Army Reserve - Army Strong Stories

The Hunt for the Hooah: Just Keep Swimming

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:28:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Yesterday was a no good very bad day. Yesterday made me a student in humility. Yesterday made me want to hide me face. Yesterday made me wish I didn't shake. Yesterday showed me that there are no excuses. I am a perfectionist to the core. During my junior year of high school, I cried for days because I got a B+ in English and it took me out of the running for valedictorian. During my senior year, when I was getting offered this scholarship and that scholarship from...read more

The Hunt for the Hooah: Is it Somewhere on My Packing List?

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:59:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
My packing list for spending four nights out in the field looks like something from basic training. Yes, it may be 105 degrees out but darnit, winter PTs are a MUST! I know the logic behind such things, better to have it and not need it and than to need it and not have it. Still, my poor Focus looks like a someone threw up all things camo-related onto the seats and in the trunk. Today was one of those days were I felt like I was not meant to a soldier. My shakes (which are always present)...read more

My Introduction to the Army

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:49:00 GMT

By: Ryan Hanen
November 5th, 2009 was the day that changed my life for good. The day started off at the hotel at MEPS. Get up early, get dressed, eat breakfast, and get on the bus for the short ride over to the MEPS station. I had already been to MEPS before, so this trip wasn't the first, but this was the most significant so far...enlistment day. As alot of you know MEPS is alot of waiting around. This is what I did most of the morning. I just waited for the liasion office to call me in to sign my...read more

The Hunt for the Hooah: Hooah Over There, Hooah Over Here

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 01:51:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
As MIBOLC continues, let me give those who are heading out the Fort Huachuca (I call it Fort Wegotcha) a head's up: 1) No matter how much you work out now, the altitude is out to kill you. Your lungs will want to explode and there is nothing you can do about besides suck it up, say a Hooah, and keep on running. 2) You will get a schedule on a share drive. Disregard for the most part. In-processing is all about who actually shows up and if the computers are actually working. 3)...read more

The Hunt for the Hooah: The Hooahs Keep Coming!

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 06:11:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I come from a place known as Sea Level. I now live in a place at almost 6,000 ft. This leads to me sucking air half a mile into the run portion of the APFT and it does literally suck. Welcome to MIBOLC! What's on the agenda this week: CIF (love me some gear!), heading out to the ranges, reflexive fire, and lots of PT fun! I am so psyched to spend field time with my classmates! The more time I spend with them, the more and more I enjoy their company. They may never replace my...read more

Epic Re-Deployment Travel

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:07:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Made it back to the states yesterday!!! Only the Army would have us arrive 36 hours early for the plane ride back and then locked down in a fenced in area 13 hours prior to takeoff. but, there is a lot of administration to take care off and customs and other things to go through. Exhausted but glad to be back and looking forward to seeing family and friends soon! At Ft.. Benning this week outprocessing. ...read more

The Hunt for the Hooah: Found it!

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:27:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Where has my Hooah been hiding? I must be a horrible MI soldier because I don't have a clue. The good news is that I think I found it! Was it under the many DD Forms I had to fill out during in-processing? Maybe. Was it at Clothing & Sales as I tried to purchase the braid for my Class A jacket? Highly probable. Or was is that I just needed to get settled and meet my awesome BOLC class? YES! Although I've come to terms that I won't win Iron Woman...read more

The Hunt for the Hooah: Where, oh Where Can It Be?

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:28:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I write this from my motel room on Fry Blvd in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Tomorrow at 0600 begins my MI Officer Training. To sum up how I feel: FRIGHTENED! My biggest fear is failure and I'm afraid to be that LT. We all know one, don't kid yourself. I've gone over my checklist for everything I need at least half of dozen times today, my APFT uniform is laid out, the alarm is set, and yet I still feel like I'm going to the youngest, least experienced one and...read more

Gates Tightens Rules for Military and the Media

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:20:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
In a recent NYT story, the SecDef, Mr. Gates, made some new rules and clarifications in regards to the military dealing with the media. I picked out some of my favorite quotes and insights from the article and pasted below. To read the entire article just click here I think this is one of those cases where it is important for the reader to take their time and read the entire article and quotes. It probably is a good idea to read other articles...read more

Too Early!!!

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:59:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I really hate getting up early!! Crazy I know, I am in the Army and should be used to it after all of these years. But, getting up at 3am is just not fun for me, go figure. Maybe I am just getting old and grumpy. Then getting to work at 4am and having to wait. I hate the hurry up and wait stuff. Once again it is the Army and we are really good at hurry up and wait. But it could be worse, at least the rain held off until everything was done. We had a 100% PAI...read more

4th Of July Pictures

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:48:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello again. My home town had its annual 4th of July Parade and Jubilee last weekend. What a great day. Small town celebrations are always the best ones. I think this was the 35th year in a row that the town has done this. I took the Jeep out and drove in the parade. My wife and daughter and most of my neighbors were out along the route, I even saw some of the Soldiers I work with from Ft. Sam Houston. The Parade committee presented me with the...read more

182nd JAOBC: Day Two

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:09:00 GMT

By: Christopher Vallandingham
Fall into formation at 0820. Accountability so they said, accompanied by a formal, ceremonial, military method of reporting the fact that you don't know where the hell your platoon members are. But line up we did, including our canteens, freshly taped with our names in red. No dress right dress though since that would have smashed the left half of 2nd Platoon into the side of the building. So we focused on lining up the canteens, canteens and names facing forward, except the poor LT. who...read more

Amazing Video of Combat Heroism from July 4th, 2009 Afghanistan, 25th Infantry Division

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:26:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
This is a great video compiled by the Pentagon Video channel that chronicles the heroics of a 25th Infantry Division unit fighting from a Combat Outpost in Afghanistan, July 4th, 2009 on the Pakistan border. Awards received include a Silver Star and Bronze Star with valor. Combat outposts are much more austere and spartan than Forward Operation Bases or FOB's. This video is one of the best representations of conditions on a combat outpost and actual...read more

182nd JAOBC: Day One

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:06:00 GMT

By: Christopher Vallandingham
Guess I shouldn't get accustomed to reporting in at 1200 hours. In just a couple days, I'll be 6 hours into my schedule by 1200 hours. And to get to that point, I'll have to wake up quite a bit earlier than I normally do. Not since my daughters were screaming infants have I woken up at such an unwelcome hour. Soon enough, I expect the screaming at me for not getting up will include much more colorful language than my girls could muster in their...read more

ESSENCE Update

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 06:20:00 GMT

By: Mark Thompson
The second day of the Army-sponsored ESSENCE events kicked off with an Army VIP Luncheon. Those in the attendance were General William “Kip” Ward (Commander, Africa Command), the Honorable Ms. Michele Jones and MG Bartell (US Cadet Command). Notable celebrities and leaders in attendance included Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League, Omarosa of The Apprentice fame and the Reverend Al Sharpton. After I departed the VIP luncheon, I spotted K Ci and Jo Jo, along with...read more

My Trip to the 2010 Essence Music Festival

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:23:00 GMT

By: Mark Thompson
The first day of my trip to the 2010 Essence Music Festival was filled with outstanding events. The Army Strong Interactive Stage is by far the most eye-catching display in the exhibit hall, filled with many activities, including a push-up and pull-up completion, health screenings by the AMEDD team, awesome culinary dishes by SFC Turner, a.k.a. “the Grill Sergeant,” the Army Helicopter Simulator/Amusement Ride, and information on the Army and Army Reserve's career and...read more

Haiti Videos

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:24:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello folks, Have a few more Haiti videos for you. First one is at a food distribuition site outside one of the camps - pretty typical stuff. CRS had issued wheel barrows so people could get thier items back to thier shelters " />" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> Second one is just a quick shot of some of the folks I worked with at the JTF-Haiti HQ " />" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> Third is a...read more

Did you know AKO/DKO e-mail may be available through your smartphone?

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:05:00 GMT

By: Sheldon Smith
Many Soldiers or civilians who are just entering the Army may not be aware they can use certain hand-held devices or smartphones to check their Army Knowledge Online/Defense Knowledge Online e-mail. From the AKO/DKO Frequently-Asked Questions, I’d like to provide you with the below information. ---------------------- Configuration and troubleshooting support for handheld devices is not currently available from the AKO/DKO Customer Support Center; however, these devices may...read more

Coalition Partners Monitor Afghanistan Airflow

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:26:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I wanted to re-post a story that I published on DVIDS. The link is here Army Lt Col Dean Huard wrote the article and is our branch chief in charge of the U.S. National Airflow Authority. I work with him over here and the USNAA mission is to synchronize airflow into Afghanistan's airfields. Prior to its inception this year, management of the airfields was done on a more ad-hoc basis and slot times were not prioritized and organized in advance. The...read more

NEW JEEP FLAT FENDERS

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:46:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I finally got around to building my flat fenders for the Jeep. I was able to flip my shock mounts and 5 more inches of travel for the shocks, 7 ½ more inches clearance for the up travel for the tires and they look cool. I had to modify the main plate and I added an additional skid on the underside. It took me and my buddy almost 2 days to do it and I still need to brush them down and paint them but overall and AWESOME project. I added a steering stabilizer as well....read more

PANAMAX 10

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:43:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Ok, so the JTF Academics Crisis Action Planning (CAP) down in Norfolk with the second fleet is over. Academics was the same old stuff (this is the third time that I have done it) so for me it was pretty boring. The CAP was different. Not just because it was never part of the exercise before but because the good old US Navy does things very differently from the Army. Also, learning how to speak “Navy” was quite a chore. When I asked where the bathroom was I was told to...read more

Officials testify to Congress on convoys in Afghanistan

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:21:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Great article in the Army News Wire on this topic! I caught some of the testimony on the Pentagon channel. The crux of the issue is how to stop Taliban and other elements from demanding money and bribing contracted convoys that carry supplies into Afghanistan. In addition, how do we protect those convoys? Currently, it is with private armed security contractors much of the time. Although there are many great contracting companies out there, we...read more

GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL! USA Beats Algeria, Advances in World Cup

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:46:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Wow, what an incredible game! Many thanks to AFN (Armed Forces Network TV) for broadcasting this game to all of us deployed all over the world. Everyone over here is into the USA games during this World Cup, even non-soccer fans - nobody is more patriotic than soldiers! Just pandemonium when they scored, really looking forward to Saturday's game. USA Today Photo. Team USA's Landon Donovan celebrates his late goal against Algeria with teammate...read more

How can AKO help Soldiers when they deploy?

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:03:00 GMT

By: Sheldon Smith
Nearly 18 months ago, I found myself at Fort Bragg, N.C., preparing to deploy to Afghanistan for a year. My unit was taking part in a couple of exercises, and I was busy creating templates for products I would use once I reached my final destination. By the time the exercises ended, I had accumulated a useful body of information that would be helpful to my section when we arrived in theater. Many of my colleagues chose to save their information on a shared drive that would be...read more

Where Did My Hooah Go?

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:09:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I leave for BOLC soon. After reading over the course material I am fairly certain death is imminent. I'm not one to make excuses for myself but I think my MI Officer training is going to break me. This sense of dread and fear is new to me. Normally, I get a little anxiety. Where did my Hooah go?! Perhaps I need to start working out to cadence again instead of the World Cup theme song "Waka Waka" on repeat? Or maybe I just need to face up to this...read more

Afghanistan Through Teenagers' Eyes

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 15:54:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Great piece at foreignpolicy.com Link Eggs for sale: Last year, a group of teenagers at Afghanistan's Marefat School were given cameras as part of a photography project with teens at Philadelphia's Constitution High School. The students snapped away, and what emerged from the Afghan side were images of culture, friends, and daily life -- not car bombings and kidnappings. Above, a smiling boy sells eggs at an outdoor market, as photographed by Qasim Moradi, 18. ...read more

Humvee Replacement (JLTV) Ready in 2015 (Military Times)

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:14:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Neat looking vehicle! We definitely need a replacement for the humvee! JLTV prototypes roll out on Army testing sites Yahoo News By Matthew Cox - Staff writer Posted : Sunday Jun 13, 2010 10:26:33 EDT ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Both the Army and Marine Corps intend to begin fielding the JLTV in 2015 as a replacement for the venerable Humvee in combat operations. Link The four-seat Category A...read more

A Superhero Among Us

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:15:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Some may consider the soldier they see in the airport a hero. For others a hero may be a parent, a teacher, a coach, or a sibling. For others, it may be someone we met long ago and only recently learn the strength he or she posesses. Such is the case for me. Please take a moment to visit this blog: http://superclarkkimble.blogspot.com/ Clark fought a battle many will never encounter. His courage and perserverence...read more

Who are the truck drivers in Afghanistan and Pakistan?

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:07:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
As a logistician, I have pondered this question a good deal. In the U.S., qualified truck drivers can make a nice living if they are willing to put in the miles. A recent article in Yahoo News attempts to discuss this question. The article intimates that drivers are fairly desparate, poor, and have few options. I wish that wasn't the case. Highlights from the article Fearful NATO supply truckers curse their jobs by Sajjad Tarakzai Sajjad...read more

Another Haiti Video

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:50:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Here is another video from Haiti. It is a bit short, but it shows how nuts it was during a food distribution at an IDP camp. This was the Delmas 48 (golf Course camp). This was the camp that was always in the news because J/P HRO (Jenkins/Penn Haitian Relief Org) For those who don't know or remember this was Sean Penns' "Camp". Nothing against Mr. Penn, but he he used his fame way too much to pressure people to help in a limited way at only 1 or 2...read more

Kudos to Armed Forces Network TV - World Cup Full TV Schedule Acquired!!

