Well, I'm Still Alive...

Nothing much to say, except that I hope everyone out there has had a very happy holiday season...

I'm all right, the guys in my convoy are o.k., and so far pretty much everything has been safe... we're still on the same convoy we left out on before Christmas, and we're quite a few days late, but... it's actually not our fault, so...

I mean, what with the higher command shutting down the road constantly because of all of the bombs going off, and the people shooting at just about anything that moves, and the just plain old fashioned bad luck that keeps happening, hell... I'm surprised they're actually sending out any convoys at all...

At least we haven't had it as bad as one of our other platoons... they had a civilian TCN (third country national) fall asleep, hit a military truck, rupture the fuel tank, and thankfully the guys in the truck (FRIENDS OF MINE) got out before the truck burned all the way to the ground... they don't have much in the way of clothes or equipment now, but... at least I've seen that they're all o.k...

So, other than the occasional spot of bad luck, things are going well over here in this country of get-shot-or-blown-up-often...

I'll try and post a bit more often, (as if anyone's reading this now), and I'll try and keep everyone up-to-date on anything the least bit interesting...

Peace...

Merry Christmas From Iraq...

Well, it's officially Christmas Day here, actually it's night, but it's been an o.k. day, I guess... at least we got some sleep, and didn't have to do much of any real work...

I've been on a mission up North, since the middle of last week... we're almost at our destination, just an hour or so away... we stopped in this camp an hour or so north of Baghdad early this morning, and didn't go anywhere because of a broke truck... it's not so bad, really... I mean, I'm actually in the same camp that I spent Christmas of 2003 in... so, it's at least a "familiar place", haha...

Well, at least we got a visit from Santa last night... we were parked at another camp a few hours south of here, along the side of the road just outside the gate, and Santa came by and talked with us for a few minutes, gave a few gifts... then he rode off on his four-wheeler (hey, it's the desert)... it wasn't much, but we all just do what we can to keep our spirits up...

So, from me to all of you who decide to read this, I say MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM IRAQ, and I hope all of you can spend as much time with your loved ones as you can stand... and maybe a little more...

Peace...

(it's actually 9:05 pm here, regardless of what the time-stamp at the bottom says...)

Another Week Going By...

(or is it, month?)

O.k., I know I haven't been exactly writing up a storm on here, but it's not for lack of wanting to... it's mostly because of lack of things to say...

But, what I really want to do now is wish everyone who logs on here a MERRY CHRISTMAS, and I hope that everyone plans well enough to have a HAPPY NEW YEAR...

I really can count myself lucky, I guess... I'm going to have Christmas 2005 in a whole 'nother country!!! And, not only that, but I'm getting PAID to be here... imagine the happiness and joy that I'll have... and, with all of the people out there just trying to give me gifts, like bullets and explosions, well, what could make a holiday any better than that? Not much, I'll tell you now... (well, maybe spending the holidays with my family would be better, I guess...)

All sarcasm aside, I know that I volunteered for the Army, and I knew when I did (Oct. 2003) that there was a war going on... hell, I ended up in Iraq 1 & 1/2 months after I joined... because of my service in the National Guard, I didn't have to go back through any training, so... I just got up off the couch (three years since my last Guard drill), and wham!!! I was in the middle of this war we've got going on here...

But, it's not all bad... at least I'm here with many, many people I consider to be friends... and even though I'm away from my family, I still keep in touch with them as often as possible, and I know that I'll get leave in a few months, and then I'll be home not too long after that...

I hope everyone can have the things they need to make this a Merry Christmas, and I hope that all your families and friends are able to celebrate with you... and, for those of you who can't be together during the holidays, just remember, no matter the reason you're apart, you're still together in you're hearts...

Peace...

The Simple Reality Of Things Here...

I know I've mentioned in some of my other posts about how things are dangerous here, and how it's all a part of the job, but...

I'm not trying for sympathy, or anything like that... but now, when I see the news on t.v. (yeah, we get it here in some places), and I see a headline like "Four U.S. Soldiers die in roadside blast while driving in a convoy" (something similar was on this morning's news), I have to wonder... could any of those (or all) be some of my friends? Or at least, someone in my unit or another unit that I know?

I say this because I heard that another convoy with some guys from our unit was hit the other day... and a very cool Lieutenant was in the Humvee that was hit... he and I aren't exactly friends, but we know and talk to each other often... and he's a very good person, and a good LT... to the best of my knowledge, he wasn't hurt badly, but... there's always the possibility that it could happen again, and worse, to someone else that I know...

