Whoo Hooo

Snikes, I finally have been able to post!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First let me talk about the PICS. Starting on the top left and working down, then right. When traveling to the Provinces I mostly fly in a helicopter.

Top Left: This picture is in Baghdad. The big building behind me is the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. I am standing next to their officer club where the iraqi conference was (we had translators) and I had to have this picture because of the writing and the style reminds me of the 70's.

Bottom Left: This picture is a typical village located near the river. The houses are made of mud and bricks. This village looks like it has power and they farm and fish. This is not a zoom, we fly this height for safety.

Top Right: This picutre is just me sitting in the helicopter before our take off. Just a picture of me and we all need some of those right?

Well, where to begin...

First, I am not much of a writer, but that has not been the problem. Internet connectivity is an issue. Part of starting a new base is the growing pains. Living conditions are minimal (still are) but I do have a roof over my head so no complaints. I have had the opportunity to visit 7 of the 9 provinces in our area and though I would rate us a 3 out of 10 there still are a few not so nice places yet. Also we have much better conditions than the locals and I count my blessings I was born in the U.S. The people here are amazing, their culture is different, they have hard lives, for the majority they want to do good, they are generous, and they put up with this hot weather without complaint (put a blowdryer in front of your face, place on high, in other hand have a handful of sand; sprinkle sand infront of blowdryer).

Back to internet issues. Many sites are blocked on the military system (this being one) and it took a couple of months to get connectivity in the room, and this was minimal. Army does not provide this (too many restrictions) so I went in with a smaller group and we do have the best system, though it has taken some time for everything to work ok. John just added another satelite the last couple of days so hopefully this will help.

I have had the opportunity to get back to the states (for army work...training up our replacements) and spend some time with my family (they flew down for a few days) and surprise the RAGBRAI friends as we got into town one day early and I was able to sneak away for a few hours.

Life here does go by fast. The work has been 12-16 hour days and they fly by fast. I have noticed though, just this week actually, that we are in a good rhythm and the hours are not quite so long. More 12 hour days but they are becomming more the norm than the exception. Sundays are our "Red Bull" days and I work only 6 or so hours that day (this feels like a day off...believe it or not). I have been trying to use Sundays as family catch up day back home, though sometimes it is hard when the power keeps going out (every thing here is generators, and they overheat easy). We just recently got a phone cafe and I have used this a few time to call home when the computer system is not working.

I do take an opportunity to have some fun. Wednesday and Saturday nights are Texas Holdem (cards and military go hand in hand) and I have been making Friday nights movie nights at the retention trailer with a Sergeant Major (highest enlisted rank, I am an officer, yes I rank higher but only in pay) who actually lives close to me in the states. I short myself some sleep but it's a great outlet.

Now for the $2.00 question: What do I do? I work with the Professionalization of the Iraqi Police. I oversee the brigades (military Hierarchy: Corp, Division, Brigade, Battalion, Company, Platoon, Squad, Team, Individual)and transition teams (Company Level) and provide guidance on level of interaction (Provincial Headquarters, District Headquarters, Local Police Stations, Training Academies). I also track all their interactions. Being at Division means lots of staff work (reports, meetings, interaction with the command group). I have been out and about more so than last time (things are much better than last time, not so many bad guys) getting ground truth on whats going in our Area of Operations (AO). I can say that there has been a marked improvement since 2005. The country is starting to stand up on it's own and taking more responsibility. So this is my time here in nut shell.

I can also tell you my scale and I have not been getting along. It keeps lying to me, and telling me I am older than I really am (I have one of those scales that does body fat, muscle mass, body mass index, age). According to today's arguement. Hilda (my scale) says I should be a member of AARP and collecting social security. We aren't talking anymore this week.

I am going to use this as a test to see if I can actually post and then hopefully I can contribute something every couple of days. We shall see.

Take care

Working in the Army

Exercise is going well. Learning new things about the job. Hours just flying by.

Those are the things happening in my world. Yes, it is ground hog day (think Movie) just about everyday. If I didn't have a watch I wouldn't know what day it was. Not that this is a bad thing, but does demonstrate how the day goes. Big things do happen and they get handled but this happens everyday.

Sometimes the day goes fast and I can't believe I need to leave work because there is more to do, but That is what Tomorrow's for.

Hope your day is good

Hi all, thought I could get a quick message out while on a lunch break. Army food is tasty. I believe it is sooo good because it has a shelf life of a 100 years (and thats after it has been opened/cooked).

We had some sun shine today for about two hours (first time since my return). I guess I won't get scurvey now...there's always a positive in the day.

