Well, I’ve been off the blog for a bit more than usual, but am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am scheduled to leave in less than three weeks. As you may have seen in the news, there is some activity in this country. Despite the fact that we are the sideshow to Iraq, more troops are in danger here than there. No worries where I am in spite of the embassy bombing a few days ago. I look forward to getting back home.
Last week I was invited by my Spanish colleague to join in some Spanish national festivity with paella and sangria. It was amazing, no comparison to what I’ve had in the U.S. How they cook it, what they cook it in, and who cooks it makes all the difference. My breakfast friend, the Romanian Colonel, leaves in a few days. Tonight he invited me to dinner with his command; the PsyOps group (Psychological Operations). They are a close-knit command. The dinner was a nice BBQ with a Romanian thread, including an assortment of alcohol. He had me try an aperitif that I would swear was Kentucky moonshine including the bottle it came out of. It could have been made in the still they used on M*A*S*H, only higher quality. So it goes. A few of the guys and I were entertained by the Thursday night karaoke and then some camaraderie at the German National House. So ends another Thursday evening. Back to work in the a.m.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Fun on the Fourth
My 4th celebration started with taking my General’s invitation to the US Embassy reception on Thursday afternoon. It was not too eventful although I got a new level of disrespect for one of our generals who decided to go around talking business and handing out tasks for the coming days during the party. It’s bad form to conduct business at a party especially for our national holiday considering where we are. It was all a good experience though. The Ambassador said a few words; there was some nice food, which was about it.
You’ve heard me talk about the other nation’s holidays, so now here is what we did. By chance, the 4th fell on a Friday, so there was a bit more free time. At 0630, there was a 5K fun run. I never figured out how 5K is fun, but a few showed up I’m told. During the day there were tournaments for volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and horseshoes. Horseshoes was the big thing with games running into the evening. I went to the bazaar for a bit and picked up a few things including a special gift for a certain someone special. The funniest party of the bazaar was that I brought in something this time to sell or barter. Jane and Shauna regifted a regift from me, yes, the red tea lamp. I went in as a trader and used all my lines at the shop of my bodyguard, remember him? Jawaid. We both laughed. He asked how much and I replied how much make you happy. He would say an amount and I would tell him that was my cost. I mostly went back and forth with him for pure entertainment. I wouldn’t sell it for money, but did trade it for something small at his table.
The best part of the day was a real traditional BBQ with chicken, ribs, burgers, and three types of sausage as well as watermelon, ice cream, and chips. Everyone raved, so I guess it was good. In the evening, the Taliband played and they just keep getting better and better. I took some pictures this time. They opened with God Bless America and closed with the Star Spangled Banner. There were some great songs in between too.
As I’ve said, it has been busy with a war going on and things like that. Our focus is to build the capabilities and capacity of the Afghan forces and I think we are doing well although it is a slow process. I’ve gotten outside the wire a bit more lately and I think I see things improving or perhaps I am just accustomed to the area. Time will tell.
You’ve heard me talk about the other nation’s holidays, so now here is what we did. By chance, the 4th fell on a Friday, so there was a bit more free time. At 0630, there was a 5K fun run. I never figured out how 5K is fun, but a few showed up I’m told. During the day there were tournaments for volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and horseshoes. Horseshoes was the big thing with games running into the evening. I went to the bazaar for a bit and picked up a few things including a special gift for a certain someone special. The funniest party of the bazaar was that I brought in something this time to sell or barter. Jane and Shauna regifted a regift from me, yes, the red tea lamp. I went in as a trader and used all my lines at the shop of my bodyguard, remember him? Jawaid. We both laughed. He asked how much and I replied how much make you happy. He would say an amount and I would tell him that was my cost. I mostly went back and forth with him for pure entertainment. I wouldn’t sell it for money, but did trade it for something small at his table.
The best part of the day was a real traditional BBQ with chicken, ribs, burgers, and three types of sausage as well as watermelon, ice cream, and chips. Everyone raved, so I guess it was good. In the evening, the Taliband played and they just keep getting better and better. I took some pictures this time. They opened with God Bless America and closed with the Star Spangled Banner. There were some great songs in between too.
As I’ve said, it has been busy with a war going on and things like that. Our focus is to build the capabilities and capacity of the Afghan forces and I think we are doing well although it is a slow process. I’ve gotten outside the wire a bit more lately and I think I see things improving or perhaps I am just accustomed to the area. Time will tell.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
O' Canada!
