Saturday, September 29, 2007
Blog Post #1002
Holy crap. Either this site has a lot of valuable insight and ideas to share with the world, or I have no social life and too much time to kill.
Averaging a little over 300 posts a year, maybe it's a little of both.
At least I still enjoy writing it. That, and at least I haven't been prosecuted...... yet.
The day you see a Pay Pal button pop up on the site is the day I need bail money.
Remember that.
posted by El Capitan at 8:16 AM
2 comments
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Once Again, Goodbye September
This post was originally posted in September 2004 when I was deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq. It holds true today.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Goodbye September
When I was a kid, September and October were always my favorite times of the year. Along the Central Coast of California, the summer months of June, July and August were almost always cool in temperature. Each day the Monterey Bay started off covered in fog until 11am, and then the sun would shine for about 4 hours until the fog rolled back in. I used to love watching the immense wall of fog roll down my street towards me. Anyways, when September and October rolled around the weather finally warmed up to something worthy of summer. It was called the Indian Summer. Why, I have no idea, but that's what they called it. I miss that weather, the air... riding my mountain bike along the beach or up in the mountains above the bay.
For years after I left home I used to dwell on how much I missed that place, but now I dwell on how much I want my kids to be able to enjoy that beautiful place as I once did. I can't wait to take them down along Portola Blvd, or ride bikes with them along the cliffs, across the harbor, and then across the railroad trestle leading to the boardwalk. I long for the day I can walk around Capitola Village and buy them something cool to drink at 'Mr. Toots.' Maybe then my family will understand why I always take things in stride, why I'm always laid back, and why I will always long for the smell of the surf, the salty air, and the cool breeze.
Now that I live in Southern Ohio I've come to enjoy Octobers again, but for a different reason. In never knew what fall was when I was a kid. In Ohio, fall is the explosion of colors on every tree, the warm dry breeze that smells of pollen, and the fun moments from Halloween and Thanksgiving. I'm sure this is what fall is to most of the country, but to me it's all new and very beautiful. Best of all is that my baby girl was born on Halloween, so she will always remind me of my favorite time of the year since of course she is my little pumpkin. My stepson was born on 2 November, so to me his birthday represents the coming of Thanksgiving. (Trust me, on his birthday he's very thankful that we're giving)
So back to reality. I'll be spending my favorite month of October here in Iraq, where it's dry, hot, and where all the trees are off base and too distant to enjoy. Even then, I don't imagine they'll be changing colors like ours do back home. Once it starts raining here they say it will rain non-stop through March, with a good mix of thunderstorms. Can you sense the excitement in my words? No? Didn't think so. All I will have to enjoy my favorite time of the year are the pictures I'll find online. Of course I will be looking at photos of Ohio, Monterey Bay, and my children. I hope they find a pile of leaves to jump through for me.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Goodbye September
When I was a kid, September and October were always my favorite times of the year. Along the Central Coast of California, the summer months of June, July and August were almost always cool in temperature. Each day the Monterey Bay started off covered in fog until 11am, and then the sun would shine for about 4 hours until the fog rolled back in. I used to love watching the immense wall of fog roll down my street towards me. Anyways, when September and October rolled around the weather finally warmed up to something worthy of summer. It was called the Indian Summer. Why, I have no idea, but that's what they called it. I miss that weather, the air... riding my mountain bike along the beach or up in the mountains above the bay.
For years after I left home I used to dwell on how much I missed that place, but now I dwell on how much I want my kids to be able to enjoy that beautiful place as I once did. I can't wait to take them down along Portola Blvd, or ride bikes with them along the cliffs, across the harbor, and then across the railroad trestle leading to the boardwalk. I long for the day I can walk around Capitola Village and buy them something cool to drink at 'Mr. Toots.' Maybe then my family will understand why I always take things in stride, why I'm always laid back, and why I will always long for the smell of the surf, the salty air, and the cool breeze.
