tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80981597854550889622024-02-07T22:20:59.700-05:00Highland SailorA Naval Officer's Adventure in the Highlands...of AfghanistanHighland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-26913609931495005442010-02-10T08:32:00.003-05:002010-02-10T08:57:27.034-05:00Mid-February UpdateJust a short update I apologize for not updating you all more often, but I have been extremely busy. My Boss, My Bosses Boss and my Bosses Bosses Boss have all changed in the last week, so I have been training their reliefs. It is time consuming to train one superior, even more so when you need to train three.<br /><br />We received our first significant snow fall this week with low temps in the single digits and highs in the 30s. I didn't think about taking pictures at the time and the local workers have already shoveled the snow away. So...since I don't have a photo I thought I would post this one. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzfTiKkxAGlwmCjseYeNqe3fA2s819no2y3AyosN5yuqk8IuIgQghh2CnBCQrDjQzqr3shGnVjkP_bF1iiVfgD1hx3eVzqVt8mFurJXCHWLFWKMgYoUm0gGHlYdS_aN9zgfjuIE3-2kg/s1600-h/esquirerafflesbarsingapore.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzfTiKkxAGlwmCjseYeNqe3fA2s819no2y3AyosN5yuqk8IuIgQghh2CnBCQrDjQzqr3shGnVjkP_bF1iiVfgD1hx3eVzqVt8mFurJXCHWLFWKMgYoUm0gGHlYdS_aN9zgfjuIE3-2kg/s400/esquirerafflesbarsingapore.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436611836726227426" /></a><br /><br />One of my top 3 favorite bars in the world, the Raffles Bar. Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and The Highland Sailor all drank there. The bar has some great history, the last tiger in Singapore was shot under the billiard room and 300 Japanese soldiers committed suicide in the lobby when when Singapore fell to the Americans near the end of WWII. When the wind chill blows and it feels like 30 below, I remember back when I was at the bar with a Singapore Sling.<br /><br />We have stopped our VCR missions for a while. Not because there is not a need, but rather because we ran out of supplies and donations to pass out. Your used winter clothing, toys, blankets are desperately needed, please send your donations to:<br /><br />Chaplain's Office<br />Chaplain Fish<br />VCR<br />CSTC-A, Pool House<br />APO, AE 09356<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-25683952719718039112010-01-10T11:13:00.009-05:002010-01-10T12:49:34.429-05:00Belated - Happy Hogmanay!I've really been looking forward to 2010...now I can say "I get to go home this year", which sounds a lot better then going home next year. <br /><br />To bring everyone up to date, my shop had a small gathering for Christmas and and even smaller gathering for Hogmanay (New Years Eve)...FYI, non-alcoholic beer, tastes like cr@p, even after 6 months without the real stuff. <br /><br />Yes, I am only one in the correct Aloha casual attire. The Army and Air Force just don't know how to dress appropriately for a party.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6xeX1Jd0CruidH_HNNUG35CBdGuguk-pkTtbfynuIC4dX9q1ArhfVpDfiy0A3jvBdVhxkmfuUFgtvr_3NfmBGe52_pP0ZemPO903VG0ljpudLO_b8N1DKehfXAC8DdQPdpEy8ilDVoM/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6xeX1Jd0CruidH_HNNUG35CBdGuguk-pkTtbfynuIC4dX9q1ArhfVpDfiy0A3jvBdVhxkmfuUFgtvr_3NfmBGe52_pP0ZemPO903VG0ljpudLO_b8N1DKehfXAC8DdQPdpEy8ilDVoM/s400/047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425166123094912658" /></a><br /><br />I've gone "outside the wire" on a couple of missions that I won't talk about due to OPSEC. I promoted my Sergeant First Class to Master Sergeant and I was able to recommend and an "On-the-Spot" award (Joint Achievement Medal) to a very talented and hard working Petty Officer. Bravo Zulu (That's Navy for Good job) to MSG and PS1!<br /><br />Last week, I talked politics with one of the few Republicans I like. <br /><br />(I still like the 2000 McCain, better than the 2008 McCain). <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Zsi1b4WQdQQdWBHNcAKdCxGF-q6Ug1qaPr29nWSDHu2DAJF2gu2LcnmUH_t0P89i5QPHdjQxHDP9HjXKI9Nt-k3kHyrBz3gQ8q70V93vOxVOyPn-4z9uBNDL7LuMEqXf9rXU4LJBoGc/s1600-h/mccain+pic+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Zsi1b4WQdQQdWBHNcAKdCxGF-q6Ug1qaPr29nWSDHu2DAJF2gu2LcnmUH_t0P89i5QPHdjQxHDP9HjXKI9Nt-k3kHyrBz3gQ8q70V93vOxVOyPn-4z9uBNDL7LuMEqXf9rXU4LJBoGc/s400/mccain+pic+(2).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425151319599873010" /></a><br />Here I am asking the Senator what he was thinking when he asked Palin to be his running mate... Actually, we were talking about when he spoke to my Junior Year History Class at Peoria High over 25 years ago. Boy, is he getting old. :)<br /><br />The question about Palin would have been inappropriate...I do have some manners after all.