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:40:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Awesome news!!!! The World Cup is on AFN! FIFA grants permission to carry 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Riverside, CA, June 10, 2010 -- Through the cooperation of a host of international television licensees, the American Forces Network Broadcast Center (AFN-BC) has been granted permission by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to distribute the full complement of matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup...read more

Railway in northern Afghanistan

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:01:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Hope this is not a double post as I submitted this before and it was eaten somehow. Cool photo of the Hairiton - Mazar-e-Sharif railway. It is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2010. ...read more

Off Again

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:00:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So another TDY trip is in the works. The annual PANAMAX event is here again and I am off to Norfolk, VA to participate in the Joint Task Force Academics and the 2nd Fleets Crisis Action Planning (CAP) for 2 weeks. This year ARMYSOUTH is not the primary training audience so we are mainly going to assist the 2nd fleet since this year it is the primary training event for their staff. The advantage for me is that the 2nd Fleet and the USN do not have Civil Affairs capability...read more

Soldiers get new, improved webmail

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:11:00 GMT

By: Sheldon Smith
If you have an Army Knowledge Online account, you have probably used webmail. The Army is in the process of upgrading its webmail, giving it more and better features. Here are some quick facts about AKO Webmail: - It provides Soldiers one e-mail address, which is used throughout his or her time in the Army. - AKO Webmail is accessible virtually anywhere there’s an internet connection. - Webmail 2 gives you the same types of capabilities popular desktop clients...read more

Jeep Country

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:49:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Here are a few nice shots of me Jeep. My wife found some really nice areas not too far from the house that had some nice terrain and flowers. Since we finally had some rain here over the past few months and we had the time we decided that now was as good a time as any to take a few "Promotional Shots" of the Jeep in the outdoors. So tell me what you think. Am I ready for the big time?? Maybe? Thanks for reading. ...read more

Charity and A Car Show

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:44:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello, I trust everyone had a great weekend. I did. My wife and I went to a car show over the weekend to do a benefit car show sponsored by the South Texas Mustang Club for the Iraq Star Foundation (please take a look at the link - these folks are doing some great stuff for our troops that have been wounded). http://http://www.iraqstar.org/ It was a really good car show, over 60 cars, trucks and motorcycles. It was at the Gruene Harley Davidson dealership and overall...read more

115 Degrees With a Side of Blowing Sand and Exhaust

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:33:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Pretty nasty here in Kuwait now. Not a great time and place to recover from double sinus infections but it is what it is. I have a face mask that I wear outside. Current temps are routinely above 115 degrees. Today the sandstorm is very bad with awful visibility, dust and other debris blowing around. A nice, nasty day in Kuwait. ...read more

Reflections from a Kandahar PAO

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 04:27:00 GMT

By: Sheldon Smith
I was finishing up my work in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Dec. 9, 2009, when I decided to write down some of my thoughts concerning the ten months I spent there. Below are my reflections: ------------- Tonight, after ten months on the ground in Afghanistan, I can finally say that my work here is done. My replacement is up and running. I’ve introduced him to all of the key players here on base – people he will form professional relationships with and collaborate in the...read more

AKO training available online for new users

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:59:00 GMT

By: Sheldon Smith
Those of you who are who are in the process of becoming Soldiers may be interested in learning more about Army Knowledge Online. AKO is the Army portal, and it gives you access to a variety of services ranging from a secure e-mail account to areas to store your files, a secure instant messenger, and access to medical, training and personnel information, and much more. To insure that you are up to speed with AKO by the time you reach your unit, we recommend that you take advantage of training...read more

Army Reserve Officer Speaks About Embedding in Aghan National Army

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:23:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I saw this piece in the Kansas City Star. A good read, and the Colonel does give an honest assessment. The bottom line is that he is hopeful but there still is much work to do. Link Highlights By COL. JAY D. HADEN Special to The Star KABUL, AFGHANISTAN | As an Army Reserve officer who has spent the last 11 months working with and training the Afghan National Army (ANA), I’d like to share some of my...read more

Sea to Shining Sea

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:07:00 GMT

By: Bettina Avent
Had a great time meeting all the riders in the Sea to Shining Sea ride acoss America! Check it out at S2SSbikeride.org! ...read more

U.S. Army Tug Valley Forge

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:18:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Love this photo! This Army tug boat works at moving vessels in Southport, North Carolina. My parents live right by Sunny Point, or Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point. Virtually all ammunition sent by sealift to overseas U.S. forces is sent by Sunny Point. U.S. Army tug Valley Forge, a dual-purpose tug and fire boat, fires a salute from her water cannons during the dedication of Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point's center wharf in Southport, N.C. The...read more

U.S. Army Vessel Champagne Marne

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:03:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Yes, the Army has boats! We actually call them watercraft - Sail Army! I have worked in the Army Watercraft field for a long time. Recently, one of the Army tugboats was re-christened with new nameplates at a ceremony at Kuwait Naval Base. The U.S. Army Vessel "Champagne Marne" is named for the historic 3rd Infantry Division, motto "Rock of the Marne" My wife loved driving through the 3rd Infantry Division gate in Savannah, Georgia...read more

Back from Boston

Mon, 31 May 2010 06:44:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I just got back from the trip to Boston where we had the AAR for the data collection contract in Haiti. I have to say that the MIT/Lincoln Laboratory facility is pretty cool. I was walking down one of the halls and I noticed this flashing light. Like the ones at a radio station that says “On Air” except that this one said “Caution Laser in Use!”. That was kind of nuts and then there were tanks of liquid nitrogen everywhere. What can I say, just pretty cool to be in...read more

Haiti -Video - 1

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:39:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So the folks at the agency that manage this site have managed to drag me out of the dark ages and I am now posting my first video. This one I took at the Delmas 48 (Golf Course) IDP camp in Port Au Prince. I was with Gaelle Simon from the agency Global Relief Tech (GRT) who were running the data collection for the contract I was the managing for JTF-Haiti. I will trust that everyone will recognize the song. So Enjoy and thanks for reading ...read more

Umm Qasr, Iraq - The New Dubai??

Fri, 28 May 2010 16:37:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
As we continue the drawdown of equipment and cargo in Iraq, one of the positive developments is the expansion of cargo moving through Iraq's only seaport, Umm Qasr. Between violence from the Iran / Iraq War and the Saddam regime, the port has never really been set up for success until now. Currently, a large portion of U.S. military cargo being shipped back to the USA is sent by ship from Umm Qasr. While this new businees is good, it is not the type of long...read more

Army Girl Commits to Six More

Fri, 28 May 2010 06:16:00 GMT

By: Genevieve Chase
"I, Genevieve Chase, do solemnly affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice." And with those words, I signed up for another six years of service to my...read more

What is the relationship between Army Knowledge Online and Defense cloud computing?

Fri, 28 May 2010 03:00:00 GMT

By: Sheldon Smith
Most experts might tell you that the cloud computing concept is based on granting users within a certain community of organizations access to a collection of shared resources, including information, software or other services. These resources exist within a virtual realm to which access is granted through a set of credentials that are accepted throughout the cloud. In cloud computing, the common denominator is the Internet. This is a departure from the traditional way of doing business...read more

Signs of Progress in Central Helmand

Thu, 27 May 2010 19:24:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
One of the best speakers and strategists in Afghanistan right now has to be Regional Command South commander, UK Major General Nick Carter. Carter articulates the issues and demands of the counter-insurgency campaign in Afghanistan better than anyone I have heard. I watched a video of him speaking to the press last night on I think NATO TV or Armed Forces Network. Video is below UK Maj Gen Nick Carter speaks to reporters about southern Afghanistan...read more

Ft. Benning, GA - Queen of Battle

Thu, 27 May 2010 16:35:00 GMT

By: Earl Wilson
Our internet access at DCC is sporadic so I am posting blogs that I wrote regarding our training from 9 May to 18 May 2010....So here we go: 8 May 10 Alot has happened since my last post. On 5 May 2010, students of the 181st Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course became official Judge Advocates. The night before we had a memorable dining in that entertained all in attendance. My mother was able to fly in from Houston to see me and my battle buddies graduate. Although Aliya (my heart) was...read more

Guide to 4 Wheel Driving

Wed, 26 May 2010 21:11:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
OK, so this is totally off the wall, but I was doing research for an Annex that I am writing for camp management (refugees, IDPs, Migrants post conflict/disaster). I was reading the "Camp Management Toolkit" which is a document made up of info by several IGOs. It had a web site of UN documents so I went to the site. As I am looking through the list I see "Guide to 4 wheel driving" I click on it and it is actually a pretty good little quick...read more

Taylor Update

Wed, 26 May 2010 06:26:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
OK, I promised an update on my daughter. The cast is off, but we are not nearly out of the woods yet. She developed a pressure sore on the heel of her right foot. It looks nasty and I am sure it really hurts and it drained puss and fluid for 3 days. This will take several weeks to clear up. We have her on a vitamin D supplement. This will hopefully compliment the two days of IV drip with the bisphosiphate from last week. Having the cast off has helped a great deal, she is so...read more

BOSTON!!

Wed, 26 May 2010 06:21:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
My first trip ever to Boston, MA!!! This is a pretty cool deal for me. I will be going to and After Action Review (AAR) with the 18th ABN Corps G9, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Partners in Health Haiti, Global relief Technologies (GRT the data collection contractor) and several other institutions that were involved in the project that I was working in Haiti. This AAR is really for MIT and not the Army, because they are trying to get better at data analysis for disaster relief along with...read more

Dapper Working Dog

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:21:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Love this photo!!!! A military working dog wears Doggles to protect his eyes as a Chinook helicopter takes off, kicking up dust and debris, during an air assault operation by U.S. soldiers assigned to Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Parwan province, Afghanistan, May 11, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jason Brace ...read more

Know Thyself Leadership

Tue, 25 May 2010 15:41:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
As Army officers, we are always studying and fine-tuning our leadership skills. One area that has fascinated me recently is emotional intelligence. The awareness of one's emotions and their affect on our behavior. Leaders should have high regard for emotional intelligence and its role in leading and managing others. Whether in the military or any other field, people want to follow others that are not only inspiring, competent, and motivating, but also self-aware...read more

Supplying the MRAP Pipeline: a Constant Reconciliation

Fri, 21 May 2010 17:24:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
My unit here has a team of personnel that are experts on MRAP's (mine resistant ambush protected vehicles). They monitor the distribution process throughout the Middle East area. I just completed a news story discussing their job and the entire MRAPpipeline. Story Link Highlights KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- By air, land, and sea, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles are moving into Iraq and Afghanistan through a network of DOD partners. Integral to...read more

Donkeys Carrying the Load

Wed, 19 May 2010 14:22:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Thought this photo and caption were funny! That donkey looks stubborn--- A U.S. Army paratrooper from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team attempts to convince a donkey to walk with him while on their way to conduct a key leader engagement in the village of MangoKheyl, Kherwar District, Logar Province, Afghanistan, 10 Apr. 2010. The U.S. soldiers here are training donkeys in order to get them to the point where they can help carry gear and be more of an asset than...read more

How do we honor the fallen?

Wed, 19 May 2010 10:41:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
During the past few days, I have been asking this question of myself. Being active duty army right now in a combat zone is a serious business. We, as a military, take casualties almost on a daily basis in Iraq and Afghanistan. These are both fatal and severely wounded casualties. How does one act on a day-to-day basis with this knowledge and under these circumstances? How do we honor the fallen, respect their memory, and continue to keep morale high? ...read more

More Tajikistan Humanitarian Aid Photos

Tue, 18 May 2010 12:35:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
We understand that there are still flood victims in need of shelter and medical care. We are standing by to potentially deliver more tents for living quarters and medical hygiene kits. Spc. Saliyev Djamoliddin (left), a Third Army Soldier and native of Tajikistan, converses with a member of the Tajikistan Army at Kulob, Tajikistan, May 16. Djamoliddin expressed his pleasure with being able to come back to his home country and make a difference as a member...read more

Todays Doctor Visit

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:29:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So today was another doctor visit for my daughter. Very frustrating for us. We were expecting to be there for four hours. Turned into six. first they were running behind, then it took two different nurses 4 tries just to get the IV started. My little girl took it really well for the most part. She is so very calm with all of it. My wife and I were the ones ready to go ballistic on the staff for poking her so many times just to get one IV...read more

Tajikistan Humanitarian Aid

Mon, 17 May 2010 19:21:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
We recently were able to be part of a humanitarian support airlift mission to Tajikistan. The nation has been hit hard by floods and many flood vicitms are without homes and medical care. My command helped the recent airlift of tents and medical supplies to the city of Kulob, Tajikistan. Some photos below and a short news release from my command. A cargo plane laden with supplies for Kulob flood victims lands in Tajikistan. May 16, 2010. CENTCOM photo. ...read more

Question From A Reader (Connor)

Mon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I received some very interesting questions from a reader. Actually it was asking for some advice. Here is what I was asked about "in a few years, I was hoping to be commissioned as an Officer, while still attending college. Would it be better to apply to Westpoint? Utilize ROTC scholarships? Join the National Guard/Reserve? Do you have any insight on this?" I will not attempt to answer the questions, mainly because I am not sure of your...read more

MINI ME!!

Sun, 16 May 2010 22:17:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
OK, so I had a little time since I have been at home with my daughter a bit more than usual. I had this old toy Jeep in the garage I had not used in a while. My wife came up with the idea to make it look like my big toy. I originally was going for an exact replica, but I auickly found out that was a bit out of my skill range. So a few graphics from the internet and some creative gluing and clean paint did pretty well for a decent look. It was a fun little projects...read more

Birthday

Sun, 16 May 2010 21:39:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I just had a birthday!! As usual my wife got me. She suckered me around the front of the car by putting a card on it. What I did not notice was the huge "BIRTHDAY BOY" sign on the back of the car! I was wondering why everyone was so friendly on the freeway going to work (yes went to work on my birthday). I got an awesome present. New tires and wheels!!! Yeah for me! The old ones were 33x10.50x17, not a bad size and the wheels were...read more

Army Social Media for Recruiting and Public Affairs

Sun, 16 May 2010 13:47:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
The commander of U.S. Army Accessions Command, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, was recently on a DOD Bloggers Roundtable session to discuss the use of social media for public affairs anf recruiting. The link to the story and transcript is here. The Army Accessions Command is in charge of Army Recruiting, ROTC programs, and Officer Candidate Schools (think "Officer and a Gentlemen") The General mentioned several times about Army Strong Stories and this...read more

BACK HOME

Sun, 16 May 2010 07:37:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello again everyone!!! I am back home. I came home at the end of April on Emergency Leave unfortunately. My daughter was starting to have some serious issues with her legs. Apparently due partly due to her previous illnesses and lack of mobility she has developed a pretty severe case of vitamin D deficiency and Osteoporosis. She has developed cracks in her lower legs and is in a full leg cast on her right leg. I have been going to medical appointments ...read more

My Army Benefits

Sat, 15 May 2010 15:20:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Great site and info about Army Benefits at My Army Benefits Link http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home.html Everything from retirement to pay,healthcare, education, deployment support, family support, and even the new paternity service benefit. Due to language in the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of 2009, Paternity Leave is now authorized for up to 10 days in connection with the birth of a child. Go here for more information. HOOAH!! ...read more

Don't Forget About Iraq

Thu, 13 May 2010 16:03:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Although the media and DOD is rightly focused on Afghanistan, Iraq is now becoming the under the radar conflict, much like Afghanistan was for many years. We have a massive logistics undertaking going on right now with the movement of U.S. forces and equipment out of Iraq by the end of this summer. My unit participated in a ROC (rehearsal of concept) drill this past week in Baghdad where units planned for the movement of their equipment and forces out of Iraq. Many...read more

Afghan Railway to Aid Economy

Thu, 13 May 2010 12:36:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Neat article from Bloomberg News about Afghan railway. It is their first rail line and is scheduled to be complete by the end of the calendar year. It is hard to explain how under-developed most of Afghanistan is. I was able to visit where the railway will start on the Uzbek border at the Afghanistan town of Hairiton in March. Will put some photos below. Interesting about potential Iranian line to Herat and that ethnic Uzbeks, Tajiks are not sympathetic...read more

Afghan war allies want Iraq war-tested MRAPs (Army Times / USA Today)

Tue, 11 May 2010 19:37:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
One thing we are currently working with several partners on is the transportation and coordination of MRAPs - mine resistant vehicles into Afghanistan for our NATO partners such as Georgia, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Jordan. Tom Vanden Brook, an excellent journalist who I met at the Army Worldwide Public Affairs conference last year, has an article out today about this on USA Today. He has been following the production, use, and shipment...read more

Traaen selected as commander of USCENTCOM distribution center (CDDOC)

Tue, 11 May 2010 09:38:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Our next command director has been named. Story and Bio below. It will be a Navy Rear Admiral (lower half) which is equivalent to an Army Brigadier General. He will conduct a TOA (transfer of authority) with my Boss the first week of August. I will be leaving within that timeframe so also will need to transition with the new deputy chief of staff (TBD) "Navy Rear Adm. Thomas C. Traaen has been named the next commander of the U.S. Central Command...read more

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:31:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
My unit, Central Command Deployment and Distribution Operations Center, recently received the prestigious Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA). It is a "joint" award which is military speak for a unit with all branches of service: Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force. It is a unique experience to work with all services and I have been lucky enough to be in several joint units. The JMUA is a very prestigious award and it is awarded for certain periods of time. ...read more

Logisticians face challenges in Afghanistan surge (Army News Wire)

Sun, 09 May 2010 19:30:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I wanted to re-post this great, article from the Army News Wire on my blog. It is a great, informative article highlighting the many challenges for military logisticians currently in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Haiti as described by the Army Deputy Chief of Staff G4. Link Updated Highlights The Army is also flying supplies into Afghanistan via strategic airfields, Stevenson said. "The airfield in Kandahar has a little over 5,000 takeoffs and...read more

Oh the places we'll go...