Now that I live in Southern Ohio I've come to enjoy Octobers again, but for a different reason. In never knew what fall was when I was a kid. In Ohio, fall is the explosion of colors on every tree, the warm dry breeze that smells of pollen, and the fun moments from Halloween and Thanksgiving. I'm sure this is what fall is to most of the country, but to me it's all new and very beautiful. Best of all is that my baby girl was born on Halloween, so she will always remind me of my favorite time of the year since of course she is my little pumpkin. My stepson was born on 2 November, so to me his birthday represents the coming of Thanksgiving. (Trust me, on his birthday he's very thankful that we're giving)
So back to reality. I'll be spending my favorite month of October here in Iraq, where it's dry, hot, and where all the trees are off base and too distant to enjoy. Even then, I don't imagine they'll be changing colors like ours do back home. Once it starts raining here they say it will rain non-stop through March, with a good mix of thunderstorms. Can you sense the excitement in my words? No? Didn't think so. All I will have to enjoy my favorite time of the year are the pictures I'll find online. Of course I will be looking at photos of Ohio, Monterey Bay, and my children. I hope they find a pile of leaves to jump through for me.
Fall, Santa Cruz California
Fall, Ohio
posted by El Capitan at 5:03 AM
2 comments
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday Thoughts
Update: When I wrote this I was feeling a little down, little pissed, and a little upset about the latest VBIED I had just heard, knowing what the tragic outcome must have been. Longtime reader and friend AlliCadem reminded me that the person who put the VBIED sticker on his car could have been doing what I sometimes find myself doing... trying to laugh off the situation out here rather than walk around pissed all the time. Sometimes a sense of humor, even a poor one, helps get people through the day. I shouldn't have jumped to the conclusion that he was an ass because of the sticker. God knows I'm not perfect.
Thanks for the sanity check AC. I hope all went well with that special delivery.
________________
Another day...
The mind plays a funny game whenever an explosion is heard. It's almost as if it is pre-programmed to follow a specific checklist, and the more explosions you hear, the more steps fall off of that checklist. This weekend I was on a cell phone talking to my wife while walking through my FOB on my way to work when a blast went off. First, you never want to be on the phone with someone back home when a blast hits. I had to hang up quickly, leaving her worried, and my roommate and I ran to the nearest shelter.
This was a huge improvement over my previous reactions to blasts, which usually involved me standing there, unsure about what I had heard, and only reacting after the second round hit. Slow reaction times equal are very bad, and we've seen examples of what can happen when you're not reacting fast enough. We get way too many mortars and rockets out here to have a slow reaction time.
Well, it was clear once we got into the shelter that the blast wasn't a rocket or mortar, but a VBIED exploding across town. Once you realize what it was, you're aware that countless innocent lives were just taken away when that blast went off, and you begin worrying and doubting your ability to help the Iraqis. If you think about it too long, and I'm guilty of this, things really start to get to you.
This morning was no different. Standing outside a security office to retrieve passes for some Iraqi Officers, another VBIED went off. This time I didn't run to a shelter because I knew exactly what it was. I knew what it was, and I knew that once again lives were taken because of some assholes who think killing innocent people will scare and terrorize the population, bending the country to their will.
More bombs, more lives stolen away. All of this during the most Holy month in the Islamic religion, Ramadan.
As I walked back to work I came across a contractor's Ford Explorer with a sticker on the window that said, "My Other Car Is A VBIED." I almost laughed, but then I realized what an asshole this guy was. How many people are lost each day because of those damn things. How much money do we spend on guards and giant X-Ray machines and working dogs and T-Walls and gun turrets at each entrance because of how deadly VBIEDs are, yet this idiot thinks it's a funny thing. That would be like me driving around Jena Louisiana with a sticker that read, "My Other Necktie Is A Noose."
Maybe I'm being too sensitive about stuff like this, but I don't think I am. Every time I pass a tanker truck or small car the pucker factor shoots to 100%, and I just close my eyes and pray that I'm not about to be engulfed in an inferno of fire and death. I've seen the images of people who were caught up blast waves while waiting outside our gates, trying to get to work, and I can't think of too many more shittier ways to die.
"My Other Car Is A VBIED." What an f'n moron. I hope he gets the super-deluxe rubber glove treatment every time he passes through a checkpoint.
