So Far From Home

Back to the Grind!!!

2006-03-19T15:47:00.000-08:00

Well it's official, I'm back to my old life. But I'm definitely not the old person I was before all of this. I've changed, in some ways good and in some ways bad. I'm still not sleeping well, but it's getting better. I started back to work on 13 February 2006. As you can imagine, I'm so glad to be back home and at my old job. However it may be the same position I left, but so many of my responsibilites have changed. It's taking a lot of getting use to. Slowly but surely I'm getting accustomed, but I've still got a ways to go.

My family is great and they have been a big help in getting me back to my old self. As I'm sure you have all read Slobodan Milosevic died this past week. Certainly he was a man that changed history and many lifes. He changed my life by sending me to the Kosovo with the US Army for 1 year. Having said that, now that he is gone, maybe some peace can be found in the Balkans. For the most part, everyone I met, just wanted to live in peace. Maybe this will bring closure to a terrible time in history for a beautiful place.

Dave's Home

HOME!

2006-01-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

I think the title says it all! I'm so happy to be home with my family and friends. It's truly a wonderful feeling. My family and I are getting ready to take a short trip to the Lake for a little R&R. Then it’s back to my civilian career. So with that said, forgive me but I'm going to take a break from writing and get back to being a husband and father. I'll see you in a couple weeks.

"Elvis is home!"

2006-01-30T07:09:00.000-08:00

HOME AT LAST!!!!!!!!!!

CLEARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-01-24T18:24:00.000-08:00

Yes!!!

Saw the docs again today and they have cleared me. I'm going home!!!!!!

The Grind Continues

2006-01-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have confirmed that the U.S. is everything I remembered it to be. Its so great to be back. Unfortnately, my demobing process has stopped. While I was deployed I suffered a knee injury. The Army has now decided that my knee needs further evaluation, so I go to see the doctor on Monday. The suck part about that is it may keep me here at Ft.Lewis while my unit returns home. Even worse I could be away from my family longer. Honestly, I frustrated! I want so bad to go home, but I know I need to get my knee taken care of. Furthermore this has added stress to my family. I guess I just wait to see what the Docs say and go from there. It could be worse.

Gotta Go!

Elvis

We Made To Ft. Lewis

2006-01-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

We've made it to Ft. Lewis and are now going thru Demob. Yea! We're very busy and hoping to get home soon. See Ya

"Elvis is back in the USA"

Good Bye Kosovo

2006-01-14T04:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

The words I've longed for!!!!!!

“MISSION COMPLETE!"

In the very, very, very near future we will be leaving Camp Bondsteel and Kosovo. This will be my last posting from in country. From here we will return to our mobilization site where we will be processed out of the active army and back into the Army National Guard. With any luck this will only take 7-10 days and then it’s back over the rainbow to Kansas. As you can imagine I’m so very excited. It’s become very hard to sleep or concentrate on anything other than getting out of this place.

As I look back on the past 16 months I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished on this deployment. We’ve helped keep security and stability in a region that has known nothing but death and destruction over the past decade. Everyday I was here; I never ceased to be amazed by what things these young soldiers accomplished in the name of freedom and the United States. On the flip side, my family was never far from my mind. There was not a day that went by that I did not think of them and wonder how or what they were doing.

For my wife, listen to Vanesa Carlton's "AThousand Miles Away" it says better how I feel more than any words I can come up with. Forever my love.

For Ally, get ready the workouts are coming! I Love You

For Bubby, we're going to Kick B__t at the Pinewood Derby. I Love You

I’m sure when I get home people will ask me “Was it worth it?”
Absolutely!!!!!
If for no more than 4 reasons.

1. I learned just how much my family means to me and that I never want to live without them again.

2. I don’t want my kids or their generations to have to come back here and fight a war because America left to early.

3. I want all the people of Kosovo to be able to live in peace without fear of ethnic cleansing.

4. Finally, I’ve realized that the United States of America is the best place in the world to live.

With that all said, I leave you with two final phrases!!

“Until we meet again”!

&

“Elvis has left Kosovo!”

