Well, it's been almost 2 weeks since I've written in here and it's been a difficult 2 weeks. The last few days have been ok but memories of the death of SGT Moretti were brought up by her memorial service on the 30th of June. It was moving but I didn't have any tears until closer to the end of the ceremony. I think what broke me were older men crying and hugging each other. When you see 1SG's and SGM crying, it's like watching my Dad cry.
Anyway, I've been told I will possibly be going up to Baghdad later this month to relieve someone for a month. I am not really thrilled about it but someone has to do it and we really don't have many people. Either way, I still don't like that I have to leave my Marines, especially since I am in a SNCOIC billet. Most likely, I will bring this journal with me I can make entries while I am gone.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
SGT Trista Moretti (3rd Deployment Journal - 6/26/07)
Yesterday wasn't a very good day and just goes to confirm my opinion that this deployment has been the worst. It started out okay and was pretty much a typical day. All the Marines left for lunch like we usually do and spent out normal 40-45 mins eating. On the way back we got to right where the living quarters begin and are about a dozen rows (ed: turns out it's about 18-20) deep. Off to the right we heard an explosion and lots of wood and metal explode in the air. It looked like it was so close but it ended up hitting one of the CAN's (trailer where we live) farther out. At first, we just headed towards the bunkers but Sims took a different path back that day so I said screw the bunker and ran to go find him. I searched in the bunkers I thought he might have been close to but never found him. It ended up he wasn't as far down as I thought he may be, we found him about 10 mins later. The choking, black smoke from the blast was so thick and when we got close, we were told to back away because the M16 rounds were "cooking off" and firing indiscriminantly in all directions. What we were told by SSG Nick Gleim was not good news, the rocket hit SGT Trista Moretti's CAN. No one knew the fate of her but we were all headed to the Company CP for accountability. Once accountability was finished, the only one missing was SGT Moretti. It took about 30-45 mins for them to confirm she died in the blast. So, at around 1250 local time on the 25th of June, SGT Moretti was KIA from a rocket attack as we were on our way back from chow. SGT Moretti was part of the SIGINT platoon and worked not more that 2 feet away from me every night. She had just turned 27 years old June 14th. She was not married and had no children but had told all of us that she wanted 5 children, she never got that chance. SGT Moretti was from New Jersey and came from and Italian family. I am not sure how, or if i even want to know, how they confirmed the body was hers since she was in pieces and I'm selfish to think I'm glad I didn't have to see it.
After we found out and were released, myself and Sims went down the area of the explosion and it was not pretty. We ended up helping Hoffman get some of his belongings out of his destroyed CAN (he was about 4 or 5 down from Moretti's) and bring it to Cotta's CAN.
The Capt decided to shut down ops for the night because a lot of people didn't get any sleep. A memorial service has been scheduled for the 29th and I'm sure it will be a difficult time for everyone. I tried to find something in the Bible to read but I was lost and just put it down. I wish I knew the Bible better so I could find a passage by a certain subject, but I can't. I hope and pray that her family stays strong, physically, mentally and their faith stays never ending.
I didn't know Moretti any more than a couple months but I will miss her at work. Rest in Peace SGT Trista Moretti.
After we found out and were released, myself and Sims went down the area of the explosion and it was not pretty. We ended up helping Hoffman get some of his belongings out of his destroyed CAN (he was about 4 or 5 down from Moretti's) and bring it to Cotta's CAN.
The Capt decided to shut down ops for the night because a lot of people didn't get any sleep. A memorial service has been scheduled for the 29th and I'm sure it will be a difficult time for everyone. I tried to find something in the Bible to read but I was lost and just put it down. I wish I knew the Bible better so I could find a passage by a certain subject, but I can't. I hope and pray that her family stays strong, physically, mentally and their faith stays never ending.
I didn't know Moretti any more than a couple months but I will miss her at work. Rest in Peace SGT Trista Moretti.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
An Old Friend and Toxic Gases (3rd Deployment Journal - 6/9/07)
Jamie Southern, a guy I got to Ft. Huachuca on the same day, stopped by a few days ago to install some stuff. It was good to see him and talk to him since it's been awhile. Even though he is at Fort Meade we don't see each other very often.
On another note, we've had toxic gases coming from a generator into our work section. It has made some people sick, the worst has been blue lips and vomiting. I've been getting headaches and tightness/sore throat. It's pretty nasty, they've been having us do 3 hour rotations so as not to get too sick. Supposedly, the generator has been filled up w/ a mixture of JP8 fuel and oil. You can see the black dust accumulate on white paper cups or other light colored objects. And, on top of everything, KBR generator cant' be shut down until some stupid a** General approves it. The General is probably on a different base, a**hole.
I am really looking forward to going on a nice, romantic trip w/ Amy. We are planning to go to NYC and I hope to get maybe a limousine and have a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant. I really need to find a travel agent soon and get on the ball. The only thing I am really not sure on is how to get down to NYC after dropping off the boys at O'ma and Opa's house. Of course, I have yet to ask my Mom if she'll have time to watch the boys. But, we are going to try and do it over a long weekend.
On another note, we've had toxic gases coming from a generator into our work section. It has made some people sick, the worst has been blue lips and vomiting. I've been getting headaches and tightness/sore throat. It's pretty nasty, they've been having us do 3 hour rotations so as not to get too sick. Supposedly, the generator has been filled up w/ a mixture of JP8 fuel and oil. You can see the black dust accumulate on white paper cups or other light colored objects. And, on top of everything, KBR generator cant' be shut down until some stupid a** General approves it. The General is probably on a different base, a**hole.
I am really looking forward to going on a nice, romantic trip w/ Amy. We are planning to go to NYC and I hope to get maybe a limousine and have a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant. I really need to find a travel agent soon and get on the ball. The only thing I am really not sure on is how to get down to NYC after dropping off the boys at O'ma and Opa's house. Of course, I have yet to ask my Mom if she'll have time to watch the boys. But, we are going to try and do it over a long weekend.
28th Birthday (3rd Deployment Journal - 6/5/07)
Well, it was my 28th b-day yesterday but it was basically the same kind of day we are used to out here. A few people said happy birthday, Sims got me some cookies from the chowhall and one of Amy's packages arrived. Not really much difference between 25-29 except for 50 pounds or so. Found out about a week ago that I am a few lbs. over my max weight of 181lbs. I have gotten a little stronger w/ weight lifting and I am hoping I can get a nice bench w/ some dumbbells when I get back. I don't much like lifting but I think I can at least try. I do still need to start running but I haven't decided how I am going to fit it in my schedule. Since we have been going to lift during work lately I might be able to make myself get up and run before work.
I really miss the kids and hate that I have to be out here for the entire summer. I was really looking forward to camping w/ the family. I guess I can hope that the weather stays good enough for us to go when I get back. Sean and Ryan really need to get some outside time. The three things I want to do is teach (or get lessons) them how to swim, how to ride bikes and get them out camping for a couple nights. I think I'd also like to get Sean into Karate or at the very least get him a baseball glove and we can practice catching in the backyard. He needs to get into something besides video games. I think we'd be good staring w/ a tennis ball or racket ball. I just need to find a decent glove and break that sucker in. Seems so long when I think we only have 3 months left, sounds better saying 90 days actually. I will say again, I think this deployment has been the most difficult for me. I don't feel like I am working as hard and quality of life is much better. But, w/ the kids older, such a short time to get ready for the deployment and not feeling the camraderie I usually feel when deployed...it has made it a "different" deployment.
