Home

The return home went off without any snags and I am now back in Annapolis. Tomorrow, I'll be rooting for Navy against Wake Forest in our homecoming game. It should be a fun time. It is good to be back.

As I sit here and go through all of things that I brought back with me - I am struck by the generosity and support that ya'll gave me the past ten months. I have so many cards, keepsakes, and miscellany that I am overwhelmed. The support that ya'll have shown and continue to show is amazing. I can't say thank you enough to everyone. Our young men and women are doing wonderful things over in Iraq and I am proud that I had a chance to be part of the team. I will continue the fight here from Annapolis by hazing all of my Midshipmen. Yes indeed, fun times abound.

Arifjan, Kuwait

Well, I'm in Arifjan, Kuwait - I couldn't show you where it was on a map if my life depended on it. Strangely, it is really no different than any other place I have frequented in the last year. The one difference is that it is humid and the buildings are permanent structures; vice tents or hastily constructed wooden huts. This place does have a pool - which I guess is nice. All that said, some things never change ... I am still sleeping in a tent on the worst mattress in the world. I think that a cot would be an upgrade.

Still no news on my flight. It is annoying, but is par for the course. My time at this place is meant as "decompression." I fail to see the point when it is 23 hours of doing nothing. Yesterday, I turned in my "gat" and today I turned in four sea bags full of worthless crap that I was issued and never used. All told, it took about two hours. The rest of the time is a conspiracy to get us to spend money at the little shops and exchange. They even have a little rug bazaar - but the more I think about it the more I want to pass. After my Turkish rug adventure earlier this year - I am left scarred, battered, and bruised. It is just a lot of money for something that is designed to get stepped on. I'd rather spend it on beer.

Final Blog from Fallujah

Meg, I must agree with you on your last point that my Padres obsession is a bit much. I think that in a strange way the Padres kept me sane, and their season mirrored my IA experience. However, I feel that my ending won't be anywhere near the disappointment suffered by the loss in Colorado. I'm going out on a high note - back to my girls in Annapolis. That will be my world series victory.

December 8, 2006 is a very important date to Colleen and me, as it is the day that I found out I had been selected for an IA. Since that date, the date that we have been looking forward to the most is today, October 9, 2007. This is the date that my IA journey starts coming to a close. From here it is a series of pit stops that ultimately involve my flight into Baltimore. Then, it will be a simple 30 min car ride to the casa. I admit that I am very excited about the whole thing.

Now is not the time for some striking thoughts or reflection. I'll save them for a future edition. For now, I conclude with the most important part of my story - a Ship Driver, attached to a Marine Infantry Battalion, in charge of an Army Spec Ops Team, living and working in the city of Fallujah, Iraq:

The End.

Burning Off-Season Questions

Much to my lament the Padres are done for the year. The players have cleaned out their lockers at PETCO and are left to ponder what might have been. Nevertheless, it is what it is, and it is time to look forward to next season. Forecasting what the front office will do is very difficult. The free agent market is shaping up to be rather weak, and the market price hasn't been established. I assume that the few established players will be out of reach. I'm okay with that as our starting point. However, that asks the question: What is the starting point, and what are our options?

I've struggled with the order of precedence and format- I'm comfortable that my jabberwocky will meander through the issues. The key to our off-season deals is trying to figure out just how ready our minor leaguers are to join the big league club. I feel as though the status of 2B Antonelli, 3B Headley, and C Morton will go a long way in our makeup. If these players are ready to make the club, it sets up some interesting options. Antonelli takes the starting 2B job and hits lead off. Blum played well - but will be gone. Headley assumes the job at 3B, and Kouzmanoff shifts to LF. That leaves Ensberg as our utility corner infielder. C Morton assumes the back-up job to Bard. If those three aren't ready to step up - you'd have to assume that we'd sign free agents to come in and compete for those jobs. Then, all hell breaks loose, and it becomes a series of long drawn-out equations depending on who we sign and when.

In the outfield, the picture is a little cloudier. However, I'll continue with my leap of faith. With the above scenario, you have Kouz in LF and Giles in RF. CF is up for grabs. I see Hairston and Lane as the 4th and 5th outfielders. I think that the first course of action is to attempt to resign Cameron (however, I don't see that happening). For that matter, I don't see us able to afford the other Free Agent Center Fielders (Jones, Hunter, Rowand, and Patterson). Lofton and Edmonds are too old. Milton Bradley isn't a center fielder and won't be ready until sometime next year. Bottomline is that solving the CF position is going to be very difficult. The need for a polished defender at PETCO is well documented. Would I sign Bradley? It really depends on how much he wants and for how long ... 4 million or less per year and no more than 2years ... yes. Therefore, I see us with 2 catchers, 6 infielders, and 5 outfielders.

Moving on to the pitching situation: Really quick and dirty - bullpen remains largely the same, and we have two spots open in the starting rotation. I feel that one will come from within the organization and the other from free agency. My bet is that either Josh Towers of Toronto or Tomko (who ended the year with SD) are first in line in the free agent category. As far as in house for the final spot? - Germano, Thompson, Stauffer, Ledezma, LeBlanc, maybe the AAA kid we got from Atlanta for Ring, or the AA pitcher we got from Milwaukee for Linebrink. Carrillo, Schmidt and Hensley should also be added to that mix. However, they all are recovering from surgeries, and it is doubtful that they will be ready for the opener. Any way you slice it up, it will come down to Spring Training for the starting rotation to work out.

The fact remains that we have some potential back logs in the minor league system - a nice problem to have. I think that we might see some moves from KT involving trades of minor league talent for players that won't make an impact this year (read SS and CF). I guess what I am trying to say is that we will be active this off-season, but it won't be for the marquee players that the majority of supposed SD fans want to read about. Overall, I see the make up of the team very similar to the make up this year.

3 Knots to Nowhere

I'm told the engines are running, and the ship is making steady progress to port. For some reason, I can't hear the hum of the engines. The reality of the situation is that I can't see the horizon and have no reference point. Hopefully, my ship will arrive in port on time - the final date hasn't been confirmed. I think in the distance we just passed the rock of Gibraltar. Needless to say, time is moving painfully slow. The satellite TV has been out for two days. We're being told that it is due to "sun spots" that are consistent with this time of year in the desert. Who has heard of such things? Can't you just see COMCAST issuing that sort of press release? How long do you think that Americans would put up with that? It is all the same, because I cannot stomach watching the MLB playoffs - some things are just too painful. It doesn't help that all the Marines are harassing me ... So how are the North Carolina MLB teams doing? Oh yeah, the Braves didn't make the playoffs. The good news is that NL West teams are playing well and just might make some progress toward proving that the left coast is better than they get credit for.

On a positive note, the good fight continues to rage on. The Marines in al Anbar are just straight dominating - nothing else I can say about it.

Crushed

Good ball game. Good guys came out on the losing end. Up by 2 in the 13th, T Hoff gives up three to lose. Speechless, crushed, disappointed.

In other news, my relief showed up today.

Dedicated to Sean

The following was sent to me, and I feel that it is so damn funny that I must post it here. It is the "official" bio of my brother Sean - who plays football for the Merchant Marine Academy. Most of it needs no explanation ... and it does wonders for the southern stereotype.

Before USMMA: Lettered in football for two years, soccer for four years, swimming for two years and baseball for one year at NorthshoreHigh School... was named All-District in football...played club soccer for NOSA...placed second at the Los Angeles State Wrestling Tournament.

Personal: Born Sept. 1, 1985 in Alameda, Calif...son of Rex and Trissy Bent...has three brothers, Geoffry, Byron and Buster as well as asister, Trigger...majoring in systems engineering.

Buster and Trigger are the family dogs. Los Angeles State WrestlingTournament - Is that the unofficial name of the Chino Detention facility? Sean, do you have something that you'd like to share with us? I can see Sean now ... um, uh, uh, well, um, what I mean was, ummm, I play football? Yes, Sean you do ... and yes, I am judging you!

New EWO

Amazingly, my relief is in Baghdad and in an even stranger chain of events, he should be here at my location within the next few days. Very strange in deed. The concept that my time might be coming to an end just has not really hit. The good news is that I was ready to leave months ago - so the sentimental attachment just isn't here. However, in true Navy form there is a mandated time length requirement for a turnover (I guess this is to ensure a "proper" turnover). The funny part about this is that on a ship you are lucky to get five days. It is more of a, "I had it - you got it." The turnover requirements over here are just insane. Another admin program designed to help the war fighter that falls short. So does that mean that I know my fate and when I'll be coming home? The long and short of it is no. Don't take this as bitterness - I would say that it is quite safe that I'll be home well prior to December. Trust me - it can't come soon enough. The fun meter is broken.

A little "Feisty"

Sometimes this blog is a little off the cuff, and quite honestly, I think that this post reminds me of the best damn calculus teacher at the boat school. Everyday is a Tuesday in this barren land; however, today is Monday. Basically, I want to crawl up in the fetal position and cry my eyes out (like baby Kenny) b/c of the precarious situation "my" teams have placed me in. You know, ok, I get it ... My Padres just aren't good enough, the Saints are back to paper bagging it, Tony Stewart didn't seem to drive inspired in Dover, and Navy Football is quite pedestrian. And, if that wasn't enough, I am going to have to listen to all the crap about how great the Steelers are playing. Duane, I just don't want to hear it - just remember your team had a starting quarterback that got caught by the po-po for doing the same thing as the Idaho Senator. Nice, very nice.