Ground hog day is still continuing.... Though it will soon take on new meaning in a few weeks. Yea for me. Was able to get to the gym yesterday before they closed. Haven't really been working to hard on the weights but that will change with the change of scenery as gyms will be open 24 hours a day. Any who... was able to play some more racquetball and even score a couple of wins. Woo hoo.


Gotta get back to getting the digital bad guys.

Hope you are having a good day. (found out today was Sunday...enjoy the rest of the weekend)

back to ground hog day

Just like the movie. Every day is the same. Actually the break was really nice. besides seeing friends, riding both bikes, DBR and Harley; I spent a great 4 days with the family. I have some fond memories.

Back to the army: The day went really fast as I had much catching up to do before our next exercise. I also found out that there is now a huge group of racket ball players. Most of my section among some others. So now the work and work out plan is getting more exciting. Played tonight for two hours and got a good work out in. The work is good, but the workout is what gets the blood pumping.

Speaking of which, Gave more blood today literally. My HIV was within two days of being good for the year. Now it is. I personally got a chuckle out of it since I have given blood or gotten a shot of some kind for the last 3-4 SRC's (soldier readiness center).

Well now that the fun part is over (my pass), I look forward to getting on with the mission and getting to the real task at hand, not that I hate FT. Lewis, but it is not a place I would choose to live. Once I get an address I will forward it on thru the bike club and home as OPSEC (ask andy) is important and I kinda keep a suedo identity here (No...I am not bat man...but still king of the downhill).

Enjoy the day.

MOON ROCK

What a great night. Went from the airport out to celebrate the biking season with friends. Thanks for the warm welcome. Had to have a bowl of the wild rice soup...my favorite...since I don't like soup (you figure that one out, I gave up)...and will miss the Headwaters 100(they have the best wild rice soup).

Everyone was in great spirits (or had lots of spirits) and ready for the road. Congrats on a good kickoff. Keep the wheels turning and the wind at your backs. I look forward to seeing you all again and getting on the bike.

Enjoy the summer and fellowship of the ride

MUG shot

Originally grew the moustache for a couple of reasons: Because I can... and because I wanted to see what color it would be. It's still red. I was going to shave it off but have gotten so much ribbing that now I have to keep it. I was never one for peer pressure unless it was suitable.

I have read in a previous blog a good reason to get rid of it for a short time anyway. I am sure it will be back and most notably thicker since this is only a week and a half's worth of growth.

Going to a regular schedule this week and should be able to keep up with the blog a little better. Haven't had the time the last couple of days since work hours have been long. I need to get the camera out and get a few pics just to capture the area that we are in. I will say that I have never experienced so many changes in seasons in just one day! Yesteray there was 1 inch of snow followed by a few hours of sun followed by a few hours of rain, then just plain ole cloudy and chilly. The scenery is nice but I would'nt want to live here.

Lucky for me that I'll be moving on to warmer pastures. As far a work goes; we are working well as a group. There are times we get on each others nerves but the guys I'm with don't let things bother them too much. we seem to be getting into a good rhythm and each training event gets smoother.

Hope you guys are having fun.

Exercise

The military acronym for exercise is somewhat different than the civilian meaning. Here it means going to work for longer hours because you are practicing new systems, people..etc. It usually involves at a minimum 12 hours of work for days upon days. Not the exciting going to the gym and getting fit exercise; that is upon top of the work exercise.

In it now and the saying here is "embrace the suck" Not that life is hard or difficult, just not the ideal conditions. If you embrace it now it won't be so pain full later. Actually the work is going well and though the hours can seem long they are going by fast. So no, I am not complaining, just keeping you up to date with the fun and excitement that happens with the military life.

Working on the deployment moustache. Am happy to report that it is mostly red/brown. Was kinda expecting more gray (which would be fine) or multiple colors, but looks like it did last time. Still hasn't improved my looks but short of surgery, not worried about that. Have saved about 30 seconds off the shaving time though.

Hope you are having a great day.

Love that Raquet Ball

Whew...getting back into the groove here. Work and workout. Just finished a 3 hour raquetball/workout session after a 9 hour day. I attempt to move weights around when I am not on the court (which is a lot..cause I am not the best at the game). Games are about 15 minutes roughly, with the winner taking on the challengers. Tonight I even won a few :) We played a lot of cut throat (3 people on the court with the server against the other two) which makes the game that much harder and lots more movement. It's a great fast twitch workout.



We are starting to click as a working group. The section I am in is pretty tight. We have known each other for many years (some as many as 20 years) and what is great about our group...we work well together. Yes we give each other crap as much as possible, but it's because we have developed friendship and trust with each other. We know when to play the rank game and when to poke the bear. I call it staying grounded...but I am happy to be with this group this trip. The work is so much easier when you have a common understanding and everyone is working as a team to do the right thing; and we are going down that path.

