Wobble Wobble Cha Cha Cha

So comes the time for the CO visit... all the way from UAE to check on the Det and "Footloose" who by the way is back in her normal boot and pushing herself to the max.  Today as Vehicle NCO, after an all-night post, the Corporal is taking her vehicles to the shop to be washed and cleaned for the guest soon to arrive.

She is told her healing is four to five weeks ahead of schedule.  She says it is because of a pill she takes called Protandim and cream called True Science.  I just think she is impressive!

Get your groove on Marine...

The Wobble at the Marine Ball 2012 as a LCpl

"Footloose" gets "blood stripe"

Congrats to new NCO Sara for achieving E-4 on February 1, 2013.  She will now proudly wear the red stripe on her dress blues and add a stripe to all her uniforms.

Proud of our Sara as she continues her adventure "footloose" and fancy free.... right?  And nice deal on the gear you wore today, headset and all....especially the exec "limo" transportation and the personal armed guard en route to Camp Sather.....  I know right?

YAY!!!! Goodies from far away!!!

WOW!  Goodies from Turkey and Egypt via her neighborhood "convenient store".... YUMMM!
Even Taco Flavored Sunflower seeds.... all the packaging has 12 languages describing the contents... go figure... fortunately English is one of them... but you have to look for it, ha!  Sugar, chocolate, caramel, sugar, cookies, fruit, and sugar.... NICE!!!  Thank you for your taste of culture from this spot on the planet.  Way cool.

But best of all, are the FANTASTIC tee shirts and Polo shirts and medallions that came... What about this olive drab tee design... AWESOME

And check out the back side of this Eagle Globe and Anchor... solid Brass and 8.5cm x 8.5cm.  Christmas in January!!!

Toe Rates MedEvac Ride

Thanks love for the gruesome pics and the call from the surgery across town!  You must have done yourself real proud.  "Slash Alpha" won that round, right?  We are glad you are doing well and recovering.

What is it with you and your feet? Ha!

The story.  Marines grapple.  It's a fact of life.  Getting thrown over a shoulder and landing on a hard tile floor definitely tested the great toe's ability to stay attached to the foot.  But you damaged company property.  Not good!  Fortunately for you both there was no EtOH abuse or misuse.  Did you forget what your mom used to say?  (Repeat in high pitch voice) "That's enough of that!  It's all fun until someone gets their eye poked out!"... or in your case, gets their toe almost pulled off.

So now it is as repaired and back together as possible and sports a nice pin to keep things immobile for these 9 to 12 weeks.

We are thankful that you were able to somehow stay on post and that your immediate command spoke well and wrote creatively enough to manage that.  You will heal quickly in your big boot.  You have earned your new handle... "footloose."

Be strong, try to let it heal, and don't overdo it!  (wasting my words, I know).

It's looking SO much better!!!  Just showing the side damage here with the cute pin. Swelling is looking much better too.  Glad you had a Camp Sather close by and that they could put you back together.

"... if only in my dreams!"

I had to post this precious blessing sent to us by our Marine far from home!

It was read by younger brother to the group as we (24 of us that could be together) sat down to Christmas dinner.  Maybe later today we will somehow skype or facetime or something technological to actually see her smiling face.

This morning, she made our Christmas so special thanks to Amazon and the ability to purchase things from the internet.  HOLY COW!  I can't wait to put the video together from the day and send it to her.

Here is her Christmas blessing:

My Dearest Family,

I wish with all my heart that I could be together with y’all this special day. The temperature is mild and the dust is blowing but our hearts out here are cheerful and thankful for mail from home and the reminders of how much we are missed. I hope everything goes smoothly and I know the dinner was to die for! The Christmas lights sent to me ...are brightening up the mirror in the bathroom [and] around the window in my room next to [your] Christmas card. Y’all are amazing and I miss you. Oh! And my TV is wearing my pink camouflage Santa hat while it babbles Christmas movies ... with English subtitles.. It’s muted though.. I opted to listen to KennyG.. much more relaxing :] The Embassy staff has done quite a fantastic job with making the compound as Christmassy as possible. Christmas lights and giant light up snowflakes twinkle around the Chancery and the Ambassador’s quarters. We handed out toys to [local] orphans on the 22nd after completing our toys for tots drive, as well as sent warm clothes to refugees at [a neighboring country] border. Quite an experience, it seems not many people here have seen a female Marine before! I will most likely be getting ready for work while this is being read, but I want each and every one of you to know you are constantly in my prayers and I love y’all very much. I think what I will miss most is the singing. Such beautiful songs and voices! As well as hugs and smiles and telling Pop Pop how “S’GOOD” my meal was!! It makes my heart happy to know you will all be together this Christmas Day. I love my wonderfully, huge, loving family so very VERY much and I thank you all for the opportunity to share from my little home.... Have some egg nog for me!!! I miss that stuff :D

Love,

Your Marine

One more time HBD2U

Ok, Marine. Happy Birthday one more time on this your day.

