tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83191686803033648702024-03-14T20:30:16.772+03:00In the Desert...not to be confused with DessertJakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-12660275029350781842009-11-17T13:59:00.005+03:002009-11-17T19:20:29.255+03:00EMEDS Squadron<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvcn7Nj9EcyCENXcJcJEC8x_DVDbk_qlgYOdaPVN-Nu7uL1d9_mx43MxgX7kLhxET1vBKak6fnDuNc6wewBbdgDikLlXv6dC6eJ1WfGNJam-i95ENjaBbv7_e-RHu7cYBFyyX45Z11Y7t/s1600/DSC_5832.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405025839653508978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvcn7Nj9EcyCENXcJcJEC8x_DVDbk_qlgYOdaPVN-Nu7uL1d9_mx43MxgX7kLhxET1vBKak6fnDuNc6wewBbdgDikLlXv6dC6eJ1WfGNJam-i95ENjaBbv7_e-RHu7cYBFyyX45Z11Y7t/s320/DSC_5832.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have been extremely fortunate to work with a lot of great people on this trip in the EMEDS unit, some of whom I will likely keep in touch for a lifetime. Here is are our final squadron pictures in front of the TWall art that Charlotte Shealey (IM Doc) and Karen Doherty (Dentist) designed and painted.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405025850523306258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4s2S_MkOP_WSRloK3t9MaanRdB5VqDpLP42615iedq4XKJiGPi7lMC7RpsTGz3ZwA8tBpOLpubLShAHyt-yyEYw6jxmEkOjlrJcn5IflE7IikahZeRCWbYNS_GPcywZe7LQT4yLZCbcDI/s320/DSC_5833.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p>I am currently awaiting the arrival of my replacements that, through the infinite wisdom of the US Air Force, are 2 days late and stranded in Balad. That leaves us stuck here and, since we have missed our scheduled flight, at the mercy of a completely incompetent system of air transport. I'm sure that things will work out in the end, though - this deployment just has to continue harassing us as long as it possibly can :).</p><p> </p>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-60303787517208334512009-11-07T15:52:00.002+03:002009-12-28T09:02:32.527+03:001st Annual Kirkuk Regional Air Base Marathon and 1/2 MarathonSince arriving at the KRAB, I've been making plans to do a marathon here. My initial thought was to do it in the heat of the summer for no good reason beyond "just because." If you've read my Birthday Blog entry, though, you know that I ran my first marathon here on 9/9/9. While I was training for that effort, though, I encountered a fair number of other people (mostly in our EMEDs unit and running club) that were interested in running a formal marathon with me, so we started working out the logistics of this kind of a race.<br /><br /><br />The services section was willing to help us put on the run, so we got it scheduled as a marathon as well as a 1/2 marathon on the first weekend of November. We got help from one of Greg's friends to design a pretty cool T-shirt and advertised the race, hoping that people would take the few months that were left to get themselves ready.<br /><br /><br />After the long preparation, race-day finally arrived! It was a beautiful day, cool and clear without any wind. Here is a picture of us starting the marathon (at 0615).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405024074731786658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNFeKW0FgSFF0iwwEjyeIPxFG7qKca4nGyzaGIjKAq7DDqyQUfPFWYD2krBYUx9MyAjYNlkIUjof8rTX24GiF_NKkGdVM9qgvLQu7IEfTankYDbOYIYI1eoGWJvch01NpFKW7_zK3JDP6/s320/DSC_5843.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I felt really good on the first couple of laps (each lap 6.55 miles), despite the fact that I was about 2 minutes behind the leader. I decided to run my race and keep my pace just under 8 minutes per mile and if he was able to stay ahead of that, more power to him, but I wasn't going to wear myself out to catch him. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405024083955157474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7dAFLvPq1slSLql5hxixqxq38FaZ480b6LnfOIs7p4QWhoCXZpxBgknb6xq0PJPOx356FbEBoubaq0x7L6UJfd_is0ZKC96ywqbO_upZrKzd5m7TDzotS6a-o2nYBWxKkPHfQF-X4EtK/s320/IMG_1627.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>As it turns out, he thought the race was only 2 laps and was so demoralized when he finished the 2nd and found out he was only 1/2 way done, that he slowed down to a crawl and I passed him less than a mile later. I kept up the same sub 8 pace for the third lap and here is me coming across the line to start my 4th lap. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405024080627883682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGhjnXX2v8pWSCflRhUHHQZe_GJsQsp5d8LPcP0kFUCDHWokom894JW44F3NDse7TcfJYX9OKeunaZNtFmMway4cYNrrPa8u95ScKzxy4WI7N-Dj_l_kDXwdaekz391cHZg0Ek5AlQrFC/s320/IMG_1629.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>I felt really strong at this point - much better than I had during my previous marathon despite the fact that I hadn't taken a walk break yet. I continued at pretty much the same pace and finished the marathon at a time of 3:24:30, which I felt great about. It was a full 20 minutes faster than my last time and I felt much stronger this entire race as well.</p><p>Here is a picture of my buddy Greg, who finished the 1/2 marathon in a time of 1:34:20.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405024087709122882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVX8cqh2Jl1EpCJeW1a-4RKHFsgjiXZTia7Wc2RhDuheaRnm8Vceg8V6GmdCCQT_OagSZSuMxlj1HwSx_rFju05KLwglYTQhrcEBTkbLNtjWCKs64HfF2yGFYUh5gEkk1k7xoTiHC5lOqJ/s320/IMG_1603.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>There were 2 of us (SMSgt Pehrson and I) from the EMEDs that ran the full, and 7 others (including Greg) who ran the 1/2 marathon. It was a great day for a run and we all had a lot of fun. It was also nice that the even that we planned so long ago to be shortly before the end of our tour was finally here! It almost felt like I was running home!</p><p></p>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-6797127783073359712009-10-22T15:45:00.000+03:002009-11-17T19:43:23.888+03:00Driving the Fire Engine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aGCNgvj-NaIJtHQRCiEaB8k57Vn7_5TTv-RA9Nw71jBTYYNhtABbpgZnOqz8HjaQZ3sIB92_hQ5eHV6qfNqQFIBuRVG6ZGdW_49Q5zch5A_AnA11Ecy2CeoecfEop9cIg7w7HAUoh13n/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405028874782614594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aGCNgvj-NaIJtHQRCiEaB8k57Vn7_5TTv-RA9Nw71jBTYYNhtABbpgZnOqz8HjaQZ3sIB92_hQ5eHV6qfNqQFIBuRVG6ZGdW_49Q5zch5A_AnA11Ecy2CeoecfEop9cIg7w7HAUoh13n/s320/IMG_0313.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div>As a kid I would see the firemen at the parades and wish that I could be up there driving the engine. Sometimes you have to go half-way around the world to get opportunities like that, but if y0u manage to make friends with the right people many things are possible. Greg worked an angle to get a fireman and his buddies a ride in a helicoptor and in appreciation they asked if we wanted to come drive their equipment. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405029141783229442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS80vvDaVohLY3RigCAEQwxuc5tTzCnHF1bD5IcIys0LSdpi4O4Rv2QXx7pRPQNwUJGNlH-HCXhLBObeAQaAhVaTo9vcKMJE-5zdKWHXDHv89Qrw1K0BcxNh7ompOg5VwOy6b8QLtepuI/s320/IMG_0314.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Here we are driving one of their aircraft emergency response vehicles, which they position on the runway to hose down any plane that comes in "hot." It has a water cannon on the front (connected to a joy-stick) that can target about 50 gallons a second that we played around with while we were driving. This vehicle handled much like those huge MRAP trucks did - big and heavy on the acceleration and turns.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405029450236383394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvX8tg7WmdrRuQ8nb4M_yhktNoYWFMr4io2wWBRxgA_9nMWXx19HcrPQYD8F934lqyC_Q-nhicwyyObAII8zvare-6lnwCcluwUS1ADFvB6Eqxiuikk0WHUwnUEDxUffMDXgetdiwMeaN/s320/IMG_0317.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Here is a picture of us driving the classic fire engine, which was just like driving a big semi-rig. We had a great time and were happy for the diversion.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405028517390653410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzenGCJfDcJXR_8QK7qephSBBZUI7gg6WFGG5BdArRkOgpR4Ffu7LVwUkA8Gs7ZZwOqUPbj6fHcqZnCKMNLPYIpeYkjyKqSE0CXDJQbO-lL9gDDy0goDA09reMMJ9GmwrBMN3-fH50fLf/s320/IMG_0312.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-2358540881301601042009-10-15T15:36:00.000+03:002009-11-17T19:42:09.354+03:00Combat Golf<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Greg and I aren't the only folks on the base with more time on their hands than they know what to do with - not by a long shot! The group of people that take care of the Air Force Ammo are right along with us trying to figure out how to spend their "extra hours" during deployment. They looked around the area and took inventory of their assets - namely a lot of empty ground between ammo bunkers - and decided it would be a perfect place for a golf course. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405020944046192690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSQBJGPDvHfiXsS42scODdZt4Y7hUrP4zHpCIEr-SbFiVHj1VIb1hsc-Mzej-Im9UDlMcFRfn_gdqvOKyrKp_8q77SLzMU0-dZjsXPmvPmTbkqfDr7RTHHDRbpn86gwv8bGCn8plwvlAk/s320/IMG_0331.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>The course they set up is 9 holes, each hole between 60-90 yds in length and complete with "greens" of raked dirt and a drilled in cup for the flagged hole! Quite amazing what they did with the space!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405020939912889954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYbGZqlFHRQWM0Datv9J3EmHi1ZZ8UmMcqYB_KPtoqOwJsGTP-0nxDwsp03Gyhtyt-rmkDnkaym4oOGbEDRmfM33UgsSMsER_XygzDsFfqzRZFVjyX5FxcY0Dhh64F6KvSf0UQ5Y2Tp0q/s320/IMG_0328.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>Greg and I managed to make a connection in this group for the express purpose of golfing on the course, which they are happy to share. Here we are practicing at the driving range. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405020936178360994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUHBsFp7cRJ9dmsQ4OpPmSQtSECJhSM0zpzz7v-s5Ag1bIqSoOrelXwhRdSVntQwDXjDbhypWrdVaU9tFQbVZ9_M3YGbIwRxReHqh6-YaoKo4XoChUYW-QoVg5U2KYAzXDyZ6bYLuOYZ6/s320/IMG_0327.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>You can see the golf bags (missile launching tubes) only need 3 clubs: a 9 iron, a pitching wedge and a putter.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405020925885633314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxriEO6wVPWXfoLfHe5_wLD0AJLCHVXCYVelNM5iRbZAKsE2RGrQ1QlCYRj911Fww724cMOqmSE8ucEfbGo6DTkCDrs9r5dM2lKYBqmJunSD0LPLQREnVV6Tx3CjPBAQKCW2C5daDKdgq1/s320/IMG_0326.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>We had a great time hitting around and made plans to schedule a round of golf on a weekly basis until we departed the theater.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-32241445922760058622009-10-10T12:59:00.009+03:002009-10-14T18:11:07.180+03:00AF 1/2 Marathon<div><div><div><div><div><div><div>We scheduled a 1/2 marathon and ran it today in preparation for the full marathon in NOV. I was amazed at the number of runners- over 90 AF, Army and civilians participated. </div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391995000805509506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfnxp4B_O4xRuMILfccm7oxNKYckYO3VWXPIBlQoWq0lLJYxhZfIdsiERya4aA_oQuq1JkU6nTr3iIfuCUjYbTqRchXimS3Tdti09mYLHv583jS2b2ByWsgnWaiKnfNXHwJsYuZJdEt4q/s320/091010-F-0414B-006.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>It was a beautiful day for a race, with the temperature about 75-80' at the starting time of 0600. Our small EMEDs unit had 9 runners - here are some pictures of us getting ready (I'll add them later).</div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>There was a stiff breeze running with us during 1/2 of the loop and directly in our faces for the last 3 miles each revolution - made trying to kick it up a notch on the home stretch that much more difficult.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390912454696298930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnckJkvYHSU0oqxmtXXi5f1y7ESSljWcg9_4sCUs2zwFiwntfz4rAuolG3VW879PxEZED72hsHnSl5oY3xIYLBWKQCAAu3C0YyZgFTOtWVR-KNFwo3RX0sBP4CzX_JjXUA0Y2a08mkrPlZ/s320/AF+half+marathon+10+Oct+010.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391995008969063426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLJ1r7IBvWVExM0_TRfQuhVUgwxoHsQENVITkFy4FCF0OYZU3_pHgYqY9mbj5w6Kl9A0WI79Asz40mIs6STioJoy4e8Ay9JKWjoRDrlz34NcUI2KU7rJeiphHqXXfS8vBFfBSTVbsy9Ve/s320/091010-F-0414B-060.jpg" border="0" /> <div>I ran pretty strong and ended up finishing 4th overall (and third in my age group) with a time of 1 hr 38 min 04 sec.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391995020086675714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJf2OgDVKkE6vy9juCKUrXEFlEk-pMQlhF-04Pivh7STqf7BF4XrDIVoipP6bw0rnYtLuTy9Qo5OjhaY2fVn1iQX-_ah9vAc_i0MMRRwwrsFjz5dJWaaUpSO7Lhv5y_No1HqdW9p0xU0z/s320/091010-F-0414B-087.jpg" border="0" />The EMEDs unit cleaned house on the medals: Heidi Simpson and Miranda Minshew were 1st and 2nd for the women<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390912468164208434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO1lxEjvzXxim-iYNKdI-XFxQ6VcCV4yiOqc8TNGrs0s6FQbdURta6_s375czn4BmloimbVREKIQzQp5Oqsc4Ak64BnEhWLOG9275GBCKCxnqwHoFzrcHrKgInZNrPQVrTKrkuj2ZOnt4/s320/AF+half+marathon+10+Oct+046.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>The COL finished 1st in his age bracket. SMSgt Pehrson, SRA Kandi Knudsen, SSgt Sara Wise and Capt Emily Eschbaucher all medaled in their age group as well.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390912485320049314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aOViK9wIPUnupTujac0mfKNKcxqn6jZE5V4B9_45UJLYGJEIcN1QJDySAE8G2zEdl2KIV2fljqm9bWxiiHg8fhOeDm-PJX8i2BeyPVcGvSLbY6hAYMw16lH0K8QryMb3FEoBJH93wzpK/s320/AF+half+marathon+10+Oct+057.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-75420370630107046982009-09-21T10:08:00.006+03:002009-10-13T11:21:10.051+03:00MRAPsI have talked briefly before about the vehicles that the Army designed and now uses out here to help minimize the serious damage that has been inflicted on our troops by IEDs and roadside bombs. These vehicles are called MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protective) and they come in several different sizes and missions. The common theme is that they have a "V" shaped hull to dispell the force of any explosion and are heavily armored to protect from direct fire as well.<br /><br />Here is a picture of me showing off my newfound strength, that has come from working out every day while I'm deployed, by lifting up the front end of this MRAP.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383814706350228802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq13yzOcIPeUkM3DFZSbHzahCmQDtQ1dFbytrCGZJ3azNddBNpShXFJHmp_7fNY9qgd9tYRWEiPesnEuSjPW7MKCAnAIoT_mORxAH3_pSh7mG2u9bQ5DPqpg-GBu8eoyoTpAPAkiqtwRSD/s320/truck1.jpg" border="0" />Actually it was pretty impressive to see a tow-truck big enough to lift and tow one of these 30 ton (I've been told that's about what they weigh) behemoths. I jumped in to get the above picture when he had the front end up off the ground.