Sweatin it out in Iraq

I just recently completed my first visit to a camp in my mission as part of a Chemical Assessment Team, and it was a success! I can't mention where do to OPSEC reasons. I look forward to our next assignment, and the chance at utilizing my knowledge again in the specialty I chose. I have some pictures of one of the town's we passed through enroute to our location and will try and get those posted soon for everyone. Things are starting to heat up here, the other day we had a mild dust storm (imagine a light fog, except the haze being dust in the air instead of clouds) it kinda sucks when we have them because everything gets coated with a layer of dust quicker than normal, and you have to wrap a cloth around your nose and mouth to keep all the dust out. Now that the heat is starting to set in underamour t-shirts are gold because they allow the sweat to evaporate and cool you off vs. soaking up your shirt and being miserable! If anyone wants to send one you can get them at www.rangerjoes.com (I wear size large, tight fit, color desert tan). Thanks for all the comments on my pictures everyone, I love the comments as much as I love taking the picture!

Vactioning in Iraq

Lots of cool pictures for everyone from my vacation here in Iraq (gotta put a positive spin on things!). I've been sightseeing, shopping, and interacted with the locals (some don't seem to care for us American's...?). Oh geeez guy's I'm just joking around, seriously though there is a lot of beautiful structures here and I have been lucky enough to have access to one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces. The throne I am sitting on was his "greeting throne" and it is pretty wide as you can see why I do not know. There are a lot of things around here, but unfortunately you can't take pictures, but whenever I get the chance I will take pictures of what I can. I hope these will do for now, sorry it's taken so long to get you guy's some cool pictures...enjoy!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Mosque

  

Pluggin away...

Hello All, I hope everyone had an awesome time for super bowl Sunday (I made 50 bucks betting on the steelers!) I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to see the commercials - the Armed Forces Network has it's own commercials :( Anyway things are going good here, pretty much the same stuff day in and day out. I have had a chance to get out and see some Mosques but we can't hook our own personal computers up to the internet so I can't post any pictures yet. They are supposed to be working something out with a company for service we can pay for, but who knows when that will be up and running. Thanks for all your letters and packages everyone, they make the day's go by a little quicker!

BAGHDAD

Well everyone I made it to the big city. The ride was a little bumpy on the C-130 but it landed in one piece so all is good. Things now are going to be a little different now, the mission our company is doing is TOP SECRET so unfourtunately I cannot tell you about ANYTHING that I or my company is doing. Please don't inquire about anything other than my well-being because we are under very strict Operational security (OPSEC) and I could potentialy get into a lot of trouble by just answering simple questions about anything other than that. I will be out and about and will have the opportunity to take pictures of the sights around, so I will post pictures of those things and talk about what I get to see. I appreciate all of the letters and gifts from everybody, the movies have been great ( 1 or 2 CD's would be nice to listen to though see -a few things for a solider-). I will do my best to keep my site interesting even though my selection of material is limited. Thanks everyone, I love you all!

Spc. Johnson

 

Sgt. Field

 

In the FOG of WAR

Soldiers die.
We had to send two of our soldiers home to their families due to an accident yesterday. These brave men died serving their country for a cause. Some may not agree with why we are here, some may even think the 2000 plus service members who have contributed the ultimate sacrafice died in vain. To die in vain is to have died without a purpose, that purpose is solidified every single day Iraqi citizens can live in a country where they have a voice, every day a new Iraqi soldier is trained, everyday an Iraqi was granted a fair trial instead of being murdered. The morning held a thick fog with visibility around 20 feet, and sadly an Iraqi who also was lost was driving on the wrong side of the road. The surviving soldier was driving and she feels she is to blame, as her battle buddies we are here for her and helping her through this time when we are all affected by the loss. I ask you the person who's safety we are all over here for to take a moment of silence for our companies and the families loss, and send your strength to the soldier who needs it the most right now.

"With death concentrate on the memories of what was had, not on what was lost. "
"Remember yesterday, live today, think about tommorow."