It really is ridiculous over here compared to the first time. Where, for two weeks, we lived in a landfill and the bugs were absolutely crazy. We had to either sleep in vehicles or w/ blankets over our heads in 100-120 degree weather. For awhile I didn't even change my socks because we couldn't take our boots off when we slept. I have to just sit back and laugh when I hear people complain about their A/C breaking. When we first came over we wore MOPP suits w/ helmet, flak, full combat load of rounds and weapon all the time. We had no internet, TV, A/C, hot chow (unless you count cooking MREs), etc. There was even a time when they started rationing water because of a shortage. BTW, the place w/ the landfill was called An Nasariyah (where Jessica Lynch was abducted while we were there). I wish I could remember the next town we went to but I believe it was called Numiniyah. Once in Numiniyah, we took a "field trip" to the city of Babylon and toured the museum. I forgot to mention that I received my Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) while in Nasariyah. I was on guard duty, when something exploded on the street about 100-150 yards away. The rest of the Marines ran to the barrier (berm) just in case suppressing fire was needed. It was pretty intense but I was actually laughing because we finally got to do something that Marines join for.
Anyway, thought I'd add some of my thoughts from previous deployments since I didn't have a journal then. I guess I might have some letters I sent Amy that could help w/ recollections but not sure how many, if any, we kept. This journal thing has been a great idea.
I really miss the kids and hate that I have to be out here for the entire summer. I was really looking forward to camping w/ the family. I guess I can hope that the weather stays good enough for us to go when I get back. Sean and Ryan really need to get some outside time. The three things I want to do is teach (or get lessons) them how to swim, how to ride bikes and get them out camping for a couple nights. I think I'd also like to get Sean into Karate or at the very least get him a baseball glove and we can practice catching in the backyard. He needs to get into something besides video games. I think we'd be good staring w/ a tennis ball or racket ball. I just need to find a decent glove and break that sucker in. Seems so long when I think we only have 3 months left, sounds better saying 90 days actually. I will say again, I think this deployment has been the most difficult for me. I don't feel like I am working as hard and quality of life is much better. But, w/ the kids older, such a short time to get ready for the deployment and not feeling the camraderie I usually feel when deployed...it has made it a "different" deployment.
It really is ridiculous over here compared to the first time. Where, for two weeks, we lived in a landfill and the bugs were absolutely crazy. We had to either sleep in vehicles or w/ blankets over our heads in 100-120 degree weather. For awhile I didn't even change my socks because we couldn't take our boots off when we slept. I have to just sit back and laugh when I hear people complain about their A/C breaking. When we first came over we wore MOPP suits w/ helmet, flak, full combat load of rounds and weapon all the time. We had no internet, TV, A/C, hot chow (unless you count cooking MREs), etc. There was even a time when they started rationing water because of a shortage. BTW, the place w/ the landfill was called An Nasariyah (where Jessica Lynch was abducted while we were there). I wish I could remember the next town we went to but I believe it was called Numiniyah. Once in Numiniyah, we took a "field trip" to the city of Babylon and toured the museum. I forgot to mention that I received my Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) while in Nasariyah. I was on guard duty, when something exploded on the street about 100-150 yards away. The rest of the Marines ran to the barrier (berm) just in case suppressing fire was needed. It was pretty intense but I was actually laughing because we finally got to do something that Marines join for.
Anyway, thought I'd add some of my thoughts from previous deployments since I didn't have a journal then. I guess I might have some letters I sent Amy that could help w/ recollections but not sure how many, if any, we kept. This journal thing has been a great idea.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
3rd Deployment Journal - 5/25/2007
5/25/07
Holy crap! I can't believe how long it has been since I'e wrote in here. It probably has a lot to do with how monotonous the days are. I gotta say, in some aspects, this is the worst deployment I've been on. Sure, this deployment is safer, more ammenities but there are more cons to this deployment. For one, I only get to see all of my Marines once a day, at lunch. I feel the Marines I've been to war with are like my brothers, the only one I can feel the same about this time is Sims. Also, it seemed on the last deployment we had more of a brotherhood w/ the infantry unit we supported. I still have a great love and respect for 2/24 (2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment) out of Chicago. Those guys were awesome and I still feel great pride when I hear of their efforts.
Although, this is my first deployment where I've been right w/ God. I can only thank Amy for putting me on the right path to Jesus. I have prayed every night (actually, afternoon) before I go to sleep. I have even prayed for terrorist on occasion. I pray that just one will come to Jesus and accept His love. I haven't done as well reading the Bible this month as last month but I plan on fixing that. I really love the book of John and I think I'll read it again so I can get back into it.
I've received a few cards from my Dad. Of course, they've been kind of random, as usual, but at least he is making an effort unlike me. I really need to take the time and write him something. he said he has now been working at the olive oil company for 2 years which is a huge accomplishment. I hope he is doing well and can stay on his feet for good. I've really thought about how I can take care of him when he gets too old to work. Hopefully he still has a couple decades left but I do worry about him. My mom and Rich have Pam, Katie and I but my Dad only has me and I feel obligated to take care of him. I haven't talked to Amy about all of this but I don't know how she would take the idea of me wanting to take care of my father by bringing him under our roof, if necessary. I just don't know if he could take care of himself just on social security. One of these days, Amy and I will have to discuss it but I believe it will be awhile before we have the take action on it.
Holy crap! I can't believe how long it has been since I'e wrote in here. It probably has a lot to do with how monotonous the days are. I gotta say, in some aspects, this is the worst deployment I've been on. Sure, this deployment is safer, more ammenities but there are more cons to this deployment. For one, I only get to see all of my Marines once a day, at lunch. I feel the Marines I've been to war with are like my brothers, the only one I can feel the same about this time is Sims. Also, it seemed on the last deployment we had more of a brotherhood w/ the infantry unit we supported. I still have a great love and respect for 2/24 (2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment) out of Chicago. Those guys were awesome and I still feel great pride when I hear of their efforts.
Although, this is my first deployment where I've been right w/ God. I can only thank Amy for putting me on the right path to Jesus. I have prayed every night (actually, afternoon) before I go to sleep. I have even prayed for terrorist on occasion. I pray that just one will come to Jesus and accept His love. I haven't done as well reading the Bible this month as last month but I plan on fixing that. I really love the book of John and I think I'll read it again so I can get back into it.
I've received a few cards from my Dad. Of course, they've been kind of random, as usual, but at least he is making an effort unlike me. I really need to take the time and write him something. he said he has now been working at the olive oil company for 2 years which is a huge accomplishment. I hope he is doing well and can stay on his feet for good. I've really thought about how I can take care of him when he gets too old to work. Hopefully he still has a couple decades left but I do worry about him. My mom and Rich have Pam, Katie and I but my Dad only has me and I feel obligated to take care of him. I haven't talked to Amy about all of this but I don't know how she would take the idea of me wanting to take care of my father by bringing him under our roof, if necessary. I just don't know if he could take care of himself just on social security. One of these days, Amy and I will have to discuss it but I believe it will be awhile before we have the take action on it.
Friday, November 5, 2010
3rd Deployment Journal - April 22, 2007
4/22/2007
We've been hit with rockets/mortars quite a few times since getting here on the 23rd of March (I believe). Just a few days ago a barrage of probably 15-20 rockets screamed in, killing a DoD civilian that was in a bunker. There are slots (like windows) in all the bunkers which are filled with sandbags. There was one slot on this bunker that was empty...the shrapnel went through it and caught him in at least the chest. The day after we saw the bloody handprint where he probably spent his last moments on Earth, God Bless him and his family. Just this morning Sims and I were watching Family Guy in the SCIF when a blast shook the whole trailer. Was only one round, but damn, it was loud.
I've been thinking a lot on setting up a nice vacation for Amy and I. Maybe drop the kids off at Oma and Opa's house and get Copper in a kennel, then hit the road. I don't want to give too much away just in case Amy reads this before we go. I am really looking at taking a full month off when I get back.
So, I have been working out with Sims to the tune of 5 times a week or so. My lifting weight has improved I still hate going to the gym. It's just not me, and I don't like lifting. At some point, I'm gonna have to incorporate some sort of cardio into my workout so I don't get any slower. I can feel my pullups getting stronger but I need to work on the running at the very least a month before I leave.
Being on the night shift now, I have been able to talk to Amy quite a bit more than previously. To tell you the truth, I miss my family much more this time. I can't really explain it but I am guessing it's because Sean and Ryan are getting older and more aware of what is going on. It hurts that I have to miss the entire Summer, I hope I can some time where school is out and take previously mentioned vacation.
