11 August 2008
Well, tomorrow makes 14 years in the Oklahoma National Guard. It's hard to believe. I have to say I'm pretty happy with where I'm at and what I'm doing. With two deployments, Katrina, and Arabic Language School, the military has given me a better quality of life than I could imagine having without it. Of course, I would rather be home with Mrs Dub and Miss Dub. But as any veteran or current military member will tell you, sacrifices have to be made to ensure we all have that better life.
This is a short post as it's time to head off to school now. Happy Monday, be safe and have a great day.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
05 August 08,
Ok, enough about Continental Airlines, even though I got back to Arizona 4 hours late. Mrs. Dub let me buy a Garmin GPS and we used it on our way to Ft. Worth. It really helped going through that maze down there. My brother was able to break away for lunch and then he took us back to the training center for the ceremony. He made a good point in that Ft. Worth has the resources to have the graduation at any of their municipality buildings but instead they had it in the training center. They did state this was the largest class they had had in a long while so it's possible they weren't anticipating the crowd that showed up. During the ceremony they walked across the stage where the Chief of Police handed them their badge and then once everyone had theirs they lined up in front of the stage and that's when I got to go forward. I was proud to have been asked to pin his badge on him. He got Saturday off and started in his FTO (field training officer program). He will be with an FTO for the next 4 months, changing shifts and sectors and applying all he has learned. Here are some pictures.
Be safe and have a great day!
Ok, enough about Continental Airlines, even though I got back to Arizona 4 hours late. Mrs. Dub let me buy a Garmin GPS and we used it on our way to Ft. Worth. It really helped going through that maze down there. My brother was able to break away for lunch and then he took us back to the training center for the ceremony. He made a good point in that Ft. Worth has the resources to have the graduation at any of their municipality buildings but instead they had it in the training center. They did state this was the largest class they had had in a long while so it's possible they weren't anticipating the crowd that showed up. During the ceremony they walked across the stage where the Chief of Police handed them their badge and then once everyone had theirs they lined up in front of the stage and that's when I got to go forward. I was proud to have been asked to pin his badge on him. He got Saturday off and started in his FTO (field training officer program). He will be with an FTO for the next 4 months, changing shifts and sectors and applying all he has learned. Here are some pictures.
Be safe and have a great day!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
03 August 08,
I'll share more about my trip in another post. I wanted to dedicate this post to the folks at Continental Airlines. Now, this was my first experience with this airline company. I originally chose Continental out of necessity as it was the closest flight to what my time line needed to be. The price was comparable to the others. I arrived at the Tucson International Airport on Thursday afternoon and the first leg of my flight was running about 10 minutes late. Really, no big deal, I was headed home. We board the plane and fly to Houston, where I have to change flights. When I landed in Houston I looked at my ticket and thought my arrival time here was my departure time for the next leg. I raced across the airport and made it to the gate to discover my flight was in an hour. Ok, good, I didn't miss anything. I waited at the gate and they announced our flight was going to be about 30 minutes late. Um, ok, I can handle that. I called Mrs. Dub and informed her, she wasn't thrilled as it meant she would have to stay up a little longer, but was excited to have me home. Well, the flight ended up being about an hour and 1/2 late pushing me from arriving in Oklahoma City at 10:35 pm to 12:15 am. What was funny at the time we finally boarded was watching the commercial provided by Continental Airlines about how wonderful they are and how they have a great satisfaction rate from their customers, mainly us. I got a chuckle out of this and continued with my trip. I always assume something can go wrong and now and then isn't a bad thing.
We enjoy our weekend and now it's time for me to head back to Arizona for school. I arrive at the airport in Oklahoma City an hour and 1/2 before my flight, get to the gate and am notified that the our flight to Houston will be an hour late. Really?! Is this every flight with Continental? Well, since I'm heading back to Tucson and have given myself leeway, it'll work out. We finally get on the plane, which just came from Houston. The pilot makes an announcement as soon as we are all seated, "Folks, don't blame us for the delay, we are the new crew and have been waiting for this flight just as long as you have". Ok, I can live with that. Now, we finally take off from OKC and head to Houston. I'm watching the time and wondering which gate we will land at and how far it will be from where I need to be. The gates of course change when you have such a tardy flight like ours. I arrive at Houston, grab my next ticket and see that I need to be at the next gate. I get inside the terminal and realize that I only need to walk 30 yards to the next gate but that I'm looking like I'm about 10 minutes late. I think to myself, " Well, Continental hasn't had an on-time flight yet in my experience, so I have a good shot at this." Well, I found Continentals' only "on-time" flight and it was the one that left without me. Good Grief! How hard could this be? Well, I walk up to the employee behind the desk where my flight was suppose to be and talk with Alisa. I tell her I just arrived from Oklahoma City and that our flight was late because the flight from Houston was late. She confirms this and reschedules me for the 6:15 pm flight. So, that's where I've been for the last 3 hours. We had a lightening storm roll through which delayed some more flights. I still have 45 minutes before I'll know about my flight. I don't see where I'll try this airline again. I'll let you know if I make it out of here, and if you find yourself in the Houston Airport, look me up.
