DULLES Air & Space Museum

30JAN07 Tuesday. Stayed up late last night to watch a movie on HBO. Movie started at 10:00PM. Needless to say, I did not want to get out of bed this morning. Did, learn a valuable lesson. Never again will I stay up late if I can help it. Especially for a movie…..Made a today’s trip. Found out later, the seal on the baggie wasn’t fully sealed. Thus, a soggie sandwich. Went to the National Air & Space Museum at Dulles Airport. The official name is Udvay-Hazy Center. And, I found out later, contains 90% of all the Aircraft for the museum. What a great way to waste time. Took a lot of pictures. Updated them on the Photobucket. Link is here: http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p243/sandsailor777/ Did learn that the Navy Yard has a lot of museums on the base. Have already made my lunch and intend to stop by tomorrow. Getting ready to pick-up a pizza. This should last me for a few days. Nothing has changed to date. Still slated to leave Monday, 5FEB07. Will leave from Baltimore Washington International, then to Ramstein Germany, Incirlick Turkey, then Bishkek, Kyrgyztan. From Bishkek, will make final arrangements. Doug

Quantico/Manassas

29JAN07 Monday. Got up bright and early. Wanted to get to the Exchange at Quantico Marine Base. After the Exchange run, passed a sign for Manassas. Decided to see if I could find our old townhouse in Manassas. Was pretty successful, although Manassas has really changed a lot. Moreover, was able to find the Rescue Squad I was associated. Did find some time to get some sandwich makings. Planning to get to the “Outside” portion of the Air & Space Museum (by the Dulles Airport). Will update accordingly. Laundry should be dry right about now. Gotta Run. Doug

Additional pictures can be found at the following link: http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p243/sandsailor777/

TAXI 2

28JAN07 Sunday. Again, have a couple of folks need to get to the airport. Did some breakfast and got underway at 11:30AM. Dropped two folks at Regan International Airport at 1:00PM. And, fought the traffic back to College Park, Maryland for another couple of hours. Oh, by the way, it’s still about 20degrees and snowing. Loving the Taxi role. Will try to get to the Marine Corp Exchange at Quantico tomorrow. Will update accordingly. Doug

TAXI

27JAN07 Saturday. Today was certainly unique. My colleagues needed to get to the Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport today. However, the times for departure and schedule changes varied. Thus, from 10:30AM til 10:00PM was a hurry-up and wait. So, to blow time, we went to the IKEA (a furniture store) and wandered around. That wasted a good hour. Later, it was death by TV “Action-Theater” Marathon. Initially, my “Shipmates” were to get together and depart for BWI between 1-3:00PM. At 5:00PM, arrived with their weapons and gear. And, still had not ate yet…..Moreover, their military flight departed at 11:00PM with a 9:00PM showtime. After successfully arriving at BWI, we got everybody (complete with weapons) dropped-off. Waited for another hour as the folks checked-in their weapons and gear. Luckily, I found some time to make calls home and chat a while. Finally, got back to the hotel at 10:30PM. Tomorrow, have several friend departing the hotel at 11:30AM. I see a similar pattern forming. Doug

DC Trip Two

26JAN07 Friday. My Air Force Classmates called today late last night [at 11:30PM] (they were out on the town). It was only then that they decided they wanted to see the sites of downtown. We met for breakfast at the local I-Hop and decided to see some Memorials and take some pictures. Let me remind my readers that the temps are now in the low 20’s here vice 65 degrees when we went sight seeing. Moreover, I know that a big anti-war demonstration is scheduled for tomorrow. Unfortunately, the Air Force folks will be leaving Saturday. After breakfast, we hit the Metro into DC. Off at the Navy Memorial and Navy Archives. And, after a couple of pics we scurried off to the Air and Space Museum. I can never get tired of that museum….And, in addition to the normal Airplanes and Spacecraft, the museum was hosting a special exhibit. It was entitled “National Treasures Collection”. Within it, they had Edison’s “Original” Light bulb, Abraham Lincolns’ Top Hat (when he was shot), and the Scarecrow and Ruby Red Slippers from The Wizard of OZ. After this museum, we got a quick bite to eat then hussled over to the Holocaust Museum. That, Museum was witnessed in a very somber tone. And, it took a couple of hours to complete. I was surprised at the number of School “Field Trips” we came across. Everything from High Schoolers to Elementary School. After the Museum, we hit the Metro again, and came back to the Hotel. Some of the Air Force folks wanted to get together later for some dinner. I had a “Chili” Salad. It was very good. Well, for the next few days, I’ll be a Chauffeur. Driving folks to the Armory, getting weapons and gear – then dropping them off at the Airport. Will check back when able. Doug

