Good Afternoon from Kuwait,
I'm here, and I am experiencing the heat. Today's temperature are expected to reach 85. Needless to say its hot during the day and about 55 at night. I'm sure those of you back home are saying that's not so bad. Your probally right with the combat boots on and my uniform it seems to be a comfy 90 at least. Were walking everywhere and loving it (not really).
Currently we are in a holding pattern waiting for a flight up to bagdad. We will spend some time there before we move down south. Right now we are living out of our duffle bags inside our lovely tent. When time permits I will update you with photos.
Yesterday we went to a movie called Marley and Me. Its about a family that gets a pup with personality. The dog is raised as well as raising the family who owns her. The dog helps the family raise the kids. Needless to say it ends with them putting the dog down. A real moral booster for my group. Not to mention it was danger close to being a chick flick. My family went through the same emotional issues when we put our dog Casey down last year. Marley and my dog Casey were both labs and shared some of the same personalitys.
More to follow my time on the computer is up! The USO allows you 15 minutes on the computer. It took me almost all of the 15 to log on and to type the message above. The reality is maybe its not me they are calling. There might actually be someone here name SGM Crewdeo! I doubt it though. Be good and be safe talk to you more later!
That is all!
Dave
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Sunday, March 8
Well I thought I would post and fill you in on what I've been up to. I have been keeping very busy, and spend a lot of time on the computer waiting to read Dave and Jacki's posts. That really is a highlight for me.
On the other hand what is not a highlight is Bella (our Labradoodle) came into womanhood if you get my drift. Do you know it last for 21 days?? We are on about day 14. Let me just say there is nothing like seeing a dog wear your granddaughters new training pants, with a hole cut for the tail. Needless to say I don't think Aubrey was impressed to give them up to Bella. Well just 7 more days to go.
On Saturday morning my mom arrived at our cabin to tell me Dave would be calling her house in 30 minutes. It was 8:00am and I was still in my PJ's. I was so excited I was ready to run out the door. I decided that maybe I should get dressed and put my jacket on. It was so good to talk to him. He was very tired and quite emotional. I know he will be fine, but it is very helpless on my end. All I can do is listen, but I can't fix, and that is very hard for me. I know that sleep deprivation does not help ones emotional status either. I am so happy he has the good friends he has there. I know everyone is going thru it, and its nice to know they are there for each other. On the upside text messaging has been very big for us. Its been a way for Dave and the kids to keep contact. Well Joshua figured out a way for us to send text to Dave's e-mail, and Dave to text us from his e-mail so I can still look forward to my little messages from Dave.
The kids are all doing great and are the best kids I could ask for. Joshua and I have been enjoying our time together and its really been great with him. He is really excited about Basic Training this summer. My mom and I are planning to go out and see him graduate. We are also planning to go to Arizona to see Jack graduate from her school. Thats in May, and I am hoping to make a couple trips to Chicago to see Darcie. So with everything I have planned hopfully the time will fly and Dave will be home. I hope the time goes as fast for him and all the soldiers on this deployment.
Well gotta go hopefully I will see or talk to some of you soon.
Susan
On the other hand what is not a highlight is Bella (our Labradoodle) came into womanhood if you get my drift. Do you know it last for 21 days?? We are on about day 14. Let me just say there is nothing like seeing a dog wear your granddaughters new training pants, with a hole cut for the tail. Needless to say I don't think Aubrey was impressed to give them up to Bella. Well just 7 more days to go.
On Saturday morning my mom arrived at our cabin to tell me Dave would be calling her house in 30 minutes. It was 8:00am and I was still in my PJ's. I was so excited I was ready to run out the door. I decided that maybe I should get dressed and put my jacket on. It was so good to talk to him. He was very tired and quite emotional. I know he will be fine, but it is very helpless on my end. All I can do is listen, but I can't fix, and that is very hard for me. I know that sleep deprivation does not help ones emotional status either. I am so happy he has the good friends he has there. I know everyone is going thru it, and its nice to know they are there for each other. On the upside text messaging has been very big for us. Its been a way for Dave and the kids to keep contact. Well Joshua figured out a way for us to send text to Dave's e-mail, and Dave to text us from his e-mail so I can still look forward to my little messages from Dave.
The kids are all doing great and are the best kids I could ask for. Joshua and I have been enjoying our time together and its really been great with him. He is really excited about Basic Training this summer. My mom and I are planning to go out and see him graduate. We are also planning to go to Arizona to see Jack graduate from her school. Thats in May, and I am hoping to make a couple trips to Chicago to see Darcie. So with everything I have planned hopfully the time will fly and Dave will be home. I hope the time goes as fast for him and all the soldiers on this deployment.