Little Delay

2006-01-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

We are still here. There has been a little delay in our departure. Oh well after being in the Army 17 years, I know to expect anything. I'll know we have departed as soon as the gear is up and we are an hour out of Kosovo airspace. At that point I will relax and go to sleep for a great wake up in the USA.

"Elvis has almost left Kosovo"

Transfer of Authority

2006-01-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is going to be a great day. The official Transfer of Authority to Task Force Alamo from Task Force Tornado. I can't believe we have reached this point. What a feeling! We are done! All weapons and ammo are accounted for. Everything is done and now we are waiting. Waiting on transportation to take us back to the wonderful place called the United States of America.

What a year and half! One that will be with me forever. I will continue to try and post up until the time we leave. I can't wait to post my last blog from in country. As soon as I get to the states I will try to find a computer and continue thru demob, but who knows.

Well gotta go for now. Got a big day tomorrow.

"Elvis has left the building"

2006-01-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

Taken after our Swan Song Mission

Hurry Up and Wait!

2006-01-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

Oh I'm so excited and anxious to get out of this place. I feel like a kid waiting for Santa to come on Christmas Eve. (I just wish I could set the clock forward to speed up the time)

Mom and Dad know that feeling!!!!

Although I have called Camp Bondsteel home for the past year, I can't wait to get to my "real home" and see my family. Today I learned the exact date we will leave Kosovo. As much as I would like to scream it to the world, I can't because of security. But lets just say I will watch the Super Bowl from my living room this year with my family. I have one last duty left here and that is to account for all weapons and ammo. Once that is done, I will be completely done and just waiting. Well I need to go. Take Care and Stay Strong!!!!! It won't be long now.

"Elvis has left the building"

4th of July? Nah, just New Year's

2005-12-31T17:07:00.000-08:00

Tonight as the New Year rang in I saw all the weapons we didn’t find during our year deployment in Kosovo. The sky was filled with tracers and the valley erupted in gun fire at 23:59hrs. It sounded as if we were in Iraq. We heard every kind of round there is, to include some heavy anti aircraft fire. I’ve never seen this much gun fire in my life. In one respect I was glad to be in CBS. On the other hand I’m a combat soldier who wanted to be out there chasing these people around. You see this past week, myself and squad turned our Hummvs over to the new guys. Now we are preparing to leave Kosovo for home. After watching the display, several of us walked over to the TOC and listened to the radio traffic. From the sounds of it, every town in sector was firing weapons. I really thought we had done a good job in finding things over this past year, but after tonight, I don’t think we made a dent in the weapons around here. Oh well “we made it” and will soon be going home. I can’t help but wonder what 2006 will bring for me, my family and buddies. One thing is for sure, this was a year I will never forget! Happy New Year!

"Elvis has left the building!" & "Will soon have left the Balkans"

2005-12-20T13:28:00.000-08:00

All I can say is WOW!!!!!!

2005-12-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

Sure wish I had a Garage!

GOD BLESS TEXAS!!!

2005-12-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

Well their here! By that I mean that members of Task Force Alamo have arrived. However we have a different name for them, “Our Replacements”! What a wonderful Christmas gift they are. GOD BLESS TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!! Although we won’t be home for Christmas, we will be preparing to leave. What an awesome feeling, we are all so excited and ready.

For me, I can’t believe we have arrived at this point. It no longer seems like a dream that we will return to the “real world”. I can remember when we arrived that I never thought we would reach this point. For that matter I always wondered in the back of my mind whether I would see my family again or step foot back on U.S. soil alive. Well just a few more weeks and I will have made it. As for my family, they are the real story here. My wife has taken care of two kids, a household and all the other things that go with a family, while suffering from arthritis. What a woman!!!!!! She is the hero of this story. By the time we leave, we will have spent a total of 11 ½ months in the Balkans, not to mention the time we spent in train up. Over the next few weeks we will be busy with redeployment briefings and training our replacements. Then we will turn the keys over to them and wait for the Air Force to send us a plane home. In the meantime to all my friends and family back home, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR. I’ll see you soon!