Doug Before I forget, Check out the following Link. I’ve got a few pictures here… http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p243/sandsailor777/

Life’s Like a Box of Chocolates

25JAN07 Thursday. Finally “Graduated” the Class on Document Exploitation. Went to Anacostia, Naval Air Station to get my original orders and travel intenary. Whereas, the travel representative told us to be prepared for the 30JAN07 Rotational Flight (“Rotator” for short), only to find out that my Flight Reservations are for the evening of 5FEB07…Another week in Snowbound Paradise. My Classmates and I will attempt to get together tomorrow and see if the Holocaust Museuem is Open (weather permitting). Cold is just about finalized. Temps are in the low 20-30’s. Flurries forcasted for Tonight and Tomorrow. Will update when able. Doug

Computer LAN 101

24JAN07 Wednesday. Today, we put together a lot of “Field Equipment” Computers, Scanners, etc. And, were able to get “fake” Captured Enemy Documents (CEDs) and exploit them. Kinda Neat. Especially, since my cold is almost over. Still got a little “Tickle”. Will take some pictures so this will make some sense. Moreover, the Instructor has told us that we will have Friday off. This will enable folks to pick up their weapons and gear from the Armory. At the moment, my Flight for Afghanistan leaves at 10:20PM 30JAN07 Tuesday Night. Will let you know if things change. Well, some classmates want to do dinner tonight. Will probably swing downtown for some Restaurant Food. Got to get it while it lasts. Doug Before I forget, Check out the following Link. I’ve got a few pictures here… http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p243/sandsailor777/

Death by Classroom Briefs….

23JAN07 Tuesday. Again, survived a death by Briefing at the DIA Operations Center. For the most part, the DIA OPS Center is not located near any convenient restaurants. Fortunately, my shipmate and I are packing our lunch-in. Saving a few bucks and able to actually relax a little over lunch. Still, class is long, involved, and….boring (er, I mean essential). Got out a little after 4:00PM, zipped home, changed into civilian attire (civvies). Off for a Soup and Salad. Currently watching Senifield. Still funny to this day. We have on vehicle for 3 people. Obviously, all are considerate to a fault. Still, me as a Florida Boy on Ice is not a good mix. Regarding the Orders “Issue”. Called several folks today. As it currently stands, unless otherwise directed, will depart for Afghanistan on 30JAN07. Will certainly update accordingly. Doug

DIA Training

22JAN07 Monday. Went to the DIA Operations Center for Training Today. Lots of Computer Equipment to Learn. The Training was quite lengthy. Thankfully, it was all in Power Point Format. Thus, death by Briefing. More importantly, the guys we are working with have up-to-date information for Iraq and Afghanistan. This information was readily gobbled-up. Got off work around 3:00PM and headed for the Hotel. With the Snow still on the ground, and a freeze warning in-place. We will have dinner in the Hotel and give the Rental Car to our annoying Shipmate. Still working the “Issue” regarding our Orders. Should be finalized around mid-week. Lastly, working on a link to provide an insight to the pictures I have. Will relay when finalized. Take care for Now. Cold is Breaking….Finally. Doug

Snow Day

21JAN07 Sunday. Quite Honestly, for one of the First Times, have guessed the weather correctly. When we left Jeff Higgs house, the Weather Channel warned of snow. We Obeyed accordingly. At approximately 2:00PM a light Snow fell. It continues as I Type. Still, I have several Shipmates arriving later today at Ronald Regan Airport. Regardless, ”my” Advise for them is to get the “Shuttle” or “Taxi” from the Airport to the Hotel. I will not try to learn how to drive in the snow. Again…….We are ordering Buffalo Wings and will watch the Chicago Bears Game. Will Update after checking-in with the folks with DIA. Still Nursing the Cold…..Doug

Jeff Higgs - Visit

19-20JAN07 Friday-Saturday. Worst of my Cold has come and gone. Yesterday, my voice was several octaves lower. Felt like Junk all day. Did manage to coordinate with an old EMT Friend of mine – Jeff Higgs. He and his wife “Mary” Live in Shannadoah – Over two hours away from DC. What a picturesque setting. The scenery made the ride there enjoyable. A Shipmate and I went over around noon. Arrived around 2:30PM. Jeff showed us around the “Farm”. About 4:00PM Mary arrived at the Farm. She had prepared a wonderful meal of Pot Roast. The homemade meal was a welcome change from the MRE’s and Chow Hall. After dinner, we chatted for several hours then watched the Movid “SWAT” We Crashed at 10:00PM. I got the Air Mattress. My shipmate got the nice, big bed. Around Dusk, the Deer were seen walking the Higg’s property. Got up and had a nice breakfast of SOS. Very nice. We left around 10:30AM. The weatherman is forecasting Snow/Rain Tomorrow evening. Therefore, we thought it best to get underway prior to the bad weather moving in. At the moment, doing laundry to get caught up.

