Me: *surfing the internet in the Chow Hall*
Soldier's buddy: Dude, that's her
Soldier: Excuse me, are you Amy?
Me: Er, no? But close.
Soldier: *embarrassed* Oh, do you have a blog?
Me: Yeah, that would be me. *points to screen which says Kami*
Soldier: Oh, ok. *still embarrassed, walks off*
Um, did I scare him?
A blog about a girl who speaks her mind and talks about whatever she wants. So its a blog about everything, and absolutely nothing, all at the same time. . .
12.30.2005
Basic Training Stories
A friend of mine asked me to do a favor for her, one in which I am more then happy to oblige.
She wants me to help pimp her journal for her, called Fifth Platoon, which is about her time in Basic Training.
How do I know her? Well, I helped talk her into joining this insane institution. She has since wanted to write about her time and post it online, as she kept a journal while she was in. She was medically discharged, so she is no longer in the army, which allows her to be very open and honest about her experiences in, and her writing style is very fresh and real. She appears to be backdating her entrees to the time when she was in to give it the perspective of what was going on during that time.
It looks like it will be an interesting read. I'm eagerly awaiting her stories about mail call. From me. *evil grin* As a basic trainee, you do not want to get any packages from me.
Because this girl is one of the reasons why I started blogging in the first place, that now makes you obligated to read her basic training war stories.
Go forth my minions!
You can read my own account of Basic Training here. It's a perpetual work in progress.
She wants me to help pimp her journal for her, called Fifth Platoon, which is about her time in Basic Training.
How do I know her? Well, I helped talk her into joining this insane institution. She has since wanted to write about her time and post it online, as she kept a journal while she was in. She was medically discharged, so she is no longer in the army, which allows her to be very open and honest about her experiences in, and her writing style is very fresh and real. She appears to be backdating her entrees to the time when she was in to give it the perspective of what was going on during that time.
It looks like it will be an interesting read. I'm eagerly awaiting her stories about mail call. From me. *evil grin* As a basic trainee, you do not want to get any packages from me.
Because this girl is one of the reasons why I started blogging in the first place, that now makes you obligated to read her basic training war stories.
Go forth my minions!
You can read my own account of Basic Training here. It's a perpetual work in progress.
Stabbed the Combat Stress Guy the Other Day
For some reason, a Unit decided to pick one in the morning to blow up some found unexploded ordinance, only to have something go wrong. Shrapnel flew everywhere, five people were down on the ground, one guy had his legs torn apart, two others had their faces ripped open, a fourth was laying on the ground with a piece of shrapnel sticking out of his stomach. Another guy had his hand all torn up.
The Captain was busy trying to keep everyone alive and in order, while one soldier was so traumatized by the experience he was in a shell shocked state, not saying anything to anybody and staring off into space.
Then there was me. I was going ballistic.
We made the call to send the ambulence to take care of us. I was just wandering around, sobbing and speaking really fast, partly in gibberish. See, these were my friends I had just seen blow up!
As soon as the ambulence got there, I just cried at them, asking them to help my buddies and wailing that they were all bleeding and were going to die. At first I was just crying, but the longer it took and the more they talked ot me, the more distraught I got. They tried to make use of me, I was sitting next to one of my buddies pressing the gauze to his face to stop the bleeding. The more I stared at it, the worse I got. So I just cried to the ambulence to hurry and save my friends.
Our OIC kept getting into the Medic's supplies in trying to speed things up a bit while the shell shocked soldier wandered off into the woods. One of the first things they managed to relieve us of were our weapons. They tried to get me to sit down, and I would sit down next to the ambulence and rock back and forth for a while, then get up and wander about, trying to find the status of my buddies. At one point, as they loaded them onto the stretcher and into the ambulence, I followed them in, when seeing the wounds in good light, I wailed that much harder.
They finally got all of the injured patients loaded onto the Ambulence and driven back to the hospital when they took care of the shell shocked casuality, the captain and me. They tried to talk to me, get my name from them, and all I could do was mumble about the accident. I then began to wail about my friends, wanting to see them, to make sure they were all right. When we finally got to the hospital, I started crying more, trying to hop out of the ambulence to see my buddies and make sure they were ok. They had to stop me, try to hold me back.
At this point, my throat was pretty soar.
As soon as we got out of the ambulence, they had to wand me through security. I saw one of my battle buddies ahead of me, I just wanted to get over to them and make sure they were ok. At this point, I was pretty loud and uncooperative. They wanded me through, found my gerber and took that, but missing a crucial piece tucked in my boot. Getting through to EMT, they tried to stop me as I made my way through the people to get to my buddies, demanding to see them.
The Combat Stress guys noted that i was obviously in an altered mental state and were dispatched to take charge of me. They coaxed me into coming with them, rather reluctantly, I followed them, continuing to wail about my friends and demanding to see them. They managed to get me in the back room and try to talk me down, and for a moment it worked.
But only for a moment. Security had missed the knife in my boot and I pulled it out, threatening them about taking my own life. It was done and over with, I had no reason to live anymore.
The Combat Stress guy ended up getting stabbed with the knife, and they drugged me and put me under, consulting the MP's about a whacked mental patient in the hospital. They then had me restrained and took me to get checked out.
That was the scenerio for the Mass Casuality excercise we were playing with the hospital. Yes, in deed, I was the whacked out mental health patient. And I had fun! If they are going to make me work in the middle of the night, I was going to make the most of it.
Several people mentioned that they were going to nominate me for an academy award, I normally can't act, but apparently I'm very good at acting like a nutcase. Several people mentioned that I was acting a little to well for the part, and made mention of this. I only laughed.
But let's just say I got everyone's attention when I came into the EMT, and for having to come in to do a MASCAL at one in the morning, I woke everyone up.