We have sung to you constantly. We have talked about you all day.  Our eyes have leaked many times.  We heard the professionalism in your voice when you called.  We miss you.

I know you enjoyed the music and fire on the helipad.  That's cool.  Never would have guessed that would have happened.

We all love you.  Thank you for this adventure in all our lives and for how all of us are becoming better people ... on account of you.  xoxoxoxo 143 Sara.... 143!

Twenty One Candles

(my apologies to Chris Young for the personal adaptation)

Always will be momma's baby

She always will be daddy's girl

Right now she's drivin' them crazy

Little Red Riding hood... big bad world.

Why wait on twenty-one candles?

She ain't missin' not a minute of "fun"

She ain't worried about one day older

Pretty little "rebel"... on the run.

She ain't tryin' to be hard to handle.

A girls gonna do what she's got to do

She ain't waitin' on twenty-one candles

To fly away ... and test her youth!

Her folks wanna lead her on

but they don't know how.

She wants it all and she wants it right now...

Get it all before the sun goes down.

She ain't waitin', she ain't missin'

She ain't worryin', that girl needs kissin'

She ain't tryin' to be hard to handle.

A girl's gonna do what she's got to do

She'll soon have her 21 candles

Preserve her God ... her life, for You.

She ain't waitin' on twenty-one candles

She ain't missin' not a minute of "fun"

She ain't worried about one day older

Pretty little "rebel"... on the run.

Yeah, them 21 candles.

xo

143

525,600 minutes 21 times

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year?In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights ... In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in your life?

How about love?

Measure in love. 

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes!
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?

In truths that she learned,
Or in times that he cried?
In bridges she burned,
Or the way that he died?

Remember the love!

Seasons of love!
You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love, spread love 

Measure your life in love. .

I love you ... and miss you.  HBD princess.

My prayer.... your prayer... our prayer

Me: I pray that the Lord will listen when you are in trouble, and that the God of Abraham will keep you safe.  May the Lord send help and come to your rescue from His holy place. 

May He remember your gifts and be pleased with what you bring to Him.

May God do what you want most... and let all go well for you.

Then... you will win victories... large and small... and we will celebrate... while raising our flag and banners in the name of our God.

May the Lord answer all your prayers!

You: "I am certain, Lord, that you will help me, your chosen one.  You will answer my prayers from your holy place in heaven, and you will save me with your mighty arm." 

Us: Some people trust the power of military might or political influence, but we trust you, Lord God.  Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong and stand firm.

(adapted from Holy scripture)

Post One at Three Months In

"WHAT??? Did someone say SARA?  Where? .... Where is she?"  "Buddy.... get OFF the couch!!!"

"Awwww!....Well, I'll just wait here at my Post One and guard my AC vent!!!"

Heidi and Cody said "Wait... did someone say Sara... ?  Really?"
Heidi... wipe that cheesy smile off your face!!

Well, these first three months of the first post have been kind of different I know.   A lot has happened since that June 29 day.  I am sure that you enjoyed the weekends during the wait for your visa and perhaps the daily trips to the Pentagon and the Embassies in DC... probably the Starbucks trips most... right?  But you made it to your first post on this 36 month gig.

Seems to me to be a solitary kind of assignment.  At least that is what I get from the DOS FSO's on sight.  They have been known to blog that 12 months there could possibly do one of four things to the individual:

1. Turn you into a chunk (eating too much)
2. Turn you into a hunk (spending all your free time in the gym)
3. Turn you into a drunk (partying all the time with the same people you work with)
4. Put you in a funk (spending all time alone, reading, writing or on the computer studying online).

So it seems balance is the key.  Moderation and balance, right?

Congrats on testing out on your GREEN Belt with MCMAP.  I know it was tough when it was your turn to be the dummy.  I hated that you were in such pain.

I sent off a box of Arthromend and Immuforte (with some other goodies) today.  It was fun to send you a little care package.

Sara I am glad you are safe during these days of unrest.  Goodness, what a crazy world we live in.  I bet you and the others there (colleagues) would be happy to go to any Embassy and let people know that the diplomatic missions are NOT to be toyed with.  People have a right to their opinions, but when destruction and death result, action seems to be the only understandable response.  Apologies and gestures fall pitifully short.

So, I get weekendly updates from our neighbor across the street.  He tells me everything he has learned and is doing, the gear he is using, the details behind all the equipment, weaponry, procedures, etc.  I am amazed at his ability to retain information that he is so interested in.  I told him I thought he would be a good teacher.  He has changed significantly since he left here on May 8 as you may imagine.  I think the change has been more dramatic since he began SOI.  He will be finishing that up in the next couple of weeks and then it's off to who knows where.  We pray for his safety too.


Comrades pushing through SOI in the mountains of California.  I get updates each weekend.  Not very pretty training... digging in... and all related ... nasty tough job.  PFC Sams is RFI with his gear.

Find your strength in the Word of God.  Take care of my Bible please.  God will speak to you if you listen.


Compound Amenities





Chow hall entrance.... nice waterfall!