Time continues to move slowly. I feel like I am in the last two minutes of a football game that somehow takes an hour to play out. Still no word from the Navy brass in Baghdad on my departure - I'll believe it when I see it. For some reason, they've gotten into quite the habit of over promising and under delivering.

But if you want to talk about results, the entire Moody family gets "mad props." Colleen, Jack and Meg, and Granny Moody came through with a total of three boxes full of goodies. Inside them were Monsters ... and they now have a new flavor - Java. Basically, it is liquid crack and
just utterly awesome.

At any rate, Go Padres, 7 games left ... figure we need a minimum of 5 to make it work.

Mad Friars

I've resisted the urge to write about this all week: How about them Padres? Jerry Coleman, hang a star on the first seven games of the homestand. Seven in a row - now that is what I like to see! Granted, it was against two of the proverbial cellar teams; however, good teams are supposed to beat up on the weak! Now, who said that Newton was an idiot? So, we've got ten games left w/ 3 at home against the Rockies and then 3 at SF, followed by four at the Brew crew. I really hope that we have things in hand before the games in Wisconsin ... I don't want to keep reading about the East Coast teams and how they are this and that. The good news gets even better b/c Milton Bradley should play tonight or tomorrow. Harriston is swinging a big stick and makes me ask the question: Should Giles join his brother on the bench? Says here that Giles might get a few more "off" days in order to keep him fresh for the post season. If anyone has tickets that they want to pawn off, I'll start walking from Iraq right now. Hell, we are in Ramadan, and I need a trip to the Promised Land - the World Series. Trust me, San Diego is no Mecca - but I'll take the hit for the team. I'll just tell the boss that I have my own pilgrimage that I need to embark upon.

Reflection

3/5 is on deck. It is that time in the deployment when the call for lessons learned and after action reports have cast wide nets. It is one of those things where even if you don't have anything to say - you have to say something. Naturally, I am all for such endeavors. In order to complete something like this the skill that one has to draw from is reflection. Admittedly, this is something that I am not particularly very skilled at accomplishing. For one reason or another, I tend to keep my head down and keep plugging along. Most of my vivid recollections are centered on times when I just about lost my mind - and that isn't particularly helpful. It is one of things that I'll just have to keep working on. With that goal in mind, I'll attempt to cajole myself by thinking that I do have something to offer and that you, my readers (read Sean), may gleam from some of things I have been able to reflect on. Most of these, I've learned the hard way.

1. "Just do it." This marketing slogan by Nike is utterly brilliant. The question "why" is the most often asked, rarely answered, and usually the least important. The solution? Accept the fact that you know fewer things than you think you do and do your job the best you can. All you can control is the execution phase.

2. "It is harder to fire someone you like." Endear yourself to your boss and command. If you don't, you become expendable. The solution? Focus on reasons to say "yes" rather than finding reasons to say "no."

3. "What have you done for me lately?" This may be more of a corollary to my second point; however, I feel that it deserves some time in the spotlight. We live in a time where things that you have accomplished in the past may lead to credibility and further your own experience; however, the fact remains that everything is about the here and now. Deployments, awards, qualifications, ribbons, etc... largely serve as placeholders for personal memories. The solution? Go climb Mt. Everest, find a cure for cancer, take two weeks and then go back to work.

No mail

Today is the last day for mail with 2/6. As soon as I get the good mailing address for the next unit - I'll push it out. In the mean time, please don't send anything, as it will end up in North Carolina.

Speaking of mail, I continued to be spoiled! Thank you very much to the following:
Grieser Family - A package full of books. My favorite by far was the Japanese Anime about Vampires ... nice, very nice.
Money Hill Ladies - The peanut butter granola bars are the best!
Hebner Family - Jeff Gordon is going down, and the the Home Depot Chevy is on his way to his third championship! Know about it!
Wood Family - Feeding my obsession w/ the Padres. I wish that we could play the Giants more often!

The FNG continues to move along. His attitude is contagious, and I think that eventually he will see success. No pictures or anything from my FMF qualification - Marines don't do that stuff. No worries.

Strolling Aroung the Lake

The dictionary defines the word "fun" as something that provides mirth or amusement. You'll notice that nowhere in that definition is mention of a combat endurance hump. Well folks, that was my Sunday morning -"humping" (walking 6.2 miles with a full combat load). Fun times. So call me Nancy, fit me for a dress, and point me to the hot tub. Marines call this fun, and I call it a nightmare. Marines are required to demonstrate proficiency in certain evolutions that Marines have to stay proficient in - marksmanship, weapons safety, rules of engagement,"humping" etc ... on a monthly basis. So, there I was playing along. The best part of this whole deal is that one of pre-deployment milestones is the ability to hump 15 miles. So, in essence this was supposed to be easy.

My Army guys

There is some sanity and justice going around - My three man Army Special Operations Soldiers are going home! After 16 months of working in Fallujah, the Army has identified personnel to replace them, and they will be leaving by the end of the month. I have two Sergeants and a Specialist (E4). Just when I want to complain about how long I have been here - I see them and realize that I need to shut my mouth. I try not to be political in my postings; however, my personal and professional opinion is that 6 or 7 months is the right length for deployments.

Re-enlistment Ceremony

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending a re-enlistment ceremony for three of our Corpsman. They held the ceremony on top of a bridge (about 15 feet high) that lead to an island where Udai Hussein used to have his vacation home. So, we lined up the BN CO, read their discharge papers, and as customary, asked the young men if they had anything that they wanted to say now that they were civilians. It was a long pause, and then, one of the kids that was re-enlisting broke ranks and jumped over the side and into the water below! I guess the moral of the story is that Navy guys miss being on the water.

My shadow

My ENS has arrived and has been shadowing me for the past day and a half. I must admit that it is very strange to have someone following me around. I am so used to doing whatever I want, whenever I want. I find him to be very well intentioned and eager. He wants to be here, and I think that if I can pick up on that level of enthusiasm - he will succeed. The funny part is that there are just so many things that he doesn't know about. Today, we went to a reenlistment ceremony - and I had to explain everything about it. He just had no clue. Oh well.

In other news, I passed my FMF board. I found it to be very fair, and at the appropriate level of knowledge. One more check off on the good old to do list.

Huge series for the Friars this week against the Dodgers. I figure that once we win two out of three we will end their chances at the post season. It is beginning to look like we might have to settle for the wild card - read cringe. That would pit us against the Mets and have us starting on the road. Ironically, those two factors shape up quite well for the good guys. We shall see.

Stranger things have happened

This snippet wanders to get to the point - so stay with me. In order to understand the nature of this IA, you have to have a loose understanding of my relationship w/ the various chains-of-command. First, I am under the administrative control of the Naval Academy. They are responsible for my regular administrative matters, as I still count against their numbers. Basically, I am on travel and for all intents and purposes, I still belong to them. Next, you have my operational boss, a group based out of Baghdad, JCCS-1. They are the ones who are administratively in charge of me in Iraq. They are akin to the wizard behind the curtain in the Wizard of Oz. My interaction with them is limited to a few emails, and except for emails, I don't know who they are. In fact, I think the only time I have met my Navy boss is when he met my group at the airport in Baghdad. They assigned me to the Marines and are dedicated to the missions of man, equip, and train. Next, you have my tactical chain and that is 2/6 - they are the ones who tell me to jump and I and respond with "how high."

So, the synopsis of this dialogue is emphasizing the point that I am out here alone and unafraid. In fact, this is the point of IAs - you show up, drop off your sea bags and get to work. We are supposed to have certain skill sets and just operate.

Now, I'll get to my story. Yesterday, I got a call from the man behind the curtain, and they asked if I would mind taking a new EWO under my rudder and help train him. Blindly, I say sure, but I had to ask 2/6. This fact was lost on them ... at any rate, 2/6 is fine with it. So, who is this mystery man and why does he need my tutelage? This is the question of the day. I'll tell you what I do know: 1) He is an ENS who has never been to the fleet2 ) He graduated in May from some higher institution of learning 3) He failed out of Flight School 4) He is currently in transit to me. Wow, that is a whole lot to chew on! I'm doing my best to keep an open mind - there has got to be more to the story. If that really is the story - holy cow, we've got a lot of work to do. On one hand, it is very exciting to have this ENS/FNG, and on the other, I feel sorry for him. It should be very entertaining to see how this story develops. Let the hazing begin!

Mail Cutoff

News on the mail cut-off date for 2/6. The date is now Sept. 17 for everything!! Anything postmarked before the 17th will still get to Iraq. Anything postmarked after will be rerouted to the 2/6 office at Camp Lejeune. I don't have the address for 3/5 yet.

