My last post from Theater

Well, barring anything drastic, this is my last post from theater. I have already left Iraq and I am getting ready here in Kuwait for the 20 hour flight to Ft Lewis.

This past year has been a blur, looking back at it. I am currenlty in the camp I was in a year ago getting ready to move north to Iraq, and it seems like yesterday.

I have learned much, like most people do in a year. I have learned things to do to help my career, and what not to do as well. I have seen some pretty amazing things and some pretty dumb things.

I remember Christmas with the stocking of stuff that Laura sent. I was actually good and did not open it until Christmas. I looked forward to the mail that Laura sent, especially the pictures for the photo album that I kept. Yes, I think part of the scrap book cult is in me.

I liked all the comments that I recieved on the Blogg. They all made me laugh. I am looking forward to see everyone here in the next few weeks. I have to clear at Ft Lewis, and then drive back to Ft Lee. Don't forget about Turkey day at our house this year. The more the merrier.

Again, thanks to everyone for keeping me in their prayers. I will be back in the good old USA in the next 48 hours!

Wild Card 6, out.

Mind dump

I just finished clearing my unit from theater, so basically the only responsibilty I have is to get on a plane. I am now starting to transform from Company Commander, man who cares about all, to CPT Joe Shmoe who doesn't really care what time it is. I am down in Kuwait currently and the rest of my unit is still in Iraq. They will be flying down here soon. So until then, I will hang out at the Starbucks, or the pool and work on my tan!

I am looking forward to seeing everyone back home. Toby, we will have to lose our selves in several barley pops, Luke and Annie-->Monopoly will be hardcore this year, Dave and Donna-->We will try drink all the brew that you made!

I am still debating on what upgrades to do to my Jeep. The bumper is a definite, so is new doors. I want a cold air intake, but Household 6 is fighting me on this. I want to get a grill guard for her jeep, and KC daylighters for my new bumper. New tires would be nice, someday, along with headers, cat/back exhaust and maybe a throttle spacer...

As you can see, I am not doing good of making my mind.

Homeward bound

Well, here we are…

I am less than a month left in country here! I am busy packing, and mailing stuff home, and getting the unit ready for redeployment. I am excited to get my in my Jeep again, and eat pizza. I might be out of touch with American reality though.

How much does gas cost now? What is the big political discussion of the day? I heard there was a twist on Survivor. Did the TV lineup change? Laura picked up for me a new cell phone—will I be smart enough to use it? Is drinking coffee still in? What is the favorite song on the radio right now? How much does a stamp cost? What is the office joke of the day being passed around? Will I be able to pick out my own clothes instead of a uniform? Does anyone understand the phrase: “More cowbell”?

What about food? Is there a new chain restaurant that everyone must go to? What is the trendy beer now? Can I still use the grill to the perfection I once mastered? Can I still cook at all in the kitchen? Can I remember how to eat with real flatware on real plates, or am I cursed to a life of plastic ware?

Can I take the military jargon out of my vocabulary? Will I replace the word “home” with “LSA” (Life Support Area), or “post” with “FOB” (Forward Operation Base)? Will I top of the vehicle or go get gas for the Jeep? Will I hold night court for Molly or give her a time out? Will Laura and I have a staff meeting or a discussion? Will I coordinate with Toby or will I ask him? Will I use the phrase: “Did my SH$T fall off?” Referring to my rank to Laura ? (If I know what is right I will never say that to her!) Will I review the force protection measures, or make sure I lock the house before I leave? “Will this reflect” for Molly? Will I convoy to the PX or will I drive to the PX?

Can I live without doing a cyclic inventory (a monthly inventory of 10% of all property accountable to the Army)? What about sensitive items (weapons, night vision, secure communications equipment), I am not sure how they are accounted for back home. What is the basic load back home (amount of ammo to carry on hand)? Will I be checked for ammo and a weapon before entering the DFAC (kitchen)? Will I need to wear a Kevlar in the Jeep? Will I have to wear my IBA (Individual Body Armor) when I leave the FOB (Post)? Will I have to do a convoy brief before I leave for work? Will I have to do 100% personnel and weapons count twice a day? Are there any commo black outs back in the rear?

It will be fun transitioning back to the “normal” lifestyle with the Army back in the States. I know I will feel naked without my weapon and ICOM radio on me. I know that I will be lost trying to pick out clothes for me to wear. Paying for fuel (gas) will be new for me again. I just can’t pull up and fill up at the tanker. It will be hard for me not to write a counseling statement with the magic bullet (a legal statement stating that further behavior may result in you being kicked out of the military) for Molly when she misbehaves. It will be hard for me to not find 1SG when I have an issue with a Soldier (Molly). I have had a change of responsibility with 1SG and Laura . Sorry top!