At least I managed to live through this MASCAL. I did one the night before as a patient with a Bilateral Rib Fracture and they ended up killing me.
The Captain was busy trying to keep everyone alive and in order, while one soldier was so traumatized by the experience he was in a shell shocked state, not saying anything to anybody and staring off into space.
Then there was me. I was going ballistic.
We made the call to send the ambulence to take care of us. I was just wandering around, sobbing and speaking really fast, partly in gibberish. See, these were my friends I had just seen blow up!
As soon as the ambulence got there, I just cried at them, asking them to help my buddies and wailing that they were all bleeding and were going to die. At first I was just crying, but the longer it took and the more they talked ot me, the more distraught I got. They tried to make use of me, I was sitting next to one of my buddies pressing the gauze to his face to stop the bleeding. The more I stared at it, the worse I got. So I just cried to the ambulence to hurry and save my friends.
Our OIC kept getting into the Medic's supplies in trying to speed things up a bit while the shell shocked soldier wandered off into the woods. One of the first things they managed to relieve us of were our weapons. They tried to get me to sit down, and I would sit down next to the ambulence and rock back and forth for a while, then get up and wander about, trying to find the status of my buddies. At one point, as they loaded them onto the stretcher and into the ambulence, I followed them in, when seeing the wounds in good light, I wailed that much harder.
They finally got all of the injured patients loaded onto the Ambulence and driven back to the hospital when they took care of the shell shocked casuality, the captain and me. They tried to talk to me, get my name from them, and all I could do was mumble about the accident. I then began to wail about my friends, wanting to see them, to make sure they were all right. When we finally got to the hospital, I started crying more, trying to hop out of the ambulence to see my buddies and make sure they were ok. They had to stop me, try to hold me back.
At this point, my throat was pretty soar.
As soon as we got out of the ambulence, they had to wand me through security. I saw one of my battle buddies ahead of me, I just wanted to get over to them and make sure they were ok. At this point, I was pretty loud and uncooperative. They wanded me through, found my gerber and took that, but missing a crucial piece tucked in my boot. Getting through to EMT, they tried to stop me as I made my way through the people to get to my buddies, demanding to see them.
The Combat Stress guys noted that i was obviously in an altered mental state and were dispatched to take charge of me. They coaxed me into coming with them, rather reluctantly, I followed them, continuing to wail about my friends and demanding to see them. They managed to get me in the back room and try to talk me down, and for a moment it worked.
But only for a moment. Security had missed the knife in my boot and I pulled it out, threatening them about taking my own life. It was done and over with, I had no reason to live anymore.
The Combat Stress guy ended up getting stabbed with the knife, and they drugged me and put me under, consulting the MP's about a whacked mental patient in the hospital. They then had me restrained and took me to get checked out.
That was the scenerio for the Mass Casuality excercise we were playing with the hospital. Yes, in deed, I was the whacked out mental health patient. And I had fun! If they are going to make me work in the middle of the night, I was going to make the most of it.
Several people mentioned that they were going to nominate me for an academy award, I normally can't act, but apparently I'm very good at acting like a nutcase. Several people mentioned that I was acting a little to well for the part, and made mention of this. I only laughed.
But let's just say I got everyone's attention when I came into the EMT, and for having to come in to do a MASCAL at one in the morning, I woke everyone up.
At least I managed to live through this MASCAL. I did one the night before as a patient with a Bilateral Rib Fracture and they ended up killing me.
12.27.2005
Car Shopping
Well, one of the first things I have to do when I get home is to buy a car. I mean, literally, as soon as I step foot back home, I'll probably be searching for a car. I just know what I want.
It's got to be economical, practical, and foriegn. My favorite brands are Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Honda and Volkswagen. I'll probably stick with Toyota. I want a vehicle with a model year of 1999 or newer, but if I find a good car that's older, I won't rule it out. But it needs to be in good condition, I plan on driving this thing a lot. I also prefer Manual transmission. Every car I have ever owned (all two of them) has been a stick. I would also like a car that has cheap insurance, so that basically rules out Honda. Front wheel drive is good too.
I just hope I don't do the typical girl thing, buy a car, and forget little things like Oil changes and the like.
This car is going to have to get me up mountains regularly. One model I was looking at that I really liked was the Subaru Baha. But I don't think the gas mileage was good enough for me. I would prefer to get a car that get's 30 MPG or better. I would like a four door, but its not absolutely necessary. Just a little car to get me to where I need to go. I'll likely get a luggage rack for the top of it and mount snowboards up there. Yeah, I want to be all hooah.
Car is a necessity. I've learned that while I've been here. I hate not being able to drive places.
Car shopping commences. We'll see how it goes when I get back to the states. If anybody else of car knowledge has any advice, I am all ears.
It's got to be economical, practical, and foriegn. My favorite brands are Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Honda and Volkswagen. I'll probably stick with Toyota. I want a vehicle with a model year of 1999 or newer, but if I find a good car that's older, I won't rule it out. But it needs to be in good condition, I plan on driving this thing a lot. I also prefer Manual transmission. Every car I have ever owned (all two of them) has been a stick. I would also like a car that has cheap insurance, so that basically rules out Honda. Front wheel drive is good too.
I just hope I don't do the typical girl thing, buy a car, and forget little things like Oil changes and the like.
This car is going to have to get me up mountains regularly. One model I was looking at that I really liked was the Subaru Baha. But I don't think the gas mileage was good enough for me. I would prefer to get a car that get's 30 MPG or better. I would like a four door, but its not absolutely necessary. Just a little car to get me to where I need to go. I'll likely get a luggage rack for the top of it and mount snowboards up there. Yeah, I want to be all hooah.
Car is a necessity. I've learned that while I've been here. I hate not being able to drive places.
