Fishing and Stuff

This will be my 50th post total. I've kept logs, journals, and online things before, but this is the longest I've ever dedicated to one of them. The last month has gone by at a decent pace; not too slow, not too fast. And while I am curious to see who I'll be working with and what my work will entail back on board my ship, I am still ever hesitant to return to Norfolk. What is keeping me from wanting to go back isn't the fact that my long vacation will come to an end. It's the fact that I will be returning to a place most sailors detest: The Yards. What sounds like a foreboding place out of a fantasy movie, I assure you the place exists. Oh, how it exists.

My experience of the Yards is one of self loathing, depression, drunken brawls, and a place where your very soul is slowly sucked away. While I was there, I was able to achieve 2 stays in the Emergency room, (2 nights in a row for 2 separate reasons), a frantic call to 911, a moment of self reflect where I actually considered my job at Sears was better than what I was currently doing, and the first desire to go to Iraq just to get the Hell away from that place.

While it will be the same place, I know that this go around will be different. I am more mature, smarter, and have a nice shiny second class crow on my sleeve. However, I can't help but think that no matter what they will have me doing, no matter where, I will still think back on what I achieved and accomplished in Iraq, the people I worked with, and what I did every day and sigh a little.

As if it was a sign of things to come, I received an email from my leadership. I got a few extra days and won't have to return till Thursday, vice Tuesday, which makes me a happy sailor. My uniforms are all brand spanking new, cleaned, pressed, hemmed, and patches sewn. I think this is the most squared away I've been my entire career. I've purchased the new blue camies, and while I am not exactly used to the blue digital material, I'm sure I will still look sharp as ever. I'm just happy to finally own a set of dress blues that actually fit.

So what have I done this past month? Well besides a week on the West Coast, not too much. Went fishing with my father, visited some friends, attended a party in DC, and helped around the house the best I could. Now I'm just getting my belongings into a storage unit and then it will be back to Norfolk. Besides all that, I've spent plenty of quality time with my Xbox. Oh how I missed her bliss. Thanksgiving was quiet with neighbors coming over for dinner and talk. Been a nice, relaxing vacation for the most part.

As the days go by, and my return to being a 100% sailor nears, I look forward to doing new things and going to Germany in April. Till then, whatever happens, things could always be worse.

Oh, and the movie 2012 is stupid. Very stupid. Yet, some of the best special effects I've ever seen.

POTD for November 15th, 2009: "Hat and Pipe"

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, out at sea, or wherever he's at.

Wow, haven't done a POTD in a few weeks. Currently sitting in my Grandmother's guest room. Been nearly a decade since I've been in this house, yet when we pulled up in her car Friday, it was all too familiar. No complaints or negativity, just felt very much the same. Save for the new kitchen that was put in, the house felt just as small and cozy as it ever did.

Spent yesterday with my Aunt. Toured the town where my dad went to high school. I like small towns, yet felt a similar urge and desire that my father must have felt when he lived there. The one of looking at the surrounding hills and swearing to himself that he wouldn't be looking at them again by the time he was done with school. We ended up going to the high school's football game, which proved that live football is always better than TV. The game was one sided, with home walking away with a 56-06 victory, though I'm sure we scored again seeing how I walked away five minutes early.

Today took a drive to the Oregon Coast, which was nice. I always enjoy the beach in cold weather. Wait, I know what you're thinking. Isn't it supposed to be the other way around? One, keep in mind where I've been the last six months. I've had my share of sun and heat. Been there, got the sun tan and the sand up my butt. Second, I appreciate cold weather.

While nice, it makes it awkward for me to visit family that I haven't seen since my last trip to Oregon. It feels like I have Alzheimer's each time I see family members. It feels like I constantly whisper, "Who's that? What's their name? Which cousin is that?" Seeing how I now have funds and will have less of a hectic schedule, I would like to try to come out and visit much more often.

I go home tomorrow morning. Would be lying if I'd said I wasn't looking forward to it.

Sailor Harry comes home, goes West

Yeah, late posting is no stranger around these parts. Like I said before, thought the adventure is over, I want to keep this thing running. I left Kuwait like a bat out of Hell, looking ahead and ready to be welcomed back like someone you ask, "You were gone?" Nah, just kidding.

No posts from Germany? What the hell Harry, you made us loyal readers a promise! True. But what if I never made it to Germany? Or at least, what if I never was there long enough to post anything? Another reason to add to my list of why I prefer rolling with EOD is that they are resourceful. A few phone calls and demands later, six of us were able to get the tests taken during a brief layover at Rammestine and then we were back on the plane headed for Baltimore. What was supposed to be a couple days in Germany, turned into being able to go home 2 days early.

Such a glorious flight, it was. As we sat on the runway in Kuwait, a random guy started singing John Denver' "Leaving on a Jet Plane". We applauded as the plane took off and at that moment, we all knew each other and appreciated each other's company. As the plane descended into Baltimore we counted down in unison and cheered madly as the wheels struck the pavement. The crowd that met us outside the gate were even louder and we got a last stamp on our passports/custom forms.

I didn't get a chance to appreciate it all as I was nearly tackled by my mother and soon we were on the road and headed for the nearest steak house. Five minutes in the restaurant, I was enjoying the first beer back and nearly in tears. OK, so maybe I wasn't emotionally moved, but it was damn good. We then preceded to head home then to a friend's Halloween costume party. There was a Michael Jackson song theme, as people were dressed up to represent "Thriller", "Man in the Mirror", etc. I didn't have time to change out of my uniform, but was still asked what I was supposed to be. Stunned and viciously biting my tongue to not curse out the majority of liberals in the room, I just responded, "We are the World." Excuse me for having a wicked sense of humor. Yes that's it, go back to drinking your Merlot, shaking your head not getting the joke. Damn hippies.

The next day was spent in Annapolis watching the Navy game. Navy lost, but I did appreciate the people there. Apparently my parents told them where I just had come from, so I was met with hugs and abundant thank yous. While sitting in the stands, a stranger overheard our conversation and shook my hand. When he saw my younger sister he asked if she was my wife or girlfriend. I turned and told him who she was, then asked if his wife was his daughter. The game proceeded with brief rain and Navy forgetting that their quarterback was allowed to throw the ball.

I am currently at my Uncle and Aunt's house in Seattle. it always feels good to be on the West Coast, as I prefer it from the East. There are only a few places back East I appreciate. Just so happens I prefer California, Oregon, and Washington State. Whats even nicer is finally being able to connect with my family, even more so than I've done before. My mother's family is one rife with a history of utter drama and I've only spent a minuscule amount of time with a handful of cousins and nothing but stories about aunts, uncles, and grandparents. My father's family is more stable, yet just as distant. They don't hate each other, they just don't spend time with one another. Perhaps I will write more about it once I speak to my grandmother in a few days.