Baltimore Bound

18JAN07 Thursday. Cold is in full swing. Feel absolutely like Crap. Did however, manage to get to the Baltimore Aquarium. What a nice place to visit. The Aquarium is near Oriole Field. Very Picturesque on the Harbor. Did exchange some emails and phone calls regarding my Orders. Will reserve the varied issues once this is resolved. Bottomline: I’m very fortunate to have good, solid friends in the DIA Unit I’m associated with. Tonight is very low-key. Will try to get to Jeff Higgs tomorrow. Jeff, was our neighbor when we lived in Manassas, VA. Further, he’s directly responsible for getting my involved with EMS. Will spend the night at his house. He’s located about 2:30Hrs away. In addition, will try to resolve the “issues” enroute. Will update accordingly. Take Care. Doug

God Bless the Navy

16JAN07 Tuesday. “Officially” Checked into Anacostia Navy Base. It’s adjacent to Bolling AFB. Just across the Potomac from the Ronald Regan (National) Airport. Moreover, we got an opportunity to see HMX-1 Helo Squadron. These are the guys who fly the President around. And, we found that the Class we are to be in starts “Next” Monday – the 21st of Jan. So, it seems I have a week off to see the sights of Washington, DC. Slept-in til 6:30AM. Got some Breakfast and sought out a Post Office….Why, gonna send home some Army Stuff I don’t need. Like 3 Desert Boots, a Mosquito Net, a 2 Quart Canteen (already have a camel back and some canteens), etc., etc. Did, break the code for the Metro (again). Got to DC and took some pictures. Found where our Class is to be held. Did, work some “issues” regarding my Orders. Too lengthy to discuss here.

17JAN07 Wednesday. Well, guess this Hotel living is catching up to me. I know have a Cold. And, the Temps are dropping to the mid 20’s. Moreover, with this “Tough” Navy Schedule will try to get down to the SPY Museum. Was Kinda neat. The Cold is kicking my Butt. Will call it an early evening. Tomorrow will try to get to the Aquarium. Still attempting to Square-Away the “issues” regarding my Orders

The DC Trip

11JAN07 Thursday. Another Long Day. Convoy Operations. I was tapped as the Convoy Commander. As such, I put together a plan of operation for our Platoon. Was kinda fun. Working the Radios, placing the Gun Trucks within the Convoy. Had several contingency plans in case things went south. What I learned above the “combat Skills” is that with all the gear on, it’s a tight fit in the humvee. Well, we went thru an ambush, IED, as well as worked with the “elder” at a town. All in all, was training that was invaluable.

12JAN07 Friday. Check out. Lots of folks leaving for Kuwait tonight at 5:00PM. Close to about 140 folks hitting the road for a stop-over in Nigeria…..Still got to pack my clean and pack my weapons. Lots of folks doing some last minute packing. My group of folks (about 40 in total) will get onboard a bus, then head for Fort Bragg, NC, then onto DC. Should be an 10-11 hour trip.

13-14JAN07 Saturday-Sunday. What a Long Day. Got up early, and hit the road. Watched some DVDs in route. Stopped at Bragg, dumped about 30 folks and their gear. About 10 folks remained onboard for the continued trip to DC. Watched the 40 Year Old Virgin and the Gladiator. The Bus Ride finished at Regan International Airport at 7:00PM. I got a Rental Van for the Gear then went to Bolling AFB to Check our weapons into the Armory. That was a little adventure all into itself. Finally got to the Hotel at 10:30PM. What a Big Bed…To Sleep in a Room without all the Snoring, a personal Shower, as well as a TV that works….Slept in til 7:30AM on Sunday. Did some running around in the morning. Got back at 1:00PM to watch the Bears Game. What a Game. Well, looks like we will have Monday off. Somebody messed up. Wasn’t me.

Tourista
15JAN07 Monday (MLK Holiday). Today is a Federal Holiday. Believe the folks working my orders overlooked the Holiday. Regardless, is was great to get into DC on the Navy’s dime. Got up lazily at 7:30AM (in my huge bed), read the paper, and worked out at the Gym in the Hotel. My shipmates and I got breakfast, and went to the Law Enforcement Memorial, the Navy Memorial, as well as the Natural History Museum. Full, lazy day. Tomorrow (Tuesday) must go to Anacostia Navy Base and “Check In”. Will update accordingly.