Well, the 173rd Airborne Brigade has officially gone home. Well, most of them anyway.
These men have endured more in 15 months than most people will endure in a lifetime of watching Saving Private Ryan. To these men I say.
Job well done.. Airborne.
The 1st Infantry Division has arrived. With this unit comes many fresh new faces, and along with them, fresh ideas. Why is it that we always re-invent the wheel. Last time I checked, it worked pretty well round. While it is hard to get it that shape, after a million or so revolutions, it usually works as advertised. Then along comes someone who figures that they have to do one better. Out comes the block of stone, and the chisels.
Prime examples of this are as follows….
Roads. We name roads here. This aids in a lot of mission stuff, but mainly so that people know what road you are going to be on. Kinda like the road you live on. I am sure it has a name. It might not be a good name, but everyone in town knows where that road is, and if they don’t, well they can always Google it. Giving directions to your house is easy. You know all of the names of the roads, and after giving directions a few times, you find it easier and easier to do. The people in your neighborhood don’t need to know the names of the roads, they live there. “Go down to Mr. Johnsons house, and make a right. Follow that road to the 7-11 and make the 3rd left. I am the second blue house on the left, just before the bend in the road.” Simple enough. Imagine if every time you got a new mayor, he decided to change the name of the roads… How confusing would that be? New people arriving couldn’t be given the above directions. They would definitely need a map and TOM TOM..
FOB Names.. There are upwards of 20 different places where people live in my AO. They are called FOBs (Forward Operating Bases) They too, all have names. Usually associated with the village they are near, but occasionally, named after someone who gave their life in the area. This too is important for obvious reasons. Whilst flying around, I call these FOBs and ask them what is going on, and more importantly, if they are shooting artillery or mortars at the moment. This call allows everyone involved to remain situationally aware, and more to the point, alive. So… for 7 months, I have been calling these guys FOB Smith (name changed to protect the innocent and my career). All of a sudden, FOB Smith is FOB Ali. Worse yet, they refuse to answer to the old name after only one day. “FOB Smith…. FOB Smith… Hello??? Anyone there??? Uh…. FOB Ali?…. THIS IS FOB ALI, GO AHEAD. You have got to be kidding me.
Imagine your town council changing the name of your town.. How damned confusing would that be? You would have to tell everyone in your address book, and they would have to tell everyone… The only upside would be missing out on the junk mail. (there ain’t a lot of that here)
Frequencies.. We talk on secure radios to the guys on the roads and in the FOBs. We operate on FM frequencies that are preprogrammed into our radios. Well, imagine my surprise when the freq. I have used for 7 months is no longer good enough. There are roughly 270000 different frequencies I can pick from. (Oh, did I mention that somebody forgot to let EVERYONE else know that they were changing the channel?) Anyone who listens to the radio on their way to work has a favorite channel. Not so much for the number (107.9) but for the content. Imagine if you will, getting into your car, coffee steaming, ready for a full day at work. You go to listen to whatever it is on 107.9 and there is nothing… You could really care less what is playing on any other channel.. You really have to listen to 107.9.…. I think you get the point. ( I just wish the guys here would)
Common reference points… People have been fighting in this country forever. They are pretty good at it too (Ask Alexander the great, the British, the Russians and now me) They have had a lot of time and practice finding places to shoot from where they aren’t easily seen or shot back at. These places receive special names. Sometimes serious names.. Sometimes funny names, and sometimes down right good descriptive names. Imagine if you will, a mountain that looked like the profile of Richard Nixon. The bad guys invariably shoot from the Forehead, nose, or chin. Occasionally from behind the ears, but I digress. Anyway, it is just too easy to say “We are taking fire from Nixon’s Chin. After responding a few times, you know EXACTLY where the ground guys are talking about. This aids in locating the target, and thus reducing the number of bad guys that are shooting. Well, now Nixon has become an elephant and I’ll be damned if I can find a tusk anywhere on that mountain. It’s gonna be a long summer for some of these guys.
