April 01, 2008
Out of McHenry
Well, Im out of the hot and dusty FOB McHenry and back at the big base in Kirkuk. Still not firm date on when Ill be flying home for OCS, but it should be anywhere from 1-2 weeks away.
Stay tuned.
Posted by TJ at 03:24 PM | Comments (3)
December 26, 2007
Xmas 2007
Hi everyone. I know some people have been coming here for info about me and I havent had anything. Well, there is still not much new or exciting but I wanted to come on an wish you all a merry Christmas. The dining facility here prepared a huge meal for us and there was more selection than we could ask for. Even at a smaller base, we have it pretty good when we think about it.
I hope you all have a good new year's celebration and Ill be back before you know it.
Posted by TJ at 04:57 PM | Comments (0)
May 27, 2007
What the press doesn't want you to know
Posted by TJ at 10:36 PM | Comments (1)
September 04, 2006
The AP Takes up the Crack Pipe
Great. According to the AP, members of al-Qaeda are "activists".
An American thought to be an al-Qaida activist appeared in a videotape with the terror group's deputy leader Saturday and called on his countrymen to convert to Islam and for U.S. soldiers to switch sides in the Iraq and Afghan wars.
Oh, and apparently someone who appears in a videotape with Ayman Zawahiri, promising to continue the bloodshed unless we all convert to Islam, is only "thought" to be affiliated with al-Qaeda?
Posted by TJ at 12:49 AM | Comments (0)
July 28, 2006
Home
A quick message to let you all know that I made it back to Ft Drum a couple nights ago.
I packed up my camera docking station, so I haven't been able to post a bunch of photos. I will get them up soon after it arrives.
Posted by TJ at 12:44 AM | Comments (3)
July 20, 2006
A Very Special Thank You
To the 5th grade class of Gilsum Elementary School in New Hampshire who sent in 24 complete packets for the school kids in Abu Ghraib, as well as 24 stuffed animals.
The children in the Gilsum 5th grade did chores around the house to earn money, collected Campbell soup labels and ordered colored pencils, and held a bake sale for two days in order to get enough money to buy the school supplies for the children. They have worked hard to help their fellow students in Iraq.
So thank yous go out to: Courtney, Drew, Jim, Amber, Keagan, Ashley, Fischer, Dallas, Brian, Kristin, Tesa, Jordan, Kelsey, Shawna, Teagan, Hunter, and the staff of Gilsum Elementary. (I apologize if I misspelled any names, or missed any of you.) I read all of your letters and I'm afraid I will be unable to reply to each of them since I am in the process of packing up to come home, but rest assured that your packages will be delivered if they have not already.
Anyone else who has been collecting supplies should hold off on sending them for the time being. We are working with the 2nd Brigade of 10th Mountain who will be comming here soon to take over where we left off. There is an address where you can send packages, but I do not have that yet. I will post it when I am able.
Thank you to everyone again who has helped make this program a success. It was so successful, in fact, that we distributed over 3000 sets of supplies not just to one school, but to school aged children all over Abu Ghraib, which is a large portion of northwest Baghdad.
For an explanation of the program, click here.
Posted by TJ at 07:05 PM | Comments (1)
July 16, 2006
Anonymous Poem
Posted by TJ at 02:53 PM | Comments (3)
July 02, 2006
Checking In
Just a quick note - connection hasnt been so great lately.
Still working on Abu Ghraib photos.
Got a brace on my right wrist. Either a sprain or a hairline fracture from falling (doctor really couldn't tell for sure, but its the same treatment). Figures though: I make it through 15-odd missions unscathed and I hurt myself crossing a ditch! A light coating of dust all over the ground makes for slippery surfaces and the dirt underneath is very hard. Nothing to worry about.
C boxes are all but gone. All I have with me now is that which I will mail and that which I will carry home.
I arranged a palace tour finally back on Slayer - I hope we can arrange a vehicle next Sunday before we get rid of them all.
Countdown to wheels up is getting low.
10,682 visits in June. Wow!
Posted by TJ at 09:18 PM | Comments (5)
June 24, 2006
Back at Liberty
Well, Im out of Abu Ghraib finally. The weather decided to be the hottest day so far when we had to break everything down and pack up - it hit 125. We managed to finish most stuff up by 2am and I went to bed to try and sleep for 3 hours before having to get up for final breakdown and the trip back to Liberty. Around 3am, the field artillery shot off a bunch of 105mm rounds. Since they fire those less than 100m from my bed, I got a little less than 2 hours sleep.
Now in the process of packing stuff up for the trip home. Long night ahead tomorrow with customs, so Im off to bed. Just wanted to check in.
Posted by TJ at 11:36 PM | Comments (1)
June 22, 2006
I scooped the Washington Post!
In tuesday's (21 June) op-ed section (free reg required), Mowaffak al Rubaie, Iraq's national security adviser writes:
There has been much talk about a withdrawal of U.S. and coalition troops from Iraq, but no defined timeline has yet been set. There is, however, an unofficial "road map" to foreign troop reductions that will eventually lead to total withdrawal of U.S. troops. This road map is based not just on a series of dates but, more important, on the achievement of set objectives for restoring security in Iraq.
On 16 June, I wrote:
I would be willing to bet my next month's pay that the powers that be do in fact have a timetable. More accurately, they probably have a few tentative timetables that hinge upon certain criteria being met.
Yeah, its an op-ed, but I still think its cool.
Posted by TJ at 11:33 PM | Comments (0)
June 21, 2006
Abu Ghraib 5k Race
I woke up early this morning to do the Abu Ghraib First Day of Summer 5k race. We started at 6am, but it was still pretty warm by the time we finished. Did ok, maybe 3rd or 4th for my age group. My recent soreness wasn't a problem, and a nagging groin pull may finally be gone.
I just wish they had had T-shirts.
Posted by TJ at 06:51 PM | Comments (0)
June 19, 2006
Heat
I don't know where Weather Underground takes its readings, but it is way hotter than 111 out there, I'd say by about 10 degrees. Ill find the official local temperature when I go to the gym.
UPDATE: Yeah, it hit at least 119 here and the highest I saw the wunderground temp was 113. It seems that the 6 or 7 time I have checked, they are consistently off by about 6-8 degrees, so I'm going to have my script add a few degrees - yeah, its a hack solution, but it is more accurate for where I am.
Posted by TJ at 02:36 PM | Comments (1)
June 16, 2006
Thank you, Mr. Murdoch
Thanks to Rupert Murdoch, we will be able to see the rest of team USA's World Cup matches. I went to the MWR center to watch the game vs the Czechs, but I guess I really didn't miss much.
