Josh called today! It was exciting since I hadn't talked to him in awhile. His mood was a little "down in the dumps" and rightfully so, since he lost his prized possession that he had over there with him. He didn't 'lose' the iPod, but it is certainly out of commission after falling from his seat just as he shut the 300 pound humvee door. It has more of a boomerang shape to it these days. Luckily, he called at the right time - I was at the mall (yay for Apple stores!) and I never made it to the post office yesterday with his package! So, I will definitely be making my way to the post office on Tuesday and, by the end of the week, he should have a new iPod. Although this time, he is getting the shuffle... gotta love the clip feature on it. In the meantime, he can at least listen to his music from the computer. As I told him, we can replace an iPod!
While he has appreciated every package that has been sent his way for the Afghani people, please know that they can no longer accept items to be passed out. These items have been removed from the list at the bottom of the blog. This was a decision that was made many levels above Josh. They are still doing humitarian aid drops, but with items provided by the government.
As you can tell, it is the end of August - a time that comes with mixed emotions! It means that September is finally here! This is a benchmark that Josh has been looking foward to for a long time. However, it also marks the start of the school year, of which Josh is missing. He longs for the days when he will be back in the classroom, in a job that he loves. There are also a lot of people preparing for leave. September seems to be a big month for his group. Some mixed emotions on how people are behaving prior to leave and such. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, Taliban activity will decrease in Afghanistan. We can hope!
31 August 2008
27 August 2008
Orange Pride in Afghanistan!
Our neighbor Nan is in a doctoral program at Syracuse University and receives a daily "SU Today" e-newsletter. Today's version included a picture of some of Josh's Unit in Afghanistan!!
The 27th Brigade Combat Team Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VII, in Kabul, Afghanistan, shows their Orange pride.
This is not just the 27th BCT, but at least some, if not all of the individuals are from the Ithaca Unit!
26 August 2008
Light at the end of the tunnel...
I got this right when it came in my e-mail . . . It is 12:30 here in the morning. We just finished for the day. There has been some activity but I am fine, in case you see anything in the news. But I have big news for everyone. We just came from midnight chow, and what should appear before our wondering eyes in large groups in the dining facility but people in very clean and nice uniforms with strange unit patches on their shoulders. Could it be... We approached them and asked the question, "Hey, Are you guys from Illinois?" Yes, that is right... The advanced party from Illinois has arrived. We all took turns shaking hands and giving big hugs. haha. We were so happy, because although they are not here to replace us, it means there is light at the end of the tunnel. And it means they are actually coming. People kept saying I have never seem you smile so much. haha. Now I am very tired and I am going to collapse into bed, happy. I just wanted to share the good news.
23 August 2008
When Life Hands You Lemons...
Good Morning, I just received this e-mail from Josh... and had to share! Enjoy!
"It is so hot today. BOO! We were out on a Humanitarian Aid drop, and (soldier) and I were pulling security at the entrance conducting personnel searches and crowd control for the villagers who were picking up the aid. Man, those Afghani woman are certainly gaining a sense of independence even if they are still wearing their burkas. They were so fiesty and nasty. It was like they all had listened to a Kelly Clarkson CD before they showed up and got all fired up. One of them gave me the finger when I told her to step behind the cone. Then she kicked the cone. I made her go to the end of the line. That behavior is uncalled for. I had the terp explain that she was going to get her rice and flour too, but if she pulled a stunt like that I was going to give her stuff to someone else. I felt like I was back in the classroom. I could sense eye rolling behind the burka but what can you do. She behaved herself the rest of the time, but seriously worse than a little kid. The men on the other hand must have listened to a Bob Marley CD b/c they all showed up smelling strongly of pot. haha I told them all to get a line one behind the other, and they all get in a rank instead of a file. The terp said that is the only kind of line they know b/c that is how they used to line people up to shoot them. Well, that just makes you feel bad, and then you can understand why the lady is so grouchy. If nothing else, I taught this one village how to get in a line one behind the other. My great contribution to the war on terror and counterinsurgency. haha. I would like to introduce modern toiletry products such as antipersperant. I searched more than one individual with the "dam has broken" sweaty pits. haha. Personnel searches-definitely drew the short straw on that one.