Well gotta go hopefully I will see or talk to some of you soon.
Susan
Saturday, March 7, 2009
7 Mar 09 - Day after Tommorrow
Good Afternoon from Kuwait,
Well we finally made it here after 26 hours of being in the plane. We left Ft Lewis on Thursday at 6:00 PM (8:00 PM Minnesota) after stopping in Kansas, Bangcr Maine, and Germany we arrived here on or about 1230 PM (3:30 AM Minnesota)Saturday morning. Did I mention it was hot herer? It is and after putting on sun screne I can honestly say I'm burnt already. I beleive the temperature here is about 85-90.
As far as the flight over goes it was a flashback for me. When I went to Kosovo I felt lonely, afraid and guilty all at the same time. On Thursday I again felt very alone, afraid, and guilty. I feal guilty because I'm leaving my family, my life, and my freinds behind. I know it's beyond my control but sometimes you can't control the emotions that you go through on a deployment. I miss my wife, my life, my family and my friends. The life I had at home is now officially on hold until my return next year. Every waking moment belongs to uncle Sam now, actually he owns the night too but hopefully I can sneak in a dream or two.
I know my message today might have some self pity in it. I'm sorry for that I'm sure it will get better from here. Each day I wake up brings me one day closer to coming home.
Last but not least my wife sent me a text that said I was lucky I got to marry my best friend. Susan I feel the same way, I thank my lucky stars that you said yes. You are my light at the end of the tunnel.
Until I get picture posted close your eyes and picture a sand box, add a tent and some trailers and thats where I'm living now.
That is all for now. The computer cops said my time is up.
Dave
Well we finally made it here after 26 hours of being in the plane. We left Ft Lewis on Thursday at 6:00 PM (8:00 PM Minnesota) after stopping in Kansas, Bangcr Maine, and Germany we arrived here on or about 1230 PM (3:30 AM Minnesota)Saturday morning. Did I mention it was hot herer? It is and after putting on sun screne I can honestly say I'm burnt already. I beleive the temperature here is about 85-90.
As far as the flight over goes it was a flashback for me. When I went to Kosovo I felt lonely, afraid and guilty all at the same time. On Thursday I again felt very alone, afraid, and guilty. I feal guilty because I'm leaving my family, my life, and my freinds behind. I know it's beyond my control but sometimes you can't control the emotions that you go through on a deployment. I miss my wife, my life, my family and my friends. The life I had at home is now officially on hold until my return next year. Every waking moment belongs to uncle Sam now, actually he owns the night too but hopefully I can sneak in a dream or two.
I know my message today might have some self pity in it. I'm sorry for that I'm sure it will get better from here. Each day I wake up brings me one day closer to coming home.
Last but not least my wife sent me a text that said I was lucky I got to marry my best friend. Susan I feel the same way, I thank my lucky stars that you said yes. You are my light at the end of the tunnel.
Until I get picture posted close your eyes and picture a sand box, add a tent and some trailers and thats where I'm living now.
That is all for now. The computer cops said my time is up.
Dave
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
4 Mar 09 - Last Supper
Morning today is my last day at Ft Lewis. Sometime tomorrow I will be heading for greener pastures (Let me reword that to the sand box). Before I head across the ocean I wanted to share some pictures with you.
This picture is of the multi purpose Army Latrine in my office building. The reason why it's multi purpose is that Men and women both use the bathroom. Because of deployment rule 38 us guys do not have to put the seats down when we are done. Meaning we will have to be retrained when we get home. We have a two sided sign on the door that we flip over if it's occupied by males or females.
This picture is of the Logistics office suite (Suite sounds better cubicle farm). You can tell that the office doubles as a museum to house the outdated furniture that we have. Although talk on the street is that the furniture is original from when this building was built many, many years ago. Again we are thankful we are not in tents.
This is a picture of our "Red Bull Chapel". The church is a meeting place, and is used for all religious services. Of course there are other churches on base. This one is used primarily for the 34th ID chaplains. The last few nights activities there have been everything from Suicide prevention, meetings, financial counseling, letter writing classes, and church services.
This picture is from the second floor of our office building looking towards our barracks and mess hall area. The black fence is used during the exercise to replicate soldiers going on and off the FOB (Forward Operating Base). If the exercise was under way you would go through a check point to get on and off the base. To include personnel searches and vehicle inspections.