We traveled a road a couple of nights ago that was literally a dirt trail through the desert... we figured it was fairly safe, because the conditions of the road was so poor that there was little traffic on it at all... when we got to the Camp we were going to, they were shocked... the reason there was little or no traffic on it was because of the fact that there was a very high chance of being hit by an IED somewhere on the route... which goes to show that even a dirt trail in the middle of nowhere can be dangerous, not just the high-traffic areas...

So, I guess we were lucky... I hope it stays that way...

Peace...

O.K., Now It's All For Real...

I haven't tried to play the fact that I'm currently in the Army, and deployed to Iraq, for any sympathy... I've only tried to state things as fact, for what they are...

We've been on a convoy mission since Monday. It's Saturday now, and we're just now turning around to head back home. Thing is, by the way it should have been figured, we should be back in Kuwait right now. We're not.

First, there was fog so bad for three days, that we got held up in the farthest north camp in Kuwait for two days. Then, we had to stop over at another camp, it was supposed to be for a few hours, it turned out to be an extra day. Because they had too many IED's on the road that they needed to clear. Then, we get delayed while on the road, and had to pull over, pretty much one camp early and spend a few hours there, which turned out to be twelve in all, and finally got to this camp early last night. Tonight was the kicker. (not sure if I counted for all the days there, we've driven during the night, and then day, and... I'm barely sure it's Saturday. Actually, here it's now Sunday, 2:00 am.)

Tonight, we get out the gate early as possible, then drive down the road about a mile. There's a block at a checkpoint, but the Iraqi's won't give us info as to why for a while. They finally tell us something about IED's, and a gunfight a few miles down the road. Then, we start seeing rounds (sorry, bullets) flying by our vehicles (tracers, they light up when you shoot them so you can see them at night). We sit, stopped by the checkpoint block, and watch as rounds are going up in the air, and across the road (over all the trucks, none were hit as far as we know now), and finally the decision is made to turn back around and stay at this camp (we've been here since early this morning) until tomorrow night (we can't travel during the daytime, it's WAY too dangerous).

Then, when we get stopped and settled again for a few minutes, our Convoy Commander comes back and tells us that the convoy that left out of here just a couple hours ahead of us, going the same direction, was hit by four IED's...

We've all been to night-fire ranges before, and seen our tracers going out and down the range, but... it was a bit different to see them flying around in front of and past our trucks...

Now, intel came down that the Iraqis were celebrating a big soccer win... so, that explains the shots fired up into the air (for the most part, they do that to celebrate anything)... but, the rounds going over the trucks, well... those were probably aimed...

Peace...

(if there's a time discrepancy, it's because my blog is set at Central time, while I'm on Iraqi time, and for some reason, the controls aren't displayed right now to change it like I usually do...)

Well, Now I Earn My Money...

I've been in Kuwait a month. I've sat around, went to classes, sat around some more, eaten chow hall food...

Finally, I get a chance to do the job the Army sent me over here for...

We're going on a "North Mission" as it's called here most of the time... which means, we're going to drive our slow, heavily armored tractor-trailer trucks into Iraq, and haul equipment and vehicles from here up to there, pick up stuff and haul it back... it's supposed to last a week, but it may be longer depending on how things go (we're expecting 2 weeks)...

So, I'll be off of here for a while (like I've really been burning up the keyboard anyways, right?), and when I get a chance, I'll try and relay back to everyone how things went... and hopefully, I'll just write that it was o.k., and nothing exciting happened, and we just took a little road trip and came home... because, the alternative is...

Well, let's just hope for the best...

Peace...

Well, I Guess I Might Be Alone Here...

I'm not sure if anyone's actually reading this blog anymore or not, but when it comes down to it, I'm not really sure if I care... I write on here for me, so...

I've stayed in touch with my family back home... I hope they know how much I really do miss them all, and how much I love them... I'm doing everything here for them, so... I just want them to know that they are all my world revolves around...

I don't want anyone to really think that I'm just one of those type of guys that wants to get attention for what he's doing, or because he's doing something that most people are afraid of... that's not me... I'm just doing what I have to so I can take care of my family FIRST, and, well, if I just happen to be serving my country and protecting the freedoms I believe in, well... then that works too...

I don't have any feedback from my last few posts, so I don't have to respond to anyone, or explain myself at all... I guess this could be considered a good thing, really...

Peace...

Just Another Day Here...

Another update from me... I haven't gotten into the middle of things yet, it seems the Army spent 7 months training us in the U.S., only to send us here and put us through more training on the same things we learned before... this training is better, though, because we're learning straight from people who've just done these things in real-world situations...

