9 November 2011,
Due to circumstances I took my leave early and am back home in Oklahoma for a couple of weeks. All is well with me, Mrs Dub and Miss Dub. It's been a whirl-wind of events since I got off the airplane and got back with the family. With Miss Dub as a senior this year in high school, we are taking this opportunity to visit some college campuses and let her get a feel for what and where she wants to attend.
Things in Afghanistan have been busy with my unit spread all over, the commander and I have been in a constant state of travel it seems. Life would be much simpler if I had them all under one roof. But then again, life would be much simpler if we were stationed in Hawaii or Italy instead of Afghanistan too. I keep telling the military Hawaii is primed for another attack and we should be on the front lines. I'm willing to sit on a surf board and keep a look out for attacking submarines.
Gotta get back to the rat race here and I'm sure I will be somewhat ready to get back to Afghanistan where I can take a break. Be safe and have a great day!
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
25 September 2011
I like it because I know that it happens to come in black with a light bar on top as a law enforcement package.
It's been a busy month, we have had several key people take their leave this month which allows the rest of us to pick up the slack. With that, I've managed to get to travel quite a bit throughout Laghman Province and back to Bagram, all of course business, hehe. I made my first venture through Jalalabad by convoy last week, it was amazing. By air you can see that it is one of the most advanced cities in Afghanistan. It is good to still see small children wave and smile as you go by. I remember traveling through the city and hearing one of the soldiers over the headset say he saw a person taking a picture as we drove by. Yes, in one sense this could be a tense moment as you don't know why he's taking a picture, but then again, since both the soldier in front of me and I were both taking pictures of them as we drove by I tend to think it's just curiosity. Heck, we took pictures of our vehicles when we got them, they're huge! This one is one of my favorites, it's a MATV.
I like it because I know that it happens to come in black with a light bar on top as a law enforcement package.Well, better get going for now, be safe and have a great day.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11/2011
It was ten years ago today. I had just gotten off work from the night shift as a police officer, taken my daughter to school and was just going to bed when my wife called me and told me to turn on the news. Within minutes I had guardsmen, my soldiers, calling me and asking what we needed to do. I told them then, get ready. I too went out to my garage and pulled together all of my military gear, pulled out my clothes and packed. I did not expect a call to come on that day, but I wanted to make the gesture, to show my commitment that I was ready. That call came two years later, the 45th Infantry BDE was training at Ft. Carson heading to Afghanistan in the largest deployment for the Thunderbirds since Korea.
In 2006, for the 5 year anniversary I again was in Afghanistan serving on my second tour, The 1-180th Infantry Battalion from the 45th was called up to deploy with the 41st IBCT from Oregon.
And now, 10 years later, on this day, I write to you from a forward operating base, FOB Gamberi, Afghanistan. This war has had a toll on all of us. We have had too many losses just in this deployment so far. I will say to you now, I am proud of my commitment to the Oklahoma National Guard, the State of Oklahoma and the United States of America. I wear this uniform to pay tribute to those who died on that morning ten years ago, their families, to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives for our safety and to their families who feel the void in their lives now. I WILL NEVER FORGET.
It was ten years ago today. I had just gotten off work from the night shift as a police officer, taken my daughter to school and was just going to bed when my wife called me and told me to turn on the news. Within minutes I had guardsmen, my soldiers, calling me and asking what we needed to do. I told them then, get ready. I too went out to my garage and pulled together all of my military gear, pulled out my clothes and packed. I did not expect a call to come on that day, but I wanted to make the gesture, to show my commitment that I was ready. That call came two years later, the 45th Infantry BDE was training at Ft. Carson heading to Afghanistan in the largest deployment for the Thunderbirds since Korea.
In 2006, for the 5 year anniversary I again was in Afghanistan serving on my second tour, The 1-180th Infantry Battalion from the 45th was called up to deploy with the 41st IBCT from Oregon.
And now, 10 years later, on this day, I write to you from a forward operating base, FOB Gamberi, Afghanistan. This war has had a toll on all of us. We have had too many losses just in this deployment so far. I will say to you now, I am proud of my commitment to the Oklahoma National Guard, the State of Oklahoma and the United States of America. I wear this uniform to pay tribute to those who died on that morning ten years ago, their families, to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives for our safety and to their families who feel the void in their lives now. I WILL NEVER FORGET.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
24 August 2011,
Nothing brings a smile to your face like a jingle truck.
In one week's time from now, my beautiful wife of 19 years, and 8 months will be another year older, I think she'll be 29, again. But of all that time, and with 3 deployments and a trip to New Orleans, this will be the first birthday of hers I will absolutely not be home for. I still say that I made it for her birthday in 2006 even though I was one week late. There are no plans to surprise this time but I did manage to get her a gift on time, thanks Amazon.
My relocation to FOB Gamberi in Laghman Province has occurred and I finally have Internet again. Not the most reliable, but I am able to Skype with the family and that's a huge win in my world. I just got back from Kalagush where I have some of my soldiers, and I took a couple of pictures.
(of course, this picture doesn't represent how I feel, or does it?)
The mountain range surrounding this place is magnificent.
Be safe and have a great day!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
11 August 2o11,
I have promised my family and myself, this will be the last deployment. I'm tired of the BS. Tomorrow I will have been in the military 17 years. Although I have had ups and downs like anyone does with any job, this last year has all been down. I feel lied to and betrayed by this brigade. It's very sad. On the 13th, I become eligible to re-enlist again. For 16 years the plan has always been getting a minimum of 24 years, which means I would enlist one more time for six more years. Well, they have done a fantastic job of changing my mind over the last six months. I could still re-enlist for 3 years and get a bonus. I need 2 more years to get my 20, which has always been the goal, but I'm wondering if it's even worth my time to do that. I'm just tired.
For anyone reading this post, don't worry about me, don't feel you need to make some comment, just be safe and have a great day for yourself.
* * * CAUTION: This post is my venting. * * *
I can say without a doubt, this has been the most miserable deployment I've been on. Even my time in New Orleans, just days after Hurricane Katrina, was more enjoyable. I'm already doing the jobs of two full time E-8s and now they want to move me to another camp to take on more responsibilities. I'm not fully functioning at the two I'm doing now. In fact, I will probably be getting my hateful call from Division tomorrow about a tasking they gave me. Life sucks.
