AHHHHH….SPRING

27FEB07. Tuesday. Another beautiful, overcast day. Spring is definitely here. How do I know? A Suicide Bomber has done his deed at the gate, kicking-off the Spring Offensive. I had just started to workout and finished a warm-up, when someone stopped me and said we were under attack, go get your Kevlar on. After hitting the Hooch, I woke my bunkmates and gave them the good news. Lots of running around. After several hours, the word was finally passed to resume our normal activities. The initial news here is Army guy, Korean Soldier, and Contractor killed with several civilians hurt/injured. Gonna be a long deployment. Doug

SOMETIMES THE TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION

6FEB07. Monday. Wet, Overcast, with a mixture of Snow and Rain. Man, we are definitely adjusting to a steady rhythm. Whether it’s eating, sleeping, or working-out, we are adjusting. Sadly, I must consult my watch to determine what day of the week it is. So, I’ve already tried to call Terri at work (on a Saturday). Too Funny. At work, a memo was posting regarding AMNESTY REGARDING KELTY BACKACK. Was unsure of what this was actually referring to. After reading it in detail I now know and will share. It appears our Medical Team went out to some local villages to provide health and dental care. And, as a good medical practice, brought with them supplies (to include a Kelty Backpack). After their visit, they returned to the base, only to find their Kelty Backpack missing. Contents of the Kelty Backpack included: $3000 Cash, Morphine, and a Computer Card. This if funny if you understand that the average guy here makes $20 a week, and the main export for the country is OPIUM. Hope they find it…. Will update the Blog when able. Doug

ROUTINE

22-24FEB07 Finally, I know my way around….a little. Still saving my precious 4 hours for myself. Using it for the essentials, getting a couple more socks, coffee mug, etc. Wanted to send some stuff home for the kids, unfortunately there’s just not a lot here. Finding that I can almost sleep anywhere. Almost fell asleep during a meeting the other day. Found myself doing some nodding…Might have to rely on the “Energy Bars” and “Energy Drinks” they have stocked here. What I haven’t expressed yet, is we are operating on the Universal Time Clock (UTM) thus, we are starting work at 1:30PM and don’t finish until 2:00AM the next day. The other shift compliments us. Believe me, this takes a little getting used to. The advantages are many. But for the most part, we can coordinate our efforts through out the region on the same clock. Will update when I can. Take Care. Doug

SETTLING IN

21FEB07 Wednesday. Starting to “Settle-In” to a Routine. Believe my body if finally adjusting…Finally. In addition, I’m getting up to speed on the Geographic Area and associated Regions. That still remains the biggest “Challenge”. What’s pretty interesting is that the majority of “Key” positions are held my Navy Folks. So, in a nutshell, there’s probably 30 Navy Folks and about 200+ Air Force & Army. Kinda funny. Will try to get some additional pictures when I can. It will probably be a couple of day tho. Doug

SHOPPING TIME

20FEB07 Tuesday. Instead of working out this morning, I went to the local AAFES Exchange (Ha, Ha). The place reminds me of those gas stations you see on a dirt road in Louisiana. Little selection, what they do have is often out. Picked up some Vitamins (4 bottles left). Got back in enough time to check some email. Then off to work, The Commander of our Group to honor our Fallen Comrades. The buddies and friends of each guy said touching piece about each. Got, had to fight back the tears…The oldest guy lost was 36 yrs old. Seems we haven’t lost an Aircraft since 2004. Made several calls last night to talk with the family. Missed Terri, did manage to talk with the kids. Moreover, chatted with Nana & Papa. Still have yet to take any pictures. Only have 4 hours of my own. Thus, time management is key. Will update when I can. Doug

REPATRIAITON CEREMONY

19FEB07 Monday. [Undisclosed Location] Well, if you watch FOX News, you’ll know that a helo was lost yesterday night. The helo was lost because of the weather. Unfortunately, the helo had a bunch of folks onboard. I’m currently waiting to board a bus and take part in he Repatriation Ceremony. That is, Officially sending our Fallen Comrades home. The mood here is very somber to say the least. And, the cold, dark, and rainy weather add to the mood. After work, we loaded into buses to the Airport. Whereas, the Base we are on has about 5,000 people, the folks I work with number only about 300. The helo went down with a couple of dozen folks. Certainly a big dent in our numbers. We sent the American Flag-drapped Coffins off last night. The Ceremony left a lump in our throats. Doug

