Well I am back in my hometown and today is the day I get to be the Bestman for my Best friend. I am so very honored and will try my best not to lose the ring... (just kiddin)
Well The weather is humid, but a definite comfort compared to what I have become use to. I will update you later after the wedding has concluded.
Love
K
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Saturday, July 16, 2005
A Wake Up
All I have left now is to pack, go to sleep, wake up and fly home.
The more time you spend in Iraq the more you look forward to coming home, but on an upside the time goes by faster. Last time I spend 91 days in Iraq (despite the name), but this time I was a little short (but who's counting 86 days). Although my break will be small, it is much needed. Depending on the need for my return I may stay a little longer, but I have yet decided.
Anyway I'll get back to the long story day after tomorrow when I am waiting for my next flight.
Cheers,
K
The more time you spend in Iraq the more you look forward to coming home, but on an upside the time goes by faster. Last time I spend 91 days in Iraq (despite the name), but this time I was a little short (but who's counting 86 days). Although my break will be small, it is much needed. Depending on the need for my return I may stay a little longer, but I have yet decided.
Anyway I'll get back to the long story day after tomorrow when I am waiting for my next flight.
Cheers,
K
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Mission North, Day 2, July 6th 2005
We got up at around 8:30 after 2 of our roommates began transporting the SAW's to the car awaiting them in the parking lot. I asked the sarge if he needed any help carrying them to the car and he accepted. So I carried 2 or 3 to the car and then he thanked me and I went back to our lovely accommodations and grabbed my toiletries and went to wash up. After doing so I went to see about getting a flight up to our intended destination. I was informed that the flight this morning (which was already booked) was the only one they had scheduled out today, but that we could make arrangements to take another helo to Tal Afar and then to Al Kasik. The flight wasn't scheduled to leave till around 14:00 so we had some time to kill. I contacted Ray and informed him of our travel plans and told him I would update him when I knew something new.
The Major and Sarge contacted their office as well and they in return called the local contact for them here and scheduled someone to pick us up so we wouldn't have to sit there all day. A young soldier came in a brand new SUV (still had the plastic on the seats) and we threw our things in the back and jumped in. It was a short ride and the scenery was a bit more pleasing that Baghdad, and not as hot as well. There were lots of old trees with lush green leaves and even grass. Not much of that in Baghdad, as a matter of fact I don't think there is any. So our driver was a young girl petite in size, but looked very determined. She didn't talk much other than to answer a few of our questions. We got to the office and left our things in the vehicle and went inside.
There we met (yet another)an Army first sergeant, a Marine gunnery sergeant and a young airmen (woman). I was only there as an observer so the Major and Master Sarge went into the the gunnery sarge's office and talked for a bit. So I sat there and the first sergeant and the airman would pass jabs. The office was very laid back and the camaraderie was very pleasant to see, not all the formality like I was use to seeing in Baghdad. I had my weapon with me and the first sergeant asked why I (a civilian) was carrying a weapon, where was I going with that thing. Now mind you this is the same place where a suicide bomber came into the US DFAC and killed 22 people including 14 U.S. soldiers and wounded 69 others on the 21st of December just one day before I arrived in Iraq. The attack was considered the deadliest breach of security at a U.S. military base since the Iraq war began. It was later determined that the individual that committed the crime worked in the DFAC for four months before committing the shameful attack. Of course my reason for carrying my weapon had nothing to do with that, I told him that I was going to Al Kasik and his eyes widened and he said good luck.
So I began to converse with the airmen and come to find out Mosul was kinda the hide out spot. Since the attack in December they cracked down in the city and anything that happens around that area is generally far from the city center. The airmen I spoke to was only 20 years old and had been in the service for 2 years now. The airforce deployment is only 4 months unlike the Army's 1 year (and in some cases 18 months or even 2 one year terms). She had a daughter and was stationed in Japan where by her definition she enjoyed a much simpler life. She talked about how her mother called or emailed all the time about attacks that she heard on the news (SOUND FAMILIAR...?!).
She went on to say that a lot of the soldiers there don't even carry a weapon when moving around in the city. There were numerous local restaurants with Iraqi cuisine and even a food court where they served Tex Mex, Burgers, Pizza and something else that escapes me at the moment. They mentioned going to Dahok which is a Turkish/Kurd city and even there they don't carry their weapons. She mentioned that the people there love to see the American Army and welcome them all over the city. Which in a sense is understandable, because if anyone suffered the wrath of Saddam's regime more it was the Kurds. They loved having us in their country and getting rid of Saddam. She went on to talk about how she has a fellow airmen (woman) that was suppose to come with her, but was at the last minute sent to Baghdad. Her fellow airmen tells her all the time how she hates it there and she can't wait to leave. Fortunately for her she only has 2 months left in Iraq of her 4 month stint.
Soon there after the Major came out and mentioned going to lunch with Gunny (the Marine gunnery sergeant). We loaded up the car and went to the "NEW" DFAC which was built after the incident previously mentioned. We parked in the ever so familiar gravel parking lot and walked to the ever so familiar aluminum covered DFAC, but once inside there was nothing familiar about it. This was by far the nicest dining area I have been to in Iraq. Actually even better than some restaurants I have been to back home. They had the main line, a fry cook, a chicken shack, the sandwich bar, salad bar, snack bar, and so on and so on. The food was good the environment was just as pleasing and they even have a memorial for those that lost their lives in the bombing.
After our surprisingly good meal we went back to the office where we decided to take a look around this fine area. They had very nice shops, but nothing unusual just the norm for Iraq until we got to the Rug shop. Now they sell Persian Rugs at just about every single base in Iraq, but this particular shop was a little different. He had the China made clothes that you see at most shops, but he had item such as Nike, Fubu, Abercrombie, Dickie, and the list goes on. Not only did they have the rugs, but they would even pack and ship it home for you. Well the salesman was from turkey, but his english was top notch, not to mention that he also spoke half a dozen other languages as well. He sold me on a rug and I had it sent home, I will not divulge the cost associated with this item, but if you do a search on eBay for silk Persian rug you will see for your self. They served us some tea while the Sarge haggled over the price of a t-shirt. The Major decided he wanted to look at the rugs as well, and boy did he get overwhelmed. The guy that sold me my rug hammered him, I mean this guy could sell life insurance to the dead (LOL). The Major resisted (barely) and we departed to await our helo.
We sat there for a good half hour and while I waited I went to look at the shops that were right in from of the passenger waiting area. There was a shop that would make suits with the shirt, tie and handkerchief for $250. Excellent quality of fabric from what I could tell and the shirt was 100% Turkish silk (they sure do love their silk). There were a few other shops, but I didn't have the time to see them all, so I made a mental note to walk around again on my return trip.