   Never know who you will see in the chow hall -- from foreign dignitaries to high level politicians from the U.S.

Home Sweet New Home

Interim Stop prior to Helo trip on the Airport



Overnight Qtrs @ Camp Sully



On the way... the next chapter

Enjoyed tracking the flight live with AirNav position reports.
Here is the flight descending over the Tigris/Euphrates delta.

MSG Battallion adds 89

Of the 132 that started, 89 were able to complete.  Congrats on being 3rd in your class!!!

Best time ever at Panera Bread at Stafford Marketplace with these three.

Tim's Rivershore Restaurant and CrabHouse on the Potomac

Way cool to pick up and drop off bikes at different locations using iPhone app.  Made touring the mall, the monuments, the capital building, the Smithsonian and Arlington National Cemetery a snap!  Very fun.

Gaylord National Harbor Resort for dinner at the Old Hickory Steakhouse.... very very upscale and fun... "ahem.... would the gentleman and the young lady like some after dinner reading material?" Interpretation into Texan- "Hey, did y'all leave any room for desert?"  We did and it was grand as was the fireworks over the Potomac for an early July 4th celebration.

My lovely date -- sweet time saying so long for perhaps 36 months.  We all hope not.
Made plans, just in case, to meet back in DC for another meal.
I gave Sara my study Bible to take care of.  I could think of nothing more precious to me to loan to her.  I look forward to  her giving it back to me, in person.
The Hotel and Restaurant honored her for her service by giving her the meal.  Nice!  Biggest tip I ever gave.  Phenomenal service.

Congratulations

Good job with all your qual tests. Congrats on getting past the board. I know you are pumped. Gas chamber and OC behind you I hope. Rest, recover. You have endured so much.

"OC Distressed"

Friday - Oleoresin Capsicum Qual to Carry training

Five minutes of hell -- a waterhose in the eyes -- and an hour of stinging pain.

Self discipline, self control, extreme discomfort.

Seven Weeks of Intensity

TRAINING:
◦ Security
◦ Antiterrorism
◦ Protection of classified materials
◦ Defensive tactics
◦ Chemical munitions
◦ Handcuffing
◦ First Aid
◦ Emergency response
◦ Expandable baton
◦ M9 Beretta service pistol
◦ Remington M870   12-guage shotgun
◦ M4 rifle
◦ Social etiquette
◦ Administrative procedures


     The close relationship between the Department of State and the United States Marine Corps is almost as old as the Corps itself.  For over 200 years Marines have served “In every clime and place” at the request of various Secretaries of State.
     Detachments are involved in every facet of life within the American community they serve.  Whether hosting social events, sponsoring local community activities, or just generally adding to the rich experience of living overseas, our Marine Security Guards are indeed "Ambassadors in Blue."  Recent events, however, have clearly highlighted the true benefit and mission of the detachments.
      The unexpected attack of the consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (December 2004), as well as the unplanned and unexpected evacuation of the embassies in Freetown, Sierra Leone (May 1997), Brazzaville, Congo (June 1997), N’Djamena, Chad (2008), and Conakry, Guinea (2009) were greatly facilitated by the actions of the Marine detachments.   Whether organizing convoys to the airport, destroying classified equipment, or providing protection to embassy personnel, the MSGs of these detachments were uniformly praised for their actions.  Most recently, Marine Security Guards maintained embassy security and assisted with the crisis management during the immediate aftermath of earthquakes in Port au Prince, Haiti and Santiago, Chile.
     Qualified volunteers for this special duty continue to be recommended by their Commanding Officers and ordered to Marine Security Guard School for seven weeks of extensive training, screening, and processing.  Today, over 1,100 Marine Security Guards serve at 149 posts in 135 different countries throughout the world.  The distinguished reputation enjoyed  by all Marine Security Guards has been earned by their outstanding performance of duty while accomplishing an important mission for the United States of America.  The constant reference of many American Ambassadors to "My Marines" is a source of great pride to the Corps.

Professionalism

Military knowledge and competence are not enough; Professionalism means demonstrating courage, subordination of self to the greater whole, and most importantly, moral integrity. I will:

• Be technically and tactically proficient in my duties through continuous training and education.
• Be reliable in my duties, dependable in my actions, and exercise initiative whenever possible. 
• Deal with all individuals with tact, bearing, and fairness in all matters. 
• Maintain standards in personal appearance and physical fitness. 
• Constantly seek to improve myself both personally and professionally. 

Discipline

Discipline is not merely compliance with a set of rules and regulations drawn up for the purpose of preserving order in an organization.  It may be defined as the habit of instantaneous and instinctive obedience under any and all circumstances. I will:

• Have the moral courage to do what is right, regardless if someone is watching. 
• Be an Ambassador in Blue and a diplomat at all times, projecting a positive image of the United States and the Marine Corps both on and off duty. 
• Be ready to respond to emergency situations and fulfill my duties 24 hours a day,  seven days a week.
• Adhere to the Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.