COMMUNICATIONS BLACKOUT

18FEB07 Sunday. [Undisclosed Location] Got up bright and early. Stepped outside to find several 2-3 inches of Snow. And, it’s still falling. Enroute to the Gym, stopped by to check email. Only to find all phones and internet machines are not working. Headed for the gym. There, I run into a friend from Fort Jackson. He tells me a helo went down last night, and their still working recovery efforts. That’s the reason for the Blackout. I’m sure I’ll find out more tonight at work. Tomorrow, I intend to hit the laundry prior to work. We’ll see. Will provide what pictures I can at the next opportunity. Doug

SETTLING IN

7FEB07 Saturday. [Undisclosed Location] Wow. What a Day. And, yes it was very, very long. Still trying to adjust to the new Time Zone, Schedule. Establishing as daily “routine.” Whereas, we’re about 5,000 ft above Sea Level, haven’t noticed anything different…. Temperatures do swing wildly. Form Cold to Hot. Spent a few hours in the daylight checking-in. The majority of which was to ensure we receive all benefits while overseas. The view of the Mountains are breathtaking. Was in sheer awe while running around. Was able to take a couple of pictures when we landed. Will try to take more as time permits. My Postal Address while here is as follows:
DOUGLAS RAMSDELL
PRG 6-1
APO AE 09354-3005

Getting There is Half the Battle

15-16FEB07. Undisclosed Location. We finally left Bishkek. The Flight to places unknown was shared by a lot of Army Guys. About 300+ Army Guys, in full Gear, vest, weapons, etc. I know how hard it is to sit in a regular seat with all that junk on. Regardless, our gear was in our seabags and we were quite comfortable for the ride. Certainly, the army guys didn't really know who we were. Two Navy Guys amonst a Sea of Army. After landing, we grabbed our junk and were shuttled to the PAX Terminal. Called our Contacts here and were met with a mini-van shortly thereafter. We were driven to our little Hootch (thank god not a tent). Still, the construction folks have just converted the spaces from an "office" to sleeping spaces. There are about 6 folks in the Hootch. Each work in the Same Shop as I. All, with different hours. Night and Days. So, the Overhead Lights are seldom On. And, we are all navigating our gear (in confined spaces) with these little flashlights. After quickly setting our gear down, we grabbed some chow, then went to the "Office". Much, to my surprise, I was a lot of familiar faces from folks I had trained with in Fort Jackson. Few grips and grins were shared. After a few hours at he Office, I was quickly dismissed to get some sleep and begin the Day Shift. Thus, I have already worked out, took a shower, and in general, getting into a routine. Will upate more when I can. Doug

PAITENCE IS A VIRTUE

14FEB07 Wednesday. [Bishkek, Kyrgyztan]. Again, had to get up several times at night to hit the Head (navy speak for restroom). We were told to get to the 06:45AM Roll Call at the Passenger Terminal (PAX) Terminal for a Flight into Afghanistan. Got up at 05:00AM. Grabbed some Breakfast and a Sandwich for the Flight. Got to the PAX Terminal and inquired into the 06:45AM Roll Call. Was told that it is a Cargo Flight only. Return at Noon for an updated Flight Schedule. Ahhhh, I’m catching on. Seems the Mode of Operation is as follows: Eat as Much (and Often) as you can. Workout as much (and Often) and possible. And, Sleep as much (and Often) as you can. Because, you’ll never know the next time you’re able to do these Luxury Items. So, as my Buddy is working out, I’m watching the weapons, typing this Blog in the Dark Recesses of our Tent (at 08:30AM). Well, had a good workout. Grabbed Lunch. Then checked with the PAX Terminal. No Flights Today. Will surf the web. Update Blog with Photos. Additional photos are updated on Photobucket. Link Below. http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p243/sandsailor777/