July 1 is Canada Day marking their independence from Great Britain. There’s a lot of that going around. They took off in 1867. The day started with Canadians serving real maple syrup for our pancakes. The normal syrup here is some weird stuff. It was good to get the real thing. They held a ball (street) hockey tournament, strangely enough the two Canadian teams made it to the finals. The underdog won though in a stunning upset. They had their flag raising ceremony in the morning and flags were everywhere. I wore my Canada flag pin.
At night, they had an excellent party in the Gardens. They served BBQ ribs, chicken, beer, Moose Milk, Beaver Tails, and maple cookies. Beaver tails are a light pastry shaped like a beaver tail with jam. They had games like a football toss, ball hockey shoot, and something that Paul and I won at. We were a team where Paul was blindfolded and had to hold a cardboard canoe over his head and portage through cones with me giving him directions. I won a fake Swiss army watch and he won a good lock-blade knife. Not bad at all. Music was played through the speaker system, all Canadian artists.
So to answer Terry and others, I suppose it does seem we just party all the time drinking and eating and drinking. Strange but true. We do get our jobs done and fight the bad guys, but we wouldn’t last long without these distractions. We also have to watch the movies and read the books that people send. It’s just non-stop sometimes!
The real party should be on Friday for the 4th. It happens to coincide with our “day-off.” Should be fun, I’ll report out on it this weekend.
At night, they had an excellent party in the Gardens. They served BBQ ribs, chicken, beer, Moose Milk, Beaver Tails, and maple cookies. Beaver tails are a light pastry shaped like a beaver tail with jam. They had games like a football toss, ball hockey shoot, and something that Paul and I won at. We were a team where Paul was blindfolded and had to hold a cardboard canoe over his head and portage through cones with me giving him directions. I won a fake Swiss army watch and he won a good lock-blade knife. Not bad at all. Music was played through the speaker system, all Canadian artists.
So to answer Terry and others, I suppose it does seem we just party all the time drinking and eating and drinking. Strange but true. We do get our jobs done and fight the bad guys, but we wouldn’t last long without these distractions. We also have to watch the movies and read the books that people send. It’s just non-stop sometimes!
The real party should be on Friday for the 4th. It happens to coincide with our “day-off.” Should be fun, I’ll report out on it this weekend.
Monday, June 30, 2008
SECNAV INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE TO THE FLEET
I think the Memorial Day Message to the Fleet went over well. These words come from the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV).
1. 232 YEARS AGO IN PHILADELPHIA, 56 PATRIOTS SIGNED A DECLARATIONOF INDEPENDENCE - A DOCUMENT SPELLING OUT THEIR GRIEVANCES AGAINST KING GEORGE III AND EXPLAINING WHY THEY FELT IMPELLED TO SEPARATE FROM GREAT BRITAIN.
2. THIS REMARKABLE DOCUMENT IS A CIVICS LESSON ALL ITS OWN-EVEN DECLARING WHY GOVERNMENTS EXIST IN THE FIRST PLACE: THAT TO SECURE THESE RIGHTS, GOVERNMENTS ARE INSTITUTED AMONG MEN, DERIVING THEIR JUST POWERS FROM THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED; THAT WHENEVER GOVERNMENT BECOMES DESTRUCTIVE OF THESE ENDS, IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO ALTER OR TO ABOLISH IT, AND TO INSTITUTE NEW GOVERNMENT, LAYING ITS FOUNDATIONS ON SUCH PRINCIPLES, AND ORGANIZING ITS POWERS IN SUCH FORM, AS TO THEM SHALL SEEM MOST LIKELY TO EFFECT THEIR SAFETY AND HAPPINESS.
3. GOVERNMENTS EXIST TO SECURE OUR RIGHTS; THE PEOPLE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN LEADERS; THE PEOPLE ARE SOVEREIGN; CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED IS A FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE - THESE ARE THE FOUNDING IDEAS THAT SET OUR NATION ON A COURSE THAT HAS LED TO THE GREATEST SUCCESS STORY THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN.