"Things of course are silly here. There are so many officers without enough to do. Majors seem to be especially bitter and the most likely to exhibit behavior that is too big for their britches. I am always getting in trouble. haha. You know if I am getting in trouble you can imagine what kind of trouble other people are getting in. haha. It is only 1:00 PM and I already got in trouble for being too loud-I was laughing haha, exhibiting horseplay-it was added to the offense of laughing too loud, wearing my sunglasses on my head-a common offense for me, my uniform being dusty-we have being driving around all morning, not washing my hands long enough before going into the chow hall (there are sinks outside that you have to wash your hands in before being allowed inside) apparently I was well outside the 20 second mininum-a new rule, and finally I got in trouble for saying that this place was-stupid. I said this after I was yelled at for not washing my hands long enough. haha. I don't care, it is so funny. (soldier) and (soldier) is like this place blows, and we all get a chuckle out of seeing what offenses people get in trouble for. I want to write Obama and tell him he does not need to send any more troops to Afghanistan-he just needs to make the ones that are here all work everyday-haha. I went to the gym in the middle of the afternoon because we were on a night cycle a couple of weeks ago and the gym was packed and I was like do any of you do anything-why are you here. haha Oh well, just a few more months. God love the great state of Illinois. Be sure to give those Guard boys a big shout out when you guys go to Chicago. haha. Tell them to hurry up. haha. I feel so bad for them. I just want to be like brace yourself-it is going to blow. haha
"The other drivers and I started taking stickers/wrappers off things like gatorade, cigarette cartons, and bottles, and starting putting them on our trucks. We call them our sponsors. When we finish a mission we all get on the radio and say I would like to thank my sponsors GoJo, Gold Bond, and Gatorade. We all joke that our dream is to drive the Guard Car. haha. Of course we all talk in a NASCARese accent. I said the other day, "they offered me the Army Strong car and said heck no, I'm holding out for the Guard car-Dale and I are tight-he just don't know it yet." Of course I am the funniest at it. haha. When someone gets in trouble for going to fast on the FOB or hits something else when we are out and about, I get on the radio and I say Oh my God, we just lost power bar AND gatorade b/c you couldn't drive right. haha. I am sure eventually we will get in trouble for the stuff tacked onto our trucks, and have to take it off, but it is funny for now.
"Jokingly, one day I did this 'inflight' brief before this mission. I called us the Camp Phoenix Taxi Service. Now it has turned into this big thing, and now they make me do an inflight brief before every mission. I say "Greetings from the cockpit. Just finishing up some paperwork before we push back from the gate. On behalf of Camp Phoenix I would like to welcome you aboard flight ____ with roundtrip service to _________. Our flight time today is roughly ____ depending on traffic patterns and potholes. We expect sunny skies with light to moderate insurgent activity (the level of activity changes based on our intel brief for the day). We are proud to be codeshare partners with KBR who are providing our meals today. On the menu is chicken or chicken. (this is funny b/c that is all KBR serves in the dining hall is chicken.) In the event of insurgent activity, you may use your seat cushion how ever you see fit. (this always gets a big chuckle). Due to budget cut backs and rising fuel costs, there is no movie, blankets, or beverage service other than warm water on today's flight. I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the flight. Flight attendents prepare for cross check and departure." haha. Always the comedian. This guy from BDOC-(Base Defense Operations Command) came up to me the other day and said, "Are you the in-flight brief guy? We think it is so funny!" What can I say. Maybe the Phoenix Gallivanter will interview me. haha. Big Dreams"
"It is so hot today. BOO! We were out on a Humanitarian Aid drop, and (soldier) and I were pulling security at the entrance conducting personnel searches and crowd control for the villagers who were picking up the aid. Man, those Afghani woman are certainly gaining a sense of independence even if they are still wearing their burkas. They were so fiesty and nasty. It was like they all had listened to a Kelly Clarkson CD before they showed up and got all fired up. One of them gave me the finger when I told her to step behind the cone. Then she kicked the cone. I made her go to the end of the line. That behavior is uncalled for. I had the terp explain that she was going to get her rice and flour too, but if she pulled a stunt like that I was going to give her stuff to someone else. I felt like I was back in the classroom. I could sense eye rolling behind the burka but what can you do. She behaved herself the rest of the time, but seriously worse than a little kid. The men on the other hand must have listened to a Bob Marley CD b/c they all showed up smelling strongly of pot. haha I told them all to get a line one behind the other, and they all get in a rank instead of a file. The terp said that is the only kind of line they know b/c that is how they used to line people up to shoot them. Well, that just makes you feel bad, and then you can understand why the lady is so grouchy. If nothing else, I taught this one village how to get in a line one behind the other. My great contribution to the war on terror and counterinsurgency. haha. I would like to introduce modern toiletry products such as antipersperant. I searched more than one individual with the "dam has broken" sweaty pits. haha. Personnel searches-definitely drew the short straw on that one.
