053011 Memorial Day in Iraq

053011 Memorial Day in Iraq

Today is Memorial Day in Iraq and it's basically a day off (or at most half-ass effort day.)  Yesterday, there was a picnic for lunch followed by games, basketball, horeshoes and 'inspirational music and dance'.  BUT this was only for the military and DAC personnel.  As a contractor, if I wanted to participate I would not be allowed to charge for my time.  BUT there wasn't a rigid enforcement of this rule either so as in all, I suppose it all washes out (so to speak if you follow me here.) 
Anyway, today is the big pool day.  There will be water bottle boat contests (similar to milk carton boat race) later but overall the pool is just a great place to hang out (see pics).  In the pics above you can see the outdoor stadium next to the pool and I usually run stairs there on week days.  It's also about 110F (see pic) here today.  While that is hot, it's not 'hot-hot' (115F or so plus).  When it's hot-hot you can't touch metal since metal can get much hotter than the air temperature. 
R/Chris

052911 C Block is coming down

052911 C Block is coming down

 

As part of the drawdown at Balad, the housing areas are being dismantled and the hooches are being shipped to other sites.  What this means is that the boardwalks get ripped up, the steel stairs and railings are removed and the sandbags are emptied and disposed.  The windows also get boarded up.  (see pics above)  C block occupants had to move out over a month ago and either funding restrictions or 'something' prevented progress on moving the hooches to their new location.  As with a lot of Government projects, they sometimes just stop, with no explanation.  Progress will be made and the Army is on schedule to move out of JBB by the end of the year.  Honestly though, who knows what will happen.  The Iraqi government may as the US to stay a while.  Maybe the Department of State will work something in conjunction with the Army.  Honestly, I don't think anyone really knows.  Urgh, the life of a contractor overseas is fickle.

R/Chris

051611 There are some very interesting people in Iraq...like SGT C!

051611 There are some very interesting people in Iraq...like SGT C!

 

One of the cool things about working in Iraq is that you get to meet some very interesting people.  Last year I met 'LT Dan' (Gary Sinise) in the DFAC as he was signing photographs (dang he is short!)  I've seen more celebrities in person while in Iraq than I have in my entire life.  But there are some very cool people in the Army too here in Iraq.  The pic and story above is of SGT Cordell. An article came out in the Army paper and it's pretty interesting his life story and all.  What stands out is that he really likes being in the Army and being deployed here in Iraq. Well a few weeks back I'm in the gym and lo and behold there is the guy from the paper.  Pretty cool huh?  I said hi and how I enjoyed hearing his story and ask him if he really did like being deployed here in Iraq.  Well, all he had to do was say "yes, I really do enjoy being deployed and here in Iraq."   But after about at least a 5 minute answer (that did not seem to have an ending coming soon) I had to stop him and say 'I really do appreciate the reply but I do need to get back to my routine'.  Maybe he just felt the need to defend his answer but after being in Iraq for over 6 years now I somewhat have to agree with him.  It's not that bad and it can be very productive if your manage your time well.  I'm glad (no, make that damn glad) that I'm not in the Army or Navy but I do kinda/sorta like being deployed.  I'm ex-Navy, deployed and living the Army life here in Iraq and damn glad to be here.
R/Chris

051511 No more lattes? War is hell!

051511 No more lattes? War is hell!

JBB is scheduled to close at the end of this year.  At least that is the plan.  A lot of people recall the military mission into Bosnia during President Clinton's term.  Well, Camp Bondsteel is still there in Bosnia as are contractors. 

I'm just saying...the best laid plans of mice and men...

Anyway, as a continuing part of the drawdown to base closure is the closing of the fast food joints here.  Gone is Subway and Burger King that made up part of after DFAC-hours evening meal.  The last one scheduled to go is the Green Beans coffee trailers.  While they may not seem much they really are pretty damn good.  And I sure do enjoy a double venti vanilla chai espresso latte with sprinkles!  It's like liquid candy! Anyway, the article is in the link below.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110514/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq_gis_lose_their_joe

 

R/Chris

051111 Supporting the Warfighter!

051111 Supporting the Warfighter!

As a contractor, my job is to 'support the warfighter.'  In other words, contractors do jobs that either the military doesn't want to do (cooking/cleaning) or can't do as efficiently (IT and other specialty type jobs.)  The Army here puts out a publication that highlights some of the jobs that contractors have and how they support the warfighter.  It's an interesting publication and a tad propaganda but here are some of the more interesting pages.

R/Chris