A little slow

I didn't realize the pressure I was under to write on such a frequent basis. I know I haven't delivered in a few days, but at the rate ya'll are chastising me, it makes me feel as though I am working for George Steinbrenner. I suppose it is because I am lazy and/or there really isn't much to talk about. The big wigs coming into town provided a little stir. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that is was long overdue. The President was not in Fallujah. Seems as though, old girl Katie has had some positive things to say ... it would be nice if the press actually put the names of the Marines she talked with or the unit name into the paper. I don't think she realizes that it would be something that the Marines would put into their proverbial scrap book.You know - something that many years from now they would whip out and show their children - look what I did when I was younger. I think that the majority of us have/had grandparents in WWII or Vietnam and can remember times when grandpa would regale us with the stories of "the war." It is a shame that with all the advances in communication the art of newspaper clippings or letters are going by the wayside. I hope that the young Sailors and Marines are saving or printing their emails.

The good news is that we are just starting a very exciting time in the sports world - the baseball season is the seventh inning stretch, college football has kicked off, and the NFL season is tossing the coin to see who gets the ball. The Saints should be tough, Navy opened up a winner (and faces a huge uphill battle against nationally ranked Rutgers on Friday), and the Friars continue to look for walks against the NL West.

More News

Fallujah is all over the news. Here is a recent article that details much of what we have been doing. It is a good snap shot of things.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08272007/news/columnists/how_marines_pulled_fallujah_ou.htm

Disappointed

From what I have been able to discern, old girl Katie hasn't come up with anything to say about her trip to Fallujah. It is rather disappointing. I sure hope that she is going to talk about it on Monday. Maybe because it was a Saturday and the start of the college football season? I sure hope that it wasn't because it was an uneventful and rather positive trip. Honestly, it was amazing that not one bullet went flying through the air. I think that we got lucky. I don't think we'll be taking the next VIP to get his/her "Fallujah T-shirt" in that area. Stranger things have happened.

How about them Padres? 8-2 over the last 10 and working on a sweep on the LA Bums! I like what I'm seeing. If Jake isn't the NL Cy Young award winner - I'll cry my baby eyes out.

VIP Visit

General Patraus and Katie Couric have come and gone. I will be veryinterested in learning what they had to say about the trip. The VIPs went to one of our newly established Joint Security Stations - think community center that the police operate/live out of. The part of town that they visited is known as Andaloos. Historically, Andaloos has been the scene of some horrific events (this is where the black water contractors were hung a few years ago) and was a known haven for the hooded idiots. Even a few months ago this was a place where kinetic events flourished. I can tell you that I know all to well ... At any rate, the fact that we were able to take the VIPs into this area speaks volumes. It is not like we take the VIPs to areas where they are going to get into some trouble. At any rate, they shook some hands, talked to a bunch of people, and moved about freely. I wonder how the event will be reported.

Hypocrite?

I know this sounds strange ... but I would encourage everyone to watch the CBS evening news over the next few days.

Poor Word Choice

Come to think of it - I might have unintentionally led some of ya'll on about my return date. The fact remains that I don't have a solid return date ... just yet. The writing is on the wall; however, it is in Arabic. Trust me - I can't get out of here soon enough.

Padres won last night, and CY is going to pitch Thursday. I think that we'll sweep the Snakes. Exciting times.

I'll now turn to answering the mail:
Jack - Do yourself a favor, and end your quest to replicate the port-a-john expierence.
Duane - Keep drinking b/c your comments are hilarious.
Meg - Duane's taken it up two notches. Where have you been? You get no breaks.
Sean - Nice facebook pictures (ya'll should ask him).
Ben - Your Braves sticker didn't last very long. I put it up last night and found it torndown this morning. It was at one of the Fallujah train stations. Sorry about your luck. At least, AROD will be a Red Sox next year.

It all starts with goodbye.

It certainly comes as no surprise when I say it is amazing how fast time flies. Today started the latest influx of IA's to the region. The old salts are now gone, and the torch has passed to the group that I am part of. It is strange how hard I have to try to avoid the FNG syndrome to the new group. It just seems like yesterday I arrived in this country and looked at the men in my position with some wonderment. I remember telling myself not to ask the questions that I so desperately wanted to ask. I can see that same look in their eyes ... Ironically, they ask the questions, and strangely, I don't have an answer for them. Not much has changed in that regard. If this deployment has taught me one thing, it is that my opinion doesn't count, and I don't mean this in a negative sense. This tour has shown me that there is so much I don't know, so much above my pay grade, and so much information out there that is not at my disposal.

Through various forms of communication, I am often asked what I think about IA's, Iraq, the Marines, etc ... Foolishly, I've attempted to answer these questions. Only recently, have I changed to my current stance: I just don't know. I think that we are doing good things, progress has been made, I am learning a lot, etc ... I guess you just could sum it up as I believe in my leadership and trust their judgment. By saying such things, one could assume that I've earned my merit badge. I'd counter by saying that despite whatever personal opinions I might have - the fact remains that I owe the Sailors and Marine I work for and with my job to execute . The execution phase is the part of the operation that I can control. That will have to do for now.

Oddly enough, Fallujah made the national news last night. We had a suicide bomber go inside an Imam's office, and in the course of killing himself, he killed nine members of the Mosque - including the Imam and his son. Sad, very sad. I find it interesting that this is the news that the networks choose to show ... and somehow I'm sure that they'll spin it as a statement on the war. Are you kidding me? Disregarding progress in the name of some moron who goes inside an Iraqi mosque and does that? Nightmare.

Now back to the FNG's - the two questions that I did answer: Best part? The pay. Worst part? The toilets.

Padres

Continuing my quest to be ridiculous, I'll spend this time talking about everyone's favorite subject - the Padres. Good week for the Padres. They took two out of three from both the Mets and Phillies. Now, they return to San Diego to take on the Snakes and LA Dodgers. We managed to increase the Wild Card lead to 3.0 games and reeled in the Snakes to 3.0 games. In my humble opinion, this is the make or break week for the Padres. When the dust settles, I think that we'll see if we have a chance to win the division. Hopefully, CY comes back and pitches Thursday. We showed that we can swing the bats, as we scored nearly 70 runs and 80 hits in one week. I'm tired of reading about the PETCO jinx... the job of these fellas is to hit the ball. Home runs are nice and all, but they don't necessarily win games. If you don't believe me, just ask the Reds and Rangers.

Otherwise, things remain hot on the Iraqi front.

Iraqi Plumbing

The following post might be of questionable taste - so for some I might encourage you to skip this entry.

By large measure, the worst part of this deployment is the plumbing situation. It is so bad that I'd gladly pee in a water bottle or on a scorpion rather than use the sauna that is the port-a-john. Even with the clutch ability to "use it standing up" - it is not the highlight of my day. Previously, I've made mention of my brilliant plan to get air conditioning into the latrines (nice Army word). In recent weeks I have tried to push the issue; however, I continue to be met with resistance. I mean it is so bad that everyone monitors their food intake for the amount of potential blockage. As an interesting aside, a MRE works wonders for about three days. Who knew that a trip to the head takes off about five pounds? Back to the subject at hand, the time has come for me to think of other wonderfully brilliant ideas, because as a higher ranking official commented, "there will be no more discussion on the issue." Very well then.


The strangest part of the whole deal is that the port-a-johns are fairly clean and ten times better than the native ways. Attached are pictures of the typical bathroom. Yes, these bathrooms are in use. At any rate, you can see the toilet, a tap that dispenses water of worse quality than egg water, and an urn looking thing that holds water. The urn thing is what they use to wipe their hands when they are finished. No need to go into detail on that. I'll insert a friendly reminder not to shake a native of F-Town's left hand. The overall idea is that once you are finished you turn on the water and flood the toilet to encourage the deposits away. In turn, this will spark a conversation of what does away mean? I'll just say that away is equivalent to the distance to the street. So subtly I'll remind people not to walk in the puddles on the street.


I figure . . . I'll keep eating an MRE once or twice a week.

More progress

Pictures are a good thing - so in this little jib I've included two collages. They are of various murals that we've been able to contract out to the local nationals - the people of Fallujah. Previously, I mentioned the billboards, and we've come to the conclusion that that project is going to have to wait for a while. In the mean time we've been very successful at getting people to paint the drab walls that line the city. It sure makes for a nice change of scenery. As I have mentioned before, there is only so much beige a person can stand.

Also included is probably my favorite picture to date - the sunrise in Fallujah. Could this be the dawn of a new era? Let's hope so.

Coming tomorrow, everyone's favorite topic - Revisiting the Plumbing Situation ... Has progress been made? I'll have the stunning results in tomorrow's edition. And now, for the local news ...

Video Games?

I find myself masticating on the problem I created by promising to blog with increased frequency. I've tried all the tricks in the book to circumnavigate this issue - but it is just not working. The problem? I've got to keep this unclassified, and the majority of the stuff I'm involved in I can't discuss in this forum.

Rumors have intensified as to where I'll go next when 2/6 departs the pattern. It is hard to discern the truth, and I'd be lying if I said that I wouldn't be up for a change of scenery. Annapolis is my choice destination -but what are the chances of that happening before the Navy gets every single day out of me? It is possible - see how positive I've become! My hat is off to those who do this for greater than seven months. The monotony in the face of eminent danger is the most dangerous weapon. The anti-coalition forces (read hooded idiots) can't hang with the danger that getting complacent has to offer.

My Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer board was postponed for another month. I guess there are some people who are redeploying soon, and they have the priority. I don't like it, but I understand. If I had my druthers, I'd just get it over with.

Who knows what the comings and goings will bring in the upcoming weeks? Ramadan is looming, and historically, it hasn't been an enjoyable time. Supposedly, the weather is starting to cool off - but I haven't seen it. Dinner tonight was terrible - but that was the exception rather than the rule. Hats off to the folks at KBR who run the chow hall. Why cook yourself when you can just pay someone else to do it? It frees up the Supply Marines to play video games. Marines are no different than Sailors - they love to pass the time playing video games. Madden 2008 has made its way over here and is all the rage ... the controls are too complicated, if you ask me - yet another sign that I am getting old.

Slowing Down

As you have noticed, my blog entries have been a little slow recently. I think that I've been trying to fight off post traumatic leave syndrome. It has been taking a toll on me - but never fear, I'm back! Fueled by Greg Maddux and the Padres, I am determined to get back in the posting business. The upcoming week is a big one for Padre nation. We'll find out if the Padres are for real. They start off with the east leading Mets and then travel on to Philadelphia to close out the weekend. The Phils currently trail the Padres by one game in the NL wild card race. The good news is that we'll send both Young and Peavy vs. the Mets. Speaking of Peavy ... what the hell? His comments in the Union-Tribune were ill timed at best. He's under contract until the end of the 2009 season and went on and on about how he doubts the Padres will pay him enough for services when his current contract is up.

At any rate, things here in IZ are going well. Ramadan is rapidly approaching, and that is usually marked by a spike in violence (ironic if you ask me). Part of me wishes that they come out and fight ... however, thei mportant part is to find out when they will stop fighting in whatever cowardly manner. I think that by the end of September we'll have our answer. I'll just close by saying that I think they'll find we're ready.

And, in the oh by the way category ... my parents didn't buy a corvette. They only brought it home to take pictures with it. They settled for a Tahoe. Oh, those funny jokers. Sorry Sean, I hear that they can get you a great price on a used Hyundai!

Wayworn?

Watching people ought to be given consideration as an actual profession. Some might argue that it already is - some sort of hybrid profession of Anthropology and Psychology. I'm just not too sure. I say this because I find it very fascinating to watch my Marines interact w/ one another. Let me stop you before you start thinking that I am about to go off on some diatribe about grunts. I'm simply saying that my current Marine unit has entered a phase of a noticeable change in behavior toward one another. I think it means that they are getting ready to go home. Here in a few weeks they will, "get their shit wired tight." They're just not close enough to put differences aside and work on solutions. Instead they're at the point where differences are accentuated. Take last night for example: Two individuals (one quite nebbish and the other bellicose) got into quite a heated discussion. Roles reversed and the passive aggressiveness came out in full force. All of sudden yelling started, and I found myself ambuscaded in the midst of the fracas. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and nothing truly noteworthy happened. All I can say is that it was two of the biggest men in the Battalion, and should they have decided to handle this in a bar-like fashion, I would have been toast (even in my Sponge Bob like frame). Would that have qualified me for the Purple Heart or Combat Action Ribbon? One could only guess, and luckily, I'll never know. Hopefully, I remember this lesson in the event I feel a quixotic nature brewing from within. We all know that I am by definition a person who is unflappable!

I need a Corvette.

Omnipresent in my mind has been the thought of what is next. Incipient feelings of uncertainty really seem to be leitmotif. That not withstanding, things here are moving along. My Padres are clambering along; Tony Stewart has won 3 of the last 4 NASCAR races; I'm back to running at a snails pace, and it's hotter than Hades. I continue to find a gallimaufry of things to keep me busy - including golf. My sandgame is still a little rough, but who doesn't like a challenge?

The other good news is that my relief, a Marine EWO, has made email contact. And as everyone knows, this is a clear sign that I am on the downhill slope. My Fleet Marine Forces Qualified Officer board is next week - so I am spending some time preparing. For those of you who don't know, it is like a SWO pin for the Marines.

In the recent days, two more care packages arrived: one from the Long Beach Moodys and the other from the Grieser Family of Kernersville, NC. From wildflower seeds to books - the packages had all bases covered. I can't reiterate how awesome it is to walk into my space and see a package from home on the desk.

Now if you recall, your efforts helped CY (of the Padres) make the all-star game. I need that same type of effort from ya'll now. My parents recently bought a Corvette and I think that it is only fitting that they buy Colleen and I one, too. So please help me put the pressure on! It is the least that they can do ...

So in closing in my best sotto voce - Go Padres!

Streets of Fallujah

I'm back from my first foot patrol in about a month. It was rather uneventful - and that is a great thing. The biggest thing that struck me was the obvious strides made in cleaning the city streets. Previously, you couldn't even tell if the roads were paved, b/c they were littered with debris, rubble, and dirt. As the picture shows - they have curbs (they are painted rather obnoxiously, but that is fine by me)! They have even taken it one step further and planted trees along all the major roads (you can see it on the right hand side of the picture). I can't wait for the trees to actually take root and introduce some color into this beige-dominated landscape. The streets were littered w/ people, and all the shops were open. Folks, this is a major step forward! People are at work and buying things; children were out playing soccer in the streets. Good times. I am not declaring victory, as there is plenty of work to be done, but it nice to see the proverbial bus moving along.

My Padres

I have been negligent in my duty of keeping everyone abreast of my Padres. Quite simply, it is tough to write about b/c they are stinking up the place. It is very frustrating. They are professionals who get paid to execute, and they aren't doing it. Yes, they have been hit by the injury bug; however, that isn't an excuse. Injuries happen to every team, and they just have to overcome them ... and hit the baseball! Jake Peavy pitches the finale against the Reds tomorrow, and assuming that he does his job, the Padres will have taken 2 of 3 from the ailing Reds. It would be a better way to finish up the less than impressive road trip. Coupled with the fact that the Snakes have won something like 18 of the last 22, it is going to be a long summer (Snake fans be careful about the recent success - they have been beating up on the likes of the Giants, Nationals, and Pirates). The upcoming home stand is crucial - they have got to play better. We still have 7 games left against the Snakes. You would have to figure that sooner or later they are going to have to cool down.

At any rate, tomorrow I head out into the city for the first time in weeks. I am curious to see with my own eyeballs the progress - I'm told that it is significant, especially in the area of trash and debris removal. 2/6's named operation continues to go real well. More on that in subsequent posts.

A little over four months left - but who's counting? So quit judging me!

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't give a huge "thank you" to the Sinclair family for the wonderful care package that was on my desk upon my return. Very cool and very nice - thank you very much!

Back at Work

Upon my arrival at my desk of 2x4s and plywood, I opened my email inbox to find about 1232 emails waiting for me. I am sure that they were all long past urgent - so I just deleted them. If it was really that important, I would have known it by now. Unsurprisingly, the war went on without me and progress was made at a tremendous rate.

I find myself pretty much in awe of what has transpired since my involvement in our efforts became personal. I came over to Iraq not knowing a damn thing and returned only to find the same crap on national news. If you ask me, yes, the troop surge is working. I think that questions arise when you talk about the business of Iraqi politics; however, that isn't our question to answer. What government doesn't have burning political questions that divide its populous on the correct answer? I feel that the answer to such a question is up to the Iraqi Government. In the interim our Airmen, Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors will continue to make great strides. Just do me the personal favor of not saying anything to the effect of: "I support the troops - not the war."

I hit some golf balls this afternoon only to find that I have regressed. The light on that wand is that it just means that I have to practice. Playing on a real golf course really messed up my swing!

I'll close by saying that I am grateful to have had the opportunity to come back for a short while. What made it more special was being around ya'll and knowing that my support network is alive and well.

Travelin Man

When the doors of my airplane opened at Kuwait International Airport and the 100 degree temperature (at 4am) smacked me in the face it was as if a death eater was waiting to suck the life out of me. Unable to summon my own patronus, the resounding truth appeared - I am back in the land of Babylon. Whether this was due to the phenomenal two week break or the excitement of the unknown of a ground tour in Iraq having long since sailed or the realization that I would once again have to submit myself to life in desert - I am unsure. However, this much is very true ... my return to Iraq this time is/was much tougher. Military travel is an amazing thing. It took five days of travel to get me to the states and a day and half to get back (I expect to be in Fallujah late this evening) and that is with an 18 hour adventure of waiting in the Atlanta airport. We actually boarded our plane three times before we actually departed. If I was a paying customer no one would put up with the hurry up and wait attitude. All we do is muster every couple of hours, fly, wait, muster and repeat the cycle. I can't help it - all I want to do is complain 1) 18 hour flight from Atlanta-Ireland-Kuwait in a crappy old DC-10 2) 1.5 hour flight in a C-130 from Kuwait to Iraq 3) a 20 minute ride in a CH-46 within Iraq 4) Topped off w/ a 45 minute convoy ride in a HMVEE to my final destination. Fun times.

All that notwithstanding, my break was much needed and fantastic. As usual, it was too short and I wish I had more time. And most importantly, it was unbelievable to get back to my girls (Colleen, Murph, and Keaton). Important footnote time ... Colleen and I are considering renaming our animals Murph to Murphlepuff and Keaton to Voldemort (of Harry Potter fame). I know it sounds cheesy, but quite possibly the best time I had during leave was reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows aloud to one another.

