Is there anything in particular he wants/needs?

He left me a list before he left... things like books, games, etc. He likes R.A. Salvatore books and Raymond E. Feist, lotsa fantasy fiction type things.

As far as things he needs, I've got that pretty much covered. Mostly, just things to pass the time, you know? Things to remind him of home and pass the time. The phone card thing looks to be a bit of a mess, so I'm not even bothering with that right now.

All I know is that they can't get enough mail. It's never enough, ever. So, even just a letter or something would be awesome. Tell him how great I am and how lovely you think I am and how I make everyone laugh and then I spill wine all over the desk and...

Wait, don't tell him that. Ok. You get the idea :)

Update!! Mike got to call me today so I'm on kind of a little buzzy-type high.. if I get weird just, deal with it. :D

He wants to let you guys know a few things. Don't send phone cards. That was some misinformation (from the time in Kuwait). They have web-based phones or something and he just puts money in an account, then it's about 4 cents a minute until the money is spent. He says he thinks there's a way for others to put money in the account but he's not sure about that just yet. He is getting internet installed in his room so we can talk on Skype and email and stuff. SWEET! He might even be able to play WoW, I really don't know. But it should be connected soon. I can't wait. Hooray 21st Century Technological Advances!!

They are incredibly busy, which is a good thing. They work from 9-5, but they get tasked out to do other jobs after that, so they are basically busy all day. He likes the people he's having to live with and all is as well as can be expected. He's a little bored with the food there, so if you guys want to send him goodies, I'm sure they will be appreciated. He says 'I don't need any special stuff' but I say PISH! POSH! That's crazy talk.

He specifically wanted me to make sure that I THANK EVERYONE who thinks about him, wishes him well, asks about him, sends him packages, all of that great stuff. He greatly appreciates the care and trouble. And, from over where I sit, it really helps to know that so many people care and are looking out for us. AND I know how important it is for him to have reminders of home.

Thanks again, everyone.

It's been a while, but here's the latest from Iraq:

There have been three paratrooper casualties from the Infantry part of Mike's battallion, and a few wounded. IED's (improvised explosive devices) are kicking everyone's ass. A few guys from Mike's unit had their vehicle hit by an IED. Luckily, they weren't injured, just shaken up a bit. It's scary, and I'm all quivery inside about the whole thing because he didn't get to email me today.

And I just spent the better part of two hours making a shitload of cookies for the guy. I miss him.:(

Other than that, which is pretty huge, he says it's the same thing every day most of the time.

*Hugs* I'm sorry, Sher. :( I sent him a ridiculous postcard to keep his spirits up...

I'm starting to gathering some stuff for him that I think he would like. Toys and stuff really.

Probably won't get it all together until after the holidays though.

Dunno why I never saw this thread before. Looking at Nomad's info, his unit appears to be nearly identical to mine.

WARNING: BORING ARMY BABBLE AHEAD. Read on only if you care...

In 2004, when we started "Army Transformation"TM, several Brigades were identified to be transformed into "Airborne Brigade Combat Teams" (ABCT). 4th Bde, 25th Infantry was one, as was mine, the 173rd ABCT, among many others. 173rd actually aleady existed as an ABCT in Italy, but was much smaller. Certain Germany based units of the 1st Infantry Division were shed from that unit as it moved back to the U.S. and were integrated into 173rd ABCT. 4/25 was already a light unit, where we had to convert mechanized units into light, airborne units. This is why we are approximately a year behind 4/25 in transformation.

Both my Brigade and Nomads therefore, are ABCTs, consisting of 2x Parachute Infantry Battalions (the main combat force), a Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (scouts and more firepower, though in Iraq we will essentially operate as Infantry- this is what I do.), a Field Artillery Battalion (probably also filling in as Infantry since its not cool to just blow the ever-living-shit out of Iraqi cities anymore), and a Support Battalion (The "Special Troops Battalion" consisting of Engineers, Intelligence, Military Police, Communications, Logistics, etc., of which, I believe, Nomad is a part as a communications dude). Total Brigade strength is about 3,500 paratroopers, all on active jump status. Both Brigades are "light" meaning they roll in HMMWVs, usually armored (but not always) and have no heavy armor (tanks or bradleys) organic to the unit.