Be safe and have a great day.
I'll share more about my trip in another post. I wanted to dedicate this post to the folks at Continental Airlines. Now, this was my first experience with this airline company. I originally chose Continental out of necessity as it was the closest flight to what my time line needed to be. The price was comparable to the others. I arrived at the Tucson International Airport on Thursday afternoon and the first leg of my flight was running about 10 minutes late. Really, no big deal, I was headed home. We board the plane and fly to Houston, where I have to change flights. When I landed in Houston I looked at my ticket and thought my arrival time here was my departure time for the next leg. I raced across the airport and made it to the gate to discover my flight was in an hour. Ok, good, I didn't miss anything. I waited at the gate and they announced our flight was going to be about 30 minutes late. Um, ok, I can handle that. I called Mrs. Dub and informed her, she wasn't thrilled as it meant she would have to stay up a little longer, but was excited to have me home. Well, the flight ended up being about an hour and 1/2 late pushing me from arriving in Oklahoma City at 10:35 pm to 12:15 am. What was funny at the time we finally boarded was watching the commercial provided by Continental Airlines about how wonderful they are and how they have a great satisfaction rate from their customers, mainly us. I got a chuckle out of this and continued with my trip. I always assume something can go wrong and now and then isn't a bad thing.
We enjoy our weekend and now it's time for me to head back to Arizona for school. I arrive at the airport in Oklahoma City an hour and 1/2 before my flight, get to the gate and am notified that the our flight to Houston will be an hour late. Really?! Is this every flight with Continental? Well, since I'm heading back to Tucson and have given myself leeway, it'll work out. We finally get on the plane, which just came from Houston. The pilot makes an announcement as soon as we are all seated, "Folks, don't blame us for the delay, we are the new crew and have been waiting for this flight just as long as you have". Ok, I can live with that. Now, we finally take off from OKC and head to Houston. I'm watching the time and wondering which gate we will land at and how far it will be from where I need to be. The gates of course change when you have such a tardy flight like ours. I arrive at Houston, grab my next ticket and see that I need to be at the next gate. I get inside the terminal and realize that I only need to walk 30 yards to the next gate but that I'm looking like I'm about 10 minutes late. I think to myself, " Well, Continental hasn't had an on-time flight yet in my experience, so I have a good shot at this." Well, I found Continentals' only "on-time" flight and it was the one that left without me. Good Grief! How hard could this be? Well, I walk up to the employee behind the desk where my flight was suppose to be and talk with Alisa. I tell her I just arrived from Oklahoma City and that our flight was late because the flight from Houston was late. She confirms this and reschedules me for the 6:15 pm flight. So, that's where I've been for the last 3 hours. We had a lightening storm roll through which delayed some more flights. I still have 45 minutes before I'll know about my flight. I don't see where I'll try this airline again. I'll let you know if I make it out of here, and if you find yourself in the Houston Airport, look me up.
Be safe and have a great day.
Monday, July 28, 2008
28 July 08,
Well, Wade called me on it, guess it's time to post. I really did have time this weekend as on Sunday all I did was watch the Eureka marathon on the SciFi channel. Talk about your do nothing weekend. I guess I'm saving it all up for this next weekend and I fly back to OKC on Thursday and drive down to Texas on Friday. It'll be a busy day but I wouldn't miss seeing my brother graduate the police academy and pinning his badge on him.
Class here is going pretty good. Well, I felt better today about it anyway. Come to find out we didn't have to learn the words as solid as we had been working the weeks before but just needed to be familiar with them and learn them over the course of the next 5 months. You could have told us that last week and I wouldn't have stressed about it so much.
Anyone else watching Nashville Star? We are down to the last two weeks. I still like Gabe and Melissa the best, it'll be interesting to see who gets kicked off tonight in the next 30 minutes. Who's your favorite?
Well, I'll post more later, be safe and have a great day!
Well, Wade called me on it, guess it's time to post. I really did have time this weekend as on Sunday all I did was watch the Eureka marathon on the SciFi channel. Talk about your do nothing weekend. I guess I'm saving it all up for this next weekend and I fly back to OKC on Thursday and drive down to Texas on Friday. It'll be a busy day but I wouldn't miss seeing my brother graduate the police academy and pinning his badge on him.
Class here is going pretty good. Well, I felt better today about it anyway. Come to find out we didn't have to learn the words as solid as we had been working the weeks before but just needed to be familiar with them and learn them over the course of the next 5 months. You could have told us that last week and I wouldn't have stressed about it so much.
