I (heart) Books

If I go into a mall I have to go in the book store. I am attracted to the dust covers, the smell, even the texture of the pages. Casie hates our weekly marathon trips to Barnes & Noble on Sundays. She loves books too, but I love browsing for new reads. She would prefer to buy one and curl up at home to actually read it.

I have about a million (guess-timation) books sitting on bookshelves back home. Casie is always reminding me to read what I have. The problem with that is it requires time, that is better spent running, watching television, or reading magazines/comic books back in the states. Being deployed has afforded me the time to get reacquainted with reading books again.

So far I've read this deployment:
Angels & Demons (Dan Brown)
Inside Ring (Mike Lawson)
Animal Farm (George Orwell)
Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)

I just finished reading Flags of Our Fathers (James Bradley) today. Excellent read. Very detailed description of the events leading to, the flag raising, and events afterwards. Emotional last chapter. I bought the DVD for $4 from a local vendor last week. The movie looks good, but I try to read the book before going to see the movie. Now I can!

What are you reading? Post a Comment.

It's A Sign

I took this picture a few weeks back at the tank grave yard at FOB Marez. What are the odds? I think it's a sign Frank (he'll know what I mean).
For all of you who care, I was able to stare till my hearts content at the Superman Returns 2-Disc Special Edition DVD cover art at the PX today. Then somehow it ended up in my basket! You all know what I'll be doing this Sunday. :-)

Superman Doesn't Return in Mosul

Out of all weeks! The PX (Post Exchange) in Mosul has been great with DVD releases since I've arrive. They would even have the DVDs on the shelves on Monday instead of Tuesday in the states. But just my luck, this week they did not have the Superman Returns DVD nor any other new media releases for that matter.

Now I know Casie will be buying my Superman: Ultimate Collector's Edition 14-Disc Box set this week at Best Buy, but I just wanted a glimpse. Can't a man salivate at the DVD cover art of his boyhood hero's return to DVD? Somehow looking at this cover art spread online doesn't do it justice.
I know, your thinking poor Ben. I know things could be worse (read previous entry), but it is the simple things that keep me a little happier about being away from home.

Like A Rock

On Sunday morning, at about 4 AM, we were hit with five mortars. This is a relatively small attack and happens at least once a week. One mortar went through someone's CHU roof and out their window (not near my CHU area). That was one lucky guy or girl and I am sure they were at Sunday services that morning!

The next morning my co-worker, Tom, asked if I enjoyed the C-Bunker last night. I thought he was pulling my chain, but he wasn't. He heard about five huge booms (the loudest he's ever heard) and scrabbled to meet a full C-Bunker of other soldiers. I am usually a light sleeper, but I didn't hear a thing.

Mortars are nothing new to me, but sleeping through them is! It's kind of a scary thought that I didn't hear anything. Maybe the long hours at work are kicking in and I am finally getting use to this deployment thing.

USAF Cribs

Well I thought it was about time you saw where I live MTV Cribs style...sorta. You can click on the picture for a larger version.

Come on in.

Welcome to my deployment home, a CHU (Container Housing Unit). I just installed the clothesline with some 550 cord a few weeks back.

On your left is the kitchen. Gotta have the imported munchies. We got your Jelly Belly, Better Cheddars, Rice Crispie Treats, Big League Chew, the Dunkin Donuts Coffee, apple butter and the only drink a airman needs, water (my Crystal).

Next area is my Detroit Tiger shrine. Go Get 'Em Tigers!

My broom closet.

On our way back out, we have my wall locker. The bottom holds my electronics and cleaning supplies (an LT has to have a clean CHU!) Middle section is my clothes and the top shelf is my medicine cabinet. On the top I have my library of DVDs and Novels.

Across from my wall locker is my field bathroom.

Heading out of the wall locker area I have my second library. This consists mainly of magazines from the states.

The last area in my CHU is where the magic...doesn't happen, the bed. I do have a 18 inch mattress donated from a local Holiday Inn. I recently received an imported JP Penny's fleece blanket. I don't have to thaw myself in the mornings anymore!

My iPod provides the CHU's soundtrack courtesy of my Phillips speakers. Every man needs his own state of the art Dell entertainment system.