We face death every minute we're out here. Sure, I'm in the Air Force, and I don't go driving around the Red Zone like so many of my brave Army and Marine brothers and sisters do, but the danger still exists. Whenever I fly a few feet off the deck going from base to base, or ride along Route Irish, or I stand in certain Iraqi HQ buildings outside our protective zone to advise our Iraqi counterparts, surrounded by gun-toting locals and others who's intentions I don't know and don't trust, I become very aware of my mortality. My goals for such meetings quickly turn into getting in and getting out in once piece as opposed to getting in, chatting with the Iraqi Generals, drinking tea, and discussing issues vital to the stability and growth of their military. I don't care how important these meetings are, or how nice the Iraqi leadership is, I will never feel comfortable going to their place of business.
At the same time, all of us here in my office are in agreement. We all know that this is the best job we'll ever have in the Air Force. Best, toughest, most frustrating, most dangerous, yet most rewarding job, and almost nobody back home in the Air Force will ever understand what we're doing. Some have even accused us of heading out here to sit on our asses just to get away from our work back home. We sit in conferences with folks back home who would rather make you wait 3 months for a signature to buy much needed hardware for the IqAF instead of getting off of their asses and making things happen right away. We're dealing with organizations and institutions that are running at a 'peace time' pace while we're racing to meet our wartime needs. Of course there are some people that understand our situation and are working to help us. Not everyone is making things harder for us, but a majority are.
Yet, it's just another day here in Iraq.
posted by El Capitan at 7:44 AM
4 comments
Technorati
This is my mandatory post required to activate my technorati account. Please disregard.
posted by El Capitan at 1:25 AM
0 comments
Monday, September 24, 2007
Ahmadinejad's 'Death to America' Tour 2007
The Islamofascists that brought you this horror....
This evil....
And this pain....
Sends their leader to speak to us.
Now let's see who appeases this guy.
posted by El Capitan at 9:43 AM
3 comments
Evil is Evil
There is No Difference....No matter what race, color, creed, religion..... evil comes in all forms. The only thing worse than evil rearing its ugly head is when good people are blind to its presence.
Humanity made that mistake once.
Europe made that mistake once.
Why are we making it again?
Am I biased because this man's nation has 600 missiles pointed where I sleep at night? Nope. I knew what this guy was long before I arrived out here. Hundreds of U.S. soldiers have died because of this man. Hundreds, if not thousands, more will die because of this man.
Why are we allowing him to come to the U.S. and laugh at our faces while my brothers and sisters in arms are dying at the hands of his paramilitary forces?
This man is evil. Don't let him win.
posted by El Capitan at 7:45 AM
1 comments
Friday, September 21, 2007
CAFTT Mission - Get 'em In the Air!
For all of you Pilots who survived Pilot Training, you'll recognize this....
('Flight of the Valkyries' playing the background) The first of the Iraqi Air Force C-172 Initial Pilot Trainers is inbound to Iraq. This was just taken back in the states as it arrived to be carted up and shipped out here. The first new Iraqi Air Force pilot training school starts 1 October, and these aircraft will help with their initial training.
Might seem little to you, but this is a big step for the Iraqi Air Force.
Next stop, F-16s.
posted by El Capitan at 10:16 AM
2 comments
Help With a Cigar Website
I've been tasked with a mission so vital, so important... the fate of our world depends on its success. Well, maybe not the world, but there's a lot of free cigars involved if I succeed.
I was tasked to build the official website for the Baghdad Cigar Aficionado Club (BCAC) here in the IZ. Now, this would be a no-brainer if I could use Blogger.Com as a site host, but blogger/blogspot is mostly blocked here in the IZ, and totally blocked down at Camp Victory.
So, here's what I need help with.
1) I need to find a place that can host the website. We're willing to pay for the domain, but it can't be expensive.
2) Blogger provides nice templates for blogs, but I won't have any for a non-blogger.com site. I need to find a host that provides templates, unless of course I can just use the same HTML code? Is anyone familiar with this sort of stuff.
Once I have a domain that is accessable out here, and an HTML template that allows us to blog, we're set. I can do the rest. (stop laughing, I think I can do the rest)
Any advice or assistance in getting me there, please send it my way.
Do it for Arnie...
Captain Sidoti kicks serious ass. Help him fulfill his mission or else he will become just another loser girly-man.
posted by El Capitan at 9:49 AM
4 comments
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Major Troy Gilbert UPDATE
As you know, the body of Major Troy Gilbert was recently used as propaganda by the enemy. Major Gilbert crashed his F-16 nearly a year ago while strafing terrorists who were firing on US ground forces. Although he died on impact, it took US forces a couple of hours to reach the crash site. By then terrorists, pathetic and evil as they are, had taken what remained of Major Gilbert.