I guess I can understand the need to come in and make change. Everyone wants to make their mark, and be remembered for what they did, not for what the last guy did. But there is something to be said for consistency. Growing up, I lived with my grandparents in Lake Worth, Florida. I haven’t been back there is almost 20 years. However……
If you take I-95 to the 10th Ave N. Exit West. Cross Congress Ave, and continue past Palm Springs Elementary School. Continue west for 4 streets. RIO Lane, Gulf stream Road, Sierra Drive and then Sierra drive (it is a loop) make a left. If you hit Cumberland Farms store, you went too far. It is the first duplex on the left, just past the church. The Address is 3898 Sierra Drive, Lake Worth Florida, 33461. (305) 965-4216. Or as my Grandfather used to say. “One block east of Kirk road on 10th “ (gotta love simplicity)
I will be gone for a few weeks in August. I am going home on R&R to see my beautiful wife, and two boys. My wife, a professional journalist, assigned me a writing assignment recently. If you have seen the movie “The Bucket List” you know exactly what I am talking about. While I don’t plan on kicking the bucket anytime soon, I do plan to check a few items off of that list in the two weeks I am home. I recommend everyone make a “Bucket List” and enjoy life….
Till next time.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
On the Ramp...
I have been asked by many people, "Why do you stay in the Army?" "You dont have the same rights that you defend." "You always move around and never make real friends" ect. ect. ect.
I have never really been able to put into words what it is... that draw that has kept me in my chosen profession for going on 20 years now. It isn't something that you can really describe. Well, I am sure that some people can. I think that for me, it is that we all endure the same events. Whether it is going to the field for a week, or deploying into a combat zone for 15 months. We, in the military share the same experiences. We can with just a look, convey entire thoughts. With a single phrase, a story. One of those phrases is "On the Ramp"
Anyone who has spent time in "Theater" can tell you that this phrase brings a chill down your back. It is the phrase used when we send a fallen soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine home for the final time.
This happened just the other night here.
A soldier paid the ultimate price the other night for freedom. Not his own, for that or at least a part of that he freely gave up, but for strangers. These strangers are the people of Afghanistan. He didn't want to give his life, but none of us do. And yet, he was here, fighting for anothers freedom, and for this he paid the highest price.
I didn't know this man. He wasn't stationed with me. In fact, he was stationed at a remote FOB (Forward Operating Base). But he was brought here for the first leg in what would be his final journey home. This is a glimpse of that story, and one of the reasons I love what I do, and more importantly, who I do that with.
The news traveled rather quickly around here. A "Hero" was on the FOB. Hero is the term that is used for a fallen service member. People bagan to assemble at the base of the control tower. There was no announcement, none was needed. As people crossed the flight line, it was obvious that something was going on. The only word that had to be spoken was "Hero". At the sound of that word you just stop. Where you were going just doesn't seem as important. Because in reality, there is nothing more important than saying goodbye to a brother in arms on his final journey.
As the blackhawk lands two lines form. One on either side of the access road to the flight line. Nobody speaks, we just stand there at parade rest and wait. The ambulance pulls up, and makes the turn. It then slowly backs up toward the awaiting blackhawk. As the rear doors of the ambulance are opened, as if practiced a million times, the entire group comes to the position of attention, and renders a salute. No one moves, not a twitch. A group of men approach the ambulance their heads bowed slightly. These are his true friends. The men came here earlier in the day after watching their "Hero" die. They will make the final journey with him.
As the stretcher is removed from the ambulance a chaplin says a brief prayer, and our Hero is carried to the running Blackhawk. He is placed in the aircraft, and while not usually allowed, nobody tries to stop his friends from boarding it with him. They will make the trip alongside him.
As the Blackhawk departs, the airfield is once again silent. It is only then that the 300 or so people assembled slowly, and silently go about their business. Of these 300 people 10 actually knew our "Hero". That didn't matter though. For we all know "Heros". We have all had the misfortune of having to say that final goodbye. To salute our friends, and to honor them with this small, yet powerful tribute.
This is but one reason I love what I do.