Now I'm gonna take you outside for a look to the left and a look to the right.

The C-Bunker is spacious enough to hold 25 folks in case of mortar attack.

The bathroom is this way.

And a bit further

Below are pictures of the bathroom and shower trailers. I am sure most of you know what a public restroom looks like on the inside, but not many of you have seen a public shower stall.

On the way back to the CHU. You can see a pallet of water ahead. These are everywhere. The detention facility is in the background.

Now the cars. All manual transmission. Check out the custom mud paint job on all four of my rides.

Hope you enjoyed my crib. Now get outta here, I have some work to do.

Thank You

I wanted to thank Casie, Ma & Dad, Mom & Dad #2, Auntie Pam & Uncle Garry, Penny, Rich, Steve Hamangian, Jacob, Vue & Xong, and Deb for the care packages. Your packages have kept my sweet tooth happy, warm at night, entertained with DVDs/Books/Toys/Games, informed with magazines, and provided me creature comforts I would not otherwise have.

I also wanted to thank Briar, Frank, DJ, Wanda, and Jenny (my sister) for finding the time to write me. Your emails and pictures make me feel like I am back in the states talking to you or even going to Game 2 of the World Series. I can't wait to check my inbox each morning for your emails and comments (left on this blog).

Thanksgiving in 'General'

I've been extremely busy this week. Now I can tell you what I wasn't able to earlier this week. WARNING: This will be a long post!

On late Monday evening I get an email stating the Deputy, Combined Forces Air Component Commander, Air Force Major General William L. Holland (a 2-star general) will be visiting with the purpose of seeing the 17 airmen currently supporting the Army on both FOBs in Mosul. I couldn't believe I was one of only 17 airmen. I was selected to help arrange his visit, being the ranking individual (for the first time in my career).

I was able to track down all 17 airmen. I arranged billeting and transportation, created an itinerary for the duration of his stay, scheduled a Thanksgiving dinner with all 17 airmen, arranged two mission tours, and was his escort/driver for all of Friday morning. Oh yeah, and I still managed to do my job!

It starts with his plane arriving three hours late. Or maybe I didn't read the fact that his arrival time was in Zulu (a three hour difference). I had to call everyone to move up the dinner 30 minutes, plus tell them to be there 15 minutes early. The dinning facility wasn't reserving seating due to the two hour wait to get into the chow hall for Thanksgiving. Lastly, the General arrived 25 minutes early to dinner, so only half of the airmen were in place.

Long story short, the late arrival didn't affect anyone's plans. I happened to catch the chow hall during a slow period. The General was very understanding and the remaining airmen arrived.

Friday went alot smoother. I just learned how to drive a stick shift six weeks ago. So I was a little nervous driving a General and his aids around, but it went off without a hitch. I gave him a tour of the FOB then brought him to my work to show him what I do and introduce him to my co-workers. We took a picture and he was gone (45 minutes early).

To add to yesterday's thankful list: Airmen are flexible and I can smoothly drive a stick shift!

I don't even remember if the food was good or what I ate. I do know this was the most stressful Thanksgiving in my life, but definitely an unforgettable one.

An Iraqi Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is here and in case some of you were wondering, I'll be having Turkey for dinner too. That is about the only thing that makes today different from any other day here in Iraq. I will still wake up at 6:30 AM to walk in the 35-40 degree temps to the shower, still work a 13 hour day, and I will read for about an hour before I go to bed. But tonight there will be a turkey dinner without family or football (football games do not begin until 8:00 PM).

Being over here still gives me things to be thankful for. I am most thankful for:

- Casie for being my best friend
- My Mom and Dad for always being there for me
- Great friends
- The Detroit Tigers 2006 Season
- Everyone who writes to me during this deployment
- Care packages
- Superman's return to theaters
- Casie recording 'Lost' on DVD and sending it to me in Iraq
- Casie doing my Best Buy shopping while I'm away
- Being in the Middle East in the winter instead of the 130 degree summer.
- Not having a Freddy Kruger face (see previous blog entry)
- A place to sleep and work comfortably (some of my buddies barely have that!)
- No mortars...recently
- And of course, my health, as well as Casie's and my family's

I could be here all day typing. Thank you all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tune in tomorrow for the reason I've been so busy this week!