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, whose media company owns Fox News, negotiated a deal with the World Cup TV rights holders to piggyback AFN onto a deal he has with one of his many properties, according to Pentagon spokesman Cmdr. Greg Hicks.
“FIFA World Cup 2006 Germany has allowed AFN limited distribution permission to allow coverage of remaining Team USA matches, the semifinals and the championship,” Hicks said.
The agreement, Hicks said, will permit AFN to telecast Team USA’s match against Italy on Saturday at 9 p.m. local time in Kaiserslautern. The team wraps up Group E play against Ghana on June 22 at 4 p.m. local time in Nuremburg. Game times are two hours later in Iraq, and 2½ hours later in Afghanistan.
The last 2 cups, I have had parties at my place. Last time I had both a native German and Brazilian. In '98 there were a few French people there from work. So I guess since I am here surrounded by multinational forces, the smart money is on either England, Italy, or Australia. or us...
*MWR = Morale, Welfare & Recreation
Posted by TJ at 07:24 PM | Comments (0)
Timetable
Why is it that opponents of the war are constantly calling for a timetable for withdrawal? This would be essentially telling the terrorists, "just wait until this date, then we will be gone and you can go back to raising hell."
I would be willing to bet my next month's pay that the powers that be do in fact have a timetable. More accurately, they probably have a few tentative timetables that hinge upon certain criteria being met. For example, the capture or death of certain terrorists known to be at large in the country (like the one removed last week); a critical mass of well-trained Iraqi army and police forces run by competent post-Saddam era officers and NCOs; stability of, and confidence in the new parliament; an increase in the safety the general public feels in turning over information about terrorists in their neighborhoods; and many more that I probably would never think of. These things are happening, folks, and its a generational change happening in just a few years. It may be messy, but it is still amazing to watch and an honor to be a part of.
Just like any long-term project, there is a timetable, but it evolves with the situation, and there is no way they can publicize it until after events play out.
Posted by TJ at 06:00 PM | Comments (0)
Zarqawi's useful idiots
Well, now that the media knows that al-Qaeda in Iraq's top priority to change the course of the war was to manipulate the press and use them to create public outrage against the military, I wonder if they will re-examine their coverage of the war.
1. To improve the image of the resistance in society, increase the number of supporters who are refusing occupation and show the clash of interest between society and the occupation and its collaborators. To use the media for spreading an effective and creative image of the resistance.
I won't hold my breath, I don't think I look very good with blue skin.
Now another terrorist group has appointed a media spokesman.
Posted by TJ at 09:41 AM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2006
LA Times editorial about media bias in military coverage
Author Frank Schaeffer has an opinion piece in the LA Times about why, in general, military members don't like the main stream media and uses the Haditha indicent to illustrate his point. He asks why the awarding of a Navy Cross doesn't merit the kind of coverage as the self-congratulating Oscars.
However, if the "chattering classes" ever wonder why those of us in the military family sometimes bitterly resent the media, they need look no further than the "Haditha story." What bothers me is that I haven't seen one recent story dedicated to the heroism of our troops given such consistent prominence in The Times or other leading papers. Nor have I read a front-page headline about a military medal ceremony and the story behind it, although every year I see front-page treatment in The Times of who wins the Oscars.
Apparently some awards are more equal than others — say, for being a supporting actress in a forgettable movie rather than risking one's life to save a group of Iraqi children.
If there is such a thing as "anti-military media bias," it is not in how stories are reported. It is in what stories are ignored and the editorial "values" implicit in those daily choices.
Emphasis mine. I don't quite agree with that last sentence because if it turns out that Haditha was a fabrication of the type that was Jenin in the West Bank, it clearly would show a bias of "how" and not just "what". Mudville Gazette is the clearninghouse for information about Haditha, and there is just too much to try and reprint here.
I have no problem with reporting on the military's occasional failures. But it's unfair and out of context when, at the same time, editors at our best papers ignore much more routine acts of individual heroism that balance this grim picture. The Times should help us be as proud of our heroes as we are disappointed by those very few who dishonor us.
Well, they used to be our best papers, but I do give the Times credit for priting this op-ed. Many others, and I can think of one in particular which shares its moniker, would have left it out entirely.
It is also worth mentioning that even if these Marines do turn out to be guilty, they would still represent a miniscule fraction of our armed forces, and that they will be punnished. Contrast that with our enemies, who go out of their way to maximize civilian casualties as standard operating procedure.
Posted by TJ at 01:39 PM | Comments (1)
June 12, 2006
Magic Dust
This is pretty cool, although I've never heard of the stuff before - then again, I'm a linguist.
For the last ten years, development of "smart dust" has moved right along. "Smart Dust" is basically very miniaturized electronic devices. This is similar to stuff like RFID, smart cards, EZ Pass and those rice grain size tracking devices you can have injected into your pets. But Smart Dust takes this all to a new level by being small enough to be disguised as dirt, the kind you can pick up in your shoes or clothing. Each bit of Smart Dust can be given a unique serial number that, when hit with an "interrogation signal" from troops on the ground, or aircraft overhead, is broadcast back. Some forms of Smart Dust are believed to be in use in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's also believed that Smart Dust played a role in the recent death of al Qaeda leader Abu Musab al Zarqawi. In this case, if someone were able to sprinkle some Smart Dust on Zarqawi's clothing, it would have been a simple matter to track him with great precision.
The last part is the best:
Iraqis have already heard of this stuff, but regard it more as "magic dust." Iraqis have a tendency to exaggerate American capabilities, especially when it comes to technology. But U.S. troops have learned to use this exaggerated reputation to their advantage, threatening Iraqis with magical capabilities that don't exist. That often works, just like smart dust.
So chalk up another magical power for me. My other powers include:
X-ray vision, courtesy of my government issued wrap-around sunglasses.
The ability to steralize males with a red-dot laser.
A cooling system in my armor that keeps me cool, because us decadent westerners normally keel over and die in the summer desert heat.
You can shoot me in the face and I will keep going. (This one is from an AIT instructor who was here in 2003. A soldier in the 101st was shot and the bullet lodged in his upper jaw, but he didn't realize that until later. The guy who shot him absolutely freaked out.)
If only it were true.
Posted by TJ at 09:22 AM | Comments (0)
June 08, 2006
YES!
Posted by TJ at 04:10 PM | Comments (1)
June 06, 2006
The Real Iraq
For anyone who has ever written me an email asking about what its really like over here, this is a must read.
Amir Taheri is the former executive editor of Kayhan, Iran's largest daily newspaper. He first visited Iraq in 1958, so I would hazzard to guess that he knows a little more about a country than our press barely knew existed before August 1990. However, he does understand many of the logistical and political problems that go into covering such a large topic.
