at nap-of-the-earth altitudes, and fired a variety of aircraft-based weapons such as hellfire missiles, 2.75" rockets, Stinger air-to-air missiles, and .50 cal. machine guns. I mean, that is some cool stuff!

But then, in 2000 I was given the opportunity to move into public affairs. I now get the chance to tell the Army story.

This blog is not about that, really, but about my particular experiences in the Army and in life. However, being a public affairs officer (PAO) has brought me a whole new set of unusual and "wacky" experiences.

Now I routinely rub elbows with culturally powerful and influential people. Actors, journalists, musicians, politicians, singers, writers, filmmakers...these are the people that make my job unusual by Army standards. But I can say with sincere honesty that rarely have I met one of these "beautiful people" and were awed by their presence. The only cheesy photo I have is a shot of me with my arms around Randy Couture and Rich Franklin when they were visiting us in Iraq in 2006. I look at most of them as just ordinary people trying to do their job, just like me.

This year I've worked projects with Jake Rademacher (movie, "Brothers at War"), the TV show "Army Wives", a TV project with Ricky Shroeder, and another project for MTV. Each time I've interfaced with "famous" people. I try to be helpful and friendly in all of my actions...I want to my very best job in all that I do. I wonder if they are confused when we don't fawn all over them in the process?

The Hard Part

For people that haven't experienced military life, they probably wonder what aspect of the lifestyle is most difficult. Is it the training? The physical exertion and forced exercise regimen? Is it the long hours? Is it the very real possibility that your job could lead to a premature death?

In my personal experience, the most difficult thing is the separation from your family. From the moment Katie and I started our life together we've had long periods where we were separated by time and distance. The first five months of our marriage were apart as I continued with flight training and she finished school. Since that point in time we have routinely spent 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks apart. That just became a normal part of our life together. We hated the time away, but loved the reunions!

In 2005-2006 our family experienced the worst separation when I deployed with the 101st Airborne to Iraq. It was our longest time apart and the anxiety of not knowing how that long period of separation would feel brought the most concern to me. It definitely was not fun, but we survived. We're blessed because many military family relationships don't.

My boys are away right now visiting friends and relatives for the month. I won't see them for about four weeks. It stinks because I'm here--and in a few short months I won't be. I'll be deploying again. Back to Iraq. Again with the long year of separation bridged by email and 10-minute phone calls when you can get them.

I don't mind the hard training, the long work hours, the exhausting PT, or even the thought of sacrificing my life for the country I love...but I really don't like being without my beautiful family.

Crazy Dog Titus

We have a dog. His name is Titus. He is a puggle (pug/beagle mix). He is dumb.

I say that with the deepest affection for him in my heart, but I have to be real honest and admit that he just isn't too bright. I can't help but love him.

God knew what he was doing when he created the canine (duh,of course He knew what He was doing!). These creatures have the capacity to interact and communicate with us in the most amazing ways.

Titus is too fat to jump up on our bed. But on the days he wants to sleep with us, and not with one of the boys, he has his cues that say, "Lift me up there, I want to sleep with you guys!" Amazingly...we do it!

He tells us he's hungry, scared, uncomfortable, wants a walk, when he is content, wants to play fetch...all of that from one stupid little fuzzball.

In fact yesterday he even provided commentary on Katie's guitar playing. She's been playing for a few weeks now, and I think she's getting rather good. However, while practicing on the couch Katie noticed Titus burrowing his head under the layers of pillows and cushions to escape the objectionable sound. Maybe he's not so dumb after all.

Wars and rumors of wars...

N. Korea has been pretty busy lately. The Taliban in Pakistan is causing a huge row, as is al-Qaida in Iraq. Israel is about to conduct wargames which are making the Hezbollah in Lebanon nervous. Are these the wars and rumors of wars that Jesus was taking about in the book of Matthew...the ones that would lead to his second coming? I don't know...yes, I suppose...but somehow this does not seem different from previous periods of warfare.

I do believe those days are coming, and I do believe they are apporaching quickly, but I'm not convinced the days are right at our doorstep. There is time before Christ comes again, but the question for many is, "How much?"

The adage that goes, "there is no time like the present", applies here. If you are on the fence about making a decision for Christ, if you feel an emptiness inside that makes you wonder if there is somethig to this "God thing", then I implore you to act now. If you are wondering if a friend or relative needs to know what Christ has done for you...and can do for them...chances are you need to tell them.

I write this fully realizing that very few people read my blog, and the message is mostly pointed at myself. That's OK because I need a kick in the butt as much as anyone. If I am your friend, and I have never told you about my faith--please forgive me. It's not because I do not care. It is becasue I am weak and timid, and am more concerned over my own discomfort than your eternity. I admit this to my own shame...

CrossFit- not for sissies, but good for your family

We've been doing CrossFit for about 11 months now. There has been little I've enjoyed more over this past year than working out with my family. Mark Mazlakowski and his sister Sandy in Clarksville, TN (http://www.maxfxcrossfit.com/) were our first coaches who really introduced us to the CrossFit concept. Their gym is actually a transformed separate garage located out in the country, but despite its innocent demeanor, vile displays of exercise brutality routinely go on inside that building. I mean that in the best possible way, of course.

What is it that makes CF so fun, you ask? I don't know...I'm demented, I guess. But when you go through a complete workout, with your legs burning and your chest heaving to provide more oxygen to your withered muscles, you feel a sense of ease and accomplishment. Ease because you know the pain is over (at least for now). Accomplishment because you realize you just did something that 90% of the people in our society are scared or unwilling to do. CF makes you meet yourself every time--it tells you who you are and how far you can go.

Plus, I love to watch my wife workout. Hey! Not like that you sickos! I like to see her succeed and push and struggle and win. She is an awesome athlete. I have seen her do some things that would embarrass most women. Sweat, spit, grunt, moan, cry--none of it very pretty, but all of it very real. She is really an amazing and beautiful woman.

We just completed our daily WOD (workout of the day). I lifted 7000lbs. over my head in 10:32 and my wife lifted 5000lbs. in 8:16. See what I mean? Tell me your wife can do that!

UFC

I gotta say...I like it. I just finished watching UFC98 this evening. Matt Hughes beat Matt Serra in a very close match. With the bad blood between them, I really wanted Hughes to crush Serra, but it was a spirited fight and I respect them both for it.

Lyoto Machida utterly dominated Rashad Evans. Machida is the real deal with serious knockout skills. I'm not sure Evans, who can knock some dudes out too, even laid a glove on him. Evans got his clock cleaned.

Why do I like it? I think it's the physical one-on-one, where the truly better fighter wins (most of the time). The raw strength and physicality the fighters display impresses me...I may feel like I'm in good shape on occasion, but I never feel like those guys look. Does that make sense?

There is also an honor between fighters--a mutual respect that I appreciate as a warrior.

The question: is mixed martial arts fighting incompatible with the Christian life? I know how I negotiate the apparent dichotomy, but what do you think?

Memorial Day weekend 2009

I think it's appropriate that I started this blog today. This blog is a reflection of what my life as a modern Army officer is like. I could not have this experience if it was not for those who have gone before me...those who struggled, fought and died in defense of our great nation.

The tug of patriotism surges and wanes with the popular tides of our modern culture. I feel the current steadily drifting out now...loving your country, and saying so, doesn't seem to have the acceptance amongst the cultural elites that it once had. But I will not be ashamed. I am proud of who we are as a people and everything this great country has accomplished. I am proud to serve in her defense along the 1% of Americans who join me.

To those out there who also serve, and to those who don't, I have one question: "What is worth fighting for?"