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383814714983398418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGTwnAABuLx9xYxlqFaqtY5-PJgqIM6mb4Gq0n85_JS7GqbpTDQ5eC2hYR7QX7zzt8_v6J4ZASJgnrZJSTA6p6nekGuVny-INBBy7Qqy-EtXRmcGl1urTUY05h9i9OGOYK7MF1PLdM1l7/s320/truck2.jpg" border="0" /><br />Below you can see one of the smaller models that we use as an ambulance in hostile territory (Capt Joey Bruner - Bioenvironmental guy from Kirtland AFB - seen in front).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383814733356922418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5nx-o73Yg6uA0ep838h7_WnNRntHUobRR5sWag3XW8PaywVVXuuv9UU8qYlqAc-jOtl4biPbdU76pVcKCp9-GohMSE0Hsun29J-JnX8HPpBfMoHMispQF82Y7iE2kIJAW5n4RGD6-M51/s320/mrap1.jpg" border="0" /><br />As big as they are, with all of the armor on the shell, the interior of these things is pretty cramped. They can design them with seats for troop transport, with electronic equipment for other missions or with space for stretchers (as seen below) to care for the wounded.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383814730423285682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq85xalvHdGox5y_oZ-uSS3H-TuNxFOFYkTB9Pp5UfC4mVpPAoM0uuLuGMMHlEt4ibrFPlwVeJfRLyoWNhi068fx8wrDXUCnQXos48jaiybbAsX4NYPbf3BlWeeBhCJgZCw8PMBoX5xOFK/s320/mrap2.jpg" border="0" /><br />If the interior is cramped, though, it is nothing compared to the "hatch" at the rear that is used to get in and out of these things. Usually that isn't a problem (with healthy soldiers going in and out), but it does make off-loading patients on stretchers a bit sporty.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383814718419893058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV119Q4YWJIagYoAJuuDBu_DRNetfqp4x2zsdDn1POWW7PT4bHS4CIgjTBL7AMLcGED_PYj9ZRD2dxQER4VTe20d9oUWLHd5kpMe7QfuNxbfNh-PdnyBxgWku26XpY-YheHfs7b2ERH58/s320/mrap3.jpg" border="0" /><br />As you've probably noticed from previous posts - Greg and I tend to meet a lot of people, many of whom are very willing to allow us entertaining diversions from the everyday life here at KRAB. When we first got here we decided that we "needed" to find someone to help us get behind the wheel and drive one of these things. We got our opportunity recently and really enjoyed the experience.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNuBgZfnmizwhDbAJaTgm5N3evX8I52vbC3X_qF1s7b7yT_dMDd5N4HUqpo_BHYGN2aod9Rsf-zt5Dq59gxdZf6uZr2J9e46-tvczlVq3VsIq555Q4mbyfTUmjbJ61wOdXZU31I_3CWOb/s1600-h/IMG_0143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383815453512290930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNuBgZfnmizwhDbAJaTgm5N3evX8I52vbC3X_qF1s7b7yT_dMDd5N4HUqpo_BHYGN2aod9Rsf-zt5Dq59gxdZf6uZr2J9e46-tvczlVq3VsIq555Q4mbyfTUmjbJ61wOdXZU31I_3CWOb/s320/IMG_0143.JPG" border="0" /></a> These are pictures that Greg took while I was driving. Try to imagine driving a combination of a semi-truck and a monster truck - then put it on steroids and give it armor and a turret gun! That's about what you have when you are behind the wheel of an MRAP.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383815437170499202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ecs0wXJ58Cww-N6TBgoSKjarextjGYaSR72Yb8aeVu1M1lgif_ugy0h147dSs33AJzsvWeYOC5tRQUH6DJEy6dIlzUMuJokpC9eD3Q06ee8pAT0pLYgG9pwjNpInGK6oNVc3uf2yIL05/s320/IMG_0155.JPG" border="0" /><br />Despite the weight and distribution of the armor (which makes it a bit top-heavy), it actually handles pretty well. Probably not great on gas mileage, though!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIOCPSxtBNpJRwvqPDl3sSq6NSofhn5cNTGhHnazIgq3ddVxzKAnyHTJeCkwAxUh85O4VbvwzU0O6OZ1ThjaEzqjbu1nR-7OPq1L23n4MRCi7i6IDPogvmUHXSLYvv50uCgOI_77UWguz/s1600-h/IMG_0139.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1eH0iYVJGpPitRTZnZTrsq_swsQ7qqFYNMF2sntQfmaYe4JJTSDz-kzkFBZJCAF1WNG6MHmaDpnAQQ-BavA2OEwXlsJaGRsDGgYcENRHo-a84ucLY8FCljWLdvRhSR1uZXLPjCXUdyab/s1600-h/IMG_0141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383815441861748274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1eH0iYVJGpPitRTZnZTrsq_swsQ7qqFYNMF2sntQfmaYe4JJTSDz-kzkFBZJCAF1WNG6MHmaDpnAQQ-BavA2OEwXlsJaGRsDGgYcENRHo-a84ucLY8FCljWLdvRhSR1uZXLPjCXUdyab/s320/IMG_0141.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-22061204748657620812009-09-16T10:10:00.005+03:002009-11-17T14:15:27.905+03:00Shooting the Laser<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulK0oXVWEqaBkC4HTJc6arO-yW8PtJMm1ITgIucwHJHwC6oWGHRFPKmihYEM3Mj8dUdxCPRQENAHlBO7_4daPTJc-sZR14jpjGKkePKCad9Jp-ybrUDWHvMMGPTwOXI01nSwNwuwymcar/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405025173495867106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulK0oXVWEqaBkC4HTJc6arO-yW8PtJMm1ITgIucwHJHwC6oWGHRFPKmihYEM3Mj8dUdxCPRQENAHlBO7_4daPTJc-sZR14jpjGKkePKCad9Jp-ybrUDWHvMMGPTwOXI01nSwNwuwymcar/s320/IMG_0322.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I managed to get myself a recognition award (not by doing something "heroic in wartime" or anything like that - I answered a question correctly in a briefing) that allowed me to choose an incentive award from among a list of "cool things" that I wouldn't otherwise get to do. Among them were things like going on a helicoptor ride over the base, shooting a sniper rifle or playing combat golf. I chose to go out to the EOD (Explosive Ordinace Destruction) team compound and shoot the laser that they use to blow up roadside bombs and mines when the are able to identify them.<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390126491032495378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhebVTJ_OLaUTCZsVSl9uTpWPZ4abUQHWI3XgxoFqXkoRv_qPMOHwDENEboqqZOr2NCULS3FtgoiZTxoRfTQtfZXiR1ljF-ZavszBqRtMiLLH9xAtp_vuvTF9_rQ8BVar7WkfeFhzINkY/s320/101_3448.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390126473791670242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YdUeH-fC3WbHR3zSXLajtdrOuDiYCV9XXi1kJ25r4vG1bgqw0majDF0PdLMGIkNi0v8c-YXRu86zYQJ18y3ruSkn8o22Q7uVq_S5WJe0ntr6uGaDIqmKlqFeMfiGF5iDOjIQzoCrATAB/s320/101_3446.JPG" /><br /><div>This MRAP is designed with the electronics inside to control the laser that is mounted in the rear. </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390125344824069298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVtb__82iB4hPruR9nmeoJltOWaRoGwUTJoaGDYvlQA_V22_VlFl0_dIRv_TNO4WuQnoGiJvQKxwH9pWS8iBObvyrQna-4bUyQCsmp7LKzd-Y-aBPV-LoCc_HrGf4Bz4wyGFn_MWimtyf/s320/101_3442.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390126483506836738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMpsLBAomCldS_aJpdeiGbxI81wgKobTkhORjLB6k8xIyQD-8fdcqgac5Mz4ev_ufMRrjSCH7Ak2dvWbwA1gIXS3MbHuPRD59TOgvtODYaWf_d8YZrq1xpDUq_uLNdOkNNiBz2pvoTaOw/s320/101_3447.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here is us looking down the range at the targets.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390125372235604210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5be3JLCp0QkrPhEPepGzD0xxVSIbZ8SLA2w2U7m9XoWYRBacVY_2uxN3uNXHt2QOsU-DmqvjiqSYvMG3FRpS27v_7fyQgk9IgqP_Ef7rdDseuxpfBxOunr57wLJM_ddR9lpFSHfc68z1/s320/101_3445.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>This thing is so powerful that they can melt designs into the concrete barriers around the base.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390125355505243170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPb5XA_qVzFPHJuJLW64qY8T78Z8GqRNTIGoFaXSOiODbAD63aJFKamkvP9BMlAOGvEYQZ6EIRUE50y3IXQz4EEmDHU3Kxtp50EKiznY_N0Ui0DJP1qJmKpNGBo1Q8yAbSim7IGDNa0dy/s320/101_3443.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here is the plaque that Col Overturf (base commander) had made from my target board.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-39556742818514527282009-09-09T08:45:00.004+03:002009-10-09T08:18:39.795+03:00Thirty-Something<div> Well, 09/09/09 was a notable day in the uniqueness of the numbers involved as well as in the fact that it was my 37th birthday. Everyone was bummed that I had to be in Iraq for such a big day and Nedra couldn't believe that they wouldn't send me home to celebrate. I told them that I would much rather spend my Birthday away from them than Christmas and they all agreed with me. It was OK, though, because we had our own way of celebrating 9/9/9 in Kirkuk and I had a great day (despite the fact that I was away from my family).</div><div></div><br /><div> I started it off by running my first "official" marathon! It actually isn't very official in that I was the race sponsor, coordinator and only participant - at least for the full distance - but I named it the "First Annual KRAB Marathon." </div><div></div><div> </div><div> I started at 0500 in the morning figuring it would take me around 4 hours to run. I divided the course up into 4 loops of 6.55 miles and scheduled myself to run each loop with a different running partner from my Unit.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390110294723264802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2K5pwAghpVKz4x_n-mFF1vGjGgUdg0Z8PrbM-vP2wkCl-5JFwE_rk9joGCtpWf_HxJDXa9HCRGLJskX4gS3mMjiSGURwDmfrO_YX9E8kxGfnKK6pEaYH9q2YJgne50mi-g1fblLPaCgKg/s320/101_3438.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Here is a picture of Col Mark White and me starting off in the morning - you can see that we both look completely awake :).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390110301084577874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TqKiBLDDq9rcUYEFy_EojXOXCOYE0gzA1druDUuOswI7oFyrUOEa_vMjkfG3Bx4ou5Q_ytrptaq8AMtm96bA91VWdTrvXAy2nQHVkUQYTU1U4D2dd-lRj56wpIDFT1YRviNGpXUBI63R/s320/101_3439.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Capt Heidi Simpson ran the second loop with me and this is taken after that loop at the 1/2 way point. I was feeling pretty good at this time, but my partner for the next loop forgot his show time and I had to run it on my own. That turned out fine and it was actually my fastest split time - probably because I didn't spend any energy talking. I paid for it on the last loop, though, because by the time I came to the start of #4 (19.7 miles) I was feeling pretty spent. Fortunately I planned for this and had my best friend out here - Greg Stroup - scheduled to take me through the final stretch. We finished up pretty strong and here is our picture afterward. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390237315100537186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuhROfu-ZkgAbw_1XLCCUwGV1YeGbgJNZe5Z-PchPAgI2fXJejS649ha8G4x0bYktwsUir6sIWK-MfmdpAajFl64P85NvO22LHY7lN8yw_IIRKzV60b41je1ktp4tgwjZA7XRLP1B-PeG/s320/101_3440.JPG" border="0" /> <div> You can see that my shirt is completely dry (as opposed to at the 1/2 way point). That is because the sun had come up and the temperature had climbed to over 100 degrees.</div><div></div><br /><div> Also notice that a combined 50 years of formal education did not help us figure out that we had the "37" numbers backward until we looked at the picture later. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> Unfortunately, in the end, the sponsor got cheap on us and we have no T-shirt to show for the effort, just these pictures! That's OK, we don't run for the T-shirt - we run because we are bored :). </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> Later on that day I opened Birthday packages from both Mom and Amber, which was a lot of fun. They contained some great treats along with pictures that the kids had drawn, which are now hanging on the wall next to my desk. Mom sent me 37 cinnamon bears and 37 candles with which to make myself a "cake." </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390102012462794450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJOEzicfIYs0xbtZmon_01afK9lnaGy4IEDKN16saT76PF33StwcYxs2-hWSd-ccFDTPqAQDR_R_1t_fWPs_En4e5tea5PMZ88qBx38xwivddPyIsNqsehsujVQttaYUIO9v4jPmODJau/s320/IMG_2589.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div> We did this in the ER and the smoke alarms immediately started going off. Fortunately there were no automatic sprinklers and no patients in the facility at the time!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390102016127337602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtavFtU7ABAKfrOwiN7aotci6fCaWFIYH9U54WyreY18jkOO5c1drShMKqa_9UvSvS8thq5yTaOkWuoNdRETXCAHYAy23WPetAKWkpjnLfRtsdjuCOnBUHiKmNILui0VfMhOUg951UNjAF/s320/IMG_2590.JPG" border="0" /> This picture is a bit blurry, but in it with me are Greg Stroup and Melissa Dooley - my good friends who came out here with me to Kirkuk and will leave with me in a couple of months.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390102007530305698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefe3kclE9wiGK_Oih_pH1WHcCJkDBYACwKnNJHC8AxS3OlWCaQ9a46VxIGg6NfZHBpn72c0mv5vHRyR2ROi0_6A-JwVerUKFSG21VKKqiOgW5inhd7HA_3HJc4wU-H0W9TPBfG6ttnrh1/s320/IMG_2588.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>Overall, I would have to say that it was a pretty good day - all things considered.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-46308267903393271772009-09-05T10:27:00.004+03:002009-10-09T08:31:42.313+03:00Labor Day Fun Run and MonteCarlo night on KRAB islandLabor Day was an enjoyable day here at the KRAB. We started it off with a fun run 10k - which 13 or so of our hospital squadron members participated in. <br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390239236079029698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbZ5mSdvRz2-mLip5603n6Yg_byR5QHiAGZpkfyqVM3BYGi75Pb6jJxvKRfAclmMxcLX_ATkyhA-NwHpipITAm2Ci8fdnTVbI4FbIEae1y32ra5W-QGQdotdEhbeoUA7vFMKiQL0mLcVu/s320/DSCF2910.JPG" border="0" /> <div>(Me, Melissa Dooley, John Ensell, Amber Kelly, Heidi Simpson, Mark White, Miranda Minshew, Alex Lee, Greg Stroup - Charlotte Shealy, Sara Wise, Tiffany Hubbard, Emily Eschbaucher)</div><div><br />Here are Levi and I getting ready to head out. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390128307654017858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2epfuim25PYgYAGOh-QRMFtsZYb_gr9iVAWDXzu-P_aEnhuU5ECe2MaGRrBHjQ1G843uHKSwEcSvR4keeqgb0s5BkuEmVzxk0sH7hI68T1BXzwaKJMeiFruHnl0pzmQmua-OwnsgZdgW/s320/DSC01234.JPG" border="0" /> The pack took off pretty darn quick - much faster than I felt like running, but I kept up with the herd and things thinned out pretty fast. I felt comfortable and ran faster than I was planning, ending up being the 1st Air Force member across the finish line (5th overall) with a time of 43 min 14 sec. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390239225272014322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfCMTrGNiTTPLJWsfzKOzgtdvnDlxqQLVFZbNyx5PPiKsctKiP_2py942aPu1XTMRGRVWNjytkIXz9OJdoM9RQ5uYMGoBwSnYpwtSqvTQd3Wk2HbbUILI5Kv7zjfGAC-lJK266YvyDFKv/s320/DSCF2886.JPG" border="0" /> <p>Later on that evening the Morale Committee hosted a "casino night" party on KRAB Island. Here is a picture of Matt Wright and Jared Sleeman that night.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390128333992473554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzgi42HwU6h9_3qgXxs-Hzs-XcrUdNKI7fpvUTg97GRkSyXV_5MxkpkXc71zLdAs3M6mgDDpr-Pc-PwaDdvXhwBJ8SRu57POH8Xlh8y5huBhYKz-IMTt0oy2QJIPkSEyBxTZj9NaUEiJQ/s320/DSC01311.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>No real money changed hands - since that is against the law in Iraq. We each got an alotment of chips at the start of the night to use as we saw fit. We ate dinner together and had Blackjack and Craps tables (Mark White, April Robinson, Michelle Childers, Karen Taylor in above pic, Kyra Bryant, Greg, Jamal Jones, April, Michelle in lower pic)-</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390128319045631538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC5F-x5Du01dxYUeHBkhSOyuUiwCd6lSLYGXBZLUbIdCcHfRCisKg2W2C21dzeWgS9htcu4sm5bVUwOpAm1ei9uPgb33IIW-WaI42gIG1bAyBlxw49NjyJA1jTt7IacOmkh5pNw8c-_bD/s320/DSC01276.