Week 11?

Status quo.  The weather is definitely warming up. Got up to 90 the other day. The worst part is the dust!  Everyone from our company has now transitioned from the tents to permanent housing out here in "Civcity".  Accomodations are actually pretty good. Dining and PX is about a mile away.  I thought ahead and purchased a fridg and microwave so dinner is minutes away.  Living on a steady diet of soup, mac/cheese, and stew.

I am of course ramping up for my CISSP in Dubai next month.  There will be a sense of relief when that is over.  Soon enough, I will be home for R&R.  Looking forward to that!

Above are pictures drawn by school children and sent to the Marines here.

The morning walk to work. The tower in the far distance is work.

The scenic view from the "smoke pit"

Week 6? Losing count

   Again, internet connectivity is horrible.  Things are going well. I have moved into my can, and have settled in. The walk to work is longer but excercise is good right? Here are a few pics. I will try to to add info and captions later.  To those of you who stay in touch and help my family while I am away, thank you..  For those who don't: You know what to do....


  For those of you who forget that soldiers are still dting over here. Take a moment and pray for the families of these brave soldiers:

              Sgt. Matthew J. Deyoung, 26, of Talent, Ore., died Feb. 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Staff Sgt. Bradley C. Hart, 25, of Perrysburg, Ohio died February 17 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa, of injuries sustained in a non combat incident.  He was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            Lance Cpl. Andrew P. Carpenter, 27, of Columbia, Tenn., died Feb. 19 of wounds received Feb. 14 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Sgt. Robert C. Sisson Jr., 29, of Aliquippa, Pa., died Feb. 21 in Kandahar district, Afghanistan, in a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.  

1st Lt. Daren M. Hidalgo, 24, of Waukesha, Wis., died Feb. 20 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany. 

            Cpl. Johnathan W. Taylor, 23, of Homosassa, Fla., died Feb. 22 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Staff Sgt. Jerome Firtamag, 29, of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, was medically evacuated from Kandahar, Afghanistan, to the United States on Dec. 1, 2010, for treatment of a non-combat related illness.  He died Feb. 24 in Pembroke, Ky.  Firtamag was assigned to the 96th Combat Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

              Spc. Andrew C. Wilfahrt, 31, of Rosemount, Minn., died Feb. 27, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 504th Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2011 - Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving American World War I veteran, died yesterday at his West Virginia home. He was 110.

               Spc. Brian Tabada, 21, of Las Vegas, Nev., died Feb. 27, in Konar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire and a rocket propelled grenade.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky

Sgt. Kristopher J. Gould, 25, of Saginaw, Mich., died Feb. 27, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Ky.

              Pfc. David R. Fahey Jr., 23, of Norwalk, Conn., died Feb. 28, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash

Another day...

Things are going well. The rain has stopped and the sun is out. My daily routine is falling into place.  Word has it that we will be moving to cans next week!  Starting back on my excercise program, and I was so sore this morning I could barely walk..  I do feel better though.

Week Four...

   The time seems to be going by quickly for some reason.  Making the adjustment from home to here is somewhat drastic, and takes a while to acclimate.  Getting into a routine is a must. I was trying to add pictures, but posting to this blog has taken me almost 30 minutes due to the crappy internet connection. F^&K!!

Here is how my day starts.

Step one: 0500

Step two:



Step three:

The showers are labeled "Navy Only", so I whistle "Anchors Away" while showering

Step four:

Then it is usually time for lunch.



Week three...

   My apologies for the delay in posting.

  After a few weeks of acclamation and awaiting orders for my final assignment, all is well.  I have found a home and can now begin to get myself into a routine.  The weather lately has been a mix of rain and sunny skies.  We all know what is coming though...

  My day began at 0500 awakening to "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" running through my head.  This of course made me think of my friend and brother who lost a brave battle with cancer years ago. I still miss and love ya!  Anyway, just about every day for the last nine years I awake to a different tune every day.  "Puppy Love" came to me the other day.  This is beginning to make me question my sanity...

   Al in all, things are well. In a few weeks we are supposed to move to "Civ City".  Permanent housing with some enhanced privacy. I am picking out drapes and carpet...  I can put a room together you know.

   Well, have to go. Just wanted to take this window of opportunity (when the internet is up) to post.  I love and miss you all. 

Travel Tips for First Timers

  For those of you who may be visiting this blog looking for information about what it is like over here, and what to expect, here you go.  This is not an all inclusive list - but is based what my experience has been.

   The number one most important thing to remember before you deploy, or are considering to deploy here is:  You are doing this voluntarily, and you are going to live in what can be described as primitive conditions.