“Elvis has left the building”

2005-12-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

My Letter to Santa

2005-12-13T02:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

I am writing you from a place that is probably just as cold and snowy as the North Pole. Although we don't have flying reindeer, we do have helicopters that fly around at night with their red lights on, just like Rudolph's nose. You will probably need to file a mission trip ticket with our Airfield should you decide to fly in on Christmas Eve. However given the extreme fog here, you might find it impossible to land that night. As a secondary plan, I would suggest driving in and using Gate 1. Remember you will need your KFOR ID when entering. Oh, as a side note do not forget to clear any weapons you may have at the clearing barrel before proceeding. Don't worry there are gate guards that can walk you thru the procedure. The MP's here are very excitable, so watch your speed as they would love to give Santa a ticket. I think that covers about everything here. Although it's been a different year, I still have been very good. Sorry about not having milk and cookies for you, but you know KBR's budget was cut this year and they decided trim your treats out.

PS: Below you will find my list of things I want for Christmas. Merry Christmas!

Love Elvis

A “ONE WAY” airplane ticket from the Balkans to Kansas with a short layover in Washington State.

The Balkans to be invaded early by a bunch of Texans.

Task Force Sidewinder to forget their target dates, thus moving us up on the manifesting for flights back to the USA.

For someone to yell “On The Way” before flushing the toilet in our temporary housing while I’m showering.

For my shot records to be updated and correct, thus requiring no further shots as I demobilize. (Oh God! Please be correct!)

70 degree weather the rest of the time I’m here. Okay! I’ll settle for no snow!!!!!

For the aviation guys to cease night flight ops. The noise is killing my beauty rest.

To bring everybody home!

See my parents in the land of OZ!

Finally and most important to live a long and peaceful life with my beautiful wife and fabulous kids.

"Elvis has left the Building"

It's Truly a Multinational Mission

2005-12-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

Things have really been active around here lately. This past week we have been working with several other armies on a number of missions. Today we interacted with the French. Although the communication is a little more difficult, I’ve found that they are soldiers just like us that think of nothing more than completing the mission and getting home safe. In operating with these other nations I have learned that their deployments are not nearly as long as ours. The French, Germans and most other nations only deploy for 4 months at a time. I guess I just assumed they were all year long tours like ours. In any event it has been interesting working with them.

We continue to prepare for the arrival of our replacements. We have already started to see some new faces around here. Unfortunately they are not “our replacements”. The weather remains cold, rainy and snowy. Hopefully all the serious snow storms will wait until we have left to make their arrival here. You can tell that everyone is anxious to get out of here and home. Every time you see friends from other Task Forces, it’s the same question “So when you getting out of here?” On the other hand it is going to suck leaving our interpreters behind. They have become like brothers to us. When you work with someone everyday in an environment like ours, it’s hard to not get close. They have taught us so much about the Balkans and made our job easier this past year. I know that we could never have been as successful as we were if it weren’t for them. They are the true patriots here. Okay enough for now, Gotta roll! Take Care and Stay Strong!

“Elvis has left the building”

2005-12-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

Anyone for Flying?

Busy!

2005-12-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

Things around here are getting busy. Yesterday we loaded out most of our personal gear into our milvan. These items will all be shipped home and we will see the stuff probably sometime in March or April 06. The rest of our personal items will be carried home on the airplane. Our replacements left from Texas the day after Thanksgiving and are now in Germany getting final training before coming here. MWR is starting to put up “Welcome” signs for the replacement units, which is what they did for us. In the next couple days we will be moving into temporary housing, which means we are getting closer to home. We continue to maintain our daily routine of missions and patrols, although the cold weather has really slowed the people down here. Saturday evening was great, I actually got to see my Jayhawks beat Iowa State for their sixth win and gain bowl eligibility. Although I won’t be home in time to go, I am definitely hoping that AFN plays whatever bowl game they go to.

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are here. Besides my family, I really miss hearing the Christmas music. Although that’s probably not a bad thing as it would probably make me a little sad. I’m sure the Army will take care of us at Christmas, but it won’t be like being at home. Enough of that!