Car shopping commences. We'll see how it goes when I get back to the states. If anybody else of car knowledge has any advice, I am all ears.
12.26.2005
What is Leadership?
The last few weeks have been of serious reflection over this past year. I came on this deployment seeking three things. To develop myself as a Leader (knowing before hand that I was weak in this area), learn more about my job and to get a grasp of the army life in general. Maybe a deployment with nothing but Reservists and National Guardsmen isn't the optimal opportunity to seek out the latter, but I was hoping at least for something from the former.
The truth is, I've learned more about leadership and the military in general in the last month then I have the entire deployment. I made some serious errors in regards to my professional career in the military recently and I'm only now starting to recoup from them. I may never recoup from them, this deployment had nearly killed my love of the military and had at one point destroyed my drive and purpose for being in.
See, when I got back from leave, I had lost a lot of motivation for staying in the army. I just didn't care anymore. Only recently have I gotten that drive back, I feel more motivated, energetic, my will to succeed has returned. In looking back, I realize that poor leadership had taken that out of me.
I won't go into details, I won't defame anybody's name (whether they deserve it or not) on my blog, but looking back, I've lost a lot of respect for one person in particular. I'm sure they know this, as though I do blame myself for not taking a more proactive approach on my own career and standing up to the idiocy that surrounded me earlier, they didn't go out of their way to help me. Even when I went to them seeking their help. I think that's where I made my first mistake, trusting them when they quickly proved that they didn't deserve that trust. Somebody gave me the analogy of somebody pretending to be my friend, patting me on the back where in reality they were just looking for a place to plant the knife. And by my nature, even though I would get angry at them for the bullsh** they piled upon me, I still gave them another chance. I gave them another chance when they had given up on me a long time ago. I kick myself for that.
I guarantee you I won't make that same mistake in the future. I know what to expect from my leaders and mentors now.
Maybe one day, I can actually prove that I have what it takes to be a leader. But not this year. Somebody had successfully squashed that early on this deployment.
In the December alone I have felt happier, more sure of myself, and eager to do my job and perform my mission then I had before. I think this has a lot to do from me being pulled from my former section where I felt like I had no purpose and spent most of my time trying to figure out what I had done wrong and why I had failed so horribly. There is a lot about this deployment that I have not delved into through my blog, I haven't even scraped the surface. Maybe I never will. But many of my readers probably noted my intense frustration throughout it.
Amazing, that frustration is practically gone. I just need to get it out and drive on. Only a short while left in theater and then I'll be home free.
And maybe I'll give the army another chance to prove to me that it's not as broken as I have been led to believe.
The truth is, I've learned more about leadership and the military in general in the last month then I have the entire deployment. I made some serious errors in regards to my professional career in the military recently and I'm only now starting to recoup from them. I may never recoup from them, this deployment had nearly killed my love of the military and had at one point destroyed my drive and purpose for being in.
See, when I got back from leave, I had lost a lot of motivation for staying in the army. I just didn't care anymore. Only recently have I gotten that drive back, I feel more motivated, energetic, my will to succeed has returned. In looking back, I realize that poor leadership had taken that out of me.
I won't go into details, I won't defame anybody's name (whether they deserve it or not) on my blog, but looking back, I've lost a lot of respect for one person in particular. I'm sure they know this, as though I do blame myself for not taking a more proactive approach on my own career and standing up to the idiocy that surrounded me earlier, they didn't go out of their way to help me. Even when I went to them seeking their help. I think that's where I made my first mistake, trusting them when they quickly proved that they didn't deserve that trust. Somebody gave me the analogy of somebody pretending to be my friend, patting me on the back where in reality they were just looking for a place to plant the knife. And by my nature, even though I would get angry at them for the bullsh** they piled upon me, I still gave them another chance. I gave them another chance when they had given up on me a long time ago. I kick myself for that.
I guarantee you I won't make that same mistake in the future. I know what to expect from my leaders and mentors now.
Maybe one day, I can actually prove that I have what it takes to be a leader. But not this year. Somebody had successfully squashed that early on this deployment.
In the December alone I have felt happier, more sure of myself, and eager to do my job and perform my mission then I had before. I think this has a lot to do from me being pulled from my former section where I felt like I had no purpose and spent most of my time trying to figure out what I had done wrong and why I had failed so horribly. There is a lot about this deployment that I have not delved into through my blog, I haven't even scraped the surface. Maybe I never will. But many of my readers probably noted my intense frustration throughout it.
Amazing, that frustration is practically gone. I just need to get it out and drive on. Only a short while left in theater and then I'll be home free.
And maybe I'll give the army another chance to prove to me that it's not as broken as I have been led to believe.
12.23.2005
On a More Somber Note
Some of you may have noted the Shout from my sister in my Comment Box a while back. And my subsequent silence. Well, I guess I will take this time to explain what happened.
My grandmother, who would have turned 90 next month, had just had back surgery. The surgery went fine, but shortly thereafter she had a stroke. The following day she had another stroke. Because of her condition, my family sent me a red cross message to try to get me home in time to say goodbye to her.
Unfortunately, it was to late. My grandmother, who is responsible for naming me Kami by the way (that's a good thing), passed away on Saturday 17 Dec 2005. She was in no pain and at peace. She led a very full life and I am very priveleged to have known her. She is in a better place now, and I am doing fine myself.
I will also be finishing out this deployment with my unit. I'm doing very well, but I have a feeling that her absence from my family will be felt when I get home.
She is in a better place, and I have a feeling that she is watching after me right now. Especially concerning the peace that I felt after she had passed.
Rest in Peace, Esther. You will be missed, but I have no doubt we will see each other again.
My grandmother, who would have turned 90 next month, had just had back surgery. The surgery went fine, but shortly thereafter she had a stroke. The following day she had another stroke. Because of her condition, my family sent me a red cross message to try to get me home in time to say goodbye to her.
