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

RED BULLS

Today it was made official, the "Red Bulls" will be back in the sandbox.


Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers. Yes I will keep myself safe, Or as we say in the military "my head down". I still have a few spinning nights left and look forward to spending some quality time with coach troy. Ok, maybe not him, but with all you at the shop.

A good neighbor of mine sent me this Christmas Poem.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a MN Guardman, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

'What are you doing?' I asked without fear, '
Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!'
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.' '
It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'
Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'

' So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.'
'But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.'

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'

May you all have a joyful Christmas.

Spinning

Yes Neil, I know it has been awhile since I last posted I shall make a concerted effort to post at least weekly.

Spinning at the bike shop has been going great. It is really great to exercise with friends. I look forward to the tuesday night spin not just for the exercise, though I sure could use it, but more so to reconnect with people who share the passion of biking enough to ride indoors on a trainer or exercise bike.