Other than being cold, tired and ready to come home, we are all doing fine. I know I have said it a hundred times, but it bearing saying again. The soldiers I have served with are the best of what America has to offer. If most Americans could see what these young men and women do everyday, they would be amazed and very proud. Well its time to get on with life in Balkans. Take care and Stay Strong

“Elvis has left the building”

A Different Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

Yes thats right it wasn't a Thanksgiving that I've ever had before, but it was just as rewarding. Normally this day I would be with my family eating turkey, napping and watching football. However today it's different. I can truly say that while I missed my family very much and longed to be home, I was with a different family today. That is my Army family, my brothers and sisters in arms that stand to protect Freedom! The Army did a great job in trying to make this day special, with turkey and dressing as well as pumpkin pie. It didn't live up to mom's but I guess nothing could. We also received a visit from General Bell in which he ate with us and wished us a safe and happy holiday. I thought it was very nice of him to take time out of his holiday to come from Germany and to be with us.

Later in the day, after waiting in line for about 45 minutes I called home and spoke to my wife and kids. I couldn't reach my parents, but I left them a greeting. Although my wife was sick, it was nice to speak with them. Next year's Thanksgiving will definitely be one to relax and reflect on what we've accomplished here and how far we've come. I've always avoided counting the days until we leave here, but we've reached the point that I can now say "THE COUNT IS ON!!!!" God Bless you all and Happy Thanksgiving!

"Elvis has left the building"

Twas the Day before Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

All right I'm not good with stories so I will leave it at the title. Seriously, today we awoke to about a foot of snow. It has continued to snow throughout the day. Although it's a beautiful snow, there sure is a lot of it. Our mission today was cancelled due to the weather. The roads were just too bad and the risk was to much given what we were supposed to do. So that gave us some time off. We played Halo 2 as well as packed our continco boxes for redeployment back home. In the near future US customs will inspect them and then they will be placed in our milvans for shipment. I still can't believe we are getting to this point.

I'm really not sure what is going on here for Thanksgiving. I know we will get a good meal and maybe watch some Football. The other night we were invited to our interpreter’s house for dinner with his family. What a great time, his wife prepared a great meal and his two small children ran around just like mine used to. It was really nice and we had a great time. It really made all of us remember home and why we are here. (Thanks Biggie)

Well time to do something productive today. Take care and to all

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

"Elvis has left the building"

2005-11-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

They make it all worth it!!!!!!!!!

2005-11-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

A little rest in between raids!!!!!!!

2005-11-19T14:20:00.000-08:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! What a raid this was.

Why Am I Thankful!!!!!!!!

2005-11-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving just around the corner I thought I would share some of my thoughts. This year Thanksgiving has come to be more than just a time to spend eating great food, watching football or being away from work. As I spend this Thanksgiving so far away from home, I can’t help but think of its true meaning. I think I have really gotten its true purpose. What am I thankful for, well here goes!

I am thankful for a wonderful wife that has always supported me in whatever desires I have had.

I am thankful for two great children that have brought me more joy than I ever thought was possible. (Elvis’s daughter still needs to workout)

I am thankful for a wonderful set of parents, who early on set me on the right path and instilled values in me that no one can take away.

I am thankful for a wonderful second family (my in-laws), I could not have asked for better.

I am thankful to have such a great support system in all my friends back home that have kept my spirits up when I have been down.

I am thankful to have such a fantastic civilian employer who has been there every step of the way this past 14 months.

I am thankful to have spent this past 14 months with some of the most dedicated and professional soldiers in the world. Despite risk, these soldiers are committed to bringing safety and security to all of Kosovo.

I am thankful that for except a few minor injuries, we have lost no one during this deployment.

I am thankful that sometime down the road I will be returning to my home and all above.

Finally, I am thankful to live in a country that is free. Where people have the choice of where they live or what they do. Where they are not lined up by a ditch and shot by their own government because they disagree or are of a different ethnic background. Where the sewer system is underground and not running down the ditches next to your house. Where people are willing to defend a persons right to free speech even though they strongly disagree with them.

HAPPY THANKGIVINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m Baaaaaaaack!