"Things of course are silly here. There are so many officers without enough to do. Majors seem to be especially bitter and the most likely to exhibit behavior that is too big for their britches. I am always getting in trouble. haha. You know if I am getting in trouble you can imagine what kind of trouble other people are getting in. haha. It is only 1:00 PM and I already got in trouble for being too loud-I was laughing haha, exhibiting horseplay-it was added to the offense of laughing too loud, wearing my sunglasses on my head-a common offense for me, my uniform being dusty-we have being driving around all morning, not washing my hands long enough before going into the chow hall (there are sinks outside that you have to wash your hands in before being allowed inside) apparently I was well outside the 20 second mininum-a new rule, and finally I got in trouble for saying that this place was-stupid. I said this after I was yelled at for not washing my hands long enough. haha. I don't care, it is so funny. (soldier) and (soldier) is like this place blows, and we all get a chuckle out of seeing what offenses people get in trouble for. I want to write Obama and tell him he does not need to send any more troops to Afghanistan-he just needs to make the ones that are here all work everyday-haha. I went to the gym in the middle of the afternoon because we were on a night cycle a couple of weeks ago and the gym was packed and I was like do any of you do anything-why are you here. haha Oh well, just a few more months. God love the great state of Illinois. Be sure to give those Guard boys a big shout out when you guys go to Chicago. haha. Tell them to hurry up. haha. I feel so bad for them. I just want to be like brace yourself-it is going to blow. haha
"The other drivers and I started taking stickers/wrappers off things like gatorade, cigarette cartons, and bottles, and starting putting them on our trucks. We call them our sponsors. When we finish a mission we all get on the radio and say I would like to thank my sponsors GoJo, Gold Bond, and Gatorade. We all joke that our dream is to drive the Guard Car. haha. Of course we all talk in a NASCARese accent. I said the other day, "they offered me the Army Strong car and said heck no, I'm holding out for the Guard car-Dale and I are tight-he just don't know it yet." Of course I am the funniest at it. haha. When someone gets in trouble for going to fast on the FOB or hits something else when we are out and about, I get on the radio and I say Oh my God, we just lost power bar AND gatorade b/c you couldn't drive right. haha. I am sure eventually we will get in trouble for the stuff tacked onto our trucks, and have to take it off, but it is funny for now.
"Jokingly, one day I did this 'inflight' brief before this mission. I called us the Camp Phoenix Taxi Service. Now it has turned into this big thing, and now they make me do an inflight brief before every mission. I say "Greetings from the cockpit. Just finishing up some paperwork before we push back from the gate. On behalf of Camp Phoenix I would like to welcome you aboard flight ____ with roundtrip service to _________. Our flight time today is roughly ____ depending on traffic patterns and potholes. We expect sunny skies with light to moderate insurgent activity (the level of activity changes based on our intel brief for the day). We are proud to be codeshare partners with KBR who are providing our meals today. On the menu is chicken or chicken. (this is funny b/c that is all KBR serves in the dining hall is chicken.) In the event of insurgent activity, you may use your seat cushion how ever you see fit. (this always gets a big chuckle). Due to budget cut backs and rising fuel costs, there is no movie, blankets, or beverage service other than warm water on today's flight. I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the flight. Flight attendents prepare for cross check and departure." haha. Always the comedian. This guy from BDOC-(Base Defense Operations Command) came up to me the other day and said, "Are you the in-flight brief guy? We think it is so funny!" What can I say. Maybe the Phoenix Gallivanter will interview me. haha. Big Dreams"
20 August 2008
Front Page Article in The Ithaca Journal
Today's Ithaca Journal featured a front page story on Delta Co. 2 - 108th Inf., with a picture as well. SFC Deis is also a Lt. with the Ithaca City Fire Department.