Blackfive featured an article about Mrs. Ginger Gilbert. The day prior to reading this article I was sickened and demoralized to find out that the enemy had released a video using Major Gilbert's remains. After reading Mrs. Gilbert's words I was amazed at how tough she is, and reminded how strong we all needed to be while serving in Iraq. Whether she knows it or not, she's toughened up a lot of people out here, easily defeating the enemies purpose for putting out the video.
It's clear that the memory, and bravery, of her husband lives on in her.
posted by El Capitan at 1:29 PM
3 comments
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Ayyyyy Matey, It's Talk Like A Pirate Day
Grrrr, shiver me timbers, me hardy! Me name is the Bloody Tom Roberts, Arrgh.
Okay, couldn't keep typing like that.
This is turning into a big deal out here in Iraq, namely because we have so little we can do for fun while we're doing what we do. Hey, we take what we can get around here.
Lots of folks trying out different Pirate quotes and screwing around throughout the day. There are Pirate flags appearing on emails and in meetings. Pirate movies all night.
Here's the Official Site for Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Here's how you get your Pirate Name.
Okay, couldn't keep typing like that.
This is turning into a big deal out here in Iraq, namely because we have so little we can do for fun while we're doing what we do. Hey, we take what we can get around here.
Lots of folks trying out different Pirate quotes and screwing around throughout the day. There are Pirate flags appearing on emails and in meetings. Pirate movies all night.
Here's the Official Site for Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Here's how you get your Pirate Name.
Here's my favorite Pirate.... Steve the Pirate. Garrrrgh!
Also, here's our Air Force flag for the day we're raising o'er de ship.
And for our Navy brethren....
We're Super! Thanks for asking!
posted by El Capitan at 6:22 AM
10 comments
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Happy 60th Birthday U.S. Air Force
Today, 18 September, is the 60th anniversary of the founding the United Stats Air Force, the most powerful air power in the world. Our founders fought hard to prove that having an independent Air Force would lead to a more effective and efficient fighting force capable of supporting land forces, and I think we've done a great job proving their point over the last 6 decades.
We were the tip of the spear throughout the Cold War. Air Power is now the 'first in' to any major conflict to prepare, shape and mold the battlefield for our ground forces. Our space and missile systems are second to none, as are our bomber, fighter, tanker, and transport aircraft.
Even more important is the fact that we have the most highly educated and technologically equipped Enlisted corps in the world. Without them we couldn't get the most technologically advanced and most expensive aircraft in the air, nor could we get the most accurate and lethal weapons within inches of their intended target. Our Enlisted corps is second to none.
It's an honor being an Airman in the best Air Force in the world.
I attended our own Air Force birthday celebration here in Baghdad this morning. We had the standard cutting of the cake by our most junior and senior members, as well as a great speech by our Commanding General, Brigadier General Robert Allardice. I have to admit that I thought his speech was the best I'd heard in years, and not just because he used something I wrote in it. It's nice to work for a person who knows how to make a point, and his point was that our Air force is doing a great job out here in Iraq. Things may be rough, but the mission is getting accomplished by some amazing people throughout the AOR.
So, with my 'near beer' in hand, sitting in the International Zone in Iraq, I toast to the past, present, and future of my Service... the best fighting force on the face of the earth.**
Cheers!
Now... back to the War.
We were the tip of the spear throughout the Cold War. Air Power is now the 'first in' to any major conflict to prepare, shape and mold the battlefield for our ground forces. Our space and missile systems are second to none, as are our bomber, fighter, tanker, and transport aircraft.
Even more important is the fact that we have the most highly educated and technologically equipped Enlisted corps in the world. Without them we couldn't get the most technologically advanced and most expensive aircraft in the air, nor could we get the most accurate and lethal weapons within inches of their intended target. Our Enlisted corps is second to none.
It's an honor being an Airman in the best Air Force in the world.
I attended our own Air Force birthday celebration here in Baghdad this morning. We had the standard cutting of the cake by our most junior and senior members, as well as a great speech by our Commanding General, Brigadier General Robert Allardice. I have to admit that I thought his speech was the best I'd heard in years, and not just because he used something I wrote in it. It's nice to work for a person who knows how to make a point, and his point was that our Air force is doing a great job out here in Iraq. Things may be rough, but the mission is getting accomplished by some amazing people throughout the AOR.