My family situation is uninteresting and the problem I have with it is that it doesn't bother me. I know very little about them and it seems to not matter. There are relatives I've spoken to and love, but this is the longest time I've spent with my mom's brother. To give you an idea, I rarely use the term aunt and uncle. To me, they seem more appropriate to be refereed as my parent's siblings. Some would consider it sad. I simply refer to my previous statement: It doesn't bug, and I don't know if that should concern me. Shame, really. My Uncle Bob is pretty cool and I wish I could have come to visit him sooner.

A post without a picture; so strange, so unfamiliar.

Kuwait

Sailor Harry here, disproving those that thought I wouldn't make it ut of Iraq alive. Sorry to dissapoint, though knowing me, no one is dissapointed. In fact, I'm sure you all are estatic as I am for being close to returning home. Well, you're wrong. Why? It has been the shared feeling of most that it doesn't feel like we're going home yet. Maybe it won't hit us till we're in civilian clothes on our way to Germany. Maybe when I take my first sip of actual beer. Or mayber it will be when I get a hug from my family.

Kuwait is Kuwait. I hate thee with but a passion reserved for one that has done only wrong. (I'm bored, it's early, and my mind is wandering.) Spent the morning doing laundry and talking with a couple Aussies. Just proves more that no matter where I'm at I'd rather be Down Under... With family, of course.

I have a feeling that my entries will not be entered on a daily basis this week, as I'll be busy this whole week. If so, I may post when I get to Germany. If that's the case, see you in Europe!

Sigh....

Don't you loving waiting for something? Anything? I love to wait. Hell, I wait to wait. Going to Kuwait... eventually.

So close, I can taste it. Or maybe thats the burnt trash...

Holy Hell! Almost out of this place and all I have to show for it is a tan and a tee-shirt. OK, maybe a little more and not dissapointed in the least. Nice to be with most of the original team again, and the picture shows that we are all happy to be together and soon on our way home. I will update our progress as we go along and so people don't think this blog was temporary I do plan on sticking with it for a long time. I got orders to Germany and what kind of friend would I be if I kept pictures of Europe from you folks? Be home soon. Enjoy these pictures of me speaking to Sadam. CLICK ME! ME TOO!!

Pearls Before Sailor Harry

USO gave us a treat here in Baghdad. 10 cartoonists came to visit us here and I was able to sit down and chat with Stephen Pastis while he drew me one of my family's favorite charachters from his strip, Pearls Before Swine. Most of USO hosted events would get canceled when I was at Speicher or Brassfield, so it was nice to actually be a part of this one. This post is short as I've included several pictures. Pastis is an awesome guy and I love the drawing, but appreciate even more the time he spent coming out and visiting us.

Who's on First?

Just a heads up, this tend to be a bit obscene. If you are against foul language, don't watch. If you do watch, you forgo the right to complain to me about it. Don't like bad language, don't watch. Very funny, to say the least:

POTD for October 20th, 2009: "Oooo! Shiny"

Today, Sailor Harry got a nice, shiny Army Commedation medal.

For exceptionally meritorious service while serving as an intelligence analyst for Weapons Intelligence Team One in support of OIF. IS2 Atchison's dedication during combat operations in Iraq contributed significantly to the command's mission success. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Combined Joint Task Force Troy, and the United States Navy.

Here is what it says in the write-up for the award. Shame that though it says it covers the time I'm in country, they did the write-ups for end of tour awards half way through deployment. For those curious to what exactly I did while I was over here on vacation, take a read.

#1 Superbly supported Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit Six and 3-25 Brigade Combat Team operations as an Intelligence Analyst on Weapons Intelligence Team (WIT) 1. He executed 27 combat missions, with over 172 hours outside-the-wire in hostile areas, conducting battlefield exploitation of weapons caches, IEDs, RKG-3 anti-armor grenade attacks, and indirect fire incidents. PO2 Atchison gathered critical pieces of forensic data to identify and disrupt IED-networks in the Salah ad Din Province.

#2 Provided key support to the first Combined Joint Task Force Troy-North Iraqi Police Counter Explosive Team (IP-CET) Combined Commanders Confrence from 25-26 July, 2009. He spent over 24 hours supporting the event ensuring material readiness of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) training evolutions and demonstrations and provided security for an Iraqi troop encampment on COB Speicher. The dedication of PO2 Atchison fostered goodwill with the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), and enhanced their capability to counter the IED threat in the region.

#3 Operated in an independent support role at FOB brassfield-Mora for the 630th, 797th, and 710th EOD Companies. He exploited over 674 pieces of IED evidence collected on incident scenes and through turn-ins by Iraqi EOD and IP-CET. His careful evidence handling enabled the identification of five latent prints of value. This sparked target and warrant packages and subsequent removal of violent extremists from the tactical landscape, thereby creating a safer enviornment for Coalition Forces in MND-North.

#4 Brilliantly collaberated with Coallition Forces and IP-CET to establish effective training and information-sharing networks. His contributions fostered vital sensitive site exploitation training and evidence gathering/handling techniques which resulted in the detention of over five enemy insurgents to be prosecuted in the Central Criminal Court of Iraq. PO2 Atchison's decisive actions reduced the operational capabilities of extremist groups and provided effective new Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for Coallition Forces.

This did cover most of the work I did, however, I went outside the wire almost twice what the write-up states, and processed double the amount of evidence. All complaints aside, I'm content with my colered piece of ribbon.

Life Goes On

I think it's safe to presume that many of my friends' reactions when I broke the news to them that I'd be in a place full of sand, high temperatures, and a significant lack of booze. I had gone on and on about how I wanted to come to Iraq for so long, but as how things go with life, most assumed that I would see that grass isn't the color it was previously assumed. Many figured I would do the common sense thing and instead of being excited, nay, estatic, about the thought of going to Iraq, I would regret my desire to going in the first place. There were those that assumed I'd get here and simply hate it, find the same things here that I detested back in Norfolk, and want nothing more than to just come straight home on the next flight.

That's not to say that things weren't rediscovered, nor did I "escape" everything that plagued me back home. But I am writing about something that I did leave behind. Something I'm not proud of at all, and rather not think of too much of. Still, especially after having a talk with my Navy buddy about crap he had to deal with before and during this deployment, I figured I'd share with you all the best thing to happen to me because of my time here. I think I'm one of a very few that can safely say, "Iraq saved my life."