-REST IN PEACE MY BROTHERS-

Christmas In Iraq

I'm dreaming of a sandy Christmas...oh wait I'm not dreaming, oh well. Hey everyone, I thought I would start out with some humor to help with the dreary day today here. It is the rainy season here, and everything is just sloppy. It doesn't just have one good rain here, it is a whole week event, or so it has been about a week now. The rain is just a constant drizzel, just enough to get you wet, but not anything really to get excited about. The elections went off well, no attacks in our area, but wouldn't you know it just two days before Christmas those guy's had to hit us with some Rockets. Don't worry nobody got hurt, so it's just one of those things you have to deal with and move on. Like everything in the Army more change is comming, we are going to be moving. I can't say when or where on here for security reasons, so I am just asking everybody to get their packages or letters sent no later than the first week of Jan. when I have my new address I will send out an e-mail to everyone. Thank you all for the packages and letters, everyone has been very generous. One side note for those who want to contribute towards the ipod, Rachael is in charge of that and has ask'd that a Best Buy gift card be sent to either our address or my mothers (everybody should have one or the other) and just address the envelope in my name. Thanks alot everyone, Merry Chirstmas!

A few things for a Soldier

Hey everybody, thanks for all of the e-mails and comments you all have responded with it’s really nice to hear from everybody. I know I said I would post some things that I need, and some things that make life here a little more enjoyable, alleviate some of the stress and help the time go by faster. Here are some of the basics that I could use. Lab series for men (skin resurfacing scrub and skin revitalizer), Mach 3 Turbo blades, Speed stick (Ocean surf), and Charmin Ultra with aloe and Vit. E (not more than 4 rolls please, I don’t have a lot of room).

Aside from the basics here are some things that will help when it starts to get really really hot. Normal t-shirts get soaked with sweat so I have found that Under Armor close fit shirts (www.rangerjoes.com ) perform phenomenal with wicking away the sweat, I wear a size large and desert tan (not brown) is the color authorized. Additionally for undergarments as well I use Under Armor boxer briefs to keep dry in all places, size Med. color brown. The shirts are around $25.00 and the briefs a little less, a total of 5 apiece should last me awhile.

Some edible items that would be nice are, Gatorade mix – makes 1 quart (riptide rush and fruit punch are my favorite but all flavors are welcome) Jolly ranchers, Pringles (sour cream & onion, and original), and cherry twizzlers. Please don’t send to much of anyone thing as I mentioned before space is limited.

With all that there leaves just the fun stuff, CD’s, DVD’s, etc. I know a lot of you are sending DVD’s so I’ll give you all some titles to give you a better idea. The Star Wars series, Donnie Darko, Smallville (all seasons), The Siege, I robot, Empire, War of the Worlds. Some CD’s are, 50 cent (get rich or die trying), lil john/lil scrappy (King of Crunk & BME Recordings Present: Trillville), Tech9ne (absolute power), BlackeyedPeas (elephunk).

The two very last things that I am going to put down are two big item’s that I don’t necessarily need but would be very nice to have here would be an a black 60GB video Ipod ($399 www.apple.com, or Best Buy). I would love this because I have music on my laptop but no way to listen to it when I am on a convoy, or have a little down time before I have to be somewhere or do something. My music is an awesome motivator and stress reliever. The next thing that would be helpful is an external hard drive (200 GB or larger – Best Buy or computer store), with my digital camera I am going to be taking a lot of pictures and my laptop’s hard drive is almost full.

I know this seems like a lot of stuff to ask for, whatever you want to contribute will be appreciated greatly, as far as the two large items if everybody pitched in a little the Ipod would make an awesome 24^th Birthday/Christmas present and be very cherished over here. Thanks so much for all of your support, it’s good to know I have so many people that are wishing me well, I love you all.

1 Week till elections...

Things are getting a little tense around here, the election is one week away and the whole camp is preparing for it. The other day I went outside the wire to escort the Iraqi Police recruits to a site where they received training on weapons. We also were there to keep watch over the recruits in case any of them decided to do something stupid. These locals are getting a crash course on how to become police, most of them have been farmers or merchants and what not and now they are being taught how to shoot automatic weapons. To add to their list of knowledge to gain is Iraqi law, which I am sure has changed from the old regime. Training these locals all these things in a short amount of time is a priority for Iraq's stability, but the time allotted unfourtunately is not nearly enough. I am learning alot just by observing the things going on around me, it is surreal at times, and I have to step back into the world that I am used to sometimes. I find the easiest way to do this is when I read letters from home, and my magazines that I get sent to me. There is nothing out here and it can very easily get to a person if they are not concious about it and lose focus on the mission. I dont get much time to update my blog because things around here are very busy with this election comming up, so I anticipate that I will be able to list a few things that I need, but for now I am having to concentrate on a ton other stuff. I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday's, I forget that chirstmas is coming sometimes, that doesnt matter to me though. I just care that I am doing what I can do to ensure that my family and friends can have a safe holiday. Take care everyone, drink a few cups of eggnog for me, watch out for reindeer (especially on the way home from grandma's house).
P.S. DVD's are a very welcome relaxer when I get down time before I rack out (most anything except chick flicks and sappy movies - think guy!
Later everyone, I love you all!