It would be hard indeed for the average interested citizen to find out on his own just how grossly this image distorts the realities of present-day Iraq. Part of the problem, faced by even the most well-meaning news organizations, is the difficulty of covering so large and complex a subject; naturally, in such circumstances, sensational items rise to the top.
...
To make matters worse, many of the newsmen, pundits, and commentators on whom American viewers and readers rely to describe the situation have been contaminated by the increasing bitterness of American politics. Clearly there are those in the media and the think tanks who wish the Iraq enterprise to end in tragedy, as a just comeuppance for George W. Bush. Others, prompted by noble sentiment, so abhor the idea of war that they would banish it from human discourse before admitting that, in some circumstaces, military power can be used in support of a good cause. But whatever the reason, the half-truths and outright misinformation that now function as conventional wisdom have gravely disserved the American people.
He focuses on four details that I have never seen mentioned in any American analysis of the situation in Iraq (from the right, or the left):
1) 1.2 million refugees have returned to Iraq.
2) Religious pilgrims traveling to the holy Shiite shrines in Karbala and Najaf were almost non-existant from 1991 to 2003. In 2005, more pilgrims travelled to these two sites than Mecca and Medina.
3) The value of the Iraqi dinar has stablized and is growing with respect to other regional currencies, as well as internationally, although he admits that value is still difficult to determine.
4) Small and medium sized businesses in the private sector are flourishing. The economy is doing amazingly well. Doubling GDP in 1 year, inflation falling from 70% to 25%, unemployment falling from 60% to 30%.
These 4 are elaborated, and he goes into a lot of useful history, for example how to compare today's Iraq with its original constitutional monarchy.
He offers up 3 reasons why the US-lead multinational forces need to stay the course:
1) To discourage Iran and Syria.
2) To act as an arbiter (he says "traffic cop") between various factions until they learn that discussion and compromise are the most effective way to settle differences in a parliamentary democracy.
3) Complete the training of Iraq's new army and police.
I'm not going to go into much more detail because if you have read this far into my post, you are probably willing to read the entire piece, so please do. I will quote his conclusion because I believe he is correct:
Is Iraq a quagmire, a disaster, a failure? Certainly not; none of the above. Of all the adjectives used by skeptics and critics to describe today’s Iraq, the only one that has a ring of truth is “messy.” Yes, the situation in Iraq today is messy. Births always are. Since when is that a reason to declare a baby unworthy of life?
Posted by TJ at 05:47 PM | Comments (0)
May 28, 2006
Temperature
It is starting to get hot, so I just added a Weather channel tool to the bottom of the menu bar on the left for the curious.
Posted by TJ at 04:54 PM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2006
Mission #?
Had a mission today with an infantry patrol. I've lost count at this point - they don't correspond with the numbers of my headings here any more - I've been on more than 7...
Nothing special but I saw a disturbingly graphic statue in front of a mosque - and it depicted a human head, which is curious since that is supposedly forbidden in Islam. I asked around and some thought it had to be Shia, and either Ali or Hussein; others said he had to be Sunna. So I don't know.
Posted by TJ at 08:09 PM | Comments (0)
May 08, 2006
Everyone is fine here
The Chinook crash that has a few people worried did involve Ft Drum soldiers, but not any from my brigade. It happened in Afghanistan, about 1000 miles from here, so there is no need to worry.
Posted by TJ at 09:54 PM | Comments (1)
May 02, 2006
No less honor among today's servicemembers
I was reading a story today in the Stars and Stripes, our "local" newspaper about a Marine who is being honored with the Navy Cross and a promotion to Sergeant Major for his actions on the battlefield. The Navy Cross is the 2nd highest honor awarded by the Navy for valor. I will try to find the article and link it, or if not, get a copy of the paper and type in what he did. However, he managed to save a bunch of lives while being shot 7 times, and having embedded in him 40 pieces of shrapnel. He has also endured over 20 surgeries in his recovery process. I was simply amazed at what this man did and it got me thinking: what exactly does it take to win the Medal of Honor? According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website, 3460 have been awarded since it was established on July 14, 1862. One has been awarded to the current Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Enduring Freedom campaign in Iraq and Afghanistan: Army Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith. Follow the link to read his citation. Then pick your jaw up off the floor and hit the back key to return here. There are 113 medal recipients still alive today: 38 from WWII, 15 from Korea, and 60 from Vietnam. Many, many more were awarded. It has been 4 1/2 years since we began in Afghanistan and only 1 medal? I could not believe that the actions of some of today's soldiers have not equalled those of the past, when it dawned on me that the probable answer to my question was politics. Those that do the fighting have not changed; those that judge the fighting have. A Medal of Honor recipient today would be an instant celebrity. They would become a permanent cable news fixture on any topic related to the military. As we saw in the last election, they would be invited to political conventions and appear in commercials. They would get book and movie deals. But then there would also be the complaints based in political correctness. I do not want to get into details but I feel that the medal would become something totally different than for what it was intended: to honor those who have demonstrated unmatched valor while disregarding extreme danger to themselves. From what I understand, there must be at least 2 witnesses to the action. It must also be above and beyond the call of duty to such an extent that had the individual not taken their actions, there would have been no professional consequences or shame to bear. It may just be that investigations are under way and the military wants to be 100% sure before setting off the inevitable media and political circus. However, I do not feel that is the case; I think the military has decided that if it is at all possible, they will do what they can to avoid this situation. Is that a bad thing? Yes. The real question is does it outweigh the dishonor that the award would receive in today's public arena? I don't think so because but I think that any soldier, sailor, airman, or marine who could be thusly honored, would not allow that to happen. People that deserve the award should get the award, and the next generation needs their heroes. Sadly, there was also a recent article in the paper which pointed out that there are fewer Medal of Honor recipients alive today than there are those who fraudulently claim to be. So here is my prediction: except for those awarded decades after the decorated action, we will never again see a non-posthumous Medal of Honor. What do you think? Take the poll and leave a comment. |
Posted by TJ at 09:08 PM | Comments (2)
April 27, 2006
Spiders
Im back at Camp Slayer from the month in Abu Ghraib and happy about it. Ill be going there again for another month in about a month.. Had to go to the medic to get an insect bite checked out. He figured it was a spider and he could see the 2 holes from the fangs, which I hadnt noticed. Anyway, later that night I found 4 other bites on the same arm - guess this guy was hungry! Not serious, though. They just itch alot.
Posted by TJ at 08:49 AM | Comments (0)
April 21, 2006
That was *my* analogy!
