Seven Days and a Wake Up

Just got back from picking up one of our replacements at the Air Base - my buddy and I have a week left here, and will be flying out on the Rotator - an Air Force flight, that will be sure to be long and uncomfortable, but full of brightness, because it is bringing us home! We are so ready to head back - we are just running on fumes right now, trying to make a strong finish, and then leave this place with our heads held high (and tired as all get-go!).

Morale

When I first arrived at my unit, we were told by one of our officers that our job could be done by monkeys (probably untrained ones at that). As you can imagine, that just sent our morale soaring. We had this patch made up to show what we thought of that assessment. We began to refer to that particular officer as The Man In The Yellow Hat (with ourselves cast as Curious George). We don't display this patch, but we all carry it as a reminder of what that officer said - and as a proud statement that we and our simian brothers are doing all this "easy" work over here.

Patches

On my ACU (Army Combat Uniform) I wear the First Navy Jack patch, authorized for Navy personnel who serve in the CENTCOM AOR (Area Of Responsibility) and who wear the ACU. My unit patch SSI (Shoulder Sleeve Insignia) is worn on the left sleeve to designate that I currently serve with the unit. I have served with this unit in a war zone, and have served the pre-requisite time, so, I am authorized to wear the SSI on the right sleeve, also, to signify such service. This is an unusual honor for naval personnel - this is because many of us have found ourselves embedded with Army units, and the regulations reflect the Army's way of doing things. When I return to the Navy, I won't wear the ACU or these patches, but right now they are a proud reminder of my service here. Oh, the Foo Fighter tab is just a morale patch; my section loves to listen to the Foo Fighters, and we had this tab made (it is roughly the size, shape and color of the Special Forces tab that many of our Army SF guys around here wear). Of course, we never wear it on duty!

27 Days and a Wake Up

Holy Dust-Storm, Batman! I woke up this morning and realized that my good friend (the other Ushiku) and I have slipped underneath the thirty-day mark - we are on that short terminal glide path to the end to this carnival. And it can't come a moment too soon; we have been working non-stop for months now (without a break). We have been fighting the good fight - tedious but important stuff - but it is finally time to start handing off the baton to the next group, and head home! I still am not able to believe that in less than four weeks we will be heading back - and that is a good thing, because we have to keep our head in the game and give 100% until the very last second because there are folks who rely on what we do (whatever it is that we do...). It has been a honor to work with a lot of the folks that I have met here - and it has given me hope that what we are doing in the CENTCOM AOR will still work out - it is a messy, dirty business, but take heart that a lot of talented, hardworking people are giving their all everyday. I know it sounds sappy and a lot like cheerleading, but that is what I have observed. Believe me, there is a lot that can be improved upon, and we have a long way to go, and we can still blow this thing if we don't decide to stick it out - but don't get discouraged by what you read or hear in the media - that is not the full story - and regardless of whether you agree with us being here or not, please know that there are a heck of a lot more reasons for us to be here than not. I don't usually get up on the saopbox here - please forgive me - but after seeing so much, I just wanted to express it.
For all of you - friends and family - you have been the best, and I appreciate all of your support! I look forward to coming home, and eventually to see you all.
One more thing - when I return home I will be commissioned as an Ensign (oooo, scary!) - and I would like to invite you all to come out and see this happen - it will be no big deal (just taking an oath), but it has been a long road to get here, and I would like the chance to share it with you all (there will be yummy eats and some nice libations, too!). Hope to hear from you all and to see you all soon!

Ramen-esque

Many thanks to Tall Asian Dude and SWFBJAA for sending a massive care package loaded to the gills with Ramen, Furikake and other treats from the Far East! And to boot, they included a plastic ramen bowl, hashi and a spoon (the joy!)!! Good Friends, I enjoyed my first bowl of ramen goodness last night, and it was heaven in noodle form. Some other friends have enquired as to whether the ramen arrived in one piece or not - well, let's just say that I am calling this batch "short noodle ramen" - but no worries! Busted-up ramen is better than no ramen by a long shot! Cheers!