So, with my 'near beer' in hand, sitting in the International Zone in Iraq, I toast to the past, present, and future of my Service... the best fighting force on the face of the earth.**
Cheers!
Now... back to the War.
**To my Marine Corps Father and Brother, Navy Nephew, and Army Friends, shut your cake holes. We get our one day a year to spout off, and this is that day. You can all brag about your Services again tomorrow.
Update: For your reading pleasure, I've highlighted four of my favorite Airmen.
William Lendrum "Billy" Mitchell, Brigadier General/Colonel (Demoted), Army Air Corps
Charles Elwood "Chuck" Yeager, Brigadier General, USAF
Jason D. Cunningham, Senior Airman, USAF
Also, here is a list of famous Air Force Airmen.
posted by El Capitan at 3:48 AM
3 comments
Monday, September 17, 2007
It's Bush's Fault
Reading over Drudge's headlines this morning I jokingly started trying to find reasons why everything in the news is Bush's fault. After all, he's blamed for just about everything in this world. It took me just a few minutes to lower my I.Q. to an appropriate number in order to think like someone at Daily Kos or the Democrat Underground thinks.
OK, here it goes... It's All Bush's Fault.
No Bail for O.J. - Since Bush hates all black people, he's making sure O.J. finds himself in prison one way or another since he was able to escape those racially motivated false charges of murder back in the early 1990s. Those charges were Bush Senior's fault.
Gore Wins Emmy - Ever since Bush stole the election and destroyed the environment, Gore has dedicated his life to saving us all from the impending end of the world. Since Bush hates polar bears, the clean air, and small fur-bearing creatures, Gore was a natural choice to win an Emmy.
Jodie On Top Of Box - 'Box Office' that is. Isn't that headline a little sexist towards Lesbians? Anyway... Jodie portrays a crazy woman who's boyfriend is murdered and dog is stolen. Of course that's not what sets her off down the road to kicking ass and taking names later. She's on a mission to kill all white men, because Bush hates women, and Bush is a white man, therefore all white men must die at the hands of Jodie Foster.
Disabled Man Killed By Massive Bee Attack - The headline says it all. The bees have been oppressed by by Bush because they're Africanized Honey Bees, so now the bees are seeking revenge any way they can. Of course the man they killed was also oppressed by Bush because he was disabled, and Bush hates all disabled Americans. Since the man, and most of the Bees, were killed, it was a win-win for the evil disabled bee-hating administration.
Madonna: 'I'm an ambassador of Judaism' - Since Bush is in cahoots with the Jews who want to take over the world, Madonna is trying to fight the 'bad Jew' stereotype by promoting the 'good, peace-loving Jewish community.' Of course her methods for being an ambassador of Judaism is to strip down naked, hitchhike through Jerusalem, and sleep with 50 men at the same time. She's hoping to sway the younger, Bush hating Jewish crowd.
Cities Cracking Down on Saggy Pants - Need I say more. This is a no-brainer. Only ethnically diverse young men wear saggy pants, so Bush hates saggy pants and has ordered the Feds to crack down on saggy pant-wearing young men. Who do you think populates half of GITMO's cells?
Army Records First Drone Kills - Part of Bush' s attempt to take over the world, he's deploying a force of robotic drones to Iraq. Once perfected, they'll swarm over U.S. cities and force Americans, at gunpoint, to drive SUVs and read the bible. After all, what's more American to Bush than SUVs and the bible?
Whew... that was tough. Thankfully I have the ability to elevate my I.Q. back to a more normal, logical level. What's funny is I could probably get a job working for the Democratic National Committee, or maybe even work for the New York Times.
People, help me! I'm being set up by Chimpy McHaliburton and the evil white devils. I didn't do it! I'm innocent. C'mon, it's me... O.J. You can believe me! Where's Kanye West? He knows what I'm talking about.
posted by El Capitan at 7:58 AM
2 comments
Friday, September 14, 2007
The U.S. Army vs. The U.S. Air Force?
"Those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it."
What happens when you subordinate the development and sustainment of an effective Air Force to the U.S. Army? You get our current situation.