19 August 2008
Seventh Heaven!
Important news first... a much needed e-mail from Josh. As everyone is probably seeing in the news this morning, there was some activity in Afghanistan over night.
He did share this in the e-mail that I thought I would share with all of you...
"Myself and some of the other drivers stick together alot. We have kind of formed our own driver's union. haha. We all exchange tips and advice. It really is starting to get cooler and cooler, especially at night. The big motorpool has twelve snowplow kits waiting to be installed on trucks, so that can not be good. haha. We lost all our parking, due to some new construction on the FOB, so we have been busy acquiring real estate much to many of a Sgt. Major's and Colonel's frustration. haha I continue to perform death defying driving in our truck. Although driving through dust, over rocks and through poop water is losing its novelty. haha. Just a few more months. haha."
Josh has said on numerous occassions that the terrain is what makes for an interesting ride, as well as the narrow, narrow "roads". His truck escorted a "VIP" one day and the individual was a bit shocked at the conditions. As Josh wrote, "He called me a kid all day and referred to me as 'Driver'. I felt like Morgan Freeman in Driving Miss Daisy. He panicked rather easily and I felt like I was a kid with a permit and my parent was allowing me to practice driving. He would let out gasps and grip the door handle, and more than once I heard him banging the floorboard as he was trying to brake. It was rather entertaining... told me I did a fine job - big hand shake."
Today is the 19th!! SEVEN months down!! WOOOOOWOOOO!!!! As I have shared with some people, I treat myself to something "special" on or around the 19th of each month. As I receive gift cards or certificates for local spas, salons, etc., I save them for these occassions. With the semester/school year gearing up, this month's treat was greatly appreciated.
He did share this in the e-mail that I thought I would share with all of you...
"Myself and some of the other drivers stick together alot. We have kind of formed our own driver's union. haha. We all exchange tips and advice. It really is starting to get cooler and cooler, especially at night. The big motorpool has twelve snowplow kits waiting to be installed on trucks, so that can not be good. haha. We lost all our parking, due to some new construction on the FOB, so we have been busy acquiring real estate much to many of a Sgt. Major's and Colonel's frustration. haha I continue to perform death defying driving in our truck. Although driving through dust, over rocks and through poop water is losing its novelty. haha. Just a few more months. haha."
Josh has said on numerous occassions that the terrain is what makes for an interesting ride, as well as the narrow, narrow "roads". His truck escorted a "VIP" one day and the individual was a bit shocked at the conditions. As Josh wrote, "He called me a kid all day and referred to me as 'Driver'. I felt like Morgan Freeman in Driving Miss Daisy. He panicked rather easily and I felt like I was a kid with a permit and my parent was allowing me to practice driving. He would let out gasps and grip the door handle, and more than once I heard him banging the floorboard as he was trying to brake. It was rather entertaining... told me I did a fine job - big hand shake."
Today is the 19th!! SEVEN months down!! WOOOOOWOOOO!!!! As I have shared with some people, I treat myself to something "special" on or around the 19th of each month. As I receive gift cards or certificates for local spas, salons, etc., I save them for these occassions. With the semester/school year gearing up, this month's treat was greatly appreciated.
18 August 2008
Good Luck Major Brown
Our good friend, Rich Brown, began his deployment this past weekend. He is a Major for an Army Reserve unit out of Utica. Here is a link to coverage from the Utica Observer-Dispatch, including a video. Rich's wife, Lisa, and son, TJ, are also in the video. Lisa is wearing red and holding TJ - both full of smiles.
http://www.uticaod.com/news/x1485139579/Reservists-deploy-to-Iraq-This-is-what-we-ve-trained-for
http://www.uticaod.com/news/x1485139579/Reservists-deploy-to-Iraq-This-is-what-we-ve-trained-for
We wish Rich and his unit well. They are in training and will be heading to Iraq in the Fall.
