4/28/2010 – A Trip To Remember

Let me start off by saying “Wow”! Be sure to check out Todd’s blog at http://youresendingmewhere.blogspot.com for more of the same type update.

April 26th, 2010 – Monday

0345hrs, wakeup, grab a shower, do final pack of bags which include 1 incredibly large rucksack, 2 duffle bags and 1 carry.

0500hrs, stage bags, grab some breakfast, be back and ready to go by 0600hrs.

0600hrs, accountability formation, things are moving as planned. We then take a short ride on post via school buses to the final processing facility. Here we get weighed with personal carry on gear and our ID cards scanned to generate the flight manifest.

0700hrs, load on commercial buses for our ride down to Gulfport/Biloxi Regional Airport. After sitting on the bus for about 30 minutes, we find that our plane is still in Shannon, Ireland. Now things begin to go from “as planned” to a more traditional style military exercise; “Hurry Up and Wait”! So wait, we did! Next formation to be 1830hrs. In the meantime, we take up temporary staging at a near by barracks. From here, the team decides to walk back to our original barracks and retrieve our vehicle to get around with. Only to find that the folks at the replacement center turned the vehicle in to post transportation. Dumb asses, or as we call them “Long Ears” or give the sign (peace sign – two fingers up). This is a Huntsville unit vehicle, not a Camp Shelby Vehicle. CPT Floyd keeps his cool, gets a runner to go and retrieve our vehicle. I guess the four duffle bags in the back of the van were not enough to give clues that “oh”, this may not be a Camp Shelby vehicle. Well, we get this squared away, go grab some lunch and then collectively decide, we have to find someone on Camp Shelby reliable enough to leave our vehicle with so it and our bags makes the journey back to Huntsville. We stop by the post transportation office which helped us with our shipping container (ISU 90) and ask for their help. No problem and our confidence is high that they will take care of the van and bags for us. Moving on now!

1830hrs, we actually re-load to the commercial buses and begin our trip to Gulfport. We arrive at 2115hrs. We are thinking, excellent, the trip is back on track and only a few hours behind. Nope! We arrive to the airport only to find that we are in a holding pattern. The wait begins!

April 27th, 2010 – Tuesday (Yes, we’ve moved into another day).

0130hrs, the plane arrives, but we don’t start boarding until 0330hrs and finally get airborne about 0445hrs. What did we do while waiting at Gulfport from 2115hrs to 0330hrs, we enjoyed sitting on the concrete, laying around waiting and watching some stupid horror flick on one of the laptops.

The plane is a 757 small for the number of troops and the amount of baggage to be flown. The soldiers on baggage detail are promised 1st class seating for all their help and effort. Unfortunately, due to the amount of baggage, the excess baggage had to be strapped into the 1st class seats. So these soldiers basically got screwed! Let me explain something about a 757 and soldiers packed on this type of plane. There is literally no room! Take a minute, go grab the smallest chair in your house (make sure it sits straight up, no back leaning), place four imaginary walls all around you (front, sides and back). Sit like that for hours and hours. You’ll get the idea! I sat in the middle, Todd to my right and Martin to my left. Good thing we know each other because, elbows and thighs we did rub. Poor Martin, his legs are linger than ours and the guy in front persisted on leaning his chair back. Martin was not having none of that. He quickly told (asked) the “Long Eared” fellow to “NOT” recline. There is no room! If only I could paint this picture with precise accuracy so you can get an idea of how cramped we were. Onward we go to Bangor, Maine.

0745hrs, the plane arrives to Bangor. We get a chance to get off the plane, stretch our legs and brush our teeth. Hats off to the Bangor, ME USO team. The USO folks really do it up for the incoming and outgoing troops. If you’re reading this, you should take a minute to look these folks up and drop them a thank you note.

