The Camouflage Keyboard

Less-lousy internet connection

2012-01-26T20:03:00.000-05:00

I didn't want to have to spend a lot of money to get to the internet while I'm over here in Afghanistan. But I finally broke down and got access to a less-bad wifi connection.

The pluses? The Green Bean is always open. I don't have to chance whether I'll be able to connect, unlike the USO. Many is the time I'd get over there and find their wifi was down. Also, the USO was across from the Passenger Terminal at the Air Base. It was usually full of troops, many of them sleeping. I once sat on the floor in the corner to try to upload classwork. And the USO always seemed to be 10 degrees too hot.

The down sides? It's a half mile walk to the Green Bean (think Starbucks), which isn't so fun in the cold. And with the snow/slush/refrozen ice, walking is rather perilous. There are many others here making use of the wifi, and I have to listen to loud phone or skype conversations. There is also the loud music from
the Green Bean shop.

I'm taking a Theater Security Decision Making course through Naval War College. There is a great deal of reading material to download, and the connection is (somewhat) faster here. I'm slowly downloading all the articles to my laptop so I can go to my B-hut and read there. I can also update and upload on Facebook without worrying about the site being blocked on a military computer.

So, here I sit at Green Bean, listening to some guy talking on the phone behind me, saying "You know" and "Uhm" so much that I'm gritting my teeth.

Oh, the joys of communal living!!!

Some pics to give you an idea of my "personal space" in Afghanistan

2012-01-24T19:25:00.000-05:00

My plywood door-a luxury

Until I get a chance to update my blog, here are some pictures I took of my plywood palace. To get the door and the "foyer" I had to stand on the back edge of my bed. But it's all mine, and I can close the world out, to some extent.

The bed takes up half of the space

The foyer and walk-in closet

I took the picture for my main blog pic of my brand spanking new boots, with the tag still on them. Here are my boots after several months of S.C. red dirt, and dust, grime, snow and slush in Afghanistan. Definitely all broken in, now.

And here is a picture of me with my friend from high school. Who would have thought we'd meet again halfway around the world? We are standing in the entry of Enduring Faith Chapel, at the end of the ChapelNext service. I had the honor of singing in the Praise Team with my friend several times before his National Guard unit redeployed.

Snow makes life interesting

2012-01-06T12:31:00.000-05:00

Snow arrived on Bagram on Wednesday, January 4. It began snowing after dark and by morning there were several inches on the ground. Very quickly all the people tramping around turned the snow to slush and puddles. After a bit more snow early today, Friday, the slush is freezing into rather precarious black ice. I am more concerned about keeping my footing than I am about the cold. It's not unbearably cold, at least not right now.

I've taken advantage of a benefit available to mobilized reservists, and have fully funded my Savings Deposit Program. I've decided that it will be the basis for "Colleen's SUV fund." It's just hard to look cool in the minivans I've been driving since 1995, and I've decided that the only major purchase I want to make once I demobilize is an SUV.

In the month and a half since my arrival in Afghanistan, the small group I work with has undergone several personnel changes. People are always coming and going here, or passing through on their way elsewhere.

My desk is set back in a recess of our office, and I have the chance to observe group dynamics on an hourly basis.

It is fascinating.

Even making one position change -- someone departs after his/her relief has been here a few days for turnover -- creates an entirely new group. Divergent personalities could mean an introvert is replaced by an extrovert, or a neat freak replaces someone who wasn't overly concerned with clutter.

What makes it even more fascinating is the speed at which these changes happen, and how quickly a new "normal" settles on our office. Not a word is said about changes before or after they happen. They just happen. Having studied psychology and sociology in college, I'm attuned to this social interaction, the intricate dance of how total strangers become a working team.

And all the while, the mission continues to unfold and the work gets done.

Merry Christmas wishes from Afghanistan

2011-12-24T06:27:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Mail Truck at Bagram

Today is Christmas Eve.

We have a small tree in our office, and put up a few decorations.

I have a present to unwrap tomorrow.

On Thursday I went to a Christmas play, "The Present," at Enduring Faith Chapel, and tomorrow will go to a Christmas service at our Common's Chapel.

The picture is of a mail delivery truck parked outside the post office at Bagram. Very creative decorating, I'd say.

I'm thinking of all the family and friends who mark this Christmas having lost a loved one.

If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a peaceful and happy Christmas. If you mark this time of year with another celebration, I trust it will be meaningful.

Just doing laundry

2011-12-17T11:51:00.000-05:00

There must be tens of thousands of people all over Bagram, from all over the world.

There are times when I sit in the dining facility (DFAC), or walk down Disney Drive, and marvel at the variety of countries and uniforms. Besides all the U.S. service uniforms, I've seen British, Czech Republic, French, and Korean uniforms. There are also many I can't decipher.

Disney Drive was a strange name for the main drag of an air base -- until I learned that it was named for SPC Jason Disney. http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oef/profiles/disneyjasona.html.

In various places on Bagram and my little area, there are pictures of fallen heroes and of the horrifying events of September 11, 2001. Many pictured were much too young. There are women as well as men who are memorialized. Occasionally I will stop and think of the young person who left too soon, and pray for the family and friends left behind.

And, just like clockwork, I've gotten my first upper respiratory illness here. I'd been told that most people get sick the first time they go in theater. The medic at Sick Call told me that it's a combination of the altitude plus the poor air quality. I can believe the air quality. It's always dusty, and who knows what kinds of things are floating around in the air. The water in the sinks and showers is disinfected, non-potable water. That could be part of it, also.

We have decorated our office with many of the decorations sent to us, and have been inundated with chocolates and other goodies. I'll miss decorating with my family, but this helped a bit.

I've gotten several boxes of goodies meant to share, and I'm very grateful to all who send emails, boxes and letters, leave posts here, and pray for me and my family. The toiletries disappear quickly when I leave them on the shelf in one of the shipping containers that serves as our latrine/head/restroom.