Don't get me wrong, I am a true fan of the U.S. Army. I just happen to be on the receiving end of the Army's ignorance of Air Power when it comes to creating the Iraqi Air Force.
That's about as far as I can go with this train of thought for now. Some day there will be books written on the doctrinal battles fought between the Army and Air Force here in Iraq, and they won't be pretty. I now know what Billy Mitchell felt like back in the 1920s, argueing the importance of having an Air Force to a bunch of Army Generals.
Until then, never forget....
"Air power is the supreme expression of military might, and fleet and armor no matter how vital, must accept a subordinate role."
Sir Winston Churchill
Try selling that to the U.S. Army.
posted by El Capitan at 11:10 AM
3 comments
Missing The Family
Just sitting here with a few minutes of free time, looking at some photos I have of my 8 and 4 year old. We have a tradition of taking a nice photo, and then taking one with crazy faces.
Came across this one. It's from almost exactly one year ago, in the botanical gardens behind the Government House in Sydney.
My office mate just received one of those digital picture frames that play music and photos. I was originally going to ask my wife to send me more photos of her and the kids, but now I want lots more photos to put on one of these frames. If you haven't seen them before they're really nice. You can select which photos to display, cycle through your own slide show, and you can have whatever music you choose play from the frame.
Whether I get it or not, I still need more pictures while I'm out here. Seeing your family seems to help the time pass by easier.
My Step Son Mark, with Trevi and Kalyssa
Matt and Mark at Matt's Graduation this June. Mark had to wear his Miam Vice coat.
My Step Daughter Kaitlyn with Trevi & and Kalyssa. She's the best big sister these two could ever wish for.
Tonya and Trevi celebrating Kalyssa's 'Australia Day' last January.
Last September 23rd in Sydney.
I can't wait to get back home. Any deployed person can tell you how much more you miss your family when you're out here. Whenever I'm face down on the floor when we have incoming, these are the faces that get me through those times.
posted by El Capitan at 8:09 AM
2 comments
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The 'Other' Generals
You can't handle the truth General! We run the show around here, so shut up and listen to us.
Holy crap... how did we ever come to this? Whatever happened to the Chain of Command?
I think we all felt like crap watching General Petraeus being used as a political tool by the 'Other Generals' schlepping for campaign funds and air time.
Way to go with the morale booster there, Congress.
posted by El Capitan at 10:00 AM
4 comments
First Graduating Class of Iraqi Air Force Officers
Yesterday was a historic day for the Iraqi Air Force. The very first class of newly commissioned Officers graduated from the new Air Force Officer Training School here in Iraq. These 11 new second lieutenants are the first new Officers in the Iraqi Air Force since the fall of Saddam. They represent the future leadership of the Iraqi military, and have risked life, limb, and the security of their families to pursue their dreams of becoming military leaders.
Those that qualify from this class will make up the first batch of new Iraqi Air Force pilot candidates, and will start the newly established initial flight training school on 1 October of this year.
Of course, behind the success of establishing these schools is the blood, sweat, and tears of US Air Force Senior Airmen, NCOs, Junior and Senior Officers who built up the facilities by hand. There are images you'll never see of Colonels and Airmen on their hands and knees scrubbing sewage from floors, painting walls, and preparing classrooms and dorms for the class that just completed training. The same thing is going on at the flight school, where US Air Force members are working tirelessly to give the Iraqi students every opportunity to learn and excel as Officers, Pilots, and Leaders.
12 September 2007 was a historic day for the IqAF, and a proud day for the US Air Force. It is one of countless examples of how far we've come, and where we're going here in Iraq.
posted by El Capitan at 8:44 AM
2 comments
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Escorting Iraqis, Part 1
A few days into my trip to escort 3 senior Iraqi Officers throughout the US we were walking into the Randolph BX. As we came into the store we were passed by an Air Force member who was covered in burn scars. I recognized him from the Air Force Times cover story, talking about how he was burned over his entire body yet is able to remain on active duty. I pointed him out to the General and said that he was wounded by an IED in Iraq. The General stopped in his tracks, his eyes got wider, and he asked me if that was true. When I told him it was he pulled the Colonels back and repeated the story to them. They were all amazed to see this scarred Airman still leading a normal life.