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390128328990241074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcixI7qWFQBXOy1LRipOqAAOn0TR5xaM8AQL-fFcKWm_yQaf9iIIAHU7tm0puv5jS1Whl82VLzHgjIk6n0oVN-41PHaBPLgcBCP5X_FAy3QV0jjLCBu6DCTEMyR1oumFy6RpDCej0gORNE/s320/DSC01291.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>a bar serving non-alcoholic margueritas (Capt Tiffany Hubbard and the COL in above pic, SSGT Kelly Shufeldt below), </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390463406880165074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1_MTvIr9LOYHVleBKn-WjFDzPF32d0HTFSYq74lHth5hi8UBUpmltBdK7DqtIFyL23ghcLsVJ6nwKRtFMmn1zD735H1Vk3ALpz8DU3iVYTMx6xxwrQrPyQWkrGgQpbL3_SYDTH2iFLTU/s320/DSC01366.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390463396122252130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YkRtToXJxZns9KCb8lrzJ_NlbUGX9MszMcBfdu9lMnGKpJUz3DZbsEjJR5e-X2Z6mTsuFgHzoO_VWKl-DCV42t7cGtkCXPNu_33inj6LaXqdUUCtnr3WtdrRcrfAsIq9JrXxqq3mCt0c/s320/DSC01365.JPG" border="0" /> <p></p><p>and a Texas Hold-em poker tournament (Greg, Dave Lewis, Levi, Karen Taylor above; Karen, me and Sam Ortiz below).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390131226053551218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkdCXNOXRQgk-3Q2SY88BajTb3EVLdCPkwv-T70cS8jufqLx60D42WgbvMojCZyPsTsR-RCajGrPB3iaPbdoy4SRYU_CCh2_KFIef5tVJ4TSvgbI9mLDeIx8hhWueAWvcWgU5Ft4bAywW/s320/DSC01396.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390131214753579650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vykIwkBNDu-VPYN2AbB4or9NN2DjNMOdqBSGqoJU5rz8ljhyxo5WHy6vV4NhEvkdw0J4mul6uWp1-TGEmO2FnlK_Icse4lnDwPEQ5rc7sN8dZ1A7WJa-2mLzJlI7oa1n00BzCu4ylEi4/s320/DSC01380.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Also included was a "pie in the face" fund raiser contest. Someone (not me!) contributed a bunch of money to see Greg Stroup get one in the face. He was a great sport about it and it was hilarious! Here are the action shots.<br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390129501152656546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBVKyFZt_L9B-w49V8ctB3CEmqtsKtqnS2NPQzYaZ4UGMdVJQvOsCemNhx7fuIlf8jN6C_wtceXOOjIBN3Rrw9X8SKnQtuN-812lWfHiLDIroHOXgS1udvOCVB42pQRCYM3BoWUCSD8dc/s320/DSC01318.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390129514442384546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJsqqefaezCkoodBr13DrAeZxl3jCMtlltq_WKnmmVppY7vb_VER9pChLEBxMD0mvyCM8i9oMHLCQAkeXdEAprf6ZabqZU9gpfhjtfpFi-zbkFcPxSAwiNVgBlntYKGjrDjrL3RacrZt0/s320/DSC01321.JPG" border="0" /></p><p> This is one of John Ensell that night helping one of our squadron members get rid of her cigarettes in an attempt to help her quit smoking. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390128300816570642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFK-ObHgnXEsRK-9-AhOetIz8AteAryLq5fStCHa49tM4Ctbh11-ljRCUH0jGywI8h2fsI6GYtSXUZ6qJNjLdOFqXE4KMsxUu27NNBn70Xo2z3KaAe4BaoJVim1HKMk7x4rjONVJQq9Ba/s320/DSC01228.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>It was a fun party and a good time was had by all! </p></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-5440294912340133452009-09-01T17:16:00.000+03:002009-09-03T20:56:44.499+03:00Stress ShootThe other day one of my friends from the civilian special ops side pulled me aside at lunch and invited me to come out to the firing range with him. He was setting up and validating a "stress shoot," which is a timed trial to see how accurate and fast operators are after a physical demand is placed on them to mimic the stress response of real life combat. It is similar to the winter games biathalons, where shooters ski between targets and time is added to their total for inaccurate shots.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377247330591004802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP1rnnY2Vu7ysk1OWDO_iA6r27Q0LEzitd_bc3Zz2SDdVl5-QygPhyh2tJKnUKVHGaOy3RaAd1CXWeo7EUgX8mhCWCdBeBV_Q6HRiWt5Y-OcRuHjYSYcChRNabnItg8lUqN7mfQHTNTvc/s320/range4.JPG" border="0" /> We were using the HK416, which is essentially a modified M16. Here is a picture that I have posted previously of me shooting this weapon.<br /><br /><br />Anyway, so they set up the course so that you started by dragging a sled with 150 lbs on it 75 meters up the hill, then ran 50 meters to a spot where you would lie down and fire 6 shots from the prone position at two targets 100 meters away. The "A-zone" is a 6x8 inch square in the center mass of the target, and hits in this area did not add time to your total. The B-zone is an additional 2 inches around the A-zone, and C-zone an additional 2 inches around that. Time penalties are an additional 5 seconds for B shots, 10 sec for C shots, and 15 sec for complete misses of the target.<br /><br />After the prone firing position, you moved forward 25 meters for 6 shots from a kneeling position at targets 75 meters away, then up to the 50 meter mark for 6 shots standing, then up to 25 meters where you took 6 shots while moving forward. Once you got to the 15 meter mark you switched to the 9 mm pistol and engaged 6 targets, 2 shots each. After holstering the pistol you went back to the 25 meter mark for 6 more shots, then to the 50 for 6, to the 75 for 6 and then ran to the starting spot to finish.<br /><br />I had a few problems loading/reloading my weapon during the course, so I had a bunch of wasted time there - but I ran it in just under 6 minutes. My accuracy was pretty decent (relatively) and added only a combined 1:30 to my time, so my total score was a 7:27. I felt pretty good about that, especially the next day when my friend told me that I did better than some of the guys in their outfit (who are paid to do this kind of thing).<br /><br />I really enjoyed the opportunity to get out there and engage some targets while simulating some of the real life stress experienced in combat.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-57404796476852926762009-08-29T17:29:00.000+03:002009-10-18T18:57:43.937+03:00Synchronized swimming routine<p>One of the "events" here at Kirkuk to look forward to is the base-wide talent show on the last Saturday of every month. After attending a couple and seeing some great acts, it has become part of our monthly routine. There is a kid that can do the most incredible "beat-box" routine that I have ever heard. This last show he did the song "Low Rider" with all of the sounds, beats, and vocals at the same time! I wish I had a video of him!</p><p>There is another kid that can dance like you wouldn't believe. He does a perfect Micheal Jackson impersonation and last show did some moonwalking on his knees! </p><p>Anyway, there are a lot of people with real talent, but I'm not one of them - or at least the small amount of surgical talent I have managed to aquired doesn't lend itself to display in this type of a setting. So I did some thinking and remembered a sychronized swim routine that was originally done at a Church talent show (Summit Ward) and posted on YouTube. I talked to Amber, who agreed to send out some props, and I put together a "crack(head?) team" of guys who thought it would be a lot of fun to do. </p><p>After a fair amount of film watching, choreography and practice we managed to put together a pretty funny show. Here we are getting ready for the "dress rehearsal" the morning before the show.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378380107483149202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl19t783be50eqDtib3o73rUB6yO7Ob46mW2_mCr3PpJ3SiDoQUw1M7s05MbHb-KZtK5W3Mqi0iCYA0nswR7MaQL3oh8u-lObPAo7GiMqtjv4ur0jBmydtfhvhaCX6NpSBSbi7THU172x/s320/DSC01053.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p>Here is Levi (Sundermeyer - FP doc from Eglin) giving his usual gang signs.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378380117287660514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMpHwcNhEUqEngIi9RZUXMcv36q9JSwwlFahtra_YAIMRzpLHH7YuWM4tVC_dulDEkfUNeUWCdOoq9cuf-1DmaTFaGABSfJfWbMN7yXvDN0AjWwnplqzs4zngv7LG_ZvP5n39KcN03o2u/s320/DSC01055.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And here is Alex (Lee - FP doc from Ramstein)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378380136372142786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WhNmaKMnSPHN5DC8T5HptzcrF1ZRlk5C1pgNwxJ4Uzhwwaj7id6934mlAfuh6Ba1l8h-QKKeURy8Fn1lW-8olRAID44dSbBkJHAPE4tVsrDUfSvkaFVA5-kPhPiaoXCZh2ubsRm8O88m/s320/DSC01058.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Magnum (Macrae - support SSgt from Eglin) presented a problem because of his size. We could barely fit the shirt over his shoulders and the swim cap was so tight on his head that it gave him a headache. The goggles were the worst, though, because the distance between his eyes is so much larger than the goggles that the edge would dig into the middle of his eyeball! Even with modification he had to leave them on his forehead for the performance.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378380125515576082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Aj8CyUqGN7AQt34Mxgqw0BYGQ1l8Ky24ZxoCyimKm-bGcBuNGfGAjzzoMipZ0aIYc_dVbdh3UGXn2mrLNSEutntPU6n3zi-Xiz9NEnngNGkp8eNmqqh-xiiH9QfgdG57iGOxF9bz1oTG/s320/DSC01057.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The performance went off better than we expected. Here is a copy of it (filmed by our BioHealth guy Capt Joey Bruner and edited/finalized by Col Mark White on his MacBook).<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz-nnSLFxsy4C3nOu3Ci6nqdtoLymME-95mXM9F1TjHxO84nqtQR9k7DAJMQkSuev2mekJLAsabb5V6OojY9Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>As you see in the video, the crowd went wild and we were instant celebrities! It has been fun to see people in the dining hall or somewhere else since then and have them recognize us and say how much they enjoyed the routine! They say everyone has their 5 minutes of fame - I suppose this would be mine.</p><p></p>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-25620743589916589012009-08-27T10:21:00.005+03:002009-08-27T11:12:06.138+03:00Work ConditionsIt has been well documented, both by me and by previous surgeons, that we are completely underutilized here at this location. Although that is always a good sign for the troops around us it does give one the sense that their time could be better spent in other ways (or at least in other locations). The trauma location at Bagram does more on a daily basis than I have cumulatively over the 3+ months I have been here - having only 2 orthopedic surgeons there they could really use the extra help. But the wheels of beaurocracy roll very slowly and it doesn't look like they will be able to reassign me somewhere where I would be more useful, so we do what we can to help the time pass. This blog is part of that process.<br /><br />I thought it would be interesting to show some pictures of my office and some random stuff around our EMEDs unit. Below you can see the space that multitasks as an office/ clinic/ warehouse/ ICU (if we had some really sick patients).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374542036000224610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrbYEaSM-4_KVVrYDVyEIghFHri0RXLkr8Vv0vVal1qe_QA8AQJyS4fzd44yuZxDeN5PydlSF_MrnY5MZ7DHMWqbdbZyEIbLZmir_arKB9ep5jKzFTHI89db9fiEQBPsFE7VYFaqrgxBJ/s320/Coming+in+035.JPG" border="0" /><br />A close up of my workspace shows my countdown calendar as well as pictures and letters from the kids on the wall.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374542014202212098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNktLwRDMMGSCS1tv6xEIm7b-rBpxUVkUanBw7ZW4QWhhaCpPaiA_1t6qdJceHKiYv9S9iPACX_KJbOzIaCOrlhTCzAcfrOUBjI4-C0Zi2-JRdmLmQzbJTPV0XSe6DFyyWwSY-HQj2Kcvw/s320/101_3423.JPG" border="0" /><br />And here is a picture of my desk. I change the desktop background picture on my computer once a week and you can see that the week I took this picture was a "Clara week" for the background.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374542020827196098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Sr9L6fYazliVAvu6O9c3eb7tnkcB-y8XvAlpLmk-HLN-Rw7BN7FcdO4actGQ7sriwXky5pPRYRTU8t921k0ADVzbBdI3bTfBUglxv02wkaBBgvWwllRWhO9AvJoKKUfZUYLzYAAY9n0_/s320/101_3424.JPG" border="0" /><br />Here is one of Greg at his desk, hard at work (as usual :). I enjoy sharing an office with him, due in a large part to the fact that we have very similar interests and have a lot to talk about in the times that we spend in the office (since neither of us have a lot of patient care to do). It is no surprise that some people have a hard time figuring out which of us is which. We are both the same height, same build, incredibly handsome (obviously) and talented. We are also both supremely humble (me more than him :).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374542006730203074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtV8IMoC-QoF1yAfKnUeZu4erBBPy-Mx7SOzknru6lay4Z3EZGw6SLp_hEDg3fqyGyKrgCMPX0pjYqXYvKXR50ofEGVc3Fc5L1itcjnwBNVszkO7M86kIq-cPuclbMaM1Gvuu309CbENK/s320/101_3414.JPG" border="0" /><br />In all seriousness, I feel extremely well blessed to have two roommates (Greg and Levi, and Glen before Levi) that are family men of good character, enjoyable to be with and who are committed to working to live Christlike lives. We have a great time "working" together and spend most of every day, from our morning runs to our evening card games, hanging out as a group. Here is one of us at the KRAB island signpost showing how far it is to our repective bases.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374542026511386082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkx5PO7ILBj-TqiCTg7R04G3JqqS2hxh-r6JCj-CaKSIo0h7sjftFgAts6TAxLrgEJwjsfJsxCOv6NSMYZTitRx6HnbVEsWyo2GmlyQbvJq4GcVwiO4fA2mYc7kEcqY5Bd8QYz9fNP_u3/s320/101_3426.JPG" border="0" /><br />There was a while where we were watching an episode or two of MASH every day to pass the time, and here is one of me (and a patient in the MSU) during our MASH time.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374544014066012818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9WaVJOfNLnfL2OJC_IVW9D1Xd5y66-oi6Pcy1A7kJDVMw6doCejJHsIMBO9O6WOgSSsspsk98usHsmzFIDedeivF5gR-aGLaAviXzMHzJOQG5DDGtQcq_JTwYDBoP0xCv03WR9Wuw1Cx/s320/IMG_0075.JPG" border="0" /><br />The extra time also lends itself to many time consuming projects to "better our environment." Here is one of the crew hammering the decking down for the pool area (with a 3 foot wading pool) that we constructed behind the EMEDS.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpSTWolrQnPMLFSZM2qwLP6ZeSyU_zSI9jcmScIWx9S8UYiKcrw69IEy7rMytQpivZ1Q9tuzw8C3oghUNkeBmZ-nghNHkIfDMX-7Bz0S2Q-1ZuwiQF-pIMG1J6nry7yk1f2X5YfiG7h6t/s1600-h/IMG_0074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374544024202708290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpSTWolrQnPMLFSZM2qwLP6ZeSyU_zSI9jcmScIWx9S8UYiKcrw69IEy7rMytQpivZ1Q9tuzw8C3oghUNkeBmZ-nghNHkIfDMX-7Bz0S2Q-1ZuwiQF-pIMG1J6nry7yk1f2X5YfiG7h6t/s320/IMG_0074.JPG" border="0" /></a> All in all I would have to say that things are pretty good here - and they could certainly be a lot worse! I've got great people to be with, we find activities to occupy our attention and pass the time, and the food is pretty decent (I'll get a picture of the dining facility in here later). The only true hardship is the separation from family, and fortunately we have the phone, email and Skype to better keep in contact while I'm away. Even with all of that technological help and as good as things are, I'll be glad to put this deployment behind me in another three months!