Lisa and I will be lacing up the sneakers for some running and scrapbooking to pass the time.
12 August 2008
A few more pictures from home . . .
I love this photo... Jonathan (3 years) absolutely loves his Uncle Josh and I think he would have sat on his lap for weeks as long as he knew that he was home. As you can see he was very content in this picture. Jonathan knows that Uncle Josh is at work, but now he thinks that I am working all the time too. We look forward to having Jonathan and Dominic spend the night once Uncle Josh is back.
The weekend after Josh left, I ventured off to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse for their annual Penguin Palooza night with Dominic, Jonathan and Cassie. Some of you know how excited I am around animals... I guess you could say this trip was for the birds!!
The weekend after Josh left, I ventured off to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse for their annual Penguin Palooza night with Dominic, Jonathan and Cassie. Some of you know how excited I am around animals... I guess you could say this trip was for the birds!!
Returning to the Afghan Life
Josh is getting back into the swing of things in Afghanistan, though things seem different now. When he returned two of the other men in his truck had just left for their leave, and therefore things were not "normal". ("What is normal?") Josh's truck was not in the same condition as he left it. After taking the time to make sure everything was "just so" day after day, returning to anything but that was a bit frustrating for him. He called me on Saturday and he had it back at the maintenance hut getting it "tweaked". The other two men had also returned from their leave. We have learned that moods, motivation, and morale change drastically after leave, and in a variety of ways for each person. Some return more depressed than others, while some come back and have a new outlook and perspective on what really matters, using the proximity to returning home as motivation to just finish their job.
Oddly, as close as they are to China, the opening ceremonies were not aired until August 9 for them. He was hoping that some of the duties would coincide with an opportunity to watch some of the Olympic games.
In an e-mail late last week, he wrote, "It has been cloudy or smoggy, not sure which one for the last two days, but it helps to kill some of the sun's intensity, but it is still wickedly hot." Wickedly!
Josh and I purchased some items while he was home that finally arrived for him last week. It's amazing to think that those 9" plastic fans we buy for college that barely blows enough air are now such a relief in the place where he is. He loves his little fan. The person who will move into his room when he leaves will be in for a treat. There is no way that Josh can bring everything home, not that he wants to at all. He decided that he will leave his things - fan, the rug, chair, etc. for the next group to use. Anything to make things a little easier on them.
In news from home, I ran in the Tromptown 1/2 Marathon last Thursday evening. A nice 13.1 mile run through country scene (and smells) of DeRuyter, NY. It kicked off the Fireman's Field Days. My cousin Deanna drove me and cheered for me along the way. I crossed the finish line with Deanna, my parents, Donna, Dominic and Jonathan watching. They didn't recognize me at first. I think it was because of my lightening speed. KIDDING! I finished in 2 hours and 6 minutes, well ahead of what I thought I would do it in and before it was dark, so I was very happy. I am training with flat runs and this was full of rolling hills, so needless-to-say I was very pleased. Josh sent a very nice e-mail to me before the race too which was a great extra push, letting me know that he would be right there running with me. As soon as I returned home, I e-mailed him with the news, and added, "It wasn't the same without you, but I talked to you a few times out there. And I imagined you running by my side... Not too many smells of cow poop either."
Oddly, as close as they are to China, the opening ceremonies were not aired until August 9 for them. He was hoping that some of the duties would coincide with an opportunity to watch some of the Olympic games.
In an e-mail late last week, he wrote, "It has been cloudy or smoggy, not sure which one for the last two days, but it helps to kill some of the sun's intensity, but it is still wickedly hot." Wickedly!
Josh and I purchased some items while he was home that finally arrived for him last week. It's amazing to think that those 9" plastic fans we buy for college that barely blows enough air are now such a relief in the place where he is. He loves his little fan. The person who will move into his room when he leaves will be in for a treat. There is no way that Josh can bring everything home, not that he wants to at all. He decided that he will leave his things - fan, the rug, chair, etc. for the next group to use. Anything to make things a little easier on them.