Oh, and in case I didn't mention it, or even if I did and I forgot, what we're going to be doing here is driving trucks from Kuwait into Iraq, and all over Iraq, and back down into Kuwait, delivering vehicles and equipment to the troops that need them, and bringing back "blown-up busted crap" (a direct quote from someone that's done it for a year) that's straight out of the middle of the war... we are not actually a truck-driving unit, but we've been cross-trained to do it for the next year, so...

And, for anyone that doesn't think driving a truck can be very dangerous, just read the paper and turn on the news... IED's are always targeting, what? (did they say, convoys? I think they did...)

SO, I have no illusions about what the next year has in store for us... it's going to be dangerous in quite a few ways, BUT at the same time, we're trained about as well as we're gonna be, until we get some real experience under our asses... all in all, it's looking to be a VERY interesting year...

Well, that's enough of that...

My family is doing well, at least, as well as possible, and I'm looking at possibly getting leave some time about halfways through next year, so... I'm going to get through all this with my head held high, and a very calm, professional attitude...

I mean, hell, what else can I do?

Peace...

More Proof That I'm Still Alive...

Well, I'm posting this today just to prove that I'm still alive... I haven't even done anything dangerous yet, unless you count sitting around until I'm bored to TEARS waiting for someone to tell me to do something... but, I guess that's only dangerous to the annoying people around me...

As for me, I just can't wait to get through all of the inprocessing we're doing, so that we can start our REAL missions into that dangerous place...
I can't tell you all just HOW dangerous it is right now, but if you watch the news, I'm sure you get most of the picture...

We're all going to come home fine... I know that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, because we're a VERY well trained combat unit, and, while what we're going to be doing is one of the most dangerous things that can be done here (besides all the infantry house-to-house stuff, or the assaults), we are highly dedicated to the idea of bringing EVERYONE home alive... so, don't cry for us, we are Soldiers, and we're here doing what we signed up to do...

(hope that wasn't too much propaganda for anyone... it's just how most of us here really do feel...)

Peace...

Ok, Here It Is...

This is it... my first post from that place that the U.S. Army has sent me too... I'm not doing anything real yet, just getting briefed on all of the important things that are happening here, and all of the things that I need to look out for as I'm working here (Kuwait, actually) and in Iraq itself...

Can't say much about what's going to happen with us, except that we're going to be driving transport missions from Kuwait into Iraq... military and military/civilian mixed convoys, lasting anywhere from 7 to 21 days... I'll try to post as often as I can, but... I may not even be able to take the time to check my comments very often...

I just want to tell anyone who reads this that, whether you support the reasons we're here or not, I personally have nothing against any opinion you wish to share, as long as you realize that there's usually another opinion out there that's just the opposite of yours...

My personal take on things here is, well...

Personal. And I'll keep it to myself for now.

(this is set for Kuwait time, I'll try and keep it on there just for grins...)

Peace...

Today Is The Day...

Well, this is it... Today is THE day...

This evening, early, we will fly out of this country and, when we finally land, we'll be in the Iraqi theatre... (that's the best way I can put it, I can't tell exactly when or where)... My unit will be there for as close to 365 days as they can manage... hopefully, I'll get leave sometime in the middle...

This post won't be long, obviously, but I'm at least going to say thanks to all those who have let me know that they support us soldiers, even if they don't support the war...

I hope to get the chance to post some more over there, but of course it'll depend on security and how close we are to internet access...

If anyone reads this, and just decides to cry, get pissed off, or anything else, well, don't feel alone... my family will be doing all the same here for quite a while...

Peace...

It Finally Happened...

That's right, folks... anyone who may have been reading lately knows that we've been working on getting married... well, WE DID!!! As of yesterday, Oct. 21, 2005, this happy couple that's been together for over 11 yrs. 7 months are FINALLY HUSBAND AND WIFE!!!

And it's a happy time here... a small civil ceremony, just the right amount of family and friends, and on my mom's birthday too... it was a really good day... my mom took us out for a late lunch to celebrate...

We've wanted to get married for a while, but a couple of things were stalling us... now that it's all over and finally done, it's like... WHY DID WE WAIT?? I mean, we could have taken care of things a long time ago, but... to us, it wasn't important as long as we were together... and we've always known we'd be together regardless, so...

But now that we're happily married, we're going to enjoy the next 7-10 days or so before I leave for Iraq... and then, we'll enjoy any possible leave I get during the next year... and our REAL honeymoon will be when I get back... I'm voting for Las Vegas, but we might go on a cruise...

Thanks to all who have wished us well lately, and I hope everyone else out there is as happy as we are...

Peace...

Well, It's Almost Here...

