Dang, I forgot how much I hate moving (and all the dust that gets stirred up when you pull out things you can't bear to throw out, just so you can pack them away safely to repeat the process sometime in the future, if only so you can look at them once or twice a year for memory's sake)...
The crazy things people attach sentimental value to, or lug around with them to "sort through when I have time." There's never time!!!
I find myself looking forward to the long flight and the 12 hour shifts I'll be working in the sandbox, just knowing I'll get some "down time" for a change with no major errands to run when I'm "off the clock" other than dropping off laundry and picking it up.
We've got most of the apartment packed, but still a ways to go. I've hired some help to load the truck on Sunday in hopes of speeding our departure and hitting the road at a decent hour. If they're late/don't get done at a decent hour, well, at least we won't be as exhausted before heading out for the long drive (we hope)...
I still have some paperwork to do, but that shouldn't be too difficult once I wrap my brain around the concept of doing something other than putting my stuff in boxes to await my return. It sucks knowing that I'll be carrying everything I'm taking with me on my back in just a couple short weeks, but on the bright side, I've got it a million times better than my great grandfather- aside from my better, modern, gear (sans Enfield rifle) and an enemy who can't aim worth a crap, I'll hopefully have a laptop loaded with pictures of family, pets, music, "literature," and the ability to reach home near real-time. So, while things are no doubt going to be difficult, they could be a lot worse... they are in fact not that bad when you put it in perspective!
There's a fine line between trying to pack everything you might need, and being paranoid to the point of weighing yourself down with all sorts of crap- so far, if it looks useful, it's gone in a box marked "Iraq" for me to sort out later. Between the list of mandatory things to take, some people's helpful suggestions, and my own gear, I've "filled" the box. Compression sacks/vacuum bags are going to come in handy making more room (and cutting bounce and rattle), especially with all the mandatory winter gear (but no help with eliminating weight)- so once I get a chance, I'll go through everything one more time and eliminate every excess ounce I can (note to self: ditch big full shaving cream can for travel-sized). At some point you've got to say enough is enough when you have to lug 2 duffels, a loaded"go-bag" (backpack), and a laptop who knows how far. Sure, you can "suck it up and drive on" (been there, done that) but there's no point wearing yourself out .
I've got a couple posts "in draft" to publish, but other than that I'm just doing everything I can to make sure I tie up all the loose ends and accomplish everything I need to so my wife can have as easy a time as possible with me on the other side of the globe for at least a year...
I wish I had more time to get things done and hang out with the friends I've made, and spend quality time with family- but they said they need me ASAP, so I'll just be thankful for the time I've got!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Troll Thread!!! Help me share the truth with this guy!
disinter said...
"I know this is a bitter pill for some to swallow, but it must be said over and over again until people get it: Bush the decider in chief can call for war all he wants, but it is the soldiers in the U.S. military that are doing the actual bombing and killing. Look at what is happening in Pakistan. Musharraf couldn't do a thing what the support of his thugs in the military. But why is it that Americans are horrified about what the military does in Pakistan but not horrified about what the U.S. military does in Iraq? The war and future occupation of Iraq would not be possible without the 180,000 plus Americans that keep joining the military every year. This is what must be stopped.http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/016714.html "
--------------------------------
My Reply:
November 8, 2007 11:45 AM
falcon_01 said...
YOU are the bitter pill because you're a suppository. The troops you are so quick to malign, myself included, bring freedom from tyranny!
Look, here's some GOOD news about GOOD things in Iraq that wouldn't have been possible without the troops: http://instapundit.com/archives2/011413.php
Troops kill bad guys who want to take away YOUR freedoms to say such stupid things. That should be phrased easily enough for you to understand!That's right! Those evil murderous troops are protecting your lousy bum by bombing and killing bad guys.
Look up http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/ for some truth about what we are up against.
Yes, war is an awful thing, but it's better than caving in to violent oppression, or leaving those people desiring freedom to be SLAUGHTERED the minute we leave. We're giving them the tools they need to survive on their own and have freedom.
Fighting an insurgency takes more time than your short attention span can manage, but it needs done right, or good people get murdered when we leave early because people like you demand we leave early. It's a sick reality I hope and pray you'll open your eyes to.
