Today started off a little earlier. We went to the DVIDS building (digital video system) to do a live shot to air on the 10pm news on channel 3. I had tracked down Pensacola's own Cmdr Jerry Feagles who was the former xo of NAS Pensacola now stationed here in Al Asad. I wanted him to be able to say hello to his wife and kids in Pensacola so gave up my spot on TV so there would be time for Bill to interview him live. TV adds ten pounds anyway right? He did a great job and it was so nice to see a familiar, friendly face.
We then went to breakfast and then to pick up Gunny Jackson to go for another round of tours and interviews. Today we visited the Helicopter squadron called The Phrog Pond. we got up close and personal with the aircraft and got to see some leave on missions. I believe they were the C40. We got some great interview, photos, and handed out more letters. Lots of smiles from those guys!!
Our next stop was VMA Q 3..the Prowlers! we had about 6 local guys to talk to who showed us around and read some letters. Just one awesome group after another. Their morale is inspiring! They know Thanksgiving is the next day but are so mission minded...their attitudes are great!! I have so much respect for these men and women.
After a good lunch we are done for the day. Time to head back to my can and wait to be on the morning show with Brent. It is cold, cloudy, and rainy today...I think I will do the show in my thermal pj's!!
Oh...funny story...last night I was going to the toilet trailer. It was soooo dark and I didn't take my flashlight thinking I could just make it there in the dark from memory. I was in my pink gym shorts and tank top with my yellow fleece thrown on and trying to hurry in my flip flops on the dirt and gravel. It was freezing!! I ran SMACK DAB into an armed Ugandan guard and scared him to death I think! They have such dark skin and dress in all black coats when it is cold I totally could not see him. I ran into his M16 and he was so startled I am surprised he didn't shoot me. he shined his flashlight on me, saw that I clearly was not a threat considering my ridiculous get-up and smiled and shined the light on the rest of my path. I'm such a clutz!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday 24 NOV 2009
Today was another great day in Iraq! Well....except I accidentally brushed my teeth with "non-potable" water which is meant for showering only. You aren't supposed to have it in your mouth. I wasn't feeling well but wasn't sure if it was all in my head. I survived the second night in my can with no heat. It is about 40 degrees at night and in the morning so that wasn't fun. My heater is broken...didn't want to complain....again, the troops survive worse.
We had a hot breakfast and were off to visit more troops and deliver letters. We went to 2MAW (marine air wing) which is the last Air Wing to be here. The Marines are pulling out of Al Asad over the next few months and the Army is coming in. I can already see a big change. A lot of downsizing. I believe the Marines are getting ready to move to Afghanistan where they are needed more. We got to do our interviews on the rooftop of the building which was really cool. Got some great photos from that vantage point. Also met up with some really cool guys from our area that were so glad to be able to say hi to their families on TV and Radio and they also read some of the letters. They were excited to take a box with them to pass around the unit.
After that, we headed to MAG 26 Headquarters to interview some more local men and women. It was there we found Major Baker who just moved from Pace to North Carolina and was anxious to talk about his experience in our area and say hi to all his friends he left behind. He was thrilled to get the letters and is already planning on writing back to many of them that included a return address.
We then went back to our cans to work on the stories and it was then time for the morning show to start so I called Brent to tell him all about my day.
More tomorrow...
P.S. I fixed my heater!!! It was a blown fuse. I kind of felt like Magyver. Is that how you spell that? It looks weird. Who cares...tonight I sleep without my coat on!
We had a hot breakfast and were off to visit more troops and deliver letters. We went to 2MAW (marine air wing) which is the last Air Wing to be here. The Marines are pulling out of Al Asad over the next few months and the Army is coming in. I can already see a big change. A lot of downsizing. I believe the Marines are getting ready to move to Afghanistan where they are needed more. We got to do our interviews on the rooftop of the building which was really cool. Got some great photos from that vantage point. Also met up with some really cool guys from our area that were so glad to be able to say hi to their families on TV and Radio and they also read some of the letters. They were excited to take a box with them to pass around the unit.
After that, we headed to MAG 26 Headquarters to interview some more local men and women. It was there we found Major Baker who just moved from Pace to North Carolina and was anxious to talk about his experience in our area and say hi to all his friends he left behind. He was thrilled to get the letters and is already planning on writing back to many of them that included a return address.
We then went back to our cans to work on the stories and it was then time for the morning show to start so I called Brent to tell him all about my day.
More tomorrow...
P.S. I fixed my heater!!! It was a blown fuse. I kind of felt like Magyver. Is that how you spell that? It looks weird. Who cares...tonight I sleep without my coat on!