Keeping watch out for suspicious activity/individuals as we roll up and secure the area for the Iraqi Police recruits. 

 

Iraqi Police recruits training with AK-47's 

Iraqi Police recruits in formation. (though under watch by US Soldiers) 

Standing by waiting to fire off the AK-47. 

Firing off the AK-47, a fully automatic machine gun with a 7.62 round - HOOOAH! 

Guarding the AK-47's 

One of my fellow soldiers and my driver on the convoy out, keeping a watchful eye on the Iraqi Police recruits. 

Iraqi Police recruit checking out his target. 

Iraqi Police recruits training with AK-47's 

Iraqi Police Major checking recruits in formation. 

IRAQ

The big sandbox, or Iraq as most non-mil. know it...yes I am now here. It's taken awhile considering the US has been here over 3 years and now there's talks of drawing down the number of troops, but that doesn't matter because I finally made it. I am going to be stationed at Camp Bucca; named after Ronaled Bucca, a firefighter who died in the WTC attacks, and was an Army Reserve Military Police. I have great aspirations of acomplishing both personal and professional goals durring my year here, as well I am intrigued to know just what exactly I will be doing since my specialty isn't a very needed skill at this moment. Being the jack of all trades that I have been, I will try my best to get out and experience a little bit of everything, satifying my ever hungry curiosity of life, and making me more rounded as a soldier. I apoligize for the lack of pictures, my camera's LCD screen got cracked in training at fort dix, and the repair cost was a little higher than I expected ($280.00) so it might be a while before I publish any original works, but I will try to aquire some pic's from friends so that I can share what I am seeing with you all.

Kuwait

Well, its official now I'm in the sandbox. The flight wasnt bad, only took us around 14 hours and pretty comfy on the plane too. Right now I am in Kuwait just making some final preprations and some training before I head out. It was Turkey day today, and well I will give the Army credit for trying. No, really it wasnt bad, turkey was kinda dry but the ham was good, but what can I say Thanksgiving without spiked eggnog, beer, and football just doesnt seem right. I have other things to think about than that fun stuff right now, so it really doesnt bother me, its the thought that counts. I dont plan on doing too much for the big day, I guess I am really starting to get old when you really dont get excited about moving on to the next age. Who knows maybe it's the location, or the age, or just a little bit of both I guess I'll find out next year...that is if I'm back by then. I hope everyone has a great day!
Love ya all

I have left the US everyone, training at fort dix was interesting it had its good points and bad, but now its time for the big show. I am sitting in Ireland right now, one of our few stops to refuel on the way to the sandbox. As soon as I have an address I will get that out to everyone, and if I need anything I'll let everyone know. Thanks for all of you guy's support, and lets see how this journey plays out.

Getting Close to leaving

Hey everybody, its been awhile since I have last posted anything because I have been out at the forward operating base (FOB). For all you non-miltary people, ha which I guess is all of ya that means I have been out training in an area with tents, a perimeter, and lots of sand! Basically it is a place that is simulating the conditions in Iraq, which is not that great. I get to shower usually once a week, twice if I am lucky. I also live in a tent that is about 20 by 30 feet with others soldiers from the Headquarters platoon. Here are some pictures of what we are doing, its challenging but fun. I cant really discuss much else right now, for a few reasons most prevelant is this is a public blog which means anybody including the individuals who wish harm upon U.S. Soldiers can see it, and also I don't know exactly where we are going because though there are speculations anything can change in the Army. To address the first issue I am going to make this a private blog, so you will have to use your email address to access it. For those who I am in contact with via email dont worry about providing me one but those who wish to keep seeing this when I hit country should go through the people they know and get and email address to me. Once this happens I will be able to go into more detail and post pictures of stuff that the general public should not see, so enjoy and write comments so I know what you all think.

some of the buildings 

going over the plan to take the city