Anyone else watching Nashville Star? We are down to the last two weeks. I still like Gabe and Melissa the best, it'll be interesting to see who gets kicked off tonight in the next 30 minutes. Who's your favorite?
Well, I'll post more later, be safe and have a great day!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
23 July 08,
Good Wednesday to everyone! We made it to the half way mark in the week. Hang in there, the weekend is getting closer. We have covered almost 200 words this week, and will spend the next two days just working with them, good, I don't know how many new words I can take at a time.
Mrs Dub and Miss Dub went to see Mama Mia today and the report back was it was great. Now, there is no doubt, period, in my manliness, but I do love a good musical. Now, don't give me an option of a musical and a Steven Segal or a Bruce Willis movie... Batman, Hellboy or Hancock, because the musical would come in second, but I'd still go see it afterwards.
I called home and talked with Miss Dub. Usually on the phone we always greet each other in Spanish. She answered and I started off with, 'Como esta?' She replied back with, 'I don't speak Spanish, I speak Arabic.' So I came back with in Arabic, 'Elfy macos wa waraka al a arf, bil macos cus waraka maruba.' She came back with in Spanish, 'Bien, et tu?" Ok, so it was probably funnier if you were there.......
What did I say? Pick up the scissors and paper off the floor, with the scissors, cut a square in the paper.
Be safe and have a great day.
Good Wednesday to everyone! We made it to the half way mark in the week. Hang in there, the weekend is getting closer. We have covered almost 200 words this week, and will spend the next two days just working with them, good, I don't know how many new words I can take at a time.
Mrs Dub and Miss Dub went to see Mama Mia today and the report back was it was great. Now, there is no doubt, period, in my manliness, but I do love a good musical. Now, don't give me an option of a musical and a Steven Segal or a Bruce Willis movie... Batman, Hellboy or Hancock, because the musical would come in second, but I'd still go see it afterwards.
I called home and talked with Miss Dub. Usually on the phone we always greet each other in Spanish. She answered and I started off with, 'Como esta?' She replied back with, 'I don't speak Spanish, I speak Arabic.' So I came back with in Arabic, 'Elfy macos wa waraka al a arf, bil macos cus waraka maruba.' She came back with in Spanish, 'Bien, et tu?" Ok, so it was probably funnier if you were there.......
What did I say? Pick up the scissors and paper off the floor, with the scissors, cut a square in the paper.
Be safe and have a great day.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
20 July 08,
Ah, the weekend is over. I know, who is ever happy to end a weekend? Well, the sooner the weekend is over, the sooner we start the next week, and the sooner I get home to Mrs. Dub and Miss Dub. Lt. M was popped into town on other business and we did get to have a couple of meals together, but mostly I just stayed in.
I have gone over my list of words a couple of times, and my numbers. Over all I'm feeling good about my recognition of most of the words, still fuzzy on the most recent ones. I'm not feeling good about my speaking them. Obviously, that's the main goal here. I'll get it, won't I?
Miss Dub had her wisdom teeth removed Friday and is doing better. Mrs. Dub has been taking care of her and then Nana and Papa came and got Miss Dub Sunday afternoon to let her spend the night with them. Poor Mrs. Dub is alone at the homestead, she never really likes that.
I talked with my brother this evening. He's down to two weeks left in the 7 month training at the police academy in Ft. Worth. He said last week was tough as they did scenario training and really put the stress on them before sending them off to their 'calls'. The good news is that he said he feels much more confident about himself and his training.
Well, that's enough for today, be safe and have a great day.
Ah, the weekend is over. I know, who is ever happy to end a weekend? Well, the sooner the weekend is over, the sooner we start the next week, and the sooner I get home to Mrs. Dub and Miss Dub. Lt. M was popped into town on other business and we did get to have a couple of meals together, but mostly I just stayed in.
I have gone over my list of words a couple of times, and my numbers. Over all I'm feeling good about my recognition of most of the words, still fuzzy on the most recent ones. I'm not feeling good about my speaking them. Obviously, that's the main goal here. I'll get it, won't I?
Miss Dub had her wisdom teeth removed Friday and is doing better. Mrs. Dub has been taking care of her and then Nana and Papa came and got Miss Dub Sunday afternoon to let her spend the night with them. Poor Mrs. Dub is alone at the homestead, she never really likes that.
I talked with my brother this evening. He's down to two weeks left in the 7 month training at the police academy in Ft. Worth. He said last week was tough as they did scenario training and really put the stress on them before sending them off to their 'calls'. The good news is that he said he feels much more confident about himself and his training.