We've been hit with rockets/mortars quite a few times since getting here on the 23rd of March (I believe). Just a few days ago a barrage of probably 15-20 rockets screamed in, killing a DoD civilian that was in a bunker. There are slots (like windows) in all the bunkers which are filled with sandbags. There was one slot on this bunker that was empty...the shrapnel went through it and caught him in at least the chest. The day after we saw the bloody handprint where he probably spent his last moments on Earth, God Bless him and his family. Just this morning Sims and I were watching Family Guy in the SCIF when a blast shook the whole trailer. Was only one round, but damn, it was loud.
I've been thinking a lot on setting up a nice vacation for Amy and I. Maybe drop the kids off at Oma and Opa's house and get Copper in a kennel, then hit the road. I don't want to give too much away just in case Amy reads this before we go. I am really looking at taking a full month off when I get back.
So, I have been working out with Sims to the tune of 5 times a week or so. My lifting weight has improved I still hate going to the gym. It's just not me, and I don't like lifting. At some point, I'm gonna have to incorporate some sort of cardio into my workout so I don't get any slower. I can feel my pullups getting stronger but I need to work on the running at the very least a month before I leave.
Being on the night shift now, I have been able to talk to Amy quite a bit more than previously. To tell you the truth, I miss my family much more this time. I can't really explain it but I am guessing it's because Sean and Ryan are getting older and more aware of what is going on. It hurts that I have to miss the entire Summer, I hope I can some time where school is out and take previously mentioned vacation.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
3rd Deployment Journal - April 19, 2007
4/19/2007
Camp Victory (which is also connected to Slayer and Liberty) is a joke. People talk about this road called "Sniper Alley" because it is overlooked by the Baghdad slums. The houses that overlook it are probably a 1/2 mile away. Some guy wanted to drive us down the road because it was an "intense" experience (he was Air Force if I remember correctly). I've had more intense experiences sitting on the toilet. But, we did see some cool sites in Saddam's majestic city. I could really tell Baghdad used to be gorgeous. It is now falling apart, all plant life is pretty much gone and there is a ton of graffiti. I really hope they can one day rebuild the area and landscape it the way it used to look.
This is where we stayed at Camp Victory:
Here are some pictures of the base and buildings of the old Saddam regime:
Marines really are perverted (we had time to joke around amongst the rubble):
Camp Liberty probably has the most useless array of items (and the best stuff) in its PX. yeah, they have a lot of stuff that could be useful to you but they also have dumb stuff like 47" Plasma TV's. I mean, honestly, can't you spend the money it takes to have those things shipped and use it on getting items we actually need.
Anyway, after a very uneventful stay at Victory for a few days, we headed down to FOB Kalsu. I had been here before but I didn't recognize the base. We flew a CH-47 and it was loud as hell, I didn't have earplugs either.
After taking a few days to walk around, I did start to recognize some things but most everything had a new area. The medical area was the only thing I could recall being in the same spot.
Camp Victory (which is also connected to Slayer and Liberty) is a joke. People talk about this road called "Sniper Alley" because it is overlooked by the Baghdad slums. The houses that overlook it are probably a 1/2 mile away. Some guy wanted to drive us down the road because it was an "intense" experience (he was Air Force if I remember correctly). I've had more intense experiences sitting on the toilet. But, we did see some cool sites in Saddam's majestic city. I could really tell Baghdad used to be gorgeous. It is now falling apart, all plant life is pretty much gone and there is a ton of graffiti. I really hope they can one day rebuild the area and landscape it the way it used to look.
This is where we stayed at Camp Victory:
Here are some pictures of the base and buildings of the old Saddam regime:
Marines really are perverted (we had time to joke around amongst the rubble):
Camp Liberty probably has the most useless array of items (and the best stuff) in its PX. yeah, they have a lot of stuff that could be useful to you but they also have dumb stuff like 47" Plasma TV's. I mean, honestly, can't you spend the money it takes to have those things shipped and use it on getting items we actually need.
Anyway, after a very uneventful stay at Victory for a few days, we headed down to FOB Kalsu. I had been here before but I didn't recognize the base. We flew a CH-47 and it was loud as hell, I didn't have earplugs either.
After taking a few days to walk around, I did start to recognize some things but most everything had a new area. The medical area was the only thing I could recall being in the same spot.
3rd Deployment Journal: 4/10/2007
From my written journal in Iraq during third deployment (March - September 2007):
4/10/2007
1800 Local Time - Well, I've been meaning to write in this thing for a couple of weeks now and am finally getting around to it. What's sad, is we live in such a technical age now, that it is almost foreign to write in cursive when I began this. A lot of things have happened since I've began my third journey to this hellhole called Iraq. I'll start at the beginning. After leaving my family at the airport I realized I forgot to leave my jacket. Even though I've had that jacket (Black w/ white stripes down the arms) for about 8 years and it is my favorite jacket...I tossed it in the garbage because I had no room for it.
The night started off pretty good, we bought some whiskey and mixed it w/ our sodas. You just never know when your last drink will be, fortunately, that wasn't our last drink.
The plane was a MILAIR flight, which just means, it's all coach. Luckily, I had three seats to myself and asked Sims if he wanted to sit in one since he was crushed between two girls.
Pretty uneventful flight but there was some turbulence. Ever since that day Amy, Sean and I came from England on that terrible flight w/ terrible turbulence, I have been very nervous whenever we encounter turbulence. Once we got to Germany, we played the wait game and finally boarded (the same plane) about 2 hours after we got there. I have yet to see more then an airport in Germany.
1810 Local - After Germany, we stopped in Cyprus I think. Not much to say about that since we weren't allowed off the plane and headed to Al Udeid Air base in Qatar. After going through the part I hate most, getting all of our gear and carrying it everywhere, we finally were brought to Camp As Sayliyah. If anyone every says there were "deployed" to this place, you must point and laugh at them. You were allowed 3 beers a night (if the computers went down it would be much more). They also wore civilian clothes on the weekends (if they even worked), massage parlor, Chilis, swimming pool and hot tub on base. The base was a joke, and doesn't even need to be there. It's a resort, and a waste of money. It is so funny how a lowly enlisted man can see so many areas where we could save money. It was here though, we would have our last beers before we really deployed. Fortunately, the computers went down the last night we were there.
I did get to go to Doha while in Qatar, that's where I got the camel bone boxes I sent to Amy, for her and my Mom. The city was in stages of construction but I could tell they were really trying and some day, might even be a very large metropolis area.
After staying in Qatar for about a week, it was time to take a military aircraft to Baghdad. Three hour flight is not something you want to do, but it had to be done. Once there, we went through the whole loading our gear and carrying it everywhere so we could be transported from the airport (BIAP) to Camp Victory.
4/10/2007
1800 Local Time - Well, I've been meaning to write in this thing for a couple of weeks now and am finally getting around to it. What's sad, is we live in such a technical age now, that it is almost foreign to write in cursive when I began this. A lot of things have happened since I've began my third journey to this hellhole called Iraq. I'll start at the beginning. After leaving my family at the airport I realized I forgot to leave my jacket. Even though I've had that jacket (Black w/ white stripes down the arms) for about 8 years and it is my favorite jacket...I tossed it in the garbage because I had no room for it.
The night started off pretty good, we bought some whiskey and mixed it w/ our sodas. You just never know when your last drink will be, fortunately, that wasn't our last drink.
The plane was a MILAIR flight, which just means, it's all coach. Luckily, I had three seats to myself and asked Sims if he wanted to sit in one since he was crushed between two girls.
Pretty uneventful flight but there was some turbulence. Ever since that day Amy, Sean and I came from England on that terrible flight w/ terrible turbulence, I have been very nervous whenever we encounter turbulence. Once we got to Germany, we played the wait game and finally boarded (the same plane) about 2 hours after we got there. I have yet to see more then an airport in Germany.