Today is Wednesday, the 19th. Tomorrow is Thursday, the 20th. As of tomorrow, my fiance and I will have known each other right at 12 yrs., 23 days or so... and will have been together for right at 11 yrs., 7 months...

And we will be finalizing our "freedom" tomorrow afternoon... (no, I won't explain, you figure it out if you can...)

And the following day, we will be married in a civil ceremony in an adjoining state...

Legally, we will start our life together on that day... but to us, it will simply be another important milestone in a life of love and happiness that we're both lucky enough to be spending with the one we love more than any other in the world...

A lot of people don't understand why we've waited so long for this to happen... we have had our reasons, and at the time, they all seemed valid...

But, to us, honestly... it was just unnecessary paperwork until now... we've known in our hearts we're meant to be together forever, and it didn't take a piece of paper to prove it to us...

Peace...

(oh, p.s.... to my dearest of friends, Kitty... This Church will have our hearts and prayers directed towards you, darlin', until your current situation resolves itself... I hope that our happiness and blessings spread to your part of the world, and that you will soon feel again the warmth and joy of security that you deserve...)

Peace...

I Was Going To Post Yesterday, But...

I was going to drop a note on here yesterday, but my computer is too far from my bed... and I didn't get very far from my pillows all day long... my bachelor party was Friday night, and, well... it was a very good time... and I get these HORRIBLE hangovers, so...

My buddies (2 of the GREATEST guys in the world) rented the balcony of our favorite local exotic dance establishment... they also chained and locked a 14 lb. bowling ball (wrapped the ball in duct tape, taped and locked a 5/8" chain to it very well) to my leg... I went around all evening long (7pm to 2am) carrying that ball everywhere I went (to the bathroom like 5 times... up and down stairs, LONG walk across the main floor)... they locked it with a combination lock (3 numbers to unlock) and gave 6 numbers to 6 dancers... starting at 8, I got a private dance every hour until I had all 6 numbers, then I was supposed to figure out which 3 numbers were the combination, and in which order... needless to say, I had to cheat at the end of the night and get one of my buddies to tell me the combination so I could go to bed when I got home... but, it was DEFINITELY a helluva night...

One final, "last hurrah" as they say, and... well, it's weird that we're finally going to put the "icing on the cake" that has been our relationship and our love... we've been together so long, I can't even begin to imagine what my life would be like if we weren't...

It's weird, I've never really been "on my own" like a lot of people... I mean, I haven't ALWAYS been in a relationship, but I've never, like, had my own place, worried about my own bills all alone, had a job that just supported me (except for a couple of low-paying jobs traveling with carnivals... but, I had no bills and always shared a living space, so I wasn't really on my own...) and had any REAL amount of money to myself...

But, as they say, you can't really miss what you've never really had... also, I don't think I would have lasted long on my own without SOMEONE grabbing on to me and not letting go (it always seemed like there's been a girl/woman waiting), so I don't really think I'd do very well on my own...

The world (and I) will never know...

Peace...

Hey, Hey, What Can I Say...

All right, I'll start off by saying that the "blue funk" I've been in for the past few posts has blown away (for the most part, anyways), and my attitude and outlook on things is getting better...

Some of it's because my better half (who's my sweet, darlin' fiance) and I are GETTING MARRIED NEXT WEEK!!! After a long, LONG time (way TOO long) of being together, we're finally gonna get legal... It's just been a matter of money, and time, and a few "legalities" that we had to clarify before we could "tie the knot"... and finally, after ALL THIS TIME, we'll be HUSBAND AND WIFE...

WOO HOO!!!!

I'd appreciate it if all of you "well-meaning well-wishers" who would like to decry the act of "pre-marital cohabitation" kept your well-meant moralities to yourself... I promise you that I'm NOT trying to imply that your opinions are without merit, it's just that, I PROMISE YOU that I've heard it all before...

(One of the things that has made this past week or so more enjoyable is... my bachelor party is TOMORROW NIGHT!!! At our favorite local "exotic dancing establishment"... YEAH!!!)

Oh, and just so all of you out there (who care) know... I happen to LOVE my "wife-to-be" very, VERY much, and would like nothing better than to celebrate our marriage with a big, HUGE party, but... as you've probably noticed, the invitations didn't come back from the shop in time, and so we couldn't mail them out, and, well... (I probably would've gotten all your addresses confused, anyway...)

But, you're all still invited to come over to my place, as long as you can find it... We're right around the corner from that store, you know the one, it sells that stuff that you always like to buy (cheaper than the other place down the street)... I won't require any gifts, but it will be BYOB...

See ya'll when ya get here...

Peace...