Rhett's Medal

Forgive me for bragging but I want to tell everyone how awesome my husband is. Rhett's unit arrived from Kuwait today bringing him his medal--so I want to share it with you. I am so proud of him. The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations. How cool is that?!?!?

Could not be more proud of my soldier. So excited to think he will be home in less than 72 hours from now. Cannot wait to have my boys together with me again.

Jacob and my hat

Full Circle

I am now within a week from going home, I think. These past two weeks at Ft Carson have been pretty slow but I was able to spend three days with Liz and Jacob. It has been nice transitioning back into normal life to the extent that I can. I know that you always come home physically before you come home mentally and I realize that it will all take time. Liz and Jacob and I went to the Cheyenne Mnt Zoo as well as a drive around Pikes Peak. Interestingly, when they came out to visit me at Ft Lewis, 11 months ago we visited Pikes Place Fish Market. Not sure what it is with the name "Pike" but it seems like a recurring theme. My second tour in Iraq is now all but over and as I reflect back, it seems like I have been gone forever. Including the train up, this tour took me from California's Wine Country, to Denver, to Seattle, to Maine, to Germany (three times), to Kuwait (four times), all over Iraq to include: Baghdad, Taji, Balad, Baqubah, Ar Ramadi, Fallujah, and others, to Ireland, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and finally back to Colorado Springs. I cannot wait to be a civilian again and sincerely hope that I never have to go through this a third time. Words can't describe how challenging this experience has been for me and my family and I know that at some point I have the potential to be a better person because of it. It just doesn't feel that way now. I am expecting to see the rest of our unit over the next two to three days and will be headed home about five days after they arrive. Thanks to everyone who has sent email, care packages and other words of encouragement to me over the past year. I will never forget your support.

Almost Home

After an incredibly long journey, I arrived at Ft Carson Colorado on Sunday evening. After my two day stay in Kuwait, we cleared U.S. Navy Customs and boarded our long flight to Shannon Ireland and then on to some little air force base in New Jersey. We quickly traveled by bus to Philadelphia and waited at the airport for about 4 hours before flying to stand-by to Colorado Springs. Since arriving here, myself and four other unit members are doing our own de-mob tasks and preparing the way for the main body, who should be here in a couple of weeks. It's very good to be back in the U.S. and have real internet and even my cell phone for a while. Liz and Jacob will be coming out to see me here for a few days and for that I am very excited!

Ali Al Saleem

After what is always an uncomfortable C-130 ride from Joint Base Balad Iraq, I am now sitting at Ali Al Saleem in Kuwait awaiting a flight to somewhere in New Jersey and then on to Colorado Springs Via commercial Airline. Not sure what they are going to say about my M-16 rifle and my 9mm pistol. I'm guessing we'll check them somehow. This place is the main gateway in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan for deployment, re-deployment, and for R and R so you see people who are always on one end of the emotional spectrum or the other. Excitement is common in those going home as is depression in those going back. If my count is right, I believe this is my 8th time in Ali Al Saleem and I have been all over the same emotional spectrum as everyone else here. This time, I feel great and am very excited to be finally going home and Insha Allah, will never be back in Iraq. I'll post more when I can.

Bronco Five Out

These last few weeks have been a nightmare and I am very glad to be where I am now, which is counting on just a few fingers the number of days I have left in Iraq.  I will shortly be traveling from Balad to Ali Al Saleem airfield in Kuwait and then on to Ft Carson Colorado as a member of the advanced party in preparation for the re-deployment of the 1835th Med Det CSC from Iraq back to home station (Aurora Colorado).  Deployments are tough for everyone and I am finding that one is not necessarily easier than the next.  During my first deployment, I often felt like my life was in danger due to indirect fire attacks from the enemy.  I remember literally waking up and kind of being surprised that none of the mortars from the night before got me.  We have only had a few close calls this time around and for that I am very grateful.  During my second tour I have had a lot more administrative BS to deal with.  I have also found that you win few friends as the Detachment XO and that you often carry a target on your back so to speak.  As the 1835th is from Denver, we have always used the call sign "Bronco" in honor of the Denver Broncos.  As the XO I carry the specifier "five."  It is with great honor, satisfaction, pride, and relief that I am now able to announce:  "BRONCO FIVE OUT"

Congratulations!!!