From one of my 3 daily cartoon stops: Day by Day Cartoon. (along with Dilbert and Cox and Forkum)
Posted by TJ at 09:18 AM | Comments (0)
April 15, 2006
Abu Ghraib Update
Wow. Time flies when you're not doing much I guess. I didn't realize that it has been 2 weeks since my last post. Abu Ghraib is pretty boring for me. A small post about a 20 minute drive from where I was. I work 12 hours per day, try to PT for an hour each day, and usually watch movies and read alot. Outside is full armor, even to go to chow. So this is pretty much an "Im alive and well" post. Hope everyone is well.
Thats. About. It.
Posted by TJ at 08:36 PM | Comments (1)
April 01, 2006
Abu Ghraib
Checking in to say that Im spending some time at Abu Ghraib. Working 3am-3pm so the times aren't very good for call the US either. Hopefully I will be able to get Internet access without going to the cafe, but until then, my time will be limited.
Posted by TJ at 03:47 PM | Comments (2)
March 28, 2006
Thank You VI
Packages for the Abu Ghraib elementary school children arrived from:
Eileen Zaleski, Philadelphia, PA
Deb, CA. The Yankeemom. Sorry, Deb, I misplaced your town information.
Thank you all.
For an explanation of the program, click here.
Posted by TJ at 02:14 AM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2006
Mission #6
Today's mission was the best yet: short, quiet, fun, and nobody got hurt. Quite the contrary, actually, as it was a medical mission. We went out with a bunch of medics and basically had a clinic in a small village where everyone could come and get checked out, and get medicine if needed. Not a medic myself, I was away from that area, but talked with a bunch of kids ranging from around ages 3-18. Wow, does my spoken Arabic need work! But after a while, I was having a better time understanding them. A lot of the school supply kits were passed out, and I have a bunch of photos (one kid asked me to give him my camera :) which I will put up later. Im exhausted and have lunch duty tomorrow so Im off to bed. Will upload and edit them down soon.
As a future note, if anyone is sending packages for the kids, soccer balls were constantly being asked for. I guess the best would be a flattened ball and one of those little hand pumps.
Posted by TJ at 09:17 PM | Comments (3)
March 08, 2006
Back in Baghdad
Im back in Baghdad. Arrived a couple nights ago. Only 1 flight this time direct on a Chinook. Not nearly as smooth a ride.
Had another mission today - boring once again. A few photos will be up in the next couple days.
Posted by TJ at 09:24 PM | Comments (1)
March 05, 2006
Balad
Yesterday was one of those cool days. Got up and went to the company to get our new M4s, and I don't mean we just turned in our M16s and got replacement weapons. They gave us unopend boxes. So now we have lighter and shorter weapons that are easier to use in an urban environment, which also don't give up much range.
Then we headed to the range to zero and qualify. It took 6 shots to see where my rounds were going - they were so far off center that only 1 barely grazed the 8 1/2 x 11 paper target. Managed to zero the sight with 12 more rounds and went to qualify. 34/40. Not bad considering I have shot since Kuwait, and that was only 6 rounds.
The temperature is starting to rise again, so I was pretty soaked with sweat - we had to wear all of our protective equipment to the range. I drove the company's John Deere Gator ATV back to Slayer and back. It only goes about 15 mph, and the trip took about an hour, but it was fun bouncing around in a 4-wheeler for a while.
Finally, I was dropped off at the heloport for a trip to Balad, which is about 40 miles north of Baghdad. That is the closest hospital that has the necessary equipment for the hearding test that is required for my officer candidate school physical. 5 hops in a blackhawk (my first ever) that took a total of about 3 hours. We stopped in some unknown base for dinner, then, from what I overheard, so I may be wrong, Taji and Fallujah, for quick drop-offs and pick-ups.
I will probably be here for a couple days and will post some more photos when I get back to Slayer.
Posted by TJ at 10:35 AM | Comments (3)
February 14, 2006
Valentine's Day
I just got back from the dining facility for lunch. They put red covers on all the flourescent lights, turned off the TVs and had love songs playing on the sound system. Endless Love was playing when I walked in and all I could think of was the ice rink scene in Happy Gilmore when he says, "What!? Friends listen to Endless Love in the dark!"
UPDATE: So guess what is playing on the sound system when I walk into dinner tonight? That's it: Endless Love!
Posted by TJ at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)
February 13, 2006
Mud Angels
I took a run today and finally remembered to bring my camera along to photograph alot of the murals that are still around on walls where (I believe), Iraqi troops were quartered. I will be doing some translating and posting them soon.
In the meantime, enjoy these photos. This PFC took the catsup-eating type experience to a whole new level.
Posted by TJ at 09:30 PM | Comments (1)
February 06, 2006
Thank You V
Packages for the Abu Ghraib elementary school children arrived from:
Deborah Tuttelman - El Cerrito, CA
Tom Buttrick & Val VanMeier - Nelson, NH (BCT Dad and Step-mom)
and a huge box from a group of employees of Levi Strauss & Co in San Francisco:
Jo Camacho
Sanjiv Chawla
Valerie Cornelious
Carol Doré
Beth Perot
Thank you all.
For an explanation of the program, click here.
Posted by TJ at 01:28 PM | Comments (0)
Super Bowl
For the first time in since San Francisco beat Miami, I won't be watching the Super Bowl. Not that I don't think it will be worth it, I just don't want to get up for a 0400 kickoff between 2 teams I really don't care about, especially now that its almost 0200. I am pulling for Seattle, though, because their history was alot like New England's before the 2001 season: mostly bad with some frustrating flirtations with success.
I also just finished Alias season 4. I can't believe they ended it the way they did...ARGH!!! Next up: Battlestar Galactica Season 1 & 2 (the new series).
Posted by TJ at 01:49 AM | Comments (0)
February 03, 2006
Rain rain rain
It has been raining now for over 12 hours. Here are a couple photos from outside our work from a light rain that we had had 2 days prior. I can't imagine what it will look like up there tonight.
Posted by TJ at 01:35 PM | Comments (0)
Hollywood stars lose their heads
I realize Gary Busey suffered brain damage in a motorcycle accident, but what the hell is wrong with Billy Zane?
In the most expensive Turkish movie ever made, American soldiers in Iraq crash a wedding and pump a little boy full of lead in front of his mother.
They kill dozens of innocent people with random machine gun fire, shoot the groom in the head, and drag those left alive to Abu Ghraib prison - where a Jewish doctor cuts out their organs, which he sells to rich people in New York, London and Tel Aviv.