<br /><br /><br />The Chaplain's clothing drive is still under way, once again, Please remember to send your donations to:<br /><br />Chaplain's Office<br />VCR<br />CSTC-A, Pool House<br />APO, AE 09356<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-57095523292436005982009-12-16T23:15:00.005-05:002009-12-17T00:03:06.262-05:00Long Overdue UpdateI have been extremely busy for the past 30 days. The command I am attached to has been transformed under NATO command, under the NATO Flag. It has been a learning experience for everyone. I've said farewell to some of my troops as they head back to the states, and welcomed and trained their reliefs. I was able to get some face-time on the Today show and I got to watch Navy Beat Army at 3:30am...overall it has been a great month.<br /><br />Over Thanksgiving, I was sent out into the field on a mission with the ANA (Afghan National Army). It was unbelievably crazy and in a morbidly sick way, unbelievably fun...For my family and friends, I'll be happy to share the story over a pint of stout or a cold IPA when I return. It's just not cleared for this forum.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdoqhse4lggg789lLDAHaE6iVH5WF27YllqZUagtS4I8DSFSLIMIxr86jyc0H56OX4wDZwSFtD_qePIYorz17BiP1TQAVjdNdnDpOk1Kib0ttxusSTv8POvTj4dmuu2UFZVZFTGnXI58/s1600-h/172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdoqhse4lggg789lLDAHaE6iVH5WF27YllqZUagtS4I8DSFSLIMIxr86jyc0H56OX4wDZwSFtD_qePIYorz17BiP1TQAVjdNdnDpOk1Kib0ttxusSTv8POvTj4dmuu2UFZVZFTGnXI58/s400/172.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416064406617385538" /></a><br /><br /><br />I haven't had as much time to work the VCR missions as I would like, but there are troops working the COIN side of the house everyday and we still need your help.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEf-2vOX6drCHy3A2Ayr6LS7784Kdtsoj8Bo6yKWAcCBCOuGR4gLQbn6wouDiChJZRfPnp1_aYkXs6Z2KxaQDbrF2Ly7el6gQbVIsFFaGe00t9o5Mx52rAXyZOAfLrKDqwM7pa0Ww1YEk/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEf-2vOX6drCHy3A2Ayr6LS7784Kdtsoj8Bo6yKWAcCBCOuGR4gLQbn6wouDiChJZRfPnp1_aYkXs6Z2KxaQDbrF2Ly7el6gQbVIsFFaGe00t9o5Mx52rAXyZOAfLrKDqwM7pa0Ww1YEk/s400/014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416059799020086274" /></a><br /><br />Remember to send your donations to:<br /><br />Chaplain's Office<br />VCR<br />CSTC-A, Pool House<br />APO, AE 09356<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!...and Happy Festus.Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-23753487328265749062009-11-15T09:47:00.013-05:002009-11-15T11:20:22.838-05:00Outskirts of TownI just realized I had not posted anything for the last 3 weeks....<br /><br />So to catch everyone up, I have been sequestered in a room with 20 other officers from various nations, services and specialities with orders to prepare a product for our Commanding General. In other words, no pictures and nothing I can report on in this blog...not very exciting I know, sorry.<br /><br />However, Today I made it outside the wire and visited a make-shift displaced persons (aka refugee) camp on the outskirts of Kabul. This camp was the worst I have seen. We distributed items that you provided/donated to our VHS mission. <br />Please keep sending your donations and thanks for your support. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug3AIxx7qRIDVjQUz9CG7dsWKvAyZl3AYH6DaAXCs5kpzK8X_ESSvIDpdiEOe6vsfM3Dmi1Cu9b5AwXWMY4HnCASD4bisRFc8c_azpfYxDMxUnjSUE_OT5AKfU9a1xpV6J6eCtft0-yM/s1600-h/DSC00610.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug3AIxx7qRIDVjQUz9CG7dsWKvAyZl3AYH6DaAXCs5kpzK8X_ESSvIDpdiEOe6vsfM3Dmi1Cu9b5AwXWMY4HnCASD4bisRFc8c_azpfYxDMxUnjSUE_OT5AKfU9a1xpV6J6eCtft0-yM/s400/DSC00610.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404350786894453090" /></a><br />All kids want their picture taken.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIbGPWTGvLyTi3ppB6fbcrRv9HCqeNYbr5bFzZey4jNnpnEHNHgmJQztR4IOATTq_WmyphUBgOaHnVwBPS_pBvl5GwYatC95EhRD1dGjF-OwZLOg0Zmq-_sKS6LpMrH3OUGlSJ4XRQZw/s1600-h/DSC00619.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIbGPWTGvLyTi3ppB6fbcrRv9HCqeNYbr5bFzZey4jNnpnEHNHgmJQztR4IOATTq_WmyphUBgOaHnVwBPS_pBvl5GwYatC95EhRD1dGjF-OwZLOg0Zmq-_sKS6LpMrH3OUGlSJ4XRQZw/s400/DSC00619.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404352379507540146" /></a><br />Women hiding from us.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMTU5Tx09JZcXrFdHUP-gBWjNMme2mgYBmtXv6-Rm4iP3HAdVlMJR7Bh9jGEgPwy5NnwXiZCFB0eXXnIO07Gf7kGpWS48J2cXy7OPcLMzkInhkIpIum54LK9jkx5ho_yqSrOtmFe-85o/s1600-h/DSC00611.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMTU5Tx09JZcXrFdHUP-gBWjNMme2mgYBmtXv6-Rm4iP3HAdVlMJR7Bh9jGEgPwy5NnwXiZCFB0eXXnIO07Gf7kGpWS48J2cXy7OPcLMzkInhkIpIum54LK9jkx5ho_yqSrOtmFe-85o/s400/DSC00611.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404357426741021410" /></a><br />Too cold too bathe.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZy-ANiDJPYOw6rrRs_mUatg82i4hFCvcqoZhVG0sGdZfI7ARi7TIQmf1bvTlMIOwxTDNebWCAtnDJzgLNeK4M7JH7WSjehAxGlASD6c99GibU8oRvFOj9VGwIUa0prICBAAkpEEG4Xo/s1600-h/DSC00623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZy-ANiDJPYOw6rrRs_mUatg82i4hFCvcqoZhVG0sGdZfI7ARi7TIQmf1bvTlMIOwxTDNebWCAtnDJzgLNeK4M7JH7WSjehAxGlASD6c99GibU8oRvFOj9VGwIUa0prICBAAkpEEG4Xo/s400/DSC00623.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404365458881966786" /></a><br />Remember to send your donations to:<br /><br />Chaplain's Office<br />VCR<br />CSTC-A, Pool House<br />APO, AE 09356<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-1188359851925521072009-10-26T05:45:00.005-04:002009-10-26T06:13:13.439-04:00BusyI apologize for not sending out an update for a few weeks. I've been very busy working on some stuff in which I can't divulge in this forum...since I don't/can't have photos from my recent events, I have substituted a photo taken a couple of weeks ago. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlwKw7rm2DSsb_B5uOI0jpi97KB9URb_EZlkH5HGbsB0A_cWN3w6jdvnJQf_xuXJTrwulJBAc66kpBPKAZE13jp1wKATx42O-zidG4DLYmb7DhPHEBTsqnfGeCD5hXboKo1e6McqIspA/s1600-h/DSC00356.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlwKw7rm2DSsb_B5uOI0jpi97KB9URb_EZlkH5HGbsB0A_cWN3w6jdvnJQf_xuXJTrwulJBAc66kpBPKAZE13jp1wKATx42O-zidG4DLYmb7DhPHEBTsqnfGeCD5hXboKo1e6McqIspA/s400/DSC00356.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396848751724787586" /></a><br /><br />Enjoying a Cuban with my Aussie and Turk friends. <br /><br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-19580279493716688182009-10-15T10:48:00.011-04:002009-10-15T11:47:03.717-04:00Three Cups of Tea<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVZRdRSIsJ3xufxNByj1YRQBr84Gnugtl6fONA2t3O3SltLA8IPUaXcHSUFT8BnSK2h1-53veTeLffisCMbQlm7Ep4t1-m-cnxH3d7I8zSod3zN5hEz9gMuU3smAuWBRgFYbtK6nHbUw/s1600-h/DSC00509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVZRdRSIsJ3xufxNByj1YRQBr84Gnugtl6fONA2t3O3SltLA8IPUaXcHSUFT8BnSK2h1-53veTeLffisCMbQlm7Ep4t1-m-cnxH3d7I8zSod3zN5hEz9gMuU3smAuWBRgFYbtK6nHbUw/s400/DSC00509.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392843703225789490" /></a><br /><br />If you haven't read "Three Cups of Tea", I strongly recommend that you do so at once. It's required reading for all officers in USFOR-A. It offers a wonderful insight to the Pashto People. Available at your local bookstore or library.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-UQRCTtwpMfDBRD9iAGk8mKTT-WEOlGf9q-TN-HgRZPbyyUM1dChQ4Pr0eUC1Bzqyb5Xz-T52k9dAaBIIKye5LZMe1iY0t1QwPPVir7nk534V9fdc6cpDA6jDehMmvJvqjuVsP4JpiA/s1600-h/DSC00511.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-UQRCTtwpMfDBRD9iAGk8mKTT-WEOlGf9q-TN-HgRZPbyyUM1dChQ4Pr0eUC1Bzqyb5Xz-T52k9dAaBIIKye5LZMe1iY0t1QwPPVir7nk534V9fdc6cpDA6jDehMmvJvqjuVsP4JpiA/s400/DSC00511.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392847961147367186" /></a><br /><br />I love the giggler on the end.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRbqZre4z532L8JRX5htKp0V4_E4xTz0Dq_bJ09zelkYo6Hh85wUxo-OkBQJhhFFRZvFL6qJ9DdZybqLykgYhau-MCbFJlei4uptDH8-9VIMhNbuK67vnM-VSPorFLihyTxIqdXO6CaU/s1600-h/DSC00499.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRbqZre4z532L8JRX5htKp0V4_E4xTz0Dq_bJ09zelkYo6Hh85wUxo-OkBQJhhFFRZvFL6qJ9DdZybqLykgYhau-MCbFJlei4uptDH8-9VIMhNbuK67vnM-VSPorFLihyTxIqdXO6CaU/s400/DSC00499.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392852575503591186" /></a><br /><br />Not in keeping with the 3 cups theme, but a great photo nonetheless.<br /><br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-15833639129010297722009-10-12T10:23:00.006-04:002009-10-12T12:02:31.570-04:00Humbled<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oLLoF5MYOmT1CQo3wQNVN0SJ5vrEDhmrUftdp58XHLXQHPvJC-tmmVY6hPISoSv4h2FBzcDXKSdPho54SUSHfRdydfba_HN-TJnzNiyNejDhAg0ioJOB6gQ8nqDMdo1HYgyG5ZsVObI/s1600-h/DSC00457.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oLLoF5MYOmT1CQo3wQNVN0SJ5vrEDhmrUftdp58XHLXQHPvJC-tmmVY6hPISoSv4h2FBzcDXKSdPho54SUSHfRdydfba_HN-TJnzNiyNejDhAg0ioJOB6gQ8nqDMdo1HYgyG5ZsVObI/s400/DSC00457.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391726721870118962" /></a><br /><br />Today was the most rewarding day that I can remember.<br /><br />I had the opportunity to visit a school for the deaf and those with special needs. Words cannot describe the excitement that those children displayed as our group of US and NATO servicemen and women distributed school backpacks containing pens, pencils, paper, and other miscellaneous school supplies. We also distributed blankets, coats, shoes, etc., which were to be distributed later by the teachers based on need. The best part is we also passed out 20 foot balls (soccer balls). I spent over an hour playing footie (soccer) with the boys and girls. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H0OQtXrsjEv_YhtQXctck50UWkPf0ohY142lgO8cZHJTLaqf8_pRs0i5OBR-yGPSCUDr2zYsUsfmDmpQy3QLH_QX2iwpFg_aKWz6Ov5NTuoJD0iWCyGgw0TjbA0RyWo0LHtxMvahEHs/s1600-h/DSC00502.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H0OQtXrsjEv_YhtQXctck50UWkPf0ohY142lgO8cZHJTLaqf8_pRs0i5OBR-yGPSCUDr2zYsUsfmDmpQy3QLH_QX2iwpFg_aKWz6Ov5NTuoJD0iWCyGgw0TjbA0RyWo0LHtxMvahEHs/s400/DSC00502.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391738515706652034" /></a><br /><br />We couldn't have made this trip without the donations from people like you.<br /><br />Please mail your donation to:<br />VCR<br />CSTC-A, Pool House<br />APO, AE 09356<br /><br />This is how we win wars. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcfQfmrH-Jtx1jcvXHVioKoGLOTwjvP4g2zgg2TVSnFJyBMbElzEbMSxl27CiNrGuSPQ6SmDmGJ4paDgzdz8B62_W4qsmH6pbaBA31Rjdt70CdUvS99aUfkrDSxqtUzaTKeguc0RBEek/s1600-h/DSC00515.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcfQfmrH-Jtx1jcvXHVioKoGLOTwjvP4g2zgg2TVSnFJyBMbElzEbMSxl27CiNrGuSPQ6SmDmGJ4paDgzdz8B62_W4qsmH6pbaBA31Rjdt70CdUvS99aUfkrDSxqtUzaTKeguc0RBEek/s400/DSC00515.