Hawaii bound

Not sure why I didn’t mention it yesterday but the surfing was pretty good. Jamie and I went out again. Same place as the day before. It was breaking better than before. We each got quite a few good rides. I even had the presence of mind to go in on a good wave rather … Read more

Homeschooling, Planning for the future

One of the cool aspects of being home and not yet returning to work is that I have the opportunity to participate more actively in home schooling our two kids. Yesterday was a prime example. We worked on geometry, discovered SparkNotes and worked through some reading and spelling exercises. Dad spent time studying Video Editing … Read more

Getting back to life…

Went surfing this morning. First time in about nine months. It was good to be in the water. It was good to be out there with my friend Jamie. The surf wasn’t great but we each got a few good rides. I didn’t forget too much. Swimming in Kuwait seems to have helped maintain my … Read more

Home Again

I’m home. I’ve been home for about a week. It took about a week to de-mob. I left San Diego on the afternoon of the 15th. I had some business to take care of in the Los Angeles area so I stopped and stayed with friends there. Had breakfast with Charles Knief on Friday morning … Read more

The Long Ride Home…

Sept 7 & 8 – Day 184 & 185 It’s been a long day. A good day but a long day. Today started at 2300C last night. As I explained, I was the only one in my tent last night. It was wonderful. I hooked up speakers to my computer and listened to music as … Read more

First In, Last Out

Sept 6 – Day 183 Pretty much everyone has left for San Diego but me. There are four of us from my unit who are still here at Camp Spearhead. The unit is spread over three flights the last of which will leave tomorrow. It’s exciting to be going home. Tonight I will be the … Read more

Entries On Hold…

Day 183 —————————- Although I am still writing entries to this blog I cannot publish them just now. Entries written between 30 Aug and 13 Sept will be posted on 13 Sept. —————————- We had some country & western singer put on a USO show last night. I walked over and listened for a little … Read more

Goodbyes & Chapters

Sept 04 – Day 181 Today we mustered, quite possibly for the last time as a unit. Upon arrival San Diego the unit is heading in a number of different directions. It’s kind of sad. There was no formal ceremony bringing us into this deployment and it appears there will be no formal ceremony marking … Read more

IT2 Smith, front and center…

Sept 2 – Day 179 Today a got an award. The Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal. I would like to think it’s a big deal and that I really worked hard to deserve it. The efforts mentioned in the citation were, in my opinion, significant and beyond the scope of a Second Class, especially … Read more

MIUW 104 has been relieved…

Sept 1 – Day 178 We have been relieved. MIUW 104 is no longer executing the mission in Mina Al Shuaiba, Kuwait. At 1500C MIUW 204 relieved us of the mission. Now all we have left is to pack our gear and our personal belongings, clear customs, board planes and begin our homecoming celebrations. I’m … Read more