1810 Local - After Germany, we stopped in Cyprus I think. Not much to say about that since we weren't allowed off the plane and headed to Al Udeid Air base in Qatar. After going through the part I hate most, getting all of our gear and carrying it everywhere, we finally were brought to Camp As Sayliyah. If anyone every says there were "deployed" to this place, you must point and laugh at them. You were allowed 3 beers a night (if the computers went down it would be much more). They also wore civilian clothes on the weekends (if they even worked), massage parlor, Chilis, swimming pool and hot tub on base. The base was a joke, and doesn't even need to be there. It's a resort, and a waste of money. It is so funny how a lowly enlisted man can see so many areas where we could save money. It was here though, we would have our last beers before we really deployed. Fortunately, the computers went down the last night we were there.
I did get to go to Doha while in Qatar, that's where I got the camel bone boxes I sent to Amy, for her and my Mom. The city was in stages of construction but I could tell they were really trying and some day, might even be a very large metropolis area.
After staying in Qatar for about a week, it was time to take a military aircraft to Baghdad. Three hour flight is not something you want to do, but it had to be done. Once there, we went through the whole loading our gear and carrying it everywhere so we could be transported from the airport (BIAP) to Camp Victory.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Second Deployment - The Middle and End
As I had stated in the last part of my post, I was going to be prepared for this deployment. Man, it was great to have my own team and guys to this day I still love.
As odd as it is...we flew over in a plane even though we were a "MEU" and should have been on ships (I alluded to this earlier). But, this wasn't a huge deal although it was extremely hot on those planes especially wearing our gear and I think we even had our weapons with us. Just a little odd bunch of Marines on a commercial plane with our gear and the like.
I can't remember a whole lot about Kuwait except that I just can't believe people can live in that environment, it's inhospitable.
Our command element was put in place (as we all were for the time being) at FOB Kalsu (I would later come back to this base in my 3rd deployment to Iraq). It's a little south of Baghdad and I want to say maybe east of Iskandariyah. It did seem like we were there too long instead of being pushed up with 2/2 (2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines) Infantry Battalion in Mahmudiyah. As always, when you get bored Marines altogether...bad things happen. I was messing around with our Gunny and grabbed his knife from the sheath...he reached down and instead of grabbing my hand he enclosed his hand on the blade and I took it out of his grip. Left him with a huge gash in his palm and he had to get a bunch of stitches...my team and I were on a convoy to a new base within the day.
As we arrived in Mahmudiyah to take over from one of the west coast MEU team it was clear there wasn't a whole lot to the base. We had the normal things like showers, chowhall, haji mart (local Iraqi selling goods), MWR tent. But, just because we had those things didn't necessarily mean they were open all the time but hey...I loved living this way, it always excited me.
We lived and worked in a tiny shack away from a lot of the command things but close to the chowhall, computer tent and heads. As we first arrived, as was custom with my team, Frese went out to learn about the base and make contacts with people (he was my Assistant Team Leader and our people person). He never ceased to amaze me the people he would get in good with to help us out later on (fine example was with the supply chief who gave us brand new sunglasses). We worked with 2/2 for only a month or two and that part of the deployment is hard to remember (except the Commanding Officer coming to me and telling me my guys weren't wearing all the body armor gear they were supposed to be...).
A reserve infantry battalion out of Chicago, 2/24 (2nd battalion, 24th Marines) came to relieve 2/2. We were a little worried about having a reserve unit there with us, you have these pre-conceived notions about reservists that they are fat and lazy and not "real Marines". I tell you what, I've never worked with a better group of professionals in my life. A lot of them had done active time but what really made this group more professional and mature than most Marines is you would have Corporals who were maybe 35 years old and worked as Sheriffs or Deputy Sheriffs back home. So, they had the experience, the maturity, just the "right stuff" to be successful in what they did in the battlefield.
We didn't get hit much by indirect fire on Mahmudiyah, I think the terrorists in that area were just stupid really. They couldn't hit crap even though we were right there in the city pretty much. The reserve unit there decided to take a couple other towns where units had tried but failed continuously. Those towns were Lutifiyah and Yusifiyah, I believe it was Fox company that went to Yusifiyah and we weren't far behind to provide support. We spent a little time there at first only with our Humvee and a tarp as cover. They mortared us multiple times daily and these guys were very good. I know as we were there the first day or so an Iraqi police (maybe military) was hit as well as a Marine. They had to be medevac'd out. Not sure how much time we spent there the first day but it wasn't very fun.
As Fallujah 2 was about to start up we went back out to Yusifiyah, it was in November of 2004 and we celebrated the Marine Corps birthday ball out there. Still got mortared some but wasn't nearly as bad. We ate steak and crab legs for the birthday ball even though we were in a craphole of a place, they did that for us. As we were out there, a long firefight took place and some of guys acted as spotters for the snipers. I think we ended up spending a couple weeks out there or maybe a week, it went by pretty fast.
I spent the rest of the time back in Mahmudiyah and let me tell you about Iraqi winters...it's not warm. We'd wake up in the morning and our bottles of water outside would be partially frozen, we'd have to sit in sleeping bags while working because the heaters wouldn't work. It was much colder than many might think.
I loved this deployment but there were obviously some things that weren't so hot. I remember they closed the chowhall down on Thanksgiving so I had a Turkey MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) to celebrate. A lot of Marines got killed, the place wasn't called the "Triangle of Death" for kicks. We were all there during some of the most important holidays that families get together for.
I do miss the guys I was with, I don't get to see them very often if at all anymore. I'm glad some of them are still in the Marines so I have a better chance of running into them again.
We came back in February 2005, worked out well we went with the MEU instead of with Radbn since we would have been there for a year. That deployment prepared me for leadership more than I ever knew it would and it makes me yearn for more leadership roles.
That was also the deployment Amy became a born again Christian, I resented her at the time for it and didn't want to have anything to do with it. I'm glad God gave me another chance though and she helped lead me to the Lord. Praise God.
As odd as it is...we flew over in a plane even though we were a "MEU" and should have been on ships (I alluded to this earlier). But, this wasn't a huge deal although it was extremely hot on those planes especially wearing our gear and I think we even had our weapons with us. Just a little odd bunch of Marines on a commercial plane with our gear and the like.
I can't remember a whole lot about Kuwait except that I just can't believe people can live in that environment, it's inhospitable.
Our command element was put in place (as we all were for the time being) at FOB Kalsu (I would later come back to this base in my 3rd deployment to Iraq). It's a little south of Baghdad and I want to say maybe east of Iskandariyah. It did seem like we were there too long instead of being pushed up with 2/2 (2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines) Infantry Battalion in Mahmudiyah. As always, when you get bored Marines altogether...bad things happen. I was messing around with our Gunny and grabbed his knife from the sheath...he reached down and instead of grabbing my hand he enclosed his hand on the blade and I took it out of his grip. Left him with a huge gash in his palm and he had to get a bunch of stitches...my team and I were on a convoy to a new base within the day.
As we arrived in Mahmudiyah to take over from one of the west coast MEU team it was clear there wasn't a whole lot to the base. We had the normal things like showers, chowhall, haji mart (local Iraqi selling goods), MWR tent. But, just because we had those things didn't necessarily mean they were open all the time but hey...I loved living this way, it always excited me.
We lived and worked in a tiny shack away from a lot of the command things but close to the chowhall, computer tent and heads. As we first arrived, as was custom with my team, Frese went out to learn about the base and make contacts with people (he was my Assistant Team Leader and our people person). He never ceased to amaze me the people he would get in good with to help us out later on (fine example was with the supply chief who gave us brand new sunglasses). We worked with 2/2 for only a month or two and that part of the deployment is hard to remember (except the Commanding Officer coming to me and telling me my guys weren't wearing all the body armor gear they were supposed to be...).
