OUTSIDE THE WIRE

On Saturday I took a trip outside the wire to see what life is like in Iraq and to observe some of our projects. We headed in a convoy to Lake Thar Thar about a 3 hour drive from Al Asad. We had built a temporary boat ramp to address the loss of the permament ramp, which was no longer functional due to drought.

I was assigned as a passenger to a MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected), the newest armored vehicle designed to protect against IEDs and most other forms of attack. It carries a crew of 4, including a gunner. I was accompanied by another passenger who coordinates these projects. We wear full body armor including helmet and are buckled into a 3 point seat harness. If anything happened, we were fully prepared for it.

The MRAP has rectangular bullet resistant windows, which allowed us to see out as we were traveling. Most of what we saw was the typical beige sandy landscape but closer to the Euphrates River there was significantly more greenery, including grass and Date Palm trees. There were also some orchards but we didn't see any fruit on the trees. Garbage is strewn everywhere, something I see often in other 3rd world countries. We passed through several small towns where people were out and about. They seemed unconcerned with our presence, focusing more on their livelihood. There was a fair amount of police and military presence in and outside of towns. In some areas we saw a single soldier standing a post and in other areas we spotted groups of soldiers manning roadblocks. For the most part, we went around those. We also saw homes, some of which were large, others which were very simple. A landscaper would not do well in these parts. These homes all sit on dirt or gravel.

We were able to walk around the project site at Lake Thar Thar. The lake is very pretty and I was entranced by the nice blue color of the water. Something different than beige!! You can see a picture of the lake and dam in the attached picture. I'm told that the lake was off limits to the fishermen until now. We did see some of their boats, which are fairly simple in design. I don't think they even use a motor.

We headed back after about an hour with the additional construction equipment loaded on the flat bed. We were making good progress until one of the trucks broke down. We had to stop by the side of the road several times in an attempt to fix the engine. Each time we had to position our vehicles tactically to keep some distance from each other and to be on the look out. The gunners up in their cupolas would keep their weapons aimed at distinct positions so that everyone had an assigned field of fire. For the most part we would allow the Iraqi vehicles to pass us. Several years ago, that would have been an unacceptable threat. Now, we try to minimize inconveniencing the population. Some of the Iraqis were afraid or unsure if they could pass us. Sometimes when we stopped on the highway, they would turn around and go back against the traffic, then cross over to the other side and proceed against traffic again. I guess they must have known what they were doing because no one was blowing their horn and there were no accidents.

We did see a number of kids playing by the side of the road and they were waving to us. For the most part, the Iraqi's either paid no mind to us or were friendly. We didn't notice anyone being unfriendly and there were no hostile actions against us.

Given we were now towing the broken vehicle at very slow speeds, and no wrecker was going to meet us, we decided to drop the vehicle off at a small base not too far from Al Asad. While there, we had dinner and I definitely will not complain about our set up at Al Asad any more. We finally rolled into AA at about 10:30 PM, almost 13 hours after we began. I was really patient about the whole thing because you learn not to expect anything to happen according to plan. While wearing body armor and being strapped in a car seat for 13 hours is not my idea of fun, it was a great experience overall. I now have seen one of our projects, I understand how a convoy works, and I had a chance to see Iraqi life outside the wire. A great deal of our Seabees work outside the wire every day, either leading convoys or working on the construction projects. I have a lot of respect for the work they do. Many of the Battalion members were here in 2005 when conditions were much rougher. They had to wear their body armor while working, with mortar rounds falling around them. The situation is much different now but we still take the threat of an attack very seriously.

One funny note to this situation. While traveling on convoy, there are no truck stops or restaurants that we can pull up to and use their bathrooms. So we have to pull over to the side of the highway. We were instructed to basically walk up to the middle of the truck on the right side of the vehicle (closest to the edge of the road) and pee against the tires. Personally, I do better with trees, but this was the first time I was ordered to pee on a vehicle. Fortunately, no one could see us from the road. I'm told that females have to scoot in between the tires and squat with someone holding a sheet around them so no one can see. Such is life in the military.