Among the highlight of events during the two week break (there were too many to list and I know that I am forgetting something):

* Watching two of my idols Cal Ripken and Tony Gywnn get inducted into Cooperstown
* Sean's surprise visit to Annapolis
* Pusser's with Dennis & Melissa, and Amber & John
* Lauren and T Tom's Biloxi Wedding
* Quality time with the Bent and Moody Families - and yes, I am still undefeated against Byron and Sean
* Shooting a 200 on the golf course
* Watching the Padres sweep the Giants and Barry hitting # 755 (in a losing effort) against my Padres (it was only fitting)
* Colleen's cooking
* Meeting our Midshipmen
* Putting on (or attempting at least) to wear my old clothes
* Running over the Naval Academy Bridge to the USNA golf course for the first time (C/ was still faster than I)
* Our 4 hour TV buying experience ... how many Best Buy's did we go to? 4?

So all in all I am in a good state of mind. The miles to appear longer as I near the finish line. However, I remain comforted in the fact that the end is in sight and I have not yet begun my sprint ...

Almost home

I just got my flight information ... it is pretty exciting. I'll be in Atlanta Saturday morning and on into Baltimore around lunch time. I am currently scheduled to return to Atlanta on the morning of the 6th of August.

I'm in Kuwait at the major staging area, known as Ali Al Salem Airbase. I'm surrounded by what seems like an entire Regiment of Army personnel going on leave. The Army is such a different culture from the Navy-Marine Corps team. I'm glad that I am on this side of the fence. I just think that our standards are a little bit higher. The base has a McDonalds, KFC, and a pizza hut. It is strange to have those places around. Even so, I'd rather eat at the KBR chow halls where it is free, and you can eat your face off.

I have to go into "lockdown" before my flight - about 6 hours of waiting around to clear customs. If I am told one more time that we can't do this or can't do that, I'll snap. I hate it when I'm treated like a two-year old just because I'm part of a large group. The sad part of it all is that they wouldn't keep saying it if some jackass would just listen ... there is always one in the group. And surprisingly, it isn't me ... this time.

Excited about coming home ...

En route

It took three tries and a combined 25 hours of waiting in various tents, but I have finally left Fallujah. Currently, I am on a brief layover at an air field in western Iraq, but I should be in Kuwait by late tonight. Exciting times.

The weather has been pretty bad the past three days, and that is why I was unable to depart the pattern. Oh well. Things are looking good for a 21 July return to Baltimore.

I don't think that it has hit me just yet. See ya'll soon.

Padres won last night ... that is what I am talking about!

Seventh Month Thoughts

Before I start this entry, I feel that I must make some things quite clear. The modern age of technology is a great thing, and posting to the Internet makes my thoughts open for all to read. I am quite sure that on some search engine, if you were to enter the correct key phrases, you would be taken to this page. From the invention of Al Gore's Internet to the age of free space travel, people will have unprecedented access to these words. Hell, some grad student 30 years from now might attempt to use this information as a source for his/her thesis on foreign diplomacy, and this is something that I do not wish. I am a cynic, and I am attempting to mitigate the ability of someone to twist my words - take my thoughts and perspective for personal gain or as a synopsis of the War on Terrorism in Iraq. I will say that I have faith and trust my chain-of-command, and I am convinced that we are doing good things. Hence, I feel the need to state the following disclaimer:
The ideas, thoughts, and commentary represent my personal thoughts and do not represent any official endorsement or statement of any kind. Further, these thoughts are not intended to claim what is "right" versus what is "wrong" or insinuate that one way is better than the other. I provide these thoughts for the audience of my close friends and family. Entities are not to transmit these thoughts without the expressed permission of the author - me.

Now, that I have taken care of the pleasantries - I'll proceed. I'll start with a person who does not wish attention - Colleen. She's going to be mad at me for talking about her in this forum. I'll keep it short to say that I am really lucky to have my best friend as my wife. I still don't know what I did to get such an amazing person in my life, and she has made me a better person in all aspects of life. Thank you C/ (you're welcome). I'd also be remiss not to mention my friends and family. Your thoughts, prayers, and care packages have been wonderful and have made my transition to the desert tolerable.

The Marine Corps is a tremendous asset to the United States and truly a force of readiness. The ability of these members of our society to do great things is legendary, but don't think for one minute that it isn't well deserved. They are well trained, well disciplined, and their organizational culture is a marvel. When you get down to it, I have some Eagle, Globe, and Anchor in my blood; however, I prefer to be on the high seas. I think that perhaps the best part of the Marine Corps culture is how they empower junior Marines. The Marines have a very effective tiered empowerment system E1 - E3, E4 - E6, E7 - E8, and then E9. Each enlisted rank at the top end of each tier has deliberate power to make decisions. Conversely, the Navy is basically E1 - E6, and E7 and above. This system is not nearly as effective. Additionally, it takes a large chunk of time for a Sailor to reach E7, so the length of time Chiefs have to affect change is limited. That is not to say the Navy doesn't have outstanding personnel - I just think that we short-change the enlisted on their ability to make decisions. Another way of looking at this is that many of the things that a Junior Officer in the Navy has to "take care of" are things that a SSgt in the Marines does with routine. The Navy could learn a lot from this empowerment strategy.

One thing that annoys me quite a bit about the Marines is the insisted relationship between physical fitness and leadership ability. The two are not related or correlated one bit. The idea that because you can run so fast and do so many pull-ups translates into the ability to lead is inane. The Naval Academy has this same problem: Midshipmen think that leadership is about being "hard" and an individual's ability to PT. People want to quantify leadership, and I don't think that it can be done. Leadership is a set of intangibles that revolve around subordinates trusting the leader. When it comes down to it, Sailors and Marines don't care about your GPA, how fast you can run, etc ... What followers care about is if they trust you - it is really that simple. It is also the beauty of the whole thing, as it can be done in whatever style you'd like, and that it changes depending on the desired action, terrain, supplies, and people you have at that particular time. I would like to see less cultural emphasis on leadership = PT.

I've decided to illuminate my next observation with the tag line of Marine culture as "a race to aggression." At times this philosophy is flawed, but often it is quite entertaining. As a whole, Marines feel that the best solution to any problem is through it. I'm sure each one of you has heard the expression "dumb grunt." In fact, I think that Marines perpetuate this myth - especially, when they don't want to understand something. Don't let them fool you. It is just that they have figured out over the years that if they can get someone else to do it - why not. I think the story of how the Navy is filling these IA billets (supposedly, very demanding technical support job - my job as Electronic Warfare Officer) for the Marines parallels this thought. Marines are smart and figure out various and sundry assortments of ingenious ways to get things done. I've even taken money that a Marine could find a way to break an anvil. The genesis of this idea falls squarely back on the idea that ones ability to PT is paramount. You wouldn't believe how many times Marines try to assert dominance over one another by saying, "Why don't we take this outside?" or saying, "Don't make me break you off." Somehow, they've come to believe that an argument should be settled by physical activity - vice, on the merit of the idea or solution. And, don't even get me started on the whole I am an Infantry Marine thing ... at the risk of being controversial I'll say ... never mind.

Sequentially, my next comment is about a few things that I have figured out about my likes and dislikes. I hate being the support. It is not as though I am not grateful for those members of society who provide a direct service - I just know that it is something that I don't like doing. I can't see myself serving in a true supporting role. I am still undecided about my future in the Navy, but I can tell you, if I proceed on this naval adventure, it will be as a line officer. The reality is that going on deployment all the time gets old, but it sure beats being the support. I'm too old to join the sub or pilot community, so it'll be SWO or nothing for me. This revelation also points out that I still have a lot of searching to do about what I want to do when I grow up ... I know that I don't want to be salesman or work for the government. I guess the lure of the private sector is making tons of cash (often not the reality), and sales involves being the support ... and the government doesn't pay. So where to next? I don't know. The good news is the Navy has given me some time back in Annapolis to figure things out.

Finally, I don't know what the big Navy has planned for me, but I get the feeling that I am on the war-fighter track. I just get the sense that I am or have become the guy who gets sent all over the place to random situations and told to deal with it and make things happen. I guess it is a good thing, but it gets old when you look around and not a whole lot of people are doing the same thing. When is something going to be easy? Maybe it is more of a reflection on me and my self-perception and attitude? I just don't know; I do know that I am tired of going on deployments all the time. Upon my return from this assignment, I'll have 30+ months of time spent on deployment (not counting work-ups). It is time for all the EPs of the Navy world to go on deployment. It pisses me off to know that several of my peers have a) never been on deployment b) only made partials c) only been on one or two. I know that fairness isn't in the equation ... but come on.

Some other random assertions:
I am obsessed with the Padres.
I was fat and didn't realize it.
I still hate running, but if you want to lose weight, go run (you're welcome). Screw the new fad diet.
There is hope for Iraq and progress is being made every single day. Why is it that the news isn't actually representative of what is really going on in Iraq?
The Army 15 month deployment plan is ludicrous and way too long.

Only a few days left . . .