Mosul Draws First Blood

About 10 days ago, I was locking up my CHU about to walk back to work to finish up some things at about 7:30 PM. I did, in fact, have my government issued flashlight in hand along with my keys and ID wallet. I was five doors down from my CHU trying to put my key away when I went down. My flashlight flew about 20 feet in front of me, my keys about seven feet, and I went down faster than a ton of bricks. I luckily caught myself with both of my hands (ended in a push-up type position). I shot back up faster than a speeding bullet, as if someone could actually see me in the darkness. I thought I knew how to use a flashlight, especially after all of that Army training at Camp Shelby, but I was wrong. Apparently I was shining the light to high and failed to see a tripping hazard right in front of me. Ouch!

I won't lie, it hurt...ALOT! After picking the gravel out of my palms and tearing off the flapping skin on both my palms, I washed them in ice cold water. I soaked two napkins with blood before the bleeding stopped. I had Freddy Kruger hands for about 3 days (a little late for Halloween). I was bloody, not from insurgents, not from friendly fire, but from me.

The Drugs Don't Work

I have been sick for a week with the infamous Iraq Crud. The Iraq Crud is what is typically referred to as your first cold in the Middle East. You get this basically by living in close quarters, using public showers, and working long hours that wear down your immune system. I believe I obtained mine when I started consistently working out again.

I am not a big believer in drugs (or medicine), but I was getting worse expo- (get ready for it engineers) -nentially. I went to sick call and waited an hour and a half to be looked at, for not even ten minutes, and told I have a "small cold". They prescribed to me not one, not two, not three, but four antibiotics. I guess the Army doesn't fool around.

After a few days I did feel better, but now I still have a week's worth of medicine and they are starting to have a negative effect by drying out my sinuses.

Where's the dust?

I am sure most of you heard about the huge dust storms in the Middle East. I am told you have to see it with your own eyes to believe. Well I am beginning to wonder if the military deployed me somewhere else. It's a conspiracy! I want my dust storm picture!

Instead I have this picture. That was me yesterday, standing in huge puddles. The picture appears as if it was taken at night, but it is only four in the afternoon. Yesterday it began to sprinkle as I walked to the showers and the rain's momentum slowly built the rest of the day until it was pouring with lightening and thunder.

Then on top of that, it got colder than I ever thought a desert could get. Last night's temperature reached 37 degrees! Brrrrr Good thing I have my poncho liner and Detroit Tigers 2006 American League Champions Blanket (thanks Auntie Pam, Uncle Garry, Chris, Sara, Kelly) :-)

If I don't blog in a few days, I am frozen in my CHU! Don't worry, I have a hair dryer to keep me warm.

Sleepless Mosul Nights

Stayed up to watch the Michigan vs. Ohio State football game last night. The game started 3:30 PM in Ohio, but that is 11:30 PM in Iraq. I haven't watched any sporting events since waking up at 4:00 AM to watch the Tigers in the World Series. It's the little things, like watching a home team play on TV, that makes this deployment pass a little faster. I feel a little more connected to my family and friends this way. I know they are at home doing the same thing as me during that time.

It was a great game, but once again, like the Tigers, the Wolverines were on the losing side. The final score was 42-39. I am hoping for a rematch for the National Title, but we will have to wait for the BCS Gods. Cross your fingers!

I went to bed at 3:30 AM and had to be at a change-over briefing at 8:00 AM. Today will be rough, but Michigan/Ohio State football only comes once a year (maybe twice?).

So another sleepless Mosul night. It's tough being a deployed sports fan!

Where did you watch the game?
What do you think about a rematch?
Leave a comment.

Welcome

Welcome to my Fortress of Solitude: Where Superheroes Come to Relax

The intention is keep all of my family and friends informed of my day-to-day experiences. While I wish I had an exciting topic everyday, I promise you some will be boring. I have placed some web feeds on the right margin for you to check out in those rare circumstances. The Hype Machine you'll definitely want to explore. Click on a song and it brings you to the webpage that is hosting it for you to download. Click listen to this for a link to a webpage to choose your media player preference and discover some new music streaming-style.

Which superhero are you?

My results:
Superman
I am mild-mannered, good, strong, and love to help others.




Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test