In news from home, I ran in the Tromptown 1/2 Marathon last Thursday evening. A nice 13.1 mile run through country scene (and smells) of DeRuyter, NY. It kicked off the Fireman's Field Days. My cousin Deanna drove me and cheered for me along the way. I crossed the finish line with Deanna, my parents, Donna, Dominic and Jonathan watching. They didn't recognize me at first. I think it was because of my lightening speed. KIDDING! I finished in 2 hours and 6 minutes, well ahead of what I thought I would do it in and before it was dark, so I was very happy. I am training with flat runs and this was full of rolling hills, so needless-to-say I was very pleased. Josh sent a very nice e-mail to me before the race too which was a great extra push, letting me know that he would be right there running with me. As soon as I returned home, I e-mailed him with the news, and added, "It wasn't the same without you, but I talked to you a few times out there. And I imagined you running by my side... Not too many smells of cow poop either."
05 August 2008
Pictures!
Here are the pictures... Enjoy!
Arriving Home!
You have to love the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport -- so simple. This is the gate that Josh came through. At the point of this picture, Josh's flight had just touched down.
Check back in a week or so, once I have the camera cord for a video of his arrival.
Visiting Marathon
It took Josh a bit to get out of the vehicle.
Uncle Josh and Francesca
The boys didn't know what to do -- Jonathan is on the floor!
I had to include this one... just tilt your head!
This is my Dad coming home for work... Mom came up the stairs and Josh followed.
Needless to say... it was a surprise!
My Dad and his protector of the plug-pullers are reunited!
Dustin arrived and continued chatting up a storm until he realized who was sitting in front of him! If I quoted what he said, we would need to include a "beep" or two!
Uncle Josh and Dominic being silly!
Arriving in Virginia
Josh and Mom
Meeting and holding Takoda for the first time
Jim, Jen, Mom and Jesse
Takoda and His Playmat (from us!)
The Newseum
This is part of the Berlin Wall. Each of the panels weighs 3000 pounds!
The view from the Newseum...
A news helicopter... looks small, but it is real!
Getting Takoda Ready for Bed (with Aunt Jen's supervision)
A visit from Wendy!
The Baltimore Aquarium
This a very old sea turtle and it is a lot bigger than what this picture actually portrays.
This is actually a fish, but looks like a rock!
NEMO!
There are a few more photos and video that I will share in a week or so. And no, sadly, out of 294 photos, there was not one of Josh and I together.
It's the 5th of the Month!
Well, it's August 5th, so Josh's unit has been in country now for 4 months. Of course, we had just under a month where Josh was not involved in the day to day business over there. Sometimes I still wish we had that time. I realized that after this weekend's action over there and Josh sending his "I'm fine" e-mail how hard it is to get back into that mindset of hearing that information or waiting for those e-mails from him.
Josh shared the following in an e-mail this morning . . .
"I know people are going to ask because they just extended those marines 30 days, but we have not heard anything about extending us. As far as I know, we are on time arrivals. Everyone needs to remember that the marines were just supposed to be a quick fix, there was not going to be anybody replacing them. They were supposed to come in clean it up and move on. Ithink they had to extend them b/c they no one in place to replace them. The news article and the rumors around here are saying that units expected to go to Iraq at the end of the year and the beginning of next year will be coming here instead. The illinois unit that is coming to replace us is bringing nearly three thousand troops ( i read it in a press release)."
I finally dropped off the camera disks to Walgreens today -- woohoo! I will be picking them up on my way home and posting them tonight!
Josh shared the following in an e-mail this morning . . .
"I know people are going to ask because they just extended those marines 30 days, but we have not heard anything about extending us. As far as I know, we are on time arrivals. Everyone needs to remember that the marines were just supposed to be a quick fix, there was not going to be anybody replacing them. They were supposed to come in clean it up and move on. Ithink they had to extend them b/c they no one in place to replace them. The news article and the rumors around here are saying that units expected to go to Iraq at the end of the year and the beginning of next year will be coming here instead. The illinois unit that is coming to replace us is bringing nearly three thousand troops ( i read it in a press release)."
I finally dropped off the camera disks to Walgreens today -- woohoo! I will be picking them up on my way home and posting them tonight!
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