Hello Everyone-Liz here. I just have to take a moment and tell everyone Rhett's exciting news and give more explanation to Rhett's last posting as he is not one to brag about himself. Rhett was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. For those of you not familiar with the Bronze Star Medal:

"The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces "

Congratulations Honey!!! I could not be more proud of the honorable manner for which he has served his country. It has been a trial to have him gone and there have been many sacrifices from both of us and I can only be grateful that Rhett's time in Iraq is drawing to a close. We are so excited to be a family again.

I want to say a quick thank you to all of those who have supported us. Many of you will know I am not one to ask for help so thank you to all of those who have just seen a need and helped me out. I will keep you updated as I hear of travel plans.

BSM

BOOMTOWN

LSA Anaconda used to be known as "Mortar rita vile" but has been relatively quiet until last night.  At 2015 SSG Kolar and I were watching the third episode of "Band of Brothers" and just as the fighting broke out between the Screaming Eagles and the Nazi's in Carentan we had our own action.  We felt several explosions with one being very close.  I hit the ground, probably a left over hyper vigilant behavior from my last deployment, which must still be alive and well somewhere inside me.  SSG Kolar and I then had to go find everyone in the detachment on this base to ensure that no-one was hurt.  Luckily all our guys were OK.  The base was apparently hit by five 107 mm rockets that originated from inside a haystack in a farmer's field with some type of timing detonating device.  The 25^th ID were routed to the point of origin and 2 Air Force F-16's provided close air support.  The F-16s dropped two 500 pound bombs on the point of origin and then a ground element from the 25^th ID investigated the site finding more un-fired rockets.   Only one person was injured but it was a very close call.   Hopefully we won't have any more events like that as I would much rather be complaining of boredom.   It was a small taste of what my last deployment was like nearly every night.      

Boring Balad

Just sitting here counting down the days before I get to go home and I am happy to report that I am at 46 right now.  Not much is going on out here as our replacements have not arrived so we are not exactly into the whole right seat left seat stuff.  We have sent our movement team to Kuwait to begin working on some of the logistical issues of re-deployment.  I know that we will eventually end up at Ft Carson in Colorado Springs for a few days before we are completely released.  I'm not reporting those dates as they are subject to change and I need some time to be with my wife and son before seeing anyone else.  One good piece of news is that the Army has some type of multiple deployment rule that allows us to accrue paid leave at a higher rate and commensurate with the number of days you have been deployed in the last six years, which is over 800 days for me.  I have actually spent more days on active duty mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom than I spent on my LDS mission.  It hurts a little to hear about all the changes in Jacob that I don't get to see or to hear about whole seasons and events that I miss, most for the second time.  Most of all, this place gets incredibly old and boring.  Some days SSG Kolar and I just end up going to bed at around 2000 (8 PM) simply out of lack motivation or nothing else to do.  We have long ago exhausted all our new dvds or other sources of entertainment.  We watched Shawshank Redemption on Sunday and the comparison to this and prison life was obvious.  Alright, enough of me feeling sorry for myself.  Maybe I should plan another trip down to Ar Ramadi just for the helicopter ride.  If I time it right I might get to travel on a Marine Osprey, which would be cool.   

The Box

Today I think I found "the box."  It is something I do toward the end of each deployment and has come to be a sign of the times for me.  I asked SSG Bailey our supply SGT to keep his eyes open for large pieces of cardboard for me to make a box from so I can send my bike home.  This morning SSG Bailey came back from one of his secret supply places with 6 great big boxes for me.  I seriously thing that rather than tape, you are supposed to use a hammer and nails on these things.  Anyway, it's exciting to be at this place of the deployment where I am thinking about sending stuff home. 

more road march pics

Road March

Another photo before the pain

Road March Certificate

Here is my payoff for three hours of pain.   Well I guess I also have the memories, photos, and blisters.   