Sat, 08 May 2010 18:08:00 GMT

By: Sara Small
The past few weeks have been absolute chaos, but the good kind, if that's possible. See, one of the great things about being a combat medic is that there are endless learning opportunities available to those that would like them. I recently had the privilege of attending a NREMT-B Recertification class at one of the local Reserve/National Guard training sites in my area. As a 68W, the first few weeks of training are solely to prepare you for taking your test to become a Nationally...read more

Command Photos

Sat, 08 May 2010 13:28:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
YAYY!! I am finally able to access this site from my office computer! That makes this so much easier to update. Our base camp went through a bandwidth issue and the admin site for the blog was firewalled. It has now been corrected and I am able to access!! Attached is our command photo from Kuwait and our forward command photos from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. We have what we call LNO's (liaison officers) at those forward locations. ...read more

I'm Re-enlisting!

Tue, 04 May 2010 06:40:00 GMT

By: Genevieve Chase
Life has been quite hectic, which is just the way I like it. I'm finding time to get back in the gym and as of most recently, was looking for a new Reserve unit to transfer to. I currently reside in Washington DC and to stay in my Reserve unit in Arizona, I have to either find a local unit to drill with or fly back at my own expense, for drills. I do this for one reason... my unit is one of the best in the Army Reserve at taking care of soldiers. The biggest...read more

DV visit - 4 star General and 2 Two Star Generals

Mon, 03 May 2010 15:38:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
We had what we call a DV visit over the past two days. DV being distinguished visitor. The visitors included three General Officers. Major General Dowd is my boss’s boss and the Director of Logistics for U.S. Central Command. Major General Chambers will be replacing Major General Dowd in about a month. The Central Command Director of Logistics or J4 is stationed at Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida. The forward headquarters for CENTCOM...read more

Going to the Chapel Begins

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:29:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I'm getting married in 24 days!!! LT Obie will soon become LT Nammari...which will more than likely be shortened to LT Nam...which I can see turning into LT Dan (said in Tom Hank's Forrest Gump voice). I thought for quite awhile that marriage wasn't in the cards for me. I never met a man who was as determined and kind as my father. Then I met Mark, who from the very first conversation we had, showed me his easy going nature, loving heart,...read more

Tent Photos and Award Photos

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:40:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
We have an award ceremony for each service-member that departs our unit. I got to say a few words about my Air Force Staff Sergeant that worked IT issues for our unit. He always was working on some issue on the job and did a great deal with little supervision. He bet someone that he would dance a jig at the ceremony and he did it!! Me trying to make a joke during my speech. This is my favorite photo of the tent photos - way too much size and time on...read more

slow internet

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:55:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
wow, finally got this SLOW internet to work in my room, hopefully posting some more photos and stories soon have some great tent photos from afghanistan and some good photos of some award ceremonies we had here...read more

United, We Lost

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:18:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Last night was the premiere episode on the History Channel of a multi-part series called America: The Story of Us. Being the history nerd that I am, I made sure to tune in to watch. The first episode gave an abridged version of the beginnings of our great country. The settlements of Jamestown and Plymouth were recounted along with the hardships those first settlers faced. The program then delved into the beginnings and causes of the American Revolution. What struck...read more

Hand Holding

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:24:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Something very different in the Arab culture versus the Western culture. Even at the Kuwait international airport, menholding hands, kissing, and walking arm in arm is very common. I think this photo depicts how far we have come as an army and military in mixing into the Arab culture during our counter-insurgency campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. U.S. Army Capt. Mark Moretti sits hand in hand with Shamshir Khan, one of the most senior Korengal Valley elders, on the...read more

The beginning of Day #67

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 06:40:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello again to everyone. Today in the current JTF-Haiti Commanders last day. LTC Keen is the Deputy Commander of US SOUTHERN COMMAND and was in Haiti on the day of the now fameous 12 Jan 2010 earthquake. LTG Keen will be followed by MG Trombitas, the US ARMY SOUTH Commander and current deputy commander of JTF-Haiti. I am including below the e-mail sent out by LTG Keen to all the JTF-Haiti personnel. Mainly to show how many people are involved and that even though there is a great deal left to...read more

Volcanoes, coups, and more . . .

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:10:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
The volcano ash that is affecting all flights out of Europe has been a challenge to us military transporters trying to get airlift here into the Middle East. Lots of our airlift is contracted and even the Air Force planes ("gray tails") mostly go through Europe before hitting the Middle East, the stand-still has not been good. We also had a fiber cut in out internet so things have been slow and I was not even able to get on this site for a while. I don't even know...read more

THE END OF DAY #65 (plus Jeep Advice)

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 09:10:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So today is the end of day #65. Many of us can see a light at the end of the tunnel and may be home sometime in May or early June. That has been, for most of us, the hardest part of being here, not knowing what the end date is. All of us knew it would be a “short” mission, that is a fluid and constantly changing environment, but not having something to tell friends and family at home about a return date wears on troops. My special project is going well. So well in fact it may have a...read more

Thought on Loyalty

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:18:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I was reading an Air Force Command and Staff College book last night on leadership. It is fascinating to learn about and study leadership. One section focused on core values and how a leader should demonstrate core values. One of the core Army values is loyalty: that one has always bothered me. Loyalty to who? To the unit, to the commander, to the nation, to your oath of office? It seems to me that often that value is confused to mean that you should be loyal...read more

Kabul ROC (Rehearsal of Concept) Drill

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:18:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Tremendous conference in Kabul just occurred 11-12 April. My organization was lucky enough to participate and have our director sit in the main room of the event. The conference was an Afghanistan Civ-Mil ROC drill where the highest ranking military and civilian leaders discussed the way forward in Afghanistan for the rest of the calendar year. Attendees included Ambassador Holbrooke, U.S. amabassador to Afghanistan, Gen. Petraeus, Central Command commander, President Karzai,...read more

Way Forward in Afghanistan - Civilian and Military Cooperation Conference Kabul

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:03:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
My boss was asked to represent the logistics side of U.S. military Central Command at this recent high level conference in Kabul. Several good news releases in ISAF news wire (NATO's International Security Assistance Force)(acronym for coalition forces in Afghanistan) and the Central Command website. My boss is the two star Air Force General seated directly behind General Petraeus. Major General Robert McMahon, Central Command Deployment & Distribution Operations Center...read more

DOD Photos of the Week Defense.Gov 10APR

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 17:23:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Really like the new DOD Website on www.defense.gov very user friendly with lots of links some great photos too A C-130 Hercules takes off on a support mission on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, April 6, 2010. The air crew, assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, provides combat support to U.S. and coalition forces. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeromy K. Cross U.S. Navy members of a visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile...read more

Manas Air Base

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:29:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Lots of planning and alternate plans being made right now in my organization. The security situation in Kyrgyzstan is focing us to make alternate plans to using Manas Air Base. Due to operational security issues, I do not want to comment more on the situation. We rely heavily on Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan for several transportation missions such as moving troops in and out of Afghanistan. Any change in the schedules or locations of passenger flights causes a ripple in...read more

Kyrgyzstan unrest

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:07:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
From a NYT article, link and excerpt below. We rely heavily on Manas, Kyrgyzstan and hope everything settles down soon. From a transportation standpoint, the air base in Manas helps as a staging base for cargo and troops. Full Article MOSCOW — Authorities in Kyrgyzstan declared a national state of emergency on Wednesday after large-scale antigovernment protests broke out and riot police fired on crowds, killing at least 12 people. The unrest threatened an American...read more

Kuwait City Hookah Restaurant

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:47:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I had the chance to go off base in Kuwait and saw some local places in Kuwait city and closer to base. We went to a great restaurant with Lebanese food and hookah pipes. The place had great food to include : schwarma's, hummus, spiced potatoes, lamb, pita bread, and more. The hookah pipe was a tasty grape flavor and just an overall great restaurant - looking forward to going there again couscous!! standard hookah pipe! medley of great middle...read more

Ezra says Hi!

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:40:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I had the chance to talk to my beautiful boy Ezra and his awesome mommy yesterday! She handed him the phone and he told me hi over and over. I know he heard me say Hi because his Hi's became more emphatic afterwards!! good little boy! me tickling Ezra in January '10. Hel likes to lay on his tummy and wait to be tickled Ezra's Nemo ball pit. What a wise purchase his momma made. Ezra and I have spent hours playing together in the ball...read more

Log Nation

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 17:36:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
One of the top General's involved in DOD Logistics likes to call the totality of military commands, defense contractors, DOD civilians, and commercial contractors that support DOD logistics, the "Log Nation". The Log Nation is getting lots of positive press in the civilian and DOD media. Here are some headlines from Today. Front page article on Fox News, my unit featured in Air Force Times, and more. We are heading into a critical period in supplying the...read more

Paulie Walnuts

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
More photos of USO Tour with Sopranos, Rose McGowan, and New Orleans Saints player. Former "Sopranos" stars James Gandolfini (R) and Tony Sirico (C) are given a tour of an MRAP armored vehicle during a USO tour stop at a forward operating base in the Persian Gulf on March 28, 2010. In the region as part of a seven-day USO tour led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, this is the duo's second USO tour. (USO Photo by Fred Greaves) ...read more

"Since Alexander built Kandahar"

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:47:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Great, informative article in the NYT today about the massive logistical challenges we are facing here in Central Command. The simultaneous drawdown in Iraq, coupled with the many challenges of getting troops and supplies into Afghanistan. Here is a link and some highlights NYT Article "Nonlethal supplies flowing into Afghanistan include cement, lumber, blast barriers, septic tanks and rubberized matting, all to expand space at airfields and double, to 40, the...read more

"Marone'" says Paulie

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:45:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I got to the Sopranos USO event a little late and there was no more room in the auditorium. I stayed outside by the door to see if I could get some photos from there. Then, Tony and Paulie came in the front door right by me. Paulie shook my hand and gave me a big bear hug. Tony was looking around and then came over and shook my hand. Since I was outside of the event, I didn't want to make them wait and take a photo with me. I got Paulie's photo walking away...read more

Photos from Haiti

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:47:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
JTF –Haiti DAY #48-49 So here it is past the 45 day mark and looking at 60 +/- before we can get out of here, maybe more. Most of my time has been spent preparing briefings for the upcoming draw-down of the JTF and planning for the possibility of heavy rains and the pending hurricane season. Not real glamorous or exciting, but it is what I have been assigned to do. I have had a few opportunities to leave the embassy and have some more pictures for you all. The baby in the first picture...read more

Wow...A moment catch my breath!

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:33:00 GMT

By: Earl Wilson
Hello to all: I have been MIA for about a month and for that I apologize. I once learned that "Excuses are monuments of nothingness that build bridges that lead to nowhere; those who use these tools of incompetence are master of nothing." Therefore, I will give none. With that said, alot has happened during this last month: 181st JAOBC Blues Reception, PT, Criminal Course of Instruction, PT, Advocacy Week, and......PT. The Blues Reception was a great...read more

Sopranos USO Tour Kuwait

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:16:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Will be going to see Tony and Pauli this week!!!!!...read more

DOD Bloggers Roundtable - CENTCOM Deployment and Distribution Operations Center

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:48:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
My boss, Maj Gen Robert McMahon, will be on a DOD Bloggers Roundtable Discussion tomorrow 1100 EDT U.S. Info at the link below and text below DOD Bloggers Roundtable CDDOC "We have scheduled a DODLive Bloggers Roundtable for Wednesday, March 31, 11:00 EDT with U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert H. McMahon, director of Central Command Deployment and Distribution Center. McMahon will discuss how CENTCOM DDOC is moving the surge of U.S. forces and equipment into Afghanistan, prioritizing...read more

At the Afghanistan / Pakistan border - Torkham

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:56:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I just published a news article today about our trip to the Afghanistan / Pakistan border. Link It really is a beautiful country there. We traveled to Torkham Gate, the main border crossing for all trucks and goods transiting from Pakistan. U.S. military and NATO forces have hundreds of trucks a day transiting there. It is located in the Khyber Pass area of the Hindu Kush mountain range. My article has about 25 photos that are published but I will add some of my...read more

Mazar e Sharif

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:24:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Published news article link as promised about Mazar-e Sharif and NATO in northern Afghanistan Link My bald dome in front of an MRAP at the Mazar e Sharif airfield. The historic blue mosque in Mazar e Sharif. German soldiers on patrol outside of Mazar e Sharif....read more

Danke Schon, Camp Marmal, Afghanistan

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 14:40:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Camp Marmal, a base camp near Mazar-e Sharif was truly a beautiful location with a wonderful Star Wars bar like quality to the atmosphere. Soldiers from Germany, Hungary, Sweden, Croatia, Norway, and even Latvia are stationed at the northern Afghanistan base camp. A Hungarian 1st Lieutenant was our POC at the camp and did a great job. We even received a beer garden ration card - althought we could not use due to not being allowed to drink in a combat zone (USA Only). The...read more

Hairaton, Afghanistan - On the Uzbekistan Border

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:28:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Wanted to attach a link to a story I published today about Hairaton logistics at the Afghan/Uzbek border Link Some of my favorite photos from the story A view of the river and streetside from a building in Hairiton. You can see the German force protection team with their armored vehicles in the background. Lieutenant Csech, Hungarian Army, on the left was our joint visitor bureau guide at Camp Marmal. He arranged transportation and tents for us :) Maj Gen McMahon...read more

Trip to Afghanistan

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:54:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Just got back from an amazing mission to Afghanistan! Managed to get to the Afghanistan/Uzbek border, Afghanistan/Pakistan border, Masar e Shariff, Hairaton, Jalalabad, and Torkham. Here a just a few of some great photos that I took. More later when have more time :) At the Afghanistan / Uzbekistan border (Hairitan) March 24, 2010. At the Afghanistan / Pakistan border, March 25, 2010. A walking patrol of Torkham, Afghanistan with a heavy...read more

THIS IS DAY #39 - 21 MAR 2010

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 07:59:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So now it is the end of day number 39 with at this point at least 25 to go, maybe more if the rainy season hits here early or heavier than normal. We will just have to see what happens. The special project assessment I have been working on is going full blast, taking up tons of time, it is interesting stuff, especially since I am working with so many different people, from MIT, Johns Hopkins, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the contractor that is actually conducting the surveys and sending up the data,...read more

Iraq Cargo Re-Distribution

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:01:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Great article from 3rd Army regarding the move of cargo/equipment from Iraq to Afghanistan and retrograde operations. Article Link Photo credit Sgt. David John Nunn Spc. Robert-Lee Pass performs preventative maintenance checks and services on his Heavy Expanded Mobility Truck, or HEMT wrecker, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. His National Guard unit, the 1166th Combat Heavy Equipment Transportation Company, is supporting Third Army’s Responsible Drawdown by transporting...read more

SPOD

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:18:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I’ve been able to spend some time at what we call the SPOD (seaport of debarkation). The main SPOD in Kuwait is the seaport of Ash Shuybah. There are over 20 berths for vessels – a huge number for a seaport. Many large seaports only have 7-8 berths. The U.S. military normally only uses 2-4 of the berths and usually only 1-2 concurrently now. During the major surge of Iraq operations in 2003, they sometimes used over 10 at a time. There are many moving pieces of the operation to...read more

Two Years in Review

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 03:43:00 GMT

By: Sara Small
As hard as it is for me to believe, today is already my two year anniversary of joining the Army. Two years ago today I left my local MEPS station and got on a plane for Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, and what I was sure was going to be pure torture. It was only a 4 1/2 hour plane ride with one layover but it seemed so much longer, partially because it was my first plane trip anywhere. We eventually landed at the St. Louis Airport, where I half expected drill sergeants to run at me from every...read more

Ezra

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:40:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Things are going well here! Planning an upcoming trip outside of Kuwait. Will be able to discuss more after. It was awesome to see photos of my boy Ezra playing with his grandparents and momma!!!!...read more

Soccer Photos

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:55:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Yes, it is possible to have some grass in the desert! Some soccer photos of a game with Kuwait Military team versus U.S. Army Kuwait team ...read more

Heat

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:53:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Everything is well here. It is starting to get hot, I mean real hot! & I love warm weather. I have been working out at lunchtime but that may be ending soon. Yesterday, I ran a 2 mile run for time on the track in what was probably 95 degree heat. My time was very good considering I was still sore from my soccer game and the heat. I was able to run a sub 14 minute 2 mile which probably equals almost a 13 minute two mile with fresh legs and decent temps. Yesterday afternoon and evening I had a...read more

Starfish and the Spider

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:49:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
We had a meeting the other day with some Special Oeprations logisticians. The Special OPS guys specialize in foreign internal defense, counter-insurgency, and clandestine ops. Much of what they do is secret so can't really discuss on a blog. However, during the interest roundtable discussion, one officer mentioned the concept of the starfish and the spider. The idea is that a starfish keeps re-generating no matter where it gets cut. However, a spider can be...read more

WHAT DAY IS THIS!!!!!

