Josh called today -- they had an EARTHQUAKE around 10 am this morning (1:30 a.m. our time)!! It measured 5.6 on the Richter Scale. He knew what was going on because he had been through one in Colombia, but needless-to-say, several of the other Upstate NYers were a bit confused! The initial tremor sounded like a helicopter landing, so at first they didn't think anything of it. When the 5.6 one came, he said that it knocked items off from tables and desks.
I sent this article to Josh yesterday. Although this is the MSNBC link to it, the end of the web address on Yahoo read "angry_afghans". It gives an interesting perspective to what is going on over there, and as Josh said, shows the other side of the story!
Josh continues to get in trouble for wearing his sunglasses on his head. He actually had an interesting "run-in" with a Master Sgt. while in the chow hall, which has everyone laughing, including the company commander from Ithaca. I think everyone is sensing how ridiculous some people are with their rank! To each his own, I guess. At least Josh has maintained his ability to laugh it off. Imagine if that was the worst thing people did here - wearing their sunglasses on their head?!
06 September 2008
05 September 2008
Baci's Party of Five!
Let's see... April 5th to May 5th to June 5th to July 5th to August 5th to SEPTEMBER 5th!! It's a Party of FIVE!!! Woohoo! Some days it is hard to believe that Josh has been in Afghanistan for five months, and other days it feels like five years, but we'll celebrate the small steps!
04 September 2008
"The Wheels on the Bus..."
Well, it's the week after Labor Day, so we know that it means - the start of another school year! It has been a flurry of activity in the neighborhood. All of the kids have been getting in their last dose of summer vacation, which has meant the laughter and screaming from the neighborhood kids has been at an all time high in the past few days. The warm weather and sunshine had them enjoying their last "freedom rides" on their bikes! On Wednesday, as I left for work, the bus drove through the neighborhood and I'll admit - I cried and I don't even have kids, let alone ones that are heading off to school. It made me think of Josh's first day of school when he started at Barry, how I took a picture of him, and how every year, his excitement grows for the start of the year.
It's hard knowing that Josh is missing out on this big moment in a job that he absolutely loves. At the same time, this hopefully marks the start of the final school year that will be interupted with the National Guard/Army trainings and deployment. This is now his 7th year of teaching where he has had to leave either for a long weekend of training, basic training, annual training, or in this case a deployment at one point or more throughout the school year. The 2009 - 2010 school year will be exciting. He'll get a full year in the classroom, the first time since the 2001 - 2002 school year when he was in Bogata, Colombia.
Being in Afghanistan, Josh has had a very eye opening experience. In any difficult situation, we all learn (intentionally or not) about our strengths, weaknesses, what we are passionate about and what we may or may not want to do down the road. I have mentioned from time to time on the blog, and some of you know from knowing Josh before the deployment what his intentions were for enlisting in the Guard - to help his country. Josh saw 9/11 from another continent and when he returned he thought it was his duty to serve. Though it does not alter Josh's committment to his truck, platoon, unit or the mission in Afghanistan, Josh will openly admit that the Army "isn't his thing." He is very grateful for the opportunity to serve and how it challenged him. Perhaps if he had a different job or role, something where he feels he would make a bigger impact, then it might be different. As he said in the post from last week, "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."
Through his time over there, he has discovered how much he misses and truly loves, and I mean LOVES, his job as a teacher and especially a kindergarten teacher. Not that it was ever a question before he left, but on several occassions in the last few months, something to the effect of "I have a job I really love at home" has been expressed in an e-mail or phone conversation.
Our oldest nephew, Dominic, headed off to Kindergarten this week and Uncle Josh sent him a special e-mail. I think this epitomizes his love for children and why he does such a remarkable job in the classroom.