This is a picture of Mt Rainier in the distance. Because of the weather here you can only see the mountain on certain days. By road it's at least an hour to an hour and a half to get there. Keep in mind Mt Rainier is an active volcano. Tour guides will tell you it will blow any time in the next two weeks to 200 years. For some unknown reason I sleep well knowing that.
The next picture is one of me in one of my proudest moments so far. Unfortunately it may be the first of many for me. Last night the guys leaving on Friday were given an opportunity to go out for supper. By out for supper I mean to go to town. For all of us it was our first time off since the units arrival on the 13 Feb 09. We (Dave Crotteau, Chuck Madden, Cory Walock, Dennis Thoma, Dale Towle, Cheryl Townsend) went for pizza. Afterwards we went to Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream. Talk about party animals! Our time off went quickly, we were off base by 1830 (6:30 PM) and returned to the office by 2130 (9:30 PM). It was our last opportunity to go out and enjoy our freedom.
While out we went to Home Depot and bought some stress releases (Foam Pipe covers 4 feet long). The stress reducers are used to release tension by squaring off with the guy who you have an issue with. It's all done in the name of fun and it really works. Its our version of jousting. Anyway I hauled off and whupped one of my guys who was challenging me. Half way through my swing my feet came out from under me and down I went in the mud. Most of the guys who witnessed my sudden fall were doubled over laughing. In fact one or two of them might have even snorted? Lucky for me Chief Townsend had her camera ready when I walked in. I'm sure it was due to legal actions if I had been hurt.
I also wanted to provide a little language lesson for you in case you ever half to ask someone from Iraq the following questions:
What direction? ib-ay iteejaah?
Stop! ogaf!
Drop your weapon! Thib slaaHak!
Do you need medical attention? treed musaa'ada Tibeeya?
These are just a few of the phrase we had to learn. Trust me it's not as easy as it looks. I will resume postings when I get to the desert. Until then keep me, my soldiers, and their families in your prayers.
This picture is of the multi purpose Army Latrine in my office building. The reason why it's multi purpose is that Men and women both use the bathroom. Because of deployment rule 38 us guys do not have to put the seats down when we are done. Meaning we will have to be retrained when we get home. We have a two sided sign on the door that we flip over if it's occupied by males or females.
This picture is of the Logistics office suite (Suite sounds better cubicle farm). You can tell that the office doubles as a museum to house the outdated furniture that we have. Although talk on the street is that the furniture is original from when this building was built many, many years ago. Again we are thankful we are not in tents.
This is a picture of our "Red Bull Chapel". The church is a meeting place, and is used for all religious services. Of course there are other churches on base. This one is used primarily for the 34th ID chaplains. The last few nights activities there have been everything from Suicide prevention, meetings, financial counseling, letter writing classes, and church services.
This picture is from the second floor of our office building looking towards our barracks and mess hall area. The black fence is used during the exercise to replicate soldiers going on and off the FOB (Forward Operating Base). If the exercise was under way you would go through a check point to get on and off the base. To include personnel searches and vehicle inspections.
This is a picture of Mt Rainier in the distance. Because of the weather here you can only see the mountain on certain days. By road it's at least an hour to an hour and a half to get there. Keep in mind Mt Rainier is an active volcano. Tour guides will tell you it will blow any time in the next two weeks to 200 years. For some unknown reason I sleep well knowing that. The next picture is one of me in one of my proudest moments so far. Unfortunately it may be the first of many for me. Last night the guys leaving on Friday were given an opportunity to go out for supper. By out for supper I mean to go to town. For all of us it was our first time off since the units arrival on the 13 Feb 09. We (Dave Crotteau, Chuck Madden, Cory Walock, Dennis Thoma, Dale Towle, Cheryl Townsend) went for pizza. Afterwards we went to Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream. Talk about party animals! Our time off went quickly, we were off base by 1830 (6:30 PM) and returned to the office by 2130 (9:30 PM). It was our last opportunity to go out and enjoy our freedom.
While out we went to Home Depot and bought some stress releases (Foam Pipe covers 4 feet long). The stress reducers are used to release tension by squaring off with the guy who you have an issue with. It's all done in the name of fun and it really works. Its our version of jousting. Anyway I hauled off and whupped one of my guys who was challenging me. Half way through my swing my feet came out from under me and down I went in the mud. Most of the guys who witnessed my sudden fall were doubled over laughing. In fact one or two of them might have even snorted? Lucky for me Chief Townsend had her camera ready when I walked in. I'm sure it was due to legal actions if I had been hurt.I also wanted to provide a little language lesson for you in case you ever half to ask someone from Iraq the following questions:
What direction? ib-ay iteejaah?