I have promised my family and myself, this will be the last deployment. I'm tired of the BS. Tomorrow I will have been in the military 17 years. Although I have had ups and downs like anyone does with any job, this last year has all been down. I feel lied to and betrayed by this brigade. It's very sad. On the 13th, I become eligible to re-enlist again. For 16 years the plan has always been getting a minimum of 24 years, which means I would enlist one more time for six more years. Well, they have done a fantastic job of changing my mind over the last six months. I could still re-enlist for 3 years and get a bonus. I need 2 more years to get my 20, which has always been the goal, but I'm wondering if it's even worth my time to do that. I'm just tired.
For anyone reading this post, don't worry about me, don't feel you need to make some comment, just be safe and have a great day for yourself.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
8 August 2011,
So far the month of August has not been kind to us. We lost 4 of our own in a weeks time in 3 separate attacks. Our prayers go out to the families as well as the comrades left behind struggling during this time.
I have been very busy as of late fulfilling the roles of the First Sergeant as well as the other hat I wear in country. My unit is officially scattered to the four winds here and it's interesting how we are getting things done with a lot of coordination.
With the assistance of some folks back home, I think I have Mrs Dub and Miss Dub convinced to meet me on my R & R time. I'm glad as this year away holds very big milestones in our family and being away has been difficult.
The first big event is Mrs Dub and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary, (16 of which I was actually home for). For our 10th anniversary we re-newed our vows in Las Vegas with the ceremony being officiated by Elvis. It was a blast. So, for the 20th I'll have to add some extra WOW to the mix. Our second milestone is Miss Dub turns 18 and will graduate High School in May. All signs point to me being home to see this event, which has been a very big issue in our household. I screw that up and I might as well stay here in Afghanistan.
Be safe and have a great day!
So far the month of August has not been kind to us. We lost 4 of our own in a weeks time in 3 separate attacks. Our prayers go out to the families as well as the comrades left behind struggling during this time.
I have been very busy as of late fulfilling the roles of the First Sergeant as well as the other hat I wear in country. My unit is officially scattered to the four winds here and it's interesting how we are getting things done with a lot of coordination.
With the assistance of some folks back home, I think I have Mrs Dub and Miss Dub convinced to meet me on my R & R time. I'm glad as this year away holds very big milestones in our family and being away has been difficult.
The first big event is Mrs Dub and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary, (16 of which I was actually home for). For our 10th anniversary we re-newed our vows in Las Vegas with the ceremony being officiated by Elvis. It was a blast. So, for the 20th I'll have to add some extra WOW to the mix. Our second milestone is Miss Dub turns 18 and will graduate High School in May. All signs point to me being home to see this event, which has been a very big issue in our household. I screw that up and I might as well stay here in Afghanistan.
Be safe and have a great day!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
28 July 2011,
It's 7:10 am and I just want to go back to bed for a while. Our b-hut stays dark so unless someone opens the front door you don't know it's daylight out yet. Do you think the war would miss me if I slept in?
I have a sign of relief as my school work is done for the summer session. I have a couple of weeks before the fall session starts. I'm thinking about taking 9 hours, but I haven't completely decided if that's a good idea or not. I had dropped one of my summer classes due to technical difficulties, so 3 classes may be too much. My goal was to finish my degree while I was here but that does seem far reaching now. I just need to get a hold of the university and see how close I'm getting.
There certainly isn't anything exciting to report, and for here that's good news. Be safe and have a great day!
It's 7:10 am and I just want to go back to bed for a while. Our b-hut stays dark so unless someone opens the front door you don't know it's daylight out yet. Do you think the war would miss me if I slept in?
I have a sign of relief as my school work is done for the summer session. I have a couple of weeks before the fall session starts. I'm thinking about taking 9 hours, but I haven't completely decided if that's a good idea or not. I had dropped one of my summer classes due to technical difficulties, so 3 classes may be too much. My goal was to finish my degree while I was here but that does seem far reaching now. I just need to get a hold of the university and see how close I'm getting.
There certainly isn't anything exciting to report, and for here that's good news. Be safe and have a great day!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
19 July 2011,
Have you ever tried to log on to one of your many different pages and as you sit and type your log-in you forget what your password is? I've had to create a spreadsheet to capture all mine, you know that number one rule by everyone not to do, but its the only way to ensure you have it in case your memory fails. Now where did I put that spreadsheet?
Life continues here in Bagram, more wind brings more dust. The temperature here has been better than at home. Yesterday, it was only 90 degrees, felt very nice. Today it was back up to 96-98, but a lot of wind. I see my friends and family putting pictures up on Facebook showing the car temperature, looks miserable. So who as posted the highest car temp yet? That should be a contest.
If you remember I decided to take two college courses this summer. The one class I'm doing pretty good in considering I'm in a war zone. The other class has been a battle. We are six weeks down in a eight week course and Sunday I finally got my school book. Yeah, exciting. Of course, this book is the second one I have bought for the course as the first one ended up in in Prairie, Mississippi. I hope they are enjoying it.
Well, better get back to the homework. Be safe and have a great day!
Have you ever tried to log on to one of your many different pages and as you sit and type your log-in you forget what your password is? I've had to create a spreadsheet to capture all mine, you know that number one rule by everyone not to do, but its the only way to ensure you have it in case your memory fails. Now where did I put that spreadsheet?
Life continues here in Bagram, more wind brings more dust. The temperature here has been better than at home. Yesterday, it was only 90 degrees, felt very nice. Today it was back up to 96-98, but a lot of wind. I see my friends and family putting pictures up on Facebook showing the car temperature, looks miserable. So who as posted the highest car temp yet? That should be a contest.
If you remember I decided to take two college courses this summer. The one class I'm doing pretty good in considering I'm in a war zone. The other class has been a battle. We are six weeks down in a eight week course and Sunday I finally got my school book. Yeah, exciting. Of course, this book is the second one I have bought for the course as the first one ended up in in Prairie, Mississippi. I hope they are enjoying it.
