May 2004 Archives

Day 85

Busy watch again today. Nothing unusual, simply busy with normal work. Again the day went quickly.

Getting cash around here is a pain in the butt. There are no ATMs here in Camp Spearhead. The exchange can give cash back if you use a debit credit but only when the system is working. Which is about 60% of the time. They will only let you take $20 per purchase but, if you're unobtrusive about it, you can go back two or three times in a day. There is a time when you can get checks cashed. it's like once or twice a week at a certain location, time, etc. Long lines, long waits but you can get up to $250 that way.

I finally sent all my cold weather gear home. Can't see that I'll be needing a jacket, long underwear, or the heavy bag from my sleeping system. Yes, it's a sleeping system. That's what they call it. There are three parts to it. Two sleeping bags and a Gore-Tex outer cover. One bag inside the other and then inside the Gore-Tex and you can sleep comfortably in the Artic. The heavy bag and the Gore-Tex and you're good to go in most of the coldest places in America. The lighter bag and the Gore-Tex will get you through the night spring to early fall in most places in America. See, it's a system. Anyway, I sent home my cold weather gear, a lot of the various memorabilia I've collected so far. Coffee mugs from Starbucks, some uniform items from The Man from Broken Hill, a couple of notepads from the Gerbil (no cardboard tube in sight, thankfully) and some other things to clutter up space somewhere. Better they clutter up space at home than space here in camp. I don't have much space here to clutter.

aloha

Day 84

Watch was busy today. I like that. Makes the time go by fast.

I miss The Supply Guy, Sarge and The Other Guy. I miss playing Spades with them. I miss the conversation we used to have. I miss listening to them argue as they played Risk. I haven't found any new friends to fill the vacancy. I miss them. I hope they are home with their families.

I miss my own family. Tomorrow is my wife's birthday. Another event that I usually don't make a big enough deal over. Happy Birthday, my love.

I wonder how much longer we'll be here? I'm ready to go home now. It's not new and exciting anymore. It's just work. Monotonous most of the time. I hear the surfing is pretty good back home.

I see the political races are starting to heat up. I don't miss that. That would be the upside of being here through November. You'd miss all the politics.

aloha

Day 83

Yesterday was my anniversary. I've been married to my beautiful wife for sixteen wonderful years. I truly love being married to this woman. We seldom make much of our anniversary when we're together. This time being so far a part and for so long I find myself more aware of it. Happy Anniversary my dear. I look forward to many more celebrations of our marriage.

A few days a go I wrote about the question, "why do we choose to serve?" I've received a number of replies. This question of why do we choose to serve that many of us over here ask ourselves is not a logical question. Very nearly all of the people in the military have a very clear logical explanation of why they joined the military. For a lot of people over here, September 11 was their motivation for joining. Patriotism, God, country, family tradition, the majority of us fully understand our logical reasons for serving.

The question that I was referring to is an emotional one. It comes to mind after you get off the phone with your wife and you sit thinking about how much you miss her. It comes to mind when you open that envelope and find a drawing your kid did which illustrates what he thinks you are doing over here. The question comes to mind when you see buddy go down and you realise that it could have been you. It comes to mind when you read in Stars & Stripes about another military serviceman KIA and realise that next time it might be you. There are a whole myriad of situations and circumstances that remind us that what we do out here is a dangerous and risk filled business. And when you think too long about the possible ramification of that, you begin to wonder what you've done. And then you ask yourself, "Why do I choose to serve?" "Why do I put my family through this?"

As for me and my family, we chose this life together. We are proud of our service. We choose, as a family, to place in God's hands our future. He will protect me and bring me home to my family or He will provide for them in the event that I am carried home under a flag. My wife tells me that my son understands why it is his dad who has to serve over here. "Because God has made our family strong and we can handle it."

That's my son, damn it.

aloha

Day 82

It's definitely heating up. It felt really hot to me today but we didn't make it to black flag. We only go to red.

Watch was interesting today. I had a couple of interesting challenges to work on. One may provide me with some thing to work on for a few days. I didn't get it figured out today. Watch goes by faster when there's some thing to work on.