Because I'm not 100% comfortable discussing this with my loving public, as it would insinuate that even I, Sailor Harry, have flaws, I will be brief, yet blunt. My family has a history with depression. A history with dark chapters that I'm not willing to repeat. Well, not willing anymore.

My time spent in Norfolk was dismal. I do have fond memories deployed on the ship, especially in port. But the majority of the time was spent sulking, wallowing in self pity, and stagnating myself, desiring for more and loathing my exisitence aboard the USS Bataan. To make maters worse, I had a mouth, foul attitude, lack of personal responsibility, and I seemed to constantly forget how to self start... myself. I get into yelling matches with my superiors and was not proving myself or reaching the "goals" I set out for myself when I first came to the command back in 2006.

The time leading up to before I found out about Iraq was tough, if not pathetic. I requested and volunteered for an IA but was told my chances going were doubtful. Then I was turned down, as another was selected. Then I was told I wouldn't be allowed to go due to medical reasons. With this bait and switch, my depression worsen and I was ready to go through with the final extreme. And for what? There was no good reason! I type this and am disgusted. It was my worse moment, my worst weakness. I'm pretty sure that this even ranks worse than the time I got my mother a cheap plastic pin for Christmas worth less than a quarter. That being said , she will quickly tell you that this is hard to determine that she nearly ordered me to commit harakiri to save face that year. It was tough being twelve int he Atchison house hold, I tell you.

Though I ofer hummor, I view what almost occured as no funny matter. (Nor did she really suggest that I conduct ceremonial suicide for a sub par gift. She just instilled the worst gift a woman can give a man; guilt.) When I got the news, I wasn't happy. I was crapping fairy dust and floating on air. I had no idea what I'd be doing here or how much I'd enjoy it. Once I did, however, I was even more enamored and for once in my life, truely focused. It was a mission I truely believed in, people I truely cared about, and a moment where it was clear that what was needed was a sudden increase in maturity and self reliance. I have been challenged phsyically and mentally. I have learned things about myself, and confirmed them.

Suicide has been a serious negative, touching more and more people as time goes by. It's rarely justified, nor is it ever the desired outcome or result. For those that ever doubt themselves, find themselves in weakness, or truely have no idea what to do, don't stay quiet. I was fortunate to not seek counseling or a chaplain, due to the fact that I have a mother who would kill me before letting me do anything as foolish as that. But for those that don't have... sigh.. The bestest mommies in the world that love their... Do I really have to tyoe this?... That love their Harry berry blue berries, at least do me a favor and give me a call. If my greatness intimidates you that much, please call the Suicide hotline, the number is listed below:

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

God, it was one pin. Now you know why she gets the best gifts every year. Oh, AND a $600, hand-woven, silk, Irainian rug. (I love you mom.)

- Sailor Harry

Make a guess!

Listening to random music on my iPod. Bonus points for the person who can guess which song has the following monologue:

Today, I made an appearance downtown.
I am an expert witness; Because I say I am.
And I said, "Gentleman." And I use that world loosely.
I will testify for you.
I'm a gun for hire. I'm a saint. I'm a liar.
Because there are no facts. There is no truth.
Just data to be manipulated.
I can get you any result you like. What's it worth to ya?
Because there is no wrong. There is no right.
And I sleep very well at night.
There is no shame, no solution, no remorse, no retribution.
Just people selling t-shirts.
Just opportunity to participate in the pathetic little circus.
And winning, winning, winning....

Winner gets my respect. A hint, you ask? Sure, I guess. The singer is also credited for a certain ditty you might be familiar with. Something about a hotel in a west coast state.

Go ahead and email me if you think you know: dmtaoist@yahoo.com.

Just Counting Down The Days Now

I get here and the first thing I do is complain. WTF Harry? Jeeze, it's not like you'll be off to Kuwait and then home in a week... Oh right, I am. Wahoo! Wahoo, indeed.

The part of Baghdad I'm at actually has several cool things to see as there is literally a palace in my backyard and a man-made lake. Along the lake are several cool houses right on the water and the architecture is actually quite nice. Sadam had constructed the whole area for his Bath party buddies and the palace for himself. Not really a shame that we blew the place to Hell when we invaded.

Spent the day running the replacements around, to and from the airport. Good to get these guys finally out so they can start doing what we've done the last six months. Another Navy guy came back this afternoon and it was nice to catch up and great to see he came back with all his fingers and toes. This group has been most fortunate to not have any casulties or deaths. Not to deny that I haven't seen it or lost anyone over here, sad to say.

I will be taking pics of the palace, among other things while I'm here. Wednsday should be cool, as we have the artists for "Doonesbury" and "Pearls Before Swine", along with eight other cartoonists visiting the base. Hopeing to get the comics section of our newspaper here signed by these guys, especially by one of my favorites, "Pearls Before Swine".

Besides all that, not much going on here. Looking forward stepping off the plane and not having to come back here... As far as I know. Fingers crossed. ;)

How To Get Hot Chicks

Sometimes, when I need help understanding the opposite sex, I turn to Sarah Haskins.

Baghdad

Baghdad, I already know that we will get along so well. With your endless stream of Brass and uptight NCOs, where uniform regulation is most important, and PT belts reign supreme. Yes, Baghdad, full of history and never-ending headaches. The trip here wasn't peaches either. Who doesn't love being a sardine on a C-130, a fulll bladder and no where to relieve yourself for the next 3 hours? I instantly knew how much I'd like being here when the first question I was asked off the plane was, "You authorized to wear that?" Screw you, I'm wearing the damn patch.

It's also intersting to live with the same people replacing you. All the bright-eyed and naive WIT reliefs, and realizing you were just like them. The majority are the standard young family men, looking for glory and to fulfill a sense of duty. Hell, I'm right there with them. That being said, the sole exception is that these fellows are Amry with ARMY mentality. Do the job, but do it backwards first, find the mistakes, and still finds way to do it harder than it should be.

That being said, Navy recently dropped the ball with planning and not being issued spines. Seems they thought it be fine to not plan leaving this place till last minute, then not fight for it. It's like that sappy kid that keeps getting pushed around in a relationship, beding over backwards, then when it get's dumped, whines in your ear for the rest of the week. Minus the whining; I don't have time for that crap.

Speaking of BS, why do we have to go to Germany. The idea is to have the test in a place like Germany, Paris, or someplace else people would consider vacationing at, to give the troop a mental escape. I guess they never considered the idea that we may want to do that at home? 2 hour test that will require us to set aside a few days that isn't in my back yard with a beer in my hands. Europe be damned, I only want to go to those places on my time.