Dear Dominic,
It is Uncle Josh. I just wanted to write you and tell you that I am so proud of you. That means I think you are a great person and I really like the things you do. You are going to be an amazing Kindergartener. I know you are going to be a great friend to everyone in your class. I know this because you are such a good brother to Jonathan and Cassie. I know you are going to be a big help to your teacher. I know this because you are big help to your Mom and Dad. Kindergarten is so much fun. You are going to learn a lot and have a lot of fun doing it. I know Kindergarten is fun because I teach Kindergarteners just like you! I know you will make great choices at school. I can not wait to hear about all your Kindergarten adventures. I am sorry I won't be able to visit with you after your first day of school, but I was wondering if it would be OK if Aunt Darci and I meet you for lunch at your school one day after I get home? When I come for lunch I am going to be really hungry, so is it okay if I eat your lunch too? I am just joking with you! haha Have a great time on the first day of school. I know you are going to do a terrific job! See you in a little bit.
Love,
Uncle Josh
It's hard knowing that Josh is missing out on this big moment in a job that he absolutely loves. At the same time, this hopefully marks the start of the final school year that will be interupted with the National Guard/Army trainings and deployment. This is now his 7th year of teaching where he has had to leave either for a long weekend of training, basic training, annual training, or in this case a deployment at one point or more throughout the school year. The 2009 - 2010 school year will be exciting. He'll get a full year in the classroom, the first time since the 2001 - 2002 school year when he was in Bogata, Colombia.
Being in Afghanistan, Josh has had a very eye opening experience. In any difficult situation, we all learn (intentionally or not) about our strengths, weaknesses, what we are passionate about and what we may or may not want to do down the road. I have mentioned from time to time on the blog, and some of you know from knowing Josh before the deployment what his intentions were for enlisting in the Guard - to help his country. Josh saw 9/11 from another continent and when he returned he thought it was his duty to serve. Though it does not alter Josh's committment to his truck, platoon, unit or the mission in Afghanistan, Josh will openly admit that the Army "isn't his thing." He is very grateful for the opportunity to serve and how it challenged him. Perhaps if he had a different job or role, something where he feels he would make a bigger impact, then it might be different. As he said in the post from last week, "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."
Through his time over there, he has discovered how much he misses and truly loves, and I mean LOVES, his job as a teacher and especially a kindergarten teacher. Not that it was ever a question before he left, but on several occassions in the last few months, something to the effect of "I have a job I really love at home" has been expressed in an e-mail or phone conversation.
Our oldest nephew, Dominic, headed off to Kindergarten this week and Uncle Josh sent him a special e-mail. I think this epitomizes his love for children and why he does such a remarkable job in the classroom.
Dear Dominic,
It is Uncle Josh. I just wanted to write you and tell you that I am so proud of you. That means I think you are a great person and I really like the things you do. You are going to be an amazing Kindergartener. I know you are going to be a great friend to everyone in your class. I know this because you are such a good brother to Jonathan and Cassie. I know you are going to be a big help to your teacher. I know this because you are big help to your Mom and Dad. Kindergarten is so much fun. You are going to learn a lot and have a lot of fun doing it. I know Kindergarten is fun because I teach Kindergarteners just like you! I know you will make great choices at school. I can not wait to hear about all your Kindergarten adventures. I am sorry I won't be able to visit with you after your first day of school, but I was wondering if it would be OK if Aunt Darci and I meet you for lunch at your school one day after I get home? When I come for lunch I am going to be really hungry, so is it okay if I eat your lunch too? I am just joking with you! haha Have a great time on the first day of school. I know you are going to do a terrific job! See you in a little bit.
Love,
Uncle Josh
To all of the teachers, especially the Barry Staff and Donna, Brian and Nikki, good luck with the start of another school year!
To all of the students, make Mr. B proud and know that he wishes he was there with you!
02 September 2008
"One more mile . . . one step closer!"
A lot of you have asked, either through conversations via phone, e-mail or in person, how I am really doing? As you discovered through the post about Josh's leave and other posts since then, I have been running while Josh has been away and even participated in a few races this summer. It has been very therapeutic in dealing with the daily highs and lows. A good run can completely change my day and a long, hard run makes sleeping easier at times. Well, as some of you know, in March, I signed up for the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which will be held on Sunday, October 12 -- 39 days and counting!!