I didn't make the connection earlier, but because of the similarity of our two units, and the fact that 4/25 is about 12 months ahead of 173rd, we had an opportunity to observe their MRX (Mission Readiness Exercise) in Ft. Polk as a way to get a look at what they were doing and what we should do. Of course, we mostly paid attention to the Cav guys (1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry), but the Brigade as whole was pretty impressive, having come down from Alaska to train in the swamps of Louisiana in preparation to fight in the desert of Iraq, you had to admire the versatility and resilience of the soldiers. It was hard training and we were left with the feeling that they would do their jobs well in their upcoming deployment and that we should take away a lot of lessons from them as to 'what right looks like'. We've been training those lessons ever since, preparing for our turn in the sand box coming up this year. In fact, it is very likely that we will be relieveing 4/25 in sector when we go.

So yeah. I forget sometimes how to talk about Army stuff to people who aren't in the Army, so I hope that wasn't too much, and that if you were interested you could get something out of it. I just wanted to let you know a little more about where I'm coming from, and that I understand pretty well what Nomad is doing over there. He's in good hands with that unit. Now hopefully they'll get his internet working so he can tell us himself!!

Thanks so much for that, Brendar! We had only just moved here when Mike was deployed. They were in Fort Polk (which, ironically, is where I met Mike) when we arrived and Mike didn't get a chance to train with them. It's nice to see, in terms I can understand, the whole explanation of this strange unit he's been assigned to... I'm sure you remember my bumbling explanation of what unit he was in. :D

What Mike was hoping to accomplish by this 'news from the front' isn't just sympathy for him. People have an idea of what happens in the military, and what happens when they are 'deployed'. They get this idea from what they know, the media and entertainment. How else are you going to hear about it? Unless there's a major problem, most people go about their lives without ever thinking of soldiers and what their job actually is and how they do it DAILY. It's not your fault, it's not even a fault, it's just the way things are. Mike thought this was a great opportunity to let you in on a less... flamboyant version than what you get from the media, which is usually a death count or the soldier who flipped out. Though Mike isn't in a 'danger zone', the whole of Iraq is actually dangerous and yes, they are ALL on active jump status. They are all soldiers, even the cooks, and soldiers have many jobs to do. Right now, thankfully, his job is staying put on the FOB in a support position.

Unfortunately, being so close to the situation doesn't help me in explaining the things he writes to me. All I hear in his stories is how he's becoming institutionalized and how lonely he sounds. I apologize for that. Hopefully the internet guy will finally hook him up. Mike built a platform for the satellite and everything. Ack, I'm rambling, so sorry. I have to mail his cookie package off today and he feels further away than ever.

Hello everyone,

I am doing well here in Iraq. I have not had much time to get on the internet, and the only reason I am posting now is that I am on duty at the internet cafe now (don't ask). I am keeping busy and I am relatively safe. We have had our base rocketed a few times, but luckily the Iraqis are notoriously bad shots. We have had a few casualties, which is depressing during the holiday season, but is to be expected in a combat zone. I attended a memorial service for Alan Blohm the other day. He was in my battalion, though I had never met him. It is sad to think that his family will never get to speak to him again. The majority of the injuries in our area are from IEDs. Most IED attacks result in minimal or no injuries due to the armored vehicles. The gunner is the only person exposed, which is where PFC Blohm was when he was killed. Please remember, whatever your opinion of our presence here in Iraq, that Americans are sacrificing their lives every day to protect the lives of others.

I want to thank Rinader and Lux for taking the time to send me things from home. They are greatly appreciated. Please continue to support Sherica, the most beatiful and caring woman I've ever known. She does a lot to keep me positive and hopeful. My job may be hard, but hers is by far the harder task. Your support is invaluable. Take care of each other and have fun!

Nomad

Aw SHUCKS! I love you!!! STAY SAFE.

Don't make me come kick some Iraqi ass. I'm in just the mood to do it, too.

Glad to hear you're keepin' as safe as you can Nomad, and hope you can get back as soon as possible.

Had a little trouble getting these up... might have to split them into two posts.

posto numero two-o

Nice pictures!

I have to admit, my first thought was "Thank god he has an air conditioner in his room!"

That's so funny. My first thought was "thank god he has a comfortable chair!"

Thanks for the update, guys!

It's actually kind of cold there now, Jam, so that's a small relief. Unless you're Nomad and you hate the cold. :D

Notice the gaming books and dice on the shelf... h4rDk0r3.

It's actually kind of cold there now, Jam, so that's a small relief. Unless you're Nomad and you hate the cold. :D

Notice the gaming books and dice on the shelf... h4rDk0r3.


Nomad hates the cold and you moved to ALASKA? :)

It's not like we had a CHOICE, ya know. ;)