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:01:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So I think I have been here something like 28 days now. Since my last post US ARMY SOUTH (my home unit has moved in). You might say lucky me right. Well not exactly, what that means is that I can not leave with the groups of soldiers that are currently departing. I get to stay with ARMY SOUTH. Also, since my last post I have moved again. I am now closer to the US Embassy, the conditions are better but it is still a mosquito infested tent and the latrines are farther away (but at least these are...read more

KFC in the Desert and More

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:48:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Have some things to say but no time :) will add a few photos Yes, KFC exists in the desert :) i have not eatend there for fear of my stomach not accepting it but in case i decide too there are also some nice port-johns nearby there is a small Starbucks beyond the KFC too! Cool photo today from the DOD Flickr site Caption "U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates exits a V-22 Osprey aircraft at Forward Operating Base Cafferata,...read more

Intrinsic Motivation

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
All is well here in the desert. I was able to get away today to workout during lunch. I need to buy some actual boxing gloves because the weightlifting gloves are not enough. They work for about 10-15 minutes but after that my hands start blistering. I’m definitely going to buy some or order some today because 30 minutes of heavy bag boxing equals knuckle blisters without gloves. Yesterday, we had a two star Army General that went very well. We ended up having an informal dinner at the...read more

Leadership VS LDRSHIP

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:54:00 GMT

By: Sara Small
I'm sure by now if you are in any way involved with the Army be it an officer, NCO, enlisted, future soldier, cadet, warrant officer, whatever you may be you know what LDRSHIP stands for. The Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage. We also all know what a leader is, both good and bad. I would like to give my perspective as a PFC to anyone who would like to listen. As I said last week, I had drill this weekend and was sure I was going to have...read more

Gates of Babylon

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:50:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
It seems like a lot of the media focus is on Afghanistan now. However, this upcoming election in Iraq is truly a historic time. It will be our real transition to stability operations there with Iraqis in the lead. I follow Tom Ricks blog over at foreignpolicy.com - he really thinks that Iraq is unraveling and will erupt sometime soon. He is a very smart and knowledgeable guy so let's hope he is wrong. In an unclassified portion of a meeting, I came across a crazy...read more

Manas

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:21:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Everything is going well over here. I feel a bit better from my head cold and was able to work out today lightly. Complete a short crossfit workout during lunch time with some jumping squats, sprints, and box jumps. I should be able to play soccer tomorrow in our game against the Kuwait National Guard. We are preparing for news on a posible shift in logistics through Turkey. Turkey is upset about the upcoming potential U.S. resolution labeling the 1915 conflict...read more

Don't Stop Exercise During Pregnancy

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:27:00 GMT

By: Kalen Arreola
Yes, you can have a family and be in the Army! Forget that old saying, "if the army wanted you to have a family, they would have issued you one," because it's garbage. Families are awesome and they support us in what we do! Anyway, I wanted to take some time to blog about physical fitness and all the other Army-related stuff that you need to think about during pregnancy. Mostly because I'm pregnant myself and am trying to find ways to stay active, but I also wanted to spread...read more

Ghengis Khan

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:32:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Wow, holy sandstorm. I had to walk to the post office to mail something for my commander and ended up barraged in a tremendous sandstorm. I used some paper towels to cover my nose and face. It is tough right now because I am already working with a head cold. The paper towels actually worked fairly well though and I plan to utilize a face mask today if I have to go outside any more (which I hope to avoid) One of the colonels that I work with is a foreign cinema buff (mostly Polish stuff). We...read more

Desk Photo

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:29:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
This is where I normally hang my hat. It is not really an office, but has everything I need :) Nice place to hang my battle rattle behind the desk. ...read more

Kuwait National Guard soccer

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:13:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I had the chance to play soccer last night. It was interesting to play on a mix of sand/dirt/rocks. I had a bulge in my sock afterwards and realized it was actually sand ? We have some good players on the Camp team and even one player from the All-Army team that I played with at All-Army in 2008. We have a couple games coming up against the Kuwait National Guard and military. Several of their players are national team players so it will be quite a test and unique experience. I hope to post some...read more

COMMON SIGNS of a DISASTER TOURIST

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:34:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So, let’s talk a little about good people who cause the disaster relief efforts problems and those who should just not be involved in disaster relief. More commonly known as “Disaster Tourists”. This is a fairly common occurrence; people see a problem and want to help. That is a wonderful, compassionate and decent thing to do as a human being and as an individual. However, STOP SHOWING UP IN THE DISASTER AREA UNPREPARED!!!!! If you are reading this, and you are not trained in...read more

Ahh the life...

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:29:00 GMT

By: Sara Small
Being a medic can be one of the most demanding and rewarding jobs all at once. The official term for my primary MOS is Healthcare Specialist, but to everyone in the military we are simply combat medics or medics or even just Doc. I don't pretend to know all the aspects of the job, I have only been in the Army for two years and haven't even been deployed yet. However if there is one thing I have learned it's that being a medic even stateside can get very demanding. If there is one thing that my...read more

Patton Drive

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:23:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Main Drag on base - Patton Drive! A little boxing workout with heavy bags and some Marines! ...read more

Caspian Sea

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:18:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Lots going on here and weather is getting a bit better. Just got done a boxing and crossfit workout. There are some heavy bags outside, also pull-up bars and arm walk bars. Last night, I almost ran a sub-13 minute 2 mile run which is very good for me. Once, I get under 13, I am in really good shape. Fascinating some of the routes that cargo goes through to get to Afghanistan. Some is shipped by vessel to the Middle Ease and then flown in. Some is sent through Russia, some...read more

Kuwait FEB 2010 Photos

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:40:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
463L pallets, material is loaded onto pallets, strapped down, and then loaded onto AF plane stray camels in kuwait :) kuwait tent cities near main roads...read more

Sandstorm PT (physical training)

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:29:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I am planning on meeting with my boss next week to discuss my blogging on Army Strong Stories. My unit is working on some really fascinating logistics movements within Central Command. However, some of the movements and timelines are labeled secret so I want to ensure that I am in complete compliance with operational security. We are deeply involved in shipping the new kinds of mine resistant vehicles into Afghanstan. It is interesting because I was deeply involved in shipping some of the...read more

Another Day, Another Story

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:17:00 GMT

By: Sara Small
So the Army Strong Story continues with yet another solider's story, but this time it seems to be my turn. My name is PFC Sara Small, and I am with the 443rd MP Co. I am not just a Military Police Officer though, my primary MOS is 68W, or Combat Medic. This basically means that every battle assembly I pull double duty, sometimes going out on training missions as a medic, and other times as an MP. It is exhausting yet exhilirating, stressful, yet so much fun that it is all worth it. My unit...read more

DOING THE RIGHT THING

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:21:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Marc (Dr. Zissman), Doug (Dr. Jones) - my bosses, along with CPT CPT DeLuca, WO Wade and MAJ Jones (of the JTF-Haiti) all pitched in and bought litterally a truck full of stuff for an orphanage that has about 50 kids in it, toys, bed sheets, soap, shampoo, toothpaste and brushes, shoes you name it. I have put in a few picture for you all of that, long with a few shots of the neighborhood it is in to give you an idea of what the area looks like. The orphanage is really kind of small and most of...read more

Blown Tire in Kuwait

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:32:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I went to pick a newcomer Colonel from my unit with a Navy Senior Chief. I'm trying to learn the roads here in Kuwait because I will need to drive with the Boss around our area. We picked up the Colonel with no incidents. However, the back left tire started to sound bumpy (we were in a 15 pax van). We got out to look at the tire and it seemed fine. Then, 2 minutes later it blew. It was really weird as the tread was stripped right down the middle. It...read more

Saying G'bye to Ft. Lee and Hello to C'Ville!

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:24:00 GMT

By: Earl Wilson
Wow! Phase 1 of my JAOBC training has come to an end and alot of things about the past 12 days stand out to me. First and foremost I am almost certain that 20 years from now (LORD willing Im still here) when I look back what I'll remember most is that Ft. Lee was cold as hades!! Despite the weather, Ft. Lee was an enjoyable experience. We spent three cold days in the field learning basic warrior tasks such as, first aid, requesting medevac (medical evacution), how to effectively apply camouflage...read more

FROM HAITI

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 05:06:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Just a short one today, rained two nights ago. It was the first good rain since I have been here, and it really cleared the air, but the humidity was pretty high. I wish that there were more shelters and drainage in the IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) Camps. Even a little rain can make it rough on children when all you have is a tarp and what clothes you are wearing. But, in spite of it, things are getting better, the UN and the aid organizations are building more and more capacity and...read more

Getting into the Groove

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:52:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I feel like I'm starting to settle in after a few days here in country in Kuwait. Some key leaders will be traveling next week, so it will give me more time to get acclimated. One thing I want to start is a hometown news release program for my unit. Basically, I would write a short template of the unit we are, the person's job and their hometown. It would get published in the Army News Wire and forwarded to their local newspaper. Much of what we do here is...read more

HELLO AGAIN FROM HAITI

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:37:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So lets start with the basics this time, weather is hot, but not unbearable, unless your one of the tens of thousands of Haitians that has lost a home. Its kind of strange, I live in a tent, at the end of a very active runway, next to a very smelly ditch, that has a main road next to it and a trash burning pit down from that (talk about stink), sleep under a bug net and there are only 2 showers that I know of within 500 yards for about 2 or 3 thousand people. In spite of all that I am still...read more

Retroactive Stop-loss Pay Available - Apply by Oct. 21

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:54:00 GMT

By: Kalen Arreola
Okay, so I know my posts can be a bit too informative, and not so fun, but I hope I'm at least sharing good information. This is yet another, boring, informative one but guess what?! It's awesome news!! The Army is RETROACTIVELY paying Soldiers for their time on stop-loss. In case you haven't seen the movie, "stop-loss," in the United States military, is the involuntary extension of a service member's active duty service under the enlistment contract in order to retain them...read more

Drink Thru the Firehose

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:20:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
We call it drinking through the firehose when you start a new position and are bombarded with info. This is where I am right now in my assignement. However, i feel like I am picking some things up and the mission of the unit is really amazing. As an example. the unit works on cutting down travel time for rest and recuperation trips. These are 2 weeks of leave soldiers take in the middle of year-long tours. During a research phase, it was determined that...read more

I'm No Princess

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:49:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Food for thought: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/15/womens-work/?hp I find that being one of two females in my unit enough of a challenge. Being the lowest ranking doesn't help matters any but we all have to start from the bottom at some point. Do I agree with Ms. Ross' opinion on the APFT standards? Being a hair above 5 feet and a buck o' 9 does not make me appear less capable than my male counterparts. I know there is no way I could ever do 80+ pushups...read more

Hello from Arifjan, Kuwait

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:31:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
We had some hiccups getting to Kuwait, but now we are here! I will post some photos of my pre-deployment training in this post as well. We couldn't get out of US due to weather and maintenance issues on the plane. However, we did make it into Kuwait last night after stopping in Ireland and passing through some other Middle East countries. It is about 85 here today and very nice out. More to follow soon and am working on getting set-up in my living quarters and job...read more

Delayed En-Route to Kuwait

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:04:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Although I should already be in Kuwait, our flight was delayed due to weather. The East Coast really has got slammed with snow and we had some issues getting the plane de-iced. Hopefully, my next post will be from Kuwait or somewhere close by there in the Middle East. Right now, we are waiting at a CONUS location to board the plane and depart enroute to Kuwait. We should have one stop in Europe somewhere. Waiting for news about our delayed flight to Kuwait and...read more

Change 5,0023 - Haiti - Jeep

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:52:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So all of the sudden I am doing this blogg from Haiti, inside the US Embassy. Got the word last Sunday that I would be leaving, I was actually out off-roading when the message came in. So I got my first off-road ride in my Jeep, and I am glad I did, otherwise it would just be sitting in the back yard. (hope this is a good photo that you all like). My wife and my daughter went with me. I know my little girl had a great time!!! She was great all day long!! So anyway, back to Haiti, got the...read more

Chief of Army Reserve speaks to young Soldiers, conference ends

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:25:00 GMT

By: Kalen Arreola
The last two days of ROA have been pretty fun, and with great information from Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz about the way ahead for the Army Reserve. I have to say that I think we’re lucky to have the Chief of the Army Reserve that we have. He knows firsthand the challenges that Reserve Soldiers face just to serve, and he lived it himself. (the photo above is not of LTG Stultz but it's the same exact location, and it's from my lousy camera phone - sorry). Also, these are not his EXACT words,...read more

All American Bowl Wrap Up

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:16:00 GMT

By: Genevieve Chase
The final days of the All American Bowl were quite exciting. We had some down time before the Awards Dinner with the Rotary Club to get all dressed up in our Class A's and Blues. We took quite a few pictures, mostly us ladies. The longer you're in the military, the more you come to appreciate having friends that are women! After the mini photo shoot, we headed to the banquet hall where the tables were spread out so far that it looked like the room was the...read more

ROA Conference continues, despite weather

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:45:00 GMT

By: Kalen Arreola
This week has been quite interesting to say the least. I am on day two of the conference and I missed the entire morning portion... I tried to stick it out yesterday all day but my fever got the best of me so I slept in today. If I wasn't five months preggo right now I'd probably try to get up but I get nervous with the little one. Anyway, at least I'm here!! This picture is a view from my hotel near Dupont Circle in downtown. I reached the hotel at 2 a.m., Feb. 8th and then slept...read more

Welcome to the Army JAG Corps and Ft. Lee

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:26:00 GMT

By: Earl Wilson
What's up peeps?! I've been here at Ft. Lee (Prince George, VA) for about two days and it has been full go from day one! We have been filling out a ton of paperwork and (for those of us with no prior service) trying to learn Army courtesies and customs on the fly. I'm meeting alot of my classmates and it seems we are a very diverse group. Dont hold me to this number but its about 110 of us from all over the country and from all practice areas. The weather is...read more

1st Day at CRC (Pre-Deployment CONUS Replacement Center)

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:03:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Today is Day 1 at the CONUS Replacement Center Fort Benning Georgia for me. I should be here for about a week and then fly out. About 500 people here processing for the week, mostly contractors and DOD civilians. There are a ton of interpreters and even some dog handlers. We did some paperwork today, briefings, and some testing for traumatic brain injury that was interesting, Here are some photos, more to follow.. My first station. In line at a huge...read more

CHANGE 5,000

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:34:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
OK, so I was supposed to go to Haiti as part of the forward deployed HQ of US ARMY SOUTH. Well, that didn't happen. We spent long hours and days planning, preparing, having briefings and meeting, waiting on planes and boats. In the long run, everything changed multiple times, the situation on the ground, higher command intent and missions along with the availability of aircraft, ships and barges. Bottom line is I still have my bags packed but I am still here, still going to planning meetings...read more

You Can't Escape It

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
You would think that as you mature, celebrate birthday after birthday, that the bullies in life would fade away, that being an adult means having some semblence of respect for other human beings. Oh, how naive I have been... When I was a kid and later a teenager, I dealt with the torment of bullies on an almost daily basis. From the classroom where I was teased for knowing all my Spanish vocabulary words to having read half of my new history textbook before the first...read more