After registering for the marathon and like several other runners, I submitted my response to the question, "What is your marathon story?", sharing my reason for signing up and pursuing yet another marathon. Since Bank of America is the title sponsor, they have created the "Inspiration Bank". There are a handful of runners who post diary entries (aka blog) about their running - sharing their trials and tribulations of training, pieces of advice and big accomplishments. There is also the Expert Q & A feature, where past marathon champions provide some advice on staying the course and finishing the marathon. The final feature of the Inspiration Bank is the Featured Runner section. Can you guess where this is going? Yes, out of 45,000 runners in this year's field, I was selected to be the Featured Runner for September! My story is posted on the website and will be included in some electronic newsletters for other runners to read, and hopefully gain some inspiration for those 18, 20 and/or 22 mile runs that will occupy our time in the weeks ahead. Please check out the Chicago Marathon site to read the story!
If interested, you can also sign-up for runner tracking (now available!), where you will receive updates when I cross the timing mats at 15k (9.3 miles), 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles), 35k (21.7 miles) and the finish line!
My training has gone really well thus far. I am a much stronger runner for this marathon than I was for the last one. I have a great "coach" here in Cortland. Harland works upstairs in my building and has ran close to 70 marathons. He is a coach for Teams in Training and has provided me with some amazing advice. Instead of running the entire marathon, I am using the run/walk method. For training, I run 9 minutes and then power walk 1 minute. In the end, it will add approximately 30 seconds to my per mile pace, but it allows you to "refresh" each mile, giving you more energy throughout the entire race, and will hopefully alleviate the impact of "hitting the wall" around mile 21. Harland actually used this approach and qualified for the Boston Marathon! So, here's hoping!
This is all very exciting and a great way for Josh and I to connect long-distance. I always send him updates of my running, pretty much after each run, but especially the long distance runs! He actually did not know that I submitted the story until I sent it to him recently (even after he was home for leave). He is just as excited as I am and will be running with me that day - in spirit and in heart!
After registering for the marathon and like several other runners, I submitted my response to the question, "What is your marathon story?", sharing my reason for signing up and pursuing yet another marathon. Since Bank of America is the title sponsor, they have created the "Inspiration Bank". There are a handful of runners who post diary entries (aka blog) about their running - sharing their trials and tribulations of training, pieces of advice and big accomplishments. There is also the Expert Q & A feature, where past marathon champions provide some advice on staying the course and finishing the marathon. The final feature of the Inspiration Bank is the Featured Runner section. Can you guess where this is going? Yes, out of 45,000 runners in this year's field, I was selected to be the Featured Runner for September! My story is posted on the website and will be included in some electronic newsletters for other runners to read, and hopefully gain some inspiration for those 18, 20 and/or 22 mile runs that will occupy our time in the weeks ahead. Please check out the Chicago Marathon site to read the story!
If interested, you can also sign-up for runner tracking (now available!), where you will receive updates when I cross the timing mats at 15k (9.3 miles), 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles), 35k (21.7 miles) and the finish line!
My training has gone really well thus far. I am a much stronger runner for this marathon than I was for the last one. I have a great "coach" here in Cortland. Harland works upstairs in my building and has ran close to 70 marathons. He is a coach for Teams in Training and has provided me with some amazing advice. Instead of running the entire marathon, I am using the run/walk method. For training, I run 9 minutes and then power walk 1 minute. In the end, it will add approximately 30 seconds to my per mile pace, but it allows you to "refresh" each mile, giving you more energy throughout the entire race, and will hopefully alleviate the impact of "hitting the wall" around mile 21. Harland actually used this approach and qualified for the Boston Marathon! So, here's hoping!
This is all very exciting and a great way for Josh and I to connect long-distance. I always send him updates of my running, pretty much after each run, but especially the long distance runs! He actually did not know that I submitted the story until I sent it to him recently (even after he was home for leave). He is just as excited as I am and will be running with me that day - in spirit and in heart!
31 August 2008
Au revoir August!
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!
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!
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.
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