I have never really been able to put into words what it is... that draw that has kept me in my chosen profession for going on 20 years now. It isn't something that you can really describe. Well, I am sure that some people can. I think that for me, it is that we all endure the same events. Whether it is going to the field for a week, or deploying into a combat zone for 15 months. We, in the military share the same experiences. We can with just a look, convey entire thoughts. With a single phrase, a story. One of those phrases is "On the Ramp"
Anyone who has spent time in "Theater" can tell you that this phrase brings a chill down your back. It is the phrase used when we send a fallen soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine home for the final time.
This happened just the other night here.
A soldier paid the ultimate price the other night for freedom. Not his own, for that or at least a part of that he freely gave up, but for strangers. These strangers are the people of Afghanistan. He didn't want to give his life, but none of us do. And yet, he was here, fighting for anothers freedom, and for this he paid the highest price.
I didn't know this man. He wasn't stationed with me. In fact, he was stationed at a remote FOB (Forward Operating Base). But he was brought here for the first leg in what would be his final journey home. This is a glimpse of that story, and one of the reasons I love what I do, and more importantly, who I do that with.
The news traveled rather quickly around here. A "Hero" was on the FOB. Hero is the term that is used for a fallen service member. People bagan to assemble at the base of the control tower. There was no announcement, none was needed. As people crossed the flight line, it was obvious that something was going on. The only word that had to be spoken was "Hero". At the sound of that word you just stop. Where you were going just doesn't seem as important. Because in reality, there is nothing more important than saying goodbye to a brother in arms on his final journey.
As the blackhawk lands two lines form. One on either side of the access road to the flight line. Nobody speaks, we just stand there at parade rest and wait. The ambulance pulls up, and makes the turn. It then slowly backs up toward the awaiting blackhawk. As the rear doors of the ambulance are opened, as if practiced a million times, the entire group comes to the position of attention, and renders a salute. No one moves, not a twitch. A group of men approach the ambulance their heads bowed slightly. These are his true friends. The men came here earlier in the day after watching their "Hero" die. They will make the final journey with him.
As the stretcher is removed from the ambulance a chaplin says a brief prayer, and our Hero is carried to the running Blackhawk. He is placed in the aircraft, and while not usually allowed, nobody tries to stop his friends from boarding it with him. They will make the trip alongside him.
As the Blackhawk departs, the airfield is once again silent. It is only then that the 300 or so people assembled slowly, and silently go about their business. Of these 300 people 10 actually knew our "Hero". That didn't matter though. For we all know "Heros". We have all had the misfortune of having to say that final goodbye. To salute our friends, and to honor them with this small, yet powerful tribute.
This is but one reason I love what I do.
Monday, April 21, 2008
I am back.
After much thought, and little sleep, I have decided to go ahead with my rambleings.
I am trying to think of where we left off..
We are currently living in our wooden buildings called B-Huts. They are constructed of plywood, and sleep 8 people. I have a small cell measuring 6 feet by 8 feet.
It isnt much, but it is mine, and for that i am grateful.
The weather here is warming up. "Spring" is in the air, and for those in the military, or for those who care for someone in it, you know what that means here.
I was reading my brothers blog you should really check it out. http://praisethelordandpasstheammunition.wordpress.com/
Anyway, one of the posts was about a farmer, and his poppy crop. I have seen it first hand. I was actually against the whole poppy finding business at first. It isnt like we can do anything about it militarily anyway. But my brothers story really puts perspective to it.
Anyway, short of going to prison, I will be on here occasionally to post things. Sometimes, funny, sometimes not.. But hey, it isn't the destination so much as it is the journey. Buckle up, and hang on, it might be a wild ride..
eric
I am trying to think of where we left off..
We are currently living in our wooden buildings called B-Huts. They are constructed of plywood, and sleep 8 people. I have a small cell measuring 6 feet by 8 feet.
It isnt much, but it is mine, and for that i am grateful.
The weather here is warming up. "Spring" is in the air, and for those in the military, or for those who care for someone in it, you know what that means here.
I was reading my brothers blog you should really check it out. http://praisethelordandpasstheammunition.wordpress.com/
Anyway, one of the posts was about a farmer, and his poppy crop. I have seen it first hand. I was actually against the whole poppy finding business at first. It isnt like we can do anything about it militarily anyway. But my brothers story really puts perspective to it.