The helo came over the horizon and did it's usual round about to our location. There were more people here than they had spots for, but luckily I was with the Major and I got on the flight, otherwise I would have been stuck in Mosul (not that it was a bad thing) for yet another day or so. When there are more people than can fit on a flight the crew chief is the one that ultimately decides who gets on the bird. Generally they will bump civilians for military personnel especially if there is rank around. Since I was with the major I didn't get the bump, but someone did that for sure. We traveled to Dahok and I was almost amazed at what I saw. There was no sign of bombed out buildings or roads, no trash all over the streets and near housing. Not only that but they had a very well kept highway system, it reminded me of Jordan when I saw it from the helicopter. I was amazed that I was still in Iraq. The city seemed untouched by all that was happening around the area. The pilot began his descent and I started to wonder where in GOD's name was he going to land that thing. They banked to the right a bit and dropped down right in a parking lot just as if he were parking a car, the skill involved was just too much for words. We dropped off a few people and just as easily as we touched down we were in the air just seconds later.
We flew for about 15 minutes before landing again in Tal Afar. We departed the helo and went to see about getting on the next flight to Al Kasik. Unfortunately we were on the last flight out of Tal Afar so it seemed as though we were going to be stuck again. A young army sergeant helped us get to the necessary personnel about getting some type of transportation to Tal Afar. Now what I didn't mention earlier was they had originally discussed getting a convoy to pick us up and take us there. Now convoys are target magnets they might as well have a big target sign on them, because it will never fail, they will be shot at. Fortunately the powers that be decided that it was too late and too dangerous for us to take a convoy and to just stay the night and fly out n the morning. Well they didn't have the luxurious accommodations like our last stop, this time we were fortunate enough to stay in a tent with no power or cooling units. This wasn't too much of a problem, since we were further north it was a bit cooler and there was a nice breeze coming in (ya right).
The Major, Sarge, and myself dropped our things off at the Ritz and decided to head to chow. By this time it was close to 7pm and there wasn't anything around other than desert and a few hills. After chow since we had so much time on our hands I decided to go to the TMC (Medical facilities) and have my eye looked at. I had pretty much ignored it for the most part until we got to Tal Afar. A private signed me in and had me sit on the cot while he got some saline solution. Then he tried to flush it out about 2 or 3 times, but I could still feel poking at me. A few other personnel came in, and one apparently was the lead medical technician, because he started to point out some of the private's mistakes and eventually took over. He got a look at it and decided to take it out with a q-tip dipped in saline. At first he was having me hold my eye open and it was hard to do with someone poking it with a stick (basically). So then he put a numbing agent in my eye and continued and I couldn't feel a thing. It was able to get a portion of it out, but didn't want to try any further and possibly damage my eye. He said that he was going to medivac me back to Mosul so they could take care of it. I informed him of my flight out at 5:30 and he said you going to have to come back this is too serious. He was ready to put me on a bird that night and take me back, but there was something more pressing going on at that moment. He gave me some drops and told me to come back at 7am so he could have another look then he would get me to Mosul within 2 hours.
I went back to the tent and told the Major about them wanting to medivac me back to Mosul (which I just came from). I grabbed my gear and headed to the showers for a much needed scrub down. On the way there I say the Sarge and I told him about them wanting to medivac me in the morning. I called Ray (manager of the year) and told him about my eye and the medics decision to evac me back to Mosul in the morning which would push the job I had to do even further back. So he actually very understanding and didn't mention the job at all, but not that I cared one way or the other. I showered headed back to the Ritz and turned on my MP3 player and just waited for the day to fade to black.
Tomorrow or whenever I get to it... Al Kasik..
One
K
The Major and Sarge contacted their office as well and they in return called the local contact for them here and scheduled someone to pick us up so we wouldn't have to sit there all day. A young soldier came in a brand new SUV (still had the plastic on the seats) and we threw our things in the back and jumped in. It was a short ride and the scenery was a bit more pleasing that Baghdad, and not as hot as well. There were lots of old trees with lush green leaves and even grass. Not much of that in Baghdad, as a matter of fact I don't think there is any. So our driver was a young girl petite in size, but looked very determined. She didn't talk much other than to answer a few of our questions. We got to the office and left our things in the vehicle and went inside.
There we met (yet another)an Army first sergeant, a Marine gunnery sergeant and a young airmen (woman). I was only there as an observer so the Major and Master Sarge went into the the gunnery sarge's office and talked for a bit. So I sat there and the first sergeant and the airman would pass jabs. The office was very laid back and the camaraderie was very pleasant to see, not all the formality like I was use to seeing in Baghdad. I had my weapon with me and the first sergeant asked why I (a civilian) was carrying a weapon, where was I going with that thing. Now mind you this is the same place where a suicide bomber came into the US DFAC and killed 22 people including 14 U.S. soldiers and wounded 69 others on the 21st of December just one day before I arrived in Iraq. The attack was considered the deadliest breach of security at a U.S. military base since the Iraq war began. It was later determined that the individual that committed the crime worked in the DFAC for four months before committing the shameful attack. Of course my reason for carrying my weapon had nothing to do with that, I told him that I was going to Al Kasik and his eyes widened and he said good luck.
So I began to converse with the airmen and come to find out Mosul was kinda the hide out spot. Since the attack in December they cracked down in the city and anything that happens around that area is generally far from the city center. The airmen I spoke to was only 20 years old and had been in the service for 2 years now. The airforce deployment is only 4 months unlike the Army's 1 year (and in some cases 18 months or even 2 one year terms). She had a daughter and was stationed in Japan where by her definition she enjoyed a much simpler life. She talked about how her mother called or emailed all the time about attacks that she heard on the news (SOUND FAMILIAR...?!).
She went on to say that a lot of the soldiers there don't even carry a weapon when moving around in the city. There were numerous local restaurants with Iraqi cuisine and even a food court where they served Tex Mex, Burgers, Pizza and something else that escapes me at the moment. They mentioned going to Dahok which is a Turkish/Kurd city and even there they don't carry their weapons. She mentioned that the people there love to see the American Army and welcome them all over the city. Which in a sense is understandable, because if anyone suffered the wrath of Saddam's regime more it was the Kurds. They loved having us in their country and getting rid of Saddam. She went on to talk about how she has a fellow airmen (woman) that was suppose to come with her, but was at the last minute sent to Baghdad. Her fellow airmen tells her all the time how she hates it there and she can't wait to leave. Fortunately for her she only has 2 months left in Iraq of her 4 month stint.
Soon there after the Major came out and mentioned going to lunch with Gunny (the Marine gunnery sergeant). We loaded up the car and went to the "NEW" DFAC which was built after the incident previously mentioned. We parked in the ever so familiar gravel parking lot and walked to the ever so familiar aluminum covered DFAC, but once inside there was nothing familiar about it. This was by far the nicest dining area I have been to in Iraq. Actually even better than some restaurants I have been to back home. They had the main line, a fry cook, a chicken shack, the sandwich bar, salad bar, snack bar, and so on and so on. The food was good the environment was just as pleasing and they even have a memorial for those that lost their lives in the bombing.