Hi-Speed Hold - Bishkek

13FEB07 Tuesday. [Bishkek, Kyrgyztan]. Had to get up several times at night to hit the head. Stumbled in the dark, found the nearest porta-john. Finally got up at 5:30AM. Feeling quite refreshed. Went to get an update on the Flight to Afghanistan. The 8:00AM is now slated for 12:00PM. Check again after chow. Flight has been cancelled. Still, majority of folks are in their rack catching-up on some much needed sleep. After several dry-runs to the Air Force regarding Flights. I can tell it might be a couple of days until we get out of here. In the interim, the Army and Air Force are running around in their “Official” PT Gear (considered a uniform). However, the 3 Navy Guys really stand out. We are in Mix and Match PT Gear. Everyone has weapons. Unfortunately, the PT gear does not have a holster with it. Thus, we are just sticking the M-9’s wherever we can. Currently at the Café’ with Hi-Speed Wireless. Not a bad deal. There’s not a lot to do other than Eat, PT, Sleep. Email. Doug

MARATHON FLIGHT DEUX

12 FEB07 Monday. [Incerlick, Turkey] Departed toTurkey without incident. Survived the 3.5 Hour flight to Incerlick, Turkey [https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/tu.html] Watched the Movie “True Crime”. Dozed off at 1:00PM. We can see Dark on the Horizon and are quickly chasing midnight. After landing, we were ushered into the terminal which seats about 50. We number about 300 strong. Scrambled Eggs are provided to all at 8:00PM. Moreover, we are informed that Bishkek, (our final destination) is under blizzard conditions with Zero Visibility. We wait in the Terminal for 5 Hours. Finally, we depart at 8:00PM and are scheduled for Landing at 4 Hours Later. While airborne, we are treated to snacks, Hot Towels, and the Sitcom Fraizer. Moreveoer, we are chasing Sunrise again….We finally land at Bishkek, Kyrgyztan. Details regarding this little-known garden spot can be seen at the links provided below:
Map: http://www.centralasiatravel.com/default.html
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishkek
Country Page: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/kg.html
Weather: http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/38353.htmla
The Base Commander and Staff. Load onto Buses and escorted to a big tent for the In-Brief. During this time, we are told where lodging (tents) are, phones, chow-hall, and how to get on the Manifest into Afghanistan. We are all tired (about 23hours flight time) and are beat. We stumble around the little base of Air Base Manas (same as Bishkek). Not much here. Stowed our gear. Break out our weapons. Wandered around to see the few sights here. Managed to send an email to Terri. Got something to eat. Then determined when the next aircraft to Afghanistan will depart. The Air Force Guys tell us it’s at 8:00AM Tomorrow Morning. We hit the rack at about 8:30PM at night.

MARATHON FLIGHT

11FEB07 Sunday. [Ramstein, Germany] Made it to BWI Airport with all our gear. Dropped off my buddy to watch our gear and weapons while I turned in the Rental Car. Of course the rental car office was off the Airport Campus by about 15 miles. After the Shuttle Ride from the Rental Car Agency, checked in our weapons and gear. Flight started to board at 11:45PM (Saturday Nite). My buddy and I had an entire row of seats to ourselves. Not too bad. Plane took off at midnight without incident. Watched the Movies “The Benchwarmers” and “The Invincible”. Had a Pasta Dinner at 2:00AM; Dozed and Drooled at 3:00AM for about 45 with the smell of baby poop in the air. Baby finally settled down. Seems we have a family with several kids behind us going to Ramstein. We can see the Sunrise in the Distant Horizon. At about 5:00AM we are passing by Shannon, Ireland; Southhampton, and Canturbery London; now over Brussels and into Germany. We arrived in Ramstein Germany 7.5 Hours later [https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/gm.html] Waited for 2.0 Hours while the plane was Serviced and Refueled.