So Billy Zane and Gary Busey think I am a baby killer, and they have no problem being in a movie with a blatant anti-semitic theme. That's fine. They have the right. I also have the right to never again spend my money on one of these sick bastards' movies...
Posted by TJ at 01:15 PM | Comments (2)
January 30, 2006
Thank you IV
Packages for the Abu Ghraib elementary school children arrived from:
Harold & Peggy Buttrick - Atkinson, NH
David O'Haire - San Francisco, CA
Sharon Oliver - Munsonville, NH
Cathy Russell - Atkinson, NH
Robin Seabury - Mt Pleasant, SC
Martin Warden - Phoenix, AZ (hope I read the name right)
Thank you all.
For an explanation of the program, click here.
Posted by TJ at 01:18 PM | Comments (0)
January 24, 2006
Dish
Ive purchased a dish and should have it here and running during the first days of February. Then I have a backlog of photos to post.
Also just finished all 7 seasons of Star Trek Voyager. It definately killed a lot of time - almost 3 months.
Posted by TJ at 09:59 AM | Comments (1)
January 16, 2006
Still here
Just a quick note to let you all know Im still here and kicking. My provider is still trying to figure out what the problem is, but Ive made arrangements to possibly get my own dish in a couple weeks. One way or the other, I will be able to access with my own computer and update more frequently and get photos up, etc.
Went out again yesterday and the mission was boring and quiet - just like I hoped. Ill post more on it when I can.
Posted by TJ at 12:46 PM | Comments (1)
January 11, 2006
Mud
I guess we have entered the rainy season finally. The other night it rained pretty steadily for a few hours. The mud created is simply incredible. The soil here is more accurately described as dust on top of dirt. Even with just a light mist, it sticks to your boots and after taking 4 or 5 steps, you have a few pounds of extra weight on each foot - it even picks up the golf-ball sized gravel we have around to help with that very problem. After more signficant rains, like and inch or two, the clay-consistent mud actually blocks more water from seeping into the ground below and there are lakes everywhere. The other day, we had to inventory some equipment and our storage bin had a 6-inch deep mini-lake right in front of it. It took 2 days for my boots to dry.
I must say that it is fun to drive the humvee through it though :)
Posted by TJ at 11:27 AM | Comments (1)
January 01, 2006
Thank you III
Packages for the Abu Ghraib elementary school children arrived from:
Ameesh Mojaria - Boston, MA
Chrissy Stengal - Boston, MA
Tim Trampedach - Boston, MA
Adrian Weissman - Boston, MA
Josh Weissman - Boston, MA
Thank you all.
For an explanation of the program, click here.
Posted by TJ at 09:47 PM | Comments (1)
December 28, 2005
Thank you II
Packages for the Abu Ghraib elementary school children arrived from:
Myna Proal, The Basic Training Mom - Durham, NH
Brenda and Pete de Silvio - Sanbornville, NH
David Attanasio - New York, NY
Thank you all.
For an explanation of the program, click here.
Posted by TJ at 02:39 PM | Comments (1)
December 18, 2005
Dont like the sound of this
Porphyrogenitus writes about the 4th Infantry Division'g attitude on milbloggers:
When we were prepping for deployment, all the
leadership were given various briefings on security matters. One was on blogs, and the danger they pose. Now, I get security issues - obviously you don't want people posting sensitive information, that might affect a mission. But our leadership at least came back from the briefing with the sense that virtually nothing should be said in a Blog - "let people read about it in the news. If you want to talk about stuff, tell your family you're fine and all but don't talk about anything, they can watch the news or read it in the papers."
Normally, this wouldn't affect me much, but my Brigade is currently attached to the 3rd ID, which is going to be replaced soon by the 4th. My current units here are much more accepting of writing here and the Corps has a policy of reviewing sites every quarter to make sure nothing is posted that should not be. Since Corps is above Division, I wouldn't expect the policy to change; however, it is the lower-echelons that one deals day-to-day.
I wholeheartedly agree with him in his final analysis on warblogs vis-a-vis the information portal to the homefront:
Milbloggers, in my non-humble opinion, have done more for the war effort and more to correct misleading reports than the entire Army Public Affairs Branch has (note: this is not a slam on them, but praise for the MilBlog community). The Army should be encouraging troops to give *more* information on their first-hand impressions and how things are going, not less. "Winning the War" begins at home - we're not going to be defeated here, but may have to pull out because of people's impressions at home, which in my opinion seem to be shaped by misleading reports of what the overall picture here is.
BTW, James, welcome to Baghdad and Camp Liberty!
Posted by TJ at 07:52 PM | Comments (3)
Thank You I
Sundays, I will be posting a thank you note to those people whose school supply packages arrived during the week. If you sent one and I dont post your name eventually, it is possible that it got pulled aside in the delivery process - that was why I had people write the "ATTN: Elementary School Collection" on the address - but it seems most will be comming to me first.
If you are new here, click here for more information.
Posted by TJ at 05:22 PM | Comments (1)
December 15, 2005
Election Day
1715 and all is quiet. 8 hours on top of our hill overlooking Baghdad today and no explosions heard and only 1 short burst of small arms fire. Definately a positive sign.
Posted by TJ at 05:14 PM | Comments (0)
December 13, 2005
46 people injured by celebratory gunfire
A little more on Saturday night's gunfire. I can't an online version of the story, but it was in the printed version of Stars and Stripes. It is short so I will type it out. The only source is "wire services".
BAGHDAD - Many Iraqis set aside sectarian hatred and united in jubilation last weekend after their national soccer team defeated Syria on penalty kicks to win the gold medal in the West Asian Games. But even that triumph ended in bloodshed.
Five Baghdad hospitals treated 46 people wounded by celebratory gunfire after Saturday night's televised match in Qatar, the Interior Ministry said Sunday.
Thousands of rounds from Kalashnikov rifles and pistols rattled the capital for more than half an hour as tracer bullets streaked the night sky red. Some residents of the Iraqi capital thought they were in the middle of a gunfight.
So 46 people at only 5 hospitals. I wonder what the total was nationwide.
Posted by TJ at 07:09 PM | Comments (0)
December 11, 2005
Abu Ghraib school supplies
Update to the Abu Ghraib elementary school children collection. A few people have asked questions about deadlines, and this is not a holiday event. It is an ongoing process and supplies will be distributed as long as they are comming in.
Thank you to those of you who have already responded.
Posted by TJ at 11:55 AM | Comments (0)
Lots of gunfire
Last night, around 9:00, I was in bed watching Star Trek Voyager when I heard some small arms fire in the distance. Then more and more. I paused the show and the firing seemed to be getting closer and more abundant. After a while I heard machine gun fire added to the mix. This lasted about 20 minutes and it stopped as suddenly as it started.