0945hrs, we depart Bangor on our way to Shannon, Ireland arriving at 1500hrs. We again are allowed to get off the plane and stretch our legs. An announcement is made that we can enjoy a beer (no more than one) if we like. Our team opted out, but the majority did purchase their one beer (or so)! Uh oh! Word comes back that our replacement flight crew is not willing to fly the plane with bags loaded in first class. The plane in their inspection is overweight! Holy shit! We just flew two legs in an overweight aircraft. This is really no surprise as the landings at both Bangor and Shannon clearly exhibited overweight. What’s the solution? Leave bags behind and allow them to follow. That’s the plan, 53 duffle bags and two soldiers get left behind and will catch the next flight. Also, while we are staged in Shannon, the authorities rummage through the plane and snatch up all knives and Leatherman’s (mine included). What the flip? An airplane full of soldiers going to the same flippin place, carrying M4’s, M16’s, M240B’s and M9 pistols. We can carry guns, but not a knife? Get the flip out of here. I got to tell you, our Shannon friends really pissed a lot of people off with these tactics. However, the root of the problem really traces back to Camp Shelby. CS should have known this and should have taken the steps to inform everyone and to properly handle the overweight issue. Let me put a wrap on things to get us to Kuwait.

1900hrs depart Ireland

2230hrs arrive Romania (we are not allowed to de-board) This sucked!

2345hrs depart Romania

April 28th, 2010 – Wednesday (Yes, we’ve moved into yet another day).

0320hrs arrive Kuwait

1300hrs, we get processed through all the goat races of in-processing, temporary living quarters, briefings, etc. This is about 2100hrs local Kuwait time. The team and other 104 soldiers grab a shower, shave and head to bed for some long overdue and needed sleep.

April 29th, 2010 – Thursday (Now I’ll cover this in local time).

0900hrs wakeup, the rest of the team is still catching some “z’s”. I take off to explore, find a cup of coffee, the internet café, call my sweet loving wife (0130hrs her time), let Renee know, we made it and all is ok. Get over to the PX, pick up a few items and begin my blog write-up. We are now in a holding pattern waiting for the bat phone to ring which is our green light that we will move to staging for the rest of the trip to Afghanistan. This could be a few days!

To my lovely wife, if this “ACER” computer of mine continues to flake, I will be sending for a new one! ACER sucks!!!!!

Lastly, several other picks are available on FB, enjoy!

Love to all, I’ll keep you posted as much as possible.

4/24/2010 - Quick Update

Thought I'd drop a quick note out to all and let you know we pop smoke and go wheels up soon. Just waiting it out at CS until we depart.

Today, the team got a break, went to the mall (in uniform), grabbed a bite to eat and then went to the movies. Watched "Kick Ass". The movie was pretty cool. Caution though, it is rated "R" for a reason. Language and killing galore. But for some teen age kids and a little hellion girl, the flick is pretty good.

Tomorrow is laundry day and a little R&R in the barracks. Then we see (wait) for our next phase.

The storms blew through and they were intense. The way our barracks sits, if it weren't for sandbags, we would have had a flood inside. The drainage flowed right in front of our palace.

What else, packed out our shipping container only to find that they usually get broke into once they arrive in country. Glad most of the items on board are not too mission essential or personal in nature. One would think, if we can defend nations, we can defend shipping containers. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The transportation officer told us a story about a shipping container leaving AFG and arriving in the states loaded with concrete bricks. Everything inside stolen and probably placed on the black market. At least they were smart enough to weight it down with bricks to avoid suspicion.

Anyway, we are ready to get this party started and back home ASAP. The good news; our replacement team out of a neighboring state has been alerted that they will be replacing us next year. We now know replacements are already beginning their training cycle. Fan-freakin-tastic!

Talk to you all later. LOL

4/22/10 – Getting Caught Up

It’s been a few days since I last blogged.  After this update, it may be a few days before I get another chance.  With that, I’m just going to jump right in an get started.

