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...
17 October 2009
15 October 2009
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.
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.
11 October 2009
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.
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.
08 October 2009
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!!
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!!
30 September 2009
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/
07 September 2009
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.
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.
04 September 2009
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.
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.
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