I asked my roommate who got back after his shift ended at midnight what they could see from the top of our hill. Apparently, throughout the city, but seemingly more concentrated in a neighborhood adjacent to our base simply erupted with people firing (mostly) into the air. There were also fireworks and flares. Some took advantage of the situation to fire more horizontally in specific directions, and I assume the machine gun fire I heard was from our guard towers responding.
I have no idea why the sudden celebration or protest, but I am trying to find out.
UPDATE: Thank you to Omar at Iraq the Model for the information. He is an Iraqi blogger in Baghdad who returned my inquisitory email promptly. It turns out it was celebratory gunfire for Iraq's victory over Syria in the West Asia Cup (soccer). What a stupid way to celebrate.
Warning: Parody follows! I wonder how the US will managed to be blamed for any deaths caused by the bullets falling back to Earth. Someone will try:
Bush, U.S. to blame for celebration deaths after soccer victory - At least 2 people were killed and over 10 injured by gunfire Saturday night in Iraq. Spontaneous celebratory gunfire erupted across the country after the national soccer team defeated Syria for the West-Asia Cup title. Rep John Murtha (D-PA), pinned the blame squarely on George W. Bush and the US presence in Iraq. "These people would still be alive if it weren't for this illegal war. Normally, all of the Iraq's best players would not have been available." Rep Murtha was alluding to the fact that after losses, Saddam's son, Uday Hussein, would frequently punnish the team's stars by having them kick around a concrete soccer ball until they broke the bones in their feet. The team suffered a humiliating 5-1 loss in an international friendly match in October to Bahrain.
Posted by TJ at 11:30 AM | Comments (1)
December 07, 2005
Sick... but really funny
A friend of mine who shall, for now, remain nameless (and yes, it is really a friend of mine, not me hoping to avoid embarassment) comes back from shaving and getting ready for work when he looks next to his bed and sees one half-empty bottle, and it is not water. About a year and a half ago he suffered a severely herniated disk in his back and one of the places where he continues to have pressure on his spinal nerve is the area that goes to the bladder-control muscles. And he has gotten tired of trudging to the latrine 5 or 6 times per night so he just keeps a bottle next to his bed; his roommate works another shift, so it hasn't been a problem. Only now, as he is standing there looking at the bottle, he remembers waking up in the middle of the night thirsty, and realizes that it wasn't a half liter of water that he chugged.
Posted by TJ at 08:38 PM | Comments (3)
December 04, 2005
R&R France
I spend the first half of my R&R on the southern coast of Brittany in France. I was visiting my friend, Arnaud, with whom I played baseball on the Rennes city team back in 1990, and his wife Christelle. On that first Friday night, Arnaud planned a surprise birthday party for Christelle in a nearby chateau. A room with a large fireplace and beds for 20 upstairs made for a long and fun evening. I also learned that red wine is even stronger when it's your first drink after more than 3 months, and that I should practice my guitar more than twice in 6 months before playing in public.
And no, I didn't burn any cars.
A nice place for a party, don't you think?
The biggest paella I've ever seen.
The old city in Lorient
A little house on a little island near St Cado. I don't know why.
The 8th - 11th century Church at St Cado. There is a large stone slab
inside with a hollowed out area resembling a human torso and head. It is
said that if you lie in the impression, hearing deficiencies will be cured.
|
Stained glass windows in churches and cathedrals usually tell a story. This one tells the amusing story of St Cado. The town sits on an island and one day, the bridge collapsed. St Cado tried to lead the town into rebuilding but was unsuccessful due to the strong currents in the bay. So he made a deal with the devil. In return for the bridge, the devil wanted the first soul to cross. St Cado agreed, and when the bridge opened, he brought with him a cat, which he proceeded to send across the bridge. In the window, you can see St Cado, the bridge, the devil, and the cat.Posted by TJ at 08:01 PM | Comments (2)
December 03, 2005
Collection for Iraqi school children in Abu Ghraib
I am helping our brigade collect school supplies for elementary school aged children in Abu Ghraib. Abu Ghraib is not just a prison, it is a very large neighborhood in our area of operations, and one in which this program could help win many hearts and minds. The Iraqi Army in cooperation with the 1st Bragade, 10th Mountain Division will be distributing. As common as they are in America, most of these items are not so easily found here.
I thank you in advance for your help.
Address:
SPC Buttrick, Thomas
B CO, 1 BSTB (MSG), 1/10 MTN
APOAE 09376
ATTN: elementary school collection
Pre-package each set in some sort of bag if you can:
Also any kind of warm clothes, coats, shoes, etc. will be accepted.
UPDATE: Now that I have been out on a mission where we passed out some of this stuff, soccer balls has been the biggest request by the kids themselves. Probably the best thing would be to send a flat ball with a handpump, or a bunch of flat balls with one pump and we can pump a few up each time we go out.
Posted by TJ at 08:44 PM | Comments (2)
Holster issue
I guess Im not the only one who is worried and has even been frightened by a certain type of holsters worn by some here. It is a shoulder holster with the M9 (9mm handgun) tucked under the arm. The problem is that the weapon is pointed backward, and slightly up. I don't know how many times I have been doing my headcount job in the dining facility and turned my head only to be looking down a pistol barrel, but it is not infrequent - usually in the range of 10-15 times per 2-hour shift. It makes me extremely uncomfortable because you can never be 100% sure it has been properly cleared.
I meant to post on this a long time ago but with my R&R leave, it slipped my mind. There was an article yesterday in Stars and Stripes, the free newspaper they distribute here, which reminded me. I can't even begin to imagine what would happen to me if I were to walk around with my M16 in a similar position.
Posted by TJ at 06:23 AM | Comments (0)
November 07, 2005
PT Test
Forgot to mention Saturday I had to take a diagnostic PT test with about 2 days notice. We are supposed to be able to pass one at any time with no notice, but it always helps to prepare a bit. Anyway, I maxed the pushups for the first time ever (75). Situps dropped alot, but they are always the fastest to improve and the fastest to drop. My 2-mile run dropped about 25 seconds, but considering the air quality and wind, it was pretty good.
So right now im at Starbucks in the mall at Kuwait City International Airport on their WIFI waiting for my flight to Frankfurt. Only 5 more hours to kill...
Posted by TJ at 09:36 PM | Comments (1)
Started Leave
I arrived in Kuwait last night and tonight, I fly out of here to Germany, and then on to France. I stay there a week and then head back to Germany for a week before returning to Iraq just before Thanksgiving.