Anyway, short of going to prison, I will be on here occasionally to post things. Sometimes, funny, sometimes not.. But hey, it isn't the destination so much as it is the journey. Buckle up, and hang on, it might be a wild ride..
eric
Friday, February 22, 2008
...to support and defend the constitution......
Well, this will be my last post on here.
As fun as it has been, we have been ordered to give the web address to any myspace, or blog that we have so that it can be monitored. While I understand the intent, and agree that operational security is EXTREAMLY important, I do not believe in the way with which this concern is being addressed.
I want to thank everyone who read and posted comments to my ramblings.
For those of you with friends and family in the 173rd Abn Bde, know that the Kiowas and the finest Cavalry Scouts in the United States Army will do everything in our power to keep them safe and secure until their return.
Thank you again for your comments, and kind words.
Eric
As fun as it has been, we have been ordered to give the web address to any myspace, or blog that we have so that it can be monitored. While I understand the intent, and agree that operational security is EXTREAMLY important, I do not believe in the way with which this concern is being addressed.
I want to thank everyone who read and posted comments to my ramblings.
For those of you with friends and family in the 173rd Abn Bde, know that the Kiowas and the finest Cavalry Scouts in the United States Army will do everything in our power to keep them safe and secure until their return.
Thank you again for your comments, and kind words.
Eric
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Went to Afghanistan and Garrison broke out
Well, it didn't take as long as I thought it would for the "Good Idea Fairy" to show up. For those of you not familiar with the Military, and the Army in general, the Good Idea Fairy (GIF) inevitably arrives whenever morale is high. She (gender neutral) sprinkles the magic dust and someone says "Hey, I have an idea, why don't we......followed by something really stupid.
Today, it was uniforms, specifically the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU or just plain PT's)
You see, we are living in tents. NIce tents mind you (Thanks Kellog Brown & Root) with the bathroom and showers at the end of the camp. Maybe 100 yards away. Every morning, the collective masses rise and shine, and make their way to the facilities. Most of the time we are wearing our PT shorts, and whatever T-shirt was available at the moment. Shower shoes and shaving kit accessorise the outfit, topped off with the towel over the shoulder to complete the ensemble.
Well, in step the good idea fairy........
Hey I have an idea (read above) why dont we make everyone dress the same in the offical PT uniform.... That way we all look good on our way to the shower.... (someone really needs to get outside of the wire on occasion)
As I said, we all live in tents. There are wooden doors on the ends with locks which aid in the security of the few items we have inside. There are approximately 20 men (again gender neutral) living in one tent. Somehow, it was decided that it would be a good idea (is that dust in the air) to put the names and rank of individuals living in said tents on the door. Not a BAD idea, if there were no local nationals walking around. But that isnt the case. There is a really nice Afghan named Mohamed who everyday collects the trash from the cans outside of the tents. I like him a lot and he seems like a great guy... but I am not too crazy about him knowing that John Smith CW3 is living in the back right hand corner of the tent... Just as I would want him having his finger on the button.
There are a lot of other really Good Ideas running around here.... Too many in fact. But, such is life here...
The weather is warming up. Someone decided that turning up the Army issued heater would be a "Good Idea" I woke up and the digital thermometer read 84.1 degrees....
Love her or hate her the Good Idea Fairy has been with us since at least the Civil War. Or so Moke says. (thanks for the letters Mom.) As for me... I am on the fence.
Today, it was uniforms, specifically the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU or just plain PT's)
You see, we are living in tents. NIce tents mind you (Thanks Kellog Brown & Root) with the bathroom and showers at the end of the camp. Maybe 100 yards away. Every morning, the collective masses rise and shine, and make their way to the facilities. Most of the time we are wearing our PT shorts, and whatever T-shirt was available at the moment. Shower shoes and shaving kit accessorise the outfit, topped off with the towel over the shoulder to complete the ensemble.
Well, in step the good idea fairy........