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391743648817672130" /></a><br /><br /><br />We won't win this war with our tactics or weapon systems. To win this war, we need to put our our soft covers, and meet with the people. <br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-74073317042260012472009-09-30T10:24:00.005-04:002009-09-30T11:03:09.586-04:00Mountain Views<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4AMbxxhmgRBI9akatoWHH4XFJT7PADk87k8wLJ1kqEk1qUpidQWbFpn6Y7_fDcB4I7zw3emcxXu5DIazPzrg9dGCU1aekxD7kP0kk4VTLsejUS9go3xqOWL6OVSi4v6DkSx2wQTooao/s1600-h/mtn+view.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4AMbxxhmgRBI9akatoWHH4XFJT7PADk87k8wLJ1kqEk1qUpidQWbFpn6Y7_fDcB4I7zw3emcxXu5DIazPzrg9dGCU1aekxD7kP0kk4VTLsejUS9go3xqOWL6OVSi4v6DkSx2wQTooao/s400/mtn+view.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387271208305729442" /></a><br />Recently, most of the photos I have taken I am not able to publish due OPSEC...so I am left with mountain views from my hooch. It really does look a lot like Pocatello, Idaho.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWwxHqkhE4B-AcaEEdgdFYoVxS1ssxyTDDUMtM9Y05WK7WjrZ_7-7ogZXTZLS4KekQSlKp_KYMxyDvW53P9n4O-BxSDTcLEic049YHHxBjjuzdrbFeFj-kTLrqJZj74_wgEgOwB2zSKM/s1600-h/lcol+kingji.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWwxHqkhE4B-AcaEEdgdFYoVxS1ssxyTDDUMtM9Y05WK7WjrZ_7-7ogZXTZLS4KekQSlKp_KYMxyDvW53P9n4O-BxSDTcLEic049YHHxBjjuzdrbFeFj-kTLrqJZj74_wgEgOwB2zSKM/s400/lcol+kingji.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387275110327980098" /></a><br /><br />This evening a few folks in my shop had dinner together to celebrate the promotion of our Albanian friend. Congrats to our new Lt Col.<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! HooahHighland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-68785725718999916922009-09-17T02:48:00.002-04:002009-09-17T02:56:05.090-04:00Camp Eggers Volunteer Community RelationsThe Camp Eggers Volunteer Community Relations (VCR) program enhances the partnership with the people of Afghanistan while providing a venue for US and Coalition troops to assist others. Through this program, Camp Eggers VCR volunteers interact with local nationals at various locations in the Kabul area, including schools, orphanages, medical centers and Internally Displaced Persons camps. The Afghan people in these locations are not as fortunate as we are and could greatly benefit from your support to improve their quality of life. <strong>With winter coming, items like gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, coats, and blankets are critical</strong>. Conservative clothing for men, women, and children are also needed. Shoes, non-electronic toys, school supplies, and hygiene items are of great assistance too.<br /><br />The VCR program is also involved with forwarding items to US service members located at smaller forward operating bases (FOBs) and other locations that may not have the PX facilities that most of the larger camps have. Donations of personal hygiene items, CD or DVD tapes, magazines, and other items that service members would enjoy are welcome.<br /><br />If you have any of the above mentioned items that are new or gently used and would like to donate them, <strong>please mail to:<br /><br />VCR<br />CSTC-A, Pool House<br />APO, AE 09356</strong><br /><br />We can't give religious material to the Afghan people, so please refrain from including this in your donations.<br /><br />Highland Sailor, Camp Eggers VCR and the people of Afghanistan thank you for your support.Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-79455713345183195932009-09-16T12:41:00.002-04:002009-09-16T12:46:39.343-04:00Chief Petty Officers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKjIN0AdL6Wfbs5zv1YdDlgbc4K0MqSOND564w9xnAH6yTy9bviT6W_fviGRKyrAg_QCMqrmjJOez2Csi7662zPlrnfc19yAn9OB1AD7hrce77SAkQRoi-Zq1dJyflvWwfolSxbNwQPs/s1600-h/cpo+frocking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKjIN0AdL6Wfbs5zv1YdDlgbc4K0MqSOND564w9xnAH6yTy9bviT6W_fviGRKyrAg_QCMqrmjJOez2Csi7662zPlrnfc19yAn9OB1AD7hrce77SAkQRoi-Zq1dJyflvWwfolSxbNwQPs/s400/cpo+frocking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382107482890399138" /></a><br />Today, I had the privilege of attending this year's CPO pinning ceremony. I was honestly surprised by the excellent turnout. BZ to our new Chiefs. (DOD Photo)Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-63357043135133785242009-09-14T22:57:00.004-04:002009-09-14T23:17:53.245-04:00Kabul<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SjCgkrI3XAPA7Xpbfp99ewcewu-DJIF0Gorfc4uQnIvtx076JhCuX0MVSJbKp-8nGzRJDHu6WfGtQVbb5jIjtz3waD6EYbVoN9zD0eoIkJxdaPGe-790hRJuGXo_8p7l-PN6pvEPA_o/s1600-h/DSC00339.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SjCgkrI3XAPA7Xpbfp99ewcewu-DJIF0Gorfc4uQnIvtx076JhCuX0MVSJbKp-8nGzRJDHu6WfGtQVbb5jIjtz3waD6EYbVoN9zD0eoIkJxdaPGe-790hRJuGXo_8p7l-PN6pvEPA_o/s400/DSC00339.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381527866860268242" /></a><br /><br />After a 4 hour C-17 ride, I landed at Bagram Airfield north of Kabul. 