A reserve infantry battalion out of Chicago, 2/24 (2nd battalion, 24th Marines) came to relieve 2/2. We were a little worried about having a reserve unit there with us, you have these pre-conceived notions about reservists that they are fat and lazy and not "real Marines". I tell you what, I've never worked with a better group of professionals in my life. A lot of them had done active time but what really made this group more professional and mature than most Marines is you would have Corporals who were maybe 35 years old and worked as Sheriffs or Deputy Sheriffs back home. So, they had the experience, the maturity, just the "right stuff" to be successful in what they did in the battlefield.
We didn't get hit much by indirect fire on Mahmudiyah, I think the terrorists in that area were just stupid really. They couldn't hit crap even though we were right there in the city pretty much. The reserve unit there decided to take a couple other towns where units had tried but failed continuously. Those towns were Lutifiyah and Yusifiyah, I believe it was Fox company that went to Yusifiyah and we weren't far behind to provide support. We spent a little time there at first only with our Humvee and a tarp as cover. They mortared us multiple times daily and these guys were very good. I know as we were there the first day or so an Iraqi police (maybe military) was hit as well as a Marine. They had to be medevac'd out. Not sure how much time we spent there the first day but it wasn't very fun.
As Fallujah 2 was about to start up we went back out to Yusifiyah, it was in November of 2004 and we celebrated the Marine Corps birthday ball out there. Still got mortared some but wasn't nearly as bad. We ate steak and crab legs for the birthday ball even though we were in a craphole of a place, they did that for us. As we were out there, a long firefight took place and some of guys acted as spotters for the snipers. I think we ended up spending a couple weeks out there or maybe a week, it went by pretty fast.
I spent the rest of the time back in Mahmudiyah and let me tell you about Iraqi winters...it's not warm. We'd wake up in the morning and our bottles of water outside would be partially frozen, we'd have to sit in sleeping bags while working because the heaters wouldn't work. It was much colder than many might think.
I loved this deployment but there were obviously some things that weren't so hot. I remember they closed the chowhall down on Thanksgiving so I had a Turkey MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) to celebrate. A lot of Marines got killed, the place wasn't called the "Triangle of Death" for kicks. We were all there during some of the most important holidays that families get together for.
I do miss the guys I was with, I don't get to see them very often if at all anymore. I'm glad some of them are still in the Marines so I have a better chance of running into them again.
We came back in February 2005, worked out well we went with the MEU instead of with Radbn since we would have been there for a year. That deployment prepared me for leadership more than I ever knew it would and it makes me yearn for more leadership roles.
That was also the deployment Amy became a born again Christian, I resented her at the time for it and didn't want to have anything to do with it. I'm glad God gave me another chance though and she helped lead me to the Lord. Praise God.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Very busy
So, after that last post I stopped drinking. I found my faults in that verse and have really come to think drinking alcohol is wrong. I have this new craving and eagerness to get into God's word. To have a good testimony and live more for Him. I've been alcohol free for probably 2 months or a little short of it. I don't plan on going back and feel like I have more energy, remembering more and more every day and can get my thoughts across to people in a more professional manner.
This time, I hope I really am ready to start this blog back up.
This time, I hope I really am ready to start this blog back up.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Drinking
I have still yet to find a verse in the Bible that forbids drinking alcohol. In fact, this one really worries me (it basically says the deacon should only drink a little...). It's hard to misinterpret this because if first says the bishop will give into no wine (does not drink) and deacon into much wine (allowed to drink some).
1 Timothy 3
1This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
And of course getting drunk is most definitely mentioned in the Bible is not allowed. So, I've been convicted with drinking is the main point. Sometimes I will have one with dinner but in the last few months I have barely drank anything. And I don't even remember the last time I was drunk. I realize that most fundamental Baptist would rather leave the temptation completely out of their home and I tend to agree with that mentality because since I've been saved I have tripped up, I have gotten a little tipsy and it's because the alcohol is in the house...but that was long ago. I have shown restraint in that aspect and now show restraint this way by just not buying it. I can't say in the future I won't have a beer with dinner or something but I don't want to be controlled by this anymore, I don't want to be controlled by anything of the world any longer and will try my best to do just that.
I plan to start up the deployment posts soon but need to get back on track of where I left off and what I wanted to say.
Take care.
1 Timothy 3
1This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
And of course getting drunk is most definitely mentioned in the Bible is not allowed. So, I've been convicted with drinking is the main point. Sometimes I will have one with dinner but in the last few months I have barely drank anything. And I don't even remember the last time I was drunk. I realize that most fundamental Baptist would rather leave the temptation completely out of their home and I tend to agree with that mentality because since I've been saved I have tripped up, I have gotten a little tipsy and it's because the alcohol is in the house...but that was long ago. I have shown restraint in that aspect and now show restraint this way by just not buying it. I can't say in the future I won't have a beer with dinner or something but I don't want to be controlled by this anymore, I don't want to be controlled by anything of the world any longer and will try my best to do just that.
I plan to start up the deployment posts soon but need to get back on track of where I left off and what I wanted to say.
Take care.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The Blessing of Life
Just wanted to take a small break from the deployments posts to talk about blessings of life. Some of you might not call them blessings, they might be "fruit of your labor" or just plain old "hard work" or maybe even how you were raised reflect your ideas on why you have these things in your life. Let me perfectly honest with you, everything you have...every millisecond of your life, all your children, all your money, your car, your house...God allowed you to have those things. You wasn't your hard work that got you there, it wasn't spending 20 hours a day at the office (that's another issue for another time)...it was ALL God, you can't take any credit for it.
These three, blessings:
Yes, even this hat is a blessing:
These three, blessings:
Yes, even this hat is a blessing:
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Second deployment - The beginning
Ahh, so I finally arrive home and we are greeted impressively by those that had to stay back and our families. It was awesome that they did everything for us so we could just go home to our families, I always hated how the Army would make the soldiers march into a gymnasium or something and basically sit there waiting to see their families. We got off the bus, a Gunny took our rifles from us and let us go hug our loved ones. I think we got a couple days off then went in for a day or two and they let us go on leave...I believe I took 30 days or so. Went up to New York and about a week into my leave...gotta call...
Turns out, the 24MEU needed some people to go back to Iraq...I volunteered. I was going to be a team leader and lead a 6 man team in Iraq where yet again I would gain new brothers that I will love forever.
I have to say, this was the best deployment I've ever been on...I had a great time. My 6 man team was Frese, Reyes, Kauffman (Bud), Sutton and Riley. We stood up (which means we trained in the states pretty much) for about a year. Things didn't start off that great though, the senior enlisted and I didn't get along...pretty thought he was a pompous ass and it didn't help I did something stupid the first couple weeks I was with the unit. Turns out, parking in front of a dumpster and getting the entire trash contract canceled for your unit really irritates people...who knew? Eh, learned my lesson...had to pull out all the trash and put it in a HUMVEE to bring to the landfill. Better than paperwork if you ask me.
My team and I went through a lot of crap but I always stood my ground and took as much blame as I could so that it didn't land on others on my team. It became painfully clear that I would have to provide cover for the entire deployment because the leadership was more about paperwork than actually using bad situations as an educational tool (like with the dumpster thing, a Gunny not in our unit did that to me and I appreciated it later on). I realize paperwork has it's moments and occasionally it needs to be exercised...lets not overdo it though eh? We all became very close and looked forward to the day that we would be with an infantry battalion instead of with our "head shed" and all the brass (officers). I actually had more issues with the higher enlisted in the group than the officers. I probably came off as pretty cocky though but I don't intentionally disrespect people, no matter their rank, the senior enlisted did this (with all this said, I ended up having a great relationship with him at the end).
We trained in the heat, we trained in the snow, we trained in the nasty wet mudhole of Camp LeJeune for a year...it was brutal but it was FUN! I gained a lot of great insight into planning and I learned a lot about leading Marines.
Before we ended up deploying, Sutton was yanked from my team and made team leader of the MEWSS team which really hurt our team in a communicator sense...luckily, Riley and Frese really stepped up...they saved my butt quite a few times. We gained Kniskern who was not happy about the change and it was tough to see him so beat up...I immediately made sure he felt welcome...to this day I still can remember how bad I felt seeing him so hurt. It was understandable though, he had spent a year with his team and was ripped away without warning to become a part of our team.