I don't care what reason we went in there for- it's in the past and not changeable. Right or wrong, what's done is done- we need to fix the situation by supporting the people of Iraq on their hard path to freedom. Abandoning them without cleaning up our mess will result in their death. You and your kind would be responsible, but you'd be pointing the finger at the troops again for not doing a good enough job when you were witholding resources and pulling us out early!
"I know this is a bitter pill for some to swallow, but it must be said over and over again until people get it: Bush the decider in chief can call for war all he wants, but it is the soldiers in the U.S. military that are doing the actual bombing and killing. Look at what is happening in Pakistan. Musharraf couldn't do a thing what the support of his thugs in the military. But why is it that Americans are horrified about what the military does in Pakistan but not horrified about what the U.S. military does in Iraq? The war and future occupation of Iraq would not be possible without the 180,000 plus Americans that keep joining the military every year. This is what must be stopped.http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/016714.html "
--------------------------------
My Reply:
November 8, 2007 11:45 AM
falcon_01 said...
YOU are the bitter pill because you're a suppository. The troops you are so quick to malign, myself included, bring freedom from tyranny!
Look, here's some GOOD news about GOOD things in Iraq that wouldn't have been possible without the troops: http://instapundit.com/archives2/011413.php
Troops kill bad guys who want to take away YOUR freedoms to say such stupid things. That should be phrased easily enough for you to understand!That's right! Those evil murderous troops are protecting your lousy bum by bombing and killing bad guys.
Look up http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/ for some truth about what we are up against.
Yes, war is an awful thing, but it's better than caving in to violent oppression, or leaving those people desiring freedom to be SLAUGHTERED the minute we leave. We're giving them the tools they need to survive on their own and have freedom.
Fighting an insurgency takes more time than your short attention span can manage, but it needs done right, or good people get murdered when we leave early because people like you demand we leave early. It's a sick reality I hope and pray you'll open your eyes to.
I don't care what reason we went in there for- it's in the past and not changeable. Right or wrong, what's done is done- we need to fix the situation by supporting the people of Iraq on their hard path to freedom. Abandoning them without cleaning up our mess will result in their death. You and your kind would be responsible, but you'd be pointing the finger at the troops again for not doing a good enough job when you were witholding resources and pulling us out early!
TSA- They Screwed up Again!
Almost 2 Dozen Illegals with fake badges working at O'Hare International Airport.
I'd like to note that this takes place after TSA tells me I'm not qualified to manage security at a relatively small airport, (after I identified ways to beef up security without harassing people, and ensure those working there were legit... which would have kept this garbage from happening).
I got a much better job offer from the Air Force that I unfortunately had to put on the back burner for a year or two while I'm in Iraq working for the Army... My orders state that I'm "mission essential" to OIF. Maybe they see something in me that TSA overlooked... then again TSA seems to overlook a LOT of things (employees not badging in, criminal illegals with fake badges- no doubt just here for the jobs, fake bombs, the scary islamic dude they have working security and stopping only nuns, etc). Yeah, I'm not PC, but I get the job done right.
Sure, they were here for the jobs, living the American Dream (that is, if smuggling who-knows-what is the American Dream)! DEEEEEEEPORT!
I'd like to note that this takes place after TSA tells me I'm not qualified to manage security at a relatively small airport, (after I identified ways to beef up security without harassing people, and ensure those working there were legit... which would have kept this garbage from happening).
I got a much better job offer from the Air Force that I unfortunately had to put on the back burner for a year or two while I'm in Iraq working for the Army... My orders state that I'm "mission essential" to OIF. Maybe they see something in me that TSA overlooked... then again TSA seems to overlook a LOT of things (employees not badging in, criminal illegals with fake badges- no doubt just here for the jobs, fake bombs, the scary islamic dude they have working security and stopping only nuns, etc). Yeah, I'm not PC, but I get the job done right.
Sure, they were here for the jobs, living the American Dream (that is, if smuggling who-knows-what is the American Dream)! DEEEEEEEPORT!
Of "Mercenary"/ Contractor Pay/Status
I was looking for family support services for contractors deployed to Iraq and didn't find much.
What I did find was apalling in that it's mainly moonbat attacks against contractors being evil money-grubbing mercenaries.