4. OUR FOUNDING FATHERS BELIEVED THAT SOME THINGS WERE WORTH FIGHTING FOR. 232 YEARS LATER, WE STILL BELIEVE THAT OUR RIGHTS AND OUR LIBERTIES MUST BE DEFENDED. OVER THE COURSE OF THOSE 232 YEARS, THIS NATION HAS FOUND, TIME AND TIME AGAIN, THAT HER CITIZENS WERE WILLING TO STEP FORWARD AND ANSWER THE CALL OF DUTY TO DEFEND THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY AS SET FORTH IN OUR FOUNDING DOCUMENT. THIS FOURTH OF JULY, LET US TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON THE MEANING OF OUR INDEPENDENCE, AND ON WHAT IS REQUIRED TO PRESERVE IT. I SALUTE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE, AND EXTEND MY SINCERE THANKS TO YOUR FAMILIES AS WELL, WHOSE STRONG SUPPORT IS CRITICAL TO OUR SUCCESS. YOUR DEDICATION TO DUTY MAKES OUR FREEDOM POSSIBLE, AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR NOBLE EFFORTS TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY SAFE, PARTICULARLY NOW DURING THIS TIME OF PERIL. YOU ARE WORTHY HEIRS TO THE PATRIOTS WHO FOUGHT FOR OUR INDEPENDENCE IN 1776, AND I AM HONORED TO SERVE YOU AS YOUR SECRETARY.
5. RELEASED BY THE HONORABLE DONALD C. WINTER, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
1. 232 YEARS AGO IN PHILADELPHIA, 56 PATRIOTS SIGNED A DECLARATIONOF INDEPENDENCE - A DOCUMENT SPELLING OUT THEIR GRIEVANCES AGAINST KING GEORGE III AND EXPLAINING WHY THEY FELT IMPELLED TO SEPARATE FROM GREAT BRITAIN.
2. THIS REMARKABLE DOCUMENT IS A CIVICS LESSON ALL ITS OWN-EVEN DECLARING WHY GOVERNMENTS EXIST IN THE FIRST PLACE: THAT TO SECURE THESE RIGHTS, GOVERNMENTS ARE INSTITUTED AMONG MEN, DERIVING THEIR JUST POWERS FROM THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED; THAT WHENEVER GOVERNMENT BECOMES DESTRUCTIVE OF THESE ENDS, IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO ALTER OR TO ABOLISH IT, AND TO INSTITUTE NEW GOVERNMENT, LAYING ITS FOUNDATIONS ON SUCH PRINCIPLES, AND ORGANIZING ITS POWERS IN SUCH FORM, AS TO THEM SHALL SEEM MOST LIKELY TO EFFECT THEIR SAFETY AND HAPPINESS.
3. GOVERNMENTS EXIST TO SECURE OUR RIGHTS; THE PEOPLE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN LEADERS; THE PEOPLE ARE SOVEREIGN; CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED IS A FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE - THESE ARE THE FOUNDING IDEAS THAT SET OUR NATION ON A COURSE THAT HAS LED TO THE GREATEST SUCCESS STORY THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN.
4. OUR FOUNDING FATHERS BELIEVED THAT SOME THINGS WERE WORTH FIGHTING FOR. 232 YEARS LATER, WE STILL BELIEVE THAT OUR RIGHTS AND OUR LIBERTIES MUST BE DEFENDED. OVER THE COURSE OF THOSE 232 YEARS, THIS NATION HAS FOUND, TIME AND TIME AGAIN, THAT HER CITIZENS WERE WILLING TO STEP FORWARD AND ANSWER THE CALL OF DUTY TO DEFEND THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY AS SET FORTH IN OUR FOUNDING DOCUMENT. THIS FOURTH OF JULY, LET US TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON THE MEANING OF OUR INDEPENDENCE, AND ON WHAT IS REQUIRED TO PRESERVE IT. I SALUTE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE, AND EXTEND MY SINCERE THANKS TO YOUR FAMILIES AS WELL, WHOSE STRONG SUPPORT IS CRITICAL TO OUR SUCCESS. YOUR DEDICATION TO DUTY MAKES OUR FREEDOM POSSIBLE, AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR NOBLE EFFORTS TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY SAFE, PARTICULARLY NOW DURING THIS TIME OF PERIL. YOU ARE WORTHY HEIRS TO THE PATRIOTS WHO FOUGHT FOR OUR INDEPENDENCE IN 1776, AND I AM HONORED TO SERVE YOU AS YOUR SECRETARY.
5. RELEASED BY THE HONORABLE DONALD C. WINTER, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Party Time
For the last few nights, which included our one weekend day, we were able to relax somewhat and engage in some party time. Thursday night we honored King Juan Carlos of Spain and witnessed some Karaoke on the camp, a common Thursday night occurrence. Some of it was actually good. Seeing an old Belgian sing La Bamba and John Denver is one sight, I’ll tell you that much. Friday night was the Croatian Independence Day celebration. I learned a bit about the country and had a spicy beef soup cooked in a huge, traditional, cast-iron vessel on an open fire which was unbelievable. They also served us a couple free beers. Nice guys, the Croats.