We had planned on taking the USS Saipan and we went for a few days to "test" out our work spaces and living spaces. Ship life was old to me by then...I think I slept 20 hours a day when we were on there (come on now, I have two kids at this point...sleep is precious). Ended up, we FLEW to Kuwait...what the heck...a MEU..flying? Stupid...
I was ready for this deployment, we had been planning what we'd bring and what we could actually run off of vehicle power. Yeah, that's right, I brought an electric cooler! Do you know how awesome 60 degree pepsi is compared to 110 degree pepsi? Oh man, it's so good.
More later...
Turns out, the 24MEU needed some people to go back to Iraq...I volunteered. I was going to be a team leader and lead a 6 man team in Iraq where yet again I would gain new brothers that I will love forever.
I have to say, this was the best deployment I've ever been on...I had a great time. My 6 man team was Frese, Reyes, Kauffman (Bud), Sutton and Riley. We stood up (which means we trained in the states pretty much) for about a year. Things didn't start off that great though, the senior enlisted and I didn't get along...pretty thought he was a pompous ass and it didn't help I did something stupid the first couple weeks I was with the unit. Turns out, parking in front of a dumpster and getting the entire trash contract canceled for your unit really irritates people...who knew? Eh, learned my lesson...had to pull out all the trash and put it in a HUMVEE to bring to the landfill. Better than paperwork if you ask me.
My team and I went through a lot of crap but I always stood my ground and took as much blame as I could so that it didn't land on others on my team. It became painfully clear that I would have to provide cover for the entire deployment because the leadership was more about paperwork than actually using bad situations as an educational tool (like with the dumpster thing, a Gunny not in our unit did that to me and I appreciated it later on). I realize paperwork has it's moments and occasionally it needs to be exercised...lets not overdo it though eh? We all became very close and looked forward to the day that we would be with an infantry battalion instead of with our "head shed" and all the brass (officers). I actually had more issues with the higher enlisted in the group than the officers. I probably came off as pretty cocky though but I don't intentionally disrespect people, no matter their rank, the senior enlisted did this (with all this said, I ended up having a great relationship with him at the end).
We trained in the heat, we trained in the snow, we trained in the nasty wet mudhole of Camp LeJeune for a year...it was brutal but it was FUN! I gained a lot of great insight into planning and I learned a lot about leading Marines.
Before we ended up deploying, Sutton was yanked from my team and made team leader of the MEWSS team which really hurt our team in a communicator sense...luckily, Riley and Frese really stepped up...they saved my butt quite a few times. We gained Kniskern who was not happy about the change and it was tough to see him so beat up...I immediately made sure he felt welcome...to this day I still can remember how bad I felt seeing him so hurt. It was understandable though, he had spent a year with his team and was ripped away without warning to become a part of our team.
We had planned on taking the USS Saipan and we went for a few days to "test" out our work spaces and living spaces. Ship life was old to me by then...I think I slept 20 hours a day when we were on there (come on now, I have two kids at this point...sleep is precious). Ended up, we FLEW to Kuwait...what the heck...a MEU..flying? Stupid...
I was ready for this deployment, we had been planning what we'd bring and what we could actually run off of vehicle power. Yeah, that's right, I brought an electric cooler! Do you know how awesome 60 degree pepsi is compared to 110 degree pepsi? Oh man, it's so good.
More later...
Friday, November 27, 2009
An Addendum
Just wanted to add that before I had left to go to Iraq that first time, Amy had just gave birth only a few weeks before. So, I had to leave my little one (Ryan) so soon after. It was tough but I was determined to come back...just gave me more motivation. Turns out we had to move as well (tearing down the old houses and building new ones). Our house was broken into while I was gone and some things stolen. Even though Amy was going through post-partum (spell?) she never let me know because as a good military wife knows...it's best not to have your spouse thinking about things like that while they are at war. She has been a God-send and I love her to death, not sure what I'd do without her.
Still hoping to get some pictures up, I know I have some from both 2nd and 3rd deployment. Will start with 2nd deployment soon and then my journal entries from the 3rd.
Still hoping to get some pictures up, I know I have some from both 2nd and 3rd deployment. Will start with 2nd deployment soon and then my journal entries from the 3rd.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Life in Iraq in 2003
So, we were running 12 hour shifts and usually moving every morning just about. Very early on it was decided I would lead the night shift. Basically this is how it worked, we would drive all day and by the time we stopped my night shift was on duty (or would go on duty within a few hours). So, we'd get maybe a couple hours of sleep (we had to help put the tent up and get all the gear in the tent before we could), then we'd work 12 hours and then we'd have to help tear down the tent in the morning and then we'd leave to the next site. We pretty much didn't sleep, finally I got the OIC (Officer in Charge) to change the shifts to 8 hour shifts (between 2 teams) so our schedule would change everyday and my shift wasn't the one always killing themselves.
Our first "long" stop was in Nasariyah where we made camp pretty much in the middle of a landfill. As we ate our MRE's, we had to keep close eye on them because if you looked a way for a second it was filled with flies. It was one of the most disgusting places I had seen up to that point. We slept in Humvees, it was hot, we had our MOPP gear on and had to cover our faces because those flies bit like you wouldn't believe. It was not pleasant, there were no crappers out here either. We took an old, empty ammo box...dug a hole with our e-tool and crapped there. That didn't help with the fly problem but tried to cover it up as best as we could. When we weren't on shift in our tent, we were either sleeping, standing guard for our tent or standing guard on the berm.
An Nasariyah was where Jessica Lynch was captured and this was the place we first came under fire. It was dark and I was sitting guard watch at our tent when something very large, very heavy skidded across the street, sparks flying and blew up. An infantry battalion was across the street from us and they got a couple casualties, something blew up over...looked like a Humvee. A lot of this later on seemed to be friendly fire but there was small arms fire coming from somewhere as well, it was crazy but exhilarating at the same time. It sounds sick and cliche but I was enjoying myself because this is why I joined...to this day I love deploying and cliche because your training really does kick in. It's instinctive to us on what to do in those situations, I don't know how long it lasted but it seemed like a couple hours. We aren't infantry and we didn't really have any infantry in our perimeter...we stood on the berms, we stood in defense of our "base". Every Marine is a rifleman...it was evident that moniker was true at this point. An Nasariyah was the critical point to keep since it was a huge logistical problem if we lost the bridge in this town. Those Marines and Soldiers that were ahead of us on their way to Baghdad needed supplies to keep them on the move.
I don't remember how long we were in Nasariyah, something like 1 or 2 weeks. I remember we had some 8th Comm guys with us (they carry the satellite that gives us connection with our computers). At night, there are no lights...light discipline is a huge thing. A small light stands out in that dark sky. With that said, helo pilots and the like use night vision. One of the 8th comm guys comes out of his tent and takes a flash photo as the helo is taking off. I honestly think if a couple of us weren't in view there, the Gunny that came over would have severely beaten that guy for taking a flash photo of the helo. To explain it a little better...if you are wearing night vision goggles and someone shines a light at you...it's going to temporarily blind you. You don't want a helo pilot blind.
I don't remember if this happened before or after Nasariyah but I remember we were in a convoy going to a new location and we had had no time to clean our weapons. So, I was cleaning my weapon in the vehicle when we get a message over the radio that mortar or something was incoming to our location. We had to stop the vehicles, get out and get down right now. I had my entire weapon apart with it's many small parts. This sucked badly but was able to get all the parts in my pockets or anywhere I could, crazy times.
Our next long stop was at an abandoned Iraqi base (I think it was Diwaniyah but I can't remember, started with a D I think). We stayed here for quite awhile and the beginnings of the war were pretty much winding down (believe the Saddam statue was brought down as we were here) and there were no more worries from the Iraqi army because they were pretty much completely destroyed or deserted. Terror cells hadn't really started so there were no worries from mortar attacks or IEDS or the like. We had many local Iraqis come up to the fences and we gave them water, food and candy. To show that we were really done with this phase of the war...Aaron Zimmerman celebrated by streaking and sliding on the mud in our base in front of all the leadership...yes, I said streaking (nude running for those of you with virgin minds). It was a good time, we finally got to take off our top part of the MOPP suit. We got to check out the abandoned Iraqi base and even took a trip to Babylon and went through the museum.