TO THE AIRPORT - JAMES

10FEB07 Saturday. Been a long, long day. Checked out of the Hotel at 9:30AM. Went to my buddies house wait. Flight leaves tonight at midnight. Need to show up at BWI Airport at 9:40PM to check in. After honoring Karen’s bet (we ordered Pizza). My buddy and I went to Bolling AFB to retrieve our Weapons from the Armory. After that, we came home and read some books until dinner time. Steaks for Dinner. Just put Ryan’s Phone in an envelope. Will drop it in the Mail Box enroute to the Airport. Will try to keep updating the Blog. Doug

FINALLY……..AFGHANISTAN BOUND

9FEB07 Friday. Slept in til 7:30AM today. Immediately started working the phones to get a plane ticket to Afghanistan earlier than 25FEB07. After getting the run-around, got a Flight for tomorrow night. Flight leaves at midnight. So, tomorrow will be spent doing laundry, getting our weapons, and chilling-out until it’s time to leave. During my phone-tag session today, managed to get out for a little. Took a coupe of pictures I thought were kinda neat. One is of a neat Fountain Iced over. The other, is a City Employee sleeping in his truck. Doug HAPPY BIRTHDAY TERRI. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

PLACE YOUR BETS

8FEB07 Thursday. Again, got up bright and early. Turned over and slept until 6:30AM. Then, I got up, took a shower, then headed for my buddies house to coordinate our travel arrangements. Called the Navy Travel Office at 9:00AM. Was told to Call back in an Hour. Called again at 10:00AM. “They” are working on it. Next Available time for a Scheduled Departure is (sit down now) 25FEB06. Too Funny. My Buddies Family decided to put the kids down for a nap. After which, my bud and I went to the Neighborhood Gym. Worked out for a couple of hours. Called at 3:45PM. No Answer regarding Travel. Collectively, we are all chuckling about the situation. Obviously, it doesn’t make sense. Regardless, we decided to make a wager as to when we are to depart for Afghanistan. Karen picked 13FEB07, my bud picked 15FEB07, I picked 19FEB07. Hope we are all wrong. The Winner is the date closest to the actual departure date to Afghanistan. The Loser buys the Pizzas. We’ll see. Doug

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW

7FEB07 Wednesday. Got up at 5:30AM this morning to about 1.5 inches of Snow. Great. Plan for the day: Get to my buddies house and inquire as to when our Flight to Afghanistan will be. Well, the majority of schools were delayed opening for two hours today. Called the Navy Travel Office at 09:30AM. Phone Rang endlessly. Called again at 10:00AM, Same thing. Called at 10:30AM. Finally a voice on the other end. Asked for the woman handling our travel arrangements. She Called in Sick Today. Well, the Wait Continues. Grabbed a great lunch. Went to the Neighborhood Gym. Got in a Great Workout. Had a Wonderful Chicken Casserole Dinner. Played with their Kids a Little. Then, went back to the Hotel. Will Update accordingly. Pictures Above are of the Snow, My Buds House & Kids. Doug

AFGHANISTAN BOUND……..SOMEDAY

6FEB07 Tuesday. Well, bright and early this morning, I was directed by my folks in Afghanistan to contact the Navy Travel Office and Book a Flight to Bashik Today. The folks in the Field have assured me that all is okay at their end…… So, complied as directed. Contacted the Navy Travel Office. Still waiting for the Rotator Flight to Afghanistan. Unsure of when that will be. Will update accordingly. Doug
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TERRI…

NOT SO FAST............

5FEB07 Monday. Well, today is the day I should take off for the SandBox. Got up quite early. Got some breakfast in the Hotel. The Temps are down to 16 degrees. Received an email from a guy already in Country. He asked if I could pick-up some Aviator Wings for the Officer In Charge (OIC) in Afghanistan. Thus, the plan is to leave the Hotel (finally), get to the Exchange (buy Aviator Wings), swing by my buddies house, get our weapons, then head to BWI for our Flight. Left the Hotel at 9:00AM, went to the Navy Yard. While in the Exchange I get a Call from my buddy. Seems I just missed an email Stating that we are to head to Fort Bragg, North Carolina – Instead. After getting to my buddy’s house, I get a call from our mutual Friend (already in Afghanistan). He directs us to Standby. Somebody will contact us to Modify our Orders. At the Time of this writing (it’s now 5:00PM), have made several calls throughout the day. Still waiting for a call….Well, missed the Rotator Flight to Afghanistan. Have Reserved a Room at the Holiday Inn for the Night. We’ll see tomorrow. Doug

Superbowl Sunday

4FEB07 Sunday. Actually got up to 26 degrees today. Stopped by Duncan Donuts and got a Bagel and Coffee. Zipped over to Silver Spring Maryland again. Caught a Movie. After that went to Pot Belly’s for Lunch. Talked with the Terri and the Kids for a little. Currently doing my last load of laundry. Will watch the Super Bowl. Tomorrow eill be a fast-paced day. Will update when I can. Doug