Just a quick note to let you know where I am. Ill post again when I reach my final destination.
Posted by TJ at 08:49 AM | Comments (1)
October 29, 2005
Friendly Fire
I was outside the gym after PT this morning waiting for my buddies to come outside. About 30 feet in front of me a see a flash, which is followed by a loud bang - about what you would get from an M-80. Naturally, I flinch, and then I hear 3 bullets zip not too far over my head, so I duck and head back inside.
It is almost a cliche, but time really did slow down in those seconds. Enough so that the time between the flash and the bang seemed seconds, even though that in 30 feet they would arrive miliseconds apart. I was also able to distinctly hear each of the 3 bullets trace their supersonic paths above me and slightly to my right.
We didn't have any protective gear on, so we stayed inside a few minutes. The MPs arrived and investigated. I and a couple others told them what we saw and they started to look around. Eventually, one found an impact site on the side of the building across the street. It was about 50 feet from where I was standing. There was no impact area on the ground, so we figured it was either a mortar or an RPG dud. From what you can see in the photo though, there is no way a mortar could hit there so I was betting on an RPG. Others saw the same flash in the area I saw it, so it must have been a ricochet or another round.
Find out later there was a patrol outside the FOB and a vehicle tried to break through their convoy. The rules of engagement in that situation is to fire warning shots. Apparently, these guys fired warning shots with a .50 cal machine gun and didn't realize they were firing in the direction of the FOB. I'm willing to bet they know now!
Anyway, it got the adrenaline pumping and I really dont know if I should be more relieved or scared that it was American fire that came so close.
Update: FOB stands for Forward Operating Base. You will see FOB Slayer, FOB Liberty, FOB Victory, etc in a war zone instead of Camp or Fort.
Posted by TJ at 05:14 PM | Comments (4)
October 24, 2005
Hotel Palestine Attacked
I was in the DFAC getting dinner and the current story on CNN was about the Hotel Palestine being attacked. The press will sort of be forced to cover this story, since they don't have to leave the hotel. From their coverage of the area, most of them don't seem to, so I guess the terrorists decided the best way to get themselves some airtime is to take the fight to the "journalists".
Although this is the first time that I can recall this particular hotel being attacked intentionally. I do recall another incident in the past. However, I'm not going to hold my breath waiting for the indictments to be handed out by Spanish courts to the perpetrators this time.
Follow this link if you're interested in what really happened to prompt members of 4-64 Armor, 2nd BDE, 3rd ID to fire on the Hotel Palestine. There is alot left out of the current stories you may have heard on the MSM. Note that this page takes a little bit to load; after you see the main graphic, the text pops in eventually.
Posted by TJ at 07:16 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2005
Screwed on leave
I had submitted my leave dates back in July for the end of February and beginning of March. I have the same birthday as a friend I used to work with in NYC who now lives in Germany. We were going to celebrate together as we used to do. For whatever reason, some people had to change to November and although I didn't volunteer, I got picked anyway. I'm not upset or mad, but to say that I am not disappointed would be a lie.
So now I have 3 weeks to organize myself and hope that everyone I had contacted will be able to see me when Im either in Germany or France. At least I got persmission from my platoon leadership to allow my hair to grow a little longer than normal so I don't stick out too much in Europe.
Posted by TJ at 08:30 AM | Comments (2)
October 15, 2005
Election
Well the report from my station overlooking most of Baghdad is a good one. There have been a lot fewer explosions heard in the city than on a normal day. In fact, I heard zero - not to mean that there weren't any, just that there probably weren't any particularly large ones.
This is mostly due to the traffic lockdown which started yesterday and ends sometime tomorrow. A very smart move, in my opinion. The VBIEDs (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) are the favorite weapon of the jihadis right now and since anything not authorized to travel on the roads is being stopped, they are not able to get to their intended destinations. The lockdown was widely publicized as well, so maybe strikes of this kind just weren't planned.
I, for one, think that pass or fail, this election is a proof of the viability of Iraqi democracy. If the referendum passes, then obviously the process worked. If it fails, however, the process still works because the people will have spoken. The delegates will need to re-assemble and come up with a new draft that most Iraqis will accept. Pure democracy in action. Unfortunately, that won't be the spin in the case of a "no" vote: it will all be about Bush's "failure".
Posted by TJ at 05:15 PM | Comments (1)
October 12, 2005
Closest yet
We were in our buildings and around 8:30 or so the building shook and we heard a huge explosion. We went outside to see a cloud of smoke about 200 meters from us. Turns out a mortar had hit but hadn't exploded. Explosive Ordanance Disposal (EOD) was called and they packed 50 or so sandbags around it and blew it up.
Not exactly close, but the closest yet by far. I hope I don't have to experience any closer.
Posted by TJ at 09:09 PM | Comments (2)
October 06, 2005
Sick
Well, we are scheduled to receive our flu shots in about a week and a half. So of course that means I get the flu now. Seems to be going around, actually.
Posted by TJ at 08:24 PM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2005
Thoughts
Well, almost 2 months into this now and overall, its pretty boring. Its really no wonder Bochco had to make up a bunch of stuff for his FX program "Over There" because otherwise, nobody would have watched. Nights are starting to get cool and believe it or not, it gets down to 30 or so during the winter. We also just had daylight savings on Friday night and noone bothered to tell us - we just noticed we were signing out of the gym 10 minutes earlier than we had signed in. So now at night when you're out walking around at 8 pm, it feels like its 2 am. I've already watched about 20 movies, all of 24 season 4, most of the entire Family Guy series, and the 4th season of Curb your Enthusiasm. Read 6 or 7 book also of various types and am re-learning Delphi. About the only thing I haven't done is start my German DVD course which I hope will get me to a 2/2 level for a 3rd language on my proficiency pay. It goes without saying that I'm working on Arabic. Iraqi is hard, but I'm keeping up with the MSA by getting through a page or 2 of Harry Potter each day. The basic vocuabulary is the same, so it is actually helping.
For those of you expecting phone calls, I'm sorry I haven't gotten to do it lately. We don't have a call center near us (that I know of). I hear there are VOIP phones somewhere and I will track them down. Otherwise, if you have broadband, I urge you to get a computer headset with microphone so we can talk free over Skype.
Aside from that, not much going on.
UPDATE: I realized today that my command reads this blog from time to time. So in case my CO or 1SG are perusing, I just want to clarify that my use of the term "boring" above refers to the "monotonous and nothing exciting" meaning of the word rather than "needs more to do"!
