Training for Iraq

Okay, so I have to put something down about my experience at the "National Training Center", or NTC. This is the Army installation located near Death Valley, CA, and is supposed to be the most realistic training in the world, in regards to preparing for Iraq.

So, let's start at the beginning, shall we? 0120. 0120 is military time for 1:20 AM. That's when I had to be at the armory to pick up my weapon and prepare to leave for NTC. Why 0120 you might ask (as I did at oh-1220 as I was rolling out of bed to head to the rendezvous point)? Because the plane was leaving at 0620, that's why. It takes 5 hours to get your gear inspected and loaded, grab your weapon, drive 20 miles, and "hurry up and wait".

It was really hard to say goodbye to Jamie and the kids. We sat in the van as long as we could, talking about nothing, until the last minute when there was no denying it was time to go. From the moment I heard we were going (to Iraq), I felt this dreadful sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I expected to go, sometime, just not so soon. I got this feeling of helplessness that reminds me, "there's nothing you can do". Now don't get me wrong, it's not Iraq that scares me (ironically). I figure God set our time to go and meet him since before we were born, and so I believe my time is my time--there is no changing it--and I feel secure that God has chosen the perfect time for me. No, the dread comes from the thought of leaving my family. Not being there to help them through hard times, experience good times, and just be a part of their lives. I hate the thought of Iz telling me one day that I wasn't there when he needed me most. I know this is a risk I face by following this path, and I have accepted it, because I believe this is where God wants me. Nevertheless, leaving for NTC reminded me that I would have to leave again, for an even longer time, and that dreadful feeling just radiated from inside. I watched the van pull away until I couldn't see the tail lights anymore. Then I took a long deep breath, buckled down, and said to myself, "Okay Mike, the sooner you get loaded up, the sooner you come home."

It was dark by the time we actually got to NTC. I've made a lot of mental comparisons between the Army and the Air Force since I crossed over to the Army. Needless to say, I carried my own bags.

Sleeping arrangements consisted of two rows of bunks lining the walls of a long building made of cinder blocks, with doors on either end and a window every few bunks. One of these bulidings will sleep about 40 soldiers, in my estimation. I took the top bunk, not for any reason in particular, except I imagined some guy lying above me with body parts hanging over the sides of his mattress; arms, legs, smelly socks. No, it was the top bunk for me, and my fears have me convinced it was well worth the climb.

The Army has not ceased to amaze me with its ability to "adapt and overcome", a saying I have carried over with me from the Air Force, but just as true for its sister service. For instance, that first night, the air conditioner was broken. The next night, I avoided the barracks until the last minute, however, when I arrived, I saw an interesting sight. Someone had somehow removed the 3 ft A/C duct from the outer wall and rerouted it through one of the windows. It was nice and chilly that second night, and I learned something about America's Army: Don't underestimate them. The Air Force would have done it "right", but it would have taken a lot of paperwork, signatures, approvals, etc. for a building handled by contractors, as this one was. Needless to say, it would likely have been the next rotation of troops that would experience the glorious air conditioning provided by our ingeniously engineered "rerouting" job. Now, extrapolate this scenario to a wartime environment--tanks, tactics, combat--and see the formula: problem--quick solution with resources on hand--success; adapt and overcome. The Army is smart and simple, traits I have come to admire in my time with them so far.

Okay, getting tired of writing so much, so here's another quick rundown of remaining events: NTC was hot, nasty, grimy, lot of hard work, averaged 18 hour days, heavy equipment to wear and carry, glad when showers were available, simulated mortar attacks at any hour (with real cannons for that 300 decibel, ringing in the ears effect), including nights; lonely, miles on miles of walking, often terrible food with "meals ready to eat" MREs (boxed, old food--powdered egg omelete, anyone?), more heat, no rain, community showers, lost my shampoo and soap, never forgot my flip-flops, all kinds of blisters, learned the "right" way to wear a moleskin!, and finally glad to see the family again. Not looking forward to Iraq. More writing later.

Bedrooms

Okay, I realize the first bedroom is empty! It is actually the master and is located downstairs. We opted to just stay upstairs with the kids while they are adjusting to being in a new place. They are doing better now but we are still having trouble getting them to bed at a decent time! Each room had sliding mirror closet doors which the kids love to play with. There is also a very large laundry room (downstairs that lead out to the garage) and a large storage closet upstairs that we may turn into an office it is so big. Anyway, it is a nice house and we are enjoying it. We thank God once again for providing for our family. P.S Have you figured out why we qualified for a four bedroom? Hmmmmm....I wonder!!!

Living room and Kitchen

Here are a few pictures of the living room and kitchen. We have so much space that we acutally let the kids ride their tricycles in the house! I cant even believe I just wrote that let alone let them do it! They have fun though. We are really enjoying the house even if only for a few months!

Our house!

I finally took pictures of the house today. It is four bedroom, three and a half bath. We still have loaner furniture so it is pretty bare right now.

4th of July!!!

Well, for the military there is no bigger day to celebrate than the fourth of July! There was basically a big festival on post. We took the kids to all the inflatables and they had a lot of games for little kids. Billy Ray Cyrus was in concert (which was interesting....and yes he still sings Achy Breaky heart!!!) Of course, the food was great! As you can see, here is Michael munching on a barbeque sandwich. We forgot the camera during the afternoon but remembered it when we went back for the fireworks. It started raining right before the fireworks but it wasnt bad. Isaiah liked the fireworks but Katie cried through the first few minutes saying "Too loud, too loud!" After a while she would say that they were "too loud, but pretty!" Kids in our neighborhood set off little fireworks late into the night but it was fun!

Brad and his wife Joann

We went to dinner with Bradley and his new wife Joann. We went to Tony Roma's. It was nice to meet the newest member to our family. Those who dont know Brad is my nephew and is in the marines. He is stationed in Hawaii as well so it was nice to see some family. He deploys in August so please be praying for him and his new wife. Isaiah and his friendly little self really enjoyed playing with Brad and Joann. Meanwhile Katie stuck to mom and dad!

Jamie's Hawaiian Birthday!

So here are a few pictures from my birthday. Michael got me my first lai made of course out of purple flowers. We went to dinner at a seafood and steak restaurant near one of the many marinas at Waikiki. Some new friends tagged along. While dinner took an extremely long time, we really enjoyed ourselves. For dessert..my favorite Creme Brulette!