Well, better get back to the homework. Be safe and have a great day!
Friday, July 08, 2011
08 July 2011,
It's Friday night in Afghanistan, yeah, I know, not really a big deal. I haven't been to work out in the last week. I need to get back to it. Who would have thought I would come to a war zone and be busy? Uncle Sam I guess.
I can't believe NASA is sending it's last shuttle out. I heard the news about how they were doing job fairs and offering retraining. Really?
We had a IDF (indirect fire) tonight, we actually heard a 'boom' and then the sirens went off. Not sure what it was or were, Bagram is about 15 square miles so it's large. All our folks are ok.
Could have been the real thing or could have been a connex being dropped on the airstrip, not sure yet.
Well, bed time here, be safe and have a great day!
It's Friday night in Afghanistan, yeah, I know, not really a big deal. I haven't been to work out in the last week. I need to get back to it. Who would have thought I would come to a war zone and be busy? Uncle Sam I guess.
I can't believe NASA is sending it's last shuttle out. I heard the news about how they were doing job fairs and offering retraining. Really?
HR Rep doing hiring: So, you don't show a lot of experience
in this line of work, what did you use to do?
NASA employee: I was a rocket scientist
HR Rep: Sure you were
We had a IDF (indirect fire) tonight, we actually heard a 'boom' and then the sirens went off. Not sure what it was or were, Bagram is about 15 square miles so it's large. All our folks are ok.
Could have been the real thing or could have been a connex being dropped on the airstrip, not sure yet.
Well, bed time here, be safe and have a great day!
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
6 July 2011,
I had an exciting morning as I got to take my first ever Black Hawk helicopter trip across eastern Afghanistan. Mrs. Dub has asked me to never let her know before hand about such trips so I didn't tell her till this evening. It only lasted two and half hours but we covered a lot of ground and I accomplished my mission. I certainly didn't do my hearing any favors even though I wore my military issued hearing protection, I was more deaf than normal for the hours to follow getting off the bird.
I took a bunch of pictures, going east the landscape has more green, trees, grass, fields. It made it a fantastic trip. Next time I will have to clean the windows on the doors so that the pictures come out better and do some justification to the scenery.
I'll try to get some of the better ones loaded tomorrow. It's been a long day and I'm exhausted. Be safe and have a great day!
I had an exciting morning as I got to take my first ever Black Hawk helicopter trip across eastern Afghanistan. Mrs. Dub has asked me to never let her know before hand about such trips so I didn't tell her till this evening. It only lasted two and half hours but we covered a lot of ground and I accomplished my mission. I certainly didn't do my hearing any favors even though I wore my military issued hearing protection, I was more deaf than normal for the hours to follow getting off the bird.
I took a bunch of pictures, going east the landscape has more green, trees, grass, fields. It made it a fantastic trip. Next time I will have to clean the windows on the doors so that the pictures come out better and do some justification to the scenery.
I'll try to get some of the better ones loaded tomorrow. It's been a long day and I'm exhausted. Be safe and have a great day!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
30 June 2011,
Well, another day down in Afghanistan. I'm spreading myself thin (for a guy my size that's an accomplishment) with the two hats I wear here plus my school work. Luckily I haven't been under any great pressures yet. The weather was much nicer today, cooler today and we had less dust.
My admin SGT, SGT D, has taken over for the XO in getting me in shape. I've followed her to several different classes during the last couple of weeks and she finally found one that took everything I had and almost more. Kickboxing. Luckily we did drills and I didn't have to step in the center, even though a couple of guys stated they wanted to spar with me. I'm not crazy about the crazy guy looking me up and down. By the end of the class I was drenched and wondering if I could make it back to my room without assistance. I will have to go again because it's what I need, but I'm wondering if I should be concerned.
Ms. Dub had her second date with a new boy back home. I know, you're sitting there reading this and going "ah, that's so sweet". But in my head I'm saying "why am I here and not home where I can scare the hell out of that boy!" Yes, I've envisioned now for several years re-enacting the scene from Bad Boys II at the front door with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Making a clear statement to the young man what I expect out of him.
I'm thinking about my leave later in the deployment and possibly following the trail of the 45th Infantry Division as it made its way through Europe, seeing all the WWII memorials and sites. Just something I'm considering.
Be safe and have a great day!
Well, another day down in Afghanistan. I'm spreading myself thin (for a guy my size that's an accomplishment) with the two hats I wear here plus my school work. Luckily I haven't been under any great pressures yet. The weather was much nicer today, cooler today and we had less dust.
My admin SGT, SGT D, has taken over for the XO in getting me in shape. I've followed her to several different classes during the last couple of weeks and she finally found one that took everything I had and almost more. Kickboxing. Luckily we did drills and I didn't have to step in the center, even though a couple of guys stated they wanted to spar with me. I'm not crazy about the crazy guy looking me up and down. By the end of the class I was drenched and wondering if I could make it back to my room without assistance. I will have to go again because it's what I need, but I'm wondering if I should be concerned.
Ms. Dub had her second date with a new boy back home. I know, you're sitting there reading this and going "ah, that's so sweet". But in my head I'm saying "why am I here and not home where I can scare the hell out of that boy!" Yes, I've envisioned now for several years re-enacting the scene from Bad Boys II at the front door with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Making a clear statement to the young man what I expect out of him.
I'm thinking about my leave later in the deployment and possibly following the trail of the 45th Infantry Division as it made its way through Europe, seeing all the WWII memorials and sites. Just something I'm considering.
Be safe and have a great day!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
28 June 2011,
Life is good, the sun was visible and by noon we could make out the mountains surrounding Bagram Airfield. The last 3 days have been solid dust, grounding rotor wing flights and coating everything. I've never liked Bagram for the simple fact it didn't have enough vegetation surrounding it to keep it less dusty ( not sure about grammar on that one).
My admin Sgt took myself and 2 other soldiers to the gym for a Body for Life workout, one hour of aerobics. Well, I'm transferring that Sgt to another base now, I ache everywhere. The good news is I'm loosing weight again. Since the beginning of this deployment I'm down 12 lbs. If I exercised I could be alot more or is that less? Things are running smoothly for now. We have taken over for the 2/34th out of Iowa and they will soon be heading home. They did a good job.