Posted by TJ at 10:57 PM | Comments (0)
Ramadan
As usual, the terrorists have decided to usher in Ramadan with an increase in violence. Yesterday, I awoke to the sound of explosions - most likely mortars - every few minutes for 3 or 4 hours. Probably a total of 20-30, though none were close to me at all - I think they were just randomly shooting in the direction of the airport. From what I hear, the most organized ones mount a launcher in the back of a pickup truck, drive to a spot and launch a few off and hightail it out of there before they become stains on the sidewalk.
Hopefully we will see a big change after the 15th when the people vote on the new constitution. So thats 2 national votes, a constitution in front of the people, Saddam is in jail awaiting trial for genocide, his bloodthirsty sons are dead, we are capturing or killing dozens of terrorists every week, we have suffered fewer personnel and material casualties than any major war in history, and our opponents' tactics are becomming to desparate as to include the military version of the hail-mary pass, and, oh yeah, not a single major terrorist attack on US soil. Every single one of our objectives has been met. I don't know how people can claim we are losing a war we have already won. The reporters covering this thing really need to stop getting their stories in the hotel bars in the green zone and get out and do some real reporting.
Posted by TJ at 07:24 PM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2005
Bedding
The sheets and comforters they give us always make me laugh. My best guess is they were donated by the Wal-Marts and Targets of the world when they dont sell after a certain amount of time. Most are somewhat ugly floral patterns. However, it is always funny to know that your battle buddies are all tucked in snug under comforters covered in teddy bears or giant crayons!
Posted by TJ at 06:06 PM | Comments (1)
September 22, 2005
Connection problems
I've been having some serious connection problems the past few days. I've actually had to sit in a chair outside to get a good connection and the mosquitos are really starting to come out. It's not the bites I'm worried about - it's what they carry in this part of the world...
Anyway, thats why I have been late in some emails. Ill still be on alot, but not for as long. Once this is all resolved however, Ill be back with avengeance :)
Im going to try and post more photos tonight, we will see how it goes.
Posted by TJ at 07:08 PM | Comments (1)
September 15, 2005
Bombings
Yeah, we heard all the car bombings yesterday, and even saw some of the smoke plumes over the city. There were 2 sets of 5 or 6 booms a few seconds apart. We initially thought they were mortars, turns out they were just bigger and farther away.
I hope Zarqawi screws up and decides to make a public appearance in Baghdad. They would tear him limb from limb.
Posted by TJ at 09:22 PM | Comments (1)
September 13, 2005
AAFES
AAFES is starting to make us all mad. Its the little things. Many items they sell are a bargain, others not so great, but when they seem to deliberately go out of the way to screw us over while deployed... I just wish we had an alternative. Some examples:
They sell voltage converters for $30 and $50. Most laptop computers already have one so all we need is the little $1 piece to convert the plug type. They sell those, but they dont fit into the circular outlet housings in our trailers, so we have to buy the expensive converter.
They sell mechanical pencils with 1 lead in them, but do not sell replacement leads.
They sell Gilette Mach 3 razors, but do not sell replacement blades.
They dont give us change in increments less than a dollar. They use pogs - cardboard "gift certificates" valued at 5, 10, and 25 cents. They dont accept them in the US, and they know everyone is going to go home with a few unused, so they get to keep that money too.
Even worse, back in the states, they sell gasoline and cigarettes. They are not taxed by individual states, but do they pass this savings onto the soldiers? Nope. They charge us the normal state tax and pocket the difference.
Posted by TJ at 09:09 PM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2005
What to send
Ive had a few people now ask me what sort of things I wanted them to send me. Since this post has been here a while, there are a few PXes where we can get most of the things we need. Also, I am not allowed to ask for anything from people I do not know, however if you know a soldier over here, or send to a program such as Any Soldier, these are some things you may consider:
Paperback books and magazines, not only does the soldier get to enjoy them, they can turn them in to a library afterward for others.
CDs and DVDs. There are bootlet DVDs here, my personal favorites are TV shows such as 24, The Shield, and The Sopranos.
Im on an established base and we have BBQ equipment available. Im going to find out if Omaha steaks would survive the trip to an APO.
Common everyday items such as toothpaste, shampoo, Q-tips (also used to clean weapons), pipe cleaners, hand sanitizer, baby wipes.
Non-chocolate candies that will not melt.
Phone cards and writing supplies. No need to send stamps, we can mail regular sized letters for free.
That is a quick list, but should give you some ideas.
Posted by TJ at 09:54 PM | Comments (0)
Palace Gym
I just got back from PT in my new camp and it was quite something. The gym is located in a very nice building - I dont know if it qualifies as a palace but it is laid out as kind of a donut inside a round building. The floors are covered with hard rubber tiling but underneath is marble. Many of the walls are also covered in marble with copper inlays, some of which are missing, no doubt from right after the liberation. Chandeliers also hang in a few places.
Posted by TJ at 09:36 PM | Comments (0)
September 11, 2005
My 9/11 Tribute
This is a photo from the Sept 12, 2001 New York Post. It was the one that
really got to me. I cut it out and carry it to remind me of why I am here.
Posted by TJ at 08:11 PM | Comments (0)
Extra Duties
We got lucky sort of in our post duty. We do headcount in the dining hall at lunch. Unfortunately, during the day, our shift was the only one near this particular DFAC, so it was one of 3 of us for 2 weeks sitting for 2 hours counting people. Very boring work. Now that everyone has moved over here, we wont have it so often. We are lucky though in that it is an indoor duty, so we arent outside in the heat checking IDs or pulling some other guard duty.
Posted by TJ at 07:51 PM | Comments (0)
September 09, 2005
Moved
Well, we have moved to Camp Slayer and as I thought, I have Internet access in my room. Currently not going through our satellite dish but one of the DOD civilians here has 2 dishes and a commercial wireless router and sells access for about what we were going to pay. The connection isnt bad so we may decide to keep doing this and sell the dish.
Been a few minor sandstorms the past few days. Dont even know if they really qualify as storms because we havent been here for a big one yet. But the sand is as fine as flour and is in everything. I really do not like the taste and constantly breathing is but there is no way to stop it.
Its late and Im going to bed now. Have to unpack and try to organize tomorrow. I will work on fixing the archive and other pages here soon.
Posted by TJ at 11:28 PM | Comments (2)
September 07, 2005
Address again
Internet in my room! Well, in a neighbor's. We split the cost of a satellite and once we move we will set things up nice. In the meantime, I can do this now :)
They screwed up our mailing address.. again. For those of you who have mailed and had it bounce back, the APOAE is 09376. Im quite sick of this bs - its been a month. They swear to us, though that this one will work.
Posted by TJ at 08:08 PM | Comments (0)