Well, that's enough for today, be safe and have a great day.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
16 July 08,
Ah, half way through the week. Today we were introduced to over 30 words by just playing Monopoly. Yes, I can say I've never seen Army training like this before. The interesting thing is that I have learned more Arabic in a week than I retained from a semester of Spanish.
Mrs. Dub got their Glamour Shot pictures. I can't wait to get some. I was able to view the photo album on line and they look great. As soon as I can, I'll get some posted. Mrs. Dub says we can't, blah blah something about copyright, I'll let you know they came from Glamor Shots, and heck, I paid for them, I can do what I want.
Some of the guys are talking about going to see The Dark Knight this week. Mrs. Dub likes to say I'm just on vacation and I'm out partying every night. Well, I'll have you know, it's not true, I didn't go out at all last night...... I may not have the grueling schedule I'm used to keeping but it's still work. Our instructors tell us that they have to keep us stress free and enjoying the class for us to be able to learn like we are. And trust me, at the end of each hour there are several of us holding our heads wondering how we can keep any of the information from seeping out.
I wish there was more exciting things to talk about, but I go to class and I come back to my apartment. Of course, if anybody is in town this weekend, the party is over here!
Be safe and have a great day.
Ah, half way through the week. Today we were introduced to over 30 words by just playing Monopoly. Yes, I can say I've never seen Army training like this before. The interesting thing is that I have learned more Arabic in a week than I retained from a semester of Spanish.
Mrs. Dub got their Glamour Shot pictures. I can't wait to get some. I was able to view the photo album on line and they look great. As soon as I can, I'll get some posted. Mrs. Dub says we can't, blah blah something about copyright, I'll let you know they came from Glamor Shots, and heck, I paid for them, I can do what I want.
Some of the guys are talking about going to see The Dark Knight this week. Mrs. Dub likes to say I'm just on vacation and I'm out partying every night. Well, I'll have you know, it's not true, I didn't go out at all last night...... I may not have the grueling schedule I'm used to keeping but it's still work. Our instructors tell us that they have to keep us stress free and enjoying the class for us to be able to learn like we are. And trust me, at the end of each hour there are several of us holding our heads wondering how we can keep any of the information from seeping out.
I wish there was more exciting things to talk about, but I go to class and I come back to my apartment. Of course, if anybody is in town this weekend, the party is over here!
Be safe and have a great day.
Monday, July 14, 2008
14 July 08,
Ok, it's Monday night, and that means Nashville Star. I have no idea who keeps voting for Coffey, but they apparently don't know what country music sounds like. Yes, he is a good singer as every one points out, but he belongs in a different arena. I definitely like Melissa and Gabe.
We had the weekend to rest our minds so I went up to Phoenix to visit with brother and sister in-laws. The brother in law had a birthday on Saturday and I finally got a chance to visit them and help him celebrate.
How's class? Well, the good news was even after two days off I retained at least 85% of what we learned last week and was able to follow the commands. Today we started our numbers from 11 to 10,000 and then learned another more words, mostly dealing with personal hygiene. I had about as much trouble today as I did our first day, but I feel confident that it will all come together as long as we keep working the way we are.
Well, that's about all for today, be safe and have a great day.
Ok, it's Monday night, and that means Nashville Star. I have no idea who keeps voting for Coffey, but they apparently don't know what country music sounds like. Yes, he is a good singer as every one points out, but he belongs in a different arena. I definitely like Melissa and Gabe.
We had the weekend to rest our minds so I went up to Phoenix to visit with brother and sister in-laws. The brother in law had a birthday on Saturday and I finally got a chance to visit them and help him celebrate.
How's class? Well, the good news was even after two days off I retained at least 85% of what we learned last week and was able to follow the commands. Today we started our numbers from 11 to 10,000 and then learned another more words, mostly dealing with personal hygiene. I had about as much trouble today as I did our first day, but I feel confident that it will all come together as long as we keep working the way we are.
Well, that's about all for today, be safe and have a great day.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
09 July 08
Well, it's Wednesday, that means only two more days of torture till the weekend. We were introduced to basic body parts today. All day I kept thinking about a Homer-ism I see on Sanni's site, about learning new things pushes old things out of the brain. The class itself is pretty good and they seem to think that I've retained at least 70% of the Arabic I have been introduced to so far. Of course, my other thought is that the only thing we are missing is scooby snacks. I think the training is similar to Pavlov's dogs.
Mrs. Dub and Miss Dub went to Glamor Shots today to get pictures made. It sounded like they had a lot of fun. Of course, I don't think Miss Dub needs to look any more grown up than what she already is, and the term I heard used for Mrs. Dub was "hot".
I haven't ventured at all outside of the class and my apartment yet, so there's not much to report yet, but it'll get better. For now, be safe and have a great day.