   This is the rule, not the exception.  I can only talk about deployments to Afghanistan.  I have never been to other theaters such as Iraq, Africa, etc.  The living conditions depend on what camp or FOB (forward operating base) you will live on.  Some are better than others. Some provide hard buildings or "cans".  Most likely you will live in a tent with other folks.  Military and civilians usually do not live together.  But do not expect a "private" living area.  The only thing that may affect this is if you are a high ranking civilian or your company provides such living arrangements.  Be sure to bring a good supply of ear plugs!  They are cheap and light. 

   Do not bring more than what you need.  Remember, you have to hump this shit around with you every time you move. Remember, it gets very cold and VERY hot here. Most things you can buy here if you choose to. Actually, you can get everything you need here.

  I carry a backpack that contains "irreplacable" stuff with me at all times.  This bag contains my laptop, all important papers (make copies of everything!), external drives, medicines, and one change of clothes.  Your duffle bag contains everything else.  This is in case it gets lost which can happen.  I wrap my duffle with bright red or yellow duct tap with my name. This makes it easy to indentify.  Be sure to buy small key locks to lock your bags! 

   Take $200-300 cash with you. Some places only take cash.  Unless you want to pay through the nose for cell service, turn off your service from the states after you get here. T-Mobile for example will let me turn off my services and only pay $9.95 a month to keep my number.  Better than paying $80-100 a month for something you will not use.  There are a few options for phone service here. They are basicially pre-paid SIM cards you can buy minutes for.  Some phones may need to be unlocked in order to use a new SIM.

   As far as your electronic gear goes -  If you are bringing a laptop, I highly recommend you purchase an additional battery, power supply, and replacement drive.  Replacement drives usually come with imaging or copying software so that you can make an exact duplicate.  In the event your drive fails, you can simply swap the drive out without having to reload your OS.  If you are running windows 7, create recovery disks.  Be sure to bring a couple of external USB drives as well and make copies of your data.  Download all the music and movies you think you will need.  Internet access here is intermittent, slow, and sometimes non existent.  Update you OS and any programs you have. Store any installation files you may need on your external drives as well.  Internet speed here can be 2k. Do the math...

  If once you get here and you feel the need to bitch about your Wifi connection or your slow internet, complain to the soldiers out on missions and see what happens...  Don't do it!  Remember, you are here to support the troops, not the other way around.  Be courteous and show respect to the fighting men and women here. Chances are, they will reciprocate.

Home Sweet Home

   Finally made it to Leatherneck. The first few days were a little rough - no sleep, general confusion, etc.  I have since located all the important landmarks such as: The DFAC, showers, PX, and bathrooms.  I will continue to explore the base as time goes by.  The weather this time of year is temperate. 20-30 degrees at night, 50-60 degrees during the day.  As the spring and summer months approach, I have been assured it will get worse.

   I digress.  Don't let the outside appearance of my humble abode fool you.  Inconspicuously hidden within these walls can only be compared to the finest of villas located in such places as Maui and the Camman islands.  A temperature controlled environment coupled with ammenities such as: A king size Tempurpedic bed, jacuzzi, 50" HD TV, full kitchen and wet bar.  Life could not be better..

   All of a sudden I awoke only to face the reality of my situation:

  Not too bad. I have all of the basics. Bed, fridge, fan, electricity.  As time goes on i will of course install a mirror ball and a world class sound system.  I will buy a "let's get physical" headband from Ebay and dance to the sounds of the Bee Gees... 

Ali Al Salem

Seems like Dejavu.. Wasn't I here before?  Looks the same, and smells the same.  I want to thank Cpl and Gunny for getting me here and helping me get squared away. Oorah!

Lack of sleep is the order of the day. After getting my gear, and finally able to lay down to sleep, I managed to get about three hours before waking up and wondering where the hell I was. Oh yeah, I signed on for another tour! With that in mind, I tossed and turned hoping to go back to sleep to no avail. My first quest was for that morning cup of java (at 0300).  Seems like forever and a day has passed since then (it is now 1100). Waiting on my flight orders to reach my final destination. 

Mornings here are a bit brisk (25-30 degrees) but gradually warms to a balmy 45 degrees throughout the day.  That's about it for now. Going to grab some lunch and see if I can get out of here today. Just looking forward to getting on my FOB and settling in.

It's official

I have met all of my prerequisites. Will be leaving soon. I thank all of you for your support last year, and look forward to your continuing support this year. I will try and post as often as I can along my journey.

Going back to the desert and the war....

Well, here we all are a year later. For some of us it seems like Deja Vu.  Looks like a very good certainty I will be headed back to the sand. Different place this time. Hope all of those who followed in the past will continue to follow.. Thank you for your support in the past and the coming days ahead. It means much more than I can say...