At this point, we hadn't showered in probably about 3 months. We hadn't talked to our loved ones on the phone or internet (there wasn't any at that time in Iraq), letters were the only communication. The phone we eventually got to use was an old field phone, used like radio wire to connect to the network and we had to wind it to get power pretty much...it's crazy how cozy Iraq is today compared to when we first went.
We started heading back now and stopped in a semi-hard base that actually had crappers!! And temporary showers (I still didn't take one, had to live up to my nickname of Dirty right?). The crappers were open so everyone just kinda sat there watching eachother take a dump. At night, the lower ranking personnel (hahaha, glad I went as a Sergeant!) had to dump diesel fuel into the barrels of crap and light them on fire (yes, that's how you cleaned them out pretty much). This was our last stop that I can remember before we got back to Kuwait, it was awesome to be back and we felt like we accomplished so much and this began another generation of war veterans. I miss those times, I miss those people I was with, the experience was priceless.
I'm hoping to add some photos if I can find them, will have to scan them though. We spent a little more time in Kuwait, got on the LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) and went back to the boat. Our experience and training wasn't done though. We worked on the ship and did MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) every day pretty much on the way back. As we got back, we were greeted with joy and it was a great day. Was nice just to have some time off...while I was on leave for 30 days...I volunteered to go back to Iraq (man, I'm a sucker for a deployment).
I'll be talking about that deployment in the following posts.
Our first "long" stop was in Nasariyah where we made camp pretty much in the middle of a landfill. As we ate our MRE's, we had to keep close eye on them because if you looked a way for a second it was filled with flies. It was one of the most disgusting places I had seen up to that point. We slept in Humvees, it was hot, we had our MOPP gear on and had to cover our faces because those flies bit like you wouldn't believe. It was not pleasant, there were no crappers out here either. We took an old, empty ammo box...dug a hole with our e-tool and crapped there. That didn't help with the fly problem but tried to cover it up as best as we could. When we weren't on shift in our tent, we were either sleeping, standing guard for our tent or standing guard on the berm.
An Nasariyah was where Jessica Lynch was captured and this was the place we first came under fire. It was dark and I was sitting guard watch at our tent when something very large, very heavy skidded across the street, sparks flying and blew up. An infantry battalion was across the street from us and they got a couple casualties, something blew up over...looked like a Humvee. A lot of this later on seemed to be friendly fire but there was small arms fire coming from somewhere as well, it was crazy but exhilarating at the same time. It sounds sick and cliche but I was enjoying myself because this is why I joined...to this day I love deploying and cliche because your training really does kick in. It's instinctive to us on what to do in those situations, I don't know how long it lasted but it seemed like a couple hours. We aren't infantry and we didn't really have any infantry in our perimeter...we stood on the berms, we stood in defense of our "base". Every Marine is a rifleman...it was evident that moniker was true at this point. An Nasariyah was the critical point to keep since it was a huge logistical problem if we lost the bridge in this town. Those Marines and Soldiers that were ahead of us on their way to Baghdad needed supplies to keep them on the move.
I don't remember how long we were in Nasariyah, something like 1 or 2 weeks. I remember we had some 8th Comm guys with us (they carry the satellite that gives us connection with our computers). At night, there are no lights...light discipline is a huge thing. A small light stands out in that dark sky. With that said, helo pilots and the like use night vision. One of the 8th comm guys comes out of his tent and takes a flash photo as the helo is taking off. I honestly think if a couple of us weren't in view there, the Gunny that came over would have severely beaten that guy for taking a flash photo of the helo. To explain it a little better...if you are wearing night vision goggles and someone shines a light at you...it's going to temporarily blind you. You don't want a helo pilot blind.
I don't remember if this happened before or after Nasariyah but I remember we were in a convoy going to a new location and we had had no time to clean our weapons. So, I was cleaning my weapon in the vehicle when we get a message over the radio that mortar or something was incoming to our location. We had to stop the vehicles, get out and get down right now. I had my entire weapon apart with it's many small parts. This sucked badly but was able to get all the parts in my pockets or anywhere I could, crazy times.
Our next long stop was at an abandoned Iraqi base (I think it was Diwaniyah but I can't remember, started with a D I think). We stayed here for quite awhile and the beginnings of the war were pretty much winding down (believe the Saddam statue was brought down as we were here) and there were no more worries from the Iraqi army because they were pretty much completely destroyed or deserted. Terror cells hadn't really started so there were no worries from mortar attacks or IEDS or the like. We had many local Iraqis come up to the fences and we gave them water, food and candy. To show that we were really done with this phase of the war...Aaron Zimmerman celebrated by streaking and sliding on the mud in our base in front of all the leadership...yes, I said streaking (nude running for those of you with virgin minds). It was a good time, we finally got to take off our top part of the MOPP suit. We got to check out the abandoned Iraqi base and even took a trip to Babylon and went through the museum.
At this point, we hadn't showered in probably about 3 months. We hadn't talked to our loved ones on the phone or internet (there wasn't any at that time in Iraq), letters were the only communication. The phone we eventually got to use was an old field phone, used like radio wire to connect to the network and we had to wind it to get power pretty much...it's crazy how cozy Iraq is today compared to when we first went.
We started heading back now and stopped in a semi-hard base that actually had crappers!! And temporary showers (I still didn't take one, had to live up to my nickname of Dirty right?). The crappers were open so everyone just kinda sat there watching eachother take a dump. At night, the lower ranking personnel (hahaha, glad I went as a Sergeant!) had to dump diesel fuel into the barrels of crap and light them on fire (yes, that's how you cleaned them out pretty much). This was our last stop that I can remember before we got back to Kuwait, it was awesome to be back and we felt like we accomplished so much and this began another generation of war veterans. I miss those times, I miss those people I was with, the experience was priceless.
I'm hoping to add some photos if I can find them, will have to scan them though. We spent a little more time in Kuwait, got on the LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) and went back to the boat. Our experience and training wasn't done though. We worked on the ship and did MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) every day pretty much on the way back. As we got back, we were greeted with joy and it was a great day. Was nice just to have some time off...while I was on leave for 30 days...I volunteered to go back to Iraq (man, I'm a sucker for a deployment).
I'll be talking about that deployment in the following posts.
Intermission - my ankle
Just wanted to add a small blurb about my ankle problems. I sprained the back ligament that connects the heel and fibula in late August. It's been very slow healing and I was only about 75% mid November. So, decided to go for a short "fun run" with the Marines to celebrate our birthday. I seemed to overcompensate with my one ankle still hurting (I wrapped it) and sprained my OTHER ankle. So, I go back to the doc yesterday (17 Nov) and have it evaluated. She refers me to the on base physical therapist and believes I have some sort of stability issues. So, last night as I am walking I sprain a different ligament in the ankle I sprained in late August...yes, this is getting ridiculous. So, sitting at home now with both ankles taped, elevated and trying to ice every few hours.
The LONG wait in Kuwait
Ok, so it wasn't THAT long of a wait but it felt like it. To be honest, I don't even remember how long we were in Kuwait as the U.S. military performed feint exercises against the Iraqi border. We were at 2 bases (or more like staging areas) before we staged on the Kuwaiti/Iraqi border.
Three memories that stand out in my mind when we moved bases to be closer to the whole of RCT-2. 1) This was the first time I got "the sickness" where my equilibrium was messed up. Woke up one morning, tried to stand up and fell flat on my face (they told me I was dehydrated but I never get dehydrated and this crap happened to me about the same amount of time in to my next deployment to the middle east). 2) Aaron Zimmerman when he got up, grabbed his gas mask and rifle and ran to the crapper without pants (barely made it, lol!) and 3) General Mattis as he gave a speech to all of us and said something to the effect of how we controlled the airways already (we hadn't even crossed the border yet) and then a couple fighters flew overhead as he was saying it.