<br /><div><br /><div> </div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-55988046171409083912009-08-22T14:54:00.011+03:002009-09-05T16:18:05.132+03:00Hawiian Luau<div>The Communications squadron here on base is a reserve unit from Hickam AFB, Hawaii. They are nearing the end of their tour and decided to throw this huge party for the base. It was a giant affair - I think they said that there were 450 people in attendance - and they had shirts and "flowers" for all of us.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377953755099756722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 336px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqbc8y5GVByYYHzwtVSxcHIHUg04ZxoqAMXVMIB3rhfhIoBwRRxSPFFiqGceHFQoRzERhRra9PgCnts1Axv9B6b-ziyXH2iUPXYA_Pq2q9k6-ie5zvzXk62-dI3TLnGK5FZtUsN_Hb5Y0/s320/DSC00964.JPG" border="0" />They also fed us an authentic meal including pulled pork, rice and beans and a coconut based "jello" type dish that was pretty tasty.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377953762209923298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zfLHB6_GXuPrgGOdlJcP9es5TaBDs6M708r0VSgTiGMTAn3XiS50MbizsUuRU3UzPbwGUfpywFh3NyrjlVMPF5GA26wYfbpf9blSRB_FlO2jUE4dNfCjieabwqM0p6uYBIiyrF5DGgzM/s320/DSC00941.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsw5Ef0t3KlRbvrvN36VtfFs1VOou2dj5wPJJ7rIte8gi_Jg1FoF8eKPcsylFQh6hYtaphSIXet_5DhxHYeSpX35HhC16N1BkMREuusCanCwgtbnccPTqYPo4WJBhyphenhyphenNhjldFvSJ8s2ffL/s1600-h/090822-F-0414B-113.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377958987899096578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 332px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsw5Ef0t3KlRbvrvN36VtfFs1VOou2dj5wPJJ7rIte8gi_Jg1FoF8eKPcsylFQh6hYtaphSIXet_5DhxHYeSpX35HhC16N1BkMREuusCanCwgtbnccPTqYPo4WJBhyphenhyphenNhjldFvSJ8s2ffL/s320/090822-F-0414B-113.JPG" border="0" /></a>They had constructed a stage with tables, chairs and bleachers in a semi-circle around it in preparation for the festivities. They gathered in Hawaiians from other units and performed a bunch of traditional dances and songs - like the kind of entertainment you would get if you went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. </p><br /><p><br /><br /><br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377971155575565026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BZgOWSa68iW308Hn_KdAn6nFFuXyx0ikkvngHp2YQOF4iYsh3OIelv3IzIO8wfagiBBEECQRKAqCHwI9uH4w5Rv5dwEljyUWd1W76trvSYs42Whzcz8joNJVM07xduumBB8KmvR4JfWM/s320/090822-F-0414B-119.JPG" border="0" /></p><p></p><p>Below is Charlotte (Shealey, one of our IM docs from Nellis) posing in front of the mural they painted on the T-Barrier.</p><p></p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377953736905685458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHDmDmTdrKdHOtV9333hqA0E9N-QfhXiu9VrhGRk3Zdp01H1vo-DBxtzLVHkRlWyUWQKYATPTPoi3K3bqkPsmkBHx0geKnKIgEfhIt0OIZY3f9SYkLwVdjCTxzWJFGfS-_0FFV4J-xNAJ/s320/DSC00975.JPG" border="0" />They also had some audience participation events and drawings and handed out over a hundred boxes of chocolate covered macadamian nuts! I guess they had found sponsorship for the event from local businesses around the AFB in Hawaii to provide for the food, shirts and prizes.</p><div></div><div></div><div></div><p>Despite the fact that there were many individuals at the Luau with weapons -<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377953767440352194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintygTWF8m1F_XvFKyhnijv9t3Pw_a5rCVmkh-fTa2dGGYfm1oD675XD3XicqXwI1913IDicYKLzEoUJBzvbagghMts72CLAS2CTv-d3212JISnlwWURwZRoioCGodBYBOJRKFGT_lctdh/s320/DSC00966.JPG" border="0" />For a brief time I could almost forget the fact that I'm in Iraq and thousands of miles from those who I love. It was a well run event and one I was greatful to be a part of.</p>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-17397937282138896002009-08-20T09:02:00.001+03:002009-09-05T14:29:59.217+03:00Water Dodgeball TournamentServices set up a fun tournament for teams from different units to compete playing dodgeball with water balloons. Each team (of 5) would get 25 balloons to throw at the opposing team and when either the balloons ran out or the time ran out, whoever had the most people left won.<br /><br />Greg and I hand picked three more athletic guys (Alex Lee, Magnum Macrae and Matt Wright) and formed a team we called "the Non-Potable Water Slingers." We figured that the level of athleticism on our team would be high relative to most teams, which could give us a tactical advantage (you all know that I'm not competitive at all).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377942227057080706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsi7B9LFEx_aKUaXyPy0qLAHcQd3NelHigu_w9Z932Ku6xLZwcZDc8CUH2rdyAO8hhtkfmzhm1ssPTjr7-273Z0ZS9GC2Jhk2IEahVxXrIW066BOx13bLEoC8aPBPT-jKK5VglQUM4mvu/s320/Ensell+Pics+016.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div><div>Below is a picture of Magnum, Mark Coakwell (Flight doc), Melissa Dooley (ER doc), John Ensell (ER tech) and Joey Bruner (BioHealth officer) waiting to watch the festivities.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IERf3nEyZfZH2yEi6a60k1XBG51slJa4PfH8T6AOJ-a0poHKmdsZNiSWBEvj6estPJ7lv6WpUQja4k-Utc9tchzwxtoGcVz0dxOd9lmO0j7TxxNRxq5bJWy5GFGkpXuCtgxJYUKBYyVC/s1600-h/101_3421.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376382473295984770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IERf3nEyZfZH2yEi6a60k1XBG51slJa4PfH8T6AOJ-a0poHKmdsZNiSWBEvj6estPJ7lv6WpUQja4k-Utc9tchzwxtoGcVz0dxOd9lmO0j7TxxNRxq5bJWy5GFGkpXuCtgxJYUKBYyVC/s320/101_3421.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We figured out a second tactical advantage when we discovered that each team was to fill their own balloons between matches - which, although creating a huge hassle in running the event since there was only one hose, gave us the chance to somewhat underfill our balloons so that they would be easier to throw and wouldn't break in our hands.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377942197177110770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRupgIYiiBIO4wH6qJ6jPLgvglXEFUGKejmJGgDpFC6xGRbA-iZARxmT2etrDF1w3EcsFzGhmIKQUedWgJVsaL1nAzj5YjjF19_Ikkt1FKscwSl14JWOranFk3YWlnKxEAu-2QsfKQVS1S/s320/DSC00836.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Below is Col White holding the hose while balloons were filled.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377942211845866466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUSngZVEH-ddYodDZVChyRRH8CLr7K6FgGgRjoF-50rcUbh5b6LrnLz62v9Nbo3SWnn311Dwuf6Vk1GrRvgDD21tDT8_6iOosZSDN34-Qh-k9ZgjEaR_YhLe6XWYs4UltxCbSucoTTJgs/s320/Ensell+Pics+008.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt3awzgIaKoHElU68AOgRPpxHDPQ6SfsYW1NZ3IKJ7Ibk0mwNRmgelSDcFrbwsq7Lj_uy2p5b0ZSoqWjvW2mxIQg1hjIWsKArxfxcVoiM1ZAYKvyQR7k1O5NOGobhjIM_yyNPdc6Dx6X_/s1600-h/101_3419.JPG"></a></div><div> </div><div> We decided that these advantages were not enough and that we needed "strategery" on our side as well. We started with a plan of supporting fire teams with "fields of fire" that got us through a couple of matches but didn't really work all that well.<br /><br />Below is a pic of Alex and Greg on one fire team and Me and Matt on another, with Magnum in reserve.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376382453674330962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimuN6jWDQHt7uRTBUc62BYEVQWTEuDJ7O-LtOqixZ8OTlMk5QC0od1ZJtpVv1dE8foqpS73iG2bRQeJgWuG-wW4E3gvbrsQXLCeg4QADZXL6VCxsjeXbrxmhblFpgc2a7LlskthJBL5lw/s320/101_3418.JPG" border="0" /><br />Our next strategic initiative was a plan to all throw at one individual on the other team at the same time - with all of those balloons coming in someone was bound to hit him/her. We would pick out this individual based on perceived ease of targeting (lack of athleticism), which could be seen as either very mean or very smart. That person would be designated as the "primary target," and we all knew who it was before the match started.<br /><br />You can see us coordinating the attack on the primary target in the picture below.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376382437769595714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmksJk8CyDC5ci9OgoUY5EvPA4C9sVAnLICsUhx1f6qvWOs6M0T9Q2F-sr7wQ1jx48W6hyECrU7Fg5OjfTzM0xdyMLpS4ruQhdF79gQ5Fo-zu-Xr8ofsngTI1TVnknkFfqw6exuqHwTPon/s320/101_3416.JPG" border="0" />Once we eliminated the "primary target" we would transition to the "secondary target" (also determined before the match). Once we got one or two guys out, we had numeric superiority and could play conservatively until either the time or the balloons ran out.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377942221598569282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2FXZlPb2GbEW6E6sqAL4atlGg1fw3fDq802oU4ERs2PCToiXj2J3l1OG6izwA7QSBOuCj_tc34lb_QOkDxBXnl94oUH3QhZHk3807xD7jFL4G5EZnj3eTHy1a5mldEppSzydu9p1AjSu/s320/Ensell+Pics+011.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div>This plan worked beautifully and we won every match after implementing it. We even beat the Firemen's team (that had originally beat us under our inferior plan) twice in a row in the finals grudgematch to win the tournament.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5ioCJnAcraq7uTCFXOxMvIjL03iJU1kp_IuRG47qZEulzzzTUIETSZ3r1C_ONb0NOGnSZFvthSulcfWdgfnymaYc58hyphenhyphenTm8wP-DNSHPHenqNMUmHgrN-HFT2JRAmL4x5L5gVQM2rEHov/s1600-h/101_3417.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376382448399302018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5ioCJnAcraq7uTCFXOxMvIjL03iJU1kp_IuRG47qZEulzzzTUIETSZ3r1C_ONb0NOGnSZFvthSulcfWdgfnymaYc58hyphenhyphenTm8wP-DNSHPHenqNMUmHgrN-HFT2JRAmL4x5L5gVQM2rEHov/s320/101_3417.JPG" border="0" /></a>We won some portable DVD players (for the guys without kids) and electronic picture frames (for Greg and me) as a prize. Pretty cool prizes - I'm really happy having the pictures to cycle through my frame on my desk.<br /></div><div>It was a great afternoon of fun and we decided that the word of the day was "strategery."<br /><div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-89688447903517038352009-08-13T17:34:00.011+03:002009-08-17T10:52:05.122+03:00EMEDs Running Club<div>Anyone who reads this blog probably knows me well enough to be aware that I like to have something in my life (when I have the time) to physically challenge me - a goal to focus my efforts and pit my will against. When I first arrived in Kirkuk, my plan was to run a marathon during the hottest part of the summer - just to say that I did. After consultation with my local medical provider (my roommate Greg the general surgeon), I started my training with the plan to ensure that I drank plenty of water to replace the fluid lost during exercise.<br /><br />Especially when the thermometer looked like this:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370836667201716578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB-TLzdfbkHML6J1iMW6yX-1JYSa3X6PJ1qUjO81GT-Y9Usn8hyyuD58co9an2OMlRF16XSy66jtnhZ3g90QKunQ-Swlpq7Vwj8O5A3HCgku5qJSl-dtImdx7zB-ZTXjiksOBpnw2UNkj/s320/IMG_0126.JPG" border="0" />After a few days sweating in the heat (the hottest day I ran in was 117' F) and maintaining a sustained heart rate that was way too high for how slow I was running, I realized that I might have trouble packing enough water to replace my losses. There are various places where supplies of water are stashed along the run, but that water is pretty dang hot - making it less than refreshing despite the fact that it is wet. These issues, coupled with the fact that I was getting good outside advice (like "I'm not sure that you aren't too stubborn to stop even if you know you should"), motivated me to rethink my goals and plans.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369458337824837586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAK2MIzbhyOJ6Ty-nyTm2GiLN_zUYAPAEDpLHijq1E17eW1-PWBk2zhnGQmA8DpKAtqrwRqKpz1CoEkNa2mptfTYyz60_WX3oPy3M_gQgdbWuHpI_DJvVJOUPY8GMsGTiEk3eiyocOERwN/s320/IMG_7691.JPG" border="0" /> I decided that I would plan to run a marathon on my birthday (09/09/09), after the temperature had cooled a bit from the summer highs and still on a notable date. Most folks don't run outside here on base, especially in the summer, thinking that the temperature and the dust are too much to make it enjoyable. We (Glen, Greg and I) started running at 5:15 AM and found that the coolness of the morning, combined with some really beautiful sunrises, made the trips very enjoyable. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369457487137783586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdry6ohEJ_cKMvlitzYUZ0fwB6baf8JccNPMYwxtdAjye4xYUkllTN4gGw9bwP6d4kbFoFetYMqFsVCC2f6TnnbE6bIaTEFw2yHVwUhs68lDpvlRIdU3AFSQehUCojGUI9cnPToCDn2QD/s320/IMG_7690.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370562236459678386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncfZitDIVwFwojiZaE94RpAWVN1Hr78eRehH0GNoB29atRUl5ED6vXHux5ojlWZLRYctJkH1KUT5oxYyNk6lnqUpqstQU_wZVJ4s0LKha5ut_2rTWu4MB6iawewigxI_ioqnraMD6S8AQ/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Here is a picture of Greg and me doing a hill workout on one of the high points of the base.<br /></p><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370540389452223826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRINm9MaOpbBJb1FCw3titW8fd9BFpaI9k2pW5SqlArm7kxzqSm1KZun_eUTGh1C5lMJeMdPyEMu439eqo0UbKyXVdVk06VpDwMT4FPPiW-lZYajU1JMFQHdN5Gox2-FM6nP1DnGRIn_8/s320/IMG_7706.JPG" border="0" /> Amber even sent us some cool head-bands (at my request) so that we could keep the sweat from running into our eyes while we ran.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369457478695158530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RXmnC-zVeXnLPeYk2pjhPxc1VlKyxvzyjAQJE4aOPVgFroCFWn_Z1PomiZAZhY-EBD5aJNzbHvjV0gpPxl0iIxmGwsBwUkdJRguhAyTRGxu-t-8fqtMQneTkDBptSPfGkXTXzLKS5sr0/s320/IMG_7689.JPG" border="0" />Pretty soon word got out to the rest of the hospital personnel, and we started to have others join our morning forays. We have continued to swell in ranks and have formally become recognized as the EMEDS running club. Here is a picture of some of the club on a "hill day."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlYjL_n7gMUJPbJ-adb5yCnKPaewRRuYEgLILPQspaLGjhfGzCA5fzTMVz1Xb7whlDZEH6c56-T1t1w9XUn631voDl3nGzdkREB5zgr8z8cGK7pCjj4xUbsFsfpk2bWn71QvE-AK-5Vjt/s1600-h/runclub3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369458367982826978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlYjL_n7gMUJPbJ-adb5yCnKPaewRRuYEgLILPQspaLGjhfGzCA5fzTMVz1Xb7whlDZEH6c56-T1t1w9XUn631voDl3nGzdkREB5zgr8z8cGK7pCjj4xUbsFsfpk2bWn71QvE-AK-5Vjt/s320/runclub3.jpg" border="0" /></a> (from left to right: Me, Greg, Col White, Alex (FP doc), SMSgt Pehrson, A1C Sleeman, TSgt Minshew) <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>Shortly after this picture was taken on top of the "hill," we found out that we weren't supposed to be running there because all of the hills in our area are really acheological "tails" that are the remnants of some ancient dwelling. Apparently the human garbage/refuse, etc over the years made the ground around the ancient dwelling harder than the surrounding terrain, leaving a "hill" in places where the rest of the dirt blew away. Unfortunately, that meant that they shut down our running hill - leaving us without a location for our hill workouts. </div><div></div><br /><div>On a more positive note - with the help of the running club and our Services section here on base we have managed to schedule the First Annual Kirkuk Regional Air Base Marathon and Half-Marathon on 07 NOV. That will give a lot more people time to prepare and I'll still run a solo 26.2 on my birthday :).