That's my adventure and I hope they don't get more wild than that. Today I rode my bike to the pool and went swimming over lunch hour. It will never match the fun of swimming in our outdoor pool at home, but it will do for now.

I hope everyone is doing well at home and enjoying the beautiful Spring weather. It's getting into the 90's here now, but thankfully without humidity.

Take care!!

HOW I CAN TELL THE DAYS OF THE WEEK

Hello all! It's Sunday, which means I get to sleep in for one day of the week. The rest of the week goes the same but Sunday means a half day off. I hope we work ourselves into getting every Sunday off. I guess I'll have to make that happen for my Department.


I've been interviewing all of my enlisted personnel to get a better idea of their past military experience, what they do in civilian life, their family life, and their future plans for the military. It's been a good way to get to know them better, to be aware of their state of mind while here, and to suggest ways to get them promoted or to achieve whatever their goals are. They are all a great bunch of folks. Wow, do they work hard.

Sundays are generally more relaxed with a 1:00 staff briefing. Normally we start our briefs at 0730. We go around the table and generally pass word on our Department or Company status. The S-2 (Intelligence) also puts out word on recent events outside the compound that we have general interest in. Occasionally, he'll put on a brief about another country for our general education. It's all quite interesting to learn about their population, ethnicity, economy, politics, and other tidbits that can't be mentioned here.


It was a beautiful day, with nothing but sunshine and temperatures in the 70's. Much like Atlanta today, I suspect. I'm just waiting for the temperature to soar. I try to get out of the office for breaks and to see what's going on around the base but for the most part, I am office bound.


I did go swimming last night. Other than forgetting my goggles, it was a nice outing. It's not easy trying to swim with your head above water. Today I did some quick pull ups, dips, and sit ups before dinner. I have to feel like I want to eat. Tonight I tried their Phillipino cuisine, which wasn't bad. It's not like what I remember in Spain when the Phillipino wives cooked up some great treats.


The dentist and I were coming back from dinner (I usually have a vehicle and give him a ride) and asked him to help me move some furniture around from my old room to the one next door. I am going to set up my deputy in the middle room as my old end room gets too dusty. When I opened my old room it almost felt like I was at the beach. Sand was everywhere. When we tilted the wardroom on end, sand poured off the top onto my clothes and boots. It's really quite hilarious. You can only laugh at the situation. So now my deputy will have a less sandy room with better furniture. Oh by the way, Supply has control of all of the rooms so I can make those things happen.


Another suicide took place earlier this week. We can always tell because communications get shut down until the next of kin are notified. It wasn't on our base but in one of the others in the AOR (area). It's sad that they don't see what good things life has to offer them after Iraq. The military is very concerned about this as are all of us individually. Thankfully, I have a mature bunch of sailors that have good lives and people waiting for them at home. Some of these young folks can't picture their lives outside of their current situation. I know I have a loving family and friends waiting for me back home along with a lot of fun things I want to do.

We had a 5K fun run the other day and mst of my Supply folks were running. I was encouraged to run with them but I don't like running first thing in the morning. So I got up early to see them off, then walked to the dining hall and proceeded to stuff myself, then meet them back at the finish line. There they were, all feeling very proud of themselves, and me feeling very fat and guilty for not running. So I'll do the next one with the group, creaky knees and all. At least I'll feel better when it's over.

I still need to get that golf thing going......

I think that's enough for tonight. It's almost bed time. Oh yeh, I can also tell it's Sunday because I change the bed sheets and wet mop the floor every Sunday. You'd be surprised how well I sleep on such a crappy mattress. The only problem is when I wake up in the morning and have to flee to the ablution trailer to take a pee. I do miss the convenience of a bathroom in my house!! Oh another story. We have a watch post set up at one of the main berthing areas for our Battalion. Their little post faces the bathroom trailer. Apparently the watch standers were keeping score of how many times each person was going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Somehow word got out so that game is over for now.

Good night everyone!!