Baghdad

One of the pics shows Saddam's sword that cross each other.

More

One Cool Ride

Headed into Baghdad

One Cool Ride

After two days visiting the Taji team we readied ourselves for the trip back to Balad, which was supposed to be leaving at 1600 and making a stop at some place called the Phoenix Pad somewhere in Baghdad's Green Zone and eventually landing at Joint Base Balad after 45 minutes of flying.  The helicopters came right on time and we took off doors open headed into Baghdad.  Most of the trips I have made into Baghdad have been at night or at least at an altitude higher than we were this time.  I don't know why but it seems like the pilots were trying to impress someone.  It may have been the three Airforce NCOs that were on our bird.  The two Blackhawks took turns one flying higher than the other and the lower one was really low.  As we approached downtown Baghdad we literally had to weave in between some of the taller buildings.  I remember climbing several times to clear wires of some sort.  The sky was amazingly clear and it wasn't as cold as one might expect for a January afternoon.  After landing at the Phoenix Pad, we took off again and flew to Balad after a fuel stop, which kind of suck as everyone has to get off while it fuels up.  By now, I must have logged over 100 Blackhawk flights combining both tours but it really never stops impressing me and it seems like every one is the best one.  This one was truly right up there.  I have to go onto another computer to attach the photos so they'll be added shortly.

Screaming Eagles

It takes a lot of things to be part of the 101^st Airborne Division, Air Assault , but one of the hardest requirements is the 12-mile road march" announced the First Sergeant of one of the 101^st companies.  "When you are out there walking and you feel the pain that everyone of you will, think of all the Screaming Eagles from the June 5^th 1944 Airborne operation behind Nazi lines in France in preparation for the next day's assault, to Bastogne later that year in the Battle of the Bulge made famous recently by the Band of Brothers series, to the 7 years the 101^st fought in Vietnam, and then to firing the first shots after going further and deeper into Iraq than any other military division in the first Gulf War, but most importantly, think of the over 4,000 soldiers who have given their lives in this current war."  "At that point, it will be intestinal fortitude and mental toughness that will get you through but make sure that none of you suffer from tiny heart syndrome and quit."   It was 0530 on January 10^th, 2009 myself, SSG Kolar, and SSG Patterson were readying ourselves and our gear to see if we had what it takes to become a Screaming Eagle by participating in this masochistic event.  Loaded down with our body Armor with all the ceramic plates, our assigned weapon and full combat load of ammo, our rucksacks filled with all the required items walking was going to be difficult and 12 miles is a long way even in running shorts and shoes.  We started off pretty well and the three of us kept together for the most part.  Out here in the combat zone, noticeably absent are all the little pit stops with drinks and snacks that you find in civilian events.  Basically, if you wanted something you had to carry it.  My body felt pretty good up to about mile 8 and then my legs and feet started to hurt.  The pace is not extremely fast but not exactly comfortable either.  I remember doing this exact event at FT Campbell in 1995 to qualify for my Air assault badge and was motivated by my dad flying down to see me cross the finish line.  As I approached the final mile in 1995 there he was to cheer me on and I finished in 2 hours and 40 minutes.  Out here we were given 4 hours to finish and I ended up finishing 40 minutes slower than I did 13 years ago but then there was no body armor and I had a badge riding on it.  This time, no cheering section, more weight to carry, and no three hour limit to finish in led to my 3 hour and 20 minute finish time.  Easily still under the 4 hour limit but perhaps slower than my personal best.   Over all it was a fun start to my day out here.  Check out the before and after pics.      

Taji

Hello everyone, I am down in Taji on a visit and am enjoying real uncensored Internet. It's kind of cool to see my own blog for the first time in months. We flew down here this morning via Blackhawk and will stay for a while (not to be disclosed on unsecured Internet). It is fun to the old familiar sites of the first two months of my deployment. Things seem to be going pretty smooth down here and I am reminded of the things I miss about just being out on a team rather than being in the HQ. The helicopter ride was a short 15 minutes and was fairly cold. I did manage to capture the test fire on film, which was cool. I'll post more often I promise.