24 hours later, I was on a C-130 headed for Kabul and a short, eye opening convoy to my new home. Very limited photos due to OPSEC. More to follow...<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-84924820287357310682009-09-14T10:57:00.009-04:002009-09-14T22:57:15.558-04:00Kuwaiti Desert Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhVaB8_kXWxHL6lMCI6Ean2SeLE8NDDsRXGwX6uF5s0uMCW3jzgS9OE3icDhrypKUWhgdi5TaFfN3g2_jF27ECZr8o8NdfErWstAxsrLBtJsfsAf5SCF8AdwR3G4vG7Da4XLKpY2-uZw/s1600-h/DSC00332.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhVaB8_kXWxHL6lMCI6Ean2SeLE8NDDsRXGwX6uF5s0uMCW3jzgS9OE3icDhrypKUWhgdi5TaFfN3g2_jF27ECZr8o8NdfErWstAxsrLBtJsfsAf5SCF8AdwR3G4vG7Da4XLKpY2-uZw/s400/DSC00332.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381343189835281042" /></a><br /><br />I spent the last week finishing training in the Udari Range in Western Kuwait. The training was very much the same as at Fort Jackson with the exception of the scenery and temperature (122 F). <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBqnW12xFDy9XoW_JkDETlwdgAQ4bf5s4rSRzTYPhyr9Os3uYl8moAoPf8i1FEFc9OZ6ryGYA2o8mwVglNZ3TUMa_qmd2vBbXuvMaHktMC6h1R6z4Rju7OUgL2bhSjjxj9dg4hplu_ZE/s1600-h/DSC00337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBqnW12xFDy9XoW_JkDETlwdgAQ4bf5s4rSRzTYPhyr9Os3uYl8moAoPf8i1FEFc9OZ6ryGYA2o8mwVglNZ3TUMa_qmd2vBbXuvMaHktMC6h1R6z4Rju7OUgL2bhSjjxj9dg4hplu_ZE/s400/DSC00337.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381521773857649970" /></a><br /><br />Convoy Practice.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0psFFwHyCWJMk3I_sRU0IZx2kTsBl4WmtSDlAJ5Twj-kBjEWt-L5ys0pIct16FEhcjFKljVLJNVZmYcQ8dO18gda5IapD5Qyd63ZeuKkRF58Gdlt-mGjoHV4indjyPG4owW6rPrfnc0E/s1600-h/DSC00330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0psFFwHyCWJMk3I_sRU0IZx2kTsBl4WmtSDlAJ5Twj-kBjEWt-L5ys0pIct16FEhcjFKljVLJNVZmYcQ8dO18gda5IapD5Qyd63ZeuKkRF58Gdlt-mGjoHV4indjyPG4owW6rPrfnc0E/s400/DSC00330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381521786714424690" /></a><br /><br />The facilities at Udari are very limited. All Hands share a common tent, no cots, porta potties for the head, no running water and my favorite MREs. This is a pic of our living arrangements, a cross between a slumber party and junior high summer camp.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtN_Ap8d0sKc_jWnmwsnhSeAMpEegQb0telX6Ef7jv-P8WOz4Rzr1LdbW3C3PbZyEQGoMXfDbpBaOhvGi_EyrrrK9plIPjLjiCxEIk0_oCS89r2JnOdd83eGu-vw_YuapZ3s0PEf1AVU/s1600-h/DSC00335.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtN_Ap8d0sKc_jWnmwsnhSeAMpEegQb0telX6Ef7jv-P8WOz4Rzr1LdbW3C3PbZyEQGoMXfDbpBaOhvGi_EyrrrK9plIPjLjiCxEIk0_oCS89r2JnOdd83eGu-vw_YuapZ3s0PEf1AVU/s400/DSC00335.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381521764161599602" /></a><br /><br />Convoy back to my awaiting C-17.<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-49487887410435784532009-09-07T01:16:00.006-04:002009-09-07T01:43:09.822-04:00StuckToday, I spent most of the morning learning how to drive off road in my Hummvee. (I actually already know how to drive off road, but the Narmy said I needed the course.)<br /><br />Things were going great until we got stuck in the soft sand...and that is when we broke the front drive shaft.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj307D2muybZlne9xpIb-dZZ-w5vBGvxSzfRRVon6yUNM6dXlR6B6oGAhnQ1mfVftTh2y7_vAix5BgHlx2_D7KFwVinxEn7yQ26Oi8BDHzHdW6dbyB81nceUczBDUWsOEyauTmrGL9eAw4/s1600-h/DSC00328.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj307D2muybZlne9xpIb-dZZ-w5vBGvxSzfRRVon6yUNM6dXlR6B6oGAhnQ1mfVftTh2y7_vAix5BgHlx2_D7KFwVinxEn7yQ26Oi8BDHzHdW6dbyB81nceUczBDUWsOEyauTmrGL9eAw4/s400/DSC00328.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378593029138025922" /></a><br /><br />All of which led to our morning hike in the desert.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUw6pAtXYhW-pwsDSJJWPfTZLLJB87CywqpeBHjG_3Iu8-q8UGrNf8I2o8vUuOnx-iC5jXJL_ps0WIhFMXhptzJgxh8SdMjE0iXyWVbjt0r1WLeyCQG9rEeQrcPc10qNuGfpjy09fdhoo/s1600-h/DSC00329.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUw6pAtXYhW-pwsDSJJWPfTZLLJB87CywqpeBHjG_3Iu8-q8UGrNf8I2o8vUuOnx-iC5jXJL_ps0WIhFMXhptzJgxh8SdMjE0iXyWVbjt0r1WLeyCQG9rEeQrcPc10qNuGfpjy09fdhoo/s400/DSC00329.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378595762191458530" /></a><br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-73402555511321024992009-09-06T07:23:00.011-04:002009-09-07T01:06:12.776-04:00Boots on the Ground<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaWeT3pklJ9K3FwzrRhaV8p3EGhb0msWBabqEvWYVkY83FhkdMDaR9zjw3wmQ2mqj7Yl6FLSOaNSStjM-FqOZn-YFIH8NoQO063Dy2Asboxw5hzaPYTNoBNQ7xpJok3PovwjsJTNjaJg/s1600-h/DSC00325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaWeT3pklJ9K3FwzrRhaV8p3EGhb0msWBabqEvWYVkY83FhkdMDaR9zjw3wmQ2mqj7Yl6FLSOaNSStjM-FqOZn-YFIH8NoQO063Dy2Asboxw5hzaPYTNoBNQ7xpJok3PovwjsJTNjaJg/s400/DSC00325.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378321092950757138" /></a><br /><br />This past week has been a busy one. Friday, Alpha Company, 1st Platoon, packed our sea bags, said another round of goodbyes and took the traditional platoon photo in front of a Fort Jackson ILAV (Iraq Light Armored Vehicle).