Currently, I find myself consumed by the thought of going on leave. I've been plugging away for some time now; however, as I go past the normal ship deployment length, I find it harder to focus. I think that the Marines do it right with 7 month deployments. I am not an expert on force structure, but for the life of me, I can't figure out why the Army has gone to the 15 month standard. It is just an insanely long time.

Additionally, people give me mixed reviews on the whole two week leave program. Some claim that it is just a tease, and others are adamant that it is a good thing. I haven't had the R&R experience yet; however, I am already of the opinion that it is going to be a great thing. I am very excited to get back to the states and do normal things. Strangely, I miss taking Murph out and taking out the trash. Obviously, I miss Colleen, friends, and family quite a bit more. Deployments with dependents take on a whole new life. When you are single, it really doesn't matter, and all you do is make money. Your biggest concern is figuring out what toy you'll buy when you get back.

I do have a little precedence w/ long deployments. I had about 4 weeks between deployments on GET and JLH. It just seems so much different when you are engaged in life on a ship. Believe it or not, being on the ground is quite mundane. Life out on the high seas always affords a change of scenery, b/c you're moving around quite a bit. On a ship, you always have a port call in the relatively near future - even if it is only to get fuel. Most of the time, it is a few days long and gives you the opportunity to go out and enjoy the local atmosphere. On the ground it is just work 24/7. Sure, life can get a little more exciting with bullets whizzing by, but the reality is that the gun-fighting days of the Iraq war are slowly coming to an end - thank goodness. Add to this that it is ridiculously hot, and the after-dark hours are the most pleasant - you have one heck of a mess.

I say all this to show that despite the temptation to totally go to the green side of the house I am very pleased to be part of the Navy side of the house. Yep, you read that correctly, I said something nice about the Navy. Now how's that for a change of pace?

I'm still working on my observations from the first half of this jaunt. I'll get those posted prior to getting out of country. Get excited about it!

Mail

The support that I have received via the US Postal Service has been outstanding. I really want to thank all of you for your efforts. Looking back at my previous posts, I see a constant trend of writing about the various items I have been lucky enough to receive. However, the time has come to call the dogs off for a bit. I leave in a week to head back to the U.S. on leave for two weeks. The Marines that I work with are already teasing me about the boxes that surround my desk. They claim that I am not going to be able to get to my desk upon my return. I'll take that in a Kentucky minute. I can't believe that I am writing this - but please hold off for about two weeks.

And now, to shift gears back to baseball, the National League lost last night for the eleventh consecutive time. Talk about disappointing. Ichiro hit an inside the park homerun off of our adopted son, Chris Young. You'll recall that he is the stud Padre pitcher that ya'll voted into the all-star game and was saddled with the loss. Nevertheless, CY deserved the appearance, and it was great for him to pitch. It is an experience that he won't soon forget and will pay dividends when he is pitching the Padres into the World Series over the second half. The line drive that Ichiro hit was a freak of nature that rattled along the south field wall like a pin ball. It goes to show that walks are a killer. So, for those young hurlers out there - throw strikes.

Fast times in Fallujah

It is amazing to think that 2/6's time in Iraq is on the downhill slide. The next unit to rotate in has an advance party in town getting a situational overview. 2/6 still has a large chunk of time left; however, the end is just around the corner. I can't believe that I am about to embark on my third infantry battalion. Along those same lines, I am very close to getting out of here for my two week leave period. Talk about exciting. It is so exciting that I am barely sleeping, b/c it is all I can think about. Colleen says that I need to quit drinking Monsters so that I can actually get some sleep. I am not so sure that the high powered drink is the culprit. Stay tuned this next week for my half-way synopsis and observations.

Peavy got the starting nod for the All-Star game - there is some justice in this world. The West Coast sports bias is still alive and well, though.

Short post this time - I know. I promise that I will get back to being interesting and witty shortly.

Night vision is hard.

It has been awhile since I last wrote b/c I have been gallivanting around the lovely city of Fallujah. Fun times. The transformation of the city has really been remarkable the last three months. Surprisingly, the focus of our effort has been on literally picking up the trash and a general demilitarization of the landscape. I will be the first to tell you that four years of war and strife have taken their toll on the city and the people. However, for the time being, we have turned a corner and are making progress. The professionalism of our Sailors and Marines is very impressive, and I just can't say enough good things about how they are conducting themselves.

Sorry that I don't have any high speed pictures this time. The funny thing about being out w/ the Grunts is that they have a very unique routine of working all night and sleeping during the day. The art of a patrol at night is quite a skill. The whole looking through night vision goggles and staying alert isn't as easy as it looks on play station. I have no shame, as I only fell flat on my face once. The young LCpl behind me asked if I was alright and I replied, "Nope, just feel like an idiot." His response was rather comical ... he walked up to me, looked around and said, "Don't worry about it, sir. I saw Gunny fall once in that same spot." He then scurried back to his spot on the cordon. Needless to say, b/c I am a staff weenie, that is not the kool-aide that I am used to drinking. Additionally, working on electronics in the dark is an adventure. It is especially rewarding when you spend time troubleshooting and discover the source of malcontent is the pesky "on/off" button. Note - I am resisting all urges to make a derogatory Grunt remark.

We did have some fireworks, while I was out and about - but nothing really worth discussing. I guess that means that I have acclimated to the environment. The really good news of the past few days is that CY of the Padres made the all-star game and did so by the large effort on your part. I appreciate it very much; however, I am sure that CY is cashing in that check. My prediction for the Padres appears to be on track for 50 wins at the break. I really hope that Bradley is the answer in left field. I still think that we need a big bat and should spend the money to get such a player. The 31 July deadline is looming, and I think that the most practical situation is that we get someone during the off-season. And, in the "you heard it hear first category," Hensley will replace Germano in the rotation after the all-star break. Nice story - but the truth is that Germano has been getting killed recently.

Byron, congrats on series 7 - I'll bite and admit that I have no clue what you are talking about. Formal tests, exams, whatever all stink. I'm glad that school isn't in session for me anymore. The classroom isn't my environment.

Sean - you alive? Where the heck are you? Talk to me goose.

Only 13 days left until I am back in the states ... not that I am counting.

Happy Birthday America.

Today is bittersweet as not only is it the 4th of July, but it also marks a new chapter in my blogging adventures. The following policy decision was made, and I am only a butterfly caught in a spider's web: Marine Corps web surfing policy prohibits the use of pornography, gambling, personal ads, and blogs. Thus, my communication attempts via this site have become increasingly difficult. I have no choice but to be a rule-follower - it is a painful choice. Hopefully, I can convince Colleen to post for me on a frequent basis. I'll write via email, and she can become my consigliere. We'll see how that works. I guess it goes back to the old adage of with progress comes more problems.

With that said, I'd like to reflect a little on the date 04 July ... As I think back over the years of where I have been on this day, it provides a pretty good portal into this adventure we all like to call the US Navy.

1997 - Annapolis, MD - Plebe summer and all that jazz

1998 - Slidell, La - at my parents house

1999 - Underway in the Puget Sound aboard USS Bridge (AOE 10)

2000 - Underway off the coast of Maui, Hawaii aboard USS Fitzgerald (DDG62)

2001 - In Newport, RI - just living life

2002 - Duty Officer on board USS Gettysburg (CG 64)in port Mayport, FL

2003 - Underway somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean aboard USS Gettysburg(CG 64)

2004 - In port Guantanamo Bay, Cuba aboard USS John L Hall (FFG 32)

2005 - In Pascagoula, MS w/ Colleen

2006 - In Philadelphia, PA w/ Colleen

2007 - Fallujah, Iraq

I think that you'll agree that is a pretty diverse list of places spread out all over the globe. By a wide margin the best fireworks were at GITMO - nearly 45 minutes of spectacular fireworks. In contrast, Fallujah will not have any fireworks. It is somewhat sad, and I am sure that there was a big discussion at some higher level that I wasn't privy to. The chow hall was all decked out in red, white, and blue and serving a barbecue style meal; however, we didn't have any cake (there was ice cream). I don't offer this as a complaint, merely as a port hole view of life in the wonderful world of Babylon. I'll close with a picture I took a few minutes ago. A caption isn't necessary ... Tanks are cool.

P.S. There will no longer be misspellings or grammatical errors. Just an FYI for all the readers, the blog publishing system is equipped with spell check. How lazy. - Colleen Bent, Editor/Publisher/Proofreader

Funny Times

I continue to find a lot of enjoyment in the comments left in response to my creative writing entries. The annotations of my fan base are funny and for more insightful than my futile chronicles. Additionally, the blog proves to serve a very important function: Interaction with my friends and family. Thank you for making this a success. I'm not very good at email and I find it hard to write personable responses to your inquiries. This Internet function proves a high utility. I also appreciate how you all choose to overlook my grammatical errors. I rely on the hyphen and the ... (I don't know the official grammatical term for that), as it just makes it easier to end my thoughts .

Unfortunately, I don't have a whole slew to report today. Today, is my Mom's birthday! Happy birthday! I hope that you are having fun at the Beau. Play the craps table for me and stick w/ the 6 and 8. Leave the hard ways alone and don't bet against the house - it's just not sound gambling - if that's not an oxymoron then I don't know what to say.