A bit of good news:
I learned this week that I am among those who will be considered for promotion to O-6 (Captain) in the board that convenes 10 Jan 2012. After the initial euphoria that I'm "in zone" so soon, rather than in a year or two, I realized that I need to get a letter to the board post haste, with all the great and wonderful things I have been doing since being mobilized. I'm very excited, to say the least. In the chaos of mobilizing, being stuck for so long, and then deploying, I hadn't even kept up with board dates. Also, I had calculated that 2014 or 2015 would be when I was up for consideration.

Being that 10 Jan is only a few weeks away, you'll know the results when I get them.

Another bit of good news:
I mobilized 19 May, which means that, in two days, I will have been on active duty for seven months (despite it feeling like five years). I am officially more than halfway through the one-year mobilization. I am scheduled to leave theater (not the movies, the battlefield) sometime early June.

I'm in the midst of doing my laundry, and need to toss it into the dryer.

I'll post again soon.

Promising an update soon

2011-12-15T16:03:00.000-05:00

I've spent the past week being sick and feeling like crud, which is why I haven't updated the blog. I promise to finish one soon. I'm still alive and kicking for now.

I've got rhythm (battle rhythm, that is)

2011-12-07T16:27:00.000-05:00

After two and a half weeks, I've settled into a routine, my "battle rhythm."

I wake up around 0800Z, and can see some light coming through from around the door. Otherwise, my room is dark until I turn on my reading lamp.

Once dressed, I totter off to the heads (latrines, restrooms, use your own term) to brush my teeth before heading to work around 0900Z. I tend to shower in the afternoons, when there is likely to be more hot water for my Navy shower. If you've never heard of Navy showers, try this next time you shower: get in, turn on the water long enough to get wet, and turn the water off. Wash everything you intend to: hair, body, face. Then, turn the water on just long enough to rinse. I think I can use about two minutes worth of water, at most. I'm at least doing my part of help conserve water, just like you do aboard ship.

I eat breakfast at my desk. There is a good assortment of cereals and shelf-stable milk in our office. I'll work for several hours until we go to lunch around 1330Z (1:00 p.m.). The dining facility (DFAC, galley, chow hall) is better than I expected, usually with a decent variety. There are always fresh vegetables and fruits, which I'm trying to eat more of.

In the afternoon, I take a few breaks from my work; sometimes I'll go work out at our well-equipped gym. Or, I'll walk to one of two PX's (exchange, store) nearby. Not far away is an internet cafe with computers that I'll sometimes use, but lines to use them form rather quickly. There is a USO over near the passenger terminal that has wifi, and occasionally I'll go down there with my laptop. It's especially useful when I need to upload or download something.

We'll head back over to the DFAC at 1930Z (7:30 p.m.) for dinner.

I'll aim to get out of the office at about 2100Z (9:00 p.m.). Sometimes I'll go to the internet cafe to use the telephone and call my family. Other times, I'll just go back to my dark b-hut, trying to be as quiet as a mouse, and read for a while.

That's my battle rhythm in general.

There are flight operations going on at all hours of the day and night, and vehicular traffic is steady, as well. It's rare for everything to be still and quiet. A few of the roads are paved, with the majority being covered with stones too big to classify as gravel. It has taken several weeks to get used to walking on those rocks, but at least I didn't have huge blisters on my heels--just a few on my toes.

I made a point to find the Red Cross today, and say "hi" to Timmy, a yellow lab who visits troops all over Afghanistan. He is at the Red Cross every Wednesday, it seems. I've only seen birds around here, and welcomed the chance to scratch behind a dog's ears and stroke his soft fur. I miss our two rescue dogs at home. On that note, let me heartily recommend "pound puppies." Both our dogs would've wound up being put down at shelters had we not taken them in--thus the term rescue dogs. They are two very goofy girls, but they add excitement to the household.

Another thing I did for the first time the other day was go to an Afghan restaurant here on Bagram, Aziz's. I ordered kabob, which came out on what looked like small swords, and nan, or bread. There was a sauce and a relish, both spicy. I enjoyed the break from the DFAC food.

A third thing I did for the first time here was sing with the praise team at Chapel Next, a contemporary Christian service. A good friend from high school is here with his National Guard unit. We hadn't seen each other for 20 years, and had a good time catching up over dinner. He mentioned that he attended Chapel Next, and also that he sang with the praise team. I responded that I sing tenor/alto with my church. He invited me to join them, because they had just been saying the week before that they needed a female singer. I practiced with them on Thursday and sang on Sunday morning. I was happy to be singing again, after several months. And I'm happy to be able to offer my talents in such a far-away place.

It just goes to show you, that you never know when or where you'll meet someone again, and also that you never know when you'll get a chance to use your talents for good. Fuuny how things work out that way.

Darkness, people, and plywood

2011-11-28T13:07:00.000-05:00

I've been here at Bagram (BAF) for a week now.
I'm discovering three things that will take some getting used to for me: dark, plywood and people.
--First, darkness. My compound works on Greenwich Mean Time (known as Zulu, the military standard), which is 4 1/2 hours behind Afghanistan time. My shift starts around 1000Z, which means it's already 2:30 in the afternoon when I go to work. By the time we leave for "lunch" it is dark, and most of my "day" is spent walking around in the darkness.
--Next, people. I am the type that would make a good hermit. Give me a quiet corner, and I'm happy. Well, there ARE no quiet corners at BAF. Even the bathrooms usually have at least one other person in them. I am having to learn to tune things out which, as my family will attest, is not easy for me. Noise of all kinds annoys me. By the time I redeploy, I will probably be able to sleep through a hurricane. For now, not so much. I hear everything, night and day.
--Third, plywood. My plywood palace, as I call my part of a B-hut, is just that, all plywood. And it's always dark in there, unless I'm walking down the "hallway" (which is actually just a space between the rooms for the door) when it is daytime and light is coming through the cracks around the door. I'm still trying to tiptoe around all the time and be as quiet as a mouse, because I'm never sure which of my three hut-mates is sleeping. I don't feel truly "alone" in there, because I know others can hear every noise I make.

Beyond the adjustments, things are going well. The Air Force office I replaced left just a few days after I reported, so we had just a few days to complete turnover. I actually started doing my job the day after I arrived, while I was still jet lagged. I've been "driving" ever since.

