It Isn’t Even Halloween Yet July 31, 2007

Recently… while working out in our gym… SF came across a little visitor. Our newfound friend wasn’t pumping iron… or doing sit-ups… but he was running fairly quickly around the room.
While this little guy didn’t have any noticeable humps… he’s known as a Camel Spider. This one was not one of the larger [...]

Starting The Day Right July 29, 2007

One base I was briefly at had a little coffee shop… combined with a pastry store. Like the others… it was located in half of a trailer… with the items “to go”. In this case… I did sample the menu… and must report that the coffee and cinnamon bun were tasty. On [...]

Quick Response July 28, 2007

In a previous posting… I mentioned the use of traditional fire departments on the larger bases in Iraq… and we were able to watch one in action a couple of weeks back. The air conditioner in one of our buildings started smoking… and a call was put in for professional assistance. Literally within [...]

Memorial For Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker July 26, 2007

As you may already be aware… our unit lost another friend and fellow soldier just under a week ago. Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker wasn’t in my platoon… so I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know him as well as I did Specialist Bill Bailey. But he did stop by and speak to [...]

Hot And Spicy July 21, 2007

Perhaps you’re not in the mood for a quick fix of tacos… or burritos… or nachos. Well… just a few steps away (at one base in Iraq… at least) you can grab some Cajun style chicken. Admittedly… on a hot afternoon… eating some hot and spicy food might not be up everyone’s alley… but to [...]

Running For The Border July 20, 2007

I showed pictures earlier of some of the “fast food” fare available on some of the bases in Iraq. Here’s another… Taco Bell. These aren’t the traditional restaurants… where you can eat inside. Instead… it’s run out of a portable trailer… with nearby picnic tables (under tents… of course) providing a place [...]

Keeping Trucks Running July 19, 2007

I’ve mentioned on numerous occasions the importance of having a top-notch crew to work on vehicles… and “E” is certainly one mechanic that fits the bill. Right now… his main priority is troubleshooting trucks. But… like many his age… his future plans include college. Seeing as how he’s already spent time at [...]

Protection From The Heat July 18, 2007

As mentioned in a previous post… sometimes it’s necessary to stay (or sleep) inside a tent while in Iraq. While it’s comfortable in the evening or at night… the tents can become a bit steamy during the afternoon heat. Therefore… some covers are located over many (but not all) of the tents to [...]

A Soldier’s Soldier July 17, 2007

In the make-up of an Army platoon… the position of Platoon Leader is (almost always) held by a Lieutenant. Filling out the headquarters element is the position of Platoon Sergeant… who is the highest ranking (or most senior) enlisted member of the platoon. While the Platoon Leader’s main focus should be on mission [...]

Clearing A Path July 16, 2007

Due to length of missions… it’s important to bring along certain supplies during your trip. Some of the primary items… particularly during the hot summertime weather… are cool drinks. These are usually comprised of water or Gatorade… and are kept in traditional coolers… loaded down with ice. During some recent training… Specialist [...]