</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-91305613048246213962009-08-09T13:30:00.002+03:002009-08-20T15:15:33.526+03:00Sunrise and SunsetPerhaps it is because the most enjoyable weather of the summer is associated with the sun going down or about the time the sun comes up (when we usually run), but I think some of the best pictures we've captured while here in Kirkuk are at those times as well. Here are a few that you may have seen in other blogs, but I really enjoy them so I'll put them here again.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371996232575428594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JxvuBJaP6m4Hmi646AF2-mZC96zBuvp6AUHqmcQNkwWsrRKVSfals37ccxfjknGEC6ADiiuOisU4c_aPGLPAjBYVn2x48xJngiZ8RZ6oGBdQSViWaK5zfWwXNYXGIeX8gL67cVwVlQmY/s320/fires+burning.jpg" border="0" />Here are the fires burning at the oil wells 24/7 to get rid of the natural gas and other useful fuels found with crude oil (but too difficult for their system to capture and use).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371996240340328482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJxguC1_LPcNKs1j8hqJHr9uJKmYO2T8aaQjoTdpLbOfZVlxQlhHDDQKg5iijbVmc8WvtTamD6h5f2ieMI4kFZrToLJJ7ZJgxuv3SmC-riZgWgtE3ly2Cgc8oQiiQkqmmlKshNL-vGBGo/s320/helicopter.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Here is a great picture of sunrise behind one of our Blackhawk Air Evacuation choppers.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371993492784800562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgss3Sq9W6UFFvKgsFFcMNdrXY65zdszN5kRSkTtf1X2wjVg4tEmvk03FHLQdicSdk5CGJIQyRlCZz29P4C4kFq3IiE6-NM0Mnqo19N4AuRRgM-aSKHtqFd1ZREg9WE16v4vyHB3mz7fvy_/s320/After+1st+Ramp.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Here is one of sunset behind a C-130 on the taxi-way.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371994997393884322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZtz6fXJOXEkytxvw6GRMSGdj-gkOEoErGqreJX_b3cGp6v8tS1qbTrGSV4VF0K0nkj4Ja684SEPO-MGWRuo1Q7qH9RSKc0t6Q4aOwOmFgYUBPiP9asUTltG6omJ7T4DGrf1KSYmekXC9/s320/IMG_0204.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371994999909727186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-8FBFuvxdG8IWwvDiQi7A5m9wFH85ERhA9whAkMxEm280h4pOu8TTHq1G-EglFJ9FKiUaPI-pd6gdIjnO50M4k5r2XWP8cbQxQ9ylwnAw76XNpFixKk4e62NhTRvmdyUCyCMsvRi7JPp/s320/IMG_0205.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The above pictures are of a sunrise over a bunch of the tactical vehicles called MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protective). </p><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371993513960063186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-6xWkDVMw4eXaFPfsAE8Ug302MiO_3fAHzawkAvPC7Pxggb5TdnBt6gZhXXplyp7Kz95rVukxth-_b4a15w4qWM1cHq7oT4X9beFurtU2N38m76MgOhxwZvJ2JoxzsLQ0TWsNcybBONG/s320/IMG_0185.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Above is a sunset where the sun is barely visible through the dust haze.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371993500499582434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsQtWGI4fWTKvPzO0G-nelD-rz7HfCv3-vrOr8RoI8MYYiqjWhF_cXUneKI8fh-j5zOAhP17vhX8npDZzcGX1be-nCMc5EuUFpskvZEZ4HE0xptIF-8TO5CuI0qL4lrJtm0Eu6ptxUQ1v/s320/IMG_1948.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>A clearer sunset behind our (former) running hill and some more MRAPs (there are hundreds of them on base).</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371995008919185282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zcnISOD4-uiBTp43gFTRJrR48zEUHcG2gCq8JDUaODF0belJMCRItQeyU2pIsiDGfwRer2E9gKTyOm5ICV6xD55Eqc3hQr8dvHZyvkttBmQW0gbL7hyHFEzilP95d8awmnYsCjw0zcCs/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>You can see the reflection of this sunrise (a little bit) in the one pond on base.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SU_6NVYcQOyI3isMO8DH1eAoaXNub-GM3gVfe523iAtrAVT4HUP1ulUCfrCMcwEJ5-toC4mhAn2-sJk7bz_BHTAktgRXL2b5Gcu3Ne0talumEOU5SsZm1wIz0h9hlzElq46dWcpLIPVm/s1600-h/IMG_0192.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371996229097024370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SU_6NVYcQOyI3isMO8DH1eAoaXNub-GM3gVfe523iAtrAVT4HUP1ulUCfrCMcwEJ5-toC4mhAn2-sJk7bz_BHTAktgRXL2b5Gcu3Ne0talumEOU5SsZm1wIz0h9hlzElq46dWcpLIPVm/s320/IMG_0192.JPG" border="0" /></a>And this one is of the moon over the mosque and our ambulance Humvees.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><div><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-89053247542545653582009-08-03T13:49:00.000+03:002009-08-20T14:21:10.914+03:00Nearby MosqueThere is the small Mosque (with it's surrounding cemetary) close to our EMEDs building that has apparently been there for hundreds of years. I guess the Iraqi AF base just "grew" around the mosque over the years and those that used to use it were cut off by the military presence. With the US forces taking over the base, there was a restoration of the mosque and some allowance some local residents the opportunity to come back on a periodic basis to honor their ancestors who are buried there. Things like this have done very well to help endear the US forces to our host nation. Here are some pictures of the Mosque that I liked.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372000712738574146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJt4jSVbX8m1oFLTtIrKZbJpKuhmvB8_9uW3vX-In5WqZkDeytrQbJTEym20pS2_yINlewuf0qy95kq1TkJYkyL7Jd1LhGzuR4XvUkJ2Ikidb9yyf6KJADkHXb8RkMi84Z1AdOd9_EtEbc/s320/IMG_0169.JPG" border="0" /><br />The above picture is of the front of the Mosque and below is a picture of the back side.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371998751417059682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyXJPckkSYr4jdNVLFB2FiA44VJYMI4ykXSPpqTtyK1WlVV_kok2jOxsvcYG3sB_LWsPkp1ZLExXiXm34f5nW4juRHRrLJsLq1gEZ5VM0kksRCkW1CrnOxQhFU5uCq4oBIkK-_7D73CAF/s320/IMG_0200.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371998770960849890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikujegQxbDJahp3yVmJrNfLf9FGRnKdPG3Z3zov3VvXcEI4MCnDrYHDtSCBZ3Jpg1TcHCZL80xdUHRp_pYDt0J0kPYpvm9rPBg0biUAEJl1aEGpFgP1VcfT9mvxtiOhI_udulfoufeqIl4/s320/mosque.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Despite the fact that we "restored" the mosque, since it is a religious/cultural symbol no US personnel are allowed on it's grounds, so all these pix are taken from afar.</p><p>The next few pictures are of a sunrise sequence over the Mosque.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372000725180825874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGxz9LBAXjFjHVkfmFU6rjF2o3he1ZwHwygjT8brErlcNLZKP5_4tFKpFGjMvhSTz-U9kF7Vc7DY2amAM6VEsqcJFHXbSGUX69sHXGh4Q_Kkm_HTy28V14k394XJ6oqUCKBO-Crhe4GQz/s320/IMG_0083.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372000717711280594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3COsTdDtg81UPu8ErWMDvYZOqikaW9_rdM6__J7ilz1nSoRbOFnL3rM4taoJFtqAKq0WP9oKnyWS3oHvL45BEGX8pypmyaE5-dsTizdLD0uaNvbKf6tHLuqI-3NM1pb5X25Y0hWxX0HF/s320/IMG_0082.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372000730696245778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYizE6DpMdbhPjCpdtBA6MY8VcJI3aqIzenEX5j1-yWRS51AzjWpA-yYEG6GbX-2E-ljQiwnm9gA1RYMpG4aaS9qkTlHGf9rZHPxjlUXcPwsCTaonNOWQL94u3m4U3VnroWSy9xxf0U0M/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_FUQutq3TC9mq6MB-DJgjWmi4fVpLxc6JMop0MF_7BMj45T32yxmgqSdEH-vgnskNzeGafLoUPteZAH-248jHDjMoVMkiCXOeZBU22V1FosCvTQ0ooR6zLnzsciGBxpCajrvHhURCVik/s1600-h/IMG_0087.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372000738002240882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_FUQutq3TC9mq6MB-DJgjWmi4fVpLxc6JMop0MF_7BMj45T32yxmgqSdEH-vgnskNzeGafLoUPteZAH-248jHDjMoVMkiCXOeZBU22V1FosCvTQ0ooR6zLnzsciGBxpCajrvHhURCVik/s320/IMG_0087.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And I liked this last one taken at dusk with the full moon over the dome.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh90eNp0FJSElXUXfIgHYiWtChkgNfFvNJ7asWGgLPiCj4PgpXQvMOCTCN1tFLY7juBkJQXM7uCZF7J5jOBq-Gj5c0nPt2j7Ajf21iZxMifbljKt2n9pkcl7m9bNDSbIWHJ_DV8a9oOTgA/s1600-h/IMG_0192.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371998738896153698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh90eNp0FJSElXUXfIgHYiWtChkgNfFvNJ7asWGgLPiCj4PgpXQvMOCTCN1tFLY7juBkJQXM7uCZF7J5jOBq-Gj5c0nPt2j7Ajf21iZxMifbljKt2n9pkcl7m9bNDSbIWHJ_DV8a9oOTgA/s320/IMG_0192.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-57152665835741125642009-07-26T21:44:00.008+03:002009-08-05T12:42:54.722+03:00Fire MusterLast weekend the firefighters on base hosted a Fire Muster, where we non-firefighter types were able to come out and 'live the dream' we all had as kids of being a fireman. They set up a few different events in which we competed as teams as well as an individual event category.<br /><br />Here is a picture of our EMEDs team:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365068337532738546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5X6CE1lepso9uo98LUgF0jr_WjKWUMLQF22AN3N_YD3sRvwfsUiQ9ImaQcEPCel_pOU9NYVnP5noAJPX5-VX0NTdWOamusGZgMVyhBnZkbvd_BeJg8K7mkMO2MAJlmBHqV9WDzIXnM7O/s320/firea.jpg" border="0" /><br />That's (left to right) me, Dave Lewis (RN from Nellis), Melissa Dooley (ER doc from Eglin), Magnum MaCrae (MCC tech from Eglin) and Greg Stroup (Gen Surgeon from Travis). You can see that Greg, Melissa and I are pretty average and we pulled in the other two as 'ringers.' Dave is a big strong guy that used to play a lot of rugby and Magnum runs an off duty business as a personal fitness trainer.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365400582722676850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yEGUANQS83IVka3OXHV9lSIwxLPGluQI4HUS2ct2is80tvj0MEGRoApSEm4YQtVVmwGNrRgWL6qQlYvtgpzQjkOxEh3asy7XiS2VXm6NrKuHhEpvJvIYgYBbFyJ_taj0wSnX7pW4UOgo/s320/firei.JPG" border="0" /><br />Our first event was the tug-o-war - pretty basic except that we used a fire hose and there was a tank of water in the middle that the winning team had to pull the loosing team up a ramp to finish the competition. With Dave as the anchor and Magnum as the muscle, we figured we would be OK.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365071699508737026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwrguGgVpDR7Me3AM939bgNBP4NofkAakOQe8QjSnDZQOMx-LOL53vfdafkooad0S12Wzl1Be4LjXpnIjreJAmn_fuDz4HhQN1GmJUC7ic92aaYofqOzfL7QB2Q4q7P4JYtzYnEvHvhdc/s320/fire1.JPG" border="0" /><br />We started off loosing ground initially until a friend advised us to "get down." We dropped to the ground and let them wear themselves out trying to drag us and then we were able to pull them up the ramp into the pool. That was a long 1:34, my forearms were dying by the end of it!<br /><br />The next event was a sequence where you had to unroll 2 firehoses, connect them up to each other as well as to the water source, put the nozzle on and shoot some targets (baskeballs on cones). After knocking the baskeballs off we had to disconnect everything and roll up the hoses to finish the event. We did really well here and got one of the fastest times.<br /><br />(cant find my picture of this one - I'll add it later)<br /><br />After that we did a bucket brigade, passing water in buckets to splash on the roof of a small house. The water (at least some of it) would collect in the raingutter and fill into a barrel at the end and the fastest team to fill the barrel would win. The only catch was that all of the buckets had a bunch of holes in them and most of the water you threw on the roof splashed away rather than ending up in the barrel. We had a pretty good system going, though, with our tallest guy (Dave) throwing the water on the roof.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365400589654041698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4Ep9HPvFcuNgrnxeZvAPiUvR8NhyxtJq7grDZfC1Hy6qXIXbNfX2AhqcDXHmpiwz0N-xl0wDh6TyITfaeg4qovpfXOWRCmUHQlEJ51JJpT6taTCE4E50VgKzf_NHSPFiNc24QcrnDArO/s320/firej.jpg" border="0" /><br />We figured out that it was easier to slide the buckets on the wet concrete, so we saved some serious time in bucket transfers and ended up with one of the top 3 times on this event as well.<br /><br />At that juncture they tallied the points and the top four teams (out of a field of 20 or so) advanced to the last challenge event: The firehose joust. We were second on the leaderboard, at this point, so we 'made the cut' and prepared for the joust.<br /><br />This was a really cool competition that put the two teams at the opposite ends of a rope stretched taut with a hanging bucket in the middle. The objective was to push the bucket (with the water jet) to the other side of the rope past the opposing team.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365074050779641842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFhOGnvMsiKJN1UxGOU80i2iXbEV-A_NtaPr8UYSDMvk0AFyl0OpoUvNiKGaz37ir3fJJGmn4WyHGet4tyoTo3iNnlOAbgL_O4xPRe6LIwe14NY4gcTY8wHwwpNpIbJBsQb3YhZ9blFIa/s320/fire4.JPG" border="0" /><br />If you've ever seen how they use firehoses for riot control, you can imagine how it was for us when the glancing blows of the opponents water hit us. Despite the fact that we all had eye protection on, it made it very difficult to target the bucket when you had a face full of water.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365074752269004802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmiSvIOdOYc256kpZK4E899FLGOTZQjJssIyzrg2Dq-tr5D1PvqusK7XfS6UsaLyE0p59DG9GpYBiSck7FMTxBK8sVcQtAz2fpf5clALcKWya6SD1SKvxsFJGVhm81fNMOk480huXiYOR/s320/fire6.JPG" border="0" /><br />Unfortunately for us, we picked the side that had the weaker water pressure and we got beat in both of our turns on the hose. Now I know it sounds like I'm making a big ol' excuse for us (and I am) but out of 12 competitions done (both during and after the formal event), every single time the joust was won by the team using the hose that we didn't use. No worries, though, we felt pretty good about our showing and ended up with the consolation prize as 4th.<br /><br />After the team competition, I decided to enter in the individual competition as well.<br /><br />There were two events which were timed and added together, with the fastest overall time being the winner.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365400594908585458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnnRVpkYxSXk67_9f2Hkmn92pvSJ6Wp8Ip6g4cA1ZL5RA_ONHF0tuScaXOij9IbG9ZSY393DPrziOfK62C3Y-KDwo22NNKTWrZY2RqPNUXOwSoqcF-4p9YBSByMxABfQzDS6JjcW_kQqm/s320/firem.JPG" border="0" /><br />The first part of the individual competition was the Bunker drill, in which you had to put on the full complement of fireman gear (correctly) as quickly as possible. Above is a picture of SrA Matt Wright just getting started on this drill (no one has pictures of me for this event).