Camp Shelby (CS), Mississippi, what an interesting place.  I got to tell you though, if it weren’t for the team being here with a Government vehicle, I think we all would have gone absolutely nuts!  Having our own vehicle to go from appointment to appointment, to the PX (post exchange (store)), off post to the local Wal-Mart and to basically move around on our own was priceless.  Many times I felt as though we might be taking advantage of the system.  Other soldiers would see us come and go.  I could sense that they were looking at us like - "what the HECK, over"?  However, what they fail to realize is that our team is a unit.  A unit approved to have the vehicle and the privileges that come along with it.  Trust me; it did not take me long to get over it and frankly who cares if the other soldiers get over it?  If the tables were turned, they would do the same.

Training here at CS overall was pretty sub-standard.  The training we did in January 2010 at Pelham, AL although cold and brutal at times, was far more superior.  At least, the trainers were combat veterans and the courses they provided were much more effective and informative.

In the very near future; the team departs from CS.  We will travel to Kuwait, via one coastal stop and two international stops.  Once we arrive in Kuwait, we will go through a couple of days of in-country processing and then move to Afghanistan.  Once in Afghanistan, we will then do some more in-country briefings and ship out to our final destinations.  At which time, we will conduct some more (you guessed it), in-country processing.

While here, the team has managed to get in a few good Physical Training (PT) days, running and a little gym work.  Each of us has set personal goals of losing a few pounds here at CS and once we are across the water half way around the world.  Many soldiers once deployed don’t stay in shape depending on their job gain weight.  We are going to do our best not to fall in this trap.  At least for me, I have not set any unreasonable goals of being the next Mr. Universe.  I’ll stick to running and toning and let the young guys go after the high profile titles.

As part of my out processing, I was purposely infected with the Small Pox virus.  I can expect to see it bubble up in 1-3 days and leaking between 4 and 12 days.  Oh yeah, I’m not supposed to get the area wet.  How the heck will I shower?  Very carefully I guess.

Now on to some personal stuff.

The journey apart has been underway for a week or so and continues.  Separated like the air from your lungs when you exhale - Just hoping that your lungs fill back up with the air you need.  400 days was the start and now were counting down!  400 days away from my wife, my best friend, my companion of life.  How will I hold my breath for 400 days?  Renee is the air I breathe; how will either of us endure?  Faith in each other!  Faith in our love story that has been playing for over 12 years now.  Faith in our Lord that His path is to strengthen our souls and time on earth.  Faith in our Government that this mission is one of World peace and the peace of others.  My strength of faith is with my Lord.  My fate is with my wife!  Renee is my being, my life!  Her beautiful eye’s, blond hair, warm hands, snugly fit to my body and skin.  Renee is what I know.  Renee is who I trust beyond measure.  She stands at my right side whispering “I Love You”!  I whisper back, “I Love You Too!  “I Love you 10,000 times”!  Renee, to you and our children – I love you!  I will come home safely.  I hold you in my heart and arms every day.

To my Children: I will miss you all dearly while I am away.  I only ask that you watch out for each other, take care of each other and keep Mom informed.  Mom is our strength, our single point of reference, our center.  Without her, I believe we would all be lost.  PLEASE, PLEASE, treat Mom respectfully; help out from time to time. 

Josh, don’t wait until being asked to take out the trash.  Just take it out!  Also, pay close attention to where your “BALLS” are at all times.  Treat your family with respect.  Give up your seat from time to time. 

Brandon, take a deep breath.  Don’t let life get away from you and try not to scare people too much.  Society might not be ready for your energy.  School, school, school!  Take advantage of the time you have, chill out and continue to make people smile and laugh.  Please remember, Mom love’s you like no other.  She is there for you anytime you need her.  Just ask!

Nick, this goes for you too!  Yes, you’re independent and you’ve done everything by the book.  Crossed your “T”’s, dotted your “I”’s and raising a wonderful family with a wonderful wife.  Continue to take care of Melissa and Landden.  Drop Mom a note from time to time as she would love to hear from you.

Melissa, Keep them boy's straight as I know you will.  You’re a great Mom and loved dearly.  Stay in touch with Mom as I know she likes talking to you on her way home from work.  I hope you all enjoy each other in June and that Landden and Nick both have a great birthday. 