Headed to Reserve Officer Association National Convention

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:40:00 GMT

By: Kalen Arreola
Well, I thought my days would be pretty uneventful for the next few months, but of course, I was wrong. I am headed out to Washington, D.C. for the Reserve Officer Association National Conference. I am so excited! At first I wasn't but any change of scenery is fun and there are a few people living out there I am excited to see. My official last day of work as an Department of the Army Civilian is tomorrow, but my command has no public affairs officer until April, so I'm going to...read more

One Tribe at a Time - A Special Forces Plan for Afghanistan

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:25:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I wanted to share this with everyone. Major Grant, a highly decorated U.S. Army Special Forces Major with extensive time in Iraq and Afghanistan has written an outstanding point paper on how to stabilize and secure Afghanistan. The paper is called "One Tribe at a Time" and can be read here. I worked with special operations personnel and particularly special forces soldiers when in my last command in Korea. Their detachments are perfect for COIN...read more

Haiti News, Sealift

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:08:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I wanted to write a quick update about Haiti. My old unit, Surface Deployment Distribution Command, is sending a seaport team to Haiti to help deliver humanitarian aid by sealift. The unit is a new type of unit made to run a port that is newly opened or degraded. The idea is to be able to get supplies into a wartime conflict area if no fixed port is available. However, this idea works great in the current Haiti disaster as the seaport is greatly needed right now and the...read more

Haiti and Civil Affairs

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:00:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I think most of us have heard the Chinese Curse "MAY YOU LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES". Well, for me it’s not a curse, it is my job. I would assume by now that everyone has heard all about the earthquake and ensuing problems in Haiti. Well, this whole situation there falls right in line with my job here at US ARMY SOUTH as a Civil Affairs planner. As a Civil Affairs planner and operator, I am knee deep in the coordination of ARMY SOUTH personnel and personnel moving in to...read more

President allowing Reserve troops to Haiti

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:14:00 GMT

By: Kalen Arreola
Yesterday the DoD announced that the Reserve can send Soldiers out to Haiti! I am so excited. Obviously I can't go since I am expecting a little one, but I know some Soldiers who would love to go. Public Affairs teams are getting formed right now so I'll be excited to see the great coverage our Reserve journalists put together. After seeing the images, and news, and hearing about one woman's survival under the rubble for more than 50 hours, I just can't believe how amazing the...read more

Entry Number One (better titles on future posts, I promise)

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:53:00 GMT

By: Kalen Arreola
Well, I am going to try this again:). I just wrote an entry and lost the whole thing!! How's that for a first blog. Anyway, I have been confused over what to write, so I'll just tell you stuff about me I guess. I currently live in Southern California and I work for a brand-spanking-new command called the 79th Sustainment Support Command. Ever heard of it? Well, that makes all of us because this type of command has never before existed. I happen to think that is pretty cool, but I...read more

Going To The Chapel

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:37:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I'm getting married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...read more

IN THE ARMY NOW....HUH?

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:16:00 GMT

By: Earl Wilson
Hello to all! I am 1LT (First Lieutenant) Earl Wilson, III. I am originally from New Orleans, La. (Geaux Saints!) and I am presently gearing up to leave my comfortable home and job in Houston, Texas in pursuit of the "road less traveled":THE UNITED STATES ARMY! Hooah! I was fortunate enough to receive a comission as an officer in The Judge Advocate General's Corps., so I figure I am about to get the best of both worlds: priceless experience in my professional discipline (MOS) and the...read more

Happy New Year

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:55:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Happy late new year to all. Mine was great and I hope that everyone reading this had a good one also. The Army All-American Bowl was yesterday, I wish I could have been there with the jeep and to see all the cool stuff the Army always has, but it just was not going to happen this year. I heard it was a really good game hope some of you were able to watch it or better yet get a chance to go. The whole thing is quite a party, especially in downtown San Antonio. Well, I...read more

The Game

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:56:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Freudenthal
The game was a big success. We had amazing seats on the club level of the 50-yard line. Two Special OPS guys rappelled down from the rafters with the game ball. They also had the players run out onto the field through a giant inflated helmet and smoke cloud. The first half was unbalanced as the West didn't seem to be able to make a mistake while the East was simply beating itself out of the game. By halftime the score was 14-0 and all motivation was on the West's side. The Army All-American...read more

Sometimes it's worth it to endure the cold

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:56:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Freudenthal
This morning we had the pleasure if checking out the Army Combat Zone next to the Alamo Dome. I've been to similar set-ups by the Army at our Annual Air Show but nothing like this. This was one spectacular event. There were displays and interactive program for almost every aspect of the Army from a rock climbing wall to a Special Operations trailer with virtual reality simulators. The only thing we didn't enjoy was the weather. It was definitely not participating with us today. Thankfully,...read more

Special Recognition

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:51:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Freudenthal
The Awards Dinner held by the Rotary Club was exceptional. It was held in a beautiful banquet hall with several hundred guests. The food was amazing an we had the opportunity to meet several of the other players and coaches as well as a few Medal of Honor recipients. We really enjoyed ourselves and got some amazing pictures that we'll never forget. The following morning we got to eat breakfast with the Secretary of the Army and the Army Vice Chief of Staff. After breakfast we walked over to...read more

SWAG, MRE's, and other acronyms

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:38:00 GMT

By: Genevieve Chase
This morning we had breakfast with VIPs from around the country that are part of the Army's Centers of Influence. Before meeting up with them, we were able to do a short tour of the Army Strong Zone, located just outside of the stadium. This area was set up with booths and demos, not to mention a bunch of free swag. My mom and sister did their own tour and reported back to me what the coolest stops were. I was able to catch a picture of them, upside down in the Apache Flight Simulator....read more

Capt. Ed Marion has decided on the team he'll be rooting for

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:10:00 GMT

By: Ed Marion
Rehearsals, briefings and BBQs. These events have kept me busy over the last couple of days. The Soldier-Heroes have rehearsed on site at the Alamo Dome what we are going to do on gameday during the pregame festivities. As with any military operation, rehearsals have been crucial to ensuring everyone is aware of what we are going to do, where we are supposed to stand, and how we are going to synchronize all of the 98 Soldier-Heroes in the pregame introductions and activities. Personally, my...read more

Rehearsals and Sightseeing

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:09:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Freudenthal
This morning we were bussed over to the Alamo Dome for our first visit and game rehearsal. The Venue looks amazing! It was a great feeling to stand on the 50 yard line and take it all in. We rehearsed the pre- game activities and headed back to the hotel. We've been told that we're going to be released for the rest of the morning and afternoon. Our next event will be the Event BBQ with the players followed by a concert by Darryl Whorley. I can't wait to get back with Jacques and work out our...read more

Is it Game Day yet?

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:16:00 GMT

By: Genevieve Chase
It's been such a long day that I'm not sure where we started this morning...Wait. Oh yes! We had to report downstairs by 6:30 AM. That was fun. To add to the pleasantness of that, it was QUITE a cold day here in San Antonio. Many of the soldiers that are here didn't bring cold weather gear because they assumed the weather would be warmer than the northern posts and cities they came from. Normally, this isn't really an issue but the wind today literally took my breath away. I walked outside...read more

Getting to know the All-American players

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:02:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Freudenthal
We finally wrapped up in-processing and were released for a short break before our next event. We grouped up in the hotel lobby in order of which side we were representing. I was paired up with a player for the East Team. Of note; the East has won the last three games here at the All-American Bowl. Once the sides were organized we were taken over to a pavilion to meet the players. The player I was paired up with is a Tennessee boy as well. Wearing #36, Jacques Smith, is a Defensive End out of...read more

Capt. Ed Marion hits the ground running

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 07:02:29 GMT

By: Ed Marion
Part of my tasking this week at the Army All American Bowl is to sponsor one of the elite high school football players who are playing in the game. I am to interact with my athlete as well as show him some of the Army values such as loyalty, duty and selfless service. My athlete is #12, Shakim Phillips from DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, NJ. He is a wide receiver and a great kid. As an All-American, he is, obviously, a superb athlete but also a very polite and respectful young man. I...read more

Army All-American Bowl Day Two

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:20:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Freudenthal
So far Day Two has been filled with mostly administrative details. We've completed the morning portion of in-processing--learning how to appropriately approach the media, receiving our assigned Player’s Info, and meeting the leadership involved in this great event. We get to meet the players tonight and I know that I personally am really looking forward to getting some "face time" with the kids. On a high note: our lost baggage has been delivered to the hotel and Nickie can...read more

A Traveler's Dream...

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:41:00 GMT

By: Ed Marion
Air travel. Those two words are often associated with hassle and aggravation. Regardless of whether someone is the most seasoned business traveler or simply a once in a lifetime flyer, few people are eager to tackle the strain of flight delays, lines, checked bag fees and overpriced food. I have done quite a bit of flying over the past six years and have to admit that I was not eager to begin my air travel to San Antonio today. However, I sheepishly confess that my flying experience today was...read more

Periodic Health Assessment

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:59:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I had my periodic health assessment completed today. It was a very painless experience. I went to a very professional health care clinic called Corporate Care in Warren, Ohio. It was sub-contracted out by the Army Human Resources Command. Warren is one of the small mid-western towns that has been hit very hard by the economy and outsourcing of auto/manufacturing jobs. I only had to get 3 shots :) hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and influenza. I know that...read more

A Traveler's Nightmare...

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:46:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Freudenthal
We finally made it to San Antonio, TX. Unfortunately, as soon as we got to baggage claim we realized the airline had lost (ah-hem ... "misplaced") two of our bags. I was lucky enough to have received the bags with my uniforms and personal clothes and was only missing my backpack with my weightlifting gear, protein powder, and supplements. My girlfriend, Nickie, wasn't so lucky. Of the four bags we brought on this trip her one little bag of clothes was missing. So, she is currently...read more

My All American - J.R. "Ego" Ferguson

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:55:00 GMT

By: Genevieve Chase
After my previous blog, I went downstairs to meet everyone for the bus rides over to the BBQ. The organizers split us up into our two teams East and West and that's where the competition began. I walked through the gate and found my player, J.R. Ferguson, #53, Team East. I had watched him on the videos I'd Googled so I knew I was getting a pretty talented and well-spoken player. I was not wrong but where I thought he couldn't surprise me, I completely underestimated him. J.R. is all the...read more

And My Football Hero is...

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:53:00 GMT

By: Genevieve Chase
Yesterday was pretty uneventful. I arrived at the San Antonio airport without too much incident... other than the headache from hell, there was little complain about. OH wait. The weather. The cold must have followed me from DC because it definitely is not as warm outside as I'd hoped it would be. Last night, my sister and I took the trolley to Mi Tierra, a local Tex-Mex restaurant that seemingly everyone we met recommended to us. We love La Margarita but since they're both owned by the same...read more

It's not an easy job and it's not meant for everyone

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:50:00 GMT

By: Genevieve Chase
My name is Genevieve Chase and I'm a proud member of the United States Army Reserve. I was born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky so I like to tell people that I did 18 years of involuntary service as a dependent to a service member, prior to my enlistment at the age of 25. In high school, Iwas a member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps and competed in Rifle, Pistol and Color Guard competitions. Having been born to a Korean mother and attending high school at Seoul American High School at...read more

Huge Football Fan Represents Army Reserve as Soldier-Hero at All-American Bowl

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:17:00 GMT

By: Ed Marion
As a huge football fanatic, I have always taken an interest in football on all levels from youngsters playing pop warner to the star athletes of the NFL. The opportunity to share in this year's Army All American Bowl is very exciting. In previous years, I have enjoyed watching this game on TV and I am now eager to see these elite high school players as they prepare for the challenges on the next level of competition. While the idea of watching an entertaining football matchup was more than...read more

Introduction

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:58:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Freudenthal
My name is Jonathan Freudenthal. I was born and raised in Nashville, TN. I attended college at Western Kentucky University and started my career in the US Army. I served on Active Duty for six years and was fortunate to have served in both Afghanistan and Iraq with some of the best military and civilian organizations in the world. I am currently working for US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) as both an Army Reservist and Federal Employee. As a civilian, I am a Strategic Planner (GS-13 level)...read more

Central Command Transportation and Logistics, the Strategic Level

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 06:48:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Currently, I am prepping for my assignment to CDDOC, Central Command Distribution and Deployment Operations Center. The organization is headuartered in Kuwait with forward locations in Baghdad and Kabul. The mission of the organization is to ensure transportation needs are met from the strategic level down to the tactical level. From beans to bullets, do we have enough? How is it getting there? By sea, air, truck, or rail? Do we have visibility of it, ie...read more

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:05:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Happy new year to everyone and Merry Christmas (a little late) to all. Overall things here have been pretty good, I am working on my packet to extend for another year at US ARMY SOUTH. I hope that it goes through because I am looking forward to doing the HMA missions coming up in the 2nd QTR of this FY. Had some issues with the Jeep, something electrical, it cranks but wont stay running once I let off of the key. So, here we go chasing the rabbitt down the hole again. I did...read more

Shooting the 9mm Berretta

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:23:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I was able to link up with a unit today and shoot with the 9mm Berretta. I wanted to get familiarized with the 9mm since I have shot many weapons in the army but mostly rifles. This was my first experience with the 9mm. It is a fairly easy handgun to operate and use. The kick was a little less than I though it would be but still had something to it for sure. I think I will try to hook up with them one more time before I deploy. Most officers at the...read more

More Deployment Prep

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:15:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Well, I just finished completing 16 of my 24 annual drill days for the year. My unit was low on funding so I volunteered to use my drill days tro come for the last 3 weeks. The Defense Information School has an excellent program that certifies instructors there. I ended up giving 4 teaching lectures and was evaluated on all four. Although I am very comfortable teaching, I do have a problem varying my tone of voice. One of my mentors suggested that I try to...read more

'Tis Better to Give

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:09:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
In the spirit of Christmas, please read the article below: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34396120/ How amazing would it be for these soldiers to be able to see their families and friends over Christmas?! Let's make this happen for them! If every reader of this blog would donate just $5, imagine the amount of money that could be raised. A dear friend of mine from basic, Melissa Fleming, is a soldier in the Tennessee National Guard; these are her battles. Girl, this is for...read more

Army-Navy and More

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:56:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I am pretty psyched for the Army-Navy game tomorrow. Army actually can make a bowl game if they win!!!! Although Navy is favored, Army is much improved and don't be surprised if the game is tight throughout. I expect nothing less than a close game til the 4th quarter at least. On another note, I am still prepping for my upcoming deployment in a couple months. I'm still waiting on my official orders, but have been told that they will come anyday now. It...read more

Humanitarian Demining Action Course

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:51:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Sorry, once again I have been off on TDY (and just a bit lazy also) so I have not posted as much as I would like. This particular TDY trip I am back at Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri. This trip is to actually take the course for Humanitarian Demining Action (HMA). Honestly when I first got here I was a bit skeptical for the first two days about some of the times and distances that the instructors said would be needed to clear mines of of affected areas. I now am totally convinced by everything they...read more

Upcoming Deployment

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:52:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I just received official word that orders for my upcoming deployment have been generated. I will be working with Central Command as a liaison officer from Surface Deployment Distribution Command. I think most of my time will be spent in Kuwait. Blogging here will help me add the public affairs aspect to the deployment, as well as some media engagement while I am there. So many thoughts and emotions right now!! I am happy that I will able to blog here at Army...read more

Defense Information School Instructor Training Course (DINFOS-ITC)

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:37:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
My new assignment is as an adjunct reserve instructor at the Defense Information School, Ft. Meade, MD. The slot is for an O-5, Lt. Col., but can be filled by a Major. Currently, I am going through the Instructor Training Course at the School. The course has been excellent so far and really will be helpful in taking teaching tips into the classroom. As an adjunct instructor, I will use my drill days and annual training days to come teach at DINFOS. The school...read more

'Tis Thanksgiving Time

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:10:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, let us take a moment to be bear in mind what we as Americans are truly thankful for. For many, the luxuries and freedoms we so often take for granted will never exist. The many military personnel that are deployed overseas MUST be kept in our thoughts and prayers. I write this with such conviction because a friend of mine recently returned home from Afghanistan. As I listened to his voice on the phone, he sounded hollow,...read more