After our surprisingly good meal we went back to the office where we decided to take a look around this fine area. They had very nice shops, but nothing unusual just the norm for Iraq until we got to the Rug shop. Now they sell Persian Rugs at just about every single base in Iraq, but this particular shop was a little different. He had the China made clothes that you see at most shops, but he had item such as Nike, Fubu, Abercrombie, Dickie, and the list goes on. Not only did they have the rugs, but they would even pack and ship it home for you. Well the salesman was from turkey, but his english was top notch, not to mention that he also spoke half a dozen other languages as well. He sold me on a rug and I had it sent home, I will not divulge the cost associated with this item, but if you do a search on eBay for silk Persian rug you will see for your self. They served us some tea while the Sarge haggled over the price of a t-shirt. The Major decided he wanted to look at the rugs as well, and boy did he get overwhelmed. The guy that sold me my rug hammered him, I mean this guy could sell life insurance to the dead (LOL). The Major resisted (barely) and we departed to await our helo.
We sat there for a good half hour and while I waited I went to look at the shops that were right in from of the passenger waiting area. There was a shop that would make suits with the shirt, tie and handkerchief for $250. Excellent quality of fabric from what I could tell and the shirt was 100% Turkish silk (they sure do love their silk). There were a few other shops, but I didn't have the time to see them all, so I made a mental note to walk around again on my return trip.
The helo came over the horizon and did it's usual round about to our location. There were more people here than they had spots for, but luckily I was with the Major and I got on the flight, otherwise I would have been stuck in Mosul (not that it was a bad thing) for yet another day or so. When there are more people than can fit on a flight the crew chief is the one that ultimately decides who gets on the bird. Generally they will bump civilians for military personnel especially if there is rank around. Since I was with the major I didn't get the bump, but someone did that for sure. We traveled to Dahok and I was almost amazed at what I saw. There was no sign of bombed out buildings or roads, no trash all over the streets and near housing. Not only that but they had a very well kept highway system, it reminded me of Jordan when I saw it from the helicopter. I was amazed that I was still in Iraq. The city seemed untouched by all that was happening around the area. The pilot began his descent and I started to wonder where in GOD's name was he going to land that thing. They banked to the right a bit and dropped down right in a parking lot just as if he were parking a car, the skill involved was just too much for words. We dropped off a few people and just as easily as we touched down we were in the air just seconds later.
We flew for about 15 minutes before landing again in Tal Afar. We departed the helo and went to see about getting on the next flight to Al Kasik. Unfortunately we were on the last flight out of Tal Afar so it seemed as though we were going to be stuck again. A young army sergeant helped us get to the necessary personnel about getting some type of transportation to Tal Afar. Now what I didn't mention earlier was they had originally discussed getting a convoy to pick us up and take us there. Now convoys are target magnets they might as well have a big target sign on them, because it will never fail, they will be shot at. Fortunately the powers that be decided that it was too late and too dangerous for us to take a convoy and to just stay the night and fly out n the morning. Well they didn't have the luxurious accommodations like our last stop, this time we were fortunate enough to stay in a tent with no power or cooling units. This wasn't too much of a problem, since we were further north it was a bit cooler and there was a nice breeze coming in (ya right).
The Major, Sarge, and myself dropped our things off at the Ritz and decided to head to chow. By this time it was close to 7pm and there wasn't anything around other than desert and a few hills. After chow since we had so much time on our hands I decided to go to the TMC (Medical facilities) and have my eye looked at. I had pretty much ignored it for the most part until we got to Tal Afar. A private signed me in and had me sit on the cot while he got some saline solution. Then he tried to flush it out about 2 or 3 times, but I could still feel poking at me. A few other personnel came in, and one apparently was the lead medical technician, because he started to point out some of the private's mistakes and eventually took over. He got a look at it and decided to take it out with a q-tip dipped in saline. At first he was having me hold my eye open and it was hard to do with someone poking it with a stick (basically). So then he put a numbing agent in my eye and continued and I couldn't feel a thing. It was able to get a portion of it out, but didn't want to try any further and possibly damage my eye. He said that he was going to medivac me back to Mosul so they could take care of it. I informed him of my flight out at 5:30 and he said you going to have to come back this is too serious. He was ready to put me on a bird that night and take me back, but there was something more pressing going on at that moment. He gave me some drops and told me to come back at 7am so he could have another look then he would get me to Mosul within 2 hours.
I went back to the tent and told the Major about them wanting to medivac me back to Mosul (which I just came from). I grabbed my gear and headed to the showers for a much needed scrub down. On the way there I say the Sarge and I told him about them wanting to medivac me in the morning. I called Ray (manager of the year) and told him about my eye and the medics decision to evac me back to Mosul in the morning which would push the job I had to do even further back. So he actually very understanding and didn't mention the job at all, but not that I cared one way or the other. I showered headed back to the Ritz and turned on my MP3 player and just waited for the day to fade to black.
Tomorrow or whenever I get to it... Al Kasik..
One
K
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Out of Touch
I am here just haven't been in a writing mood so I'll update you soon enough.
3 Days and a wake up...
3 Days and a wake up...
Monday, July 11, 2005
Me and Master Sarge
Me and the Sarge 
Got an email from The Major today with some photos that he took of us while on or glorious trip to northern Iraq. This was heading toward the end of our second day or our 5 day trip. See all the lovely grass and greenery, thats right because there isn't any...
Got an email from The Major today with some photos that he took of us while on or glorious trip to northern Iraq. This was heading toward the end of our second day or our 5 day trip. See all the lovely grass and greenery, thats right because there isn't any...
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Mission North, Day 1, July 5nd 2005
DAY 1,
So my shift is from 4pm-midnight and our manager called a day meeting for 9am. Well I generally stay up for a few hours unwinding and get up around noon or so. Well a couple of days before I was instructed that I may have to go up north to fix a site. Well not one person here has worked on the system I was sent to fix, but I am the most qualified since I have worked on an older model of the unit, but the one I worked on was Unix based and the new one is Windows NT based.
Now the first thing when I got up that morning I left my dark dismal room straight into a 3.86e33 ergs/second lightbulb and I felt a sharp tingle in my right eye. At first I thought it was because I didn't give my eyes time to adjust to the light, but after a couple of hours I started to think maybe I got something in my eye. I didn't have the time to find out so I dismissed it and went on with my day.
Anyway so we had our meeting and I was pulled from it a little early so I could check to see if I was still scheduled on the flight out that day. I went over to the PAX terminal (passenger terminal which ironically the word PAX is Latin for peace) and checked to see if I was manifested. Unfortunately I didn't have my orders that got me to Iraq so I had to come back to the complex and get them. I have never flown out of the PAX terminal since I got to Iraq so I wasn't aware that I needed them, nor was I informed by are great leader the manager of the year (when hell freezes over and we all no that will never happen). After getting my orders I noticed that my dates had expired. I informed Dhiae about my paperwork being out of date and he said just go and see what they say. Well I left a copy with Ray (the great manager*facetious*) so that he could look into it while I was checking on my flight. Got to the counter and found that I was manifested, but that I needed to get my orders up to date before he could let me on the flight. So I went back to the complex and informed Ray and the first thing out of his mouth was why hadn't I got them updated. I'm sorry am I suppose to make sure the equipment is working or keep track or your paperwork for you. Personally I would have expected a good manager to have already had my orders updated accordingly so that this issue would have never happened, but I guess that is asking to much from him.