I will update this post as best I can along my journey.

Father's Day

We were pleased to have Rob home for Father's Day.  He was planning on being here for his vacation anyway, we just got to have him home 3 weeks early.  Even though is still feeling not so good, it is good to have him in the good ole' United States for treatment.  We should know more after his tests that will be run on the 30th of this month.  We thought of those dads over in Afghanistan and Iraq that were not able to be with their families.  Keep sending good vibes and saying those prayers.

Lisa

Memorial Day

Take pause today and thank all of those who have made sacrifices to protect and defend our freedom. This means (among many other things) being able to spend time with family and friends without worrying about being killed by an IED or rocket attack. Thank everyone you see who has served our country. It means a lot to them.

Made it home

Finally made it home. It has taken a few days to adjust to the time change, clean air, and quiet. It is nice to be home with family and friends. I will be seeing a doctor here next week for further evaluation on my condition. My prayers are still with those over there serving our country. Stay safe!

Leaving Salerno

Feeling like crap being transported to Bagram, then on to Landstuhl http://www.healthcare.hqusareur.army.mil/landstuhl/index.cfm for additional treatment. I somehow developed an abdominal infection which could be potentially life threatening. Very bummed out about it! I do want to thank all of the medical personnel who took good care of me throughout the entire process. Army, Navy, Marine (Semper Fi!), and Air Force. You are awesome! I managed to hit Bagram when the base was attacked right next to where we were housed. My prayers are with those soldiers who were wounded. I want everyone to know that there are brave soldiers here fighting this god forsaken "war". Let's not forget all of the civilian contractors who are putting their lives on the line as well. My hats off to all of the personnel at Landstuhl hospital! You take excellent care of our fighting men and women. My special thanks to Lt. Blair! You were so kind and made my stay bearable. Also, thank you to the army specialist who helped me immensely by helping with transportation and carrying my bags for me. You sir, are a true soldier and gentleman.

I am now in Kelsterbach germany resting in a hotel awaiting my flight back to the states. I am feeling better but may need additional treatment when I get home. Whenever you see a soldier, stop and thank them for their service! It is not a fun time over here. They all make incredible sacrifices (the next time I hear someone bitch about their Mc Donalds order being screwed up or not getting something the way they want it, you better hope I am not there). They seem to be forgotten. If the politicians would let the soldiers do their jobs and fight this war we would be better off. Politicians have no business running a war, or government for that matter. Remember this when you go to vote next time. Your vote does count. America needs to get back to the basics and stop all of this "pc" bullshit. Terrorists are just that, terrorists! They are cowards.

Pondering the universe

Sitting outside work after the night shift. It is a beautiful day, starting with a beautiful sunrise. Off to my house to catch a few episodes of X-Files and sleep.

Hey SA

Picture of the great engineers I work with in front of the PAX. The guys to my left are CIA? We actually look more like a retro 70's rock band. Keep checking back for more pics...

Two months to go

   My apologies for not keeping up on the blog. My hours have now changed to nights. It has taken about a week to adjust. I like the night shift. It is quiet. I do work with a great bunch of guys (and gals) here. That does make the time pass..  Walking around the FOB at night is sometimes a little spooky though.

   Less than two months to go before I leave for vacation! Of course I cannot wait. The weather here lately has been a mixture of rain and very warm weather. The thunder storms here at night are spectacular.  Of course every time I try to catch them on video, they stop. I will keep trying though. Rocket attacks are becoming more frequent. I guess the enemy likes the warm weather.

   Other than that, it is life as usual. Trying to get in shape and lose another ten pounds. I want to thank everyone for  your support and sending me emails and packages. It really means a lot. Well that is it for now. I will try to post more pictures.

Some shots in Bagram

Haji working on the fob

Local nationals helping with a construction project

3 months down - 3 to go

Today is the 3 month mark since Rob left Boise.  We have 3 more to go until he gets to come home for vacation.  If you can't tell, I have been marking the days off the calendar. 

Lisa

Meeting the president

I was in Bagram for three days to take an CISSP exam. I had taken my exam that morning and was at the air terminal attempting to leave and get back to my FOB. As it so happens it also coincided with the President's surprise visit. After watching him live on TV in the air terminal, I decided to go to the DFAC (dining facility) to grab some late night chow and a cup of coffee (three days in a transient tent going on 10 hours of sleep over the course of three days).

To my surprise as I was eating I noticed a lot of secret service agents and the press in the DFAC. Sure enough, in walks the President 15 minutes later.  I just happen to be sitting in the area that was quarantined off. He walked through and personally spoke with everyone.  When it came my turn, I greeted him by saying "It is an honor to meet you Mr. President".  After giving him my name, he asked where I lived. I just happened to be wearing my Boise State shirt. I said to him "I just came here to get a grilled cheese sandwich, you didn't have to make a special trip to come see me". He thought that was quite humorous.