Hey I have an idea (read above) why dont we make everyone dress the same in the offical PT uniform.... That way we all look good on our way to the shower.... (someone really needs to get outside of the wire on occasion)
As I said, we all live in tents. There are wooden doors on the ends with locks which aid in the security of the few items we have inside. There are approximately 20 men (again gender neutral) living in one tent. Somehow, it was decided that it would be a good idea (is that dust in the air) to put the names and rank of individuals living in said tents on the door. Not a BAD idea, if there were no local nationals walking around. But that isnt the case. There is a really nice Afghan named Mohamed who everyday collects the trash from the cans outside of the tents. I like him a lot and he seems like a great guy... but I am not too crazy about him knowing that John Smith CW3 is living in the back right hand corner of the tent... Just as I would want him having his finger on the button.
There are a lot of other really Good Ideas running around here.... Too many in fact. But, such is life here...
The weather is warming up. Someone decided that turning up the Army issued heater would be a "Good Idea" I woke up and the digital thermometer read 84.1 degrees....
Love her or hate her the Good Idea Fairy has been with us since at least the Civil War. Or so Moke says. (thanks for the letters Mom.) As for me... I am on the fence.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
New Friends
Apparently, people can do a search and find blogs.
Well, to all my new friends I say hello, and welcome to my little corner of the world.
Since people are reading this who do not know me, I guess I should introduce myself and tell you a little bit about me.
I am obviously in the Army and have been for 19 years.
I am a OH58D helicopter pilot. (It is the small helicopter that has a large ball on the top). Our job is to look for the bad guys.
We are in Afghanistan, in the same location as the 173rd ABN. As a former Paratrooper of the 82nd ABN DIV I love working for them.
This is only the second time that the 58D has been here, and I am fortunate enough to have been here with the first unit, and now again with the 101st. ABN DIV.
I am married to the woman of my dreams, (Love you Tan) and have 2 boys. 2 yrs and 10 months
So, imagine my suprise when I looked on here and saw 5 posts in responce to my last post. Then to see that I didn't know anyone. Well, I hope that with this, you know a little bit about me, and what we do. Over the next year I will be sharing with you (I guess anyone) my experiences here in Afghanistan. Oh by the way. I love this country, and the people so it will have a slight slant in that reguard.
More than that, I have a deep seated belief in what we are doing here, and have seen first hand the progress that has been made in the lives of the Afghan people.
So enjoy my ramblings.....
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Time off
Well, after several weeks of flying. I am taking 2 days off. Well, I am not taking them, I have to take them. But either way, it is nice to catch up on a few things, like laundry....
Were are really doing some good in our area. Last week, my team caught some guys burying some artillary rounds. I think they were just hiding them, for later... But none the less, we caught them.
The soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Italy) love us. Apparently, they haven't had much helicopter support in the year they have been here. Well, that has changed... Everytime we go out into their AO (area of operations) they tell us that it is good to have us back, and would we mind doing this or that.... It is good to be wanted... and even better by some of the finest Americans. PARATROOPERS!!!!
I am in my tent right now, watching all of the pilots in my troop play Call to Duty 4. It is a video game. They all link their computers together, and fight each other. IT is the funniest thing. To hear them, they are in a real battle. Funny thing is that I hope they fly as good as they play... They really do...
Well, it is Ash Wednesday, and I am getting ready to go to mass. I still have'nt figured out how to put pictures on here. I doubt I will either.. But I am still trying...
Till next time.
Eric
Were are really doing some good in our area. Last week, my team caught some guys burying some artillary rounds. I think they were just hiding them, for later... But none the less, we caught them.
The soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Italy) love us. Apparently, they haven't had much helicopter support in the year they have been here. Well, that has changed... Everytime we go out into their AO (area of operations) they tell us that it is good to have us back, and would we mind doing this or that.... It is good to be wanted... and even better by some of the finest Americans. PARATROOPERS!!!!
I am in my tent right now, watching all of the pilots in my troop play Call to Duty 4. It is a video game. They all link their computers together, and fight each other. IT is the funniest thing. To hear them, they are in a real battle. Funny thing is that I hope they fly as good as they play... They really do...
Well, it is Ash Wednesday, and I am getting ready to go to mass. I still have'nt figured out how to put pictures on here. I doubt I will either.. But I am still trying...
Till next time.
Eric
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