I am about half way through The Quick Red Fox by John D. MacDonald. Travis McGee, MacDonald's main character, is a standard in the private detective genre. So far, I like Mr. McGee. Some interesting quotes in this book. McGee makes some very deep statements.

I need to get back out and run. It's been a long time. I was doing pretty good before I got called away for my Survivor: TPE episode. I haven't managed to get out again since I got back. I was doing push ups too. I tried some pull-ups today. I managed to do three. Crap! Getting back into shape after I get back is going to be difficult and painful. Oh the sacrifices we make for God and Country.

Aloha

Day 81

I have no idea how many people read this weblog. I know that my family and many of my friends do. I know that a few folks from my own unit read it. I am discovering that there are a number of people who have friends and/or family serving here in Camp Spearhead who read this blog because it helps them feel connected to their loved one. Regular readers will remember the story about The Groom and The Bride. It's pretty exciting to play a part in two people reaching out and touching each other from opposite ends of the world.

Today I was picking up my laundry I noticed a uniform name tag and the name seemed familiar. Finally I asked, "what's your rate?" Ding, ding, ding. Hey, your husband reads my blog. He posted a message in which he asked me to say hi to you. As finished getting our laundry and walked back in the direction of the tents together. I told her about my blog. She told me about a school she had left behind to come over here. We talked very briefly about home and being here. It was fun to connect two people.

The weather is heating up. The Black Flag flies pretty much every afternoon now. Black Flag means that measures are required to protect personnel from heat related injuries. The flag system has 5 colors; white, green, yellow, red and black. To be perfectly honest, I don't really know what is required for anything but black. When the Black Flag is flying physical training (running or working out) is prohibited, those who must work should take 50 minutes off after every 10 minutes of work. We've had a number of heat related injuries in the past few days. The risk will increase as the tempurature continues to rise. The heat isn't as bad as I thought it would be. We hitting the 100+ range every day now.

There was an announcement of a carbon monoxide leak south of the camp today. This is the first time I've heard them announce the fact. The announcement told everyone to take shelter in place in our tents. Hum? OK. I was reading in the mall so I went inside the coffee shop and 'took shelter' there. Never did hear an all clear.

I think the greatest risk here in Camp Spearhead is the heat and all the crap that the various industries pump into the air here. Doesn't seem all that bad to me but I grew up in the Los Angeles area where we're pretty sure that air isn't healthy unless you can see it.

aloha

Day 80

Camp Spearhead has something of a MASH quality to it. There's a movie every night. Usually a pretty good one. Tonight was The Human Stain. Pretty good movie. Not the kind of movie I really like. Too much thinking involved. I like the pure unadulterated entertainment movies. There's the Chief of the Watch office, affectionately called the COW. This is where Corporal O`reilly would be if he were here. Mind you, this is not where the CO's office is. None the less, it is the hub of activity. We also have an equivelent to the MASH hospital where we carry out our primary mission. Things are rather MASH-like out there too. All of this covers only the Navy aspects of things here at Camp Spearhead. The preponderance of the Cmap is Army. I'm not involved with much of the Army's day to day operations here.

We got a new DFac (DFac is Army-speak for the place where personnel are fed). The DFac use to be this huge tent. There were unit flags hanging from what would have been the ceiling if it weren't a tent. There were TVs in two corners. The place had character. It had a feel to it. Well, they built a new DFac. Very clean and neat. Complete devoid of any uniqueness or character. Very sterile and impersonal. I liked the old DFac a lot better. I also prefer the Navy term gallery or chow hall to DFac.

aloha

Day 79

I'm sitting here waiting for another session of GMT (General Military Training). This is an interesting Navy concept. You are forced to sit through ill prepared presentations presented by people who are not entirely prepared to give the ill prepared presentation. None of this is really the fault of the presenter. In most cases, this poor guys get told the evening before that they have been chosen for this month's GMT. Now, these presentations are usually such that they would put an insomniac who hasn't slept in years into a sound sleep to rival that of a just fed baby riding in a car seat. This being the Navy however, falling asleep during GMT is a criminal offense. It is little mystery why career sailors love their coffee. We'd never make it without some kind of chemical assistance.