Well, it was time...we were going to stage next to the border. I remember quite a few Kuwaiti's giving us salutes and waving as we left. The first night I remember seeing a multitude of Patriot missiles flying overhead to intercept SCUD missiles and I don't know how many times we had to put our gas masks on (I was happy for the practice but smokeless tobacco and gas masks aren't a good combo...). I think by this point we were strictly on MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) and the hot meals were done, hadn't had a shower either since leaving the ship that I can recall. Didn't end up getting a shower for another month or two. That's why baby wipes, beef jerky, gum and the many things you see that are good to send to troops were so huge. Not so much today with their huge PX's (Post Exchange stores) and running water for showers everyday. It's cozy nowadays.
Anyway, I digress, when we finally stopped the feint exercises and went into Iraq it was exciting...it was a little scary, mostly exciting. I think I MEF (Marines) and V Corps (Army) were the first units in and were going directly to Baghdad, we were a little behind them and would hold key points to defend logistical routes.
Life in Iraq is next...
Three memories that stand out in my mind when we moved bases to be closer to the whole of RCT-2. 1) This was the first time I got "the sickness" where my equilibrium was messed up. Woke up one morning, tried to stand up and fell flat on my face (they told me I was dehydrated but I never get dehydrated and this crap happened to me about the same amount of time in to my next deployment to the middle east). 2) Aaron Zimmerman when he got up, grabbed his gas mask and rifle and ran to the crapper without pants (barely made it, lol!) and 3) General Mattis as he gave a speech to all of us and said something to the effect of how we controlled the airways already (we hadn't even crossed the border yet) and then a couple fighters flew overhead as he was saying it.
Well, it was time...we were going to stage next to the border. I remember quite a few Kuwaiti's giving us salutes and waving as we left. The first night I remember seeing a multitude of Patriot missiles flying overhead to intercept SCUD missiles and I don't know how many times we had to put our gas masks on (I was happy for the practice but smokeless tobacco and gas masks aren't a good combo...). I think by this point we were strictly on MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) and the hot meals were done, hadn't had a shower either since leaving the ship that I can recall. Didn't end up getting a shower for another month or two. That's why baby wipes, beef jerky, gum and the many things you see that are good to send to troops were so huge. Not so much today with their huge PX's (Post Exchange stores) and running water for showers everyday. It's cozy nowadays.
Anyway, I digress, when we finally stopped the feint exercises and went into Iraq it was exciting...it was a little scary, mostly exciting. I think I MEF (Marines) and V Corps (Army) were the first units in and were going directly to Baghdad, we were a little behind them and would hold key points to defend logistical routes.
Life in Iraq is next...
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The beginning of the Iraq War
It was crazy how this all started, 9/11 happened when I was in England...I thought it was a movie as it happened around lunchtime there. That's where this story begins, where after 9/11 deployments took a whole new meaning. They weren't the med floats most of us Marines know from before 2001. A deployment on ship to the mediterranean was more of a vacation then real work it seemed.
In July of 2002 I arrived at Camp LeJeune, NC...one of two very large Marine bases where most of the deployed come from. When I first arrived, there really wasn't much on the mind as far as going to war. This might seem pretty dumb but want to know why I volunteered to go on a MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit)? Because my boss had just told me I would have to start giving a weekly brief to the CO (Commanding Officer) of my unit on Iraq. I figured I'd rather ride on a boat than do that. Little did I know...volunteering for this MEU would lead me to be one of the first units to enter Iraq, our MEU became RCT-2 (Regimental Combat Team 2). We did a lot of the work-up before we even knew we were going to Iraq...out in the field so much, cold as hell during the winter season in NC...not to mention, Amy was very pregnant with Ryan.
The day we chopped to the MEU...we were told we were leaving the MEU and becoming the RCT-2 going to Iraq and departing in January. Ryan was less than a month old when I left, it was tough but it was also quite exciting (little did I know, I would learn to love deploying and still do to this day). We left for the Gulf on the USS Bataan. We trained hard, barely slept and worried about what was in store. We watched the Superbowl (Tampa Bay destroyed Oakland) and wondered when the time would come that we would go into the desert. We watched Colin Powel on TV and the intel that showed Iraq was carrying WMD's, we trained on using our gas masks. I don't think I can explain how unnerving it is to train with your gas masks knowing that...THIS TIME...it might be different and you might actually NEED this thing to save your life. YOU NEED TO GET THIS ON IN 9 SECONDS! It wasn't a good feeling, it scared the crap out of me...I wouldn't let it show though, I wanted to be strong, I needed to be strong, I reveled in the thought I could overcome this and know I accomplished something.
I was never stronger than I was during this deployment, we had a 6'9'' OIC (Officer in Charge) Reconnaissance Marine and a black belt instructor senior enlisted GySgt. We trained harder than most, we wore our gear (flak jackets, helmets, web gear, etc) all the time. It became a second skin, not to mention the MOPP gear as well to protect us from chem, biological weapons. It might have sucked at the time but we were ready for just about anything.
We were in the Gulf for awhile and I can't remember exactly how long it was but when we finally got the word we would be going into Kuwait...it was hectic, we rode the LCAC onto the beach...none of our lives would be the same and the war was about to begin.
To be continued...
In July of 2002 I arrived at Camp LeJeune, NC...one of two very large Marine bases where most of the deployed come from. When I first arrived, there really wasn't much on the mind as far as going to war. This might seem pretty dumb but want to know why I volunteered to go on a MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit)? Because my boss had just told me I would have to start giving a weekly brief to the CO (Commanding Officer) of my unit on Iraq. I figured I'd rather ride on a boat than do that. Little did I know...volunteering for this MEU would lead me to be one of the first units to enter Iraq, our MEU became RCT-2 (Regimental Combat Team 2). We did a lot of the work-up before we even knew we were going to Iraq...out in the field so much, cold as hell during the winter season in NC...not to mention, Amy was very pregnant with Ryan.
The day we chopped to the MEU...we were told we were leaving the MEU and becoming the RCT-2 going to Iraq and departing in January. Ryan was less than a month old when I left, it was tough but it was also quite exciting (little did I know, I would learn to love deploying and still do to this day). We left for the Gulf on the USS Bataan. We trained hard, barely slept and worried about what was in store. We watched the Superbowl (Tampa Bay destroyed Oakland) and wondered when the time would come that we would go into the desert. We watched Colin Powel on TV and the intel that showed Iraq was carrying WMD's, we trained on using our gas masks. I don't think I can explain how unnerving it is to train with your gas masks knowing that...THIS TIME...it might be different and you might actually NEED this thing to save your life. YOU NEED TO GET THIS ON IN 9 SECONDS! It wasn't a good feeling, it scared the crap out of me...I wouldn't let it show though, I wanted to be strong, I needed to be strong, I reveled in the thought I could overcome this and know I accomplished something.
I was never stronger than I was during this deployment, we had a 6'9'' OIC (Officer in Charge) Reconnaissance Marine and a black belt instructor senior enlisted GySgt. We trained harder than most, we wore our gear (flak jackets, helmets, web gear, etc) all the time. It became a second skin, not to mention the MOPP gear as well to protect us from chem, biological weapons. It might have sucked at the time but we were ready for just about anything.
We were in the Gulf for awhile and I can't remember exactly how long it was but when we finally got the word we would be going into Kuwait...it was hectic, we rode the LCAC onto the beach...none of our lives would be the same and the war was about to begin.
To be continued...
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Starting this back up...
Hey all, I'm going to start this blog back-up...it's really been a hectic year. What I plan on doing is summarizing my times in Iraq for the first and second deployment. Then, once I've done that I am going to transcribe the journal I kept for my 3rd deployment into this format for all to see.
I'll keep you posted!
Dennis/Dougherty/Dirty
I'll keep you posted!
Dennis/Dougherty/Dirty
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