I SEE RED

The big sand storm has arrived (kind of). It's not blowing like in the movie Hidalgo, but the sand is in the air, making the sky very hazy and red (you really can't see the sky). Yet it's not very windy. Even when driving in the the middle of the day, everyone's headlights glow brightly. We all wear sun glasses or goggles and/or face coverings.

I heard from the Captain of our hockey team that we are in first place. I miss hockey more than any other sport I play. I hope they win the playoffs.

As I mentioned last time, I am trying to do any activity that mixes up the daily routine. Last week I was walking the "Yard" (supply area) and noticed that a set of golf clubs in a container. I was in the chapel yesterday and noticed a shoe box full of practice golf balls that someone sent out here (why and how did it end up in the chapel?). Thinking of those 2 things, along with a net (possibly for golf or pitching) I found in the "Yard", it seems inevitable that I set up some sort of practice tee. I haven't decided if I should make it a sand trap or use a rug to simulate grass. It should be fun to try out. If nothing else, I'll improve my sand game.

Work is going fine. We are very busy conducting inventories of everything we have while higher echelon is asking for updates faster than we can provide. I invite them to come out and help. Our folks are doing a great job and I appreciate their hard work.

I can't think of much else to say at this point so I'll sign off for now. Regards to all!

BREAK THE ROUTINE

We had Passover dinner last evening and about 30 folks showed up. Some Jewish, most were not. The fellow sitting beside me was a civilian from Detroit, of Syrian descent. He has close ties to the Jewish community there (I think he's Christian, not Moslem) and wanted to attend the Seder. The Rabbi was very entertaining, explaining the reasoning behind many of the traditions of Passover as well as its history. We had all of the traditional foods, eggs, greens, bitters, matzo ball soup, charoset, and yes, even gefilta fish. To those unfamiliar with gefilta fish (just saying it is diffcult), it is a white fish that is basically made into a oval shape and stuffed in a jar with clear jelly to preserve it. Believe it or not, it doesn't taste too bad but most of us just eat it this one time of the year. At the end of the meal, the Rabbi had us singing non-traditional songs that spoke to the history of Passover, but using popular tunes such as several Beatles hit songs, the Flinstones, Some of My Favorite Things, A Spoonful of Sugar, etc.... It was fun as everyone knew the tunes and the words were printed for us.

I now have several dozen boxes of matzo for future distribution to anyone wanting some. We also received several dozen boxes of kosher Beef Goulash that can be stored on the shelf for years. It's similar to MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) that the military issues except these are kosher. I had such high hopes for these meals since kosher meat is usually the best kind. After heating it up and tasting it, I must conclude that MREs taste better. There was too much fat on the meat and not enough meat. Also the total fat is 43% of daily value, saturated fat, 59% , and cholesterol, 34%. I could eat a Haagen-Dazs ice cream bar for less fat content and be much happier in the process.

I must be running out of things to say given that I'm rambling on about meals. Speaking of which, it get pretty routine here for meals. I've tried eating at the 3 different dining facilities, Burger King, and very occasionally Pizza Hut (doesn't taste like Pizza Hut). I've missed meals to try and make the other meal more appetizing. After awhile, it all feels the same. The food is good, I just feel like a goose on a conveyer belt getting fed, to eventually be turned into pate.
So today, I went for a run at lunch and got a haircut, anything to break up the routine. Tomorrow afternoon I'll try swimming again. Given the limited places we can go and a 6.5 day work week, everything blends into eachother. I just keep reminding myself why I am here. It could be worse.

Well I must shower now and pop back into my uniform. I wish for once I could eat dinner in my PT gear. Rules are rules. Take care......

OF MICE AND SNAKES

Well it's another windy day in paradise. Not really a sand storm but lots of wind. You have to be careful opening some doors. If you let go, they'll fly off the hinges. I really hate the wind because I cannot wear my contact lenses. I have nice glasses but they never feel the same as contacts.

Today is first night of Passover. I've been involved with the Jewish Chapel here assisting with Passover preparations. We have a Jewish Chaplain (Rabbi) who flew in from the States. He makes it his goal to be with the troops during the Holidays. His family must be understanding.