Just as when I started my blog when I was being mobilized, Operational Security (OPSEC) will be of the utmost importance to me. I will not share specifics about my compound, nor will I discuss what I am doing. I will share the everyday things I'm learning, and the goings on in general. I would not want to endanger anyone by careless words. Loose lips STILL sink ships (or down planes, or destroy buildings, you get the idea).

Feel free to ask questions, though. If I can answer them, I will be glad to.

If you'd like to send a package to me or anyone here, send me a comment, and I'll contact you individually.

Thanks.

A quick note from Afghanistan

2011-11-24T10:29:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Bagram Air Field. I really made it out of N.C. over the weekend.
I don't have time for much beyond "Hi, I'm here," but will take time in the next day or so to post a more complete update.
This is Thanksgiving Day, at least where I am. I woke up this morning and stopped to think of all the things I'm thankful for:
- My heavenly Daddy's love and care for me
- Family and friends
- Shelter from the elements
- Hot, good food
- Office mates who are friendly and funny
- Many who are willing to go and do what others can't or won't
- Our great country, and the freedoms we enjoy
Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Revealing a dark, painful time

2011-11-17T06:49:00.000-05:00

The lights on my blog have been dark for several weeks now. That is fitting, because it matches the mood I have been in.

BLUF (Bottom line up front): It looks like I am finally leaving N.C., after being stuck here for four months.

Readers will recall that I was originally slated to finish my training with my shipmates in early July, after which the group would travel to Afghanistan. Less than two hours before boarding the plane I was pulled from the flight, and had only five minutes to say goodbye to my shipmates.

I took that in stride as much as I was able, even though I couldn’t understand the reasons behind the decisions. “Ours is not to reason why” is what I tried to keep uppermost in mind.

Months passed and then, a week before my 4 November departure date, I learned that I would suffer another delay, albeit only two weeks this time. This seemingly endless cycle of being stuck midway – not home and not deployed – plunged me into the deepest, darkest mood imaginable. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, didn’t want to update my blog, and didn’t want to do much of anything.

And I didn’t want to vent all this negativity to the world.

It got to where I couldn’t bear to go home or have my family come to visit. The series of goodbyes were a strain on everyone. Even worse was when I faced the echoing emptiness here in N.C. after a visit home or a family trip here. It was as if contact with “home” doubly emphasized the loneliness I felt here. I would get angrier and angrier watching everyone in my office going about their normal lives, knowing they went home to family and friends each night. I had been pulled out of my life but I still wasn’t where I was “supposed” to be, and I couldn’t go about my normal day. “Useless” doesn’t begin to describe the hopeless feeling.

The curtain will slide over my anguish after this short revelation.

In the next few days I expect to actually leave N.C., at last. I’ve still anticipated hearing about another delay, but it appears that I will really go this time. Time will tell. My next blog update should be from overseas.

Was it just five months ago that I was last in the D.C. area?

2011-10-14T12:39:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday I drove through N.C., Virginia, D.C., and Maryland on my way to the Annapolis area. How different things seem now. But it’s not the area that is different. I am different, after all the training and new experiences I’ve been through. I was surprised, when I did the math, that it has only been five months since my last drill weekend. So much has happened that it seems more like a year.

I drove past Andrews Air Force Base, where I was officially mobilized, and then on to Annapolis. On Wednesday I was at Ft. Meade, just down the road from the drill site for my last unit which was at an Army Reserve Center. How ironic. In a sense, I was right back where I started — but only for the day. I drive back to Ft. Bragg Wednesday afternoon.

I am in the final month of my sojourn in N.C. I am scheduled to head to Afghanistan in early November. I think I will make it this time. I’ve spoken to the Air Force Captain I’m replacing, so I know I’m actually going to be filling a job over there. Last time, there were no billets open, which is why I didn’t fly. This is different.

Also different is how much more prepared I feel, compared to my feeling like a deer in the headlights in July. I’m feeling more settled into “Big Army” and feel less like an outsider. I’ve acquired some knowledge of what I’ll be doing once I’m there. And I know several of the people I’ll be working with. None of those things was true in July.

Even though the extended wait has been frustrating, I have appreciated the extra visits from family and opportunities for trips home. I’ve also appreciated the immersion in the active duty way of life, which is vastly different from my Navy reserve experience.

I’m making final decisions on what gear to leave behind at Ft. Bragg and what to send overseas. I’m putting my heaviest gear on a flight next week to go ahead of me. That will make for less stuff I’m hauling around when I actually board the C-17. (I blogged about whether it would be like Jonah being swallowed by a whale in July.)

Less than a month before I fly.

How did I get here, anyway?

2011-09-20T11:58:00.000-04:00

My entrance to the military was an unusual one. I didn't grow up wanting to serve in the military. My dad had served a few years in the Air Force years before I was born, but neither of my parents urged me to consider one of the services. The Cold War was still going, but there were no active battlefields as there are today.

I first became a Navy wife, and my husband's next duty station after we got married was at a Navy Reserve Center. The center had a Naval Reserve recruiting office, and the recruiters started trying to recruit me soon after we arrived. I'd never considered myself as the boot camp type, and kept putting them off. Once the recruiters discovered I had a college degree, they told me I could join the Reserves as an officer. I responded with, "OK, now that I would consider."

Basically, I applied to the Naval Reserve to see if they would take me.

Obviously, they did accept me for commissioning.

Fast-forward more than 20 years, and I've had one of the best experiences of my life. Although I was never on active duty (before now), my naval career has allowed me to travel to England, Germany, Panama, and all over the U.S.; to work with many very talented people, and keep up with technology as it has changed over the decades. Without the constant training on new computer systems while on active duty periods, I would not have the tech skills I have today.

I almost left the reserves when I had only seven years of service. I had moved away from my drill site and had a young family. It just seemed too hard to continue with the Navy. My superiors urged me to rethink my choices and hang in there for a little while longer. That was almost 14 years ago. I am glad I heeded their advice.