Well, it's Wednesday, that means only two more days of torture till the weekend. We were introduced to basic body parts today. All day I kept thinking about a Homer-ism I see on Sanni's site, about learning new things pushes old things out of the brain. The class itself is pretty good and they seem to think that I've retained at least 70% of the Arabic I have been introduced to so far. Of course, my other thought is that the only thing we are missing is scooby snacks. I think the training is similar to Pavlov's dogs.
Mrs. Dub and Miss Dub went to Glamor Shots today to get pictures made. It sounded like they had a lot of fun. Of course, I don't think Miss Dub needs to look any more grown up than what she already is, and the term I heard used for Mrs. Dub was "hot".
I haven't ventured at all outside of the class and my apartment yet, so there's not much to report yet, but it'll get better. For now, be safe and have a great day.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
08 July 08
My head is going to explode with the worst headache I can remember and I can only assume it's the results of today's class. Of course, I can now point at a door with a fish when directed to in Arabic, can you?
Even with the headache I managed to do an hour of stretching using my P90X dvd. I plan on doing the stretching video for the next week and then start going through the rest of them. The two goals for this next six months is to learn Arabic and get back to exercising.
August 1st is an important day in my family. My brother spent the last 7 months in the Ft. Worth Police Academy and will graduate that day. He has invited me down to pin his badge on him. I am truly honored about this and will be in my Police uniform also that day.
Well, this thinking is really hurting so I'll stop for tonight. Be safe and have a great day.
My head is going to explode with the worst headache I can remember and I can only assume it's the results of today's class. Of course, I can now point at a door with a fish when directed to in Arabic, can you?
Even with the headache I managed to do an hour of stretching using my P90X dvd. I plan on doing the stretching video for the next week and then start going through the rest of them. The two goals for this next six months is to learn Arabic and get back to exercising.
August 1st is an important day in my family. My brother spent the last 7 months in the Ft. Worth Police Academy and will graduate that day. He has invited me down to pin his badge on him. I am truly honored about this and will be in my Police uniform also that day.
Well, this thinking is really hurting so I'll stop for tonight. Be safe and have a great day.
Monday, July 07, 2008
07 July 2008
I arrived in Sierra Vista Arizona yesterday. We started our first day of Arabic school today. I'm both excited and terrified at the same time about this school.
After class I finally got moved into my new apartment. It's a two bedroom that came fully furnished, except for food. Mrs. Dub packed me some stuff, jiffy pop popcorn, ranch style beans, chili, oreos....you know good food. I told her I would start with a traditional Asian dish tonight, pasta with a nice peanut sauce, also know in the bachelor world as ramen noodles and crunchy peanut butter Of course, I'm much more mature these days and decided to run to the grocery store. Oh boy, frozen pizzas!
Ok, I'm just a guy.
Well, I'll go for now. Be safe and have a great day!
I arrived in Sierra Vista Arizona yesterday. We started our first day of Arabic school today. I'm both excited and terrified at the same time about this school.
After class I finally got moved into my new apartment. It's a two bedroom that came fully furnished, except for food. Mrs. Dub packed me some stuff, jiffy pop popcorn, ranch style beans, chili, oreos....you know good food. I told her I would start with a traditional Asian dish tonight, pasta with a nice peanut sauce, also know in the bachelor world as ramen noodles and crunchy peanut butter Of course, I'm much more mature these days and decided to run to the grocery store. Oh boy, frozen pizzas!
Ok, I'm just a guy.
Well, I'll go for now. Be safe and have a great day!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
01 June 2008
Well, it's one week down and 7 days a wake-up to go. We started running the day time zero range here yesterday. The training had been broken up into 5 day cycles and yesterday was day 5 of the 2nd cycle. What that means is during our 12 hours out on the range, we had 9 soldiers come to shoot. Today was day one. By 1000 hrs (10 am) we had seen 18 soldiers. Then the storms came. We had to shut down the range due to lightening strikes near by and the heavy rains that came through. At one point I got on the public announcement system to recognize the sponsor of our weather, "Today's weather brought to you by the U.S. Army, where if it's ain't raining, it ain't training" That got a good laugh by those stuck out there. Then the 70 mph winds kicked up and the rain came in sideways. Two hours later....We finally have the chance to determine it's passing and begin working on getting the range ready for soldiers to come back out. First order of business was calling range control for a pump.