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365400597773088002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQQHVDroOJITzgCnXyw6goF4h0BwvwOX-oKTtjKYSb5Fan68INTIr5gblJ9mYkfTyOOOz3x0e9rXUcsSmiOe8WtqbLlfYWP8yoCzIG8iiDwrGn5rCY8UWyssBGetQDGPn70ZrqanjVxyS/s320/firen.JPG" border="0" /><br />And here is a picture as he is nearly finished. This part of the competition really favored smaller guys like me, since it was so much easier to fit into the suits that were relatively large on us. I watched a couple of big guys run into trouble because their hands were so big they couldn't easily fit them into the sleeves of the coat, let alone put on the gloves.<br /><br />Next we did an obstacle course with a continuous timer. The first part was the hose drag, pulling two sections of hose the full length of a basketball court.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365400603326296594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUulhiy-vxuHYQzsGMP_yZsPpKj2dqvWJi70BaI5GQFQxIy2kCtJctpVAFjpldeJQDOTmLVhG3gM-AaxKp2dwyJUCRwB7vG3h75UblflVxRUBjN5kTMkwElfWZDjmezuhR-vagvrAhZ_qr/s320/firel.JPG" border="0" /><br />Those hose sections are heavier than you would imagine (although Magnum just picked up the whole hose and ran down the court with it). Officially you were supposed to drag it down, then come back to the end and finish pulling the whole thing across the line. This is SrA Amber Kelly 'putting her shoulder' into the drag.<br /><br />Next we picked up one of the 'jaws of life' (40-50 lbs) and carried it around a cone at 1/2 court.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365401564068180610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRolq4JB-d832nap8tbQnsr7CCq8ZAEgwbHroiO2X55CAIZej91Uvs-FC6EdR_q3OdbxA8jKFD5Cs_jIEuHeAr3wBDlBisctJr6N8KI7wW4uCaGmmDNdIG0Ohclx6ARzGWwrFStiV_5vPZ/s320/firek.JPG" border="0" /><br />Next came the shuttle relay, where you had to pick up rolled sections of hose at one cone (one at a time), then run and stack them at another cone. This was the easiest part of the individual competition, but you were already starting to get tired by then.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365401567223842306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfe7EPEwxGdkviQG9ehDzXTaT-NduvGJQM3hRjQDXf5A-dkg3rgdpNDrX_c4tPSa7iBCu1PfP8fbxff7Oj8aAgZcUCT_Hl77N0Nju_ABfg7VsUGmUA8rOKH8O4FkYT1_3ViFjV4RcVcPz/s320/fireh.JPG" border="0" /><br />Next we had to use a 10 lb sledge to hit a sandbag weighted truck tire 10-15 feet. You could expend a lot of energy here and only have the sledge bounce off the tire without advancing it much at all. Below is a picture of Magnum getting after it.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365401577182365890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PUtrdq6yPLn7HP9ys9-M8D4jr6vdK5TJJVskK3BnP4jzoj1Oymxy6UZWp9Hze1UC0oYliapMOPRcIjaE8g9aGdKOV_EVC8v5JMIYKNaHaP7OAhekL4kF2fvh09Qnv38y3E1M-hlwEtyg/s320/fireb.jpg" border="0" /><br />I used a non-traditional approach and backed up to the tire and hit it backwards between my legs with short, choppy hits. It moved really well that way and I made up a fair amount of time (and conserved energy) here.<br /><br />Next we pulled another weighted tire with a rope across the 1/2 court line and back. You had to keep your feet in a relatively small area (so no holding onto the rope and running away to drag the tire), which made this the most difficult of the events for me - and by then I was really feeling tired from the previous parts of the course.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365401576449501122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKmnc5ozwROBRSd_vgztmsMyKAHzXCJMy25z0xBKpSCWw5hwaFGUGapsb3t-cKW-Q8gNqP5kxTaNb6qlUJe9slwLGAPoIeMF1Y0Nt1VM5I9QUE044PK9_pMnKUwQHZOKwlkBivvFnvGQo/s320/firec.jpg" border="0" /><br />The last part of the course was the Dummy Drag, in which we were to take a 140 lb dummy around a cone at 1/2 court and then back to the line. Once again, I took a non-standard approach and instead of holding the dummy around the waist and walking backwards (how everyone else did it), I grabbed the dummy by the feet and dragged it with the head and shoulders bouncing on the ground. Granted that wouldn't be the preferred approach with a real patient, but there was no rule dictating the manner in which we dragged the dummy for the competition.<br /><br />I was pretty wiped out by the end of the obstacle course and I felt like it took me a really long time, so I was amazed when they told me that I had completed the combined course in record time and that I was in the lead! My time held up to the few competitors that were left and I recieved the 1st place award for the individual event.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DINSed21Lcc_eEpicU2VFLTgiXug67ahNRPzNn92Wbf_o27WnRV9R-nhh_3gOLESv2yndgiKME0Iy0WtxiePgAJsusQzb3IalN28GsGtx9oYce_rx1nAysfYPsji-GnQMWNBCbphEVUz/s1600-h/firef.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365402236798869122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DINSed21Lcc_eEpicU2VFLTgiXug67ahNRPzNn92Wbf_o27WnRV9R-nhh_3gOLESv2yndgiKME0Iy0WtxiePgAJsusQzb3IalN28GsGtx9oYce_rx1nAysfYPsji-GnQMWNBCbphEVUz/s320/firef.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am looking forward to finding a nice place in our library or our office at home to hang this ax! What a cool award they came up with to commemerate the event!Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-63966258708447488832009-07-20T19:22:00.004+03:002009-08-07T11:50:18.965+03:00Tops in Blue ConcertGreg, Glen and I - along with a couple hundred other military members - went to a concert put on by the AF Tops in Blue group the other day. They are a "talent organization" that pulls from all parts of the Air Force to make a team of singer/dancers that take a year off from their regular AF jobs and tour the world performing at various military venues. Here we are waiting in wild anticipation for the extravaganza to come!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt6CKexP_TcUE-xD9ITcxDfciJ3_YLLrY2Q9mIrDRHpRmmnx-Lnmm1P4H6QUhG60xIMUXhmdS5q2wQlrfyhPWuzlNUulx2dOW1L2pjQWh6DPVCkzlZCfZAIjz5lvq7mfWR6NQKQZJO5-R/s1600-h/tops4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365403064270255970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt6CKexP_TcUE-xD9ITcxDfciJ3_YLLrY2Q9mIrDRHpRmmnx-Lnmm1P4H6QUhG60xIMUXhmdS5q2wQlrfyhPWuzlNUulx2dOW1L2pjQWh6DPVCkzlZCfZAIjz5lvq7mfWR6NQKQZJO5-R/s320/tops4.jpg" border="0" /></a> As you can see below, they have a pretty large group and are complete with a 10 member band to accompany them (2 trumpets, trombone, 2 keyboard artists, drums, guitar, two saxaphones). They spent about 90 minutes entertaining us with show tunes, pop songs and patriotic classics.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365403049501475010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSki74h1owM3VX6gS6Nw2gLHqyZLGC4qErC6ANr3Ua4dWfsayIkb3p6eTKUTP36buekNKV5f8FYiOvBIHUe1xzu3zaoH85WHlpfAawYT6r14vLatpoRk1mclfI77O75dExCAcGWmumVwNK/s320/tops1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>They arrived at 0400 that morning, but by the evening they had set up the stage and all the sound equipment and had plenty of energy to 'blow us away.' It was incredible how much energy they had, given the grueling schedule they keep for a year (After our show they packed away their pallets of equipment and got onto another plane to head to Balad at about midnight)! These men and women are not only talented, they are amazingly tough and resiliant. I don't think many performers could keep up with them on or off stage!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Their act is similar in nature to the "Music USA" group at Lagoon (or some of the performing groups at other amusement parks), except the performers have to pack, carry, and unpack all of their equipment with them as they go from place to place. They have no stage crew and are their own equipment handlers - with the kind of crazy schedule that I mentioned above! Pretty impressive group!</div><div></div><div>They came out among the audience and embarassed a few people....</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365403053555779106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP20m9bJm6d8tOIffgEUPd3DCRF6BuJng_Vvw1tGRPVIT_WB3a5tutTLM5U8t4fEKGQ7HNPZKIHhIVAsNaFYPyLdB4t1nMP9GEnO7Mp2WB0yPJf0NaMlyIyfOQCY150RlhDy2HIBcIkrf8/s320/tops2.jpg" border="0" />Unfortunately I didn't get the camera out in time when Greg was sitting in the 'hot spot,' but I took this picture of him immediately after his moment of fame.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcR1vXrxtZRvhnmGHsJQ8nWz3rbfMrrEGG3U6d8I6YUviwUsSsPGztoc7jvDCUeBY98riw4rhiLdgaEQAZXzlBXZwgS_SQjl6bn07g8dpuFUUP2jLsRj3ONNFiNgcwSX5e1qGaAMoEKwh/s1600-h/tops3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365403057279665026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcR1vXrxtZRvhnmGHsJQ8nWz3rbfMrrEGG3U6d8I6YUviwUsSsPGztoc7jvDCUeBY98riw4rhiLdgaEQAZXzlBXZwgS_SQjl6bn07g8dpuFUUP2jLsRj3ONNFiNgcwSX5e1qGaAMoEKwh/s320/tops3.jpg" border="0" /></a> We really enjoyed the performance - they did a great job - and it was nice to be in a situation that you could almost forget that you were deployed 10,000 miles away from home and your family.<br /><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-70358588836030657182009-07-15T11:47:00.000+03:002009-08-09T20:15:17.914+03:00Dinner and a Movie on Krab IslandThe EMEDs hospital complex has two buildings with a walkway between them. Some time in the past someone was able to put some metal decking out there and cover it with cammo netting to create our very own KRAB island (you can see the netting is getting pretty ratty at this point).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367900258360635234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtFpBDXzjgs81amCYiP7dzMPU8aVZdsosVAoQW6W8GXkXdA3OMVpsHRBPugwAvZh36HnGpAdOxVaRb2pqXIYWEX3mrKUCWr7MNjFoIv-Rr2pa-89CCG5wsnOzDZTLCxvVfzZXmClimPSs/s320/pics+from+SRA+Kelly+104.JPG" border="0" /><br />This is the "social hub" of our squadron. It has been wired up with a steroe and lights and it even has its own little fountain-pond (a bit heavy on the algea).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367901939216695330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8yq4vDGQTu2fagEiHL5J82Zs4CLtjAw_WHD2GXZrka3w-9Q-YN9nyPo3VDJXqsRwm5V6VTPdJgQn_HDNBLDBotpje2alyXb7QVNQMWe7mCIm3WgLXrhUlH7pGMoq0QJSoJE3JN0JNStj/s320/pics+from+SRA+Kelly+003.JPG" border="0" /><br />A tradition had been started just prior to my arrival that we have a weekly barbeque as a squadron where we sit down to eat together and then watch a movie that we project on a 'screen' made of several pieces of white-painted plywood. Really it was one guy (Lt Nick Sauber) who was running the event with very little help from anyone else, so I started helping with the organization and execution of the weekly outings. One of the key elements that added greatly to the enjoyability of our events was when Nick and I were out and about (working on networking and finding out what was 'possible') and were able to get an 'in' with the guys in the food supply shop. That opened a whole new world of options tha we now had available for weekend barbeques.<br /><br />Here is a picture of me and Nick (now out of the AF and on his way to medical school in Ohio) grilling up some chicken and pineapple.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367884673204326642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQaow4cU_CRiDC3qXFhd_xF7FvOBloxvoKQhPkPO6sPFROgA-E5lTStwF1cdKPkrxw4gMlgpuUBUakAXMIZ92_zIh-Mzp4cksXA_gQzjJZ-kbAFnUOh0F9DQolLUQ24gi9sEzNRGc5A3f/s320/008.JPG" border="0" /> Nick passed the power of the tongs on to me when he went home a month ago, and we have continued in his proud tradition and have served all kinds of different barbeque meats (ribs, burgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken) and other grilled acoutrements.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00_0sXTshrOn5n7t_Ml3uAQmcIZUNdEm_J-vDaK-zxc4_eXDo0rhGHxjyQ1l3vOGuIvPWVCqNQnLT4WGcwdjcDwSCosmTJ8NhYhJZEih1L2qwYsGB3CmtJn1OGs1WYw2hFTTo6s-UCn5s/s1600-h/pics+from+SRA+Kelly+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367897712499559154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00_0sXTshrOn5n7t_Ml3uAQmcIZUNdEm_J-vDaK-zxc4_eXDo0rhGHxjyQ1l3vOGuIvPWVCqNQnLT4WGcwdjcDwSCosmTJ8NhYhJZEih1L2qwYsGB3CmtJn1OGs1WYw2hFTTo6s-UCn5s/s320/pics+from+SRA+Kelly+011.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here are a few pictures of the group sitting down to eat and socialize, which is really what this weekly outing is about.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDMC20phvsCP0gBpsuWTr2_rOjB2Nk4b0WY7glWgBKrk_0zAMNb2CJIO3H6ZHFiAC8C_3jMoy10HKQ1ET053FgIcVU0ginSuyZVTVLiZ-zL54hngpEPYdJXpICTD6ngBNEISkr47Ak-wP/s1600-h/pics+from+SRA+Kelly+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367897705643962754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDMC20phvsCP0gBpsuWTr2_rOjB2Nk4b0WY7glWgBKrk_0zAMNb2CJIO3H6ZHFiAC8C_3jMoy10HKQ1ET053FgIcVU0ginSuyZVTVLiZ-zL54hngpEPYdJXpICTD6ngBNEISkr47Ak-wP/s320/pics+from+SRA+Kelly+009.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367884689190131298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90lqK2V601U1RcrG8NXv2Bc24EIE0vCLHgdiDLyQyCWR6gZayEUvbrBDIMvFUx1Z0jKa7p_Ed1a-UhrlkFYKT3F2C7pZ-M0e9h0wLogKAlRNQVn4-bynVVSO6_scZD_7eUkWqPTvZb7pF/s320/024+(2).JPG" border="0" />In the words of the 'immortal LT', "The unit that plays together, stays together." Of course we don't have much of a choice about 'staying together,' (at least for the period of the deployment) since we are all jammed into rooms together and we all work in these two buildings, but the spirit of his statement holds true. We may have to be here away from our families for this period, but we can do some small things along the way to make the time pass more quickly and pleasantly.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-12364117498222214512009-07-10T12:53:00.000+03:002009-08-09T20:18:13.434+03:00Weapons training<div>Last week Greg, Glen and I had the treat of going out to the range and firing off a fairly sizable number of rounds with various guns. I've always loved firing pistols and rifles, but it was a whole new experience to just let loose with hundreds of rounds from some of the automatic weapons we shot.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360853770642999234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 412px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5iFM_o5-53doN5wxGcSm4sQZRXBpRadJLuVDYiFQDvm05wdPjtrKjmIhyphenhyphenx9l4jNECP_IQ1c9mDRjFCvOso_OYyGVl_qyKGaOFsLoYlpmeauREvi3dmv7qMMa0twIPlJiblNIfqfpp_c9/s320/range1.JPG" border="0" /> This is the array of automatic weapons that we fired, along with a standard Glock 9mm pistol (not shown).<br /><br />The small machine gun pistol with the "fold-over" stock is the HK MP5, which is similar to the Uzi (only more reliable and accurate) and fires a 9mm round.<br /><br />Here is a picture of Glen modeling with the HK. He doesn't look like he is enjoying himself at all :).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360854900349370674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OKBScrjB67BklXBNt9wzuZ5Smd-L-1kFgnOKUc_ePoyuB33rKiP7MxB0NirHUCpc_-tyqrnS7hoRDGO7H4yLGpiv2jeDS4VBXEEvr51D_u_BSahuRmfxoCSKYmZ2QcbyUTu3a4E4dqVy/s320/range3.JPG" border="0" />It is amazing how the recoil from the high rate of fire "walks" your shots up as you shoot. You really have to squat forward and put your shoulder into it to keep it on target.