2005-11-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

I’m Baaaaaaaack! Sofia, Bulgaria was a great time. It gave me time to relax and turn back into a “real person”. I had forgotten how many freedoms I don’t have here. Just wearing something other than a uniform with a weapon was awesome, great, fabulous, etc! It was amazing to me that I was visiting a former eastern bloc country as a United States soldier. The buildings, food, language and almost everything had the eastern European flare to it. Additionally they seem to love U.S. troops and western fashion. I can truly say that I didn’t meet a single person that was not nice to us.

Now for the downside, I only had 3 days before I had to return. What a “downer”! Just as you start remembering how to be a “real person”, you have to return. That really SUCKED! On the positive side, the next time I leave, it should be for good! Well time to get back to reality. Stay Strong!

“Elvis has left the building”

2005-11-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

Coaching/teaching hard work!!!!!

Flag Football

2005-11-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

Well it’s been a while. Things here are about the same, although the people are still looking for a decision from the UN. With each passing day, you can see their desire for independence grow stronger. We continue to patrol, conduct missions and various other operations on a daily basis. Given these duties, I believe we are succeeding in providing a safe and secure environment for the population of Kosovo. We’ve set up a flag football game with some of the locals and have been teaching them the “American” version of football. Wow! I didn’t realize how hard it would be to teach people that didn’t grow up with our version of football, how to play. I must say, they do know how to kick a ball. It should be fun

As for me, I’m doing fine. I’ve got a pass coming up in which I will get out of here for several days and get to be a normal person again. You can’t believe how excited I am about getting to wear something besides a uniform. The bonus aspect is that I’m getting to do this with some of my buddies. It should be a blast! The only down side is it’s my wife’s birthday this weekend and I can’t be home to share it with her. Personal Note: (Know that I will be thinking of you on that day and that I love you very much). Well time to go. Stay Strong!!!!!!

“Elvis has left the building”

Dave's Top 25 things to remember when I get home

2005-11-01T05:24:00.000-08:00

1. I can leave home without a helmet, gloves, assault pack, body armor, weapon and T.P.
2. My car doesn't have to go to QAQC each week
3. Two Lane Highways are just that Two Lane Highways
4. If a door is locked, I don't have to describle UN resolution 1244 when requiring it to be opened.
5. I don’t have to wear flip-flops when showering
6. I don’t have to put on clothes to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night
7. Stopping the car along the road to pee is probably not acceptable
8. Peeing anywhere other than a bathroom is not going to work
9. Driving in the middle of the road is illegal
10. I don't have to drive with my headlights on in the day
11. Carrying a weapon in public is never appropriate
12. I don’t have ask what route my commander or 1SG want to take every time I go somewhere
13. I don’t have to wait for the the commander and 1SG before before going somewhere
14. My car does not have to have MRI's and bottled water in it at all times
15. When traffic is backed up, I can’t just drive around the backup
16. I can order something other than a machioto, when going to Starbucks
17. I don’t have to say "Mir Deta" when I greet people
18. Men walking arm in arm is weird
19. I have other things to wear besides a PT uniform and ACU's
20. If kids don’t rush me for candy, it's okay
21. My left hand is clean
22. No one will be turning their weapon @1800hrs
23. My watch doesn't have to be on "Plugger Time"
24. My luggage does not require a DD1750 when I'm traveling.
25. Weapons fire and explosions are not normal

We Passed!!!

2005-10-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!! Today was great! Before we left the FOB on patrol, we began our initial loading of equipment for the long journey home. US Customs really searched and inspected our bags making sure we didn't bring any war trophies home. You know planes, tanks, helicopters, Aircarft Carriers, Weapons of Mass destruction etc. HA! HA! HA! All in all it felt great to start the process of getting home. Well gotta go!

"Elvis has left the building"

2005-10-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

A Little Break To Celebrate My B-Day

DD 1750's and US Customs, Don't Fail Us Now!!!!!!!

2005-10-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Greeting! Well we took our first step to returning to the US. We've started packing the equipment we don't need and completing DD1750's (Army Packing Lists) to be inspected by US Customs. In the near future we will put the first load into our Mil Vans for the long trip home. Holy Cow! It beginning!