Look at the picture of me, LT M. and my soldiers as we try to recreate Washington crossing the Delaware. Now see the round holes to our right side. Out of 32 firing positions, we had 15 underwater. Each foxhole position is 4 feet deep so you can see, we got some rain. Of course, you know me and I try to make the most of whatever I'm given so we had some fun with it. Then 200 soldiers showed up and we had to work hard. We only managed to get about 80 run through, but they were shooting two different weapon platforms, using iron sights and then a Aimpoint CCO, (close combat optic). We left the range by 1930 hrs (7:30 pm) and grabbed a bite to eat. Well, somehow it's already 9:40 pm and I need to get ready for tomorrow.Be safe and have a great day.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
Yes, I've been back in the U.S. for a whole year now ( and a week or so) and it has felt good. To help me celebrate the Army has decided to send me on an all expensed paid vacation, don't worry it's still states-side. I'm currently at AT (annual training) and we arrived on Monday. We are supporting the Oklahoma Field Artillery BDE in training as they prepare to head to Iraq. The 45th BCT is in the home stretch of their deployment and will be home this fall. Now back to my trip.
It has come to the Army's attention that for the most part I only speak English. I know, I can arrest someone in Spanish, tell you you look pretty in French, but darn it, the Army expects more. So, they are sending me to Sierra Vista, Arizona to learn Arabic. I've heard all everyone exclaim, "Well, they'll just deploy you if you learn that language". They have been deploying me without the language wouldn't you agree? Anyway, I'll be leaving for Arizona around the middle of June and will be there until December. The Army at first wanted me to pack up Mrs. Dub, Miss Dub, the horses, the goats, the dogs and the cats and move them with me. I had to wonder what they were doing in the back rooms if they thought that was going to happen for six months. Someone managed to get them back on track. Well, as I'll be playing soldier more I should be able to update more again, gotta go for now.
Be safe and have a great day.
Yes, I've been back in the U.S. for a whole year now ( and a week or so) and it has felt good. To help me celebrate the Army has decided to send me on an all expensed paid vacation, don't worry it's still states-side. I'm currently at AT (annual training) and we arrived on Monday. We are supporting the Oklahoma Field Artillery BDE in training as they prepare to head to Iraq. The 45th BCT is in the home stretch of their deployment and will be home this fall. Now back to my trip.
It has come to the Army's attention that for the most part I only speak English. I know, I can arrest someone in Spanish, tell you you look pretty in French, but darn it, the Army expects more. So, they are sending me to Sierra Vista, Arizona to learn Arabic. I've heard all everyone exclaim, "Well, they'll just deploy you if you learn that language". They have been deploying me without the language wouldn't you agree? Anyway, I'll be leaving for Arizona around the middle of June and will be there until December. The Army at first wanted me to pack up Mrs. Dub, Miss Dub, the horses, the goats, the dogs and the cats and move them with me. I had to wonder what they were doing in the back rooms if they thought that was going to happen for six months. Someone managed to get them back on track. Well, as I'll be playing soldier more I should be able to update more again, gotta go for now.
Be safe and have a great day.
Friday, April 04, 2008
04 April 2008, Ah, it's Friday. I'm missing work to be a weekend warrior. We are headed back out to the ranges to run one range and get the rest of our soldier's qualified with their rifles.
I took my patrol car to the garage to get the fuel pump fixed. The garage decided they would dig around under the hood and then sent it out for estimates on repairs. I'm driving a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria with 106,000 miles and hopefully in the fall will get a brand new 2008, where I will swap them out. Well, the garage came back with $1400 worth of repairs my car "supposedly" needed and it got deadlined this last week. Deadline means I don't get it back and each and every day I work I have to try and find a patrol car not being driven by someone else to use. This becomes tiresome quickly. It also means that each day I have to check everything in the car to make sure it works and it set to my standards. This came in play yesterday as I was attempting to stop a car with 4 people in it, one of which was wanted on warrants for a shooting. Well, the siren wasn't set as I would normally operate and instead of a siren blasting, I had the horn honking, but just once. This confounded me, as I was busy with everything else, and the other car wasn't stopping. We didn't go far enough to call it a pursuit, and within a couple of blocks, all four suspects jumped out of the vehicle while it was still moving. Two of them had guns with them. Two detectives and myself nabbed the two with guns pretty quickly, but the other two made it through the back yards and were picked up within 10 minutes. All four went to jail including the one we were after. Certainly an exciting call, but I could do without all the paperwork, hehe. Well, I better get back to playing soldier.
Be safe and have a great weekend.
I took my patrol car to the garage to get the fuel pump fixed. The garage decided they would dig around under the hood and then sent it out for estimates on repairs. I'm driving a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria with 106,000 miles and hopefully in the fall will get a brand new 2008, where I will swap them out. Well, the garage came back with $1400 worth of repairs my car "supposedly" needed and it got deadlined this last week. Deadline means I don't get it back and each and every day I work I have to try and find a patrol car not being driven by someone else to use. This becomes tiresome quickly. It also means that each day I have to check everything in the car to make sure it works and it set to my standards. This came in play yesterday as I was attempting to stop a car with 4 people in it, one of which was wanted on warrants for a shooting. Well, the siren wasn't set as I would normally operate and instead of a siren blasting, I had the horn honking, but just once. This confounded me, as I was busy with everything else, and the other car wasn't stopping. We didn't go far enough to call it a pursuit, and within a couple of blocks, all four suspects jumped out of the vehicle while it was still moving. Two of them had guns with them. Two detectives and myself nabbed the two with guns pretty quickly, but the other two made it through the back yards and were picked up within 10 minutes. All four went to jail including the one we were after. Certainly an exciting call, but I could do without all the paperwork, hehe. Well, I better get back to playing soldier.