Let me set the record straight, yes, the pay is better than we got in the military. The key word there is military. We've already signed our lives away at some point- were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice doing the jobs others wouldn't step forward to do- and survived. Unless you've got some vital experience or military training and discipline, chances are you aren't going to wind up a defense contractor. When we leave the military, our options are often slim, "society" thinks they don't need us anymore, and we lose the level of trust and responsibility we once had.
Everyone knows the military (benefits aside) doesn't pay much for what it asks of you (whether you sit in the office or serve on the front, you placed the needs of the country above yours meaning you could be sent anywhere, anytime, to do anything), and when you get out, yes, you have the ability to put your military service on your resume. Most of America doesn't know what that means, and sadly many don't care.
Officers make more than enlisted, but it still doesn't compare to the civilian sector of the outside world. Working as a contractor is often only way to again put our unique skills to use and begin to make up for what we weren't able to earn while in uniform. It helps us provide for our families, pay for a medical procedure the VA won't cover, or anything else we want to do because this is a free country because of the fact people wore the uniform, so don't look down on our continued service. Plainly: Even though we're not wearing the uniform and we're getting paid more, we're still dedicated professionals, and still serving!
So don't look at contractors as dirty- ignore the media. We're mostly veterans who still have something to contribute, and are getting paid for it. The left is so fast to give away hard-earned tax-dollars to illegal criminals, but never thinks about the Americans sticking their necks out to make sure this nation continues to exist. What does it matter if I make a little more money now? This is a free country and I'm still contributing to the system- definitely more than most of those mooching off of the hard work of others and griping without doing anything to make this country better (but have the nerve to march in the streets calling for more dead troops)!
Keep another thing in mind- our oaths never expire, so while we may somehow be serving corporate interests by working on a particular contract in support of the U.S. government or multinational forces, our duty is still to the Constitution.
What I did find was apalling in that it's mainly moonbat attacks against contractors being evil money-grubbing mercenaries.
Let me set the record straight, yes, the pay is better than we got in the military. The key word there is military. We've already signed our lives away at some point- were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice doing the jobs others wouldn't step forward to do- and survived. Unless you've got some vital experience or military training and discipline, chances are you aren't going to wind up a defense contractor. When we leave the military, our options are often slim, "society" thinks they don't need us anymore, and we lose the level of trust and responsibility we once had.
Everyone knows the military (benefits aside) doesn't pay much for what it asks of you (whether you sit in the office or serve on the front, you placed the needs of the country above yours meaning you could be sent anywhere, anytime, to do anything), and when you get out, yes, you have the ability to put your military service on your resume. Most of America doesn't know what that means, and sadly many don't care.
Officers make more than enlisted, but it still doesn't compare to the civilian sector of the outside world. Working as a contractor is often only way to again put our unique skills to use and begin to make up for what we weren't able to earn while in uniform. It helps us provide for our families, pay for a medical procedure the VA won't cover, or anything else we want to do because this is a free country because of the fact people wore the uniform, so don't look down on our continued service. Plainly: Even though we're not wearing the uniform and we're getting paid more, we're still dedicated professionals, and still serving!
So don't look at contractors as dirty- ignore the media. We're mostly veterans who still have something to contribute, and are getting paid for it. The left is so fast to give away hard-earned tax-dollars to illegal criminals, but never thinks about the Americans sticking their necks out to make sure this nation continues to exist. What does it matter if I make a little more money now? This is a free country and I'm still contributing to the system- definitely more than most of those mooching off of the hard work of others and griping without doing anything to make this country better (but have the nerve to march in the streets calling for more dead troops)!
Keep another thing in mind- our oaths never expire, so while we may somehow be serving corporate interests by working on a particular contract in support of the U.S. government or multinational forces, our duty is still to the Constitution.
Friday, November 2, 2007
I'M GOING TO THE SANDBOX!!!
I don't know how often I'll be able to post in the near future, and up to a year or two (I'm hoping I'll at least be able to check in from time to time). I'm heading to the sandbox- I let a few of you know it might be coming... Now some might say I'm doing it for the president's amusement. Ha! Others might pray for my demise (well, my God can beat up your god, so ha again!). However, if you're reading this, you probably already know the truth. I'm doing it to make a difference and help people, I'm doing this for my family, and at least half of a country, and I'm doing this to in some small way contribute to a great cause: FREEDOM.