Mrs Dub is running her first ever 5k on 9 July, so I'm going to run one here too, there is an official 5k on 4 July so I might do that one. I received my first piece of mail today, I mailed to it myself but it contained my Scentsy warmer. Hey, my room smells better!
I'm going to have to shop for a new camera. Miss Dub gave me hers but alas, she took the memory card out and I can't find another one that size. Yes honey, I'm going to spend some money, but I'll keep it reasonable. Not much else to report.
Be safe and have a great day.
Life is good, the sun was visible and by noon we could make out the mountains surrounding Bagram Airfield. The last 3 days have been solid dust, grounding rotor wing flights and coating everything. I've never liked Bagram for the simple fact it didn't have enough vegetation surrounding it to keep it less dusty ( not sure about grammar on that one).
My admin Sgt took myself and 2 other soldiers to the gym for a Body for Life workout, one hour of aerobics. Well, I'm transferring that Sgt to another base now, I ache everywhere. The good news is I'm loosing weight again. Since the beginning of this deployment I'm down 12 lbs. If I exercised I could be alot more or is that less? Things are running smoothly for now. We have taken over for the 2/34th out of Iowa and they will soon be heading home. They did a good job.
Mrs Dub is running her first ever 5k on 9 July, so I'm going to run one here too, there is an official 5k on 4 July so I might do that one. I received my first piece of mail today, I mailed to it myself but it contained my Scentsy warmer. Hey, my room smells better!
I'm going to have to shop for a new camera. Miss Dub gave me hers but alas, she took the memory card out and I can't find another one that size. Yes honey, I'm going to spend some money, but I'll keep it reasonable. Not much else to report.
Be safe and have a great day.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
23 June 2011,
Life in Bagram. When you have limited opportunities to do things and you have 30,000 + people living in a confined area, well, it makes life interesting. I know I need to go to the gym which is across the street from my office. However, just slightly larger than a single tennis court I estimate no less than 100 people attempting to get on the next piece of equipment at any given time of the day (that I'm up). I can only imagine that at 03:00 in the morning you will still find a large number of folks in there.
The sun gets up around 04:00 in the morning and sets around 8pm. I knew this from my previous deployments but am still amazed when you go to the showers at 05:00 in the morning and it looks like 10 am already.
I did manage to get started on homework, completing two assignments and turning one in. I hope to continue this trend and get caught up quickly. Still waiting on my other book.
I'm hoping to get cable news ran into our office so I can see what's going on. I spend about 15 minutes in the DFAC (dining facility) but the volume is off and it's not enough time to determine what's going on in the world. President Obama's speech does directly affect us but to what extent is hard to say. They, (you know, 'them') can no longer surprise me. I laugh at the comment I made a couple months ago to my soldiers about how I couldn't guarantee that we would even be going to Afghanistan let alone where in Afghanistan they would be and even before we left the states two of our Battalions were pulled for Operation New Dawn in Kuwait. I didn't have any inside information, just know how to read the tea leaves.
Not much else to report at the moment, I'm waiting on Mrs Dub so we can skype. Isn't it the coolest. Each deployment just improves on certain issues,(and dissolves on others).
Be safe and have a great day!
Life in Bagram. When you have limited opportunities to do things and you have 30,000 + people living in a confined area, well, it makes life interesting. I know I need to go to the gym which is across the street from my office. However, just slightly larger than a single tennis court I estimate no less than 100 people attempting to get on the next piece of equipment at any given time of the day (that I'm up). I can only imagine that at 03:00 in the morning you will still find a large number of folks in there.
The sun gets up around 04:00 in the morning and sets around 8pm. I knew this from my previous deployments but am still amazed when you go to the showers at 05:00 in the morning and it looks like 10 am already.
I did manage to get started on homework, completing two assignments and turning one in. I hope to continue this trend and get caught up quickly. Still waiting on my other book.
I'm hoping to get cable news ran into our office so I can see what's going on. I spend about 15 minutes in the DFAC (dining facility) but the volume is off and it's not enough time to determine what's going on in the world. President Obama's speech does directly affect us but to what extent is hard to say. They, (you know, 'them') can no longer surprise me. I laugh at the comment I made a couple months ago to my soldiers about how I couldn't guarantee that we would even be going to Afghanistan let alone where in Afghanistan they would be and even before we left the states two of our Battalions were pulled for Operation New Dawn in Kuwait. I didn't have any inside information, just know how to read the tea leaves.
Not much else to report at the moment, I'm waiting on Mrs Dub so we can skype. Isn't it the coolest. Each deployment just improves on certain issues,(and dissolves on others).
Be safe and have a great day!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
22 June 2011,
It sounded like a good idea when I came up with it, take two more classes towards my bachelor's degree this summer while I was deployed. Well, I'm in to the third week of class and still waiting on one of my school books to catch up with me here in Afghanistan. I was finally able to make contact with the instructors and they are willing to work with me, that's good. We will see how it goes because I need to take 3 more classes this fall.
Just got off Skype with Mrs. Dub. She's ready for me to be home. I'm ready to be home. Taking 3-4 months to pre-mob wore me down. So many soldiers I've talked to would have rather spent more time in Afghanistan than what we did on train up. I know training is important, believe me, but with so many deployments so far, I think we are capable. I guess I'm just complaining some. Hey, it happens.
Well, I better try ready some of my homework and make a dent in it. Be safe and have a great day.
It sounded like a good idea when I came up with it, take two more classes towards my bachelor's degree this summer while I was deployed. Well, I'm in to the third week of class and still waiting on one of my school books to catch up with me here in Afghanistan. I was finally able to make contact with the instructors and they are willing to work with me, that's good. We will see how it goes because I need to take 3 more classes this fall.
Just got off Skype with Mrs. Dub. She's ready for me to be home. I'm ready to be home. Taking 3-4 months to pre-mob wore me down. So many soldiers I've talked to would have rather spent more time in Afghanistan than what we did on train up. I know training is important, believe me, but with so many deployments so far, I think we are capable. I guess I'm just complaining some. Hey, it happens.