Unfortunately, it was to late. My grandmother, who is responsible for naming me Kami by the way (that's a good thing), passed away on Saturday 17 Dec 2005. She was in no pain and at peace. She led a very full life and I am very priveleged to have known her. She is in a better place now, and I am doing fine myself.
I will also be finishing out this deployment with my unit. I'm doing very well, but I have a feeling that her absence from my family will be felt when I get home.
She is in a better place, and I have a feeling that she is watching after me right now. Especially concerning the peace that I felt after she had passed.
Rest in Peace, Esther. You will be missed, but I have no doubt we will see each other again.
That Time Of Year
Santa visited us here in Kosovo.
I asked for a Pistol for Christmas.
See previous post as to why.
I asked for a Pistol for Christmas.
See previous post as to why.
Die Schützenschnur
The Schützenschnur is, as I have mentioned before, the German Marksmanship Badge, which you get for firing german weapons. Its one of the few badges that is authorized for wear on the American uniform. And ever since I heard about it, oh so long ago, I wanted a shot at it.
When I found out that I had the opportunity to acquire this most prized item while in Kosovo, I knew that eventually, some day, IT WOULD BE MINE!
Well, I got it!
So, a little background on the Schützenschnur. The badge is worn on the uniform as a silver chord on the right shoulder. It looks high speed too. You have three different levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. In my opinion Bronze and Silver look best. Gold is just, to shiney. Then again, I've never been a fan of gold.
Well, I got the Schützenschnur, though sadly, I wasn't presented it in a formal ceremony like previous acquirers of it before me. I nabbed bronze, only because I have learned that I am killer on a rifle but I need help on a pistol.
I am lucky that I have had previous experience with the HK and the G36, so I was ahead of the game, a little bit. But I'm going home and taking a pistol to the range a lot more.
Anyway, the Schützenschnur has three parts. The G36 Battle Rifle, the HK Pistol, and the German Machine Gun. Somebody help me, I don't remember its nomenclature. SO anyway, you have 16 shots with the G36, you fire at targets from 200 M, 150 M, 100M and 80M. 4 shots from each location. Leaning against the wall, standing, kneeling, prone unsupported. If you can fire an M16, the G36 is a cake walk. Beautiful weapon.
you have 8 targets, you have to get a round in each of them at least once. You have to hit 9 to get Bronze, 12 to get silver, and 14 to get Gold. I think. I know I just got gold.
I was cold that day.
The HK is fired from the standing position, you have to fire it from 25 Meters at a bullseye target. 5 rounds. If you score 45 or better, you get Gold, 40 is silver, and 35 is Bronze. This got me. Unlike the M9, the HK fires low, so you have to kind of aim high. I didn't know what I was shooting at back in June, so I just fired rounds down range back then. I had to fire this weapon 3 times just to get the ligit bronze.
This is me (in unauthorized headgear) and a German dude in front of the Wolf, which is Mercedes' version of the Hummer. You can see the targets in the background.
To the side is three more sillhoutes. You have to shoot five rounds at them as well. One in each is Bronze. Two in one and one in the other two is silver. Two with two and one with one is Gold. Gold was easy.
How they grade the Schützenschnur is your lowest score is your score for the whole thing. I got Gold, Gold and Bronze. That means I got Bronze.
So, what about that Machine Gun you might ask? Well, at this particular range, they didn't have us fire with a Machine Gun. This made me sad. Hence, why I don't have its nomenclature down. The Machine Gun is the toughest one to shoot from what I understand. Dude, firing that thing would have been worth getting a Bronze for. Instead, I bit the HK. *sigh*
Indeed, back to the range for me.
As to the Unauthorized Headgear?
Army's live for trading things. In this case, we traded Hats! Patches are a plus too :)
I got my badge now. I'll need to get a picture of it.
They had the final range yesterday. I did this about a week and a half ago. This is what makes these deployments so worth it.
Did I mention that the German Army is one of the coolest Armies in KFOR?
When I found out that I had the opportunity to acquire this most prized item while in Kosovo, I knew that eventually, some day, IT WOULD BE MINE!
Well, I got it!
So, a little background on the Schützenschnur. The badge is worn on the uniform as a silver chord on the right shoulder. It looks high speed too. You have three different levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. In my opinion Bronze and Silver look best. Gold is just, to shiney. Then again, I've never been a fan of gold.
Well, I got the Schützenschnur, though sadly, I wasn't presented it in a formal ceremony like previous acquirers of it before me. I nabbed bronze, only because I have learned that I am killer on a rifle but I need help on a pistol.
I am lucky that I have had previous experience with the HK and the G36, so I was ahead of the game, a little bit. But I'm going home and taking a pistol to the range a lot more.
Anyway, the Schützenschnur has three parts. The G36 Battle Rifle, the HK Pistol, and the German Machine Gun. Somebody help me, I don't remember its nomenclature. SO anyway, you have 16 shots with the G36, you fire at targets from 200 M, 150 M, 100M and 80M. 4 shots from each location. Leaning against the wall, standing, kneeling, prone unsupported. If you can fire an M16, the G36 is a cake walk. Beautiful weapon.
you have 8 targets, you have to get a round in each of them at least once. You have to hit 9 to get Bronze, 12 to get silver, and 14 to get Gold. I think. I know I just got gold.
I was cold that day.
The HK is fired from the standing position, you have to fire it from 25 Meters at a bullseye target. 5 rounds. If you score 45 or better, you get Gold, 40 is silver, and 35 is Bronze. This got me. Unlike the M9, the HK fires low, so you have to kind of aim high. I didn't know what I was shooting at back in June, so I just fired rounds down range back then. I had to fire this weapon 3 times just to get the ligit bronze.