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360854895846948082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbdUQ6CdofPVxvC87NEvXe87ziqwxIAooPmUOt9mdRFIQigigTqiUgq64aLT1yIvmho65VkEosiSS4cqHlK_2oD5AgJgTYiEsXvjISyi56i-0wW-fOMPSwd5pegSznEfV7XPyHzE_TiHA/s320/range2.JPG" border="0" /> Next we spent some time shooting the M4A1, which is similar to an M-16, that uses a 5.56 mm round. You can see that Glen caught the below photo as an "action shot," with one of the brass cartridges ejecting from the weapon as I fired in full-auto mode.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360856308342336802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUO1F1h8e-r6ZHfW5NHSkaE_5-4u9jFVOof9mbu7SzmN7s9gRvlIsiMSLXqVWdARyPWwsZFFlpUVD41yhdz75TQ8PIbAxeDXe_EK4Cp6NUTeEQchuDph53h_OX0EZvKs4Fwdsg2whrFEXn/s320/range4.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />After that we had the chance to rattle off 200 rounds apeice from the M249 SAW (Squadron Assault Weapon - or light support weapon) machine gun - both from prone as well as from the standing position. Every 10th round was a phosphorescent tracer, so it was a lot of fun to watch the "path of destruction" that this gun can lay down.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360856317270426306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXly-FTMNoNFPZy_2ASlr7zh-uLccvvYgZca6OU_q6W4ysTGtnxv5ycGv2_z-ki0PPaP6a7odZx3LrlOtAYba4Bl_p_HcdeJ6gpJQi6cRuEU7cJOn37ILuFwoNyrnP7g6iTQBnSREhezy/s320/range5.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360856325952020050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PmZtdi7136tnKSs6E9WFBokyzlxGMvdmj0vn8DEpTkd6I1b0LeHihF8-I-kjLtnlr531zngzsDJRS49A7ehOvWcdjuswJN8apQzPKaBUUGqp5Q8ZTk-8RlXkYoqH2h0zkigla29S1zgF/s320/range6.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />We had such a great time - I mean how many times does a guy think, "It would be fun to have (essentially) unlimited ammo to fire off in fully automatic mode." That's the way it was for us and we really enjoyed ourselves. I would have to say that this has been one of the highlights of the deployment so far!<br /><br /><br />Next week I'm going to get to fire a sniper rifle - so I'll plan on posting some pictures of that as well.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-12589332569589885452009-06-23T10:21:00.016+03:002009-08-01T21:52:53.976+03:00Room DramaIf you take a bunch of otherwise peacable animals and put them in a box with limited activity and unlimited time to ruminate on that lack of activity, even the most even keeled individuals will eventually go crazy (kind of like our deployment setting). The extreme case of this is the psychological basis of sensory deprevation torture, under which even the strongest will crack.<br /><br />The Drama which I am about to describe is a real world example of the above:<br /><br />The characters:<br /><br />Pictures and descriptions of Me, Greg, Glen, etc<br /><br />Here is the setting -our box - also known as a MOD (multiple occupancy dwelling)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDO9CDAOWUYIxJQDOb3ZqPeqIAFN-FUDhO-dGsm-sPhrZSUCgey9-xhQ2bQpvGHFEIPG_CKE19NdroQx1a2xHwhRbXi7_J54X65iCJDWSJ-JSFeu0YlEJM0dOhHmii_uVJRz2TU6jXb_a/s1600-h/3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352990542286847650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDO9CDAOWUYIxJQDOb3ZqPeqIAFN-FUDhO-dGsm-sPhrZSUCgey9-xhQ2bQpvGHFEIPG_CKE19NdroQx1a2xHwhRbXi7_J54X65iCJDWSJ-JSFeu0YlEJM0dOhHmii_uVJRz2TU6jXb_a/s320/3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz-fFBkeMLkFaNG5Htb_OcLhkwYA6XZQ2zO_a5wy6GyUzkN-a6dlJdHPLcUQ4ZTB-8ETXQclHLILh6Zmp9343T_vksL5QJ7jWdHo4VmQcpDXIJOAN3poPoDU2DMXmbLznWCGtmmEqKSWU/s1600-h/4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352990153650458658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz-fFBkeMLkFaNG5Htb_OcLhkwYA6XZQ2zO_a5wy6GyUzkN-a6dlJdHPLcUQ4ZTB-8ETXQclHLILh6Zmp9343T_vksL5QJ7jWdHo4VmQcpDXIJOAN3poPoDU2DMXmbLznWCGtmmEqKSWU/s320/4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It is basically a long trailer home/manufactured home (only not built as well) with many rooms to the side of a main hallway. The bathroom/showers are at the end in a the smaller building you see above (complete with a pond and its own ecosystem where the shower drainage ends up due to plumbing problems).<br /><br />Here is the drama:<br /><br />In most of the units officers of our seniority and position don't bunk in the MODs, they have their own personal room (POD) and share a bathroom/shower with one other person (also in an individual room). Given the fact that the medical field is "top heavy" with officers and only a certain number of PODs are given to the medical squadron, we three majors (doctors) were assigned to room together.<br /><br />(picture of our room)<br /><br />Honestly I have no problem being in a "dorm style" room and I have enjoyed the opportunity to become good friends with Greg and Glen - that coupled with the fact that I don't care to be isolated has prompted me to elect to stay in the MOD even after a personal room with my name on it becomes available (scheduled next month). Having established the fact that I don't see myself as "above the masses" sets the stage for...<br /><br />THE PROBLEM.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352992497706131602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WWMQSnuxZyd18luRV9tpCb6iidnZHeNLW6UtSW-8kTDbkwJUNIrbC-RDozv3OAvkILaCHPmAYqKaDlo6iXDS9rTO93ymM_XpfnuC6XCj4w0ZVjdBvOXjFm63AS72CWdJXutlfUzsmHXI/s320/2.jpg" border="0" />This is the source of the problem, a bent door with a near inoperable lock/latch mechanism prompting most of the occupants to utilize the "caveman vs. door" stragegy in exiting the MOD, followed by a concussive slam as the bent frame recieves the heavy metal door.<br /><br />Picture of Greg with earplugs in asleep with pager on table<br /><br />That door, combined with a high volume of foot traffic, has created a scenario where we have to have earplugs in to get any sleep - which makes it doubtful that we would be able to hear our pagers. Given that there are two surgeons (one real surgeon - Greg - and then me) on base, you would think that it would be important for mission readiness of a "forward surgical unit" to have those two aforementioned individuals available at all times. At least this all made sense to me at 0230 SUN morning when I decided that we needed to make a change.<br /><br />The solution that my sleep deprived brain came up with was to switch our room for one of the rooms down the hall that was set aside for (and infrequently occupied by) transient personel. We would displace no one and would put ourselves in a place where we could sleep without earplugs (of obvious benefit to the three of us) and would help us maintain our readiness posture (something you would assume would be important to the powers that be). When morning came we went looking at the available room options (there were three) and selected a nice room with a view.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRsd8EFPOtxk10BjpeuanY4o8u_RBQjC57itZBT5l4d9uZc_qOG5ShxEYuYFK6HD-g2ejZJDLvZVMElPw9ACN3KvxsQrtN-bKmx1MAzN5w9JswffS-Hz4b7YAj81Htm8bEBO3YWIcOOKx/s1600-h/5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352993140740256322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRsd8EFPOtxk10BjpeuanY4o8u_RBQjC57itZBT5l4d9uZc_qOG5ShxEYuYFK6HD-g2ejZJDLvZVMElPw9ACN3KvxsQrtN-bKmx1MAzN5w9JswffS-Hz4b7YAj81Htm8bEBO3YWIcOOKx/s320/5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Actually this is the same view you see from every window - a concrete barier 3 feet away.<br />This all made good sense to us, at least to Greg and me - Glen was a bit concerned that someone might have a problem with our move. We started the move after church SUN afternoon (about 1630).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzGAJKWHBsgUT-L9aPn_V5EBEOLRVkwGvev6Ks8aaVOP_dMRDsJQxx7WkW2HPrCJSHBT3oeDTLG6oZD1EsNKVRYunamxgt2Zes8_YMn6jT7CmD_Cq5lnPhHyOV6dDjpF7lFbpbJ0cKT5z/s1600-h/10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353020997796428114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzGAJKWHBsgUT-L9aPn_V5EBEOLRVkwGvev6Ks8aaVOP_dMRDsJQxx7WkW2HPrCJSHBT3oeDTLG6oZD1EsNKVRYunamxgt2Zes8_YMn6jT7CmD_Cq5lnPhHyOV6dDjpF7lFbpbJ0cKT5z/s320/10.jpg" border="0" /></a>You can see that Glen - despite his aversion to moving in general, is putting on a "happy face" because he knows that we will all sleep better when we get to the other room. </p><p><br />Immediately it became evident that our optimistic outlook was flawed. We made such a racket during the move that the daysleepers were, and justifiably so, angry with the "prima-donna doctors that don't care about anyone but themselves." I thought that our timing was good and that everyone would be awake already, but it turns out that most of them don't get up until 1800 so they were very unhappy with us. To make matters worse, our first sergeant came over and started asking questions. Foremost among them was, "Who authorized this move?"<br />- Now the reality was that no one had officially authorized the move (though we had run it by the MOD chief) and we just assumed that it made sense, there was no reason to spend another night wishing we were in another room and we had time to make the move then.....so.....being men of action, we proceeded with our plan. - I explained all of this to the 1st SGT, who did not see things at all the way we did. His reply was that, "This is not the way it is done, and people will have problems with it!" I didn't realize that what he meant is, "I have a problem with it," and so I told him exactly what I thought (I'm sure that is a surprise) of the small mindedness of anyone foolish enough to disagree with me and how they could just deal with it. This opinion was not well recieved.<br /><br />Compounding the problem is the fact that I didn't realize that he had responsibility for the room assignment situation (why a senior enlisted person should be in charge of my room is still beyond me) and so our circumvention of the process looked like we were going around him, which he didn't like one bit. We figured this all out over the next two days, but I was somewhat clueless at the time. As Greg mentioned, we are not to the point that we have become "institutionalized" men (from Shawshank Redemption), so some of the points of view of individuals that are institutionalized don't spring to mind when we are adressing an problem (like Greg hurting some folks feelings by working with the manpowerteam on techniques to get patients out of an MRAP). Anyway, we were most of the way done by the time he came by SUN evening, so we just finished the move and I figured that we would sort it all out on MON.<br /><br />Imagine my surprise when, the next day, the EMEDS CC (read here Henry Blake - a very nice guy with little to no leadership ability) expained to me that one of the biggest problem was that we had offended the 1st SGT and that our "doing what we want without getting permission did not give us squatters rights on the room." When pressed I could not get him to even awknowledge that: 1) we had a reasonable complaint and 2) that it was ridiculous for his one trauma surgeon to possibly miss night time pages because he had to sleep with earplugs in! As if there is any other reason to have a "forward surgical unit" besides the ability to respond to surgical emergencies. He gave me a bunch of ideas like, "we could send a runner to get you guys." This is about when I realized that the folks that were supposed to be on our side were fixated on "fairness" (as if that has anything to do with the issue) and the "wrongness" of our circumvention of the "process" and the natural order of things. The obvious site of focus (in my view) should have been looking at the move as one in the best interest of our EMED's mission and its personnel. He decided that we needed to move back to the original room (as punishment for circumventing the process) and submit our request through the proper channels and give the process its time to work (an unspecified period of time which is heavily dependent on the motivation of those individuals who are part of the "due process").<br /><br />The timing of this decision and its execution took a couple of days, so fortunately we had three nights of quiet bliss; sleeping the rest of the just - not feeling any guilt over the current state of the situation (even if others viewed us as malcontents and trouble makers:)).<br /><br />In the meantime...we mended some fences by appologizing to all of our neighbors, who were gracious in acceptance and I think there are no hard feelings from the whole deal there.<br /><br />As absurd as it seems, we were then required to spend another evening moving back into our original room and await word from services that we are "officially" allowed to change rooms(despite the fact that they could have done without the room that we squatted in for the past week)....<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353025478694765042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oSN6Jof15omteSmYqfWaipEgJGnW-DDlk_UbmSyDEd819Irax5sulJlJQOSS4sV-EE3Ay8Da_lHoVa85eprfCl5uqC9EadtktGQqUAzDXJi8-2hS7O8vXE6PsKdtIQ9vZabyzdulV9WU/s320/13.jpg" border="0" /> And I continue to lie awake late into the night, hoping that "due process" will surprise me and come more quickly than I have come to expect from the beaurocracy of military life.<br /><br />In the words of my Kirtland AFB colleague, Jeff Bell (General Surgeon), "It's not the bad hours, it's not the poor pay, it's the endless disrespect!"</p>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-61392669536567985982009-06-22T11:48:00.006+03:002009-08-11T19:15:13.632+03:00Visitors to the KRABOut here in the middle of the desert, despite the fact that it never rains, there are a few animals that we see around the area. The most common ones are small birds (finches I think), but here is a picture of one of the small, scragly doves that we have here as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiV80wAf3FKut4rwlem4-j7iGm8FfFQUWWg6FU5AB2HyhWEYwtfi_Kz8aHjW-8Ldzpjx5lVqxqwXDGs4acuz6dTGLOCxl2OjfutokrDK8OIKkBcng0DbtKV4rBjfr7ZMyASvoeq5dqUfXQ/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368283100818280082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiV80wAf3FKut4rwlem4-j7iGm8FfFQUWWg6FU5AB2HyhWEYwtfi_Kz8aHjW-8Ldzpjx5lVqxqwXDGs4acuz6dTGLOCxl2OjfutokrDK8OIKkBcng0DbtKV4rBjfr7ZMyASvoeq5dqUfXQ/s320/020.JPG" border="0" /></a> I've seen a couple of hedgehogs on my runs and these mangy foxes with bushy tails that look like big, skinny cats, but I don't have pictures of either of them. <br /><br />Here is one of the little lizzards that we see everywhere.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368255310706140610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7ub0A4Qbya_xV4xv_A-yoSr76CdBT2J93SU6CSYCNm0zhrrbGS1kKSBNWxGfh5Al3gN5l96D0YbUx8maCkTQ0MBixPf1P_P1gYneUm1nNPITP0Qo5dG37shrg3Pc-CCd8pzQIQtxOaOc/s320/018.JPG" border="0" /><br />We do have some interesting insects (big camel spiders, etc). I have no idea what this is - some kind of locust I suppose.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Bp8V8ray7B2LTU4fUFklC2Ifv1I6QtXBlpdS2q1t7BC7e3CbtKr28IJamLLcnZwgWewadGCdDZkQ-8GvU1fffOajVChZ7D7rklGsvZWfONwdznnVWJwXXB2rsyFJLVSID7AuJOaqh8-w/s1600-h/IMG_1906.