We've been receiving tons of Passover goodies from the military and mainly civilian groups back in the States. It's nice to know we are being remembered, particularly at this time of year. So I have no worries about eating matzo all this coming week. There's also preparations for Easter going on.

Every unit has a chaplain whose job is not only to provide religious services but to be a supporting hand to the individual sailor and Marine that needs to talk to someone. I don't condone smoking cigarettes but in this case our chaplain's pipe (tobacco) habit has served him well. You can pick up a fair bit of information by the smoke pit (actually it's a gazebo) and so the Chaplain can get a sense of the unit's morale by just hanging out. He's a good sort, easy to talk to, and ready to take or give a joke. He's also had to deal with serious issues along the way, including providing training on suicide prevention. Unfortunately, there's been too many deaths by suicide of young soldiers this year. None from our Battalion but we are always on the alert. Being away from home, not having a regular life, combat stress; all of these are potential catalysts that can lead to suicide. We are all involved in learning the signals and to helping our fellow sailor/soldier who may be in trouble.

On a happier note, I have a mouse friend in the Officer's wardroom. I was watching a movie last evening in the wardroom, which is a room with a large TV, movies, books, a fridge, and microwave, just reserved for the officers (we're not elitist, the Chiefs and 1st Classes have their own facility as well). It really belongs to the Junior Officers (JOs) but all officers can use it. When we took it over from the previous Battalion it was a little dusty and had tons of old boxed food in it. It should have all been thrown out then. On top of that, the JOs had a cook out two weeks ago and left the buns sitting in the wardroom. They weren't moldy but were certainly stale. So I'm watching the movie and I hear tiny sounds. I look over and there's a really cute mouse nibbling on the food. Of course there's the accompanying mouse poop and potential for problems. Just yesterday, we were sent an advisement to keep our spaces clean as during this time of year the snakes like to come out. And they like the rodents. So where there's mice, there's going to be snakes. So I wrote an email to the Senior JO strongly suggesting he organize the other JOs to clean up the mess. He took care if it this morning. But what a cute mouse. Hannah/Erica, don't worry, the mouse will find another home!

I hope that everyone is doing well and coming out of the cold weather okay. Happy Passover to my Jewish friends and family and Happy Easter to all my Christian friends.

GUNS AND BUTTER DON'T MIX

It's Monday afternoon in Iraq. I'm starting to try a few new things in order to avoid 'island fever' (staying on the base feels like a small island). On Saturday, I went swimming at the 25 meter pool. Although indoors, it is still a chilly 70 something degrees. It was a nice change of pace and I will try to keep up with it. I also looked into guitar lessons at MWR (morale, welfare, recreation) but it's in a large group, with few guitars. I strummed a few chords just to confirm that I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm not sure if I'll continue given that private lessons would be best.

The weather is nice these days. There hasn't been a sand storm in almost a week, a change from past weeks. The temperature is climbing into the low 80s, and the worst is yet to come.

I am hoping to visit Abraham's Oasis sometime soon. It's located on base and purported to be a stopping point for Abraham in his travels to the Promised Land. From the pictures I have seen, it's a lush green oasis with date trees. Aside from its biblical value, it truly is an oasis in a land of desert sand. I can't wait to see it just for the change of scenery.

Oh, okay, about the butter thing. I can't buy butter anywhere and I can't get it shipped in. So, occasionally I take some tiny butter cups (plastic bottom, paper top) from the dining hall to put on the bread I keep in the office. Several times, I've forgotten to take it out of my pocket but there's been no leakage. This time, I left 3 of them in my pocket for hours and with the hot weather..... I was getting out of my truck going to dinner when I felt something wet in my right pocket. At first I didn't realize it was butter until I put my hand in my pocket. Yuck!! I managed to clean out the mess, go to dinner, and then beg the Turkish presser to iron my other uniform right then. Thankfully I have 3 uniforms to wear but nothing else!!

I watched hockey on TV last night (Detroit vs. Minnesota). It was a great game with Detroit scoring the wining goal with less than 1 minute left in the game. It reminded me how much I miss playing the game. I need to see how my team is doing at home.

That's all for today. I hope everyone is doing well.