This is me (in unauthorized headgear) and a German dude in front of the Wolf, which is Mercedes' version of the Hummer. You can see the targets in the background.
To the side is three more sillhoutes. You have to shoot five rounds at them as well. One in each is Bronze. Two in one and one in the other two is silver. Two with two and one with one is Gold. Gold was easy.
How they grade the Schützenschnur is your lowest score is your score for the whole thing. I got Gold, Gold and Bronze. That means I got Bronze.
So, what about that Machine Gun you might ask? Well, at this particular range, they didn't have us fire with a Machine Gun. This made me sad. Hence, why I don't have its nomenclature down. The Machine Gun is the toughest one to shoot from what I understand. Dude, firing that thing would have been worth getting a Bronze for. Instead, I bit the HK. *sigh*
Indeed, back to the range for me.
As to the Unauthorized Headgear?
Army's live for trading things. In this case, we traded Hats! Patches are a plus too :)
I got my badge now. I'll need to get a picture of it.
They had the final range yesterday. I did this about a week and a half ago. This is what makes these deployments so worth it.
Did I mention that the German Army is one of the coolest Armies in KFOR?
12.22.2005
Invinigorated once more
Its amazing that in the last three weeks, I have felt energized and motivated with the army again. I've discovered that this is due in part to the absence of one specific individual who I am in correspondance with in a professional only basis. No more unwelcome advice, no more long lectures about nothing. In fact, for the first time this rotation, I've felt like I actually have a purpose here. I've discovered a long time ago that I am a happy soldier when I feel like I have a reason to be, and my former command's catch all cure for a problem soldier was to fire them from whatever job they were doing.
I could go into that, but I don't feel that this is the oppropriate time to do so.
Meanwhile, I finally did the Schutzenschnur a while back. Pictures to come.
I could go into that, but I don't feel that this is the oppropriate time to do so.
Meanwhile, I finally did the Schutzenschnur a while back. Pictures to come.
12.17.2005
Blog Hiatus
So, I thought I would mention that I haven't posted much lately. This is on several accounts, one of which I have been burdoned with some personal issues both here and back home and am working on that, and my internet availability is limited and not my priority at this time.
This small hiatus is not in response to any command given to me by my chain of command, it is completely voluntary on my part. Right now, I just need some time to sort through the current issues pressing upon me and give myself some time to think.
Posting will be irregular and sporadic until I get home. Just thought I would warn you now.
This small hiatus is not in response to any command given to me by my chain of command, it is completely voluntary on my part. Right now, I just need some time to sort through the current issues pressing upon me and give myself some time to think.
Posting will be irregular and sporadic until I get home. Just thought I would warn you now.
12.11.2005
12.08.2005
I Wish You a Merry Christmas
One more week of class and I'm done with school.
A part of me is wondering what I was thinking when I signed up to take classes this close to going home, but for the most part, it's been nice to refresh up on my Deutsches Sprechen, and I forgot how much I love science. I'm a geek of the worst sense.
Still don't know my grade for the Harry Potter class.
My family apparently got my christmas message. I didn't want to say anything about it, it was sort of a surprise that I wanted to do. Back in early November, they gave us the option of recording a message to send back to a news station in the states where you can wish your family and friends a merry christmas. They will then air it on TV and let your family know when it will show up.
Well, my initial message was something along the lines of me saying "This is SGT Erickson in Camp Bondsteel Kosovo, I just want to wish my family and friends back home a Merry Christmas, I'll see you soon!"
For some reason, I got the brilliant idea that I should wish my family a merry christmas all by name.
Well, considering I've got 5 brothers and sisters, plus my parents, after rambling through their names, and wishing their kids a merry christmas as well (and conveniantly forgetting the spouses) I was wondering if this was such a good idea.
It took me two times to record it, most people just said it and went on.
So, Mom, how was it? Was it as bad as I think it is?
A part of me is wondering what I was thinking when I signed up to take classes this close to going home, but for the most part, it's been nice to refresh up on my Deutsches Sprechen, and I forgot how much I love science. I'm a geek of the worst sense.
Still don't know my grade for the Harry Potter class.
My family apparently got my christmas message. I didn't want to say anything about it, it was sort of a surprise that I wanted to do. Back in early November, they gave us the option of recording a message to send back to a news station in the states where you can wish your family and friends a merry christmas. They will then air it on TV and let your family know when it will show up.
Well, my initial message was something along the lines of me saying "This is SGT Erickson in Camp Bondsteel Kosovo, I just want to wish my family and friends back home a Merry Christmas, I'll see you soon!"
For some reason, I got the brilliant idea that I should wish my family a merry christmas all by name.
Well, considering I've got 5 brothers and sisters, plus my parents, after rambling through their names, and wishing their kids a merry christmas as well (and conveniantly forgetting the spouses) I was wondering if this was such a good idea.
It took me two times to record it, most people just said it and went on.
So, Mom, how was it? Was it as bad as I think it is?
12.07.2005
TV Shows are the Plague
Note to Self:
TV shows are EEEVILLL!!!!
I knew this for a long time, hence I don't usually watch TV. Why? Because TV shows are addictive, you tend to want to watch them to see what happens next. I've been very good at not watching TV while I've been here, because I don't want to get caught up in some storyline where all I can think of is 'what happens next?'
Well, in this new day and age of TV shows on DVD, you can't help but get caught up in a TV show and watch it all in a couple of days.
Well, a lot of people have been doing that, but I have, for the most part, refrained.
Until now.
I went to the PX, for lack of something better to do, and saw Seasons 1 & 2 along with Season 3 of Sliders. I may have mentioned that I've been watching it lately, well, in deed I went ahead and bought the 1&2 pack and debated on buying the 3rd season, but since it was a complete impulse anyway, I passed on it and decided if it came down to it, I would just buy it when I came home.