Another round of mail came in the wagon today. My neighbors, Dennis and Melissa, came through in high order - providing plenty of reading material and nutritional products. They gave me some high speed energy supplement stuff - for those of you know who know the newlyweds you wouldn't be at all surprised. Thank you very much. My parents came out of the bullpen and did a preemptive strike of Saints memorabilia for football season. That's what I am talking about. Crazy to think that football season is just around the corner. I will say that it is time to call off the beef jerky hounds. Thank you all for positioning me at the head of the bartering line - but I now have enough beef jerky to sustain of of Micronesia.

Another well done goes out to all of you for your Chris Young for all-star petitions. CY has a slim lead over the field. However, this effort goes for a few more days - so what are you doing reading this? Open up your browser and vote again. We all need to pitch in and do our part. Vote CY into office ... located at the pitchers mound in San Francisco. KNOW ABOUT IT! I'll close w/ a retort to Meg and Padres predictions. Meg - very funny; however, my faith in the Padres is unflappable. Yes, Colleen is treating me to a game at Camden Yards when the Orioles take on the Devil Rays. This event is a testament to my fellowship of baseball. It has nothing to do with me jumping ship. After all, this is an American League game between two terrible teams that don't let the pitcher hit. No self respecting baseball fan likes the brand of Designated Hitter baseball. Ben - Friars vs. Braves at the end of the week. I'm predicting a series split (w/ one game of Braves domination .... the Jones brothers always bash in the Gas Lamp ballpark) and the Padres go into the all-star break w/ a 50-37 record.

SWO forward deployed ... OUT

Hitting golf balls and the MLB All-Star Vote

I keep meaning to take pictures of my golf outings - but my reasons for not doing so are all rather jejune. Even though we've been over 120 degrees this past week, I have been spending more time out in the sand. It is rather fun and certainly breaks up the rather monotonous day. The new birdie balls are fun and show many imperfections. I must say that the reports of the birdie ball sounding like a mortar are false. Trust me a mortar is much louder and rattles your noggin for a few minutes. I think it would be rather sad if you could connect hitting golf balls (a very relaxing activity) to the sound of a mortar. Jack, I must report that I have lost my first few golf balls this week. Have no fear, I still have more than enough - thank to your generous care package efforts. Speaking of care packages, Duane came through in a pinch and provided much needed gedunk. Thank you very much. Also, I'd be a fool not to say thank you to my Mom again a) Her birthday's tomorrow b) I didn't see the Seinfeld DVD collection underneath the beef jerky. Very cool and thank you again.

You know things must be rather pleasant when my posting is reserved for details about hitting golf balls and care packages. Let's keep it that way. The only exciting news is some more grunt humor ... Last night at 0200 and again at 0300, some poor Corporal was sent to wake me up for urgent matters. Yeah, that was fun. You've all been there, "What did I do, what did I not do, and finally, this better be worth my time." As you may have guessed this event fell into the category of a complete waste of time. Fun times - turned out that a young 1st Lt freaked out b/c he couldn't find one of my daily reports. They are saved on a common site under the date ... the young Grunt didn't know that it was longer June. Crisis averted ... his relief did the same thing an hour later. I imagine that they had the greatest watch turnover brief ever. Gotta love Grunts. Speaking of good news, my unit has not not had any casualties in two months. That's the truth ... My billboards are going to be up in the city soon - I'll be sure to post a picture of my propaganda. My idea for pork advertisement was denied, as well as my idea to sell the ad space to the Screen Actors Guild. Some people just don't have a sense of humor. Hey, Bono - you out there? I got an idea for you ...

And now to get back to important business - for those of you who read this blog on a frequent basis you've no doubt come to the conclusion that my obsession with the Padres is rather pathetic. Nonetheless, I would like to point out that b/c of my daily Padre rants you've now undoubtedly checked the sports page for Padre news . Maybe it is a bridge too far but I'd even venture to guess that you're mildly amused with my jabberwocky and thus, familiar with the Padres and the particular happenstance of the time. I ramble to say this: As members of the Friar Familia it is your duty to go online to mlb.com and vote to get Chris Young into the All-Star game. Yesterday, the NL Manager left CY off the team and placed him into the hands of the public (via the fan Internet vote). To be honest, it is an uphill battle, as he is against 4 other pitchers (three of whom have national recognition and/or play in much larger market). I'd say its safe that he'll beat out the guy from Pittsburgh (nobody cares about Pittsburgh unless you're talking Steelers). The whole west coast basis is in full swing and it is up to ya'll - the Friar Familia - to correct this atrocity. So do your part and go to mlb.com and vote in Chris Young into the All-Star game. If you don't take my word for - just look at this numbers ... look for W-L record, ERA, Opponents Batting Average Against, home runs allowed, Padre record when he starts the game ... they are all top 5 in the NL. Finally, if that isn't convincing enough, look at the sportscenter highlight about CY and Derrick Lee getting into a fight. Priceless, 6-10 CY hits DLee, talks trash, gets DLee to throw a punch .... now that is what I am talking about!

CY to the All-Star game ... do it w/ a vengeance ... it's your duty. I'm doing my part for your security in Iraq and this is what I want in return. Yes, I went there ... I mean business

ERR RAH... Dennis - that was for you ... now handle your business and quit looking at gizmo's on the Internet and vote CY into the All Star game!

Action Jackson

This picture makes me look cool - hence why I put it up here. After all, I have to at least give the impression that I am out and about winning the war "Jack Bauer" style. No I'm not running, no the hooded idiots aren't shooting at me. The truth is that I am walking back to my ride - but that probably isn't what ya'll wanted to hear. At any rate, this is all just filler b/c I'm doing my best not to talk about the Padres. However, you know I can't resist ... Milton Bradley? And no, I'm not talking about the board game company ... Monopoly, Life, Clue, etc ... Is that the best that we can do? I guess it is more of a comment about how much the Padres and other organizations value pitching. KT has said time and time again that he is not going to break up his major league pitching talent. I'm on board with our baseball philosophy ... its just that the lure of that one big bat is a tad overwhelming, if not entirely fantasy. In the end good pitching beat good pitching. I'd just be nice to have a little more cushion. Unfortunately, Sledge isn't the answer ... and by my calculations he is on the way out. I think the Padres aren't done, though ... I see them moving someone else for minor league talent ... they need the roster flexibility. My guess? Sledge, Branyan, or Blum ... in that order.

Today, I got back on the civics syllabus w/ yet another meeting w/ the Fallujah Iraqi Police leadership. We can talk for hours about the correct answer - but is anyone going to go against the fact that money talks? Funny, how we can be in another country, another culture, and have many fundamental disagreements; yet, when it comes time to produce "money talks." I can't really go into what we were talking about ... but it is that same old Jerry McGuire adage ... show me the money! You mean to be surprised when millionaires - read Paris Hilton - get treated differently than the average person? The audacity ... Even with that said, the local police have their heads on straight and are really thinking about the long term (read post American presence) rather than the temporary stop-gap. It goes to show that we are pleased to be a position of dealing w/ honest men or are trying to do the right thing. It makes things a little bit easier to deal with on a daily basis.

Now back to my mundane paperwork and PowerPoint adventures ... the life of the real staff officer.

Well rested

So much for my vacation ... I'm back in the posting business - everyone can rejoice. Yeah right. I spent the day sleeping (although not consecutively). Too bad for me.

To my surprise, the Padres won when I didn't write. Now that is what I am talking about. The NL West is as competitive as ever, and taking 2 of 3 from the Giants was a good start. The true test will be when the Friars start play against the stinkin' Dodgers this week. The snakes and rox aren't far off in the distance.

Great two days in the mail realm. I can't tell you how wonderful mail is and I want to thank everyone for thinking of me and the rest of the American forces out here. Some really positive stuff has been happening in Fallujah the past month and half. It is important to me that ya'll know about it - even though the American mainstream media chooses not to report such events. It really is too bad. My point being - the care packages from home remind the young Sailors and Marines that there efforts aren't remiss among the people back home.

And now to the much deserved thank you's:

Courtney - Well done and thank you. I am excited to watch the movie - believe it or not - I've never heard of it. George Clooney - who's he?

Amber and John - very cool - the letters from the Deale Kids is really neat. I'll be sure to follow up with an appropriate written response. Too bad, the kids are out for the summer. I am excited to witness first hand all the upgrades to the casa - exciting times.

Dad - as always, you come off the top rope with cool and exciting gifts. Now if I can just figure out how correctly hit the "birdie balls" - trust me, it is a long work in progress. I somehow doubt, that upon my return, I'll be able to match your skills on the course. Once can only hope.

Mom - 20 pounds of beef jerky? Holy cow - I think that I now have enough to bribe the entire MWF-W population. Thank you very much and I am glad to learn that the summer school ordeal is over. No one needs hassles.

Time is unfortunately short right now. More to follow: thanks again to everyone!

On Vacation

This is my last post for quite some time. Please check back later for more snippets of my adventures.

See what happens when I don't write ...

... the Padres loose. It pains me to write about the Padres loosing and I'm get quite tired of these one run affairs.