More Brazil

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:23:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I just received a link from the Brazilian Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) to a Brazilian web site related to the exercise I was observing in Brazil earlier this month. It’s all in Portuguese but there are some great pictures and with goggle translation you should be able to get it in whatever language you want. http://www.exercito.gov.br/03ativid/operacoes/itapeva/cmse.html Thanks for reading and let me know what you think....read more

Oakley Military

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:56:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I'm about to order some prescription sunglasses from Oakley. They have a great discount program for soldiers where you can buy equipment with no tax with proof of military service. Their site is https://secure.usstandardissue.com U.S. Army Photo By Sgt. Timothy Kingston An Iraqi girl tries on a 3rd Infantry Divsion's Staff Sgt. Corey West's sunglasses. Ja'ara, Iraq, Aug. 2007 ...read more

Back from Brazil

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:44:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
OK, got back from the trip to Brazil last week and it was a great time. The Brazilian Army is great and a very professional force. Our escorts were awesome at getting us around and made sure we were able to see all aspects of the exercise, taking us to see some sights is Sao Paulo and most importantly making sure we were well fed. It seemed like no matter where we went food was the first priority. We spent the first day in Sao Paulo, talk about a huge city, from what I am told...read more

USS NY Coast Guard Escort Photo

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:03:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I wanted to add this U.S. Navy photo. It really is a great shot with the Statue of Liberty in the background. What a great shot to celebrate Veterans Day!! Happy Veterans Day to all and thank you for your service vets, this day is for you!!! Coast Guard Marine Safety and Security Team Boston and New York City Police Department marine and air units escort the amphibious transport dock ship Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) into New York Harbor. The ship...read more

Helping a Hero

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:14:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
This past weekend I experienced the greatest thing I have ever done at drill. I didn't outrun anyone, I didn't shoot at expert level, it was nothing of the sort. I went to the VA hospital and met with an Iraq war veteran. I have not been able to sleep well since. This wasn't the first time I had seen an injured soldier but this particular encounter has stuck with me. I went with my G2 OIC, Major Stanley, to visit this man. As we entered the ICU and I laid my...read more

USS NY: Floating 9/11 Memorial, Military Sealift Vessel

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:22:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I wanted to post a piece about the USS NY. Many army soldiers and other military members joined the service after 9/11 or have re-committed their careers after that traumatic event. It is awesome to see a new Navy vessel built from 9/11 WTC steel and dedicated to NYC! The amphibious ships like USS NY are essential for use when seaport facilites are not available, under attack, or cannot support deep water vessels. The USS NY can transport light vehicles and...read more

Marth Raddatz Re: Women at War

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:37:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Interesting articles about and by Martha Raddatz on women at war: Link Link "I can't help but think most Americans think women aren't in combat," says Specialist Ashley Pullen who was awarded a Bronze Star for valor in 2005 for her heroic action in Iraq where she served with a military police unit. "We're here and we're right up with the guys." Female U.S. Army soldiers conduct modern army combatives. U.S. Army Photo. ...read more

U.S. Army Combat Medics Treat Local Afghans (Video)

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:35:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Great Video I found from the public affairs office of Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan, DVIDS. www.dvidshub.net/ U.S. Army Photo...read more

SECOND CAR SHOW / BRAZIL

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:58:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
My wife and I took the CJ out to the second show this past weekend. We had a great time and it was a worthwhile event for charty. I hopefully got some of the jitters out of me by driving the CJ (the"new-born") all the way across town and back. The show had almost 400 participants and over 40 classes for judging. I got a bonus that day, I won 3rd place in my class (LL all 4X4s). All in all not bad for the new guy. The CJ drove great, felt strong and was a...read more

Humanitarian Mine Action

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:49:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I went to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO earlier in the month for the 1st annual Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Conference. Honestly it was a bunch of upper level policy information and legal jargon from 3 and 4 star Headquarters along with info from the Department of state. However, it is an absolutely amazing facility. It had more examples of mines, IEDs, mine detectors and bomb suits than you can shake a stick at. I didn't have my camera with me so the picture are not great but you...read more

US Army Nurse Delivers Baby in Africa

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:33:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I love this story!!! http://www.usaraf.army.mil/ Caption: KITGUM, Uganda, Oct 20 -- 1st. Lt. Victoria Lynn Watson holds a 15-minute-old infant she delivered at the Pajimo Clinic in rural Kitgum. Watson, an Army Reserve Soldier from Abilene, Texas, and deployed with the 7225th Medical Support Unit (MSU), is a labor and delivery nurse in her civilian occupation and was called upon to assist when the 19-year-old expectant mother arrived at the clinic in an...read more

Jeep / Car Show

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:29:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I went to the Ft. Sam Houston October Fest and Parade this past Saturday with my Jeep and entered in the car show. I didn't win but got a gift for participating and more importantly I was able to drive the Jeep and received a ton of great compliments on it. It was a great day to just hang out with my wife and some of the other participants and the wounded who were there recovering at the hospital. I had a few suggestions from participants and was asked some great questions...read more

Women in COIN

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:26:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Interesting blog post by Tom Ricks about the use of women soldiers/marines in counterinsurgency ops. http://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/10/09/women_in_coin_ii_how_to_do_it_right "I've been reading a recent internal summary of how Marine "Female Engagement Teams," or FETs, have worked in Afghanistan. The bottom line is that done right, this approach works surprisingly well, with benefits among the population that can't be achieved by males." ...read more

A Hooah to the Intelligence Community

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:25:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
My boyfriend, Mark, sent me this article: www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx In a nutshell, it is President Obama thanking the Intelligence community, and specifically Counterintelligence, for their due diligence. Being in Intel means "performing the first task of the Army: to find, know, and never lose the enemy." (See the Military Intelligence Soldier's Creed www.dami.army.pentagon.mil/pub/creed/creed.html) I take great pride in my MOS and being an Intelligence...read more

MONDAY!!!

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:39:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
TIME TO CELEBRATE!!!! My project actually made its first trip under its own power!!!! Still have to get the brakes up to par, but other than that it is ON THE ROAD and soon to be on the trail. I would like to give a special thank you to my wife for putting up with the project so far (nad hopfully inthe future) she is my biggest fan!!!! And to TJ from Custom Jeeps and More [ http://www.customjeepsandmore.com/ ] who allowed me to use his shop, who did some OUTSTANDING...read more

Jeep

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:52:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Well it will be another week before the Jeep is ready. Ran into issues with the distributor drive gear, oil pump and the power stearing pump. Good news is that it runs, sounds awesome, just needs power stearing and a new (not worn down) distributor drive gear so it keeps running right. But parts are on the way! I am trying for next weekend....read more

PANAMAX 09 video clip

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:06:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
http://www.ksat.com/video/20973939/index.html This is a link to a short clip from the local media that came out to the field during the PANAMAX 09 exercise, its my 4.23 seconds of local fame. Luckily my NCOIC and I were actually working at the time. The mission on that day was actully simulating a visit by USAID and the "Centralian" President to several of the IDP camps - Internally Displaced Persons camps. Dealing with large ammounts of people that are displaced due...read more

Army History Museum New Drawings of Future Plans

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:18:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
The U.S. Army History Musuem is due to open in Ft. Belvoir, VA, in 2013. A new story on army.mil talks about the future plans and has great photos depicting the new site. Click here for the story. U.S. Army Photo, Depiction of Future Army History Museum...read more

I am back! Plus another flashback.

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:08:00 GMT

By: Josue Nieves
I'm back! It has been a while since my last posting. I was trying to get an active-duty tour. I almost got to go to Iraq, but he unit had all the officers it needed and left without me (sob, sob!) Yeah, it sounds crazy, but some of us actually like to go on missions, no matter where. do not take me wrong, I am no Rambo, but I truly like to serve my country as a soldier. I was trying to get a mission in South America, but was offered a position in Fort Dix, which i accepted. So next year...read more

PANAMAX 09

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:29:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
It has been a while since I posted anything. Army South had its major exercise for the year PANAMAX 09. Pretty amazing stuff overall, several hundred people in at least 3 different states and 5 different countries and about 14 different countries had officers participate. It was only 8 days but working 12 hour shifts in a noisy tent and sleeping on cot wears you out. I used alot of new systems that I was totally unfamiliar with, but thats what training is for. We had communication through a...read more

"I don't see a woman, I see a Soldier."

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:03:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Could this article be any more motivating?! http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/us/22sergeant.html All women in the Army can use this as a source of motivation. As a female who lives by the rule of "No BS", I find it inspiring to read of SGM King's accomplishments and strict attention to detail. Hooah and congratulations to SGM King! ...read more

SFC Monti, Medal of Honor

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:58:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I can only reply with a thank you. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/us/18obama.html?_r=1&ref=us...read more

Combined Arms Exercise

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:11:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I am blogging from the Combined Arms School at Ft. Dix. Basically, the school is designed for Army Reserve Captains and Majors to learn how to be good staff officers. The school has been very tough so far. There are many briefings due and there is a specific process we must go through in terms of evaluating a problem. Much of it has to do with the military decision making process. More to follow .. . It is interesting to realize how many assumptions we...read more

Getting “Pinned”

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:30:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
This past weekend was my official pinning ceremony. I was fortunate enough to have my parents fly in from Nebraska to be a part of it. My mom “pinned” on my new butter bar while my dad, The Sarg, was my first salute. It was slightly odd to be the one returning a salute rather than giving it. It was an honor to have both of them there to share in that moment. I am so thankful to all the soldiers who helped me along in this process. I could not have done it all on my own....read more

Let Us Remember

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:58:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Each of us remembers exactly where we were and what we were doing when we learned that the unimaginable happened - terrorists attacked the United States on our homeland. Not surprisingly, our response as a Nation was deliberate and sure. Our military's vigorous show of force in Afghanistan made it clear to the world that our great Nation will not condone terrorist acts anywhere at any time. My wife Laura and I are honored to be spending this eighth anniversary of September 11th in...read more

Hooah News - Coast Guard

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:26:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I wanted to make a quick post before departing for Combined Arms School. I will blog daily from Combined Arms School at Ft. Dix starting next week. Here is a HOOAH photo of the Coast Guard providing support for Army cargo ships arriving in Kuwait. www.hooahnews.com U.S. Army Photo of Coast Guard Port Security Unit near Kuwait Naval Base, Sep, 2009. ...read more

MY JEEP CAME OUT OF PAINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:59:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
It looks awesome, now to reassemble it. Tested the engine this weekend and it sounds strong and nothing broke so all in all I am back on track. I attached some pictures of the paint job, and of the engine. Oh and a before and after of the roll cage - SAFETY FIRST!! I am trying to get it completed for some local car shows and to get on the trail by the end of this month. The wife and I went to sea world this weekend, its free for soldiers one time per year from Anheuser-busch and I...read more

Officer Prof. Education

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:02:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
I just got my orders for Combined Arms School 17 day exercise in September. The school is part of an army reserve officer professional education. It is a requirement to attend ILE and I will psot daily from CAS school in a couple weeks. It should be a great experience to practice the military professioanl decision making process and staff planning....read more

Anniversary

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:40:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I forgot to mention in my last post that my wife and I had saved that traditionall pice of cake to eat on our anniversary. We did take it out of the freezer, let it thaw and we both tried it. So since neither of us got sick we took it a a good sighn and then decided that we had been brave enough and let the dog have at it. The thought that it was the best dinner they ever had and they did't sick either, but then again I think my dogs would eat just about anything. If I can...read more

Too Many things going on

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:38:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
The last few weeks have been quite hectic. Preparation for the PANAMAX 09 exercise has taken up a great deal of my work time and about half of the office is either TDY or on other duties. We had the JTF Academics (which is a preparation phse for the exercise) all of this past week, even though it was in town, with all of the principal players here, including all of the other nations that are playing in the ecercise, it was just nuts the hours and time it took to get it all...read more

Media, OPSEC, and Good News

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:31:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
As a public affairs guy, I am always searching for Army/DOD stories and how we can communicate those to the general public. One great place for news in Afghanistan I have found is called www.wired.com/dangerroom I read this recent story regarding Marines altering their strategy to avoiding IED's by using commercial GPS's to change up their routes. Many of the user comments complained that the story gave away tactics for the enemy. What do you guys think? My...read more

Army Green Beret Headlines MMA Event

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:33:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
A Special Forces NCO, Tim Kennedy, will leave the service this month and become a full-time professional mixed martial arts fighter. He will headline the Sept. 25 Strikeforce event on Showtime. I wrote a longer article on my associatedcontent site if interested http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2096447/army_green_beret_headlines_mma_strikeforce.html Here is a video of a Kennedy fight in 2007 www.youtube.com/watch ...read more

DANG IT

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:24:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So I type a nice long blog for once and then I hit the wrong button and deleted it. Sorry folks but I am not rewitting it tonight. I promise to redo it tomorrow....read more

Taking Chance

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:30:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I watched a really powerful movie about the war in Iraq on Sunday night called Taking Chance. It’s a story based on actual events about a Lt Col Marine who volunteers to escort the body of PFC Phelps back to his parents in Wyoming. The story of this 19 year old Marine who gave his life hit all too close to home when I thought of those I’ve trained alongside that have been killed and the cousin of mine who barely made it out alive. I recommend all see it. It is a humbling reminder...read more

New DOD Website Invites Public Interaction, Displays Social Media Links

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:27:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
The new DOD website went live today at www.defense.gov It really is a great site and has a tone of new features. The best part to me is the resource for all of the new DOD media pages. Some of my favorites are the U.S. Forces Afghanistan Facebook page, the Walter Reed Blog, and the Joint Chiefs Twitter page. If interested, I wrote a longer review on my associated content page at www.associatedcontent.com/article/2074243/dod_invites_public_to_interactive_web.html Here are...read more

Army Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:16:00 GMT

By: Josue Nieves
On the weekend of the 7-9 of this August 2009 I took part along with my wife Loyda in an Army-sponsored mariage retreat. The Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat is a new program to assist soldiers to maintain a happy and healthy relationship with his family members, particularly one's wife. It is also available to single and engaged soldiers. Well, to say in one word how was the weekend, it was awesomegloriousoutstanding! (Was that more than one word? Sorry, I could not help it!)....read more

Special Operations Command Korea

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:33:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
As Ulchi Focus is about to begin in South Korea, I wanted to post about my experience in Key Resolve this past March with Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR). SOCKOR is an awesome unit for those interested and are headuartered at Camp Kim, Korea. I got the chance to cover their operations around the whole South Korean peninsula during Key Resolve as their pubic affairs officer. The special forces relationships between the ROK and US forces is a very tight one and just a...read more

Army Wikipedia for Doctrine?

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:45:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
If you haven't seen this before, the Army has comeout with a new way to increase the depth of field manuals and professional development. As a pilot program, they set up a milwiki where all soldiers with an AKO account can log on and create, edit, or search pages. I've attached a photo from the Army News story. It made it onto the front page of the NYT business section today and I wrote up an analysis on associated content. links and photo below. I love...read more

Army Reserve Vessel Photos, Current Deployment

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:39:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Photo Credit: Sgt. Luis Delgadillo, US Army Reserve.) The Logistic Support Vessel (LSV) 7 SSGT Robert Kuroda got underway from Pearl Harbor July 11. She onloaded a Boeing C-17 fuselage in Seal Beach, Calif., and is headed for the Panama Canal: final destination, Hampton Roads, Va., where the 50-ton, 125-ft long fuselage will be delivered to Fort Lee to serve as a trainer for logistics personnel. Using the Army Reserve ship instead of commercial transport saved the American taxpayers around...read more

Sail Army, Waterborne!!!