Well, Season 3 is no longer at the PX. I'm down to my lask disc of seasons 1&2. I want to continue watching this dad nab it!
GAARRRRR!!!
I hate tv shows.
TV shows are EEEVILLL!!!!
I knew this for a long time, hence I don't usually watch TV. Why? Because TV shows are addictive, you tend to want to watch them to see what happens next. I've been very good at not watching TV while I've been here, because I don't want to get caught up in some storyline where all I can think of is 'what happens next?'
Well, in this new day and age of TV shows on DVD, you can't help but get caught up in a TV show and watch it all in a couple of days.
Well, a lot of people have been doing that, but I have, for the most part, refrained.
Until now.
I went to the PX, for lack of something better to do, and saw Seasons 1 & 2 along with Season 3 of Sliders. I may have mentioned that I've been watching it lately, well, in deed I went ahead and bought the 1&2 pack and debated on buying the 3rd season, but since it was a complete impulse anyway, I passed on it and decided if it came down to it, I would just buy it when I came home.
Well, Season 3 is no longer at the PX. I'm down to my lask disc of seasons 1&2. I want to continue watching this dad nab it!
GAARRRRR!!!
I hate tv shows.
12.06.2005
The Official 'To Do' List
One of the greatest questions I've been asked is what do I plan to do when I get back to the states and am officially out of the military. The first thing I usually say is "sleep".
But the truth is I will have far to much stuff on my plate then to take a month long snooze and get away with it. Though my monetary problems will be at a minimum, my first goal is to try to retain as much self control as humanly possible so that I don't blow all of my money in two months. That would be bad.
So, what do I have to do? Let's see then.
This is always an ongoing thing with me. Well, whenever I make lists with the intention of completing them. This could be a Resolution type thing, so I'm a little early if you look at it from that perspective. But I really would like to get back into different things I was doing before.
And with the movies thing, I've already got an idea of what movies I want to buy. Which means I'm going to go to the different Hastings stores and raid their Used Sections. Hopefully the policy on used videos hasn't changed.
But the truth is I will have far to much stuff on my plate then to take a month long snooze and get away with it. Though my monetary problems will be at a minimum, my first goal is to try to retain as much self control as humanly possible so that I don't blow all of my money in two months. That would be bad.
So, what do I have to do? Let's see then.
- Take Laptop to shop - this laptop has acquired such a beating that now I have one barely functional USB port and the laptop requires to be connected to an outlet in order to work. I'm very harsh on my electronics. Fortunately, I extended the Warranty on it.
- Buy a Car - Something small, affordable, and economical. Preferably a Toyota.
- Insurance - A necessary evil, fortunately for me, my drivers record looks good. Now. Not sure how long THAT will last.
- Get License - Um, I just had my birthday, and with it, my drivers license expired.
- Pay off Medical Bill - My amnesiatic experience always comes back to haunt me. But good news, other then my student loan, it is my only outstanding bill. It will be paid off in a matter of one check. Done, case closed. Hallelujah.
- Get Moved Into New Place - Apparently, I got a room waiting for me at my brother's. He just bought a house.
- Get Job back at Hastings - Although i can probably wait a bit on this one, I enjoyed my job at Hastings and got some killer discounts there. I plan on going back there and getting some movies and books and things on my 'to buy' list at a cheap price. And its a job I discovered I actually like, I can work there for a bit until I decide what I want to do, IE go active duty, go back to school, look for a real job, etc. . .
- Go through Crap and get rid of it - or sell it on eBay. I am a Packrat of the worse sense.
- Plan Out Big Trip - I've got a trip to New Zealand/Australia (ie Downunder) coming up next summer, er, Winter for them. I've got to fine tune this one. And make sure i can afford to do it. Fortunately, I've got connections.
- Plan out Not So big Trip - Endulging in my inner Geekdom, my brother and I are going to a convention, we don't know which one, but it coincides with Road Trip. It might take us across the country, we might just go to Seattle. We aren't sure yet.
- Go Skydiving - So I plan on doing this when I get home. It is on my 'to do before I die' list, hopefully it doesn't end in my death. But sounds like fun. This will likely coincide with another road trip. To Arizona or some other such destination.
- Paint - More. I want to get back into my art so bad its not even funny. And the real thing, not what I'm doing here. I'm alreayd bored of it.
- Talk to Recruiters - Don't panic family, I'm looking at options. I might get back into the army, wait until this summer or something. I just need a breather from it for now. Don't know if I'll reenlist, but I want to keep my options open.
- Find out what I want to do with the rest of my life - GAAAAAHHHHH!!!! The eternal question, I don't think I'll ever get this one answered.
- Actively seek companionship with member of opposite sex - In other words, date. No, I'm serious! I'm getting the thoughts of whether or not I want to start a family, and if I go that route, I want to have kids when I'm young. Not in my forties. Gag. I can't believe I'm already 25.
This is always an ongoing thing with me. Well, whenever I make lists with the intention of completing them. This could be a Resolution type thing, so I'm a little early if you look at it from that perspective. But I really would like to get back into different things I was doing before.
And with the movies thing, I've already got an idea of what movies I want to buy. Which means I'm going to go to the different Hastings stores and raid their Used Sections. Hopefully the policy on used videos hasn't changed.
12.04.2005
Life These Days
So, the last couple of days have been pretty good. I've been busy moving out of one location and into another, which has poor internet service and now I'm having trouble blogging consistently because of it.
I also gave away my TV to a Greek LNO guy who was sharing a room with his Sergeant Major who only wanted to watch Football (er, that's Soccer to Americans) because I was planning to sell it for dirt cheap anyway to the incoming people in the next rotation and didn't really feel all that keen on dragging it over to the 'crack houses' where I now currently reside. The space is cramped. It's the trailer park of Camp Bondsteel.