Going to be a tent for the next +week. I can't wait to leave this place, not just to go home, but because this place is going back in time, temperature-wise. I do love the feeling of sweat rolling down my family jewels. Oh yes, and with uniform regulations implemented like the neo-Ten Commandments, either full uniform or pt gear with reflective belt. Guess who also doesn't have pt shoes? Sweating like a pig. Goodbye t-shirts and shorts, hello ACUs.

I miss Speicher...

POTD for October 14th, 2009: "All my bags are packed.."

Getting ready for a flight to Ballad, then to Baghdad. Don't I look thrilled? Maybe because I'm going off of 2 hours of sleep for two days. I love you insomnia.

Which brings me to another bane of my existence; Red Bull. Ah yes, the piss of demons, disguised as a gift from the angels. Back on my first deployment, I went through a 4 pack a day for 2 months, STRAIGHT. Kind of swore of the liquefied cocaine when I started hallucinating, became paranoid, and felt like I had insects crawling in my skin. Occasionally I will drink it, whether in a mixed drink or a late night road trip. I finally sent off all my crap in the mail today and had to grab a big can of the swill to keep going. Good times.

Being exhausted made me realize my talents as a writer and that I perform differently when I'm due for shut eye. While at times my mind will wander when it comes to simple crap, I tend to be more focused and determined in other tasks. On the ride over to the post office, I was rambling off in my head and wished I had my laptop to write it all down. I guess whenever I want to post here, I'll just stay up the whole night prior.

I'm scheduled to leave sometime this morning and will post how the whole trip went when I get to the capital, and get some well-deserved rest. I can't wait to get there and get yelled at about important things, like not wearing reflective belts, and being in Iraq and in the Navy. Yippee.

District 9 Review

Finally. After waiting for weeks and being delayed by a bad copy, I was able to see "District 9". Simply because of the fact that it looked like the best sci-fi movie this year, but also because of it being directed by Neill Bloomkamp. Besides having an extra "l" in his first name, Neill was originally given the duty to direct the now postponed Halo movie. I needed to see what could have been.

What I saw was impressive, to say the least. Though obviously CG, the action and scenes involving the aliens were extremely well done. The style how it was filmed, jumping between "interviews", security cameras, and normal, was an interesting approach.

Leading up to the when I actually watched it, I understood the premise. Alien refugees come to Earth, stopping above Johannesburg, South Africa. The World governments decide to support the aliens, however after 20 years, we get tired and transfer the species to live in a giant camp called "District 9". With them, the aliens bring weapons and technology that can only be used by them. A shady, world organization called "MNU" is trying to get a lucrative weapons contract by being the first to discover the secrets behind the technology.

During a random inspection of the Alien slums, an employee discovers an alien object, gets sprayed by a mysterious black liquid, and becomes infected with some sort of alien virus. The infection alters his DNA and allows him to use the alien technology. Discovering this, MNU chases after him in hopes to dissecting him and discovering whatever caused his mutations. The infected person escapes MNU in District 9.

Knowing all this, watching the movie still surprised me with it's story elements, yet also disappointed me. For one, I was expecting to actually like the characters and side with certain ones. The main protagonist, Wikus van der Merwe, is a rather big dork who is basically handed his job because he's married to his boss's daughter. At first, I didn't know if his wife would be some manipulative b**h, or as pathetic as he was, a perfect match. The father-in-law plays the same role as evil, the ends-justify-the-means-and-by-means-I-mean-I-get-richer, role as most villains, and the company he works for is just as sadistic. The aliens are being experimented on, and they have no problem cutting them or the "hero" up.

Which brings me to my next complaint, he never really is a hero. Wikus is played by Sharlto Copely, and it is his first feature film role. Not that you really care who Copely is, but he is signed on to star as H. M. Murdock in the upcoming theatrical remake of "The A-Team". Coeply is able to be believable, as he is definitely not larger than life, and I could feel his desperation as the movie played out. I had no issue with his performance, but was confused as I thought I would be "rooting" for him. The character is a dork, selfish, and the end of the movie doesn't exactly wrap up.

The aliens themselves were realistic. Not in the sense that they looked real, but if the scenario was real. I thought I would feel bad for them and we would feel complete pity for them. But like any mass group of refugees in one place for more than a short time, they start to wear out their welcome. It was interesting how they had the aliens addicted to cat food. Seeing the aliens act like crack addicts and desperately trade their weapons and belongings for cans from the local gangs and warlords was somewhat satirical. But like crack heads, its hard to find pity for them. True, you are in disgust when you see what MNU does to them, yet you can understand why Earth doesn't want them anymore. It also doesn't help the fact that they look like this.

Along with a couple small things, the one thing I noticed is that it felt a tad short. This really isn't a complaint, but it was just something I noticed. The action seemed a tad smaller than what the trailers implied. That being said, their plenty of gore of bodies literally being blown apart, human and alien-like.

I enjoyed it and the my money spent wasn't wasted. I really liked and was way more satisfied, rather than disappointed. Sci-Fi fans, this is a must, and to the rest, this should be worth one Sunday afternoon. If anything, Peter Jackson produced the film, so if that means anything to you...

Sailor Harry goes to Freedom Rest

So the Army has places set around Iraq called Freedom Rest. Long explanation short, it's a place where troops can go a take a 3-day break. No set times or requirements, just 3 full days of do what you want, when you want. The small compound, (and I do mean small), came complete with a pool and 3 jacuzzies, 24-hour kitchen, plenty of computers, pool tables, and plenty of phones to call home. Let me start with the good, before I begin to ramble and rant.

The 24-hour kitchen was by far the best part of my stay. Being able to go into the area and grab a cup of coffee and a snack at 3AM if I wanted to was pretty sweet. The fact that the staff wanted the experience to be al a carte, where you ordered what you wanted instead of going into a chow line, was a brilliant idea as well. The pool was good, but I used the area to work on a tan more tan the pool itself. With the lack of a filter and no heater, surprisingly the water was freezing. Being in Iraq, I had no need of a jacuzzi. Calling home on something besides a sat phone, with constant drop-outs, was a nice change.

