I am better for knowing them

So it's been awhile and so much has happened. There are so many little stories and experiences that I'm not sure where to begin or how to give the update. I guess I'll start with the fact that I'm humbled and I have met some amazing people. I'm attached to a Special Forces here so I am proud to say I know a number of Green Berets. I have to admit all things considered they don't really fit into what I would have stereotyped them as, had I done that (which I didn't).

The dedication to the mission they have is amazing and we (Americans) no matter how you feel about having the U.S. in battle could learn a thing or two about selflessness, camaraderie, and fortitude from these guys. My life is richer at having met these amazing individuals and while I now know some details and stories, there not my stories to tell. Instead I just want to say give a prayer and thanks to those who have given their all because we owe a debt of gratitude for their commitment.

Much love to 3rd Special Forces Group as you head home, we'll see if those coming in, 7th Group, measure up to the amazing people I have met so far.

The Moment of Truth

So I'm waiting to board my plane to Afghanistan. It's time for my training and my love for my country to put itself to the test. I made a number of phone calls to family and friends while I've been waiting for my flight, which of course is delayed almost 2 hours as the military is all about hurry up and wait =). Alot of people have been asking me if I'm scared or worried and some of my friends (mainly those in the military) have asked in addition to those questions if I'm excited. The answer is a combination. I'm excited to go start my mission and do my part, but at the same time I'd be a fool if I wasn't somewhat worried. Does the worry consume me? No. I have to have faith that I'll be ok. I have to be positive and not lose sight of my mission because nothing is gained by stressing and dwelling on negative things.

I'm as ready as I'll be mentally. I've said my farewells, I'm gonna miss my son terribly (actually I already miss him a bunch since I haven't seen him for a month and a half), but I'm ready to go and do my job.

Well I gotta run for now. once I have communication assigned in country i will update what I can. The saga begins.

Quick and dirty

So there's alot to catch up on, but the internet at my training location sucks so this is going to be short and sweet! Some of the training we've had is CLS (Combat Life Savers) course where we learned care under fire, other actions for a combat environment and had to give each other IVs (which was interesting trust me!). We also had combatives were we got to got to throw other around (which was fun!) and now we're going over some basic outside the wire operations which leaves us all sweaty from running around in full battle rattle all day. All in all things have been good, I'm just waiting to finally be in country so I can figure out exactly what I'll be doing for the next six months. I'm ready to get there and work plus then the clock starts ticking for me to come back which means my countdown back to my son and husband begins!

H.E.A.T

HMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer was on the agenda for training today and although I'm a bit beat up from it, I thought it was great initial training.

You know how at amusement parks there's those roller-coaster simulator rides, well picture that on steroids without the movie screen. You have a fire team (in full battle rattle) in a HMMWV simulator that rolls you over... and over and over... depending on the instructors' moods. Alot of times they have the smallest person up in the turret since in a rollover that person can get thrown around and a smaller person is easier for other personnel in the vehicle to secure and hold on to. Guess who was the gunner... yours truly!

Oh yeah and don't think for a moment that the vehicle rolls a couple of times and then goes upright and you get out-- not so much lol! After all the rolling it'll either be on its side or upside down. And then of course you have to make sure everyone can get out, grab equipment and weapons, then exit the vehicle tactically, ready to engage any enemy (and of course in training small arms fire is a must, as is fire and someone getting shot).

My team did a pretty good job holding on to me, but it still didn't stop the equipment flying around from hitting me once or twice or getting manhandled while they tried there best not to lose their grip as we were all tossed around... it was a great day =) It was hot with all our all gear, we were all ridiculously sweaty when we were done, but we learned something that could save our lives or someone else's. There was a bit more to it, tactics and procedure wise, but without going into unnecessary detail I think you all get the idea. My team was extra hot since I volunteered my team to demonstrate (pure selfishness on wanting to make sure my team knew enough to hold me properly and get out safe) and we did battle drills for a while.

Most people seemed to enjoy the day; part of our class went the day before and they had someone throw up and a class before us had some idiot not wear goggles so he got hit in the eye with a weapon and had to be taken to the hospital. But no one in our group today got hurt, banged up a bit.. yes, but some people loved it. Goodtimes =)

CST

So alot has happened. I said goodbye to my amazing, funny son the other day, but I was too sad and busy to make time to blog about it. I arrived at my Combat Skills Training for my deployment yesterday and trying to square everything at home before I left was an adventure. Of course I'm finding that there's a bunch of stuff I forgot (my flashlight, PT pants and jacket, and other misc items), but it could be worse. Hey, at least I eventually got a little bit of sleep last night (I was up for 44 hours with maybe an hour nap on my flight here!)

I'm currently sharing a room with 7 other females (who got in later than me and made a ruckus while I was trying to sleep!) and in about an hour and a half the entire training class has a briefing and then the fun begins. I'll be here for a month and the rules are simple but understandably sucky, lol. No drinking, no leaving base, no civilian clothes, no gambling, no porn, no driving or riding in any non-government vehicle so there's some-- have yet to be seen-- shuttle that we're supposed to use to get from point A to point B on base/post. Well time for me to do work left over from my base, hopefully I'll be done with it sooner than later so I can fully concentrate on my training and deployment.

Ouch!

Well, I got my Smallpox, Anthrax, Hep B and Thyphoid shots today and I am soooooo sore!!! The sad part about getting the shots though is that I have a niece who is only like two months old (who I never met) and although I'll meet her this weekend I won't be able to hold her since smallpox is a live virus and she's under a year of age =(

I really wanted to wait but there just isn't enough time so I'll have to be content with just looking at my beautiful niece. Well, I hope the smallpox doesn't leave a scar but I've kind of resigned myself to the fact it will. I'll guess we'll just have to wait and see. I'll try and post gross pics once I have a reaction!

Today

Today was supposed to be my CBT day (Computer Based Training) and whatever else I could fit in there for my deployment day. Well that kind of went out the window when Tyler's school called and said Tyler's left ear was "beet red" and it really hurt Ty and he couldn't hear well from it. Long story short it seems to be the beginnings of a potential ear infection. So I picked him up from school and took him to the doctor and basically there went my day. I feel like everything has been screwy and I hate when my little guy doesn't feel well. It's another set back but as always we'll get through it. Tomorrow is my CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High Yield Explosive) training so hopefully no more calls.