I had occasion to go aboard the HMAS Stuart recently. An awesome ship and crew. The ship is clean and impressive from forecastle to fantail. But what really makes her is the ship's crew. I don't know that I've ever met a friendlier group of people. The primary point of excellent on board this vessel was the food. I was truly amazed. I've gone back to restaruants that served food that wasn't this good. It was really good stuff. Lots of choices at every meal and all of it very good. If this is an typical example of how the Australian Navy treats its service members, it should be the example for the world's navies to follow.

I know I have a lot of readers who have family members serving here at Camp Spearhead. Many of them read my blog because it helps them to feel connected to their loved ones reading about my experiences here. I've heard from several of them. I've written posts about a few folks who have asked me to help connect them with their loved one through a hello or whatever. This has been an unforeseen and welcome aspect of keeping a weblog of my experiences in Kuwait. I really enjoy meeting the people who are making Operation Iraqi Freedom happen. Also, I strongly believe that the real heros of this or any war are the families of those who serve. I am pretty excited by the opportunity to provide something back to those families.

I've posed the question before in previous entries. Why do we choose to serve? My wife tells me that my son understands that someone needs to come over here and help the Iraqis become free. What he doesn't understand is why it has to be his daddy. I wish I had an answer that he could understand. Truth is, I don't even have an answer that I really understand. I've said all this before but it's a reoccurring thought for me. So, it ends up in here on a reoccurring basis. I guess I struggle sometimes with why I left my family to come out here. I think all of us wonder about it at one point or another.

aloha

Day 77

So, after yesterday's entry I got motivated and finished Sue Grafton's B is for Burglar. Good book. Excellent ending. Relatively clean which I appreciated. By clean I mean that I would let my daughter read it.

Now I have to decide which book to read next. Mr. Kneif's works are always tempting but I'd also like to get to know some of the other popular private detectives. I think I'll probably read a MacDonald novel next.

It seems empty around camp. A lot of units have gone home. A lot of units have gone north. I'm still waiting to hear from Supply Guy, Sarge and The Other Guy. I hope they are well and getting reacquainted with their families. At some point I hope they remember their buddy still in Kuwait. I'd like to hear from them again. I got an email from my new friend Jock. He's working hard setting the septics straight up in the NAG.

The weather is definitely getting hotter. Not unbearably so yet but it's only May. I'm guessing August is going to be a killer. We'll see.

aloha

Day 76

I bought two CDs. One by a group called Down To The Bone, the other by Dave Koz. Both fit into my definition of fusion, Dave Koz being more to the Jazz side of the genre.

The Down To The Bone album, From Manhattan to Staten is one that I've wanted for some time now. I was already familiar with most of the songs on the album but it is still good to have the album. I've enjoyed listening to it. I really like this band.

The Dave Koz album, Saxophonic is really good too. I used to hear Dave Koz on the radio while I was driving to work. I've been wanting to get one of his albums. I was looking through the CDs at the exchange and found Saxophonic so I bought it. Dave Koz is a sax player in the vein of David Sanborn.

I'm still working my way through Susan Grafton's B is for Burglar. I received two John D. MacDonald books I ordered, The Quick Red Fox and A Deadly Shade of Gold. My lovely wife sent me a copy of Emerald Flash by Charles Knief (this guy truly rocks). So I've got plenty to read for a while. Oh wait, and I have an autographed copy of Silver Sword by Charles Knief (did I mention that this guy rocks).

So that's my entertainment line up for the next few weeks. Some good stuff to read, some good music to listen to.

aloha

Day 75

On Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners
It saddens me that American military personnel are acting in this manner. I was hoping that we would be above this kind of behaviour. Coalition forces ought to handle themselves in a manner that sets the example for the world to follow. Coalition forces ought to treat prisoners in a manner that set the example to the world of how prisoners should be treated. This does not mean that we should provide four course meals and turn down their sheets at night. By the same token, prisoners should not be subjected to physical abuse or humiliation. Using such tactics only reduces us the to level of the animals we are trying to irradicate.