During the 2000's I saw many shipmates mobilized to active duty. Some volunteered, others were involuntarily recalled. Although it seemed all of us might be mobilized, I never got the call. Until last October. I am part of a presidential recall, one sailor of many to head overseas to serve our country. The irony is that I reached the 20-year mark in my career a month and a half after I'd been tagged for mobilization. Some have asked, very sincerely, if I couldn't just retire instead of going overseas. While I'm certain that tack has been tried many times, I know that it is not only impossible but also, even more importantly, it is not the right thing to do. I have taken the Navy's money and training for 20 years. Now it's time to do what I agreed to do. When I raised my right hand and swore to protect the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, I also vowed to obey the orders of the President, my Commander in Chief. I couldn't even conceive of NOT obeying.

Is it hard to be separated from my family? Yes, of course it is. Is it a strain to leave my job and my business behind? Definitely. Is it difficult to adjust to life in "Big Army"? I think my blog posts have shown that to be true. Would I trade places with someone and allow them to go in my place? Unthinkable. My shipmates have dealt with adversity, separation, and stress, etc., etc. If I weren't going, someone else might be making a second trip to Afghanistan.

I consider it an honor to serve my country. I consider it my duty to go where I am ordered, and support the warfighters in the most professional way possible.

A change to work responsibilities for a month

2011-09-06T10:13:00.000-04:00

I found out last week that my work hours will change for the month of September. Most military commands have some type of "watch" -- basically monitoring events, equipment, facilities, etc. I was added to the 24/7 watch for the mid-shift, 2:00-10:00 p.m. from Sunday through Saturday. I'll work that shift followed by a three-day week. That works out to 56 hours one week and 24 hours the next.

My first watch was Sunday, and unfortunately came while the family was down for the Labor Day weekend. We spent time together in the morning and early afternoon Sunday and Labor Day, Monday, before I headed off to work.

I've stood watches before during military exercises, but it's a very different feeling with it being "the real thing," not an exercise. The good thing is that I'm monitoring information to provide continual updates, rather than being responsible for decision-making. In talking to a Navy retiree, I found that it's not unusual to feel it's you against the world on a watch.

Once again, I put my experience as a reservist to good use, and integrated seamlessly into the watch rotation. Just tell me how to log onto the computer, what sites to bookmark, and who to call if something goes wrong, and I'm good to go.

Fantastic day for the beach with family

2011-09-06T09:41:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene spared the North Carolina coast near Wilmington from severe damage. The more inland area where I am merely got some gusty winds and less than two inches of rain.

The family came down for the Labor Day weekend and we headed out to the beach on Saturday. We had a beautifully sunny day, with temperatures in the mid-80s.

Kure Beach is south of Wrightsville Beach, N.C. and seems to be a little off the beaten path. We went to the Ft. Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, where we parked, had the use of the bathhouse, and walked a short distance to the beach. For military folks -- active, reserve, or retired -- I highly recommend this area. The facility is not fancy, but you don't have to worry about crowds and traffic. Here's the link to check it out: http://ftfishermilrec.com/

We spent several hours playing in the waves and relaxing on the sand. When we went back to the Rec Area to change, we asked a lady who worked at the facility where the best seafood restaurant was in the area. She directed us Bowman's Seafood Restaurant in nearby Carolina Beach.

It was exactly what we were looking for. The food was delicious, the service fast, the staff friendly, and the price was a great value for the serving size. I highly recommend the clam strips and scallops. Here a link to the restaurant: http://bowmansseafoodrestaurant.com/

Continuing traditions during a weekend home

2011-08-23T19:05:00.000-04:00

I was home this past weekend for only the second time since being mobilized. Thankfully, it wasn't like the hurried trip I'd made in July when I had to retrieve clothes after all my stuff took a joyride to Afghanistan. I felt less like a guest in my own home, and could tell that things are feeling more settled for everyone at home.

We went to the Rockingham County Fair on Saturday. I've only missed a few of these fairs since we moved to the Shenandoah Valley in the mid-90s. I think it's one of the best fairs in the State. I grew up in suburbia, and I always enjoy seeing the livestock and poultry on display at our fair.

Sunday after church was another tradition: a church lunch!! I enjoyed seeing many of my church family, getting hugs and love from all sides.

Last week was a rather difficult one for me for several reasons:
1) I had trained for and been prepared to go to Afghanistan, but I am not there, a major disappointment.
2) Living in a hotel for more than a few weeks is the pits, especially when I'm the only one without a life/family/etc. to go home to each evening.
3) I have been feeling forgotten and isolated, not hearing from friends unless I emailed/texted and not receiving any kind of mail because I'm still in the States.

So this is another awkward, in-between stage, and I was really feeling sorry for myself. The trip home was much needed. I got encouragement and prayer, and talked to several in my church family about strategies for combating such discouraging thoughts.

A dear friend from church offered to work out 'with' me, so I'd be accountable to someone for getting more exercise. She will email me to tell me what she did that day at the gym, and ask me what I'd done. I think it's an excellent idea.

I'm also looking into taking riding lessons at a local stable. I love horses and have always wanted to learn to ride.

Now I've got some plans and strategies, and things are looking less dismal than they had last week.

Someone asked why I haven't been posting much on my blog. Truthfully, the training at Ft. Jackson was much more interesting (and entertaining, no doubt) than marking time here in North Carolina. Not much is different from day to day; thus, fewer posts.

As I'm posting, a hurricane, Irene, is gaining strength in the Caribbean, and could possibly strike the N.C. coast over the coming weekend. I was asked to provide contact information to my assigned workspace in preparation for possible emergencies. I'm keeping an eye on the news, as is everyone on the East Coast of the United States.

Has it been a month already?

2011-08-11T18:28:00.002-04:00

It seems as if I've been in N.C. for just a few weeks. It must have been longer, because my monthly car rental was due to be renewed today.

Here is the video shot the day I was supposed to leave. I truly thought this was the last time I would see my family for many months.

Imagine my stunned amazement when, less than 40 minutes after this wrenching goodbye, I learned I was staying put in N.C. for the time being.