My Travel Iteniary is as follows:
[First Stop] Ramstein, Germany
Country Page: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/gm.html
[Second Stop] Incirlick, Turkey
Country Page: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/tu.html

[Final Destination] Bishkek, Kyrgyztan

Map: http://www.centralasiatravel.com/default.html

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishkek

Country Page: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/kg.html

Weather: http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/38353.html

Parks and Rec 2

3FEB07 Saturday. Actually got up to 31 degrees today. Waited until the Ice from last night’s rain melted. Ventured out to Old Town Alexandria. Place is filled with history. Started at the Torpedo “Art” Factory. An old WWII Torpedo Factory that has been converted into stalls whereby local artists sell/show their wares. Pretty picturesque Setting. Factory backs up to the Potomac River. Headed south towards Fort Hunt and Mount Vernon. They wanted $12 bucks just to visit the Mount Vernon Estates. Took a few pictures from outside then split. Waiting until tomorrow to do a load of laundry. Will probably do a load during the Super Bowl Game. Will probably do my last blog post Sunday. While I’m thinking of it, my intent is to first call some family and friends. Afterwhich, I’ll put Ryan’s Cell Phone in the Mail.

Email during this time of transition is as follows: sandsailor777@hotmail.com

Blog Address: http://www.ramsdell.blogspot.com/

Pictures: Updated them on the Photobucket. Link is here: http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p243/sandsailor777/

Parks and Recreation

2FEB07 Friday. Was actually a little warmer today. Got up to 39 degrees. Went to the “Cold War Museum”. Boy what a let-down. According to the web site, the Museum is a old Nike Missile Base. These Bases were designed to protect Washington DC from a missile attack from the Soviet Union. Well, I cruised down to Lorton (about 40 minutes South). What is left of the “museum” is simply a historical site marker and some building nearby. Spent the remainder of the day going through Guston Hall (George Masons home) and several regional parks. At the end of the day, went to my friends house for dinner. Met his wife and children. Got to eat some Beef Stroganoff. Called it a night at 8:00PM.

Movie Day

1FEB07 Thursday. Still very, very cold here. Weatherguesser are predicting snow/rain tonight. My friend called and we decided to reschedule the dinner date for tomorrow. Still, looking forward to a nice dinner. Did go to watch a movie in Silver Spring Maryland. Silver Spring is a very nice and well maintained city. Saw the Last King of Scotland (with Forest Whitaker). Detailed the life of Idi Amin (Uganda’s President) through the eyes of his personal physician. Stopped by the grocery store and got some fried chicken for dinner. Yum, Yum. If the weather holds out, I’ll go by another museum tomorrow. Wish the kids were here to see all the neat junk. Doug

Washington Navy Yard and College Park Aviation

31JAN07 Wednesday. Brrrr…..It’s Cold out. Temps climbed to a whopping 27degrees today. With the Wind Chill 17degrees. Received a call from another Navy Reservist who will be going to Afghanistan with me. He lives locally. Specifically in Alexandria City, Virginia. He invited me to dinner tomorrow night at 6:30PM. Actually gives me something to look forward too. Went to the Washington Navy Yard and the College Park Aviation Museum today. The Navy Yard had a lot to offer. Parking however, is lacking. Finally found a parking space (after 20 minutes of running around). Spent a couple of hours in the Navy Museum. On display was a lot of Maritime-related goodies from the USS Constitution, some Cannons, and Deep Diving Stuff. Grabbed my sandwich, then off to the Marine Museum. It was closed. Did manage to get a haircut and some Pepsi for the next couple of days. After the Navy Yard, headed North (before the Traffic got crazy). Stopped by the College Park Aviation Museum (just a few blocks from my hotel). Whereas the Museum has a tiny collection, it was still pretty neat to see where Orville and Wilbur put their Planes into work with the Army. Managed to get back at about 4:00PM. Will upload the majority of other pictures to the following web site. Tomorrow, will try to get to the Cold War Museum. Will update accordingly. Doug
Updated them on the Photobucket. Link is here: http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p243/sandsailor777/