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8cOtz6nw2UBpVj5nSjyvSrkJUE85-oylnJwOvpCbqloP1op46I2jPzNv9F0ejTSNGgUtt8xEETZF78JPkpFcmtFxiEQvGdIqKspgStbZ0oJKweWGM4IsZvFJDUe-72zsdlzQWJGJXTo/s1600-h/DSC00309.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8cOtz6nw2UBpVj5nSjyvSrkJUE85-oylnJwOvpCbqloP1op46I2jPzNv9F0ejTSNGgUtt8xEETZF78JPkpFcmtFxiEQvGdIqKspgStbZ0oJKweWGM4IsZvFJDUe-72zsdlzQWJGJXTo/s400/DSC00309.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378579794953694162" /></a><br /><br />We left Fort Jackson/Camp McCrady and well over a hundred civilians (mostly veterans and civic group members) were there to see us off. We flew a charter (World Airways) DC-10 and stopped in Bangor, Maine where another hundred or so civilians were there to shake our hands. It is pretty humbling when so many people take time out of their lives to wish you well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_FOMosTTLLPISqylzWw3Z3HMjLKCpKCT2kZoqre9cOEebSN0fWZoL_OcUWhSCvDbkwmzpDsPpUE2QVDxrh8xNlNe1lln1o3H4BJz8pfvxWFvIQBmMhqUV1qm8B3fUeCq2qBgTtKKcoc/s1600-h/DSC00318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_FOMosTTLLPISqylzWw3Z3HMjLKCpKCT2kZoqre9cOEebSN0fWZoL_OcUWhSCvDbkwmzpDsPpUE2QVDxrh8xNlNe1lln1o3H4BJz8pfvxWFvIQBmMhqUV1qm8B3fUeCq2qBgTtKKcoc/s400/DSC00318.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378581649684419810" /></a><br /><br />After our brief stop in Maine, we flew translant. Along the way we over flew Scotland unfortunately, we were at 30,000 feet. Hopefully, someday I'll get a better look. After a short stop in Germany, we landed in Kuwait. I will be in Kuwait for the last of my Narmy education, mostly weapons and convoy related training. Camp Virginia, Kuwait is dry, sandy, and very hot. It's like Phoenix or Hell (both very similar) without the air conditioning. <br /> <br />This is my hooch (Tent, General Purpose, Medium) for the next little while.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBToM7RM3XL1Ht4hQT-Aw5m5Pd3G4sH9yP8KvzTo2KKv7aktMLbg4rgKqZBds_4lzOb4ZHhibGg8xkpi3Xnd3KQ1O8G7edPv2stQik9E5evAuLcwYmSXctY4usfoiyNhSL5R_sxvI4EoY/s1600-h/DSC00321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBToM7RM3XL1Ht4hQT-Aw5m5Pd3G4sH9yP8KvzTo2KKv7aktMLbg4rgKqZBds_4lzOb4ZHhibGg8xkpi3Xnd3KQ1O8G7edPv2stQik9E5evAuLcwYmSXctY4usfoiyNhSL5R_sxvI4EoY/s400/DSC00321.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378585505158535090" /></a><br /><br />View of my "street" on Camp Virginia.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAZ_782N8cWpoCKgElna_QvBPP40chAnfoD4OgqLuI3tX5Ns_ydVyc8sZTj0oye0ib6l30q9TKOeyjFjwkeK6fSz2fd1seE01n4vRa3qThQjyczAqThKf9La7Wn-NJA9EfifBYfoxi90/s1600-h/DSC00322.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAZ_782N8cWpoCKgElna_QvBPP40chAnfoD4OgqLuI3tX5Ns_ydVyc8sZTj0oye0ib6l30q9TKOeyjFjwkeK6fSz2fd1seE01n4vRa3qThQjyczAqThKf9La7Wn-NJA9EfifBYfoxi90/s400/DSC00322.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378586901837740274" /></a><br /><br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-83340292173968922542009-08-30T19:39:00.005-04:002009-08-30T20:08:42.916-04:00Get Some!In Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket", the helo door gunner yelled "get some" as he gunned down VC in a rice paddy as his helo flew over. Gunner's have been yelling "get some" ever since. While my preferred target is Taliban/Al-Qaida, this week I was able to shoot at milspec silhouettes, old decommissioned tanks and a broken-down deuce and a half truck. Civilians pay good money to do this at the Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot every year. Uncle Sam lets me do it for free.<br /><br />Highland Sailor and the M249 - 5.56 Nato Light Machine Gun<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5N6I5-ijAWVmNxDJ_3tvFNcLZBsZNPvjgTHULXod2B8C51oDSH4Ahkl_wweDJOyxUhZwE-K0iW-QbWRrRh3BAHLCH0-WQJY-2_ZOZWc0svzpdvqzMxpqYXjPT0TCtk9GLh9Xqha0SRg/s1600-h/m249.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5N6I5-ijAWVmNxDJ_3tvFNcLZBsZNPvjgTHULXod2B8C51oDSH4Ahkl_wweDJOyxUhZwE-K0iW-QbWRrRh3BAHLCH0-WQJY-2_ZOZWc0svzpdvqzMxpqYXjPT0TCtk9GLh9Xqha0SRg/s400/m249.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375909611486488770" /></a><br /><br /><br />Highland Sailor and the M240 - 7.62 Nato Medium Machine Gun in Turret Mock Up<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93o9bnhh8R-r6yewWX1OXeeaX1V8lM8ki4kVKUb0jJMEi06SXCvtJf_pNExBL3tBcOhuUqqjCQHWPGPRNXH1LoCy-19VFaBBTwkImDqHHTNWvSAzfmyVwVMFQPMjjCKiz1RrN5jtQEXw/s1600-h/m240.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93o9bnhh8R-r6yewWX1OXeeaX1V8lM8ki4kVKUb0jJMEi06SXCvtJf_pNExBL3tBcOhuUqqjCQHWPGPRNXH1LoCy-19VFaBBTwkImDqHHTNWvSAzfmyVwVMFQPMjjCKiz1RrN5jtQEXw/s400/m240.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375910285756549874" /></a><br /><br />Highland Sailor and the M2 (Ma Deuce) - .50BMG Heavy Machine Gun<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8ZZQdtjpnjnoGu29XNm_imN6P1j1GqBM8kw3o_jbqx_UkOP04qHEpAgNanO23IFYDKIrl9fpVYjT9E7VPETFz8_IJLodHRUdp4g99qHJPmON5rf29zqsQBYD1jhAWUvCdd_RPaHPKwA/s1600-h/m2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8ZZQdtjpnjnoGu29XNm_imN6P1j1GqBM8kw3o_jbqx_UkOP04qHEpAgNanO23IFYDKIrl9fpVYjT9E7VPETFz8_IJLodHRUdp4g99qHJPmON5rf29zqsQBYD1jhAWUvCdd_RPaHPKwA/s400/m2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375911520435698162" /></a><br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-12343391056906951102009-08-23T17:08:00.015-04:002009-08-24T11:36:00.719-04:00NIACT UpdateThis past week was a busy one at Camp McCrady.