A few comments about the video:
- I was still looking out for the troops as we loaded up, something I wasn't even aware I was doing at the time.
- My son covered the camera briefly with his hand when I said goodbye to my daughter, out of concern for her feelings.
- Although I looked as cool as a cucumber, that was only the brave face I put on. The emotion came when I was out of sight of the family, and seated up front away from the troops, so my sorrowing could come in private.

My shipmates on the two vans did, indeed, go forward. I think of them and the rest of my shipmates and pray for them and their families. I think of those who grieve for family members lost or severely wounded, and pray for them. And I think of those whose bodies came home, but whose minds will never be quite the same because of traumatic battlefield experiences. I pray for them and for their families, too.

Yes, there is much truth to the saying "War is hell." But, if the United States chose not to engage in conflicts around the world and turn within itself, the world would find that more sinister powers would be in control. We might wish to forswear violence or weapons, but we cannot count on any other nation, entity or group abiding by that same concept.

REUNITED!!!!

2011-08-02T21:48:00.000-04:00

I had several reunions over the past several days:
*I was reunited with my family, who came down to visit for the weekend.
*I was reunited with my mom, stepdad and grandma when we visited them in N.C. on Saturday.
*I was reunited with my gear after its joyride to Afghanistan three weeks ago.

The heat continued as the Mid-Atlantic baked under a sweltering sun. We went to the N.C. Aquarium at Ft. Fisher, and then went to the Ft. Fisher museum. The heat and humidity were unrelenting..

I've been living the minimalist life ever since my gear took off and I was left with what they call a 36-hour bag: my backpack with a few t-shirts and socks, and a toothbrush. I'd bought a few pieces of civilian clothes the day after my delay, and retrieved more things when I went home that weekend.

Once I got everything unpacked, my total accumulation of 'stuff' more than doubled. I've been told, however, that some of the gear I was issued at the Naval Mobilization Processing Site at Naval Station Norfolk and at Camp McCrady, Ft. Jackson, S.C., can stay here. For instance, the sleep system (basically a bivouac tent and multi-layer sleeping bag), the fire retardant uniforms, and the insect repellant uniforms. My office mates have assured me that if I bring all my junk in, they will tell me what I can store here in N.C. It would be great to rid myself of an entire seabag of gear. That would leave a rolling duffle and a seabag, plus my weapons case and backpack. I might even be able to carry all of it myself! That has been a constant worry for me: having to move several bags of gear over considerable distance, especially when I'm not exactly a spring chicken anymore.

My professional development continues this week as I attend a class with a mix of service members. I got the ultimate compliment a Reservist can get: I was talking to one of my classmates and he asked "Are you a Reservist?" He seemed surprised with that discovery. My Naval Reserve shipmates will understand that 10-15 years ago, it was painfully obvious who was "Just a Reservist." (Yes, I've actually been called that.) It was as if we had a large, flashing "R" on our forehead when we arrived to support a command. These days, however, the distinction is much less obvious. The talents and capabilities Reservists bring to the fight from their civilian occupations have finally been recognized by the Active Component. We are so much more than "JUST" Reservists.

I'll step off my soapbox now.

Feeling more settled in North Carolina

2011-07-22T17:42:00.000-04:00

My weekend home was a good one, but it was odd being home without really "being" home. It felt vaguely like being a guest in my own home. We celebrated a birthday early on Sunday before I left. When the actual birthday arrived mid-week, I had an ache deep in my mama's soul, not being able to celebrate in person. It affected me for several days, which is probably why this blog update has been delayed for days.

While I was home I discovered that I'm no longer a citizen who turns into a sailor once a month. I'm now a full-time sailor ("saildier") who felt weird wearing a dress and heels at church on Sunday. Another unusual discovery was that I've become accustomed to all the handy pockets on my uniform. I left home more than once without important things like my driver's license, because I'm used to carrying things in all those pockets. I even joked that when I go on vacation, I won't need any luggage....I'll just wear everything.

I spent this week getting familiar with the workings of the office I'll be in for the next few months. Having done active duty periods for more than 20 years, I'm used to two-week stints at new places, so I quickly fell into the routine I've used before: show up, find out where to park, where to sit, where to go in the building, and where to go on the computer, all while making fast friends with office mates. I hadn't realized it before, but I've developed quite a skill ... seamlessly integrating into new work situations.

I traded in the rather small 4-cylinder rental car I had in anticipation of all my gear coming back from Afghanistan next week. I'll need more space to hold four bags of gear. I had never driven a car that doesn't require a key to start, or a stick shift that has no clutch. This newer car will take some getting used to, but it is much better than the one I had for a week.

This week I applied to the Naval War College to begin distance education and am waiting for final acceptance. If I have to be here for several months, I plan to make the most of my time by taking graduate-level courses.

I'm counting my blessings again as N.C. bakes in 102F temps this week. It could be worse...I could be back at Camp McCrady doing combat training in body armor.

Enjoying a weekend home

2011-07-16T13:23:00.000-04:00

After several days of remaining dazed and confused, I finally learned on Friday that I will be stateside for six months, and will then head to Afghanistan for another six months. Best of all, I will be doing three things I love to do: research, writing and editing. I’ll be attached to the same Task Force I would have been with before, but will be supporting them from N.C. until late fall.

I decided to make a trip home this week, the first chance I’ve had in almost two months. Whereas I’d thought earlier this week that I’d be staring at the incredible Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan, I instead smiled as my car reached the top of Afton Mountain in the Blue Ridge mountain range and I saw the beautiful Shenandoah Valley spread out below. I haven’t been away from the Valley for this long, and it was as if I was seeing it for the first time. Oh, and smelling it, too. I haven’t smelled farms and cattle all this time and I realized how much I’d missed country air.

Our two dogs were ecstatic when I walked in the door. They competed for space to jump on me and get ear scratches and pets. One in particular, Sunny, has stuck close to me ever since. She’s always been a “Mama’s dog,” but she’s especially cuddly now. I missed her as much as she missed me.

My gear won’t be back for about two weeks, so this is a timely trip to get civilian clothes and other things I’ll need until I get my bags back.

I’m looking forward to going to church tomorrow. I’m sure it will be a total surprise to everyone. I will enjoy worshiping with my church family tomorrow.