Monday 23 Nov 2009 Al Asad, Iraq
I think I am recovered from the nightmare trip through Baghdad. I certainly do not recommend that place as a vacation destination! Honestly...it makes me appreciate our troops even more. I don't know how they do it for so long. I really even hate to complain.
So today was a great day in Al Asad. It started off with a yummy breakfast at the huge DFAC 3 which is close to the size of a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Gunny Jackson picked us up and took us there to get recharged before our big day of interviewing the troops and delivering letters. We visited the C130 squadron first. It was great to be back there! I actually ran into SSGT Morales who I met at the same squadron this time last year! Yes...he was back for his second deployment! He was fun to talk to and loved doing a shout out to Pensacola where he spent time a few a years ago as part of the Blue Angel maintenance crew.
We then headed over to the F-18 squadron and met up with some pilots getting ready to take the jets out on a mission. How cool to be up close and personal to such an awesome jet. The same as the Blue Angel but not nearly as pretty! This one was ready for combat. Gray and fully armed. We interviewed many of the crew, took lots of pictures, and handed out some letters. They loved them! (I loved the pilots...just sayin'.) :)
We went to the satellite DFAC on the South side of the airfield and had lunch. It was a smaller one but still had great food. I haven't had a bad meal yet! We were then done with our tours for the day and headed back to our cans to work on our stories and I also called in to Brent to do the morning show.
After a quick nap, we met up with Gunny Jackson for dinner (yes, eating again..) and then he handed over the keys to me and said from then on I could have full use of the vehicle!! Wow!! I guess after being here 3 years I merited wheels! Or....he just didn't want to have to worry about coming back to get us at 830pm so we could go feed all the video to WEAR-TV 3.
After the video feed we were done for the day and back to our cans by 930pm...full day but great! I set my alarm for 130am so I could call the boys and send in some work to Brent..the internet is much faster when everyone else is asleep!
Now I am going to go back to sleep for a few hours before I get a shower and start a new day! Good night from Iraq.
So today was a great day in Al Asad. It started off with a yummy breakfast at the huge DFAC 3 which is close to the size of a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Gunny Jackson picked us up and took us there to get recharged before our big day of interviewing the troops and delivering letters. We visited the C130 squadron first. It was great to be back there! I actually ran into SSGT Morales who I met at the same squadron this time last year! Yes...he was back for his second deployment! He was fun to talk to and loved doing a shout out to Pensacola where he spent time a few a years ago as part of the Blue Angel maintenance crew.
We then headed over to the F-18 squadron and met up with some pilots getting ready to take the jets out on a mission. How cool to be up close and personal to such an awesome jet. The same as the Blue Angel but not nearly as pretty! This one was ready for combat. Gray and fully armed. We interviewed many of the crew, took lots of pictures, and handed out some letters. They loved them! (I loved the pilots...just sayin'.) :)
We went to the satellite DFAC on the South side of the airfield and had lunch. It was a smaller one but still had great food. I haven't had a bad meal yet! We were then done with our tours for the day and headed back to our cans to work on our stories and I also called in to Brent to do the morning show.
After a quick nap, we met up with Gunny Jackson for dinner (yes, eating again..) and then he handed over the keys to me and said from then on I could have full use of the vehicle!! Wow!! I guess after being here 3 years I merited wheels! Or....he just didn't want to have to worry about coming back to get us at 830pm so we could go feed all the video to WEAR-TV 3.
After the video feed we were done for the day and back to our cans by 930pm...full day but great! I set my alarm for 130am so I could call the boys and send in some work to Brent..the internet is much faster when everyone else is asleep!
Now I am going to go back to sleep for a few hours before I get a shower and start a new day! Good night from Iraq.