Well, I better try ready some of my homework and make a dent in it. Be safe and have a great day.
Monday, June 20, 2011
20 June 2011,
Last night I got to sleep on my new mattress! Now I know that's not always an exciting event, but the one I had in my b-hut was spring based and wrapped around me like a hammock. When I rolled over the entire b-hut knew it. The new ones are said to only last about 3 months but it's a memory foam style and very firm. We have six rooms in our b-hut with each soldier getting about 70 sq ft of floor space. Soldiers are allowed to do what they want with their room, such as many make their bed into a bunk bed and put a desk under it. My bed sits about 40 inches off the ground so I'm not that high up and I still have plenty of storage room underneath. I lucked out in having a homemade shelf unit and clothes rack. It was entertaining to watch the soldiers get their rooms. Much like a pot luck dinner or dirty Santa. The billeting manager would take the lock off the door and what ever was inside is what the soldier got. One room had two light switches hard mounted connecting to a string of Christmas lights strung on the ceiling. Some had fans, extension cords, shelving, rugs. Our A/C isn't working as well as it could but it's not bad. What I hate the most about Bagram is the dust. There is very little vegetation surrounding Bagram so the dust just blows everywhere. I also hate the gravel.
Mrs Dub said this deployment I could actually take a trip during my R&R leave to where ever I wanted. Based on my position my leave will be either too close to now or too close to the end of our rotation and the emotional roller coaster we go thru on saying hello/goodbye can be exhausting. I can't talk her and Miss Dub into meeting me anywhere as she really doesn't want to fly across the ocean without me. So if you had a free plane ticket to anywhere in the world where would you go? At 45 am I too old to backpack across Europe? Maybe visit my cousin in Alaska? New Zealand? Two weeks in Ireland? The decisions are tough. Going home would be the easiest but this is an excellent opportunity.
Well, give me some suggestions
Be safe and have a great day!
Last night I got to sleep on my new mattress! Now I know that's not always an exciting event, but the one I had in my b-hut was spring based and wrapped around me like a hammock. When I rolled over the entire b-hut knew it. The new ones are said to only last about 3 months but it's a memory foam style and very firm. We have six rooms in our b-hut with each soldier getting about 70 sq ft of floor space. Soldiers are allowed to do what they want with their room, such as many make their bed into a bunk bed and put a desk under it. My bed sits about 40 inches off the ground so I'm not that high up and I still have plenty of storage room underneath. I lucked out in having a homemade shelf unit and clothes rack. It was entertaining to watch the soldiers get their rooms. Much like a pot luck dinner or dirty Santa. The billeting manager would take the lock off the door and what ever was inside is what the soldier got. One room had two light switches hard mounted connecting to a string of Christmas lights strung on the ceiling. Some had fans, extension cords, shelving, rugs. Our A/C isn't working as well as it could but it's not bad. What I hate the most about Bagram is the dust. There is very little vegetation surrounding Bagram so the dust just blows everywhere. I also hate the gravel.
Mrs Dub said this deployment I could actually take a trip during my R&R leave to where ever I wanted. Based on my position my leave will be either too close to now or too close to the end of our rotation and the emotional roller coaster we go thru on saying hello/goodbye can be exhausting. I can't talk her and Miss Dub into meeting me anywhere as she really doesn't want to fly across the ocean without me. So if you had a free plane ticket to anywhere in the world where would you go? At 45 am I too old to backpack across Europe? Maybe visit my cousin in Alaska? New Zealand? Two weeks in Ireland? The decisions are tough. Going home would be the easiest but this is an excellent opportunity.
Well, give me some suggestions
Be safe and have a great day!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
18 June 2011,
Well, after two weeks, I'm finally in Afghanistan again and finally have an Internet connection of my own. We are at Bagram Airfield and in the 120 days of wind. Now Bagram is in a basin surrounded by mountains and due to the lack of irrigation there is very little vegetation to help keep down the dust. I've seen the Kentucky Agriculture Team here on base and I'm pretty certain Oklahoma has a team or had a team here too. Time to get them busy on growing grass or shrubs or something to get this dust down. Of course, who wants to plant grass in one of the most mined countries in the world?
Our schedule is naturally hectic as 2-34th is ready to get out of here and we need them to stay long enough to a proper hand-off. My unit has brought with us a volunteer group from 1-34th out of Minnesota so we are getting some good treatment having fellow Red Bulls with us. I actually have a couple of my organic soldiers who have deployed with the Red Bulls in the past. It is a small world. I actually came across one soldier today who was organic to 2-34 but had a Oregon National Guard combat patch also. I found out he deployed with Oregon on the same mission I did back in 2006.
Mrs Dub is doing well and is in training for that 5k run coming up. Her trainer/friend/pain coordinator has also signed her up for a half marathon. Good luck honey! I haven't gotten into a routine yet for exercising but I'm walking everywhere and Bagram is a big base!
Once I figure out my camera situation I'll start posting pictures.
Be safe and have a great day!
P.S. It was 20 years ago today that Mrs Dub and I had our very first date. I was 2o minutes late but brought her a rose. I miss you babe, and I love you.
Well, after two weeks, I'm finally in Afghanistan again and finally have an Internet connection of my own. We are at Bagram Airfield and in the 120 days of wind. Now Bagram is in a basin surrounded by mountains and due to the lack of irrigation there is very little vegetation to help keep down the dust. I've seen the Kentucky Agriculture Team here on base and I'm pretty certain Oklahoma has a team or had a team here too. Time to get them busy on growing grass or shrubs or something to get this dust down. Of course, who wants to plant grass in one of the most mined countries in the world?
Our schedule is naturally hectic as 2-34th is ready to get out of here and we need them to stay long enough to a proper hand-off. My unit has brought with us a volunteer group from 1-34th out of Minnesota so we are getting some good treatment having fellow Red Bulls with us. I actually have a couple of my organic soldiers who have deployed with the Red Bulls in the past. It is a small world. I actually came across one soldier today who was organic to 2-34 but had a Oregon National Guard combat patch also. I found out he deployed with Oregon on the same mission I did back in 2006.
