Who am I?

I guess some people may be reading this and wondering just who the heck am I. Well, all of you know my name or you wouldn't even be here. I joined the Navy my Senior of high school. I lived on a farm with my grandfather and had no idea what I was going to do after school. I knew I didn't want to go to college right away, as I hated being stuck in a classroom. I always wanted to be outside doing something else. I tried the Air Force and the Army but neither wanted to take me because I was such a trouble maker. As I am leaving the Air Force office somewhat broken hearted, I saw this big fat guy in a black uniform standing outside smoking a cig. He asked me if I wanted to join. Next thing I know, I am getting writtem prmission from my mother and off to boot camp I went.

I got out in 1996 and did some time with various Law Enforcement agencies. I always wanted to be a cop. I guess my 4 years in the Navy institutionalized me because I couldn't stay out too long. The year 2000 rolled around and I needed something more steady than working for the Sheriff who was about to be unelected so back to the Navy I went. I did a few years in the Army Reserves and found out really quick that I didn't want to be in that branch of service.

Well, a few schools, duty stations and years later; here I am. I am an E-6 and for those of you who have dabbled in the finest service in the military, I am a Master At Arms First Class Petty Officer. I am also a Protective Services Specialist, Range Master and Criminal Investigator. I am up for E-7 this year which is a Chief Petty Officer. I have already been approved to be screened by the Selection Board. I am simply at their mercy. Results will be out in August. I got some fingers and toes crossed.

I have a beautiful wife named Aishia and two great boys. Jason who just turned 4 and Jacob who just turned 2. I really miss all of them but Aishia is doing a great job at holding things together. There is no way in the world I could have a military career without her. Military wives have a thankless job. I certainly wouldn't want to do it.

Getting back into the swing of life in Iraq

I have great work hours while I am here at the Embassy. Go in at 2pm and get off by 10pm. I have all morning to work out in the gym or go on visits around the IZ (International Zone). I woke up this morning and walked around the compound to see if anything has changed. Just a few more potholes around the place. As I decide it is WAY too hot to be walking around, I head back to my trailer. Just as I am about to step on the porch, I heard a woosh and explosion overhead. I guess Joe Rag Towel Head in his multi colored man dress snuck a mortar round in on us. No one was hurt and no damage other than the guy next to me diving into the rocks. New guys...Jeez... There is a way you can tell if it is on it's way to you or if it is going somewhere else. Of course I won't share that secret here, but it works. The guy in the rocks knows the method now.

You have to wonder what would make someone want to tear up their own country and kill their own people. I can't imagine being so fanatical about religion it driving me to kill someone because they have a slightly different belief. I was raised in the Episcopal church. When the Baptist missionaries or the Jehovia's Witnesses come knocking on my door when I am sitting down at the dinner table, I may want to kick them in the pants but not kill them. We all know they are fanatical about some beliefs. (I wonder if you can dance at Samford) I just can't imagine taking the life of a father or mother or child just because they do not share my beliefs. Maybe I should go home, blow it up, burn my yard and tear up my cars so the tax collector will stay away.

The beginning.....

Well, I received notice I was coming back to Iraq in January of this year. Happy about it? Does a horse drink wine? But, it's the job I took an oath and swore to do. So, here I am dressed up in those new high speed US Army funny looking combo green and grey uniforms sitting back in a place I hoped I wouldn't have to come back to so quickly. I am proud to see the achievements that have taken place since I left. Of course you wouldn't know about the good by watching the Communist News Network (CNN). If it isn't bad news, it isn't a story.

I am getting off track. So I show up at Ft Jackson, SC for basic combat training on March 25th. Combat training? Who the hell needs that? I've been there, done that and have a couple of t-shirts and a combat action ribbon to prove it. None the less, Big Navy thought they should create a training program for all sailors deploying from their parent commands. Ok, the first day at Ft jackson I stepped on a rock and busted my ankle pretty bad. I won't go into the whole medical explanation, but it hurt like....well, it just hurt. I completed my first four days of training on crutches. Does that make me tough? Nope, rather stupid but who wants to go home and come back just in time to sing Jingle Bells with Mohammad Ahkbar in his towel and man dress.

I make it through training and get to Kuwait only to find out I have MORE damn trianing. This time we are doing advanced convoy training. Great stuff....I loved it, but once again..Been there and done that. Even got a Humvee Driver's License to prove that one.
I spent four days desert of Kuwait, eating those great tasting MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) and sleeping on the roof of mu Hummer. Yep....The rats can't climb on the roof. No showers either. The only thing I can say about 32 people bunched together for 4 days without a shower is EWWW!

Well, I finally made it to Baghdad and I am getting settled down in my home for the next 6 months. Anyone know where I can buy coat hangers over here?

Man, I can't believe I am back again!

After being here at the US Embassy in Baghdad only 3 days, I should start off with a disclaimer. This disclaimer shall cover any and all posts from this day forward. Everyone is my witness.

Ok, here goes.....

The views expressed in this blog are just that; Simply views. These are only the views and opinions of me and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of The President of the United States of America, The Department of Defense, The Department of the Army, The Department of the Navy, Detainee Operations TF 134, The Central Criminal Court of Iraq or any of it's employees.