Now I have to critique, becuase this place was far from being perfect. To me, you go to places like this to "get away" from it all, and that's what the aim of the place is. Yet, it felt as though we were more confined to the place. Once you check in, you're there for the 3 full days. Guy tried to leave early, they wouldn't let him, even with his unit there to pick him up. With limited activities, it's easy to get bored. Normally, this wouldn't be too much of an issue, but this is the biggest issue I had with the place. While at Speicher, I have my own room, complete with couch, nice size HDTV, Xbox 360, desk, and best of all, more privacy then I would ever had had compared to being back on a ship. How is this place "relaxing" when you expect putting 4 guys into one room, to have no issue with that? Either get more space or take less people. It also doesn't help if one of your roomates has no problem waking up at 0530, moving his crap around, and slowly opening and closing doors, while bright lights shine into all of our eyes.

Another problem with the rooms was the fact that before I came there, I never had the issue that most do with sand fleas. These little, tiny bastards, get at you while you sleep and do what fleas do. It's not that we're unhygenic. It's the fact that we're in the desert and sand and dust gets into everything. The dinky bunk beds they had for us must have had them, because we were all harrassed.

There were other issues and I'm not paid to write reviews, so I'm not going to say much more. What I will add is this. I was hopeing to finally get a decent steak while I was there. After assuarances by the staff, I orderd a couple grilled steaks, and I orderd them all rare. What I got was steaks worst than what I would get at a normal DFAC. Harry was not amused, especially by the Ethiopian waiter smiling and nodding his head as if he understood English.

(I really had nothing to post, and this has been the only thing that has really happend in the last couple weeks. The picture has really nothing to do with this. I just woke up, leave me alone.

That crazy Kanye

POTD for October 7th, 2009: "Iraqi Master Chief"

Sorry, kind of been in a Halo-mood this past week. Ended up helping out at another Partnership event. Though this time, I mistook it for simple training. Boy was I wrong. Seems it was more along the line of a huge publicity stunt for high brass and Iraqi leaders. So what did that mean for Sailor Harry. Oh I had the besttest of times! Who wouldn't want to sit in full gear, inside one of the dustiest of Humvees with no A/C, on one of the hottest days of the last 2 weeks, and sit and wait for 3 hours, waiting for people to show up. Really showed them what the Iraqis could do, especially how we rehearsed the whole event and went step by step with them, before any of them were there. Oh they knew what they were doing. ;)

UPDATE: So, as was and still is expected, dates were changed. I probably will still end up coming home around the same time I think I will. The nice thing is my Chief doesn't want us hanging around for BS and is sending us to Freedom Rest for a few days this Friday. At this mini-troop resort, I should be able to swim around in the pool, sleep as much as I want, and maybe even get a steak cooked how I want it: Bloody with a dark, cool center. Nummers big time!

I'm such a Halo nerd....

Yes, I got a custom patch that says ODST* on it.

Yes, I wore it around the whole entire base.

Yes, I got yelled at for it.

Yes, it was worth it and totally awesome!

....

Yes, I'm still single.

*(ODST is the newest game in the Halo video game series. ODST stands for Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.)

Want a patch? LET ME KNOW!

Fw:

Gah! I missed last week due to work, prepping for turnover with incoming Army. This picture represents where I'm at in this deployment: I've ran clean into the proverbial wall. We all have reached that wall in our lives, and simply left in a complete daze, stumbling over our feet and muttering, "But I don't want to go to work mommy. I want to stay home and bake cookies with you." It's like being in a drunk stupor, minus the fun of working to get into one, though depending on how hard you hit said wall, that's not to say the resulting vomit is omitted. It's been known to happen.

Good news is, I'll be in Baghdad in a couple weeks, if only to stay there for a moment. Then it's back to a place I wouldn't leave Hell for. That's right, little ole' Kuwait. Ah yes, this little gem that I detest truly makes you feel unwelcome. Whether it's the dust in your mouth, or the temperature that makes you wish you would simply die. I remember walking off the plane in April, taking a moment to look around, and a tear preceded to roll down from my eye. I detest hot weather and I knew I would be in Iraq during the worst months; July and August. I also knew I would be doing it in 60lbs of body armor and equipment, in long sleeves and pants. Thank goodness we wear shorts and tee shirts when not on mission.

The weather now is actually quiet pleasant, some days similar to Maryland. Chilly at night, and nice breezes during the day. Minus the generous amounts of sand, one could say we are experiencing California weather. One could also say that this Iraqi Partnership thing is going great and not a complete waste of this sailor's time. In that case, please direct me to that said person so they can share their hard booze with me. I can not wait to be in a place where I do not have worry about the locals. Hell, I'll be glad where I don't have to worry more about the local police! I think I'd rather be in Mexico City.

Nice thing though is that I learned we will be doing our, "Are you crazy? Say no so you can't get disability pay when the problems kick in, years from now..." tests in Germany. I took a "quick" psych eval before I left, and they will give it to us again to compare the results. We'll be able to see if I've cracked. I should be good. Lucky the Leprechaun told me so. he also told me to burn things, though I think he was joking.

Speaking of jokes, how 'bout them Redskins? For all those Skins' fans out there, what's it like having Detroit beat you?

Change Someone Else can Believe In

It seems everyday there's something new that our new Presidential Administration is doing to either worry or piss me off. I said from the start that my number one worry about Obama was his lack of experience and foreign policy.

Scrapping our missile defense shield in Europe, in my opinion, will do us more harm than good. As the days go by I really want to tell this Administration where they can take their "Change" and shove it.

POTD for September 16th, 2009: "Swine Flu Free, That's For Me!"

Seems I left for Iraq at a crazy time for our country. Health Care Reform, North Korea test firing missiles, and a global pandemic. The first couple of months in country, it seems people were panicking about the newest "Black Plague". The media made it sound as if people were
dropping like flies, Mexico was a biohazard, and it wasn't safe to go to school. Was it safe to eat pork? How can I prevent getting the H1N1 virus? How long can someone live if they have it? My question is, how will we react if we have a REAL pandemic?

Few months ago, I got into a heated discussion about swine flu with a friend online. He kept going on about how serious the virus was and how it would be horrible when it spreads all across the world. I asked him if this is the way he reacted whenever flu season hit. He scoffed and
reminded me that this was no "common cold". I simply responded, "No, this was more like the 'common flu'." Confused? He was, to say the least. I'll spare you the rest of his CNN-driven panic, and how WHO labeled this as a pandemic and how, "Dude, Swine Flu kills. IT KILLS MAN!" Yeah, so does MRSA, and remember how that was treated like the new doomsday disease, last year?

"Harry, death is serious and isn't a joke", some of you may say. You're absolutely right, it isn't. I just see the virus for what it really is, and what it really is, is a different strain of the Influenza virus. Influenza? That sounds pretty severe. People get Influenza all the time. My dad had it a few months ago. What's Influenza like? A really bad flu. What's Swine Flu like? Just like what it is; influenza.