The much anticipated cleaning effort was about as fun as chicken pox. From this event, I received my first battle wound - a splinter. And let me tell you, it was the most painful splinter that I have ever had. I just couldn't get it out of my thumb. It was pretty much a nightmare. The corpsman, who was on scene for such a dynamic event, was able to respond with a quickness never seen before and remove the splinter. Upon further review, it was probably was a thorn. Fun times.


I've included some pictures for everyone - I think that they aren't quite fair and seem a little bit more dramatic than they are in person. The one to the left was taken from inside a school classroom of one of the places that we cleaned up. As you can see - Iraqi children aren't any different than children around the world. They seemed generally excited - I'm not so sure that passing out school supplies and soccer balls had anything to do with it!




The next in sequence was taken of the building adjacent to the school house - you don't see any portion of the school in this picture. The school was just remodeled and is quite nice. In the middle of the picture you will see the blast impression from a previous engagement and the associated incendiary damage. Most homes are built with an outer wall - cinder blocks with some plaster-like coating. You'll also notice the constantina wire along the base of the wall in the lower right hand corner. The problem with c-wire is that all the trash gets caught and then the hooded idiots place IEDs in there.

A package this afternoon arrived from the Moody's and what was it you might ask? MONSTERS! As a write this affair, I am drinking my face off and loving every minute. Seriously, ya'll have got to try these things ... they make coffee irrelevant. Thank you very much!

Some things never change

In true military fashion tomorrow is an important day for my Battalion - Trash Clean-up day! Everyone is really amped up and ready to tackle this glorious event. It is one of those things that no one cares about and has to do at the same time. On hand I don't care one bit about the trash situation - knowing full well that we didn't litter the streets. The other hand tells us that it is pretty nasty, unsanitary and all those other things and thus a worthwhile use of time. However, when you get down to the execution phase - who wants to walk around in the heat picking up after other people? I guess it points to my appreciation for the sanitation community of the United States - don't take that as an endorsement for the Tony Soprano's of the world. It is just baffling to think about the true lack of infrastructure of this country called Iraq. Years maybe even a two decades worth of war has taken a toll on the citizens of this country. Every lot is a landfill or a burn pit. I think the only people who are concerned about the trash are the American forces. It gets to the point where I can't help but think, "If they don't care, why should I." Thoughts such as those, lead to the problem b/c then we start to litter and it doesn't help. Naturally, American generated trash is inherently different than the trash the Iraqi's generate. The number one culprit is water bottles. Iraqi's do have a central water system that taps off the Euphrates River. Americana's drink out of one liter bottles of water. Iraqi water is worse than the egg water of Slidell. I digress.

It remains all quiet on the Fallujah front and we're doing everything we can to keep it that way. My Padres looked good last night. I am very excited about the game today. Too bad AFN (military satellite television) isn't televising the game. So what's on in its place? Twins vs. Marlins - exiting match up? I think not. 2 out of 3 - you heard it here first. Finally, for those of you who might be wondering about my Billboard progress ... it is alive and ticking. Estimate for completion is about two years. Anyone crazy enough to go atop a five story building and put up the poster? Dennis, this might be up your boulevard. Let me know.

Saints Jackson Bound

The summer is in full swing and it is certainly an exciting time. First, the Padres face the Red Sox this weekend - in what is sure to be a true leveling stick for just how good the Padres are this year. I say that we take two of the three. Sunday should be awesome with Peavy squaring off against Burnett. In other news, the Saints announced that they will be in Jackson for summer training camp. Jackson isn't a bad little town and for them to be at Millsap’s is good. I'd much rather be in Jackson than Iraq.

My blog entries havne't been very exciting or informative this week. It has been a rather slow time. The ebb and flow of life is no different here in this hot land than say life in Orlando. Ironically, Colleen is off gallivanting around with the Jackson crowd this weekend in Orlando. So how it all ties together? Such literary prose is just natural. Yeah right.

Thank you to Grams and Grancappy for the care package. It contained a plethora of goodies w/ the usual Rawson flare for Knights of Columbus fare. Who doesn't like popcorn and tootsie roles? Mail is still arriving - albeit at my running pace - very slowly. It is interesting how the mail either comes in droves or not at all.

Recently, I've been the desk jockey that we all thought I'd be when I got selected for this assignment. It isn't a whole lot of fun when the most exciting part of the day is an email from an outside source or when you get all fired up about the clock hitting 1800 (email turns on). Interesting when you consider that the alternative is walking around the streets of Fallujah with 70 pounds of gear in what I would term as insane heat. Dry heat is still hot. The "big" project I am trying to figure out is how to put billboards in the city. Seems easy but this isn't Cheyenne, WY where all you do is call 1-800-BIG-SIGN and write a check. I've already chronicled the misery of trying to print regular documents. Increasing the scope with some huge sign - might be a bridge to far. Where is my Saudi benefactor when I need him.

World News details recent coalition strife in Baghdad. That very well might be the case; however, out here in Al Anbar (western province - Ramadi, Fallujah) it has been pretty quiet. I hope that I just didn't jinx us! I would still caution everyone not to go out and buy that priceless vacation to Iraq - just yet ... maybe next year. Plan on going to Des Moines, Iowa instead.

Connectivity

This post isn't up to par. It is hard to invent clever stories w/out proper material. Even Tiger Woods shoots over par sometimes.

Email on a ship is guaranteed to break once a week. It's just a given. Email in Iraq has proven to be quite the opposite. In fact, email has not gone down once. Ok, that's a stretch b/c it is currently down and has been for two days. However, I'll take this opportunity voice pleasure in the Marine's email system. The flip side is that Internet is still up and I'll take the Internet over email any day. The strange part is that this outage only interrupts email to non-military emails. Go figure ... all the regular work related stuff still gets through.

The Padres made a splash this afternoon sending two players to the Cubbies, in what amounts to an exchange of catchers, sending back-up Rob Bowen and a minor leaguer for Michael Barrett. If you recall, Barrett is the guy who always seems to be in a fight - see his altercations with Roy Oswalt, AJ Pierzynski, Carlos Zambrano and Rich Hill. He is an above average bat (right handed power - which is good for PETCO) and well below average defensively. Hell, we had Mike Piazza last year and survived - so I think that if he swings up to his lifetime average it will be a good thing. I don't know anything about the minor leaguer other than he was the #35 overall pick last year (19 year old outfielder). I think that trade makes sense. We'll see how it works out. I read the online rumor mill and it had the Padres in discussion w/ Cincy about Adam Dunn. Padres GM, KT, says the price tag of Hensley, Hampson, and a quality minor leaguer was "not worth talking about." I think that means that the Padres aren't likely to get the big bat prior to the 31 July trade deadline. Surprise, Surprise. Padres value pitching too much and with the best record in th NL - I say that is what he gets paid the big bucks for and that we'll just have to see how it goes. Assuming BGiles gets back sometime soon, the platoon of Sledge and Cruz will remain in left field.

Today I watched a movie Happy Campers and it was terrible. Don't rush to Blockbuster to go rent it - you'll surely be disappointed.

Izzy - best of luck to you and the two little ones back in Texas. Colleen and I are sad to see you and your little ones leave. Ya'll are bombish!

My Top 6

I don't posses the talent of David Letterman and thus, I am struggling to come up with a top 10 list. I'll just settle on the 60% solution.

On a routine basis we interact with members of the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army. It is always a pretty entertaining affair b/c of the language barrier. Naturally, we strive for common themes and both sides understand some of the basic terminology of the others language. Nevertheless, here is my top 6 list of English words that my compatriots know quite well ... I hope that you find them very entertaining :

6. Chocolate
5. All of the standard curse words (they might as well make the complete list)
4. Israeli’s
3. Hollywood - in the context of that is where all the hot women are
2. Cigarette
1. Ice Cream

The other facet of this affair is the difference in animation of the speaker. The Arabs seem like they are always yelling and making wild gestures with there arms/hands. Writing about it doesn't do any justice. I think that it would be fun to tape the event w/out sound and do a little Mystery Science Theatre 2000 action.

Some various other in's and out's of the day follow:

On Monday's the military TV stations replay the Sunday Morning news shows. Naturally, the talks focus on Iraq. It is surreal to watch people talk about Iraq especially when you consider that only a very precious few have even been to Iraq. To follow that - the ones that have been to Iraq get the VIP tour. Its hard to watch.

New policy on Camp is that you have to work out in the standard green over green outfit. I'm not sure that some of you want to even picture me in that outfit. Let's just leave it at this: the green shorts are made to fit Carmen Electra - not my husky build. I'll expand it to say that I am not thrilled. Despite this policy, I was able to do my best Sean-like work and create a work around - I get to wear my Navy PT gear, as I am not even an attachment to the Battalion. Screw it - who cares USNA still writes my FITREP. It works out well for me ... thank goodness the Navy doesn’t have a standard PT uniform. I guess as long as it says something about Navy or is blue or gold - I'm good to go.

Tomorrow is Turkish Haircut day - fun and exciting times.

Meg, your comment about Muggles - Priceless. Duane, PB4T - quite possibly ones of the funniest things I've heard in a while. Dad - I'm just about out of crayons. BTW spell check isn't working right now - so bare with my less than typing skills. Further, I don't feel like proofreading tonight. I'm going to watch Jackass 2.