Perhaps my favorite hero of history, or one of them at least, Lafayette (a possible relation, I'm told by my grandmother), heard about the concept of liberty and the plight of a struggling nation caught in a revolution. He heard the tales of hopelessness and offered not only his fortune, but himself, knowing the possible outcome and the overwhelming odds he would face.
He turned the tide of battle more than once, bringing victory and freedom to a nation that was, and still is, grateful for his devotion to its birth (even if his name is dropped from the history books). He was friend of all the founders, an "adopted son" of Washington, and America. He took up as his personal motto and family crest, "Cur non" meaning, "Why not?" Why not indeed?!?!
I had family in the Revolution, some fought in the civil war, my great grandfather was in WWI, carrying a British Enfield rifle and marching all over lands he wasn't from. He was mustard gassed 5 times and lived to tell of it. His story is truly amazing (I got a copy of his diary from his time overseas). My grandfather followed suite and at Pearl Harbor dove into flaming waters to rescue a dozen men. My father in law was in Vietnam, lost all his friends, and returned home to an ungrateful nation.
Nothing I face will likely be so harrowing (I've already faced down some anti-troop folks, and I know they don't represent America), and I will no doubt be safer than I'd be if I remained so close to Washington D.C., where you can't even defend yourself (now that's a depressing thought). I'm going to a "safe" zone in a war zone. I know there's a slight chance something could go wrong, more so with every game Congress plays their games, but I believe that the greatest risk is to not contribute, even in some small way. I believe everyone, in their own way, as much as they are able, CAN and DOES make a difference when they make a stand for what is right. Whether you are one person, or an entire nation, you can be go the extra mile, turn the tide, and accomplish what others call impossible. NOTHING is impossible so long as you place your life in the hands of God and decide to NEVER GIVE UP!
I believe we have been given a great opportunity to grow as a nation, to overcome tyranny, to bring freedom and bring light. Our responsibility lies in being the"city on a hill" that exists not to be taken, or divided up and handed to those not willing to pour their hearts into its existence, but in serving as a shining example of freedom to the world. A lot of Americans have forgotten that, but plenty of us, AND our friends around the world- have not. They know why freedom requires sacrifice, because they either know their history, have lived it, or are living it right now.
We have an obligation to do unto others as we would have them do unto us- I believe that applies not just to individuals, but to nations as well. I don't care what reason others had for going into Iraq, the point is we now have a duty to protect freedom there. I don't care what you say about "we can't police the world." That's a bunch of crap; isolationism doesn't work. Maybe we can't be everywhere at once, but we can make a difference instead of turning our backs and burying our heads. The troops know this, and give their all for it.
We fought in WWI and won. We fought in WWII and won. The only way to ensure our own existence and long-term survival is to bring freedom and democracy wherever we go, taking off blinders and making people aware of their inalienable rights with every step we take. We've lost sight of that as a nation, we "forgot" (or were manipulated into forgetting) how we relied on the help of others, and many forgot their American spirit, and we need to get it back. America, I leave you with that challenge, by God I ask you to re-forge this country so that it is in a better condition when I get back here one way or another!
I don't want to come back to see America continue to march towards destruction. I don't want to come back to see rights and freedoms continue to be stripped away by Congress, by the corrupt "activist" judges, or even by a new president who is another "lesser of two evils." I won't stand for it and neither should you. Put some work into it. Hold town meetings. Go door to door for Hunter (or whoever the cleanest candidate turns out to be- there's been too much filth in the White House to settle for a dirty politician). Make miles of petitions. Vote out the corruption and demand REAL reform. I'll be doing 12 hour shifts 7 days a week, leaving my family, friends, and everything I've ever known for at least a year. I beg you to do something to ensure this nation is protected from tyranny.
Well, that's about all the time I have for now. The next 3 weeks will consist of me wrapping up work projects, packing, tying up loose ends, and moving my wife and pets down to Fl to await my safe return (God willing). Good luck America, and God Bless!