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:34:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Ugh! Just deleted my last post by accident. I wanted to add some army sealift photos. The Army Watercraft Field is a little known specialty. Here are some Surface Deployment Distribution Command / Military Sealift Command Photos. Also, check out the army reserve blog at http://myarmyreserve.blogspot.com/ A Sgt. is blogging from an army reserve vessel now in its way from Hawaii to Virginia. MRAPs loaded onto a vessel. Coast Guard Security. ...read more

One Year Older...Any Wiser?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:31:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I am now referred to as Lieutenant Obie. I don’t believe I’ll ever tire of it. It’s rather humbling to see all my hard work pay off and reach one of my goals. I owe every soldier that I’ve worked with a thank you for influencing and encouraging me. I’m the soldier I am today because of the examples set before me, whether that be a one star or a private. I have my official commissioning ceremony next month and Lord help me, I don’t want to burst into tears. ...read more

Army Officership Campaign

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

By: Chris LeCron
Wow. Has everyone seen the Army Officership commercial out this past week? It is an amazing commercial that features historic clips of famous officers such as George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, Colin Powell, and even General Petraues. I am telling you, that you will really like it and get goose bumps. Watch it here www.youtube.com/watch As a public affairs officer, I am very proud to be a part of this site and share my personal story. This is a great and...read more

Striving for Excellence

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:20:00 GMT

By: Howie Romans III
It wasn't only until about a year ago when I became introduced to the large black and gold leadership patch that many ROTC cadets proudly bear on their left shoulder. With seven years prior enlisted service, as a long-time national guard soldier, I can't say that my progression through college (in pursuit of my nursing degree) was actually the 'norm'. In fact, with a deployment to Afghanistan under my belt, as well as numerous state and federal activations (Hurricane Katrina Relief, etc...),...read more

MAJ Wooten Update

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:04:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Very tough week, don't get me wrong here things could be much worse and it is not a physical tired, but have you ever just been so totally worn out from just thinking about a project, sitting in meetings and typing, doing power-point and such you just can't seem to function quite right?? I am sure anyone reading this that has been a staff officer knows this feeling, some of you who will eventually become a staff officer, just be ready, it will happen to you. I almost wish I could say I was burnt...read more

PCSing to Fort Campbell

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:33:00 GMT

By: Josue Nieves
The weekend is almost here for me! Today is Friday, but I work Saturdays, so for practical porpuses is Thursday. I am getting ready to go to an Army-sponsored retreat in Tennessee, we are both very excited. Fort Campbell was my second duty station after Korea. On my way there I made a quick stop and marry my fiancee'', whom I had not seen for 17 months! It was not easy, but we made it. Next August will be 21 years of marriage. I would be lying if I tell you thay are has been wondefull,...read more

My first duty station - 1987

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:56:00 GMT

By: Josue Nieves
Hello again! Today my wife's relatives left after a week of vacation in Florida. I am beat! We took them around town and the parks, including Busch Gardens in Tampa. I got sick but kept driving on, the mission had to be accomplished. Only God knows when they will have another chance to come to Florida on vacation. This is one of my favorites pictures of myself. It was taken outside Camp Humphreys, Korea, back in 1988. I was assigned to the 516th Personnel Services Company. This is a tour...read more

TRAVELING AGAIN

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:01:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So US ARMY SOUTH is sending off again. This time to a conference in Miami. Never been to Miami, but if this conference is anything like the last two, about all I will see is the pool as I go by and the beach from my window. But, I really cannot complain, at least I am racking up frequent flyer miles and I will be back in time for my wife’s birthday and it will be awesome because it is her first birthday with us being married. Speaking of which, I have another conference in DC right after...read more

My weekend; 1987 flashback

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:45:00 GMT

By: Josue Nieves
I am back! It has been a very busy week, (And when is not!). I just had Battle assembly (aka, drill) this past weekend. Our battalion went to Avon Park, Florida, to an Air Force base to do weapons qualification. I have to confess that my shooting is not the same as when I was younger, but I still qualified with the M-16A2. By the way, the weapon that I am holding in the picture is an M16A1. Yes that is me back in Vietnam... not really! But it looks so old compared to todays soldier, that I...read more

Family Vacation

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:28:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
The family and I took a vacation. We were going next summer but it looks like I will be deployed so we figured sooner rather than later was better. We spent a week up un Estes Park, Colorado. Absolutely wonderful. Toured all of the national park, took the ghost tour of the Stanley Hotel, went fishing, and because so much is easy access, we could get my daughters wheel-chair into allot more places that we first expected. My son reeled in a few fish and we had a fire in the fireplace most nights...read more

O Say Can You See

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:58:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
One of my absolute favorite things happens to be fireworks. I just can’t get enough. I love the ridiculously loud BANG, the explosion of color, the way everything seems to hang in the sky before slowly melting away only to have the process repeat over and over again. How could someone not love fireworks?! I get told quite often that I’m a little firecracker of a person, bursting with energy with this loud laugh that carries for what I am sure is miles. So I think it only natural...read more

Reply to questions from Stephanie

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:00:52 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Stephanie, You asked a few questions, and I don't get e-mail from the site so here are my answers to your questions. 1. "I was wondering how family life is being active duty and how your wife handles everything?" ⇒ I enjoy active duty for the most part, like any job it has good days and bad. At the moment I have been lucky, since I am actually a Reserve soldier and only on temporary orders and I am near my home town there was no move involved and it was not much of a strain on...read more

First Lieutenant Nieves Introduction

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:45:41 GMT

By: Josue Nieves
My name is 1LT Josue D. Nieves. I am currently an Executive Officer (XO) in the Reserves. I joined the Army in 1987. You may be wondering: How is that someone that joined the military so long ago still a lieutenant? Well, when I joined the Army I was a Private (E-1). After four years on Active Duty I went to the Individual Ready Reserve (aka. Inactive Reserve). Soon as was itching for some action, and I joined the Reserves in Orlando, Florida, my new home. That was back in 1992. In 2004 I was...read more

I MADE 2LT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:35:35 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I could not have done this without all the wonderful soldiers who have helped me along the way and my wonderful family. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. HOOAH!...read more

“Danke, Vater!”

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:16:14 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
When I was very little, we’re talking 2 maybe 3 years old, I would curl up on the basement couch with my dad and watch the movie Bambi over and over and over again. My dad would nod off (perhaps he didn’t find Thumper as an intriguing of a character as I did) only to be awoken by myself. This cycle repeated itself time and time again. I would sit glued to the happenings on the TV screen as my dad would “check for holes in his eyelids.” My dad, oh my wonderful dad,...read more

40 years OLD

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:57:45 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
OK, I turned 40 this year. My wife has this idea that I need to do 40 things that I have never done before during this year. Sort of a "bucket list" without actually kicking the bucket. I am on a budget of course and have a full time job at US ARMY SOUTH, so things like - take an African Safari or Climb Mt Everest are out. Already done the Sky dive, SCUBA dive, skiing, rappelling type stuff, and as for trying new and exotic foods, done that. Anyone have...read more

PANAMA CITY PANAMA!!!!!!!!!

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:27:23 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Yeah, sounds exciting but I was working. I was sent down to assist with the final planning and coordination of the FUERZAS ALIDAS PANAMAX 2009. This is an exercise for the defense of the Panama Canal zone. This years exercise involves 21 North, South and Central American Countries (if you want to take a look good photos and read some of last years info here is the link http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_14/issue_16/news_01.html). My job is to ensure that the Civil Affairs soldiers are integrated...read more

I Am An American Soldier

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:50:57 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
My cousin, David, is being awarded the Silver Star this Saturday at Texas A&M. Please read the following to understand what David did while deployed in Afghanistan. www.politicsdaily.com/2009/05/25/how-a-modest-hero-saved-his-band-of-brothers/ I am beyond proud to not only wear the same uniform as him but to also be a member of this amazing Army family. David is the true definition of the 7 Army values and what it means to be a Soldier. When my Aunt Neva called to to tell me about David's...read more

We Remember

Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I found out on Memorial Day that a soldier I had attended basic training with had been killed in Balad, Iraq. My heart broke for this man and his family. Suddenly, Memorial Day had acquired an entirely new meaning. As a Soldier in the United States Army Reserve, I feel it imperative that I take it upon myself to remind those around me to remember those who have sacrificed all that they know and love when called upon to do their duty. When you become a Soldier, something inside you is forever...read more

MAJ WOOTEN @ JFCOM

Mon, 25 May 2009 08:00:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So here I am doing the good little staff officer thing over at Joint Forces Command (JFCOM). I am over in Suffolk, VA for a conference to plan out the flow and synchronize the simulation for an upcoming exercise that will be going on in Central America. I really do not like being a staff officer, but it comes with the promotion. As a Major, staff is what you do, planning and doing power point, email and meetings. However, I step back and have to remind myself of what I tell I my son, “Do...read more

B-Day

Sun, 24 May 2009 23:09:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So, I had a B-Day. Now this is not going to be easy to explain. My dear wife pulled a pretty good one on me along with my lieutenant. I had several meetings during the day and was kind of out of it. When I got back to my office. My LT asked me if I was going to lunch and kind of hovered around looking out the window that kind of threw me and, so of course I was hooked, I got up and looked out my window. And there in the parking lot is this huge sign on the top of a car. “HAPPY 40 B-DAY...read more

Museum and National Cemetery

Sat, 23 May 2009 23:06:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
We took the kids to a museum on Ft. Sam Houston last week. Honestly at first I did not think that it would be all that good. Most of the museums in and around the area are OK, but nothing to brag about, I figured it would be OK and that would be that. But this place was great (I do like museums!), it was the Army Medical Department Museum and those folks have done a great job of documenting and displaying the history of the Army Medical Corps. I had only planned on us being there for...read more

Hooah, Lil' Bro!

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:08:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
My little brother left for basic training today. Part of me is so filled with pride and another part of me is a mixture of nervousness for him and jealousy. I remember the morning I departed for basic. It was incredibly early to be sitting at MEPS getting poked and prodded to make sure I wasn’t drunk, high, or pregnant. And when the moment came for me to get into the taxi to the airport, I was incredibly scared but excited for the unknown. I remember thinking that this was going to...read more

More Jeep Progress

Sun, 17 May 2009 23:05:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello all today is going to be short. There is a bit more of the engine completed so I had to show it off some. Intake is in, carb is on, accessories (except the fan are attached, It is actually in position and bolted to the frame and only needs the valve covers put on. I still have to prime it and put the tranny on but it is actually in the Jeep. This is the first time those two parts have put together in at least 3 years. Needless to say I am totally stoked. This project may be ready in...read more

AWESOME!!!!

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:04:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
This bloging (is that the way to spell that) has been great for me and I want to thank the folks who invited me to do this for the opportunity, most notably Angela, thanks for the reminders. It seems like every week I get an e-mail from someone I served with some where, from my enlisted days, to college, all the way through my most recent deployment in Afghanistan. I just today received and e-mail from a college class mate of mine who went through a whole list of people that he and I were...read more

This I Believe...

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I overheard a program on National Public Radio called This I Believe. It got me thinking... I believe that a strong cup of coffee and my newspapers are the perfect start to a morning. I believe that dreams are worth pursuing. If they were so easy to make come true, they wouldn't be worth it. I believe in buying the shoes even though my rent is due a few days later; life's too short. I believe in that rush of adrenaline that I get when I experience something new. I love that...read more

Do It Yourself Blog

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:02:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello again, Well, it seems that (looking back at my other posts) that this is the MAJ Wooten Do it yourself BLOG. I am going to continue on that theme for a bit. So, I finally completed the garage, new work benches, paint, floor, ATTIC DOOR (love the TX flag there) the privacy fence was completed last week and the new windows showed up Saturday. The windows went well for the most part, except that two of them were 2 inches too tall and now I have a rather large piece of plywood covering...read more

Promotion

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
You just have to love the Army's' sense of urgency sometimes. I put in a promotion packet back in July of 2008 for a board in September of 2008. The results apparently came out on January 2nd (unknown to me). After much poking, prodding, e-mails and phone calls, another guy and I, who was in the same board finally got an answer. I found my orders promoting me to Major. I was stoked, they were dated 17 March 2009, cool, only 3 days old. But wait there's more. I was actually promoted on 2 January...read more

Take some time!!!!!

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:58:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Yes, everyone, all of you, everyday to talk to a soldier. One that works for you, that you know, even one that you don't know. Why, because in case you had not heard or were just ignoring the facts or warning signs, the Army has lost at least 27 great young Americans this quarter to suicide. More soldiers lost their lives in January of 2009 to suicide than to combat. For those soldiers out there who may be reading this, talking is NOT a weakness, having problems is NOT a weakness, getting...read more

Barbie Flew a F16?

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
When I was little, I had more Barbies than I could count. I recall a birthday Barbie with her long blond hair and pink dress covered in sparkling glitter, almost cupcake like. My favorite Barbie though was the complete opposite of birthday Barbie; her blond hair was not waist length but cropped short and instead of a pink tulle gown, she wore black combat boots and a flight suit. I can almost guarantee that this Barbie was not purchased by my grandma who applauded the fact that I would sport...read more

CORRECTION!!!!

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I am in sooo much trouble!! I must correct one thing from a previous post. That is NOT my wife's' foot. It is my son! 1) My wife does NOT have a size 12 foot. 2) She does NOT have Hobbit hair. 3) She always paints her toe nails and wears a toe ring. (Quite a lot of mistakes oops) I should have looked a bit closer before I sent that photo. Needless to say, my wife has become my official editor and will be screening all posts prior to submission so as to ensure accuracy and to protect the...read more

Ft. McCoy

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:57:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
OK, so I am up here in Wisconsin (Ft. McCoy) and I have been taking the Unit Mobilization Planners Course. Bottom line is that it is the school that teaches Reserve Component (RC) units how to develop and implement the plan to move RC soldiers from alert to activation to training and then overseas for duty. Honestly, when I first got here, I figured this would be a really boring course and that the hardest thing would be to stay awake. But, it has been interesting, well thought out and...read more

How I Know I am Now Grown Up

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
1. My refrigerator now contains more food than alcohol, unlike my college days were the freezer was stocked with different flavors of vodka and the fridge was used to store margarita mixes, imported beer, and pineapple juice used to mix with Bacardi. 2. 4:00 AM is when I wake up, not when I go to bed. 3. My friends are getting married rather than “hooking up.” 4. I watch CNN and The Weather Channel rather than MTV and Comedy Central. 5. I have a plant. I’ve...read more

CPT Wooten Update

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:56:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello all. The last few weeks have had pretty much the same things going on for me except for a few notable items. My last Battle Assembly (BA = also known as Drill to most of us) was all medical processing getting the unit ready for next years mobilization. BORING!!! Especially if it is your 5th one, you have completed it all for the year but still have to sit there and do it all anyway. But a bright spot was we had our annual dining out. We have quite a few people deployed and in schools so...read more

25 Ever So Interesting Facts about Me

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
There’s a note going around Facebook that allows the user to write about 25 facts about themselves. I believe this would make a great blog. At the very least, it makes me sound less boring. 1. I read the New York Times as I eat breakfast, watch CNN as I get ready for the day, and listen to NPR while driving to work. I feel it’s so important to know what’s going on not only in my community but also in the world; that and I am a huge nerd. 2. I am very...read more

Small Towns

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I live in a relatively small town (less than 20,000), The current mayor lives about a block away and the only other and former mayor lives 3 blocks down the other way. Now why is this important you might ask? Well, it is because when you live in a small town (and this is a story for those of you who don't) people tend to know you even if you don't know them. Could be they know your face, your car, your kids but in a small town, everyone knows everyone in one way or another. Anyway, last Tuesday...read more

Blue Falcons Unite!