But what about the unfortunate people killed by the virus? Isn't that something to raise concern about? Sure, but not the escalated fear that FOX and all the other networks went on about. Thousands of people were killed! Compare the numbers with the amount of people that are laid to rest from the common flu/cold. And the numbers are from a global scale. The annual rate of American deaths from common influenza rivals that! Wow, you had no idea? I don't blame you. H1N1 was a breaking story in a slow news lull.

When I began writing this, I was going to blast and chastise the general ignorance of common people, and the way they perceived the "epidemic". But I stopped myself because I soon realized that this panic was brought on by misinformation. What really got to me though was all the concern and people wanting to know how to prevent catching the virus. What was worse was the reaction when news casters explained that simple hygiene, such as washing hands, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, and to stay home if you have, (and this is what was the final straw with me), "The following symptoms". The reporter then went on to list the same
exact symptoms of the common flu. Woooooooooooooow. This is a brand new MEGA VIRUS?! Please give me a break and stop toying with people's fears. We have enough problems with people panicking about supposed fake birth certificates of our President, North Korea and Iran using Wonder Twin Powers, and the fate of our Nation's Health Care. Now we're discussing a
huge push for a vaccine. How effective will it be? It's just a guess, but maybe it'll be as effective as a normal flu vaccine?

Bottom line is this, if you or your child gets Swine Flu, DON'T PANIC. DON'T PANIC. DON'T PANIC. Panic causes stress and stress can determine how effective our bodies are to fighting disease and getting better. People usually get better with a positive attitude. Stay at home and get better. I hear H1N1 is like having a bad flu, and that's what it is. The symptoms may be a bit more severe, (people who normally don't feel nausea may start vomiting, migraines, worst aches and pains), but it effects people differently. I believe that the virus has been the cause
of some deaths world-wide. I'm simply trying to play down the built up hype and panic caused by the media. Don't panic and definitely don't treat those that have H1N1 like they're going through chemo with a 50-50 chance to live. Lastly, you can't get the virus from eating pork, so eat some friggin' bacon if you want!

There's outrage of how WHO was prepared for this "epidemic". I think people should be outraged if this is the best WHO could do for just bad cold. You think the world was in shambles from just Swine Flu? Imagine when a real health threat, that kills respectful numbers returns to
erase a good percentage of our population. Hey, at least I have a gas mask for when that happens.

Please don't say that...

There's two reasons why I like doing "ten things" lists. You guys love them and it makes it easier on me when I seem to have writer's block and can't figure what to post.

Today we go over some of the things you don't want to hear before going outside the wire.

1. This is my first time!

2. I'm headed home. Been here an entire year with nothing.

3. Intel says they don't expect anything.

4. @*$%! I forgot to call my wife. Remind me when we get back.

5. We should only be gone for a couple hours.

6. I forgot it. Shouldn't need it though.

7. The IPs (Iraqi Police) say they're going to escort us the rest of the way.

8. They call me "Lucky".

9. We have to go through a few SOI (Sons of Iraq) checkpoints along the way.

10. What could go wrong?

I promise to have "real" entry on Wednsday. I swear! My brain... How it hurts soooooooo.

POTD for September 11th, 2009 "Daddy. Where do IED's come from?"

Well Timmy, when a man loves a woman very much, but hates America, a stork makes a magical journey from a mystical land called Iran. Then the stork decides to take a dump on the nearest Humvee it can find.

But that's just a fairy tale, so it isn't true. Right daddy?

You would think seeing something like this would make me mad, but for us Intel nerds, we simply smirk. Go figure. I thought IED components would say something like "Made in Taiwan" or China. I would think they would be smart enough to rub irony in our faces with something American-made. Their lack originality is almost insulting. Try harder Mohamed and Omar.

I'd much rather they learn from our good buddy Ahkmed, and be good, little, DEAD terrorists. At least his sense of humor is funny.

What makes a good deployment?

A friend of mine about to go into the military asked me the other day of what made a good deployment? Is it the action, or the satisfaction of doing one's service? As I was in the middle of some good Halo multiplayer, (and I'll be damned if anyone comes between me and the Master Chief), I told him I would take some time to really think about it and come back with a real answer.

So after saving Earth the umpteenth time, nine headshots, and some trash talk between coworkers, I decided to make out a list of what actually made a good deployment. I came up with 12 things, but people like lists of 10, no more or less, so I figured two could actually fall under others.... so yeah, lucky me.

Now I will go ahead and list them, while explaining in further detail what I'm talking about:

1. Depends where you go.
And also what you deploy on. A deployment to the Persian Gulf on a ship is different than being on a FOB in Iraq. Trust me, I've done both, and I own both t-shirts. Some people prefer ships, but most prefer doing it on land. Ship board life is very different than most are used to, but the same could be same about FOB life. Your environment plays a part too. Would you rather be rocking back and forth on the water, or using 20 q-tips to get sand out of one ear? Keeping in mind of your environment, it also depends on when you go. Summer in Iraq is exactly what you think it is, except warmer. (No seriously, it gets that warm her. Fine, be like that. I'm telling you, take that number you're thinking of, and add ten degrees. Yes, I know you're thinking in Celsius.) In the winter, it rains and actually snows. So while you may detest the heat, several people hate the muck and mud winter brings.

2. Depends on your job.
This may seem obvious, but I wasn't the one who asked the question! Anyway, for my friend, do you think you would enjoy your deployment if your job, simply put, sucked? Hell no! Unfortunately, most of us don't have that "recruitment tool"-type job, jumping out of planes, reconing enemy positions, sneaking onto beaches when clouds block out the moon and only leave our prints in the sand... Most of us think... Thought we had a cool job. Get pay and benefits and free* health care? And ALL I have to do is drive trucks for the Army? My heart goes out to the special individuals who signed up in the Navy as boatswain mates when the recruiter asked them if they liked to paint, convincing them that they could be "Naval Artists"...

3. It depends on who you work with.
People make the final determination whether a job is "good" or not. If you can't stand the people you have to deal with because you must spend time with them, then what will make you want to get out of your rack every morning? I mean, even if my co-workers were hot, Swedish bikini models that majored in college as full-body masseuses, I still wouldn't be as satisfied as if they were my peers AND I could come into work at 11.