While he got that taken care of I proceeded to pack my bags for what I was hoping was not going to be a long journey since I was coming home in less than 2 weeks. I didn't have a bag big enough for my clothes and my laptop for what might be 5 days or more so I had to go to the PX and buy one. After doing that I go all my things together and told Ray I didn't have the necessary tools in case I had to take something apart and bring it back. His first comment was why are you telling me this right before your flight, you have known about this for a few days now. I told him the truth I didn't think I was going so I didn't think much about it, and besides we have mentioned the tools to you (or the lack there of that is) months ago. Well he got me a brand new tool kit (that we supposedly didn't have) and I finished packing my things. I went to sign out my weapons and he said you can't take a weapon on a military flight, then I informed him then I wasn't going. Dhiae chimed in and said yes you can, and I mentioned a previous job that one of our mechanics went to do just last week and the fact that he took his weapon. He opened the weapons room I grabbed my side-arm and borrowed a small automatic weapon (the one I had is the third one down from the top) from one of the other guys and put them in the car I was going to be dropped off in. Now I was packed and about to leave, but I still didn't have my updated orders so Ray said just go and when I get them I have someone bring them to you, which for once wasn't a bad idea. Well as soon as we were headed out Ray came to the car and said I got them and he printed them off and I left.
Now while I was in a hurry I actually forgot some key items while traveling in Iraq and that was my body armor and helmet. It just so happens that I was talking to James (the only brother left here and my chauffeur to the PAX, huh... That's funny... I just remembered whenever my grams got in the car while I was driving she would always say: "Home James"... Anyway) and he said something about Dave (the mechanic I mentioned earlier that went on a job a week ago) forgetting his armor and how James had to go back and get it. When he brought it back he called over to Dave to come get it and Dave was acting all uppity like he was too good to get his own armor. That's when I told him I didn't have mine (LOL) he said no problem I'll drop you off and get some from our other camp (less than a mile from the PAX and closer than our complex) and bring it back to you. So I put my stuff in the passenger waiting area and checked in and found out that the flight was delayed due to weather conditions. See our flight was coming from Kuwait and the was a sand storm that was hindering them from flying out. So I found a chair got comfortable and waited. James came back about 15 minutes later with the vest and helmet and I said C-ya and put it with the rest of my stuff.
I had time to kill so I went to the PX and looked for an MP3 player for the long haul ahead and got a little Subway (yes we have Subway in Iraq believe it or not) sandwich and a couple juices and headed back to the passenger waiting area. That's where I met R.J. a brother from Alabama that had been here for 5 months helping train the Iraqi police on investigation techniques. A pretty level headed guy that was very ready to get home and seemed to be pretty grounded. We jabbed for a bit and he asked me about the MP3 player that I bought that he saw me loading music on earlier. That lead us to the subject of music and our similar taste in artist. So I told him of all the new music I had and said "hey if you have a blank disc I will burn you a couple or records". He did have one and so I burned him some music and right about that time he headed off, because his flight wasn't scheduled till 11pm and it was about 6 so he went to kill some time. He gave me his email address and went on his marry way and I sat there waiting to hear about our flight that was suppose to have left 1 hour earlier.
Shortly there after I was talking to another civilian that was going on leave and she asked me where I was going, I told her and she said "Oh that's where he is going and pointed to the Master Sergeant. We shook hands and he introduced me to the Major. They were heading to the exact same place that I was, but for different reasons (obviously). They were actually space A (military for space available not manifested) on a later flight, but it was going the same way that my flight was going. I told them about my flight and the reserved there seat and that is where our journey began together. I don't believe in coincidences so I truly believe that this was suppose to happen this way. Well we sat there for a few hours chatting and waiting and then we got the call for boarding. We got our things together and headed to the ever so popular C-130 waiting for us out back.
We loaded up and this is where I run into one of the most annoying people since I have been in Iraq. See I'm a knowitall and we don't like our own kind, but fortunately I have toned it down over the years so know I a sorta, kinda knowitall. Well if you aren't familiar with a C-130 it isn't a very roomy plane and its not suppose to be its a cargo plane transformed into a troop transport. Well I put my bag in between my legs in front of me and the annoying guy said: "why don't you hang that up there behind you". I looked at him with a evil look that could have cut butter, but I tried it anyway per his request. When I saw that it would be right above another passenger's head and wasn't too sure how to fasten it down properly I said it's too big. He replied that it wasn't and I told him that if he wanted to put his bag up there he was more than welcome to, but I was not, so I pushed it as far under my seat as I could, then he said "oh that's good". I wanted to ring his neck, because the reason he mentioned it was do to our lack of space and this whole time his bag was on the seat next to him... (I hate double standards) Well his breathe also stank and that was getting on my nerves too, but I kept my cool and just relaxed for what was going to be a noisy and long flight.
Well we are all sitting there waiting for take off when they cut the engines. We are now 6 hours past our original take off time and its beginning to look like we might not be getting out of here. So we took out our ear plugs and just sat there sweating. My vest weighs in at about 30 pounds and the helmet another 5 or so (+/-), and there isn't any air conditioning on a C-130. Well it had to be at least 120 on the plane not to mention all our gear so perspiration was at an all time high. Sitting next to me was a kid that I swear was no older than 18, and he was with a sniper detail (special ops) that's where sergeant Knight comes in. He was the kid's NCO (Noncommissioned Officer) and someone I enjoyed immensely. Sgt Knight has been in Iraq for 3 years since 2001 and he is the definition of a soldier. I truly have a great respect for him and men like him, such as the Master Sergeant and the Major that I traveled with. He not only seemed very determined, but also had a sense of humor that lasted the entire time we waited for then to fix the plane. Definitely someone I could get along with and even make be-friend. He is what we would call a lifer, one that does this for the rest of his life, a dying breed actually.
Well we finally got underway and by time it was close to midnight before we left. Sgt Knight didn't have any ear plugs and let me tell you a C-130 isn't the place you want to forget those. Well I bought some BOSE QuietComfort2 headphones a few months back and I wanted to see how they would fair on a C-130. I flipped the switch turning them on and to my surprise they did better than my ear plugs, but not only that I could now listen to music while I sat in the flying sauna. So I handed my ear plugs to Sgt Knight and sat back and listened to the latest of 112 and Anthony Hamilton. I dozed off a couple of times until a sudden jerk of the plane woke me up which lead me to believe we have started our descent. No matter what I wasn't going back to sleep not while they did their combat landing maneuvers. So we landed after many MANY twists, turns, banks and drops.