<br />Alpha Company started the week with our Navy Individual Augment Combat Training (NIACT) Check In Brief and Gear Issue (4 sea bags of stuff, 2 of which I have been told I'll never use.) We also had our weapons issued (M16 A2 Rifle & M9 Pistol) and then spent some time learning how to assemble our IBAs (Individual Body Armor). <br /><br />Later, we completed Basic and Advance Rifle Marksmanship Training, Combat First Aid Course, Heat Stress Training and Communication (aka Radio) Training. The Rifle Training was very good, the other training not so much.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyPbeSJMKQuFEnZcw9ujVFMwO4zcfyvXxydnrZh0GhtqOsZLNEYV6t5I0Aremd2GnJ4DirCKA6JAmS4M6wBNKgQbvoIJlxm4TJP3sIQ2NiA4REopok5wTWhljsh7Bd6Ri7dVpy1krV7g/s1600-h/DSC00286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyPbeSJMKQuFEnZcw9ujVFMwO4zcfyvXxydnrZh0GhtqOsZLNEYV6t5I0Aremd2GnJ4DirCKA6JAmS4M6wBNKgQbvoIJlxm4TJP3sIQ2NiA4REopok5wTWhljsh7Bd6Ri7dVpy1krV7g/s400/DSC00286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373275583800521986" /></a><br /><br />HMMWV (Humvee) Convoy Intro and Practice was fun for the first five minutes then the novelty wore off. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmQV6uW4KbYa-HwjCA6ALnB8r1W4R0Tc6gFbSed9_nZFrslzad7V4xySakaQfp45ELVtWi3AhHot5UULc4c0dPmC6jIeFUK3XBlR6F1cBabC4vSI21MkOs6Tg_qtbxdBbTr-sykZ8fKw/s1600-h/DSC00291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmQV6uW4KbYa-HwjCA6ALnB8r1W4R0Tc6gFbSed9_nZFrslzad7V4xySakaQfp45ELVtWi3AhHot5UULc4c0dPmC6jIeFUK3XBlR6F1cBabC4vSI21MkOs6Tg_qtbxdBbTr-sykZ8fKw/s400/DSC00291.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373276156540555378" /></a><br /><br />After the HMMWV Training it was time to "Zero" the M16 Rifle. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3C-t0X0olJYBaMhZAUgCNEfDbb-O_F4OVO2J-pJJSTKsSjMwal5I8xQilVqKU2fKFWw4Ijrw8fMp14Lr6ovakTYoJDcpl0iMu6RXA6f_go-Tn0UYM6kdwLRqhoD9rcm1_NeBVPpIz9o/s1600-h/DSC00293.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3C-t0X0olJYBaMhZAUgCNEfDbb-O_F4OVO2J-pJJSTKsSjMwal5I8xQilVqKU2fKFWw4Ijrw8fMp14Lr6ovakTYoJDcpl0iMu6RXA6f_go-Tn0UYM6kdwLRqhoD9rcm1_NeBVPpIz9o/s400/DSC00293.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373277406810493042" /></a><br /><br />We shot a lot of ammo during our M16 Practice session. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXhKo7UTu3uT3ce84HAIsCZQ6_HOuqY2A45qte2NTfzrm3PAVFAmcE4UVwiCZkke1xjXHCj4IDW2bw6FrR7h7yKsoy02QerbatZOddRl1q0QrNS7Emb_nAGkGOkdHEZyGGSOg-2FiJxU/s1600-h/DSC00296.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXhKo7UTu3uT3ce84HAIsCZQ6_HOuqY2A45qte2NTfzrm3PAVFAmcE4UVwiCZkke1xjXHCj4IDW2bw6FrR7h7yKsoy02QerbatZOddRl1q0QrNS7Emb_nAGkGOkdHEZyGGSOg-2FiJxU/s400/DSC00296.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373274892069465762" /></a><br /><br />As busy as Alpha Company was, we also became well acquainted with the Army term "Hurry Up and Wait.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5LdslQA4JJKQ_o2kYl7nmSQmmE-hptLh9cJkH_Ejwc2G8eA0YNqg3pOGwZY4Nf9bw0gPM4tW2JzN5zI8W7_9q_xCGoYPEaBEe7VmXwA_LVpebRNNUWhtF-mfkVDxdPg_2deBflj5Syk/s1600-h/DSC00284.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5LdslQA4JJKQ_o2kYl7nmSQmmE-hptLh9cJkH_Ejwc2G8eA0YNqg3pOGwZY4Nf9bw0gPM4tW2JzN5zI8W7_9q_xCGoYPEaBEe7VmXwA_LVpebRNNUWhtF-mfkVDxdPg_2deBflj5Syk/s400/DSC00284.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373278259903122738" /></a><br /><br />It is tradition that every time I go to sea, I grow a "Deployment Mustache". Here is a very sweaty, four day old one. <br /><br />All in all this has been a good week. Very long, hot days but definitely worth while. Alpha Company's Drill Sergeants are great and are more than willing to help us as we learn to put our boots on the ground.<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-81459010192455054982009-08-23T10:54:00.003-04:002009-08-23T11:03:50.245-04:00Birthday Dinner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL-X7U8IKk81bPyqXOjMieetP6H46iH0D3cwCIF0QRVZvZIXCwHZIU70quC8n2yNjyP1ZXtInMAXG46Lj9w7egAshHaa_OU_BbaOfTc6Z5g31-_fg5Qxp2trqFt04dNylMsZ81dBeWSM/s1600-h/DSC00294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL-X7U8IKk81bPyqXOjMieetP6H46iH0D3cwCIF0QRVZvZIXCwHZIU70quC8n2yNjyP1ZXtInMAXG46Lj9w7egAshHaa_OU_BbaOfTc6Z5g31-_fg5Qxp2trqFt04dNylMsZ81dBeWSM/s400/DSC00294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373174198899176594" /></a><br />Every year my wife takes me out to my favorite restaurant or makes one of my favorite meals for my birthday. This year Uncle Sam had the honor, Veggie Burger in Barbecue Sauce MRE...Yum. Honestly, the package would probably taste better. <br /><br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-49514154258741742272009-08-16T10:26:00.004-04:002009-08-16T10:40:49.696-04:00Arrived: Camp McCradyI made it to Camp McCrady located on Fort Jackson, SC. <br /><br />A few posts ago I stated I was going to sit around San Diego (SD) until my flight to SC…Rather than sit around the barracks in SD, I decided to take 6 days leave. I flew home to Florida and spent some time with the family. After my leave the pace of the events started to quicken, I flew back to SD and two days later I flew a military hop back to the east coast.