Be safe and have a great weekend.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
25 March 2008, It's Tuesday and back to school. I took today off from work for two reasons. One, I'm working tomorrow on my regular day off and so I've exchanged this one for that, and two, I need to get ready for school tonight. Uh, what a headache.
Over the last two weeks, the FFA Junior Livestock show occurred in our State Fairgrounds area, which has seen a major renovation over the last few years. It's looking pretty good. Well apparently, at the very beginning of the set up for the livestock show, there was an escape. A steer made it's way out and up onto the I-40 interstate highway. It decided to travel east in the west bound lanes before running across the three lanes of traffic and jumping the center concrete barrier and then crossing the east bound lanes. City officers managed to get it off the highway and down on the north bank of the Canadian River, which was also renovated. There we chased it up and down a one mile stretch until Animal Welfare showed up and managed to get a tranquilizer dart in it. We finally got it roped and tied down until a stock trailer could arrive. Now the steer didn't like us very much, and at one point it was me, him and a bunch of ropes. Eventually we got him in the stock trailer and away he went. During the escapades, we managed to stop for some photos, as another officer said this was as close as he has ever been to a real cow. Me, I grew up cleaning out cattle trailers at the stockyards in Woodward and actually love the smell of manure. I've only added the picture of me. 
In other news, Miss Dub, after two years, finally got her braces off yesterday. It's a new smile.
Be safe and have a great day.
Friday, February 15, 2008
21 March 2008, Well, I got called back home to address a potential gas leak in the furnace, I guess crime fighting will have to be put on hold. Sorry for the long intermission between posts, it's crazy out there. I've decided that 12 hours of college was definitely too much, but I made it to spring break, or as I had to inform our professors, spring homework. The idea behind spring break was the word "break", referring to not having to worry and due school work for the entire week. This is especially important when every student in the class is also a full time worker. But our professors felt it was a good time to do outside projects and continue the theme of homework. Remind me to finish college at an early age next time around. 
As you can see, the girls were worn out.
The family is doing great. We took the opportunity this last weekend to go on another short vacation and went to a state park in Southeastern Oklahoma. We spent Sunday hiking a little more than 4 miles up and down three separate mountains. Mrs. Dub was getting tired of me comparing this adventure to my climbing the Gar back in Afghanistan, but I'm the kind of guy if you tell me what bugs you I'll keep doing it for fun.
As you can see, the girls were worn out.Thursday, February 07, 2008
07 Feb 2008, America's Dumbest Criminals, did anyone ever watch that program. Even Jay Leno does it from time to time. There's nothing like relying on simple human nature to help make an arrest. Today, we had a call that a guy knew where his stolen truck and the suspect where located and wanted us to go get it and make the arrest. Well, we show up and find this is something of an apartment complex and we have no idea what apartment the suspect might be in. We locate the stolen truck. We decide that since the victim gave us a phone number for the suspect, we should give him a call.
phone rings
"Hello"
Hey, is **** there?
"Yes, just a minute.......
Hello?
Hey ****, I need you to come get me at the corner of 10th and Penn.
Hello?
Yeah, this is Tony, come meet me at the corner down here, and hurry.
We hang up and wait. One minute goes by and someone exits one of the apartments and gets into the stolen vehicle. We immediately pull him over, and it's our guy. Arrest made.
Mrs. Dub and Miss Dub are doing fine. We are staying busy. Hope all is well with you.
Be safe and have a great day.
phone rings
"Hello"
Hey, is **** there?
"Yes, just a minute.......
Hello?
Hey ****, I need you to come get me at the corner of 10th and Penn.
Hello?
Yeah, this is Tony, come meet me at the corner down here, and hurry.
We hang up and wait. One minute goes by and someone exits one of the apartments and gets into the stolen vehicle. We immediately pull him over, and it's our guy. Arrest made.
Mrs. Dub and Miss Dub are doing fine. We are staying busy. Hope all is well with you.
Be safe and have a great day.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
31 January 2008, Well, the month will be over today. I possibly bit off more than I can chew with school. A full 12 hours seemed like a good idea at the time. I'm managing to get the assignments done, but it's taking a great deal of my time. I believe once I get back into the stride of school, things should not be too bad.