We departed the plane single file as instructed in the darkest of nights (FYI do not come to Iraq without a flashlight). I grabbed my satellite phone and called to let them know I have made the first leg of my trip. I went to the PAX in Mosul (Yes I was in Mosul) and checked on the next flight to my final destination. I was informed that they only dealt with fixed wing and that I needed to follow the glowsticks to the office that dealt with rotary flights. I followed the dark path watching my step as best I could stopping every once and a while to look at the beautiful sky above full of stars, more than I can ever remember in my almost 30 years of life. I got to the office and was told the first flight out was booked full and there wasn't any space left for myself or the Master Sergeant and the Major.
So we went back to the other office for billeting (lodging) for the three of us. They gave us our room number and we carefully and quietly (it was almost 2am by this time) to our temporary housing. We opened the door to find a room smaller than my room back here at BIAP with 3 bunkbeds. There was only one person in the room so it didn't matter much to us, but just a few minutes later we had 2 more roommates filling us to the brim. The room was about 18" by 6" so once we took off our gear there was barely any room to move around, not to mention our 2 latest additions brought 6 M-249 SAW's with them. Fortunately for us they did fit under the bottom bunk bed not taking away from our already limited space. I laid down fully dressed because we didn't have any bedding and I wasn't sure how left what before me. I felt very sticky and my eye irritation that I had all but forgot about was beginning to bother me. I wasn't going to be able to rest till I at least washed up, so I headed to the showers. I washed my upper body and brushed my teeth and looked in the mirror at my eye. I could see a small particle, not much bigger than the tip of a lead pencil, of something just south of my pupil blending in with my iris (I love giving tid bits). I gently tried to remove t from my eye, but that is one thing I don't care to mess around with which is why I won't wear contacts. I wasn't meant to put things on my eye, or I would have been born with accessories (LOL). I stopped messing with it and headed to bed and looked forward to what would be yet another long day.
Tomorrow Day 2 Mosul (a.k.a. Club Med) not what it use to be...
One
K
So my shift is from 4pm-midnight and our manager called a day meeting for 9am. Well I generally stay up for a few hours unwinding and get up around noon or so. Well a couple of days before I was instructed that I may have to go up north to fix a site. Well not one person here has worked on the system I was sent to fix, but I am the most qualified since I have worked on an older model of the unit, but the one I worked on was Unix based and the new one is Windows NT based.
Now the first thing when I got up that morning I left my dark dismal room straight into a 3.86e33 ergs/second lightbulb and I felt a sharp tingle in my right eye. At first I thought it was because I didn't give my eyes time to adjust to the light, but after a couple of hours I started to think maybe I got something in my eye. I didn't have the time to find out so I dismissed it and went on with my day.
Anyway so we had our meeting and I was pulled from it a little early so I could check to see if I was still scheduled on the flight out that day. I went over to the PAX terminal (passenger terminal which ironically the word PAX is Latin for peace) and checked to see if I was manifested. Unfortunately I didn't have my orders that got me to Iraq so I had to come back to the complex and get them. I have never flown out of the PAX terminal since I got to Iraq so I wasn't aware that I needed them, nor was I informed by are great leader the manager of the year (when hell freezes over and we all no that will never happen). After getting my orders I noticed that my dates had expired. I informed Dhiae about my paperwork being out of date and he said just go and see what they say. Well I left a copy with Ray (the great manager*facetious*) so that he could look into it while I was checking on my flight. Got to the counter and found that I was manifested, but that I needed to get my orders up to date before he could let me on the flight. So I went back to the complex and informed Ray and the first thing out of his mouth was why hadn't I got them updated. I'm sorry am I suppose to make sure the equipment is working or keep track or your paperwork for you. Personally I would have expected a good manager to have already had my orders updated accordingly so that this issue would have never happened, but I guess that is asking to much from him.
While he got that taken care of I proceeded to pack my bags for what I was hoping was not going to be a long journey since I was coming home in less than 2 weeks. I didn't have a bag big enough for my clothes and my laptop for what might be 5 days or more so I had to go to the PX and buy one. After doing that I go all my things together and told Ray I didn't have the necessary tools in case I had to take something apart and bring it back. His first comment was why are you telling me this right before your flight, you have known about this for a few days now. I told him the truth I didn't think I was going so I didn't think much about it, and besides we have mentioned the tools to you (or the lack there of that is) months ago. Well he got me a brand new tool kit (that we supposedly didn't have) and I finished packing my things. I went to sign out my weapons and he said you can't take a weapon on a military flight, then I informed him then I wasn't going. Dhiae chimed in and said yes you can, and I mentioned a previous job that one of our mechanics went to do just last week and the fact that he took his weapon. He opened the weapons room I grabbed my side-arm and borrowed a small automatic weapon (the one I had is the third one down from the top) from one of the other guys and put them in the car I was going to be dropped off in. Now I was packed and about to leave, but I still didn't have my updated orders so Ray said just go and when I get them I have someone bring them to you, which for once wasn't a bad idea. Well as soon as we were headed out Ray came to the car and said I got them and he printed them off and I left.
Now while I was in a hurry I actually forgot some key items while traveling in Iraq and that was my body armor and helmet. It just so happens that I was talking to James (the only brother left here and my chauffeur to the PAX, huh... That's funny... I just remembered whenever my grams got in the car while I was driving she would always say: "Home James"... Anyway) and he said something about Dave (the mechanic I mentioned earlier that went on a job a week ago) forgetting his armor and how James had to go back and get it. When he brought it back he called over to Dave to come get it and Dave was acting all uppity like he was too good to get his own armor. That's when I told him I didn't have mine (LOL) he said no problem I'll drop you off and get some from our other camp (less than a mile from the PAX and closer than our complex) and bring it back to you. So I put my stuff in the passenger waiting area and checked in and found out that the flight was delayed due to weather conditions. See our flight was coming from Kuwait and the was a sand storm that was hindering them from flying out. So I found a chair got comfortable and waited. James came back about 15 minutes later with the vest and helmet and I said C-ya and put it with the rest of my stuff.
I had time to kill so I went to the PX and looked for an MP3 player for the long haul ahead and got a little Subway (yes we have Subway in Iraq believe it or not) sandwich and a couple juices and headed back to the passenger waiting area. That's where I met R.J. a brother from Alabama that had been here for 5 months helping train the Iraqi police on investigation techniques. A pretty level headed guy that was very ready to get home and seemed to be pretty grounded. We jabbed for a bit and he asked me about the MP3 player that I bought that he saw me loading music on earlier. That lead us to the subject of music and our similar taste in artist. So I told him of all the new music I had and said "hey if you have a blank disc I will burn you a couple or records". He did have one and so I burned him some music and right about that time he headed off, because his flight wasn't scheduled till 11pm and it was about 6 so he went to kill some time. He gave me his email address and went on his marry way and I sat there waiting to hear about our flight that was suppose to have left 1 hour earlier.