Kelley, I have always loved you as my daughter and will always do so!  I will miss you very much, our movie times, our talks from time to time, your smile and the way you love to hate your brother.  I believe one day, Josh will know how much you truly love him.  Take care of Beau!

Beau, you take care of my Kelley.  I know you will!  Mom and I love you very much and want you to know how glad we are that you bring joy and happiness to our daughter.  Keep playing the music you so love to play.  I, as we all do, hope one day, this turns around and pays off.  It may be in Platinum, it may be in gold or silver.  It may be in fantastic memories.  However, it turns out, it is you being true to who you are. 

Folks, that's it for now and a few days.  I'm going to get this posted and Skype with Mom.  I love you all dearly and will see you soon.



Here are a few pictures from Camp Shelby:


This is the mattress cover I was issued upon arriving. Fortunately, a bed sheet is placed over the mattress cover. Pretty freaking gross.

My wall locker

 Guess what bag of pharmaceuticals is mine?








My Quality Inn, Government issued bunk while here at CS. Look uncomfortable? Wait till I post what I get on the other side. This will be a total upgrade from what’s coming.

4/17/2010 - Made the News - www.WAFF.com

Alabama guard deploys first contracting team

Posted: Apr 15, 2010 3:25 PM CDT Updated: Apr 15, 2010 3:44 PM CDT

MONTGOMERY, AL (WAFF) - On Tuesday, April 13, the Alabama Army National Guard deployed its first contingency contracting team (CCT) to Afghanistan. Capt. Todd Floyd, Capt. Jeffery Campbell, Staff Sgt. Daniel Martin and Staff Sgt. Lesly "Rich" Richardson make up the four man team also known as the 1960th CCT. The team is only the second CCT the Army National Guard nationwide has deployed to Afghanistan.

According to Lt. Col. David Cooley, battalion commander for the 1169th Contingency Contracting Battalion, the 1960th will augment the contracting staff of the Joint Contracting Command – Iraq/Afghanistan (JCC-I/A) and assist them in procuring needed commodities, services and construction projects in support of operations in the joint theater.

"Basically our job is to help grow the infrastructure for the U.S. military and the Afghanistan National Army," explained Capt. Todd Floyd, commander of the 1960th. "When a large base is established, we move onto a more geographically separated location and build a smaller base there."

Cooley says the team will also assist commanders in the planning and execution of Commander's Emergency Response Programs (CERPs) which focus on urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction projects for local populations.

The team is scheduled to be on active duty for 400 days, including a brief training period at Camp Shelby, Miss., before heading to Afghanistan.

Cooley says the team has undergone extensive training in preparation of their mission. "Team members were required to complete two years of progressively difficult on-the-job training to become Level II certified in contracting," explained Cooley. "They were also required to complete coursework from the Defense Acquisition University."

Floyd said that in order to be on the team, members must have a bachelor's degree and at least 24 hours of business credits.

"We are trained and ready," said Floyd. "In my opinion, this team is the cream of the crop and I'd match them up to any unit in Alabama."

Between the four team members, they have seven deployments under their belts. Some team members have already deployed together during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Soldiers on the team come from various military and civilian backgrounds. Cooley says this gives them a varied and unique skill set. "The main factor in determining the success of the 1960th is their dedication and maturity, both as individuals and as a team," said Cooley.
©2010 WAFF. All rights reserved.

4/17/2010 - Band of Brothers

The team dogged me for quite some time for not having watched the 10 Series 1-hour episodes of "Band of Brothers".  Our original plan was to wait until we got settled into Afghanistan.  Of course that changed a couple weeks ago.  Now each of us are going to separate locations.  While here at Shelby, we have been fortunate enough to start the series and so far we up through episode 5.  Tonight, we should be able to knock out 6 and maybe 7.