4. It depends on who you work FOR.
I could have done the simple thing and combined 3 and 4, but #4 is extremely important. I'm not listing these in order, the most important first and so-on. It's important and makes a job more enjoyable if your boss, or in this case, NCO is what an NCO is supposed to be. An NCO is not supposed to be my friend or pal, but someone who will lead me in getting the job done, and take care of me if I need help or some other NCO screws with me. It wouldn't hurt if my NCO wasn't a jerk, though.

5. Depends on how long the deployment is.
Simple question: Would you rather leave and come home in six months or a year? OK.

6. Depends on what you bring.
Their are a few items I will consider bringing with me for my next deployment. That said, do not interpret this bullet as me suggesting their is a huge checklist of what to bring. What I'm telling you is = LESS IS MORE. There are a few special people that feel they will never see their families again or a place to purchase items. No SPC Timmy, you don't have to bring 30 tubes of tooth paste. You don't have to bring enough crap to get you through the whole year. There's a place called a PX. I would consider one to bring a laptop, especially if they have access to Internet. If not, a portable DVD player and a deck of cards.

7. Depends on the people back home.
You went the whole deployment without on package or letter? Does your family hate you, or are you an unfortunate orphan? Keeping in touch with home is key to survival on deployment. This is mainly the responsibility of the family back home. Spouses and girl/boy friends need to quickly realize that the significant other can't exactly whisk themselves back home to deal with issues any given day. That also includes births, holidays, and emergencies. It's important to sort out bills and set up plans before the feces hit the fan. Oh and if you plan to break up with your partner, do it when we come home. Please!

8. Depends on work load/schedule.
Dear mom and dad. I haven't slept for three days. Kill me.
For those not lucky enough to be in the Air Force... (Har har).... For those of us on a deployment, we are taught to combat two types of enemies: Complacency and boredom. They taught me about a third one, but I wasn't exactly paying attention. Something about insurgents... Or heat related injuries.... Or stupidity. I don't know, I was busy fighting boredom.
Stress can kill and if one is feeling stressed, (and they have a decent chain of command), they can seek help from a chaplain. Finding stuff to kill time is key to making deployment seem like a bad remake of groundhogs day. Except you're not Bill Murray, this isn't Stripes, and you don't have a butt-load of cash.

9. Depends on what you accomplish.
This kind of deals with #8, but I'll do it separate because I can. Some people like deployments for the extra money to pay off mysterious things called "bills". What I can't figure out are the people in the military paying off student loans that aren't Officers. Whether it's financial or personal goals, they can be achieved. Saving money or loosing pounds and gaining muscle in the gym. Some will use it to help achieve rank, or even finish off school.

10. Depends on what happens.
All jokes aside, deployments are rarely uneventful. Something will happen that can determine the outcome of your deployment. Whether you screw up or someone screws up, or that special someone miraculously didn't screw up... Death of a shipmate/battle buddy can affect a deployment.

11. Depends on your attitude.
11, so sue me. If you go into a deployment hating life and feeling like you've been wrongly accused of some crime, with no bail, and you found out your parents planned this to happen long before you could even walk... Then deployment will either surprise or not disappoint. If you go into deployment hoping to do your best, then you will either have an immense satisfied feeling, or you will disappointed, hate life feeling like you've been wrongly....

POTD for September 4th, 2009: "Birthday Beer"

Ah, another year has come and gone, and a certain special someone has become a year older. The year was filled with ups and downs, but thankfully it has been more of a positive experience. Thanks to the birthday wishes and to my grandma and parents for their birthday packages, they were awesome. The only thing that would have made them any more awesome-er is
if you guys mailed yourselves, (then that would mean I could try to mail myself home.) I was even fortunate to keep my birthday a secret for half of the day, so bonus points for that.

Been a few weeks, hasn't it? Sucks when you're in a place with people
who love to keep you more than busy. To be honest, I returned to
Speicher last week and took the week off from posting. I've been feeling
like crap and running on empty and hope to recharge Sunday. I'm back to
the blog though, so don't worry about not hearing from me for periods at
a time.

Let's see, what have I been up to? Can't say nothing, that doesn't seem
to appease you people. You guy's desire words of wisdom and tale of
heroics from this, honest-to-God, American hero, and I can't say that I
blame you. I must deliver to my legion of devoted fans. But seeing how I
don't have a legion, horde, or any type of fan base, I guess I can use
that loophole to my advantage.

Just kidding... Though not about the fan part. (One day Harry, one day.)
I've been working diligently both on and off mission. My time spent back
at Brassfield was a bit different, as I spent more time on the FOB than
I did usually outside the wire. Normally, there was a mission every
other day, but I only did two the two weeks I was there. That's not to
say I sat around doing nothing.

The Army EOD left Brass to be replaced with Navy techs. I have much
respect for EOD as a whole community, (except Air Force... "AIR
POWER!"), but obviously more towards Navy EOD. This time, I was working
with a full fledged Master Chief. Not too many missions, but a hell of a
lot of demo: burning ammo and destroying explosives! Very nice indeed. I
will be sending out pics of the demo soon.

But really my time at Brassfield was busy being worked by the techs
themselves. After working with EOD these last 4 1/2 months, I decided
that I prefer their job a heck of a lot more than my own. I decided to
put in an EOD package and get screened when I get back home. The techs
learned this and decided to "help" me. By help, I mean they PT'ed my
butt off. Every day was going to sleep with aches and pains. It was all
worth it, and thankfully I've kept with it even after leaving Brass.

But now I'm back at Speicher and will know update this blog again and again for your reading pleasure. I have a bout a month and a half away from home, but I still plan on using this to let you all know what I'm up to. Take care and stay classy.

- Sailor Harry

Why I respect EOD so damn much....

I've spent quite a bit of time working with EOD, learning what they do, how they do it, and what keeps them coming back for more. Not so much the Hollywood action heroes, fighting the desert heat while racing against time choosing between the red or blue wire, though I'm sure in that situation, they would do just fine. What I discovered was a tight-knit community that enjoys a good laugh, a hard days work, sweet explosions, and an ice cold brew. I went ahead and listed the ten reasons why I think they kick ass and take names.

1. EOD is family.
Every community and rate in the Navy will want to establish themselves that not only distinguishes them from the rest, but something of pride that brings it's members close and together. Most examples do not compare with what I experienced working with them. EOD is a very tight-knit community where pretty much everyone knows everyone.

2. One of the best jobs, period.
The military pays them to literally blow stuff up. Enough said.

3. Each has a story.
Long or short, each tech can have you balling from laughter, or tense and serious. Some of the stuff they do or did is unbelievable, but for them, it's another day's pay.