But I only share my tiny space with one other occupant, and we understand each other so its all good.
Meanwhile, my space is actually not as cramped up as before, because of how I had my stuff set up, and now I'm kind of forced to sort through it. Which has me looking through old papers and deciding on what I need to throw out and what I should keep. And my family and anyone who has ever lived with me can attest to the fact that I am a pack rat. Unfortunately, I haven't managed to drop this habit. But I must condense before I send.
Another box will be in the mail shortly. Which reminds me, I really need to get those Christmas Cards out.
I spent the last couple of days watching a lot of Sliders lately. I forgot how much I loved this TV Show. It just goes to show how big of a dork I am.
I also gave away my TV to a Greek LNO guy who was sharing a room with his Sergeant Major who only wanted to watch Football (er, that's Soccer to Americans) because I was planning to sell it for dirt cheap anyway to the incoming people in the next rotation and didn't really feel all that keen on dragging it over to the 'crack houses' where I now currently reside. The space is cramped. It's the trailer park of Camp Bondsteel.
But I only share my tiny space with one other occupant, and we understand each other so its all good.
Meanwhile, my space is actually not as cramped up as before, because of how I had my stuff set up, and now I'm kind of forced to sort through it. Which has me looking through old papers and deciding on what I need to throw out and what I should keep. And my family and anyone who has ever lived with me can attest to the fact that I am a pack rat. Unfortunately, I haven't managed to drop this habit. But I must condense before I send.
Another box will be in the mail shortly. Which reminds me, I really need to get those Christmas Cards out.
I spent the last couple of days watching a lot of Sliders lately. I forgot how much I loved this TV Show. It just goes to show how big of a dork I am.
12.02.2005
The Latest Project
I've kind of picked up a side job here in Kosovo for the last part of time I'm here. It's working with PsyOp, illustrating.
They put out publications and stuff to the locals to help sway their minds about certain issues, and the big issue in Kosovo is getting the Albanians and the Serbians to try to find some way past their respective differences and get along. Because as soon as they stop fighting each other, this little community might be able to gain independence. Or who knows, getting turned back over to Serbia. Or something. But until that happens, well, you might as well just expect NATO and a bunch of member nations protecting these people from each other as it remains a protectorate of the UN.
One way they try to pass the message is to the kids. This is through various magazines and such, which is a cool idea. In fact, hanging out with Psyop, they have a pretty interesting job.
Meanwhile, where do I come in? Well, I'm an artist type person that's been working in illustration a bit lately, especially anthropormorphic characters recently. They put up a notice for Artists, Graphic Illustrators and Computer type Peoples to help them with these various publications. I answered their call because I had to do something with my time.
Well, they set me up with the task of creating an illustration for their junior magazine with a winter safety message. Like "dress warmly for winter" or "Be careful when walking on Ice" that the kids can color or something. It's also important to have characters that are obviously different depicted as getting along, to try to enforce the message of unity between different people. What's funny is the Psyop guys have furry costumes to dress up in when distribtuting their magazine (they wore them during Halloween, seeing a disney type character armed with an M9 was a riot, I've got pictures) so they liked the idea that I did Anthros.
Now I've been supposed to work on this for the last week. Due to my current issues with the unit, well, I haven't exactly been up to speed on it, so I decided to try to work on it tonight.
But they should be fairly playful and nothing sensitive. This really isn't a traditional project in the military. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
They put out publications and stuff to the locals to help sway their minds about certain issues, and the big issue in Kosovo is getting the Albanians and the Serbians to try to find some way past their respective differences and get along. Because as soon as they stop fighting each other, this little community might be able to gain independence. Or who knows, getting turned back over to Serbia. Or something. But until that happens, well, you might as well just expect NATO and a bunch of member nations protecting these people from each other as it remains a protectorate of the UN.
One way they try to pass the message is to the kids. This is through various magazines and such, which is a cool idea. In fact, hanging out with Psyop, they have a pretty interesting job.
Meanwhile, where do I come in? Well, I'm an artist type person that's been working in illustration a bit lately, especially anthropormorphic characters recently. They put up a notice for Artists, Graphic Illustrators and Computer type Peoples to help them with these various publications. I answered their call because I had to do something with my time.
Well, they set me up with the task of creating an illustration for their junior magazine with a winter safety message. Like "dress warmly for winter" or "Be careful when walking on Ice" that the kids can color or something. It's also important to have characters that are obviously different depicted as getting along, to try to enforce the message of unity between different people. What's funny is the Psyop guys have furry costumes to dress up in when distribtuting their magazine (they wore them during Halloween, seeing a disney type character armed with an M9 was a riot, I've got pictures) so they liked the idea that I did Anthros.
Now I've been supposed to work on this for the last week. Due to my current issues with the unit, well, I haven't exactly been up to speed on it, so I decided to try to work on it tonight.
But they should be fairly playful and nothing sensitive. This really isn't a traditional project in the military. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
The Latest Project
I've kind of picked up a side job here in Kosovo for the last part of time I'm here. It's working with PsyOp, illustrating.
They put out publications and stuff to the locals to help sway their minds about certain issues, and the big issue in Kosovo is getting the Albanians and the Serbians to try to find some way past their respective differences and get along. Because as soon as they stop fighting each other, this little community might be able to gain independence. Or who knows, getting turned back over to Serbia. Or something. But until that happens, well, you might as well just expect NATO and a bunch of member nations protecting these people from each other as it remains a protectorate of the UN.
One way they try to pass the message is to the kids. This is through various magazines and such, which is a cool idea. In fact, hanging out with Psyop, they have a pretty interesting job.