Saturday 21 NOV 2009
We still have not made it to Al Asad Iraq yet...holy moly!! We caught the midnight Rhino out of Camp Prosperity where CPIC is and took the armored bus back to Camp Liberty. Luckily....Todd aka our guardian angel was there waiting to rescue us for the night. He made sure we had a place to sleep and shower until Saturday morning when we had to go back to BIAP to catch our plane to Iraq. We got some good rest finally and drove through thr thickest fog I had ever seen to get to BIAP. We were scheduled on the 815am flight to Balad Iraq and then on the 1pm flight to Al Asad. We didn't leave til 1130am which got us into Balad just in time to see a bus leaving with the soldiers going to Al Asad. They were heading to the flight line WITHOUT US!! I asked when the next flight to Al Asad would be and was told TUESDAY!! I begged and pleaded for them to please get us on that flight and they turned the bus around and came to pick us up. We had to run like maniacs to get all our luggage and make it to the bus. It was crazy!!! We FINALLY made it into Al Asad and got all checked in and to our cans (trailers) for the night. They put us in VIP cans which is better than anything I had stayed in here before. Our own bathroom, shower, refrigerator...but no Internet connection which would definitely not work for me since that is how I send in my interviews and pictures to Brent. SOooooooo...I asked to be put in the same type cans I had always stayed in before...just basic with a bed and an Internet cable. I will be using the shower and toilet trailers again...but hey...this is the same can the troops live in so I am not complaining. Bill and Dan are living life in the lap of luxury!! Ready for some good sleep so I can be all ready to start delivering letters from home tomorrow! gunny Jackson is our escort. He is great...very nice and laughs at everything. He will be a hoot. Good night!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Friday 20NOV2009 BIAP
Well we finally made it to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP.) We have to come to Baghdad to get our media credentials for Iraq...pretty dumb to have to fly here for a stupid badge..but oh well. We waited for the shuttle to take us to camp Liberty which is about 20 minutes from BIAP. Once there we found out we have to take an MWRAP (military vehicle all wrapped in armor) to Camp Prosperity about 30 minutes away. The problem...we have to catch the MWRAP at the Palace which is about a half mile away and we have toms of luggage and gear. no way we can walk it and there is no shuttle. LUCKILY...my friend Todd who I have not seen in two years lives in Baghdad and works as a civilian contractor. When he heard I was coming through he gave me his number and we finally connected. He came and picked us up and made sure we got to our MWRAP spot. We had some time to kill so he also got us into the Palace...Al Faw...a beautiful place belonging to Saddam Hussein. The toilets were marble and everything was regal. It is now used by the US dignitaries in Baghdad.
We said goodbye to Todd and got onboard the MWRAP in full body armor. An armed Marine manned the top of the vehicle to make sure he was ready in case we were fired upon. It was an intense ride to Camp Prosperity but we made it and were met by the CPIC reps. (Combined Press Information Center.) We got our media credentials and got to nap for 2 hours before having to go check in for the midnight Rhino (armored bus) back to Camp Liberty and then to BIAP for our flight to Al Asad. We have barely slept and eaten and Dan is testy. Bill is doing fantastic. A real trooper. We finally get back to Liberty and THANK GOD Todd found out we were headed back and met us there. CPIC sucked pretty much...wouldn't even let us use the phone and pretty much left us on our own to figure out how to get back to BIAP. Luckily....I have done this before and we were fine. Just tired and grouchy from exhaustion. We arrive before midnight and Todd is there with good news. We would not have to spend the night in the BIAP terminal...he had made arrangements! We got a hot meal, 5 hours of sleep and best of all...A HOT SHOWER! I felt like myself again as we headed to catch our flight to Al Asad which was due to leave around 11am. We had to be there at 7am...I hate that we always have to arrive so early. A lot of "hurry up and wait." This is why I admire our troops so much..nothing is easy here in the Middle East.
More to come...gotta go!
We said goodbye to Todd and got onboard the MWRAP in full body armor. An armed Marine manned the top of the vehicle to make sure he was ready in case we were fired upon. It was an intense ride to Camp Prosperity but we made it and were met by the CPIC reps. (Combined Press Information Center.) We got our media credentials and got to nap for 2 hours before having to go check in for the midnight Rhino (armored bus) back to Camp Liberty and then to BIAP for our flight to Al Asad. We have barely slept and eaten and Dan is testy. Bill is doing fantastic. A real trooper. We finally get back to Liberty and THANK GOD Todd found out we were headed back and met us there. CPIC sucked pretty much...wouldn't even let us use the phone and pretty much left us on our own to figure out how to get back to BIAP. Luckily....I have done this before and we were fine. Just tired and grouchy from exhaustion. We arrive before midnight and Todd is there with good news. We would not have to spend the night in the BIAP terminal...he had made arrangements! We got a hot meal, 5 hours of sleep and best of all...A HOT SHOWER! I felt like myself again as we headed to catch our flight to Al Asad which was due to leave around 11am. We had to be there at 7am...I hate that we always have to arrive so early. A lot of "hurry up and wait." This is why I admire our troops so much..nothing is easy here in the Middle East.
More to come...gotta go!