I hope those responsible are brought to justice.

Aloha

Day 74

Back in camp, standing watch, dealing with all that comes with being "in the rear". Today we attended General Military Training (GMT). Topics covered; Sexual Harrassment, the grievance process, Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Combat Stress and Suicide. Fascinating stuff. No, really.

Camp seems the same as when I left but it seems that I'm different. Keeping a positive attitude and not getting caught up in the negativity that permeates at least my part of camp is more important to me. I also realize that I want to do more Survivor: TPE episodes and spend less time in the rear. I have a lot to think about with regard to my military career after I finish this. The Army and Civil Affairs is still attractive. I've heard that there are opportunities to be involved in SpecOps support teams as a Navy Reservist. I'd like to look into that. But the wildest and most appealing idea is the Australian Navy.

It seems that I might be able to join the Australian Navy as an active duty member. That's something I find very interesting. Australia currently tops my list of places I'd like to live. Serving in the Australian Navy would not only allow me to live in Australia but also visit a lot of places that I didn't get to see while serving in the US Navy. I've heard that I might very well be taken in as an officer which would mean a fairly decent paycheck and better privileges. I plan to investigate further.

Aloha

Day 73

Survivor: The Professional Edition
20 some military personnel are put on some remote station with no amenities, a very vaguely stated mission and a minimal equipment load out. There's no prize money for the successful team. It's all part of days work. Failure simply isn't considered.

My participation in Survivor: TPE was one of the most exciting and satisfying experiences in my military career. I was a member of a six man team. We were inserted into a remote location with a very limited equipment load out and a very vague mission. Less than 24 hours after insertion we were fully operational. Within 72 hours we were fully integrated into the existing Task Force making a positive contribution to the defense of our AOR. By the time we were relieved on station three weeks later all of the commands in the AOR praised our work and said that they were surprised at how much we were able to contribute to the operation.

We had no showers, no toilets, no running water and no potable water save what we bought in. After touching down on station we had to clean out our living spaces to make them clean enough to sleep. With the help of the Marines who were already on station we got our equipment and supplies secured. Over the following three days we set up an operation center and living area. We solved the problems of hygiene, sleeping, eating and watch standing. We spent three weeks constantly improving our operations and our contribution to the mission.

Six guys were inserted. One tight team came home. At this point, it is no longer about whether and what awards we might get for our efforts. At least for me, I know what I did out there. I know what the commands that we worked with had to say about us and our efforts. I know and the rest of my team knows. Every thing after that is gravy.

On Other Topics

Old Friends
My friends from the 3rd ACR are now home with their families. Do you think even one of them would remember to send their new pal at Camp Spearhead an email letting him know how good it is to be home? Not a damn one of them! Hey, Supply Guy, Sarge, and the lot of you, thanks a lot!!

It appears that my friend from Molokai who serves with the 3rd Mountain Division also went home. Good for her. I hope she enjoys her sister's graduation.

New Friends
I made some new friends during my Survivor experience. The Man from Broken Hill, The Gerbil (no cardboard tube in sight, thankfully), and Stanley Laurel. The current plan will have The Man from Broken Hill at my house for Christmas this year. I'm looking forward to that. The Gerbil and Stanley have promised to provide lists of movies and television shows that offer some insight into their respective societies and cultures.

A few of my new friends will remain in seclusion for a while longer. CC Rider, Force Four, Eight Delta, Maxwell's Hammer, Warchuck, and the rest of the Marines out there, write me and let me know you're home.

It has been an honor to serve with all of these guys, old friends and new. It will be interesting to see who I manage to stay in touch with.

Aloha

I've got a lot of catching up to do but I'm back in Camp Spearhead. Give a day or two to catch up with my email and get a blog entry to cover the last three weeks together. Daily entries should resume as early as tomorrow.

Aloha