4. One of the most rewarding jobs in the military.
Not only from the extra pays and benefits, but the other side too. Before I cam here, I sat behind a desk. I won't deny that I was helping keep the fleet and maybe my country safe, but out here, I KNOW I am.

5. Money, money, money.
An extra thousand every month? Sign me up. With all the extra training and the job that they do, the Navy makes sure to pay them appropriately.

6. Respect.
Word. Pretty much everyone in the military has the basic idea of what a tech does. The have an idea and it's enough to respect EOD and what they do. When EOD shows up on scene, they take charge, and everyone listens.

7. Wild and crazy guys.
You kind of need to be to do this sort of work. This sort of goes along with #3, but also the fact that they're a bunch of the coolest folks to hang out with. They enjoy a good party and BBQ and are always up for a beer. Though, be careful; they come up with the most ingenious pranks I've ever heard and are always ready to return the "favor", better/worse.

8. Subject matter experts.
For an EOD tech to earn his Crab, he needs to know his job. No one questions his judgement and no one should.

9. Location, location, location.
EOD gets stationed everywhere. Where there's military or US citizens/assests, there's EOD. My chief told me about a time he worked for Secret Service in Egypt. And I thought my rate got the cool places.

10. Rock stars.
They simply are.

If it seems like I was kissing EOD's bum, know this: They earned it.

POTD for August 7th, 2009 "Frag Crab"

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, almost every day.

Just a glimpse at what EODC is cooking up at the office. Here's a picture of what he's recreating. I hope to have a picture of the end result. He's using left over frag from previous missions and what was laying around the TOC.

Not much has happened but I'll be headed back to Brass in a couple days. Chief wants me to assist the new team down there, as well as maybe put me back to work, haha.

I did, however, accomplish a little bonding with a couple of the techs here by helping pull off a prank. Recently, my family was kind to send me a luau themed care package, complete with kiddy pool to cool off in. Sitting in the office, someone mentioned wanting a pool. Next thing I know, I am inflating the kiddie pool in the OIC's room, being watched by two snickering EOD techs. Once blown up, we filled it appropriately. Enjoy here and here.

Lastly, please pity me and my meager 32" LCD TV. Life is hard, can you tell?

Homecoming Checklist (UNCLASSIFIED)

Checklist for when I get back

1. "Mission Accomplished" Beer

2. Homecoming party/BBQ

3. Kiss pretty girl

4. Full-body massage

5. Near-Coma sleep fest

6. Xbox Live marathon

7. Visit friend in Pennsylvania

8. Visit Uncle Bob and Aunt Frankie in Seattle

9. Visit Grandma Jo in Oregon

10. Brag about how much money was saved on deployment

11. Somehow spend it all on women and booze

12. Immediately regret spending money

13. Cry inside

14. Demand free food and drink at any restaurant I go to while using "Iraq" excuse

16. Act fidgety, twitch eye, repeatedly mutter "Post traumatic disorder", whenever free food is not provided

17. Get kicked out of an establishment

18. Apologize to family, especially mother

19. Dread returning to Norfolk

20. Have mom make biscuits and gravy

I have a plan and I intend to follow it. That is all.

All Will Come Home

18 years; 18 long years. The remains of Capt. Speicher were found by Marines today. This brings closure to his family and a search that has been ongoing for a long time. The full story can be read here.

If you notice, I am currently at COB Speicher. Last week I looked into the name and found out that it was named after the Navy pilot. Funny how all this has happend in less than a week. Finally someone can be taken off the MIA list and finally be taken home.

POTD for 01AUG09: "Did they get my Good Side?"

I know the quality kind of sucks, but that's the best my web cam does. It's a copy of the May, 2009 issue of the Army's 25th Infantry Division's monthly newsletter/magazine, "Lightning Strikes". Way back when I first came here, I did my first demo, along with some engineers and Army press. They had the pics from the demo shot and it included me. Not exactly Newsweek awesome, but I thought it was pretty cool.

Good to know our replacements want to get here as much as we want to leave, so I won't be here too much longer. We've done alot and are ready to share our stories and experiences via live audiences, rather than phone calls and emails. Though, I have to say, with technology the way it is, never did I imagine that I would be in a place like this and actually have a face to face conversation with my family on my computer. My mom and dad were in more disbeliefe but it was actually nice to wave at each other, say hello, and even play a game of UNO. Thank you Windows Messenger.

An old friend who likes to show up in random places smiled at me today. World War two is over, but he is always there with the military. Whoever decided to do it though needs to learn to spell. The "wuz" is cute, but the "hear" is just embarrasing.

Our supply guy is keeping me busy with the inventory. So nice that I have a bunch of equipment that's not on any lists, yet I can't seem to find the stuff on the lists. Go figure. I'm very close in just paying for stuff we're missing, just so he'll leave me alone, yet I don't think I could afford it, even with my life savings.

I also may be heading back to Brass for a few days. Seem the EOD guys tore their place apart and Chief may want me to help tidy the place up. Be nice to be able to see my Army friends one last time, though they say they're headed to Baghdad, and I'll eventually be heading there too.

Besides that, it's getting through the day, boredom being the worst enemy. Beats bullets and IEDs exploding, I guess.

- Sailor Harry

POTD for July 29th, 2009 "Group Shot"

What to write about? If that wasn't a rhetorical question! Whew, has work drained me these last couple of weeks. IEDs, evidence coming in, people to meet, training sessions, a joint Iraqi-US EOD conference... I've been working hard, to say the least. But let me talk about the conference.

The Iraqi Police, (IP), came to Speicher for a conference with Navy EOD. While the IP Colonels spoke with our higher-ups, the EOD techs and myself spent time with the IPs and their EOD team, to conduct training and to get to know one another. The training went all day and the officers spent the night.

So far, our relationship with the Iraqis has been a bit onesided. It would seem most come to the training not to really learn anything, but to use our services. They always bring about six empty fuel cans to fill up on free gas and simply look forward to the free meals in our DFAC. I can't really blame them as life is crappy compared to our situation here.

They have been more active but knowing that part of their security forces is a paid militia, made up of former enemies and insurgents, worries me. They've had members walk off the job at security checkpoints because of lack of payment. Just think of the negatives that will come of this. Hopefully we will all be out of here soon enough.

Besides this, I'd still rather be here, doing what I'm doing than be back on the ship. I did my time on the seas, and now I'm doing real work for my country. When the time comes for me to come home, I will enjoy the time spent with my friends and family. I also can't lie and deny that a real beer wouldn't be nice.

- Sailor Harry