Hold the phone, stop the presses, [insert your favorite cliche here].

2011-07-14T11:26:00.000-04:00

Ever feel like a yo-yo? That describes how I've felt since Tuesday.

Tuesday morning I unloaded all my gear to go on the aircraft, checked out of my hotel, turned in my rental car, and spent the last few hours with my family. After a sad goodbye that had all of us in tears, I climbed in the van that would eventually get me to the C-17. With less than two hours before takeoff, I was informed that I would NOT be flying, after all.

"WHAT!!???" was my immediate reaction.

It seems that there were no jobs to be filled at my assigned command in Afghanistan by a senior officer like me. The Army is careful not to put an O-5 to work under an O-3. Whoever already knew I wouldn't go to Afghanistan apparently didn't share that information until the last minute. At least I didn't fly all the way there only to have to turn around and come back.
I'm still confused about things, and haven't heard much to dispel that confusion.
I have another rental car and am ensconced in a nice hotel. But all my gear went to Afghanistan, and might take a while to find its way back to me. I had the bare minimum with me.
I've interviewed with a few people interested in my working with them, and who will make recommendations for my final placement.
So, the way things stand, I'm not going anywhere for at least a while.
I'm disappointed that I won't be going to Afghanistan after all this training. I'm also disappointed that I had to say goodbye to shipmates I've trained with for almost two months. We'd looked out for each other, and had become a little family. I had only a few minutes to say my goodbyes before we went our separate ways.

A C-17: like Jonah being swallowed by the whale?

2011-07-10T12:33:00.000-04:00

After several long weeks of training, I have only two days left in the States. I'll be leaving on a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military transport plane. These huge planes are the workhorses responsible for ferrying troops, cargo, vehicles, etc. around the world.

Interior of a C-17

This will be the first time I've been in anything other than a passenger plane, and I can't help but wondering if it will be like Jonah being swallowed by the whale. The interior is completely open and troop seating lines each side. All our gear will go with us on pallets in the middle of the plane.

Here is a cool video of a C-17 airdropping Humvees and paratroopers:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:C-17_Airdrop_4_Humvees_%2B_50_Paratroopers.ogv
I'm thankful I won't have to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

The certainty that I am actually leaving in just a few days is causing feelings of uncertainty. This time, I really am leaving behind everything I know to fly into the void of the unknown. The training and experiences I've had prepare me to some degree for what's to come, but there is no way of knowing what is going to happen. Once again, I've had to take my need to know things and plan ahead and throw it out the window.

I feel all the prayers of family, friends, and strangers, and I am grateful for them. Sharing these experiences through this blog has allowed me to identify and work through worries, basically thinking out loud. I've benefited greatly from allowing my vulnerabilities to show and turning them over to my Lord. My weaknesses allow His power to show through.

Another week of exhaustive training, and a day of rest

2011-07-03T11:13:00.000-04:00

Since being mobilized to active duty on May 20 (it only seems like years ago), I have gotten an education that is five miles wide……and half an inch deep. I know just a little bit about a lot of things, some of which I might eventually remember. I’ve endured combat training (I was told not to try to throw grenades because I throw horribly), weapons training (my daughter has bragged that mom qualified as a sharpshooter in the M4 rifle) and technical training (my eyes usually glaze over with all the jargon thrown at me), along with indoctrination into the Army way of doing things (for example, the Navy calls a restroom a head, the Army calls it a latrine).

I frequently arrive at the end of a day completely overwhelmed and overloaded. I assume that there just isn’t time to teach everything to a level of understanding. I also suspect that, by the time we actually arrive at our final destinations, we will welcome just knowing where we are going and what job we are doing. At this point, we have to pay attention to everything in case we wind up doing that particular job.

I enjoyed a visit from my family and we laughed, talked, shared good food, and made wonderful memories. I’ll see them once more before I actually leave the States. That final goodbye will be difficult, but I wouldn’t miss those last hugs.

Tomorrow is July 4th, Independence Day, another patriotic holiday that now holds a more personal feel for me. As I continue preparing to enter a battle zone, I feel much more connected to those original soldiers who, despite fear and hardship, bravely fought for this country’s freedom. I’ve always been patriotic, feeling a surge of pride every time the National Anthem is played and a bittersweet twinge whenever I hear Taps. But now, I feel an extra sense of patriotism on seeing the symbol of our nation raised high as the Star Spangled Banner rings out.

Many have come to view the 4th as a day off to watch fireworks and have cookouts, giving little thought to the reason we are celebrating. The 4th of July is more than a birthday party. Please, this year, pause for just a bit to consider what your fellow Americans did more than 200 years ago that gave all of us the freedoms we enjoy today, and to be thankful for this great country we live in.

Still in the States, while the wheels of government continue to turn slowly

2011-06-26T10:37:00.000-04:00

Much has been made of President Obama's announcement this week that he will bring home several thousand troops from Afghanistan in the next few months. More than a few acquaintances have commented that maybe I won't have to leave the States at all.
While that would be a wonderful development, I can state without reservation that I will undoubtedly go forward. The troops coming home will be ones that have already been there for a while. They will have to be replaced by at least a few troops. Because those governmental wheels turn slowly, it is impossible to merely shut off the lights and load everyone up to go home.
My classmates (shipmates joined by some civilians, a Marine, and several Air Force personnel) all learned our country destinations this week. I still don't know exactly where I will be, but I will be going to Afghanistan instead of Iraq, as my orders had originally stated. I'll be part of a Task Force supporting combat troops. Some in this training class have finished up and already gone forward. Others of us will have one or two weeks of additional training on "how things get done" before leaving the States.
I had this weekend off but couldn't leave the immediate area, and the family couldn't come down until next weekend, so I have hung out by myself. Aside from doing the mundane things (laundry and a trip to the commissary, the military's grocery store) I drove around the Fayetteville, N.C., area. The downtown area is a refreshing change from the strip malls and big-box shopping centers, and I plan to return today to wander around a bit.
The three female Commanders I shared the little house at Camp McCrady with all went forward from McCrady. I'm the only female officer and am now the most senior officer of the remaining group. Seniority can get a bit lonely, similar to Jack Aubrey in Patrick O'Brian's series. Jack discovered when he received his first post as ship's captain that his was a lonely lot. The junior officers would only speak to him when spoken to, and the enlisted men would never dare to speak to him unless required by duty. I see myself as much more approachable than a Post Captain in the British Royal Navy, merely because of my personality. But those lines between officer and enlisted, and senior officer and junior officer (not to mention males and females in off duty time) must remain in place for good order and discipline.
I can thank two former Commanding Officers for sparking my interest in O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series. He wrote a fantastic series, more than 20 books in all, that I have read or listened to many times. The amount of detail in these books is astounding, and you can almost feel the ship's roll or hear the clash of swords in battle on the deck of an enemy ship. The movie Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World was actually a combination of stories from two of those books, with scenes and lines from many other books. While Russell Crowe was not my image of Jack Aubrey, the movie was a skillful conjoining of stories, and very well done. I heartily recommend this historical fiction series to all.