Very Respectfully,
Chris
Perhaps my favorite hero of history, or one of them at least, Lafayette (a possible relation, I'm told by my grandmother), heard about the concept of liberty and the plight of a struggling nation caught in a revolution. He heard the tales of hopelessness and offered not only his fortune, but himself, knowing the possible outcome and the overwhelming odds he would face.
He turned the tide of battle more than once, bringing victory and freedom to a nation that was, and still is, grateful for his devotion to its birth (even if his name is dropped from the history books). He was friend of all the founders, an "adopted son" of Washington, and America. He took up as his personal motto and family crest, "Cur non" meaning, "Why not?" Why not indeed?!?!
I had family in the Revolution, some fought in the civil war, my great grandfather was in WWI, carrying a British Enfield rifle and marching all over lands he wasn't from. He was mustard gassed 5 times and lived to tell of it. His story is truly amazing (I got a copy of his diary from his time overseas). My grandfather followed suite and at Pearl Harbor dove into flaming waters to rescue a dozen men. My father in law was in Vietnam, lost all his friends, and returned home to an ungrateful nation.
Nothing I face will likely be so harrowing (I've already faced down some anti-troop folks, and I know they don't represent America), and I will no doubt be safer than I'd be if I remained so close to Washington D.C., where you can't even defend yourself (now that's a depressing thought). I'm going to a "safe" zone in a war zone. I know there's a slight chance something could go wrong, more so with every game Congress plays their games, but I believe that the greatest risk is to not contribute, even in some small way. I believe everyone, in their own way, as much as they are able, CAN and DOES make a difference when they make a stand for what is right. Whether you are one person, or an entire nation, you can be go the extra mile, turn the tide, and accomplish what others call impossible. NOTHING is impossible so long as you place your life in the hands of God and decide to NEVER GIVE UP!
I believe we have been given a great opportunity to grow as a nation, to overcome tyranny, to bring freedom and bring light. Our responsibility lies in being the"city on a hill" that exists not to be taken, or divided up and handed to those not willing to pour their hearts into its existence, but in serving as a shining example of freedom to the world. A lot of Americans have forgotten that, but plenty of us, AND our friends around the world- have not. They know why freedom requires sacrifice, because they either know their history, have lived it, or are living it right now.
We have an obligation to do unto others as we would have them do unto us- I believe that applies not just to individuals, but to nations as well. I don't care what reason others had for going into Iraq, the point is we now have a duty to protect freedom there. I don't care what you say about "we can't police the world." That's a bunch of crap; isolationism doesn't work. Maybe we can't be everywhere at once, but we can make a difference instead of turning our backs and burying our heads. The troops know this, and give their all for it.
We fought in WWI and won. We fought in WWII and won. The only way to ensure our own existence and long-term survival is to bring freedom and democracy wherever we go, taking off blinders and making people aware of their inalienable rights with every step we take. We've lost sight of that as a nation, we "forgot" (or were manipulated into forgetting) how we relied on the help of others, and many forgot their American spirit, and we need to get it back. America, I leave you with that challenge, by God I ask you to re-forge this country so that it is in a better condition when I get back here one way or another!
I don't want to come back to see America continue to march towards destruction. I don't want to come back to see rights and freedoms continue to be stripped away by Congress, by the corrupt "activist" judges, or even by a new president who is another "lesser of two evils." I won't stand for it and neither should you. Put some work into it. Hold town meetings. Go door to door for Hunter (or whoever the cleanest candidate turns out to be- there's been too much filth in the White House to settle for a dirty politician). Make miles of petitions. Vote out the corruption and demand REAL reform. I'll be doing 12 hour shifts 7 days a week, leaving my family, friends, and everything I've ever known for at least a year. I beg you to do something to ensure this nation is protected from tyranny.
Well, that's about all the time I have for now. The next 3 weeks will consist of me wrapping up work projects, packing, tying up loose ends, and moving my wife and pets down to Fl to await my safe return (God willing). Good luck America, and God Bless!
Very Respectfully,
Chris
Go To This Site- Send Free Letter To Troops By Xerox
You just click, type your message, and lift the spirits of someone serving!
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html
Please take a minute or two to brighten someone's day.
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html
Please take a minute or two to brighten someone's day.
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