Stop! ogaf!
Drop your weapon! Thib slaaHak!
Do you need medical attention? treed musaa'ada Tibeeya?
These are just a few of the phrase we had to learn. Trust me it's not as easy as it looks. I will resume postings when I get to the desert. Until then keep me, my soldiers, and their families in your prayers.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
3 Mar 09 - Happy Birthday Susan
Morning from Dave's World,
I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Susan! In 1987 we were married, and in 1988 we celebrated your birthday for the first time as man and wife. It's hard to believe how much we (me especially) have changed together through the years.
I would have loved to bring you flowers today, or drop a birthday card in your vehicle for you to find. Instead I had to rely on others to bring you flowers, and the good old fashioned mail man to bring you a card. Its part of the being together that translates into working with the resources that you have. I can't be there for you today, or tomorrow but if you look in side your heart you will find me there with you. I'm with you everyday, your the first thing I think of when I get up and the last thing I think of before I go to bed. In between there is always the hope of a dream.
I love you Susan, I hope you have a great birthday! Just remeber I love you more today than I did yesterday, but not as much as I will tomorrow.
Love you,
Dave
I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Susan! In 1987 we were married, and in 1988 we celebrated your birthday for the first time as man and wife. It's hard to believe how much we (me especially) have changed together through the years.
I would have loved to bring you flowers today, or drop a birthday card in your vehicle for you to find. Instead I had to rely on others to bring you flowers, and the good old fashioned mail man to bring you a card. Its part of the being together that translates into working with the resources that you have. I can't be there for you today, or tomorrow but if you look in side your heart you will find me there with you. I'm with you everyday, your the first thing I think of when I get up and the last thing I think of before I go to bed. In between there is always the hope of a dream.
I love you Susan, I hope you have a great birthday! Just remeber I love you more today than I did yesterday, but not as much as I will tomorrow.
Love you,
Dave
Monday, March 2, 2009
2 Mar 09 - Noah's Ark
Good evening from Dave's world,
Tonight I wanted to bring you up to date on whats going on in my world. In order to leave here in the next few days there are numerous training events that needs to take place. As you can imagine those of us going out first are the guinea pigs. All of our T's need to be slashed and our i's dotted. I spent most of yesterday on the Internet doing on line training. Tonight I have to pack my bags, wash my laundry, and try to get a little me time (reading) before I go to bed. So far I have been without my beloved Mountain Dew for 28 days and there are no serious side effects. So far I have been without my beloved Mountain Dew for 28 days and there are no serious side effects. I have not watched TV or a movie since I got here. My day goes from wake up at 0440 (in order to get hot water) to lights out at 2300 (11:00 PM). Time spent during the day is filled with training, setup for the upcoming war exercise, and numerous meetings.
I found time for church on Sunday and enjoyed the mass. The mass was dedicated to the soldiers that were deploying from the base to include those of us from Minnesota. Soldiers and their families were in attendance and all of us in uniform were asked to stand. Some of the Minnesota soldiers were in the service as well, from the gift givers, to readings, to giving out Communion. The homily was about the story of Noah's Ark as it relates to soldiers. Noah's Ark took a little of everything to help preserve the world. Much like the modern day soldiers who are coming together from all walks of life. Like the Ark our soldiers are facing rough waters right now. Many soldiers are along for the ride with no idea of the boat that's carrying them. Our faith is in Noah (Division Commander) to bring us across the ocean and back home again.
After the mass there was a luncheon for the soldiers and their families. I can't speak for the others but I felt the congregation welcomed us with open arms. In fact members of the congregation (non uniform) gave us handkerchiefs, rosaries, and a St Christopher medal. Afterwards while outside an old Korean war vet talked to me for several minutes. He shook our hands and thanked us all for our service. As he was walking away he turned back and asked me if I had a copy of how to pray the rosary. When I said no he reached into his pocket and gave me his some what worn copy and gave it to me. It's a by far better place here for my soldiers than my experience while at Ft Stewart in 2003-04.
Did I mention that so far I have been without my beloved Mountain Dew for 28 days and there are no serious side effects
Due to the op tempo here there was no cribbage last night.
That is All!