Hope you are having a great day

Back in Ft Lewis...YEA :(

Well, my week long of training is done and I am back in Ft. Lewis. I will have to say that Leonard Wood never seemed so nice. The school house went out of their way to ensure we got what we wanted from them and the accommodations were...Lets just say, I lived in a palace compared to here. Yes I am spoiled but it is nice being able to have your own shower and bathroom. Because of my rank I had a nice suite. It is the small stuff that makes life bearable sometimes. Glad I had the opportunity.

I saw some pretty amazing wrecks on the way to the airport today while in MO. They had maybe 3 inches of snow while were leaving. The base was pretty much closing down for the day. While on interstate 40 (lucky for us) all the accidents were on the opposite side of the road. There was at least 25 miles of backed up vehicles and I lost count at 15 the number of semi's, cars, and trucks that were piled together in some from of wreckage along that span of highway. I only saw one wrecker and maybe 3 police cars. Those poor folks were going to be there for hours and hours. I did see a group of kids playing hackey sack next to their vehicles.

Happy trails.

It's a small world

OK, I was traveling to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO for some good MP army training. I always go for the exit seat because it has the best leg room. So I am sitting and across from me are the stewardes's sitting ready for take off from Ft. Lewis, WA. We are talking and everyone just naturally wants to know where you're from so we exchanged and they were surprised we were from MN.

One said she lived in south MPLS. I said I taught in MPLS. She said her son went to Dowling and was in the first grade. Just happened to be a student of mine. The light went on in her head who I was. Seems I am a fan of her student's. We both got a good chuckle out of it and talked pretty much the whole flight. I just happened to have my camera and here we are. Truly amazing.

My best class today was the non lethal use of force. Rubber bullets, tear gas...etc... The instructor was very energetic and humorous. I am easily entertained but was enlightened by the fact that there are better ways to solve violence.

Hope you had a good day.

I.O.T.V.

Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) is the body armor we wear. This is the newest model with lots of updates from the old Improved Body Armor (IBA). With the IOTV however, you need help getting into the system. I don't know the actual weight yet because I won't see my scale until Iraq. However I do like the vest.

Thought I would do a personal cameo showing a close up. I took this at O Dark 30. The building behind me is the WWII billets that we are living in here at Ft. Lewis. We were out in the field doing some good ole Army training (that's a fact jack) and I thought a good picture of some Joes in action would help put the uniform in perspective.

Was able to play racquetball tonight after all our training. I got smoked in all the games, though I didn't really care. It was a great fast twitch muscle work out, plus it is fun. My goal there is to win one game before we leave this place. So though I do miss the family and friends I am making the most of it. My mantra is work and workout with the emphasis on toning. Going to make this trip as fun and stress free as possible.

Hope you all had a great day today!

Bag drag shuffle

Today was all about getting the good stuff. All in all a good day. Forgot yesterday was valentines day. Hope yours was good.

I got all the cool stuff and more today. I was excited to get the combat shirts. Think long sleeve Tshirts with the ACU pattern which is worn when wearing body armor. Much cooler and less bulk. Ah and NO I am not expecting any combat for I am a staff wienie and the world is kinder and gentler. I did get a new Gerber, arr arr arr, and a couple of duffel bags worth of other gear that I shant bore you with, though some will be sent home; because, I really don't need all the winter gear this trip. And yes there is some sarcasm in there some where.

The grub has been really good and the cooks will pile it on if you let them. My goal this trip is to stay in better shape and part of that is portioning and well balanced meals. None of that has been difficult. Was going to hit the gym today but got a good arm work out loading and unloading gear. My arms actually ache (the good work out ache) from the bi/tri work out.

Hope you had a great day!

Here we go again

Well my nice rest is over and I am back to work in the army. Yesterday was a fun day of loading bags into the belly of a 747-400 (biggest plane delta owns) and then out to FT Lewis. I volunteered to help load because I knew that we would get the best seats on the plane. And they sure were. I have never had so much luxury on a plane. The seats had leg rests and the chair made out into a bed. I had movie choices and even game choices with my own TV. The work was worth it. That's my seat next to Master Sergeant Melins. Lots of leg room.

Today was all about readiness. paperwork and shots. I thought that I was thru with the shots since I had to do the same type of stuff in January. Not so...I still got a shot. Yea for me. Settleing in to the wwII style barracks. They haven't changed since the last time I was here in October. Tomorrow I get more army gear. Yea... Nothing says manly more than a gerber and a 50 lb MOLLE Ruck.