Our trip to Nashville was great. We visisted the Grand Ole Opry (downtown) and saw several great performers. Sunday we went to President Andrew Jackson's plantation and toured it. We hit the road headed back west, stopping at a couple of Civil War sites along the way. First was Parker's Crossing, which is smack dab in the middle of I-40. As I understand it, the battle got so fierce, traffic was stopped in both directions. From there we headed south just a bit and spent the night in Savannah, Tn. The next morning we went to Shiloh. We were on the road again by 11 am and had to head back home.
Mrs Dub attended the Oklahoma Quarter unveiling, have you gotten your's yet? She ended up buying a roll and then the boxed set which includes one each from Denver and Philidephia. Did I mention she was actually at the Denver Mint and was able to stamp her own quarter? It sounds like a good trip.
Miss Dub is doing well, attempting to stay out of trouble. She brought in straigt A's for the 2nd nine weeks, so that helps.
We are getting a little bit of snow this morning, but reports are less than 2" will fall, and it's all be gone by tomorrow. Be safe and have a great day.
Our trip to Nashville was great. We visisted the Grand Ole Opry (downtown) and saw several great performers. Sunday we went to President Andrew Jackson's plantation and toured it. We hit the road headed back west, stopping at a couple of Civil War sites along the way. First was Parker's Crossing, which is smack dab in the middle of I-40. As I understand it, the battle got so fierce, traffic was stopped in both directions. From there we headed south just a bit and spent the night in Savannah, Tn. The next morning we went to Shiloh. We were on the road again by 11 am and had to head back home.
Mrs Dub attended the Oklahoma Quarter unveiling, have you gotten your's yet? She ended up buying a roll and then the boxed set which includes one each from Denver and Philidephia. Did I mention she was actually at the Denver Mint and was able to stamp her own quarter? It sounds like a good trip.
Miss Dub is doing well, attempting to stay out of trouble. She brought in straigt A's for the 2nd nine weeks, so that helps.
We are getting a little bit of snow this morning, but reports are less than 2" will fall, and it's all be gone by tomorrow. Be safe and have a great day.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
19 January 2007, I'm coming to you live from Nashville TN tonight. We started our drive on Friday evening after I finished a part-time job. We stayed in Van Buren, Arkansas and finished our drive today. Tonight we are headed to the Grand Ole Opry for the show and to see Charlie Daniels be inducted tonight. Tomorrow we are headed to President Andrew Jackson's Hermitage to see his plantation.
We came up with this trip about two weeks ago when we watched a history channel program covering the life of Andrew Jackson and when Mrs. Dub checked into it, it appeared to be a good weekend vacation to check things out. Miss Dub and the in-laws came too.
I started back to college this last week. I'm taking classes in Emergency Responder Administration. It seems to be the direction I'm headed. After the first week of classes I finally purchased a new laptop and when we get back on Monday, I'll check into getting a wireless card for it. I'll have plenty of research to do for my classes and there is no way it can get done on that dial-up. The bonus to that is possible getting back to blogging more. I'm hooked up in the hotel room right now as we are waiting for Miss Dub to get cleaned up.
Be safe and have a great weekend.
We came up with this trip about two weeks ago when we watched a history channel program covering the life of Andrew Jackson and when Mrs. Dub checked into it, it appeared to be a good weekend vacation to check things out. Miss Dub and the in-laws came too.
I started back to college this last week. I'm taking classes in Emergency Responder Administration. It seems to be the direction I'm headed. After the first week of classes I finally purchased a new laptop and when we get back on Monday, I'll check into getting a wireless card for it. I'll have plenty of research to do for my classes and there is no way it can get done on that dial-up. The bonus to that is possible getting back to blogging more. I'm hooked up in the hotel room right now as we are waiting for Miss Dub to get cleaned up.
Be safe and have a great weekend.
Monday, January 07, 2008
07 Jan 07, Well, spending the holidays with my family was great. I've had the last 10 days off from work, with the exception of National Guard drill this last weekend. We have been just been enjoying our time. I head back to work tomorrow. The weather has been interesting with record highs over the weekend.
I got a call from one of my Afghanistan interpreters. It seems two of them and their families have made it to the United States on the Interpreter Visa. They are currently in Minnesota. It's an adjustment for them and they are currently looking for jobs. There are a couple of soldiers in that area that knew them so they are getting some support.
The family is doing good. I wish I had more to report but that's all for now. Be safe and have a great day.
I got a call from one of my Afghanistan interpreters. It seems two of them and their families have made it to the United States on the Interpreter Visa. They are currently in Minnesota. It's an adjustment for them and they are currently looking for jobs. There are a couple of soldiers in that area that knew them so they are getting some support.
The family is doing good. I wish I had more to report but that's all for now. Be safe and have a great day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