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368256689147833554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Bp8V8ray7B2LTU4fUFklC2Ifv1I6QtXBlpdS2q1t7BC7e3CbtKr28IJamLLcnZwgWewadGCdDZkQ-8GvU1fffOajVChZ7D7rklGsvZWfONwdznnVWJwXXB2rsyFJLVSID7AuJOaqh8-w/s320/IMG_1906.JPG" border="0" /></a> We do have a bunch of snakes that the environmental guys catch every now and then. One of them actually made it's way into the room down the hall, where it was apprehended. Here is one of the pictures of the biggest one I have seen since getting here.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368256185076017714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4KF132nDj3_LjgPeDKOOundJnIVmvCB7Fw-_sU3rwMI9psyxvvgwBomnEup5lawd0E440wq3W8kUxlokb9ciQIVO4hfx321lRWn1RgfsedTTFSFQcxpMdpR-3GkHMDM3L5YEWxUXLJi4/s320/pit+viper.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>Here is a smaller one that we put on one of the gurneys in our ER, then let Nick get up close and personal with it (of course it was dead already, but still disconcerting to be face - to - face with).</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368255319036731074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6IJOqsMmWuBYvai-rMLu8YtCK9s5Ic5MhAHEvkXN6P4ZQ_db3-k007DJoZfOLkdahXLU8fFwjGatRno7P9zzawR9mxMeI0YQRGHWa7aIXDVpZxhdn3wAa1_oNAS3QvfqJ0d7phmH_Xlx/s320/IMG_0040%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl0UuQbcEA_7rGVfHlJe7Qx1UEx7DG_LTo16J7JDpgwC-ASo5OUEM7dJ2Up-_8lVyUgZWdCibBkmSQkJAMZ_GQXGSvCnqEpVmtykpLJc6S3Au7JZiqfGThj2sOH5bSekgM_5siZL-cAbh/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368256203690568194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl0UuQbcEA_7rGVfHlJe7Qx1UEx7DG_LTo16J7JDpgwC-ASo5OUEM7dJ2Up-_8lVyUgZWdCibBkmSQkJAMZ_GQXGSvCnqEpVmtykpLJc6S3Au7JZiqfGThj2sOH5bSekgM_5siZL-cAbh/s320/044.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div>Here is a close up of the head - I understand that they are some kind of pit viper.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLSNGM4odquASj4yfnTUHMtq7nv9LYZdJ5OFXz_gPJ_UCJTE2-giYahgnzXvwTb5Ca6WcvXp6cTjeh9lR6xVA1QXE_ZMGq0pJN026JaDAFj_X_xwaaChhFF-XizXyslp-hXyofCiu252h/s1600-h/big+snake+close-up.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368255317048266818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLSNGM4odquASj4yfnTUHMtq7nv9LYZdJ5OFXz_gPJ_UCJTE2-giYahgnzXvwTb5Ca6WcvXp6cTjeh9lR6xVA1QXE_ZMGq0pJN026JaDAFj_X_xwaaChhFF-XizXyslp-hXyofCiu252h/s320/big+snake+close-up.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>And here I am being excessively grinny while holding the snake.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368255303515700898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8c-q50PGGpgPFnwGIUoMBqNgtU7K6cPc8pAg6-gMT0Wfcl3C4mn1_cwUx-K2BT1SskqdHhLctSrpnNzWB48ZKvdGEonpJG7z0y4rLVewxQbHttsC7VTdEL_gJkV0YmuYl6q0-hYVtKcn/s320/16.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br />The reality is that they are not the visitors here, we are. They have been here thousands of years, and they will be here long after we are gone as well.<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-31826845742996101872009-05-19T17:02:00.003+03:002009-08-01T21:53:51.764+03:00En route to the KRABWe finally got out of Bangor and flew on a charter - type flight to Ramstein AFB in Germany. The flight was quite comfortable (given the fact that I had a row to myself) and relatively quick. We had a short layover in Ramstein for the plane to refuel and get a new crew, during which time I was able to eat dinner with Jeremy and his family. That was a real treat to have them come greet me at the airport and I was especially grateful to Elijah for sharing his birthday time with me.<br /><br />I can't find the picture with me and the Germany Oldhams, but when I do I'll add it in.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifQ6LtBPS8mOwO0_pwjPlpz4ugXjcw7dYB_3LC7Br9QvkyEThgyXkW0BnZpNuTTMftSKWAP3ItyHL598NbxqjxtNydxfQs1Jk3W8vfA4YDN2bWEgaGj2vfq1pwYlKbfSXvMLC_qDWa5PJ/s1600-h/enroute9.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364255973997936562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifQ6LtBPS8mOwO0_pwjPlpz4ugXjcw7dYB_3LC7Br9QvkyEThgyXkW0BnZpNuTTMftSKWAP3ItyHL598NbxqjxtNydxfQs1Jk3W8vfA4YDN2bWEgaGj2vfq1pwYlKbfSXvMLC_qDWa5PJ/s320/enroute9.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here is a picture with Ben Kam and Shaka Walker (who is an orthopedic surgeon at Lanstuhl and a classmate of mine from the Academy) and his family at the airport.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364254466082869426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNP3nDIhcexxT5WpBCj37ki2NXVHPLM-fyXe5F1rRprtXSiFFXyouBom1sKFW8O5_j6SwUAs3IU6fZ8q0r18DTc0k09WCdO7gIJyP-m_75BC39IxOWHPNqEhcweuKiUmv1balH9W5Blfp/s320/enroute5.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>We flew into Al Udeid air base in Quatar, which functions as a transitional base where everyone goes through when they are coming or leaving the Iraqi theater. Unfortunately with air flow patterns and inherent military inefficiency, it ends up operating like a giant whirlpool that sucks everyone in and only through a Herculean effort are groups able to get off this base without spending entirely more time than is necessary. Not such a bad place to be stuck, though, with a swimming pool and decent food. Above is the shade structure where they have MWR functions, etc. </div><div></div><div>One of the biggest drawbacks to being at Al Udeid is the living accomodations. They will pack 40 or more individuals in one of these big cylindrical tents.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364254464009942402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yaChvZqN8AZn-_Uq5AigE_V7za7lAHXyAS1LTBcYuV43-PA6s0D7lrpcESTW8uBGJREH9M_Qxg8xBUmckMBhFckHQSxksfv49vQYz5V_c071UKo1Jfa4OdIpV5xawRfq1Io5UD8RJhrY/s320/enroute4.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>As you can see there are quite a few of them. Below is a pic of the interior of the tent.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XjbF0Mai0ElOn_TzjQ1u93lP6AzJuc00PWo6DtX0btriPlZza0hsRqLu2diMPpZKcy9LyO93aDO_vy6ysjciwiNp77K4XKvrLsQRTaYztiVTD5fyBa1grMQvHuAvXnhPWhtYF885kr7t/s1600-h/enroute6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364255972029810994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XjbF0Mai0ElOn_TzjQ1u93lP6AzJuc00PWo6DtX0btriPlZza0hsRqLu2diMPpZKcy9LyO93aDO_vy6ysjciwiNp77K4XKvrLsQRTaYztiVTD5fyBa1grMQvHuAvXnhPWhtYF885kr7t/s320/enroute6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />You can imagine how much sleep anyone is able to get in a place like that, with people coming and going at all hours of the day and night - but it is what it is and the next time I go through there I will be on my way home and won't care too much one way or another as long as my stopover is brief.<br /><br />Our plane to Kirkuk was delayed (mechanical problems) initially, then when we finally got out of Al Udeid we were loaded in the back of a C130 like this....</div><div><div><br /><div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjXnju3eQ3yc1n4QEU9QYnEk3x-nbVIUSn83_Cc_NaSPu5PxMaU3fvbDbhmo-1K_VYXeMPdL9RLiOf0sQSKWofxOA52xC95iAl9TsxSBXVYAcMHJXvIYt9ocScn0QK4swdR5GthLsS_y3/s1600-h/Coming+in+014[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364254452294017074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjXnju3eQ3yc1n4QEU9QYnEk3x-nbVIUSn83_Cc_NaSPu5PxMaU3fvbDbhmo-1K_VYXeMPdL9RLiOf0sQSKWofxOA52xC95iAl9TsxSBXVYAcMHJXvIYt9ocScn0QK4swdR5GthLsS_y3/s320/Coming+in+014%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Unfortunately, due to dust storms, we were unable to land in Kirkuk and the flight that should have gotten us there in less than an hour took 3 + hours and ended up dumping us off in Bagdad, where we waited for a few hours for our next chance to catch a plane to Kirkuk.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364254456296566706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4ma6WnvTqMnJBBM4-kZ0SVRFIzsHWz3Nr1-bfmXTwdGccvS5xoobJPyTDcH7MACTEFlbjOLLQuv8d04PiqEk0KtFk1ojCBTgBOrhXSViI-IA97J79clat_HXJ6HX52SlVmZxWn8GJTzW/s320/enroute1.jpg" border="0" />This is Greg (general surgeon) passed out on the tarmack early in the morning (0500 or so) outside the passenger terminal after traveling all night (and not getting very far). Melissa (our ER doc) is in the background sleeping as well.<br /><br />We were able to get a slot on a state department flight later that morning and arrived in Kirkuk close to noon that day.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb326uQNYDxYUAfxsc5xic5ShVtcl7clGodZVi0Xrow5M7HvduIfjGyYpRcwStgTN91GC89-TBB3vuR7_oUNjKhnI_qVZaYu72RzJ-jAnfxwx0akSvqpdrJdgxtRVf0k1bPoR0FWJcbjjW/s1600-h/enroute2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364254458507758658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb326uQNYDxYUAfxsc5xic5ShVtcl7clGodZVi0Xrow5M7HvduIfjGyYpRcwStgTN91GC89-TBB3vuR7_oUNjKhnI_qVZaYu72RzJ-jAnfxwx0akSvqpdrJdgxtRVf0k1bPoR0FWJcbjjW/s320/enroute2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here the three of us are on arrival, looking at the map and trying to get our bearings. After spending so much time away from our homes but not really doing anything useful (except traveling in the most lengthy and ineffeceint manner possible) , we were all ready to get situated and start doing what we were deployed to do. </div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319168680303364870.post-21608230004252291852009-05-18T09:25:00.002+03:002009-08-01T21:48:12.799+03:00A Few Days in MaineAs I have found to often be the case, the Air Force (in its infinite wisdom) managed to mess up the travel plans for my summer vacation in the desert and I ended up in a hotel in Bangor, Maine for 3 1/2 days awaiting transport through Germany. The problem I had with the whole situation is the fact that if the AF had any clue about efficiency (which obviously it doesn't) they wouldn't have to add an extra 3 days to my 6+ months away from my family. I guess it doesn't matter much to some bean counter who sits behind a desk and spends the majority of his workday checking email and surfing the internet, and after a hard day at the office he heads out to his tee time (actually he probably uses his PT time to do this during the work day) and his family.<br /><br />So the bad news was that I was away from home but not to my deployed location. The good news was that I was in a very beautiful part of the country that I hadn't had much of an opportunity to explore in the past. So I rented a car and decided to do some exploring.<br /><br />I headed South and East from Bangor to the harbor town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, where I explored the town and the roads on the island for a while.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364136197925681282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu53ykpPISfhGQ9d0fRbB5Fx-zEXbgFF0F1Dw_ixv3gNiaLaSj5PtqroLY-qyDSCXbhm6y2f79V_zDNY4RNac__hYMUkAmAkhaizJZNx6V23mAGrTzTc_WOIoPIPB2oVT1dErFQMC1YOjh/s320/maine4.jpg" border="0" /> This is a 50-60 foot high statue of Paul Bunyon (on mainstreet Bangor), whose legend, I have been told, originated originated in this area.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub4BJVn_kWk8riz950PtPsjsPms3XjVBZIxbCApdInl0Q3xyPvEE87LWnQutn9vWKX5dkJluiNy93ip7adR6thiOeRQueRVIsoLafShLDqVyBp8LnRnJEsYUrupZ3CkgyqHfQNkPBcWeb/s1600-h/maine8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364137656789485698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 377px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub4BJVn_kWk8riz950PtPsjsPms3XjVBZIxbCApdInl0Q3xyPvEE87LWnQutn9vWKX5dkJluiNy93ip7adR6thiOeRQueRVIsoLafShLDqVyBp8LnRnJEsYUrupZ3CkgyqHfQNkPBcWeb/s320/maine8.jpg" border="0" /></a>There were dozens of small cemetaries like the one above in these little towns. I thought this one was especially cool, with the aged headstones and purple flowers covering large sections of the lawn.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364137653307376610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqbKeZK6WLRWBXzpi1rXLWSAuAF_498IWPPNp9PnuyszsnP8nHLAg0zYPIpsuhJEzunZitfCuYa1zM0qFJHNRxERmRGvNlMNSRVG7NpdjXPNnGXQSWOxjJBZf93y3qjMJnFs3eEM4oltA/s320/maine6.jpg" border="0" /> I also loved the way these homes were built overlooking (and often overhanging) the coastline.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364136187837361282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrc-LNwwdTT2E9ZaHJBjC0r7V5v4RjtyhH99I4fGBVb2CJ1maQSq-kARXlrU3lx8BYou3sWKpSa8zXk6lENOYygGcUZmLzFhBoaKNmrVEOdo6boI_igTl7r-SJNgKZMhDcdFemVQPg3DZ/s320/maine1.jpg" border="0" /> This is a picture across the cove from one of the small harbor towns.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364136193561766306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6294JZfZACUhFbB_V9PwTIguort2-3TtdJzxF5pNBr7tnc6kKBhYBIH-tFiikLhN7PBoK6vw8XYAaYuOLUgxVeuq1ve0BAi-WMiqHmUJYPrig9tY5TG8LP8ik2tTA-NjMXfXRMZuZD_p7/s320/maine3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364136203842440914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZRPZbYSL9R946QPTqrInmrrzsVz_dfM7qVGjZlx5wkXgeO_ZoS7xrKjyyiGdgl2oqeFfeGeFEA-noTmQwrP1ft8YdbqUb5aP9u3cv8uZGKweD0hcL2H1L4pkkohTyKUK-X9GiaCBWWxS/s320/maine5.jpg" border="0" />These are pictures of the main piers in Bar Harbor, which have some restaurants and shops on them for tourists.<br /><br />I decided for the next day that I would rent a sea Kayak for the day and spend the time paddling around (part of) the island taking pictures of the coast. The plan would have been flawless except for the fact that the temperature dropped that morning and the winds kicked up to 20 mph. Of course (since I'm from Las Vegas now and am going somewhere even hotter than Vegas) I had no warm clothing to wear, but when have I ever been disuaded from a plan due to inclement weather or lack of personal preparation? I went out and rented the kayak, borrowed a couple of waterproof 'skirts' to drape over my shoulders, threw the kayak on the rental car and headed out. I launched on the north point of the island and, although the wind and cold kept me working hard (both to go where I wanted to and to keep warm), I had a great time on the ocean. The coastline is so rugged and beautiful - the two pictures below were my favorites from the kayaking trip.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364136193603401234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXFddL5tvIIddQYR25NMBM_yPmVA43b9VEsyBaT-tQdqtOjoiGPa_qxBldaKqrO1Qhemm7wU0JjAIyWNzmLXP4dZshqcmj3l40TcxEN5oztvVefrt4xy3PrsCyDDmUXpp8p506QiI__ja/s320/maine2.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw73dhJqmv_yCdL6bn9mEBEq_dF6TVQJ-PEBQKXhv_SecBpOliUnChPCg8W_wiROOKtV4Q18lElE7JSWhKgi-JujUOHIMTqlFQCiKPhLYGMtADDfETFJ8O8rFL3wSjdATPvZnBB_nr-eeL/s1600-h/maine7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364137656393404594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw73dhJqmv_yCdL6bn9mEBEq_dF6TVQJ-PEBQKXhv_SecBpOliUnChPCg8W_wiROOKtV4Q18lElE7JSWhKgi-JujUOHIMTqlFQCiKPhLYGMtADDfETFJ8O8rFL3wSjdATPvZnBB_nr-eeL/s320/maine7.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div>The small 'rocks' on the coast above are abalony shells, and they shone with a brilliant irridescence in the sunlight. </div><div></div><div>That (along with some long runs) took up most of my FRI and SAT in Maine. Sunday I spent in church, talking to other guys that were heading over to Iraq, reading, and waiting for the flight - which headed out early MON morning. </div></div></div></div></div></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17195522528571331646noreply@blogger.com2