Shortly there after I was talking to another civilian that was going on leave and she asked me where I was going, I told her and she said "Oh that's where he is going and pointed to the Master Sergeant. We shook hands and he introduced me to the Major. They were heading to the exact same place that I was, but for different reasons (obviously). They were actually space A (military for space available not manifested) on a later flight, but it was going the same way that my flight was going. I told them about my flight and the reserved there seat and that is where our journey began together. I don't believe in coincidences so I truly believe that this was suppose to happen this way. Well we sat there for a few hours chatting and waiting and then we got the call for boarding. We got our things together and headed to the ever so popular C-130 waiting for us out back.
We loaded up and this is where I run into one of the most annoying people since I have been in Iraq. See I'm a knowitall and we don't like our own kind, but fortunately I have toned it down over the years so know I a sorta, kinda knowitall. Well if you aren't familiar with a C-130 it isn't a very roomy plane and its not suppose to be its a cargo plane transformed into a troop transport. Well I put my bag in between my legs in front of me and the annoying guy said: "why don't you hang that up there behind you". I looked at him with a evil look that could have cut butter, but I tried it anyway per his request. When I saw that it would be right above another passenger's head and wasn't too sure how to fasten it down properly I said it's too big. He replied that it wasn't and I told him that if he wanted to put his bag up there he was more than welcome to, but I was not, so I pushed it as far under my seat as I could, then he said "oh that's good". I wanted to ring his neck, because the reason he mentioned it was do to our lack of space and this whole time his bag was on the seat next to him... (I hate double standards) Well his breathe also stank and that was getting on my nerves too, but I kept my cool and just relaxed for what was going to be a noisy and long flight.
Well we are all sitting there waiting for take off when they cut the engines. We are now 6 hours past our original take off time and its beginning to look like we might not be getting out of here. So we took out our ear plugs and just sat there sweating. My vest weighs in at about 30 pounds and the helmet another 5 or so (+/-), and there isn't any air conditioning on a C-130. Well it had to be at least 120 on the plane not to mention all our gear so perspiration was at an all time high. Sitting next to me was a kid that I swear was no older than 18, and he was with a sniper detail (special ops) that's where sergeant Knight comes in. He was the kid's NCO (Noncommissioned Officer) and someone I enjoyed immensely. Sgt Knight has been in Iraq for 3 years since 2001 and he is the definition of a soldier. I truly have a great respect for him and men like him, such as the Master Sergeant and the Major that I traveled with. He not only seemed very determined, but also had a sense of humor that lasted the entire time we waited for then to fix the plane. Definitely someone I could get along with and even make be-friend. He is what we would call a lifer, one that does this for the rest of his life, a dying breed actually.
Well we finally got underway and by time it was close to midnight before we left. Sgt Knight didn't have any ear plugs and let me tell you a C-130 isn't the place you want to forget those. Well I bought some BOSE QuietComfort2 headphones a few months back and I wanted to see how they would fair on a C-130. I flipped the switch turning them on and to my surprise they did better than my ear plugs, but not only that I could now listen to music while I sat in the flying sauna. So I handed my ear plugs to Sgt Knight and sat back and listened to the latest of 112 and Anthony Hamilton. I dozed off a couple of times until a sudden jerk of the plane woke me up which lead me to believe we have started our descent. No matter what I wasn't going back to sleep not while they did their combat landing maneuvers. So we landed after many MANY twists, turns, banks and drops.
We departed the plane single file as instructed in the darkest of nights (FYI do not come to Iraq without a flashlight). I grabbed my satellite phone and called to let them know I have made the first leg of my trip. I went to the PAX in Mosul (Yes I was in Mosul) and checked on the next flight to my final destination. I was informed that they only dealt with fixed wing and that I needed to follow the glowsticks to the office that dealt with rotary flights. I followed the dark path watching my step as best I could stopping every once and a while to look at the beautiful sky above full of stars, more than I can ever remember in my almost 30 years of life. I got to the office and was told the first flight out was booked full and there wasn't any space left for myself or the Master Sergeant and the Major.
So we went back to the other office for billeting (lodging) for the three of us. They gave us our room number and we carefully and quietly (it was almost 2am by this time) to our temporary housing. We opened the door to find a room smaller than my room back here at BIAP with 3 bunkbeds. There was only one person in the room so it didn't matter much to us, but just a few minutes later we had 2 more roommates filling us to the brim. The room was about 18" by 6" so once we took off our gear there was barely any room to move around, not to mention our 2 latest additions brought 6 M-249 SAW's with them. Fortunately for us they did fit under the bottom bunk bed not taking away from our already limited space. I laid down fully dressed because we didn't have any bedding and I wasn't sure how left what before me. I felt very sticky and my eye irritation that I had all but forgot about was beginning to bother me. I wasn't going to be able to rest till I at least washed up, so I headed to the showers. I washed my upper body and brushed my teeth and looked in the mirror at my eye. I could see a small particle, not much bigger than the tip of a lead pencil, of something just south of my pupil blending in with my iris (I love giving tid bits). I gently tried to remove t from my eye, but that is one thing I don't care to mess around with which is why I won't wear contacts. I wasn't meant to put things on my eye, or I would have been born with accessories (LOL). I stopped messing with it and headed to bed and looked forward to what would be yet another long day.
Tomorrow Day 2 Mosul (a.k.a. Club Med) not what it use to be...
One
K
I GOT IT....!!!
I got my ticket, but that doesn't mean a thing if the airport is closed, but I am one step away from getting home (and that is just stepping on the plane). See I am still waiting to see if I even get out on the day in question. Only time will tell (7 days) .
Saturday, July 09, 2005
I'm Back Baby...!! **UPDATED**
I have been out of touch for the past five days on a mission, but I arrived at our complex now. I wasn't ANYWHERE where I had comms, so I apologize for that. I have a hellovalot to share with you, but as of right now I need to shower, shave and sleep.
I'm back at BIAP and in good spirits and all I can say is...
Woooooooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooooooooo
BLACKHAWKS RULE....!!! (not talking about the Chicago hockey team either)
Man I took a ton of picks too, be ready for some reading cause I will have much to talk about...
"Love Ya"
**The Update**
As soon as I got back I talked to the manager about our little problem we had up north. The first thing they asked me was whether or not I had my ticket (8 days and counting). Well the thing with Global has come up again and the airport has been shut down till the 16th. Now I have my main ticket which gets me back home, but to get out of here is a 2 part process. One you have to get a ticket heading back to the States (which can be from several different locations Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Amman, Jordan; Kuwait, Kuwait and that's about it).
Now this can be a problem at times, because you ticket has to be issued as a paper ticket and then mailed to you which under the US postal can take up to three weeks, Fedex can get it here in 4-5 days, but it cost $40-$50 just for a letter envelope. The second part (which is actually the first leg of the trip, but it is better to buy the second leg first not only that but sometimes you cant buy your first leg till 7 days out) is going up to the airport terminal and buying your ticket out of Baghdad. Now there are only 3 airlines that I know of that fly out of Baghdad international Airport (other than the military flights) to the destinations I mentioned above. The military only flies to Kuwait, but it is almost impossible to be able to rely on them to get you out so that you make your second leg.