Why do I mention this you may ask?  Only to say, that CPT Floyd, CPT Campbell and SSG Martin and I continue to bond as friends.  We've basically spent the last 12-18 months training together, working together, and getting our families together in support of this journey.  It's extremely helpful to have the friendship and bonding through this whole significant event.  I would hate to have gone this far on my own.  There are several soldiers processing through Shelby in this situation, forging new friendships that will probably on last a couple weeks.

I believe that my "Band of Brothers" will last a lifetime.  Event though we are expected to go to the four corners of Afghanistan, our time together thus far is and will prove to be a solid foundation.

That's about all that was on my mind this morning.  Thought I'd share.  Were off to get some good Army breakfast.  Later!

4/16/2010 - Combat Patches

Something that continues to bother the team is seeing soldiers (let's call them E-6 and above) walking around without a combat patch.  Each of us have deployed multiple times and can't figure for a minute how many of these folks for the last 10-15 years have avoided going to serve in the effort.  We talk about it every day; trying hard to look past it so not to be bitter.  The only thing we figure, folks like this have done an outstanding job avoiding the whole deployment effort.

Were just saying; if you've been in, near or part of the military in the last 10-15 years, you should have at least gone once.  It's almost disgraceful to those that have gone before and prepare to go.

Just an observation, I thought I'd share.  Later!

4/14/2010 - Camp Shelby, MS

Just a quick note to all!  The team arrived safe and sound.  As soon as we arrived, there was immediate discussion to split the team up.  E-7 and above in one barracks, E-6 and below in the other.  As we walked through are temporary digs, we found that the existing barracks were all crowded and only top bunks available.  Each of us were pretty pissed.  CPT Campbell turned on the charm, talked to a Major and convinced the Major to allow us to take up space in an empty barracks.  So far, so good!  However, there was a walk through tonight and it sounds like more troops are coming in.  Which means, they will move in with us.  These are open bay barracks, about 75 or so to a building.  Bunk beds.  The only problem is; once you get the lower enlisted in this environment, they become loud and it becomes a zoo very quick.  SSG Martin and I will have to manage this if it becomes a problem.  We just hate being bad guys!  But, we also like our privacy and a nice even keel environment.  In-processing started, I have a couple of more things to complete and then everything is a "Go"!  We also learned that we may not leave until early May.  That will suck!  We are ready to get this started and get to where we need to be and start our mission.  The sooner we start, the sooner it feels like we come home.  Days are still counting down eitherway, so I'm good with that!

I need to go, others are waiting to get a chance to check there email and talk to family.  I'll leave you with this for now and get back ASAP!

Love to all my family, friends, the families of the Team.  Everyone is truly missed!  By the way, I'm going to get the team out for a run tomorrow.  Time to get in shape!

R2

4/1/2010 – So!

My day started great. My wife cracks me up. If you have not read Renee’s blog http://renee-waitingtoexhale.blogspot.com, you’re truly missing out! I truly love my wife 10,000 times and would gladly give up my motorcycle for her. Jake on the other hand…….No really, even Jake! I look forward to many more laughs and documented humor (truths).

My day ended great. Got to spend time with Landden, Nick and Melissa. That’s after they drove up while an unexpected snow storm moved into the Hesperia, Victorville area. Snow in the high desert, odd for this time of year. It will be over a year (2011) before I can see them again, give them a hug or get a hug. I will miss them greatly! Nick and Melissa are great parents and doing an outstanding job raising the little guy. Got a few good pic’s that I hope one day Landden can look back at and remember. I’ll never forget!

Todd joined us for Dinner, which turned out to be the worst Mexican food and service in a long time. Todd’s food was late to the table and about half way through his meal, he realized his plate is not what he ordered. All of our plates still had about half the food remaining. Just down right, “no good”! Phil Sandoval can’t wait to get back to you! We stopped by “Cold Stone” for a bowl of ice cream to make up for the sucky meal. Okay, we were going to stop anyway. Are you kidding? Spent another hour with Nick, Melissa and Landden watching American Idol before saying “see you soon”! I managed to hold my tears until I got back to my room and then I started reading blogs and updating you on mine.

Todd and I have two more days before were home. Can’t wait to see my girl!