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:06:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
As I sat at my desk at work today and sipped my coffee, my mind went back the memories of AIT. I thought about going on break from the classroom and meeting up with all my Blue Falcon buddies for a few minutes. I remembered how we would congregate together, taking jabs at one another but all in good fun. I remember standing out on the patio area and looking at the mountains to the right of us and across the valley to the left. I can’t help but smile to myself...read more

Tips for Basic Training

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I wrote this for my little brother who leaves for basic training in May but I thought it might be a good blog entry as well, especially for those that are thinking about joining the Army and have questions about basic training. Taylor- When I went through basic training, I had no idea what to expect. Although you will be at Fort Lost-in-the-Woods (as it is so fondly referred to), and it will be different than where I went to basic training (Fort Jackson), I hope these hard learned...read more

Count Your Blessings

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
For the first time in a long, really long, time I am truly happy. Perhaps it’s because I have more responsibility than I’ve ever had before. Maybe it’s because I live in warmer climate. It may be due to the fact that guys actually open the door for me down here. Whatever the case, I can’t help but smile. I may wake up at 0430 every morning but I love it. I feel like I am getting a head start before many of my peers. I may have a...read more

New Year, New City, New Job, New Place

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
It’s a new year and a new beginning for me. I have lived in Houston for almost two weeks now and love it. I really and truly feel strongly that this is where I am supposed to be right now. My new apartment is very nice! It’s my first real “adult” apartment…meaning I can actually decorate because I have money to do so instead of spending all my money on textbooks. My roommate is so similar to myself that it’s slightly scary at times. Our shared love of...read more

All American Bowl

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:54:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello to you all. The All American bowl is over and I have a ton of photos. It was a very interesting experience for me personally. To go back a little, I was selected to be one of 90 soldiers from the USAR, AC and NG components to represent our particular branches of the Army and our units as "Soldier Heroes" based on our earning of either the Silver Star, Bronze Star or Purple Heart. The event was well thought out, but honestly poorly executed at times when related to the...read more

Update from CPT Wooten 2

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:42:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
So life has been coming hot and heavy. It has been too long since I last posted and too much to write at one time. Bottom line is, I will give you the big stuff. All American Bowl is coming up at the end of the month and I am really excited about going to that. Not just because I can showboat my Jeep a little, but also, as a representative of the USAR. So it looks like the stage is all set for that event. Had a battle assembly this month, we had 3 people retire and an award ceremony...read more

The End is Near

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I'm officially done with my undergraduate career. I took my last final at 1300 today. As I walked out the door of the College of Business Administration for the last time, I had to sigh with relief. The moment was very bittersweet. I love going to school much more than the average college student. Something about buying new books, taking new classes, learning new information, it all just excites me. Now I'm done. I arrived home after my last final exam and plopped down on the couch. ...read more

Promotion

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:04:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I am no longer a lower enlisted soldier! Today I was promoted to the grade of E5 or SGT. HOOAH! Although it has only been less than two years since I went to basic training as PFC, I have tried to perform to the best of my abilities at every task given to me. It's finally paid off! Two promotions in less than two years. Hopefully I will be wearing a butter bar on my uniform by May... ...read more

After Graduation

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:04:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I got a job! A real job! Like as in an actual salaried job after I graduate next month!!! I will be a participant in the Next Generation Program at National Oilwell Varco in Houston, Texas! I start 05 Jan...meaning I have between now and then to find a place to live, move out of my current townhouse, finish up all my projects, papers, and exams and graduate on 20 Dec. Yep, I'm stressed but in a good way. I have my board interview on Wednesday for my direct commission! Wish me...read more

My Direct Commission

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Never one to give up on my dreams, I started to put my packet together for my direct commission. I could not be more excited and motivated about this! Ever since I joined the Army I have always wanted to be an officer. The fact that this dream of mine could be coming true is so amazing!!! More to come?...read more

All American Bowl and More

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
I believe in my last post, I was going to take an APFT. I passed, not as good a score as I was trying for, but 248 is not too bad. Now outside of that, I have had an absolutely amazing last few months. I have been selected as a Soldier Hero and will be one of 90 total Soldiers, 25 from the USAR, at the Army All American Bowl in San Antonio Texas. Talk about a huge, huge honor. I worked at the All American Bowl last year as a representative of my brigade with the recruiting command, long hours...read more

Back at my civillian job

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:42:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello, Well, I am at the end of my 3rd week back at my civilian job with the Home Depot. So far so good, even with the economy as bad as it is. My step son is playing football, I am hoping that he will stick with it. He seems to be doing well so far as a TE and DT on 1st string. So as long as he can maintain the grades I guess I will get my fill of Jr. High football this year. The boy is only 12 and is 5'11". Maybe I will get lucky and he can get a football scholarship to college...read more

South Korea

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:03:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Me with SPC Powell and SGT Allen out and about in Osan on our afternoon off. I went on an excursion to South Korea for Annual Training this year. Besides coming down with Bronchitis for almost the entire two weeks, it wasn't that bad and offered a great brush up on my MI skills. I also got the opportunity to work with some awesome active duty soldiers, an afternoon to poke around Seoul (where I was stationed), and the chance to sample some very tasty Korean cuisine. In the...read more

Update from CPT Wooten 1

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:41:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
OK, so it has been a month since I last posted anything. But I have a good reason. I got married in mid Aug and then we went to Disneyland for the honeymoon. I don't know who had more fun, me or the kids!? We went to the San Diego Zoo as well, that place is absolutely amazing. I loved the zoo, it is a blast and I thought is was the best part of the trip. My temporary active duty orders ended so I had to go back to my civilian job abd get reintegrated. For those of you who are...read more

It's that time again

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:02:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
(Me--second from left--with the females from 3rd Squad on graduation day) I woke yesterday morning and got goose bumps while running. It's fall in Nebraska! Where did summer go?! Many of my friends went on exotic vacations (Thailand! France! Canada!) while others tied the knot? I spent mine doing what I love, training (and no, I am not being sarcastic). The highlight of my summer was spent at Camp Ashland, Nebraska attending Warrior Leadership Course. WLC is the first...read more

OBE Week!

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:40:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
My apologies for not being as prompt as I should with my posts. One of those OBE (overcome by events) weeks. Final wedding preparations are ongoing, catering checks, reception hall, photographer, rehearsal dinner, rehearsal and add in my fiance's birthday, I am putting in an extenssion to my current active duty order (I go back to reserve status in 10 days) and my civilian employer wants me back to that job on the 1st of Sep, in between all of this I have been trying to get my second Jeep...read more

Snowball Wrangler

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:39:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Projects just get out of hand. For anyone that works for an organization that has more than 5 people in it you can understand this. Things that start out as a simple good idea can get convoluted into huge, time consuming difficult endeavors that become too cumbersome for any one person to manage. Anyone in the Army knows this if they have worked at any kind of a staff job. Mine is no exception! Now don't get me wrong, I love my job, but at the lowly rank level of Captain, you are an...read more

What a week!!!

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:10:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
by CPT Wooten Had two brief to prep for the Brigade commander, We have our battle assembly (drill for you old timers like me) this weekend and my daughter had two doctors appointments this week, My civilian employer (The Home Depot) called me twice asking me to work extra over the 4th of July Holiday and I have to take my APFT this weekend and I have been asked to speak at a WNBA game as a special soldier guest of the team tonight (I will get some photos of that for you all later). Needless to...read more

My Toy

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:38:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Everyone has a hobby, and mine is building and competing with my off road Jeep ( had a nice one but the ex-wife got that one). My friend Jonas (he actually owns it this one, I am the shop hand, spotter and alternate driver at competition) and I built this 1992 Jeep Wrangler (YJ) over the past 7 years. Yes seven years, he was in in the Army and deployed and about the time I got back from my first deployment and then about the time he returned I went again, so the project has been...read more

You have met CPT Wooten, now meet the family

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:37:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello again, Last post I introduced myself, now I have the pleasure of introducing my family (or my soon to be family). Brandy is my fiance, an intelligent beautiful woman that keeps me going and has been a huge boost to me when I get frustrated with my job in the Army. Though She has never dated anyone in the Army or military, she gets it, she gets me and that just makes my civilian job and my Army job so much better. The kids are Taylor, 14 and Ty 12. Great kids, before you say...read more

About CPT Wooten

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:33:00 GMT

By: Andreas Wooten
Hello, My name is Andreas W. Wooten. I am 39 years old and have served in the Army since 1987. I am engaged to a lovely woman and will be getting married in August of 08. My fiancé has 2 kids, 12 yo Ty (anyone have any helpful hints on controlling a 12 yo boy I am all ears) and 14 yo Taylor. Little Miss. Taylor is quite a handful, she is a special needs child (she contracted bacterial meningitis at 5mo old and he medical issued keep me and the...read more

Warrior Leadership Course

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Less than one month until I leave for Warrior Leadership Course (WLC) at Camp Ashland here in Nebraska! I'm so pumped! For those that don't know, WLC is two weeks of Non-Commissioned Officer training. You go over tactical exercises, land navigation, drill and ceremony, etc. For every topic covered, you're graded on your performance. I am bound and determined to be an honor graduate! After WLC, I'll be eligible to put together my packet for the next round of E-5 promotion boards. It's...read more

I'm Deploying!

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I almost forgot to mention? I'm deploying! I am beyond excited! I'm transferring to a unit in Omaha and volunteered to deploy with them next year. I don't feel it's appropriate to get into the details at the moment, but I can say that I'll be in Iraq this time next year with some of the best people I've met in the Army. Updates to follow?...read more

Meeting My Goals

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 08:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
It's the end of another drill weekend and I'm ecstatic! My unit had its APFT this morning and I kicked its bootay!!!! I've been working out like crazy, doing an hour of running followed by strength training. Apparently it's paying off. I finally reached my goal of being awarded the coveted PT patch. In order to receive the patch, a soldier must score a 90 or above in all three events, for a total of 270 or more. I scored a 296. Usually pushups are my weak point but due to all my...read more

Kyle's Commissioning

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Before I had my tonsils out, I went out to Virginia to participate in my cousin Kyle's commissioning ceremony. Kyle was graduating from college at Longwood University and had participated in the Army ROTC program. He asked me (his favorite cousin) to be his first enlisted salute; it's kind of a big deal. I flew out to DC with my dad (who was one the chosen few to pin a bar onto Kyle's uniform) and mom a few days prior to the event. We stayed at my uncle...read more

Surgery & Summer Class

Tue, 27 May 2008 08:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I've been on Vicodin and in bed for that last two weeks. There are currently two bottles of Codine in my bathroom closet. I've been grouchy, without a voice, in tears, unable to eat, and lacking sleep for longer than I care to go through. I had my tonsils out. My tonsils have been huge and disgusting since I was 16 and sick for two months with a misdiagnosed case of Mono. They were full of infectious pits and crevices and would bleed sporadically. I suffered numerous cases of strep and...read more

Signing up for FTX

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
It’s the time of the year in school where I am pulling my hair out in frustration and going c-r-a-z-y! Finals are in two weeks, projects that count for half my grade are approaching their due date, and I am desperately trying to get my GPA up to a 3.5. Let me backup for a second and discuss my adventure in the freezing cold last weekend. Looking for some money, I volunteered to play OPFOR (the enemy) during Army ROTC’s FTX. The only reason I really signed up for this though was I...read more

Here's to you, Taylor

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:58:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
When I was much younger, my little brother and I fought all the time. We’d punch each other, constantly try to one up the other, etc. Even now, with him going on 20 and me going on 22, we don’t fight but we have never really bonded either. It doesn’t help that I don’t live nearby or that gas prices deter me from driving to go see him (see what you’re doing to my family OPEC?!). Neither of us have much in common with the other;...read more

Spring Break

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:57:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Returning to reality is so difficult at times. Waking up before the most of humanity this morning and getting ready for class, I had to sigh a little. Not only was it cold and cloudy out, I was tired and angry at myself for forgetting I have a quiz in my international economics class today. This attitude of mine is not helped out by the fact that I just returned from spending my spring break in Southern California. I am in love with SoCal! I’ve been...read more

St. Patrick's Day

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Although I am not Irish, my crutches are. They are currently sporting green and white feather boas with gold tassels. I’ve named one Blarney and the other Stone, they’re my Blarney Stone! Ok, so maybe I’m the only who thought that was creative and funny. My report back from the doctor shows that I did not break any bones, which means no cast. The sad part is that both of my ankles are severely sprained. ...read more

Military Ball

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
This past Friday, I was sitting at my desk at work when I my cell phone went off. “Pasame la botella…” resounded throughout the Human Resources office. Thankfully, no one speaks Spanish and no one was really there either. It’s my Luke asking me what I’m doing tonight. I respond with that I may be cleaning my bathroom after I get done running once work is over (boring, I know but true when you’re poor). He tells me that one of...read more

Polar Plunge Pictures

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:56:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
These pictures are from when I helped out at the Polar Plunge. Fourteen inches of ice were cut from the lake before the poor souls could dive in. 14 inches! Those blocks were huge. The other lower enlisted soldier that was there with me was PFC Bohlmeyer, she's an amazing soldier. I'm really excited to see what she makes of her Army career. ...read more

Hooah to my battles...

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
These are from the APFT test that some of the soldiers from my unit took on 01 MAR. Hooah to my battles for working hard on those pushups and situps! ...read more

Full Time Everything

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I’m surprised I’ve found the time to write this. Perhaps it helps that I had no choice but to take work off today in order to get in some study time. I don’t think I can reiterate enough that I am a full time college senior, I work as an intern, I’m involved in several extracurricular activities in the hopes that my resume will be all the better for it, I teach freshman business students, and I’m trying to study for the LSATs, apply to law schools, study for...read more

The Long Run

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Today for drill, some soldiers in my unit were assigned to take the APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test). Although I was not one of them, I did get to along for the ride and be pacer for a female during the two mile run. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday at drill. The APFT consists of three parts: pushups, sit-ups, and a two mile run. A soldier has to do as many pushups and sit-ups as they can within a two minute time slot and run two miles within a certain amount of time. ...read more

A Saturday Well Spent

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Hooray for warmer weather, and by warmer weather I mean 15 degrees out at 0630 in the morning! One of the perks of being a soldier in the Army Reserves is that volunteer opportunities often present themselves. Today I spent my Saturday on RST status helping out at an event called The Polar Plunge. Sounds odd? Literally, it’s teams of people plunging into freezing cold lake water. These teams raised money for Special Olympics Nebraska (a great organization, look...read more

Looking Forward

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Number one reason why I look forward to graduation and moving: better weather. I awoke and did my usual routine of checking my school email account. What’s this? An email from one of my professors canceling class because of the extreme cold! This lovely announcement did very little for my mood; I still had to go to other classes and a meeting. “How cold is it?” I thought. A quick click of the mouse and I am informed that it is *insert drum roll*...read more

Drill weekend! Hooah!

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 21:49:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Let me explain that my unit is disbanding, meaning that it will be gone by 01 SEPT of this year. Every drill there is less of us and less things for us to do. I wish I had something exciting to write about but I don’t. Here’s what I did: checked for summer training for my MOS, mopped the floors, went to a Super Bowl safety briefing, decorated the drill hall for a unit homecoming, and took out the trash. Following drills hold more promise…APFT...read more

Making the Decision

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:48:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
I was raised an Army brat. My father is still active and going on 31 years this July! I am the true definition of an Army brat, I joined! But why? My father was hell bent on trying to get me to enlist the end of my senior of high school. I would have none of it naturally. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I refused to; I believe it was just because I was 17 and not wanting to listen to my father. Two years later, I was singing a different...read more

Kayley's Introduction

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 21:47:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
Blogs are presumed to written by emotional teenagers who need to “express themselves” or disgruntled employees needing an avenue to vent. Typical. But I’m not a teenager with raging hormones nor am ticked off at my boss; I’m here to tell my story, express my point of view, and share what it’s really like to be a soldier in the US Army Reserves. My name is Kayley. I’m a full time student studying International Business and...read more

About Kayley O.

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 21:47:00 GMT

By: Kayley Nammari
My name is Kayley. I’m a full time student studying International Business and Spanish at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I also am enlisted in the Reserves component of the US Army. I’m here to tell my story, express my point of view, and share what it’s really like to be a soldier in the US Army Reserves. ...read more