Mrs Dub is doing well and is in training for that 5k run coming up. Her trainer/friend/pain coordinator has also signed her up for a half marathon. Good luck honey! I haven't gotten into a routine yet for exercising but I'm walking everywhere and Bagram is a big base!
Once I figure out my camera situation I'll start posting pictures.
Be safe and have a great day!
P.S. It was 20 years ago today that Mrs Dub and I had our very first date. I was 2o minutes late but brought her a rose. I miss you babe, and I love you.
Monday, June 06, 2011
6 June 2011, Well, on this date the world knows it as D-Day. For my company it's know as R&R day. We received a pass and I am in southern Mississippi with my family and some of my soldiers relaxing, enjoying being barefoot and a Coke.
We got back from the Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Polk last week. The training was good but the lack of cell phone and wireless support out in the sticks made it impossible to try to update anything. Although the environment was so much better than the last time I was here three weeks is a long time with "basic" services. My aircard for my internet was worthless. I was able to get outside the box a couple of times but never long enough to get anything written.
We were able to conclude training there just in the nick of time, having enjoyed fair weather and the himidity and heat didn't arrive the last two days. The last couple of days back in Camp Shelby certainly got hotter.
Mrs. and Ms. Dub are great and I'm enjoying having them near. Four days is going to go by fast but I will cerish every second of it.
Be safe and have a great day.
We got back from the Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Polk last week. The training was good but the lack of cell phone and wireless support out in the sticks made it impossible to try to update anything. Although the environment was so much better than the last time I was here three weeks is a long time with "basic" services. My aircard for my internet was worthless. I was able to get outside the box a couple of times but never long enough to get anything written.
We were able to conclude training there just in the nick of time, having enjoyed fair weather and the himidity and heat didn't arrive the last two days. The last couple of days back in Camp Shelby certainly got hotter.
Mrs. and Ms. Dub are great and I'm enjoying having them near. Four days is going to go by fast but I will cerish every second of it.
Be safe and have a great day.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
8 May 2011,
I have found myself stuck in Louisiana. Now, I like the state just fine, it's the Joint Readiness Training Facility (JRTC) that I'm referring to. JRTC is a validation process that light infantry brigades go through every 7-10 years. My last time here was in 2001. Things have changed to a large degree. Last time we slept under vehicles, in vehicles, on vehicles, under trees, just about anywhere you wouldn't get stepped on. Fort Polk has set up dedicated Forward Operating Bases (FOB) that have headquarters, sleeping quarters, shower trailers, and a dining hall. Now, I haven't been impressed with the dining facility and if the last two days are indicators, it won't get any better. But having A/C in offices and sleeping quarters makes for a much better experience. Everyone is in good spirits but everyone is also ready to get on with our mission and stop 'wasting time'.
The family is good or so they tell me. Mrs. Dub is still working towards completing her first 5K run for a charity event which I think is next month.
The FOB doesn't have internet and we are far enough out that my aircard doesn't work so I've managed to sneak onto post for a couple of minutes to update you.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there and I hope you had a wonderful day.
Be safe and have a wonderful day.
I have found myself stuck in Louisiana. Now, I like the state just fine, it's the Joint Readiness Training Facility (JRTC) that I'm referring to. JRTC is a validation process that light infantry brigades go through every 7-10 years. My last time here was in 2001. Things have changed to a large degree. Last time we slept under vehicles, in vehicles, on vehicles, under trees, just about anywhere you wouldn't get stepped on. Fort Polk has set up dedicated Forward Operating Bases (FOB) that have headquarters, sleeping quarters, shower trailers, and a dining hall. Now, I haven't been impressed with the dining facility and if the last two days are indicators, it won't get any better. But having A/C in offices and sleeping quarters makes for a much better experience. Everyone is in good spirits but everyone is also ready to get on with our mission and stop 'wasting time'.
The family is good or so they tell me. Mrs. Dub is still working towards completing her first 5K run for a charity event which I think is next month.
The FOB doesn't have internet and we are far enough out that my aircard doesn't work so I've managed to sneak onto post for a couple of minutes to update you.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there and I hope you had a wonderful day.
Be safe and have a wonderful day.
Friday, April 22, 2011
22 April 2011,
Yes, it is definitely the paperwork, my old job I got to draw with markers. A big change. No one has yelled at me so I'm doing an ok job.
Tomorrow we take the entire brigade out for a 5 mile road march. yeah. It's one of those exciting events, ( I would liken it to some other event you might know of and dread even watching it but I won't in fear of offending someone out there who might like it).
Yesterday was a day of meanness. I was setting everyone up for pranks. We had to do a logistic sync meeting to determine where we were on our equipment maintenance and the major asked how many rifles we had. "84" was the answer. How many have been technically inspected? "83" was the answer. Where's the other one? We're still looking for it Sir. For moment in time it was priceless.
Miss Dub finally finished her play last night. She was the Stage Director. (I think). She said she felt like a First Sergeant too, having to manage people, step up when they didn't, find solutions to problems you didn't anticipate, etc. Overall, she seemed very happy with the performance of her team.
Mrs. Dub is working towards running her first 5k soon. She's been working out with one of the other wives from our company. Keep in mind, I've only seen her run one other time. Now I need to get busy so she doesn't put me to shame.
Well, I better get back to work. Be safe and have a great day.
Happy Easter, remember why this day is special and that Jesus had risen.
Yes, it is definitely the paperwork, my old job I got to draw with markers. A big change. No one has yelled at me so I'm doing an ok job.
Tomorrow we take the entire brigade out for a 5 mile road march. yeah. It's one of those exciting events, ( I would liken it to some other event you might know of and dread even watching it but I won't in fear of offending someone out there who might like it).
Yesterday was a day of meanness. I was setting everyone up for pranks. We had to do a logistic sync meeting to determine where we were on our equipment maintenance and the major asked how many rifles we had. "84" was the answer. How many have been technically inspected? "83" was the answer. Where's the other one? We're still looking for it Sir. For moment in time it was priceless.
Miss Dub finally finished her play last night. She was the Stage Director. (I think). She said she felt like a First Sergeant too, having to manage people, step up when they didn't, find solutions to problems you didn't anticipate, etc. Overall, she seemed very happy with the performance of her team.