Back Home

Sorry for not writing in such a while. I was hoping that I would be able to have access to the internet while away. Well I did but it was not the type of connection I was hoping for. Think dialup and then 3x slower. This is what happens when you are only temporary. This is a picture of me in one of the transient sleeping tents in country. Its a metal plate with sandbags on top. I use the cot to put my gear on because it won't fit in the sleeping area. The nick name for this sleeing area is the coffin.

I was in the sand one day and skiing down Wild MTN the next day. Talk about extremes. It was fun skiing with the family and friends.

I am back home now and have been since friday. I have stayed away from the computer for a while and have been spending time with the family. I am back on military duty and will be leaving again very shortly. I will be in the states for a few months training up before going across the pond. I know that once there, I will have a better connection and will be able to keep everyone up todate.

I have missed the spinning classes and the fellowship of friends. I saw that the RAGBRAI route is out. If you would have asked me where the route was going to be, I would have nailed it; South. I have been asking for a south route for 4 years. Figures, I will have to miss this one. I hope all you guys going enjoy the ride. Well remember Iowa is flat....or is it....you decide. Wave by to my hometown as you peddle by.

Enjoying the quality time I have at home. Thanks for all your well wishes and see you all soon.

Dirt, Smoke, Ammo

Today started out very early and the movie apocolypse now was flashing thru my mind. The part where the helecopters are on the beach and the pilot says. God I love the smell of Napalm in the morning. Well for me it was the smoke bombs and gunfire as we were low crawling thru the sand. I think I was pretty low because the sand filled my pockets, helmet and boots.

Then it was on to moving tactics under fire and throw the grenade at the dummy. I had flashbacks to basic training when I hit the dummy on the head and the grenade bounced away. Not that unlucky today. I scared him so bad he didn't move and bang goes the grenade. I have to say the grenade throwing was an eye opener as I saw some people who couldn't hit the side of a barn at 5 feet. Some forgot to remove the safety device and dared the dummy to throw it back I guess.

Off to navigating obstacles using smoke and crawling under the wire and over the wall. Then off to the ranges. I qualified but not my best effort.

Well that has been my week here in Georgia, It may be a few days before I get back at this but have no fear, the DBR King will be back in the saddle again.

take care



I had a lot to be

Simulators: Boom Bang Ahh

Today was a long but fairly fun day. First the weather is on the positive side of the numbers. I think it was in the upper 50's today, and second I was outside going thru the TSIRT (Theatre Specific Individualized Readiness Training) avoiding the landmines, artillery simulators (think 1/2 stick dynomite), trip wires and booby traps. The afternoon wasn't as much fun since it was all about first aid; sucking chest wounds, fractures, evaluate casualty, treat for head wounds, to name just a few. Great to know but not nice to have. Tomorrow starts at O Dark 30. Will be out on the ranges. Fun stuff

The wheels on the bus go round and round

I have to say today was a good day. Personnel records review, there are stations set up each with a specific agenda... Chaplain, Legal, Finance..etc. The lines were bearable and fortunately having done my records a few times in the last couple of months, not too messed up. Then on to CIF (it's where you get lots of gear), where I had nothing to get as I already had that taken care of; though I did get to stand in line and practice patience. I am getting good at the line thing, might even turn professional.

I noticed that at home there is snow and cold weather; not so here. I haven't checked the actual temp but I was very comfortable with out a jacket. Not trying to rub it in but I believe I left at a good time.

I had to spin today as this is usually spinning night with the fun crew. I can honestly say that time goes by faster when you are working out with a group of friends then when you are by yourself. I had no one to to try and pass on my exercise bike today unlike in the bike shop. I found I am not as funny by myself, though I do laugh at myself occasionally.

Looks like CTT (common task training) for tommorrow. Hope your day was good.

Medical

Today was a great day to see the doctor. Sun shining, it must have been in the 60's today. Oh and more waiting in lines....waiting....waiting....waiting. This was a medical day. Got two shots and gave some blood. Also went to supply and got some expendable items: best ones; sun glasses and a gerber...watch out folks I can now pull a McGuyver. Started the work out today...just the thought made me break out in a sweat...round is still a shape. Most people ask about the army food and the best I can say: it's not five star quality but it's pretty good (like college food) and plentiful. Yes I take small portions and no I don't always get dessert. I believe that I shall miss spinning nights...not that I can't do it here but, I will miss my compadres. Doesn't sound like much of a day I know but if there is a civilian job for waiting in lines...I am getting proficient enough to go professional. Enjoy your day.

Warmer Weather

Left when it was -3 and headed out for warmer weather. It has been in the 60's here in Georgia. So far that has been the only bonus. Today was an exercise in how to stand in lines and waiting, waiting waiting. I know it all serves a purpose, but I haven't figured that part out just yet. It is a great patience builder. I believe all will be glad when this part of the journey is concluded.

Well at least the weather is nice. Hope you are all having fun