Speaking of Belgians, I was invited to the farewell of Chris, the senior Belgian on camp at their National House. There was wine and beer and a wide assortment of cheese and fruit – a very well done little party. After that a few of us hard-chargers in the directorate, meaning us guys in our mid-40’s, settled into a classic movie sent to me by my friends Lynne and Mike. Was it one of the Bogie and Bacall movies they sent me? Not this time, it was Blazing Saddles. Yes, the classic lives and is remembered by those of us still able to enjoy the humor of the great Mel Brooks. We had some chips and dip and laughed harder than we have in a while. It really takes one’s mind off things going on a few hundred yards away.
I’ve prepared for my brief and all is secure for the evening.
Speaking of Belgians, I was invited to the farewell of Chris, the senior Belgian on camp at their National House. There was wine and beer and a wide assortment of cheese and fruit – a very well done little party. After that a few of us hard-chargers in the directorate, meaning us guys in our mid-40’s, settled into a classic movie sent to me by my friends Lynne and Mike. Was it one of the Bogie and Bacall movies they sent me? Not this time, it was Blazing Saddles. Yes, the classic lives and is remembered by those of us still able to enjoy the humor of the great Mel Brooks. We had some chips and dip and laughed harder than we have in a while. It really takes one’s mind off things going on a few hundred yards away.
I’ve prepared for my brief and all is secure for the evening.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Romania!
The Romanians defeated the mighty Macedonians in the Base Euro Cup Football Finals 5-2, a game much closer than the score would indicate. The Macedonians, generally considered the base brutes, fielded a team indicative of their reputation – big, intimidating players. As their job here is force protection meaning they are the ones going out on patrols outside the base and district, I am happy to have them as they are. The Romanian team was a much smaller, speedy, finesse team. Before the game both teams lined up in centerfield and both anthems were played. Supporters joined in the singing, much national pride on both sides. I don’t know anything about soccer, but I could tell these guys knew what they were doing. A number of fights broke out for which the players get two minutes similar to hockey. I know why the field is surrounded by a cage; the throngs would have had no problem storming the field at any point. Hundreds turned out for the match and, in the end, it was a positive experience save the few fans who wanted to kill the ref. I am reasonably sure that is the first soccer game I have seen in my life from start to finish. I think the next season starts tomorrow, these guys don't let up.
Other than that, not much news on the base front and that is a good thing.
Other than that, not much news on the base front and that is a good thing.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Busy Days
It has been the busiest few days for me as our general remains away, our deputy is new, and there are many other new people around looking for information. I just got out of a meeting at around 2000 this evening with the Chief of Staff. He is the German general who participated in my promotion ceremony. He wanted to talk over some issues with me personally (and that means in person) about our directorate that he will relay to the Commander tomorrow. It's always nice to meet with him. (Few will get the movie reference, except my Dad).
One of the big things on our camp right now is our own version of the Euro Cup in soccer. The Macedonians just laid waste to the Turks and made it to the finals. The area went wild like it was the Superbowl, the release of tension is phenomenal. I think the Romanians are in the other semi-final tomorrow. I think I'll be pulling for them. It's all good for morale.
My friend Bob goes on his leave tonight. He was married four days before deploying, third wife I think, but not all on this deployment. He is Canadian and from Kingston, not too far, maybe four hours from Lake George. I'll look forward to seeing him again some time after this is all over. My friend Greg (Paris) starts his leave back home today. He'll return though as he has a longer tour than me. We missed each other on his way out, perhaps there will be another chance when he returns. I wish them both safety during their travel.
School is ending back home, I think today was graduation. I'll miss this class a whole lot, so many good kids. Perhaps they will come back to visit next year. Some have told me they will.
One of the big things on our camp right now is our own version of the Euro Cup in soccer. The Macedonians just laid waste to the Turks and made it to the finals. The area went wild like it was the Superbowl, the release of tension is phenomenal. I think the Romanians are in the other semi-final tomorrow. I think I'll be pulling for them. It's all good for morale.
My friend Bob goes on his leave tonight. He was married four days before deploying, third wife I think, but not all on this deployment. He is Canadian and from Kingston, not too far, maybe four hours from Lake George. I'll look forward to seeing him again some time after this is all over. My friend Greg (Paris) starts his leave back home today. He'll return though as he has a longer tour than me. We missed each other on his way out, perhaps there will be another chance when he returns. I wish them both safety during their travel.
School is ending back home, I think today was graduation. I'll miss this class a whole lot, so many good kids. Perhaps they will come back to visit next year. Some have told me they will.
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