Not as lively as combat training, but I'll take it

2011-06-22T18:48:00.000-04:00

I've had several days of paperwork, briefs, and death by Power Point here in North Carolina. It's a welcome change from the heat and exertion of Camp McCrady. My Charlie Company shipmates who accompanied me here agree: if it's air conditioning and no body armor, we don't care!!!

Not much to report so far. I'll have lots more training before it's all over. I will probably wind up serving with only a few of my shipmates, as we'll be splitting up to go to assignments according to our training. Thanks for the well wishes and prayers. I cherish them for myself and my family.

Goodbye Camp McCrady

2011-06-18T21:18:00.001-04:00

Things finished up with our Army training with a Navy-style FOD walkdown. FOD means Foreign Object Debris, and it is normally done on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier to pick up anything that might cause damage if sucked into a jet engine. This FOD was done on the grounds of our training site. We lined up across the sector we'd been assigned and walked slowly across the camp, picking up all tiny bits of debris.

We finally left our training camp Thursday morning. Two groups had already left, and I was alone in my little house Wednesday night. As usual, the buses were pulled up at the other end of the camp from my barracks. I’d managed to pack all my stuff into two seabags, one rolling duffle bag, and a large backpack. I definitely got a workout in hauling the seabags to the buses. All gear and bags were very efficiently loaded by the sailors.

It’s hard to believe that my time at Ft. Jackson is over. I’ve done a lot in two and a half weeks.

Once we got to our next training site in North Carolina, I picked up my rental car and discovered, much to my delight, that I got an upgrade to a sleek Cadillac DTS. It's an incredibly awesome car to drive.

Spent time with family over the weekend and went to Wrightsville Beach. It's been nice to have time to just relax and not do much.

A huge sendoff

2011-06-15T11:25:00.001-04:00

The first group from our training class left last night. It was a bittersweet time, saying goodbye to shipmates I had worked so hard with during the past few weeks. I tried not to pay attention to dark thoughts about what might happen to these warriors.

Before the group gathered by the buses, I noticed motorcycles arriving at the training camp. As I watched them form up, I realized they were there because of the group that was leaving. I've heard of Freedom Riders, and knew they escorted military funeral processions. I had no idea anything was done for those headed to war, too.

Hoping to upload video from the departure soon. The wifi here is not very reliable. (Later: I had to upload the video to YouTube in order to post it here. Watch it below. Very impressive.)

From a "Saildier" back to a Sailor

2011-06-14T09:27:00.000-04:00

I've survived Army combat training. There were times I wasn't sure if I would, but I've surprised myself several times. I haven't been the fastest, strongest, or best by a long shot. On the other hand, I have held my own and kept up with everything except for the one day I just couldn't take the blister pain anymore.

We are doing last minute admin and gear checks before our company splits to go separate ways. I'll leave in a few days for more training in North Carolina, but won't have to be there for class until Monday. I'm looking forward to some down time, possibly visiting family, and relaxing. I'm mostly looking forward to NOT having to get up at "O-dark-thirty" (very early) to put on all the body armor. The cumulative effects of the heat and exertion have caught up to me in the past few days.

I got to witness a shipmate being frocked--advanced from Third Class Petty Officer to Second Class Petty Officer (an E-5). Another shipmate is a bagpiper who is taking his short pipes with him on deployment. He played his bagpipes and led the official party to the front of the room where the frocking ceremony took place. It was a very nice touch. I believe the Navy is unique in frocking its enlisted members. They wear the uniform marking of the next rank, but won't receive the pay of the next rank until they are actually promoted. Does the Coast Guard frock its petty officers?

I've enjoyed hearing from friends and former shipmates, and getting feedback on some of my posts. Please ask questions, add information, and say 'Hi.' Thanks for following me on this crazy adventure.

"And we're walking, and we're walking"

2011-06-10T19:20:00.000-04:00

Another range day Thursday, firing the big guns and observing two evolutions of moving and shooting. The range tower controller has a lively presence. He'll announce that shooters and safeties will move forward to a certain point and follow that with, "And we're walking, and we're walking, annnnnnnd we're there!" He always has a smile on his face, and a bounce in his step. All the civilians at the range have been knowledgeable and helpful to those struggling with firing either the rifle or pistol. The drill sergeants have also been patient and knowledgeable. I was frankly surprised at how patient they are. I expected a boot camp atmosphere, with lots of yelling and impatience. After a long day impatience does show, but overall I've been encouraged in my struggles by our cadre of instructors.

Another hot day Thursday, but we have completed all shooting with live rounds. Five days of training left. Today was spent outside in the heat, as usual, with body armor on for parts of the day. We were doing convoy training and other outside training. Saturday will be our live convoy event. The instructors are pushing us hard in order to finish the training several days early to keep to the flight schedule. It's wearing on all of us, along with the heat, the pre-dawn musters, and MRE's for lunch.

I was finally able to upload this video. I took it out the window when we were leaving Norfolk on the bus that would take us to South Carolina. It was my last look at the Navy for quite some time. This was a nice parting gesture.

Just enough bandwidth to upload stuff

2011-06-08T22:43:00.000-04:00

I tried uploading a picture and video before the internet connection went down again. Just managed the picture, I'll try another day with the video.