Dave
Tonight I wanted to bring you up to date on whats going on in my world. In order to leave here in the next few days there are numerous training events that needs to take place. As you can imagine those of us going out first are the guinea pigs. All of our T's need to be slashed and our i's dotted. I spent most of yesterday on the Internet doing on line training. Tonight I have to pack my bags, wash my laundry, and try to get a little me time (reading) before I go to bed. So far I have been without my beloved Mountain Dew for 28 days and there are no serious side effects. So far I have been without my beloved Mountain Dew for 28 days and there are no serious side effects. I have not watched TV or a movie since I got here. My day goes from wake up at 0440 (in order to get hot water) to lights out at 2300 (11:00 PM). Time spent during the day is filled with training, setup for the upcoming war exercise, and numerous meetings.
I found time for church on Sunday and enjoyed the mass. The mass was dedicated to the soldiers that were deploying from the base to include those of us from Minnesota. Soldiers and their families were in attendance and all of us in uniform were asked to stand. Some of the Minnesota soldiers were in the service as well, from the gift givers, to readings, to giving out Communion. The homily was about the story of Noah's Ark as it relates to soldiers. Noah's Ark took a little of everything to help preserve the world. Much like the modern day soldiers who are coming together from all walks of life. Like the Ark our soldiers are facing rough waters right now. Many soldiers are along for the ride with no idea of the boat that's carrying them. Our faith is in Noah (Division Commander) to bring us across the ocean and back home again.
After the mass there was a luncheon for the soldiers and their families. I can't speak for the others but I felt the congregation welcomed us with open arms. In fact members of the congregation (non uniform) gave us handkerchiefs, rosaries, and a St Christopher medal. Afterwards while outside an old Korean war vet talked to me for several minutes. He shook our hands and thanked us all for our service. As he was walking away he turned back and asked me if I had a copy of how to pray the rosary. When I said no he reached into his pocket and gave me his some what worn copy and gave it to me. It's a by far better place here for my soldiers than my experience while at Ft Stewart in 2003-04.
Did I mention that so far I have been without my beloved Mountain Dew for 28 days and there are no serious side effects
Due to the op tempo here there was no cribbage last night.
That is All!
Dave
Sunday, March 1, 2009
1 Mar 09 - One month gone
Good morning from Dave's world,
Today marks the passing of my first month from home. Time is passing fast for me, and the days seem to blend together. In four to five days I will be leaving the good old USA until next year. The thought of leaving home was tough but I have adapted here. Routines were established and the time was passing by.
Going across the pond brings me one step closer to coming home. The flip side of it is that I give up the luxury of text messaging my wife, family and friends. I won't be afforded the luxury of sending a text message of encouragement by electronic media. Not to mention that my wife and kids will not be able to get a hold of me when they need me. We are all going to have to rely on E Mail to communicate and set up times to call. The reality is that my family and friends are with me in my heart and soul no matter where I go.
With my glass being half full I know today marks month one, with hopefully eleven more to go. Nothing in this world is guaranteed and it's up to you to decide if your going to have a good day or a great day.
I know your curious about the cribbage tournament I can say last nights game with a different partner had the same results. My team won and the other team was taught that life goes on. Those of you back in Minnesota need to keep proficient in the game, you need to continue to train. There will be no excuses such as "I haven't played since you left", or my favorite "Can we play Texas hold em instead".
My guys here need me, and I as well need them. Regardless of our rank, we are morally responsible to get each other through this deployment. Keep all of us in your prayers as well as our families, and the friends that are standing by ready to help.
That is all,
Dave
Today marks the passing of my first month from home. Time is passing fast for me, and the days seem to blend together. In four to five days I will be leaving the good old USA until next year. The thought of leaving home was tough but I have adapted here. Routines were established and the time was passing by.
Going across the pond brings me one step closer to coming home. The flip side of it is that I give up the luxury of text messaging my wife, family and friends. I won't be afforded the luxury of sending a text message of encouragement by electronic media. Not to mention that my wife and kids will not be able to get a hold of me when they need me. We are all going to have to rely on E Mail to communicate and set up times to call. The reality is that my family and friends are with me in my heart and soul no matter where I go.
With my glass being half full I know today marks month one, with hopefully eleven more to go. Nothing in this world is guaranteed and it's up to you to decide if your going to have a good day or a great day.
I know your curious about the cribbage tournament I can say last nights game with a different partner had the same results. My team won and the other team was taught that life goes on. Those of you back in Minnesota need to keep proficient in the game, you need to continue to train. There will be no excuses such as "I haven't played since you left", or my favorite "Can we play Texas hold em instead".
My guys here need me, and I as well need them. Regardless of our rank, we are morally responsible to get each other through this deployment. Keep all of us in your prayers as well as our families, and the friends that are standing by ready to help.
That is all,
Dave
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)