Later that night we were at Wal Mart and I noticed a young man in a motorized wheelchair with his daughter and wife by his side. He was missing his right leg below the knee. I walked up and asked him about his wound and we chatted for a few minutes. I mentioned to him I was currently deployed in the IZ, and that I was escorting the three Officers (who were off looking at clothes). When we were done I thanked him, shook his hand, and walked back to the guys. A few seconds later the Airman rolled up and introduced himself to the General and the two Colonels. They chatted for a few minutes and the General asked him a lot of questions about his service.
It was one of the most poignant moments of the trip because the Airman was so proud to introduce his family and talk to the Iraqi Officers, and the Officers were so taken back and impressed with this man who lost his leg for their country. After the Airman left you could tell by the looks on the Iraqi's faces that they were all touched.
In just one day we had two encounters with U.S. wounded, and it clearly meant a lot to everyone involved.
posted by El Capitan at 10:26 AM
4 comments
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
On 11 September 2007
On the 6th anniversary of September 11 I've found myself thinking about two things.
The first... have we as a nation forgotten who the enemy is and what they're capable of?
The second... have we forgotten what happened the last time we as a nation were so divided.
Here is a little reminder, with some help from Abraham Lincoln.
"A house divided against itself cannot stand." "I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free (to terrorism). I do not expect the Union to be dissolved - I do not expect the house to fall - but I do expect it will cease to be divided.
It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery (terrorism) will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new - North as well as South."
posted by El Capitan at 11:21 AM
3 comments
Iraqi Air Force Officer Cadet Training
Can you say 'Drop and give me INFINITY' in Arabic?And so the fun begins. The second class of new Iraqi Officer recruits started their training at the new Air Force Officer Training School recently. Our organization has been working on perfecting this for a long time, and now we get to see the fruits of our labor. TIs screaming at new recruits. I don't care what country you're from, it's always fun to watch.
FYI two weeks ago I escorted the Iraqi Officers to Lackland Air Force Base to view our Air Force Basic Military Training for Enlisted members. Outstanding work on the part of our Military Training Instructors, or TIs, wearing their smokey the bear hats and putting on a show for the Iraqi General with their new recruits.
Enjoy the article.
posted by El Capitan at 2:54 AM
3 comments
Monday, September 10, 2007
Back In Iraq, and Meeting Bill Roggio and David Tate
My return trip home from my boondoggle in the states took me through Amman, where I had yet another great 12 hours in a foreign city. I seem to have a knack for finding great things to do in countries where I only have 12-18 hours to wander around.
In Amman my Iraqi Officers took me out to an Iraqi-owned outdoor restaurant, with mostly Iraqi patrons. Had a great time eating real Iraqi food, and taking in the sights and sounds of a real Middle Eastern city, with no T-Walls, gun toting guards, and Humvees in sight. The only Hummers in Amman were the ones for sale at the Hummer/BMW dealership, which rivaled any U.S. dealership back in the states.
We ate a mountain of lamb and shredded meat by rolling it up in thin bread and dipping in various sauces. About the only things I didn't like were the liver (I never eat liver, I know what it does), and the milk. The milk came in a little store-bought container, and I mistakenly took big swig without testing it first. It wasn't rancid, but it was filled with milk, salt, and water. It tasted like liquid cottage cheese. After dinner we drank our Chai Tea and headed back to the hotel, where everyone but myself went up to bed.
I strolled up to the 'Champions' sports pub and watched the first half of the France/Italy soccer game. There was a good crowd of Italian and French fans in the pub, but a large portion of them were maybe 14 or 15 years old. Way too young for a sports pub. I left at half time and walked across to the hotel's cigar lounge, where I spent the next 6 hours smoking 'Romeo & Julieta Churchill's' and sipping beverages appropriate to the occasion. Myself and two other Americans who worked for the State Department had a great time sharing stories, opinions, and talking about the world. Once we closed the place down I headed back to my room at about 0430, got my 2 hours of sleep, and then packed for our early morning departure down to Baghdad.
I really needed that evening of relaxation and conversation. Sure, I was just in the States for two weeks, but it wasn't all that fun seeing how I had to escort the Iraqis to meetings with some of the US Air Force's highest ranking members. There isn't much time to relax around those folks.