I can't explain the feeling I've gotten while starting to pack up! Its such a wonderful fulfilling feeling. Having said that, I realize we still have a long road to go before we get home. So, "I'M KEEPING MY EYE ON THE BALL" I've made it to far to lose focus now! We've been very busy this past week. It seems like we've just ran and ran and ran and ran! All in all it's been a successful week. Hopefully next week will slow some, but who knows. Finally, I got my webcam working and was able to visit a while with my family. They all look so good and my kids had such a great time. Hopefully this will become a weekly event. Well gotta go. Stay Strong!!!

"Elvis has left the building"

2005-10-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Big Duke!!!!!

2005-10-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

We're not in Kansas Anymore!

2005-10-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW!

Final Status Talks

2005-10-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting in a while. We've been very, very busy around here; given final status talks are underway. Although I can't talk about the army stuff I've been doing, it's been a very busy and tiring week. Hopefully in the near future our tempo will decrease. I can tell you the weather has been beautiful around here lately although we have a lot of fog in the morning. The trees are starting to change colors which make the mountains gorgeous. (PICS TO FOLLOW) Also we are starting our initial pack up of equipment in preparation for return home. WOW! I can't believe that, I thought this time would never come. Believe me when I say we're all ready to come home.

Thanks to all (GB KC, Family and Friends) for the b-day gifts and emails. I can't believe so many people remembered. Hopefully my b-day will be a normal day here, with as little excitement as possible. My wife and kids sent me a box (candy cake) with all my favorite candies attached. It was such unique idea. If I get some pics I will post them. Got an early morning so I better get some rest. Take Care and Until Next Time.

"Elvis has left the building"

2005-10-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yes there are Teletubbies in Kosovo! Here is the 1SG proving the point

2005-10-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

I felt like a rock star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"SEASON'S GREETINGS"

2005-10-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

This morning everyone in our Task Force was given an opportunity to make a holiday greeting video that will be shown back home by our respective local television stations. Given that, SGT. Stubbs and I went up to the DFAC and created a video. The funny thing is that after doing it, I haven't the slightest idea what I said. I just hope it sounds good.

Then this afternoon my squad conducted a mounted and dismounted patrol with our company commander and first sergeant. We patrolled three different towns both on foot and in our vehicles. In one of the towns, we were mobbed by children getting out of school. It was wild; they just seemed to come from everywhere. While we patrolled they walked with us and told about themselves, their families and towns. Once we concluded our patrol we returned back to our base and settled in for the night. Given the KC Chiefs play tonight in Miami, I'm sure we will try to stay up and watch some of the game. Time to go run and work out. Until later!!!

"Elvis has left the building"

2005-10-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

"THE CREW"

2005-10-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

Sunset In Kosovo

2005-10-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

A Look At War Torn Zitinje

HUMP DAY

2005-10-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

What a day!!!! Today started as just a normal routine day. Myself, squad, 1SG and commander headed out to a scheduled radio show that he was to participate in. While in route we received a radio call from "higher" directing a change of mission. We were to immediately proceed to an area and conduct an interdiction and possible search. Additionally other elements in sector were directed to change mission and converge on the location. Once we arrived we conducted the operation uneventfully. ( NO DETAILS OR RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED! SORRY!) Once the operation concluded we proceeded to our original destination and spoke with our SOI. Obviously the commander apologized for not being able to participate in the show. After spending some time with the SOI, we departed and were in route back to the FOB, when the commander's vehicle struck a very large dog. Unfortunately the dog did not die immediately from the collision and we had to contact the local authorities and wait so they could deal with the animal. Although it doesn’t seem like it would have taken a long time, it took almost 3/4 of the day. We then returned back to the FOB, spent about 15minutes grabbing a " To Go" dinner and then back out we went to conduct a mounted and dismounted patrol. After completing a successful patrol we returned back to our base and stood down. Even though it was late, I managed to get phone calls through to my family and parents. It was really nice to get to talk with them, especially my son who currently has the flu. Also speaking with my parents was good. Time to close for now! See ya

"Elvis has left the building"

VIP Visit!