Thursday 19NOV2009 KUWAIT
We arrived in Kuwait about 11pm and had to ride a bus to Ali Al Saleem to meet our escorts to Camp Arifjan where our NAS Hospital Corpsman are serving from Pensacola. It was good to see Petty Officer Vanni (Joe) and Mo...our drivers. They are hysterical and made for an entertaining ride to the base which was about an hour away. Unfortunately we had to wait for two hours for our bags to be unloaded so we did not arrive to Arifjan until 4am. By the time we got checked in etc...it was 5am before we got to bed. We slept til 13opm and got up to get ready to visit the hospital. We missed lunch in the DFAC (Dining Facility) so we got Taco Bell from the food court (tasted the same) and then went to Exchange to buy phone cards and a sweatshirt. It's cold in the desert!
We met up with the hospital group and had a great time delivering letters from home and speaking with the men and women from Pensacola. They were wonderful and really a pleasure to visit. Our flight out is at 11pm so we only got to spend one night....bummer.
After a day of visiting and then getting all packed up...we are heading back to Ali AlSaleem to catch our flight to Baghdad. it is Thursday evening and Joe and Mo are going to take us a little early so we can get some pictures in town in Kuwait and find some food. We got to see some cool things including a Kuwait woman flipping Dan off as he tried to photograph her...You go girl! :) We also had some really good Thai food (ummm, yeah in Kuwait) and had fun talking with some locals. Then we were off to LSA to check in for our flight. We got there to find out that we would not actually fly out til 5am so we just had to hang out in the terminal and try to sleep. Mmmmmm comfy. Haven't had a shower since noon on Friday.
More from Baghdad....
We met up with the hospital group and had a great time delivering letters from home and speaking with the men and women from Pensacola. They were wonderful and really a pleasure to visit. Our flight out is at 11pm so we only got to spend one night....bummer.
After a day of visiting and then getting all packed up...we are heading back to Ali AlSaleem to catch our flight to Baghdad. it is Thursday evening and Joe and Mo are going to take us a little early so we can get some pictures in town in Kuwait and find some food. We got to see some cool things including a Kuwait woman flipping Dan off as he tried to photograph her...You go girl! :) We also had some really good Thai food (ummm, yeah in Kuwait) and had fun talking with some locals. Then we were off to LSA to check in for our flight. We got there to find out that we would not actually fly out til 5am so we just had to hang out in the terminal and try to sleep. Mmmmmm comfy. Haven't had a shower since noon on Friday.
More from Baghdad....
The Journey begins....Wednesday 18NOV2009
Today is the day...heading to Atlanta to begin the trek to Kuwait and then on to Iraq. I will be meeting Bill Pearson and Dan Kettinger from WEAR-TV in Atlanta before the flight.
3pm
All is well..got all checked in for the flight to Ali Al Saleem (LSA) in Kuwait. Should be about 9 hours to Leipzig, Germany and then on to Kuwait which is about 6 more hours. UGH! The flight is a chartered commercial flight for the military which is used for the troops to get back and forth to the US for their R&R (leave) at home for 15 days. Dan is in crocs with socks and Bill is in flip flops...hmmm....let's hope they brought other footwear for the war zone. :)
Who knows what time it is PM.
We are in Germany now for what was supposed to be a 2 hour layover...now a 5 hour layover....awesome. (Note sarcasm.) We have been trying to sleep a little and have been visiting with some of the men and women onboard heading back to their duty stations in the desert. The flight is a lot more somber than the flight home on the R&R flight as you can imagine. These people have just had to say goodbye to their family and friends yet another time to return to Iraq. Once we get flying again we should be in Kuwait in about 5 or 6 hours. I have taken an Ambien on each flight to help me sleep...I am anticipating a few days of minimal sleep once we arrive so I guess I should get as much as I can now.
3pm
All is well..got all checked in for the flight to Ali Al Saleem (LSA) in Kuwait. Should be about 9 hours to Leipzig, Germany and then on to Kuwait which is about 6 more hours. UGH! The flight is a chartered commercial flight for the military which is used for the troops to get back and forth to the US for their R&R (leave) at home for 15 days. Dan is in crocs with socks and Bill is in flip flops...hmmm....let's hope they brought other footwear for the war zone. :)
Who knows what time it is PM.
We are in Germany now for what was supposed to be a 2 hour layover...now a 5 hour layover....awesome. (Note sarcasm.) We have been trying to sleep a little and have been visiting with some of the men and women onboard heading back to their duty stations in the desert. The flight is a lot more somber than the flight home on the R&R flight as you can imagine. These people have just had to say goodbye to their family and friends yet another time to return to Iraq. Once we get flying again we should be in Kuwait in about 5 or 6 hours. I have taken an Ambien on each flight to help me sleep...I am anticipating a few days of minimal sleep once we arrive so I guess I should get as much as I can now.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)