For those of you who will say BFD. We may or may not agree with his politics (I don't), as Americans we should respect the office. Remember, politicians get ELECTED.  We still live in the greatest country on earth. If you don't agree, move to Haiti.

I must have smelled like the south end of a northbound mule. Three days of living in a hot tent with 200+ men will do that.

He is photogenic, I am not. 

Back in Salerno

Thanks for the all the prayers and good wishes.  Rob made it back to his "home" safe and sound.  I think he very happy to be back in Salerno.

Lisa

Bagram

Rob made it safely to Bagram.  He said it is really hot and he is crammed into a tent, but he is there.  He said he was able to get some really good pictures while in flight so I am hoping they will be posted here next week sometime. 

Lisa

Big bugs

Check these bad boys out!  They appear larger than what they really are, but they are none the less nasty. They can move up to 10 mph! They also make a hell of a mess when you step on them.  Imagine waking up in the morning to find one staring you down...

Two Months Down - Four To Go

As of today, Rob has been gone 2 months.  Four more before he gets to come home for a very well deserved vacation.  Some days it feels like eternity.

Lisa

New Work Hours

FYI -- Rob has switched his work hours to 2:00 pm to 12:00 am.  From speaking with him, it appears to suit him better :)

Lisa

Using my spare time..

Studied for and passed two exams (SCNS, SCNP). Hoping to gain a Level III ranking with DOD. And also add zeroes to my salary. ITT is paying. You are never too old to learn.  It just takes longer. I will be flying to Baghram next month to take another exam. Wish me luck!

What we do for fun

Knife throwing

Lunch time

Yum, yum. Today is meatloaf and potatoes.

The dfac (dining facility)

Sunday on the FOB

Drinking plenty of water is essential

Sundays are different because I am used to working every day. My routine gets broken. I took my laundry in, and took a walk. There are still parts of the fob I have not seen. I will use my time to study and cleanup my house.

One Month Down - Five To Go

Well, as of today, Rob has been gone from Boise one month.  The countdown is on for the next five, when he can come home for a well deserved visit. 

Skyping

Finally, Rob and I were able to connect via Skype again!  I have spoken to him a couple times via telephone, but it usually just a quick check in and then he has to go.  This morning it was good to not only hear his voice, but get to see him again.  Morgan was also able to talk with him, but unfortunately he called when Ty had already left for school.  We obviously need to work on a schedule so we don't miss each others' calls.  He looked and sounded really good.  Yeah - thank you to whomever created Skype :) 

Lisa

A News Reporter's documentary during his time at FOB Salerno

I found this site while searching the internet regarding FOB Salerno.  I think it gives some good insight into the daily lives of the military and contractors living on the base.  The only thing I found incorrect is the time change.  He states that FOB Salerno is 8 and 1/2 hours ahead in time, but for those of us that live in MST it is an 11 and 1/2 hour time change - ahead.

http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/cultivating-afghanistan-a-day-on-fob-salerno/

Lisa

The food

The food here is actually pretty good. Although you will hear guys constantly complain. The selection is good with lots of variety, fresh fruits, juices, etc. One thing you want to stay away from is the macaroni and cheese. This is one of my favorite dishes when prepared properly. I had a helping yesterday for lunch along with a salad and chicken. Twenty minutes later, I felt as though I had eaten a soccer ball. It seemed to morph into something hard. A lot like when you mix epoxy together. It was equally as difficult to expel the next day.

My days are starting to become routine:
0500 wake up
0515 drink 2 cups of coffee (I bought a coffee maker)
0530 Nature call
0545 workout at the gym (the place is packed, pt is serious here)
0700 shower and get dressed
0715 Morning chow (eggs and ham, oatmeal, bannana, fruit, and juice)
0730 off to work
1300 Lunch
1800 Work day ends
1800-2100 watch movies, study, etc.

I am becoming more familiar with my duties here and have carved out some projects to keep me busy. Everyone is great to work with. Military and civilian alike. Very relaxed atmospere. No micromanagement. As long as you do your job, don't break security protocols, or take the network down, you have nothing to worry about. Fox news and the O'Reilly factor are favorites here.

Good night from FOB Salerno

My house 2

Living quarters are not bad. My personal space is 10x12x10. It consists of a bed, closet, and shelves. Internet access is $70/mo. Which is slower than molasses. But, it is a sat link. Better than nothing. Showers and latrine are about 100 yards away. At least I can hang my clothes up! Living out of a duffle bag sucks.