2005-10-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Today was a little different than most days here. Our FOB was visited by the Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker. He ate breakfast with some of the soldiers here and then held a "Town Hall" meeting. In it he addressed what the future United States Army would look like, to include the Army National Guard. At the end he opened the floor up for questions and then took some pictures. He did a group picture with myself and members of my task force. All in all it was a good meeting and nice to see his appreciation for our service.

Later in the afternoon myself and another soldier did an inspect and sealing of some ammunition that was required. While it was a required task, it certainly made for long, cold, boring afternoon. Finally at the end of the day, I came back to my rack, to find a package of goodies sent by a long time family friend. (Thanks Claire) As always they were shared with a bunch of the guys here, who enjoyed them immensely. Gotta go for now.

“Elvis has left the building”

2005-10-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

These boys came up and visited with us while we were on patrol. Note the animal crackers in their hands. (Thanks GB KC!)

Monday, Monday!!!!!!

2005-10-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

As much as my life here is so different from my life in the states, one thing is the same. Monday mornings suck!!! My day started early with issuing ammo for a range that one of our platoons was running. Then the rest of the morning was spent doing administrative tasks for my squad. In the afternoon my squad conducted a patrol. During this tasking we did both mounted and dismounted patrols. Everything went well and the patrol was uneventful. While parked, a couple boys, ages 5 and 10 came up and talked with us. It's always fun to interact with the children here. They remind me so much of home and American children. (Pictures to follow)

Once we returned to the FOB (Forward Operating Base) and completed debriefs, myself and one of my buddies went to run and workout out for a couple hours. Working out, although tiring is always fun and gives me extra energy. As for the weather, I think snow is on the way. While returning to the FOB, we could see it snowing in the upper elevations of the mountains. Frankly I'm not sure I'm ready for it, but I guess Mother Nature doesn't ask. Until next time! See ya!

"Elvis has left the building"

2005-10-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

The Future of Kosovo!

Sunday "A Day Off"

2005-10-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. In fact these are the days that me and guys look most forward to. Most of the time my squad never knows from day to day when we are going to get a day off. But today was one of them. No missions, No patrols, No VCP's or searches, just leisure time to rest and relax. So what do we do with this time? Well we usually try to sleep in, clean weapons, play cards, check email, call home, watch a movie and/or play Xbox games (Halo 2 and/or NCAA 2006 Football).

But with today being Sunday, we also had the pleasure of watching NFL football at the MWR. With some of us being from the Kansas City area, it was nice to watch the Chiefs play the Redskins in Arrowhead. Even better to watch them win. The one thing that is really hard to get use to is watching football live in the middle of the night. As long as we've been here, that still amazes me.

The weather is starting to get colder here, with a lot of fog and rain. Soon all this moisture will turn to snow, not something any of us are looking forward to. But with each misty cold day, comes another day closer to getting home. Finally the real highlight of my day was talking to my wife and kids back home. Anytime we talk, my day is made. Well time to get back to being a soldier.

"Elvis has left the Building"

2005-10-16T02:21:00.000-07:00

This is what its about!

2005-10-16T02:19:00.000-07:00

On Patrol

Hello

2005-10-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

Greeting from the Serbian Province of Kosovo. This is my first posting after reading so many other blogs; I decided to create one myself. Currently I am deployed forward with the United States Army. I've been deployed for a little more than a year. While it's been an experience of a lifetime, I am very ready to return home. Just a little background information, I am currently serving in the Kansas Army National Guard. My MOS is "DAT" Dumb Ass Tanker. I've been married for 14 years to a wonderful woman, who has given me two great kids. Since being here, I have learned so much about the Balkans and the people that reside here. I'm not sure I will ever complain about life in the United States again. In the upcoming weeks I plan on posting what my life is like here, as well as my family's experiences while I'm gone. Obviously everything I post will be unclassified information. I am intending this to be a journal that documents my life here. I do not plan on getting into the politics of why I'm here or for that matter the war on terrorism. I want this to be light hearted and fun reading for all. Until next time.

"Elvis has left the building".