Posts Tagged 'personal'

I can’t say it more.. I HATE PACKING!!

Well, I am getting ready to head to the combat zone again. I figured I’ll try something new this time. I am keeping a private journal of my experiences this time through instead of putting everything on this site.

Well, I have been on block leave a little more than a week. I haven’t done a darned thing other than take a DA Photo either. All the Christmas shopping is done, the kids went to see the real Santa at the actual North Pole, and we have sent out all the requisite gift cards/photos/cards to the friends and relatives.

I had a thought the other day and it’s been kinda bugging me. I look at all the Vietnam vets and all the problems they have had. Most were draftees, and/or one tour soldiers. Most of the OIF/OEF soldiers are multiple tour soldiers, and multiple front veterans. This is something that hasn’t really been seen since WWII.

I have to wonder how anyone expected these soldiers to remain well adjusted individuals after so long in combat and the sudden life-changing adjustments that have to be made every 12-15 months. This is a big adjustment both coming and going, not just because of the experiences in combat, but the pure change in stance. Personally, I will have spent more time gone than not here very shortly and I know how hard it can be to adjust.

Anyway, it was just a thought I had and not a very complete discussion point on my part, but at least you know I am still out here now. At least for the moment.

Thought I would share a few pictures from my flight the other day. These were taken at about 6500 feet when we landed on a little plateau. The area had a herd of Dall Sheep on it, but they ran down the mountainside out of view before I could get any pictures.

Today I flew. And I do mean flew. Over six hours of continuous flight. We were doing specialized High Altitude training. The flight included learning how to fly and maneuver around high mountain peaks, glaciers, and in the high winds of big mountain ranges. I have to admit, placing one wheel down on a high craggy peak of a mountain that can’t be reached by conventional means is always fun, and the views are magnificent.

However, after that much flying in the cold (think sub freezing) and in the bouncy, noisy, crew seat of a helicopter, I am pretty wiped. However, I figured I would share some of the views I saw today. The things we see flying through the remote mountain peaks a glaciers are awesome, and you can’t help but think about how few people have ever set sights on such things or been to such places.

The other day, when we were traveling down the Parks Highway, you really couldn’t see Mt. McKinley very well. After all, it does create its own weather. However, on the way back, it was absolutely amazing! So in the spirit of sharing one of the great wonders, I am posting a panorama of the range with Denali/Mt. McKinley very prominent and covered in snow.

So, we finally got some much deserved leave and have arrived in the “big city” of Anchorage. It was a long and beautiful trip. It wasn’t as gorgeous and cool as the Richardson Highway a few weeks ago, but a nice drive nonetheless. We got some great pictures of Mt. McKinley, aka Denali, as well as the local flora and few other things. Unfortunately, still no moose or bear.

We got a great rate at the hotel, something the military is generally pretty good at. Just to put it in perspective, three days in a suite on post costs less than one night in a room out in Anchorage. So, the savings put a smile of the wife’s face as we were able to get her a brand spanking new iPhone4 as well as enjoying a dinner at Outback. That might not seem like much to those of you living in civilization, but when the best chain we have is Chili’s, Outback is something special.

So, now its off to enjoy a few days with the family before the push through summer training hits. I am posting a few pics below.