Mrs. Dub is working towards running her first 5k soon. She's been working out with one of the other wives from our company. Keep in mind, I've only seen her run one other time. Now I need to get busy so she doesn't put me to shame.
Well, I better get back to work. Be safe and have a great day.
Happy Easter, remember why this day is special and that Jesus had risen.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
19 April 2011,
It's 0500 hrs (5 a.m. for the civilian population) and I'm already 2 hours into my day. The Brigade's CSM decided he needed a formation at 0400. We thought it was for a unpleasant experience. Turned out he just wanted to see if he could get the entire brigade together in one spot on time. Heck, it made since and worked, how'd that happen?
So, I headed to the office, why bother trying to go back to sleep now. With no one else in the office except the night CQ I can finally have a moment to relax, catch up on the blog and finally read a couple of articles in the Army Times I bought two weeks ago. My days here are full with report after report, I'm not digging the whole admin life of a First Sergeant, I enjoyed doing my job and only having to worry about a section rather than a whole company, its more complex, but it has its rewards. Luckily my commander, CPT S found a way to bring on a admin sergeant and that's working out great!
Miss Dub did a presentation back home on the cultural background of Afghanistan, looks like she was actually listening to me when I rambled on. She's doing great and it's a real bonus when others in attendance send me messages telling me how wonderful she is as a person and as a speaker. I love her and her mother very much and miss them both.
Well, enough free time I guess, I have stacks of papers on my desk that require my attention, but I'll finish this last article in the paper first. Be safe and have a great day.
It's 0500 hrs (5 a.m. for the civilian population) and I'm already 2 hours into my day. The Brigade's CSM decided he needed a formation at 0400. We thought it was for a unpleasant experience. Turned out he just wanted to see if he could get the entire brigade together in one spot on time. Heck, it made since and worked, how'd that happen?
So, I headed to the office, why bother trying to go back to sleep now. With no one else in the office except the night CQ I can finally have a moment to relax, catch up on the blog and finally read a couple of articles in the Army Times I bought two weeks ago. My days here are full with report after report, I'm not digging the whole admin life of a First Sergeant, I enjoyed doing my job and only having to worry about a section rather than a whole company, its more complex, but it has its rewards. Luckily my commander, CPT S found a way to bring on a admin sergeant and that's working out great!
Miss Dub did a presentation back home on the cultural background of Afghanistan, looks like she was actually listening to me when I rambled on. She's doing great and it's a real bonus when others in attendance send me messages telling me how wonderful she is as a person and as a speaker. I love her and her mother very much and miss them both.
Well, enough free time I guess, I have stacks of papers on my desk that require my attention, but I'll finish this last article in the paper first. Be safe and have a great day.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
06 Apr 2011, Well, after 4 wonderful days at home with my beautiful family I am back to work getting ready for another trip the Stan. Mrs Dub didn't feel well so we did nothing but rent and watch movies at the house and just enjoyed our time together. I have given considerable thought to just purchasing a large acreage north of Kabul and building a bed and breakfast, maybe even a Dub Ranch. The obvious problem would be convincing the family this would be a good idea. Miss Dub takes her ACT this weekend, wish her good luck, I need her to score great so she can get lots of scholarship money. Both the girls are doing well, and I miss them a lot. The days here have been busy and long. I still need to do my laundry since the IG and JAG both said I couldn't make privates do it for me. Be safe and have a great day.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
17 March 2011,
We've been in Mississippi for almost a week now. Yes, the "at sea-level" low lands, marshes and swamps is the ideal training environment for 6,000 feet elevation in mountain warfare. They'll never know what hit them. This is the same place we trained out of in 2006 so I'm quite familiar with the scenery. The gang is still scattered with the four winds. The weather today was absolutely beautiful with a light breeze and temps at around 80, the humidity didn't seem bad or maybe it isn't warm enough yet.
Right now a lot of training by power point, but in the coming months we'll get plenty of hands-on training to go along with it. As usual I pack more than allowed but still not enough to accomplish everything I feel I need. I'm taking plenty of notes during the day on things I want to get done for my troops. I'm spending most of my time on this computer when we aren't training. The ideas are coming together slowly so maybe in 18 months or so I'll have a handle on what I'm doing. Like I usually say, "If you want to know what I'm doing come back tomorrow and I'll tell you what I did." Until then it's a surprise even to me.
The family says they are good, we figured out Skype and that's cool to be able to see them as well as talk to them.
Better get back to work, be safe and have a great day!
We've been in Mississippi for almost a week now. Yes, the "at sea-level" low lands, marshes and swamps is the ideal training environment for 6,000 feet elevation in mountain warfare. They'll never know what hit them. This is the same place we trained out of in 2006 so I'm quite familiar with the scenery. The gang is still scattered with the four winds. The weather today was absolutely beautiful with a light breeze and temps at around 80, the humidity didn't seem bad or maybe it isn't warm enough yet.
Right now a lot of training by power point, but in the coming months we'll get plenty of hands-on training to go along with it. As usual I pack more than allowed but still not enough to accomplish everything I feel I need. I'm taking plenty of notes during the day on things I want to get done for my troops. I'm spending most of my time on this computer when we aren't training. The ideas are coming together slowly so maybe in 18 months or so I'll have a handle on what I'm doing. Like I usually say, "If you want to know what I'm doing come back tomorrow and I'll tell you what I did." Until then it's a surprise even to me.
The family says they are good, we figured out Skype and that's cool to be able to see them as well as talk to them.
Better get back to work, be safe and have a great day!
Sunday, March 06, 2011
06 March 2011,
Well, another day done in Gruberstan. (that's it eastern Oklahoma). I've been working out with my executive officer doing Cross-Fit. It's an amazing workout to say the least. Today was just 9 minutes long after a warm-up, but I was exhausted. Last night was the only workout I've missed in the last week. I'm watching what I eat too, this is different in that I used to eat with my eyes closed, lol. No, I'm acutally eating less and a little smarter. I've cut down my intact of Coke, just one a day, (I go with the 64oz so it lasts longer). Just kidding.