Meanwhile, where do I come in? Well, I'm an artist type person that's been working in illustration a bit lately, especially anthropormorphic characters recently. They put up a notice for Artists, Graphic Illustrators and Computer type Peoples to help them with these various publications. I answered their call because I had to do something with my time.
Well, they set me up with the task of creating an illustration for their junior magazine with a winter safety message. Like "dress warmly for winter" or "Be careful when walking on Ice" that the kids can color or something. It's also important to have characters that are obviously different depicted as getting along, to try to enforce the message of unity between different people. What's funny is the Psyop guys have furry costumes to dress up in when distribtuting their magazine (they wore them during Halloween, seeing a disney type character armed with an M9 was a riot, I've got pictures) so they liked the idea that I did Anthros.
Now I've been supposed to work on this for the last week. Due to my current issues with the unit, well, I haven't exactly been up to speed on it, so I decided to try to work on it tonight.
But they should be fairly playful and nothing sensitive. This really isn't a traditional project in the military. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
They put out publications and stuff to the locals to help sway their minds about certain issues, and the big issue in Kosovo is getting the Albanians and the Serbians to try to find some way past their respective differences and get along. Because as soon as they stop fighting each other, this little community might be able to gain independence. Or who knows, getting turned back over to Serbia. Or something. But until that happens, well, you might as well just expect NATO and a bunch of member nations protecting these people from each other as it remains a protectorate of the UN.
One way they try to pass the message is to the kids. This is through various magazines and such, which is a cool idea. In fact, hanging out with Psyop, they have a pretty interesting job.
Meanwhile, where do I come in? Well, I'm an artist type person that's been working in illustration a bit lately, especially anthropormorphic characters recently. They put up a notice for Artists, Graphic Illustrators and Computer type Peoples to help them with these various publications. I answered their call because I had to do something with my time.
Well, they set me up with the task of creating an illustration for their junior magazine with a winter safety message. Like "dress warmly for winter" or "Be careful when walking on Ice" that the kids can color or something. It's also important to have characters that are obviously different depicted as getting along, to try to enforce the message of unity between different people. What's funny is the Psyop guys have furry costumes to dress up in when distribtuting their magazine (they wore them during Halloween, seeing a disney type character armed with an M9 was a riot, I've got pictures) so they liked the idea that I did Anthros.
Now I've been supposed to work on this for the last week. Due to my current issues with the unit, well, I haven't exactly been up to speed on it, so I decided to try to work on it tonight.
But they should be fairly playful and nothing sensitive. This really isn't a traditional project in the military. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
12.01.2005
A Note to My Readership
I just wanted to let you all know how much your comments meant to me. I found out I was deploying to Kosovo in October of Last Year and had been gearing up for it through November. I didn't know what would really come of my blog, which I had already had for three years before that. In fact, I thought it would probably die and I wouldn't use it that much. My blog has been on its deathbed before where I wouldn't post much of anything for a few months at a time.
Well, I posted my infamous Not Sorry Pic and my blog got a lot of attention. I wasn't sure how I would be able to handle this at the time with my deployment, and decided to try to keep my blog up anyway. This deployment has been a difficult one for a variety of reasons, which I won't go into here, but I have found a lot of support from my readership and I was able to hang in there.
You all made me want to fight this issue, this blog has been a tremendous help for me while I've been serving here, so I want to thank you for your support and encouraging words, and for being there to root for me in this. I've got a couple of months left and I'll be out of the army (for now, don't know if I'll get back in) and I have a feeling that this blog will continue to be there. I've always been a bit baffled by the readership I get, I don't know why you all find me interesting, but I'm amused and in awe by the attention this blog has recieved.
My Executive Officer made the comment to me when he told me that I could continue blogging that I have a lot of guts to post personal thoughts on such a public forum. I don't know why blogging has appealed to me, but its a hobby I'm glad I've taken up.
I think this deployment is ending on the right track. Once again, thank you for your support, it means a lot to me.
Well, I posted my infamous Not Sorry Pic and my blog got a lot of attention. I wasn't sure how I would be able to handle this at the time with my deployment, and decided to try to keep my blog up anyway. This deployment has been a difficult one for a variety of reasons, which I won't go into here, but I have found a lot of support from my readership and I was able to hang in there.
You all made me want to fight this issue, this blog has been a tremendous help for me while I've been serving here, so I want to thank you for your support and encouraging words, and for being there to root for me in this. I've got a couple of months left and I'll be out of the army (for now, don't know if I'll get back in) and I have a feeling that this blog will continue to be there. I've always been a bit baffled by the readership I get, I don't know why you all find me interesting, but I'm amused and in awe by the attention this blog has recieved.
My Executive Officer made the comment to me when he told me that I could continue blogging that I have a lot of guts to post personal thoughts on such a public forum. I don't know why blogging has appealed to me, but its a hobby I'm glad I've taken up.
I think this deployment is ending on the right track. Once again, thank you for your support, it means a lot to me.
The NCO Creed
No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind -- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!
This is the NCO Creed, which all NCO's should live by. I admit that I haven't always been able to live by the creed, but I've attempted to memorize it in the past and tried to grow into it. I have seen many Sergeants in the army who don't seem to know what this is or even try to do anything with it.
Well, the latest info on my journey in Kosovo, I am no longer in the section I came here under. My former NCOIC and I had one clash to many and I felt that I could no longer perform adequately under him, so I asked to be removed. I have been moved out of Preventive Medicine and now I work in the hospital doing general tasks that need to be performed directly for the First Sergeant. I think I'll be fine with this arrangement, I've got a little time left and December has so far started off on the right foot already.
A load has been lifted. I just hope the rest of this month goes by with no more major issues.
I also think that the blog will no longer be an issue. I will do everything in my power to make sure it remains an non-issue as well.
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