<br /><br />My training unit arrived in our barracks and unpacked our sea bags, ready to call this open bay home for the next three weeks. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzSL0SETo6wMl_a5-9X4oTjFPOYdeZOLWURIBkISS7u7_8OFvfF3m06R71fyAv9xOsEgzJpb6uOjeGhZETljY0cGO8fDmKH3A4PjqVfaPvktHd8_zUQ5eb29JqcpA_ffd7Z5dkRsIKMk/s1600-h/barracks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzSL0SETo6wMl_a5-9X4oTjFPOYdeZOLWURIBkISS7u7_8OFvfF3m06R71fyAv9xOsEgzJpb6uOjeGhZETljY0cGO8fDmKH3A4PjqVfaPvktHd8_zUQ5eb29JqcpA_ffd7Z5dkRsIKMk/s400/barracks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370570978225579906" /></a><br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-7615182492726170622009-08-06T10:24:00.001-04:002009-08-06T10:33:13.609-04:00NArmyA few of my civilian friends have asked, “What is the NArmy?” Having assumed everyone knew what the NArmy was I did not provide a definition of the word, and for that I apologize.<br /><br />The NArmy is simply a word merge of the words Navy and Army. Sailors who are assigned to the Army are considered to be part of the NArmy. Sailors in the NArmy are considered ”Sailders” (Sail-jer) again a word merge of Sailor and solider.<br /><br />There are currently 12,000 Sailders in the US NArmy serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the Horn of Africa.<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell! Hooah!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-76594859944071993142009-07-30T15:07:00.002-04:002009-07-30T15:14:20.017-04:00Good To Go!CENTCOM Medical stated no waiver is required and that I am good to go medically...so I guess I'll just sit back and enjoy sunny San Diego for a couple of weeks (until the next group of IAs fly to FT Jackson to finish training.) <br /><br />The only question now is Alberto's or Santana's for dinner?<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-8230548770507541462009-07-27T19:04:00.003-04:002009-07-27T19:14:20.659-04:00NMPS/ECRC San DiegoJust a quick update...I am in San Diego on temporary medical hold awaiting a medical waiver from CENTCOM Medical. I will fill in the details later. <br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-76958964466474603442009-06-25T20:44:00.001-04:002009-06-25T20:47:33.722-04:00Checked OutThis morning, I officially transferred from my Southeast Region Command [which I will not disclose due to OPSEC]. It is a great command and I will honestly miss the people who I worked with everyday. I will be on leave until mid July then I’ll report to NMPS and ECRC San Diego for processing and then transfer to Camp McCrady/Fort Jackson for training. Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-73450738699262789632009-06-08T09:05:00.001-04:002009-06-08T09:08:28.850-04:00ECRC ChecklistA while back I mentioned that I was working on my ECRC Checklist. I finished it and now I am ready to start it all over again. The good folks at the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC) have changed their mandatory checklist for the third time since I was ordered to Afghanistan. This in itself would not be so bad, but they keep changing what information is required. Hopefully, third times a charm.<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-50968454685128727592009-05-27T09:52:00.000-04:002009-05-27T09:53:35.832-04:00USO GirlsCaroline and Jamie over at USO Girls are at it again…this time they are putting together travel pillows for the lads and lassies headed to the sand box. If you sew and have a few extra hours they would really appreciate your help. <br /><br />I really appreciate all the work they do for the USO and for pimping out Jamie for the Defenders of Freedom organization. If you are ever in Dallas, let them know we all appreciate them.<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098159785455088962.post-29541701167280398612009-05-26T08:24:00.003-04:002009-05-26T09:19:54.209-04:00Linked on Other BlogsWow! I am now listed at <a href="http://afghanistan-analyst.org/blogs.aspx">http://afghanistan-analyst.org/blogs.aspx</a>. and at <a href="http://navyaugmentee.blogspot.com/">http://navyaugmentee.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />I only started blogging 24 days ago and have already been listed by "The Navy Augmentee" and "The Afghanistan Analyst: An Online Resource for Researching Afghanistan" websites. Check them out, they have a quite a few links to some great websites and blogs.<br /><br />Here is the latest: I still have 30 days until I transfer, until then I am working full time on my ECRC Checklist. (ECRC Checklist is used to verify personal data, next of kin info, and that all prerequisites such as medical, dental, legal, and required training are complete. )<br /><br />Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell!Highland Sailorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052787033750936625noreply@blogger.com0