With all that said here is my dilemma: I have my ticket back to the States, as I said I was out of comms for the last 5 days so I had no way of knowing what was going in Baghdad, so now the airport is suppose to be closed till the 16th of the month and I do not have my first leg ticket yet. What is going to happen is however long the airport is closed is how long it will take them to get back on track. So if they are closed till the 16th them I potentially will not be able to fly out till a week from then and that is not acceptable. The other problem I have is my second leg is out of Dubai (which is 862 miles SE of Baghdad)which means I can't catch the Mil flight (short for Military) to Kuwait (358 miles SE of Baghdad) and catch my return flight. I either have to change my ticket to leave from Kuwait and risk taking a Mil flight to there, or (still taking a Mil flight) fly from Kuwait to Dubai, or just risk flying out of Baghdad to Dubai... Not too hard huh....
Man getting out of this place is like trying to plan a breakout from Sing Sing.
I'm back at BIAP and in good spirits and all I can say is...
Woooooooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooooooooo
BLACKHAWKS RULE....!!! (not talking about the Chicago hockey team either)
Man I took a ton of picks too, be ready for some reading cause I will have much to talk about...
"Love Ya"
**The Update**
As soon as I got back I talked to the manager about our little problem we had up north. The first thing they asked me was whether or not I had my ticket (8 days and counting). Well the thing with Global has come up again and the airport has been shut down till the 16th. Now I have my main ticket which gets me back home, but to get out of here is a 2 part process. One you have to get a ticket heading back to the States (which can be from several different locations Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Amman, Jordan; Kuwait, Kuwait and that's about it).
Now this can be a problem at times, because you ticket has to be issued as a paper ticket and then mailed to you which under the US postal can take up to three weeks, Fedex can get it here in 4-5 days, but it cost $40-$50 just for a letter envelope. The second part (which is actually the first leg of the trip, but it is better to buy the second leg first not only that but sometimes you cant buy your first leg till 7 days out) is going up to the airport terminal and buying your ticket out of Baghdad. Now there are only 3 airlines that I know of that fly out of Baghdad international Airport (other than the military flights) to the destinations I mentioned above. The military only flies to Kuwait, but it is almost impossible to be able to rely on them to get you out so that you make your second leg.
With all that said here is my dilemma: I have my ticket back to the States, as I said I was out of comms for the last 5 days so I had no way of knowing what was going in Baghdad, so now the airport is suppose to be closed till the 16th of the month and I do not have my first leg ticket yet. What is going to happen is however long the airport is closed is how long it will take them to get back on track. So if they are closed till the 16th them I potentially will not be able to fly out till a week from then and that is not acceptable. The other problem I have is my second leg is out of Dubai (which is 862 miles SE of Baghdad)which means I can't catch the Mil flight (short for Military) to Kuwait (358 miles SE of Baghdad) and catch my return flight. I either have to change my ticket to leave from Kuwait and risk taking a Mil flight to there, or (still taking a Mil flight) fly from Kuwait to Dubai, or just risk flying out of Baghdad to Dubai... Not too hard huh....
Man getting out of this place is like trying to plan a breakout from Sing Sing.
Desert Village
Desert Village
If you want to see how some of the people in Iraq this is it. While the Saddam regime lived in palaces with fresh water lakes a large portion of his people lived in huts and dirt homes such as these. Relying on what little water resources they may have had. The average person here lives in poverty which is ten times worse than anything we see on a regular basis when driving to work.
If you want to see how some of the people in Iraq this is it. While the Saddam regime lived in palaces with fresh water lakes a large portion of his people lived in huts and dirt homes such as these. Relying on what little water resources they may have had. The average person here lives in poverty which is ten times worse than anything we see on a regular basis when driving to work.
Got Wind...?
Wind in my Eye
Generally they will have a window open in the helo's and the right most corner where you see me happens to be the worst spot if that is the case. I was "lucky" enough to get the particular seat on my first 2 flights...
Yea For Me...
But I will say that I did get some awsome pictures from the windy seat. For every DISADVANTAGE there IS an ADVANTAGE.
Generally they will have a window open in the helo's and the right most corner where you see me happens to be the worst spot if that is the case. I was "lucky" enough to get the particular seat on my first 2 flights...
Yea For Me...
But I will say that I did get some awsome pictures from the windy seat. For every DISADVANTAGE there IS an ADVANTAGE.
Sunset In Iraq
A Beautiful View
I actually have a few pictures of this wonderful sunset, but I think this one was one of the best. I try to find the beauty in all things no matter how ugly or dire things may seem. I unfortunately can not give details (or rather do not want to) for the sake of all our men and women out here. It's an sad thing to think that whatever I say or show here on my site can be used to hurt those that I am here to support.
I actually have a few pictures of this wonderful sunset, but I think this one was one of the best. I try to find the beauty in all things no matter how ugly or dire things may seem. I unfortunately can not give details (or rather do not want to) for the sake of all our men and women out here. It's an sad thing to think that whatever I say or show here on my site can be used to hurt those that I am here to support.
A Good Soldier
Master Sergeant
If it wasn't for this man as well as a Major I traveled with I would still be in the land of the lost. When taking helo flights sometimes they will boot civilians on a flight to accommodate the military. Not something I care for, but in the same token I can't blame them although some of their commanders would have me first in line.
If it wasn't for this man as well as a Major I traveled with I would still be in the land of the lost. When taking helo flights sometimes they will boot civilians on a flight to accommodate the military. Not something I care for, but in the same token I can't blame them although some of their commanders would have me first in line.
Me In The Hot Seat
I'm Flyin this Bird outta here
We actually took off then one of the helo's had a warning light come on so we had to land again. While they were checking on it the pilot was kind enough to let us take pictures in the pilot seat. The group we were flying with are all from different parts of Tenesee and they were a great group of people. It was a joy and an honor to talk and (eventually) ride with them.
We actually took off then one of the helo's had a warning light come on so we had to land again. While they were checking on it the pilot was kind enough to let us take pictures in the pilot seat. The group we were flying with are all from different parts of Tenesee and they were a great group of people. It was a joy and an honor to talk and (eventually) ride with them.
Big Gun...
Me and the BIG GUN
This was just yesterday while trying to get back to good ole BIAP. As you can see the remnants of the old Iraqi regime are still around no matter where you go. Most units (guns, artillery, tanks ETC.) have been destroyed, but there are some that have just been stripped of the necessary parts in order for these items to be of any use other than an enormous paperweight.
This was just yesterday while trying to get back to good ole BIAP. As you can see the remnants of the old Iraqi regime are still around no matter where you go. Most units (guns, artillery, tanks ETC.) have been destroyed, but there are some that have just been stripped of the necessary parts in order for these items to be of any use other than an enormous paperweight.
Desert Flower
A flower by any other name.