TURNING SUPPLY INTO CUSTOMER SERVICE

Here's several personal notes followed by some Supply specific comments.

I was able to watch last night's ABC and NBC news this morning. It's funny to see them both on the same station, one after another. The military is allowed to basically rebroadcast anything as long as it doesn't provide paid advertising. Instead we get military advertising. It's not too bad a trade-off.

I guess even in Iraq we are not immune to April Fools jokes, with the Skipper pulling a fast one. We always have staff call at 0730 each morning with the Company Commanders and Department Heads, like myself. At 0730 sharp, the Master Chief yells, "Attention on Deck" and we all pop to attention until the Skipper walks in and says, "Seats" (then we sit). Well, on the 1st, he swapped roles with one of the Chiefs who looks kind of like him (similar height, complexion, both with shaved heads). He even gave him his reading glasses and shoulder holster to wear, et voila, instant skipper. It was very funny. The Chief ran the show like the skipper but he's not as humorous as our real Skipper. When the real Skipper had something to say, he'd suggest answers to the pretend skipper to say. We also recently received some Iraqi interpreters and the Intel officer pretended he had confiscated some illegal contraband from them. It was a fake magazine with one of our officer's picture on it and titles of articles to be found within the magazine. It was also very funny.

After the meeting, we frocked a new Chief. It means he gets to wear to rank but not get the pay until his date of promotion is permanent (in a few weeks). It's a big thing to make Chief and he was definitely made welcome by his fellow Chiefs. I'm sure they'll have a party in his honor but without alcohol.

They just installed air conditioning in my room and none too soon, I might add. It's starting to warm up. I can't imagine when it hits 120 degrees +.

It's the weekend coming up but it's just another work day for us. I received a care package from my brother and sister in-law from Calgary yesterday with all the Canadian foods you can't get here or even back in the US. For example, pure Canadian maple syrup, Aero chocolate bars, and Dad's Oatmeal cookies. Most of my US friends have no idea (other than the syrup) of these unique Canadian foods but they are good. I'm also getting several Passover packages as it's that time of year. I'll have more than enough matzo to eat for the next week.

As we get settled into our daily routine, I see areas for improvement within our department. I've observed our Supply folks now for several weeks and everyone of them is a hard worker. They are learning their jobs well and I can't say enough about their dedication. However, they are mainly technicians, concerned more about accountability and less about the value of customer service. We aren't profit driven like commercial business; it's just a matter of going that extra step to serve the customer. I am trying to get them to realize that you can have accountability while providing customer service. So I started with a Mission Statement that reads: TO PROVIDE EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE WHILE ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY. We had an interesting experience that reflects my plan to get them thinking more about customer service. Our chaplain came into the office, stating that two of his chairs were non-functional because the castors were broken. All my customer service rep heard was 'broken castors' and handed the chaplain a catalog for office parts, asking him to find the replacement parts. I heard about this from the chaplain afterwards. He wasn't upset, he just was letting me know. I went back to the office and found out that we had two fully functional chairs in inventory. I not only gave the Chaplain 2 new chairs but had a CSR bring them to his office. At the end of our day, I had all the Supply folks gather around for pass down and using this as an example (no names used), asked them what they thought the chaplain really needed when he said he had broken castors. I think one person got it; that he simply wanted working chairs. I also mentioned that while ordering castors is technically the right answer or perhaps one of several answers, there were other possible solutions inside and outside of Supply. Ordering the castors, by the way, would have taken another 3-4 weeks to receive. I suggested finding extra chairs that another office might have, or to look on our shelves to see what we have in inventory. I also suggested that if they had to buy from the catalog, not to simply hand it to the customer. Instead, they should help the customer find the item, especially when it's a chaplain. I have lots of work to do in this area and will keep bringing up tips and suggestions to improve our customer service. In the meantime, I'll have our Mission Statement prominently displayed in all of our workspaces and in the customer service area so as to let the customer know what we are about and to remind the Supply personnel that the customer is as important as maintaining accountability of our inventory. Well, enough about the business.

That's about it for now. I hope everyone has a nice weekend.