Mrs. Dub and Miss Dub had their huge family fun day at the armory and she said it was a big success. Hot dogs, cotton candy, cup cakes, ballons, clowns, a huge bouncy obstacle course. Wish I was a kid and in town.
Changes everyday make for an interesting time here, I cringe at having to print anything in fear that as soon as the ink dries it's out-of-date and the new one replaces it. At times it feels like I'm spinnng my wheels and not getting anything accomplished.
Well, better get back to it. Be safe and have a great day.
Well, another day done in Gruberstan. (that's it eastern Oklahoma). I've been working out with my executive officer doing Cross-Fit. It's an amazing workout to say the least. Today was just 9 minutes long after a warm-up, but I was exhausted. Last night was the only workout I've missed in the last week. I'm watching what I eat too, this is different in that I used to eat with my eyes closed, lol. No, I'm acutally eating less and a little smarter. I've cut down my intact of Coke, just one a day, (I go with the 64oz so it lasts longer). Just kidding.
Mrs. Dub and Miss Dub had their huge family fun day at the armory and she said it was a big success. Hot dogs, cotton candy, cup cakes, ballons, clowns, a huge bouncy obstacle course. Wish I was a kid and in town.
Changes everyday make for an interesting time here, I cringe at having to print anything in fear that as soon as the ink dries it's out-of-date and the new one replaces it. At times it feels like I'm spinnng my wheels and not getting anything accomplished.
Well, better get back to it. Be safe and have a great day.
Monday, February 28, 2011
28 February 2011,
Well, we have finished our second day of "pre-mobilization training", or should I say we have been here two days now. Either way I miss home and I miss my family. I feel like the paperwork I will have will engulf me but I'll take it one at a time and hopefully get it right. We started off yesterday morning with 65 degrees and this morning with 35 degrees. Gotta love Oklahoma. My office is a unused dining facility attached to our barracks. Hey, I have lots of room.
Miss Dub said she had to dissect a sheep's brain at school today. I asked her if she knew what the sheep had been thinking and she replied, " probably that he should have taken the gig with the Easter pageant." That was funny.
She was the costume manager for the school musical and it was pretty good. The First Territorial Saloon.
All is well, be safe and have a great day.
Well, we have finished our second day of "pre-mobilization training", or should I say we have been here two days now. Either way I miss home and I miss my family. I feel like the paperwork I will have will engulf me but I'll take it one at a time and hopefully get it right. We started off yesterday morning with 65 degrees and this morning with 35 degrees. Gotta love Oklahoma. My office is a unused dining facility attached to our barracks. Hey, I have lots of room.
Miss Dub said she had to dissect a sheep's brain at school today. I asked her if she knew what the sheep had been thinking and she replied, " probably that he should have taken the gig with the Easter pageant." That was funny.
She was the costume manager for the school musical and it was pretty good. The First Territorial Saloon.
All is well, be safe and have a great day.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
20 Feb 2011,
Well, the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team had their farewell ceremony this last Wednesday at the Oklahoma City Arena and Cox Convention Center. Once again, we will be heading to Afghanistan. I really do need another travel agent setting up my trips. Why can't I conduct operations in Hawaii, New Zealand, Italy? Regardless, I will go on orders next week and begin training.
Miss Dub went to her first drama/monologue competition and took first place in poetry! We were so excited for her. She now qualifies for regional. We went and saw her perform her semi-finals round and I was impressed with all of the competitors I saw and really like three, Miss Dub was one of them.
Mrs Dub is doing good, at least she is putting on a strong face. I think the deployments are getting easier for us to deal with. By that I mean we know what to expect, when to expect it and how things are laid out.
For me, this deployment will be much different in that I will be going as the First Sergeant for my company rather than going in my MOS job.
I will be posting more frequently so family and friends can be updated on my status.
Be safe and have a great day!
Well, the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team had their farewell ceremony this last Wednesday at the Oklahoma City Arena and Cox Convention Center. Once again, we will be heading to Afghanistan. I really do need another travel agent setting up my trips. Why can't I conduct operations in Hawaii, New Zealand, Italy? Regardless, I will go on orders next week and begin training.
Miss Dub went to her first drama/monologue competition and took first place in poetry! We were so excited for her. She now qualifies for regional. We went and saw her perform her semi-finals round and I was impressed with all of the competitors I saw and really like three, Miss Dub was one of them.
Mrs Dub is doing good, at least she is putting on a strong face. I think the deployments are getting easier for us to deal with. By that I mean we know what to expect, when to expect it and how things are laid out.
For me, this deployment will be much different in that I will be going as the First Sergeant for my company rather than going in my MOS job.
I will be posting more frequently so family and friends can be updated on my status.
Be safe and have a great day!
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Feb 5, 2011
Again with the long break between posts, my apologies. Things are hectic as always. Mrs. Dub transitioned into a new job at the beginning of the year. She has been very happy everyday at work and after work. Her last job, although she loved it was a heavy load of stress on her. The Oklahoma National Guard is headed back to Afghanistan and I'll be going with them again. Yeah for me, right? I don't mind and the family is almost good with it. Our biggest issue is Miss Dub will be a senior in high school next year and more than anything else has always stated she wanted me to be at her graduation. Hopefully I will be.
As I get closer to train up with the Army, I will be posting more frequently. One of my goals on this deployment will be to continue with my college courses and maybe even be able to graduate myself next year. Just think, it will only have taken 28 years to get it done.
Be safe and have great day.
Again with the long break between posts, my apologies. Things are hectic as always. Mrs. Dub transitioned into a new job at the beginning of the year. She has been very happy everyday at work and after work. Her last job, although she loved it was a heavy load of stress on her. The Oklahoma National Guard is headed back to Afghanistan and I'll be going with them again. Yeah for me, right? I don't mind and the family is almost good with it. Our biggest issue is Miss Dub will be a senior in high school next year and more than anything else has always stated she wanted me to be at her graduation. Hopefully I will be.
As I get closer to train up with the Army, I will be posting more frequently. One of my goals on this deployment will be to continue with my college courses and maybe even be able to graduate myself next year. Just think, it will only have taken 28 years to get it done.
Be safe and have great day.
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