I am amazed at times how anything can survive in this country for any length of time, but this takes the cake. One single flower growing in the middle of a desert wasteland with no other greenery around. While I was away I had several helicopter flights (Which I loved) and there were several farmlands surrounded by desert. Diamond in the rough has nothing on flower in the desert...
I am amazed at times how anything can survive in this country for any length of time, but this takes the cake. One single flower growing in the middle of a desert wasteland with no other greenery around. While I was away I had several helicopter flights (Which I loved) and there were several farmlands surrounded by desert. Diamond in the rough has nothing on flower in the desert...
Monday, July 04, 2005
Hardee's in Jordan
Huh now that's interesting...
Won't be getting the Big Hot Ham & Cheese from this Hardee's that for sure.
Won't be getting the Big Hot Ham & Cheese from this Hardee's that for sure.
Taxi Ride in Jordan
Jordan's wonderful Green landscape
Jordan may be apart of the Arabic nation and only a couple hundred miles from Baghdad, but it is worlds apart. It is a very beautiful country and as you can see the grass is greener on the other side (Of Iraq).
Jordan may be apart of the Arabic nation and only a couple hundred miles from Baghdad, but it is worlds apart. It is a very beautiful country and as you can see the grass is greener on the other side (Of Iraq).
Eddie The Mechanic
Here Today Gone Tomorrow Picture taken March 23rd 2005
This is Eddie on the plane with me when we left for break. He and I left Baghdad at the same time and had the same flights. I was more at ease with someone I knew on the plane with me all the way back to the States. I will admit after being in Iraq you get a sense of unease everywhere you go at least until you have gotten use to NOT being the target of insurgent aggression. He was only with us for about 3 months, but has been in Iraq for 16 months all together. He left some where around the first of June this year and was the third mechanic to leave in 3 months time.
There is something about that number three I tell ya....
Picture taken March 23rd 2005
This is Eddie on the plane with me when we left for break. He and I left Baghdad at the same time and had the same flights. I was more at ease with someone I knew on the plane with me all the way back to the States. I will admit after being in Iraq you get a sense of unease everywhere you go at least until you have gotten use to NOT being the target of insurgent aggression. He was only with us for about 3 months, but has been in Iraq for 16 months all together. He left some where around the first of June this year and was the third mechanic to leave in 3 months time.
There is something about that number three I tell ya....
Construction I Think....
The Five Year Plan
This picture was taken the same day as the one of Dave. Do you see those stationary cranes next to the palace (one of hundreds). Ya I have been here a total of seven months and I have never seen those cranes move. I'm sure that at one point during my time here I will see those move, I'm just not sure when.
This picture was taken the same day as the one of Dave. Do you see those stationary cranes next to the palace (one of hundreds). Ya I have been here a total of seven months and I have never seen those cranes move. I'm sure that at one point during my time here I will see those move, I'm just not sure when.
Hi there, Bye There
New Tower hand, but not for long
Dave got here a few days before I went on my first break back in March. He left a couple weeks after I got back in April. This picture was taken a day or so before I left. He is one of the three tower guys that have left in the last 3 months or so. Remember that 2 million dollar camp I was telling you about, ya there is 2 people (not counting security) staying there at the moment... ( I think there is like 16-20 or so security over there guarding a 2 million dollar whole in the earth)
Dave got here a few days before I went on my first break back in March. He left a couple weeks after I got back in April. This picture was taken a day or so before I left. He is one of the three tower guys that have left in the last 3 months or so. Remember that 2 million dollar camp I was telling you about, ya there is 2 people (not counting security) staying there at the moment... ( I think there is like 16-20 or so security over there guarding a 2 million dollar whole in the earth)
Happy Independence Day
I thought the title was fitting considering my current locale and the reason for being here. We are trying to make yet another country independent for the good of the people. You know its times like this when I think to a good ole saying, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions". I truly believe in the general good outcome of our actions here in Iraq although we sure did go about it the wrong way. The bomb them back to an even less civilized state than they were before and them spend Billions rebuilding what we blew up for the sake of the Iraqi people. I fully believe that the people here doing the work are righteous individuals (for the most part) and care about the good of man, on the other had I thing that there are unqualified and ignorant individuals (especially in our case) that make the task harder than the job itself. In all my years in my field I have never seen a bigger mess in all my life and sadly this is the smallest operation I have ever worked on. Not to mention the sanctity of life is at the bottom of the list of concerns when it comes to the managers.
Well it is what it is and until we get someone that actually understands what we do around here. Would you hire a electrician to do the plumbing in your house and then complain when every time you flush the toilet leaks and the light flickers. No and that is our dilemma in a nut shell, we have some people here that think more when they are asleep than when they are awake (scary). So yet another day another dollar and I forget the day of the week and so on so fourth (get it). However I have not forgotten the face that I will be leaving here in 13 days... That's easy...
K out
Well it is what it is and until we get someone that actually understands what we do around here. Would you hire a electrician to do the plumbing in your house and then complain when every time you flush the toilet leaks and the light flickers. No and that is our dilemma in a nut shell, we have some people here that think more when they are asleep than when they are awake (scary). So yet another day another dollar and I forget the day of the week and so on so fourth (get it). However I have not forgotten the face that I will be leaving here in 13 days... That's easy...
K out
Sunday, July 03, 2005
72 Days Down 14 to go
Well not much has changed we still have an idiot running the joint and some people still don't know how to bathe properly, but other than that the bombs are still in the distant and the mosquitoes are down to a minimum. Not to mention we have had power outages everyday for the last 2 weeks and now we have a water shortage (Just gives those that rarely use it an excuse). To think that what gets to me the most while I am in "IRAQ" is someone's lack of care for personal hygiene. Not a mortar flying over my head of a carbomb, but the stench that I am subjected to on a daily basis.
On another note the population has grown by 7 now just over night. The dog that has been around has just had puppies and she had a very large litter for such a small dog. She actually had 9 pups, but 2 were dead which is a surprise considering how rough the conditions here are on animals. There are something to brighten up the day I will say that much, but it has been said that we aren't going to keep any of them. That would be depressing, cause I wouldn't mind having one of the little buggers. Would keep me in a better mood that's for sure. We will see there is still 5 weeks till that decision has to be made. I will get familiar with the lil tykes while I'm still here for the next 2 weeks.
See it worked talking about pups, Anger subsided... LOL
K3
Love Ya, mean it
On another note the population has grown by 7 now just over night. The dog that has been around has just had puppies and she had a very large litter for such a small dog. She actually had 9 pups, but 2 were dead which is a surprise considering how rough the conditions here are on animals. There are something to brighten up the day I will say that much, but it has been said that we aren't going to keep any of them. That would be depressing, cause I wouldn't mind having one of the little buggers. Would keep me in a better mood that's for sure. We will see there is still 5 weeks till that decision has to be made. I will get familiar with the lil tykes while I'm still here for the next 2 weeks.
See it worked talking about pups, Anger subsided... LOL
K3
Love Ya, mean it
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