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.