The next morning we took the Embassy C-130 back to Baghdad International Airport. I said my goodbyes to the Iraqi Officers, and then headed back to my unit counterparts over at Victory to change back into my uniform (no more civies) and arrange travel up north to the IZ. Later that night I was dropped off at the Rhino yard to hitch a ride north. With several hours to kill I walked into the 'Stables', or waiting area, and just tuned out. I was almost done with my two + week journey, and I wanted to save what little energy I had left to make sure I made it to my bed in the IZ without missing my ride.
While sitting there I overheard someone in civilian clothes talking about MilBlogs, and that he worked with a blogger/journalist from New Jersey. As soon as this gentleman finished his conversation he walked over to my empty table and sat down. I couldn't help but ask him what he was saying about MilBlogs. Turns out this guy was David Tate, an Inbedded Journalist who was touring Iraq with Bill Roggio. If you're not sure who these guys are, check out Bill's online journal, The Long War Journal. He's the reporter being supported by readers of BlackFive.Net, and he represents the pinnacle of what MilBloggers have been able to accomplish in terms of sending out their own Inbed Reporters to do the jobs so few mainstream agencies are afraid to accomplish, covering the good news they're afraid to report.
Meeting with, and talking to these guys was the highlight of my trip. It was nice to hear their side of the story on what it's like to report the real news from Iraq. It was even nicer to share with them what the Air Force is doing out here on the ground with the Iraqi Air Force. I probably bored them to death with the stuff, but it's rare to be able to share what we do here with people who give a damn. They were great to chat with, and I was very lucky to have met them both. If you know who they are and enjoy the great work they do, feel free to throw a few bones to their organization that supports independent Inbeds throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. They've earned it.
After our Rhino convoy arrived in the IZ, I went straight to my room and straight to bed. Finally woke up and drug myself into the office at 4pm start where I left off; rebuilding the Iraqi Air Force.
I still think it's the best Air Force job in the AOR. I'm lucky to be doing it.
**FYI, stay tuned over the next few days. I have some great stories to share about what it was like touring the Southern US with 3 Iraqi Officers.
posted by El Capitan at 9:58 AM
5 comments
Friday, September 07, 2007
Where Am I?
Where the hell am I?
Two weeks ago I was tasked by my Commander to escort one Iraqi Air Force Major General, and two IqAF Colonels into, and throughout, the U.S. No kidding, I've spent the last two weeks touring Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, and now Alabama with three Iraqi Officers. Trust me, its been the most difficult/rewarding duty assignment I've ever been on, but there's a reason I was 'tasked' to go on this trip. I was at the bottom of the totem pole.
So, here I sit in Dothan Alabama with a really bad sun burn (thank you Panama City FL) and a really bad buzz (Thank you Chilli's, within walking distance from my hotel), and I'm headed back to Baghdad in exactly 12 hours.
Sorry MissBirdLegs for not letting you know ahead of time that I was passing through. Trust me, I would have let you know had I been allowed, but I had to keep quiet while taking the Iraqis through the U.S. We met up with a bunch of 4 stars, 3 stars, 2 star Generals, Contractors, and 'Yes Men', all the while touring aircraft and helo factories to look at the systems the IqAF has ordered from companies here in the U.S. Remember, I'm nothing but an underpaid arms dealer out here in Iraq, setting up the IqAF and buying them weapons systems and gear to help fight the terrorists who are tearing Iraq apart.
There's so much to talk about from this trip, but I'm too inebriated (thanks to lots of Bass Pale Ale), too tired, and too worried about OPSEC to go into detail. It'll have to wait until I'm back in Iraq, which will be a day or two from now. That, and the fact that I'm sitting here at midnight in the lobby of the Comfort Inn at Dothan with a line of folks standing behind me waiting to use the computer, keeping me from writing more about my adventures, and misadventures, here in the States.
I'm just happy nobody is shooting at me here in Southern Alabama. (Although I've had a few close calls)
Until next time,
Cheers!
Capt 'Bottom of the Totem Pole' El Capitan/aka almost wrote my real name/time to go to bed/don't want to go back to Baghdad/shouldn't have drinken so much/glad I drank so much/I hate Chilli's but that's all this place had to offer/had there been a Country bar nearby I would have been thrown out for playing Hank Williams Sr. 20 times/time to go to bed.........
posted by El Capitan at 12:17 AM
4 comments