Full Battle Rattle

So here is the promised picture of me in body armor, or Full Battle Rattle. I was waiting for my scores after coming off the range during pre-qualification with the M4.
I did qualify with this weapon early today. I've now qualified the first time with both the M4 and M9 pistol.
I'm sure with more practice I'll be a more accurate shot. The body armor is a whole new concept to me, and getting it settled in a firing position doesn't come naturally. It was already hot by the time I got on the range, and my sunglasses kept slipping down my nose. The popup targets looked smaller than a postage stamp, and didn't stay up very long. Despite all that, I scored just enough to qualify.

I finally cried 'Uncle' from the pain on both heels. I'd gone to Medical several times but no one had asked to look at my blisters until a Chief Hospitalman in my company asked today. He immediately told me my boots were too big. Who knew?? I'd always thought you got blisters if your shoes were too tight. I'd also thought that boots were painful during the breaking in period. This has gone beyond pain to almost incapacitating. Two shipmates drove me over to the uniform shop this afternoon, where I plunked down big bucks for more comfortable, and better fitting, boots. I'm still hobbling noticeably, though. I'm hoping things straighten out soon.

Tomorrow is another day at the range, but no qualifying. We'll be firing larger weapons, including a 50-caliber machine gun. I'm looking forward to it. In less than a week, I will have learned to disassemble, clean, reassemble and fire two weapons, and fired several crew served weapons. What other middle-aged suburban mom can say that??!!

The firehose approach

2011-06-07T22:30:00.000-04:00

Monday and Tuesday are an absolute blur. I feel like I'm standing in front of a firehose with a little paper cup, trying vainly to catch all the information being thrown at me.
Scheduling miscommunications have caused the training to be shortened by two days, with all the required training to be crammed into the remaining days.
Yesterday was spent in the classroom (air conditioning and NO body armor!!!) on some sobering topics I'd rather not go into. Today was spent at the range doing pre-qualification for the rifle. I had a migraine at the end of the day from the heat and noise. Tomorrow is the actual qualification event. I hope to qualify on the rifle the first two iterations.
I was a bit disconcerted to learn that because of the shortened training time, our liberty (free time) would only be Saturday late afternoon until Sunday at noon. I had planned to leave early Sunday morning and drive to meet my dad and stepmom, then be back in time to report by 10 p.m. Sunday night. I am going to request to keep that schedule and miss whatever training we have Sunday afternoon, in order to see them for the first time in several years.
The wireless connection here is lousy. I'd wanted to upload a picture and a video, but I'll wait for another day. I have to be up at 0430 tomorrow, and need to get some sleep.

A much appreciated day of rest

2011-06-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Sunday and a day of rest physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I'm not at sore as I have been, and the blisters on my heels are not screaming as loudly as before.
I have discovered things about myself these past few weeks. I am stronger than I know, and am more resilient. I've also slipped into the full military mode, after struggling with the in-between stage last week.
Yesterday started early again at another range. I fired 120 rounds of the M-4 rifle, with body armor and without, and in three firing positions. In the afternoon I retested the Law of Gravity in another rollover simulator in a Humvee that carries more troops. I can attest that the Law is still in effect after going boots up and falling on my shoulder after my shipmates helped dislodge me from the complicated harness.
I have mastered getting into my Battle Rattle (body armor) by myself. The vest weighs 65 pounds and I can now sling it up and around my upper body, sliding my arms through the proper holes. Added to that are pads, gloves, and helmet. The first time I put it on, I couldn't even lift it onto one shoulder. I am a great believer in not reinventing the wheel, and I watched how others handled their body armor in order to figure out the best way for me. I will try to add a picture of my Battle Rattle soon. By the end of the past few days, I've wanted to get out of it as soon as I could.
I am using a devotional book, Jesus Calling, that had a very appropriate reading for June 4. It read in part, "Welcome challenging times as opportunities to trust me...The way to walk through demanding days is to grip My hand tightly and stay in close communication with Me." I have been asking for strength, both physically and mentally, on a regular basis. Thank you to those who are praying for me and for my family.

Five days feels like five years

2011-06-03T21:12:00.000-04:00

I've survived my first five days of Army training. It seems like forever since we first arrived at our training camp. The last few days have been long, physically hard, and just plain exhausting. Record heat makes everything harder. Wearing the body armor feels like I'm carrying around a small child all the time. I've already fallen getting off a bus and bumped into people and things trying to balance all that and my weaponry. And it is stressing my muscles severely. My back was sore yesterday, and shoulders were sore today.
Yesterday I tested and reverified Newton's theory of gravity: if you are hanging upside down in a Humvee and unbuckle your seat belt, you will fall on your head. We went through two simulated Humvee rollovers. Those things are very cramped inside, and when you land upside down, the simple acts of getting out of your seat belt and opening the door are infinitely harder. I have bruises everywhere from the tumbles.
Today was incredibly long, 12 hours, spent at the range for pistol qualification and preparation for rifle qualification. I had fun with the pistol qual. It was a stress shoot involving running from obstacle to obstacle and firing in various positions at a group of targets. It sounded much scarier than it actually was.
I feel much more comfortable hauling my weapons around everywhere. Before you enter any building at the camp, you have to ensure your weapons have no ammunition in them. This is called clearing the weapons. There are clearing barrels outside each building. The first day (was it just this Tuesday?) we all took forever to clear both our weapons because the process was all new to us. Now it's a quick process because we've done it many times and understand the workings of the weapons.
Someone asked if I'd been transferred to the Army now with an Army rank. No, we are all in the Navy. These are ground operations so, even though all the services are working together, the Army wants all Navy personnel to wear the Army camouflage uniform. I have uniform tapes that say "U.S. Navy." I've heard the joke that we aren't in the Navy anymore....we are in the NArmy.

I'm in the NArmy now

2011-06-02T05:58:00.000-04:00

I gained 60 pounds yesterday.....of body armor.
We wore all of our body armor for the first time yesterday. I now have some idea of how the knights must have felt. Wearing all that, in 90+ degree heat, with boots that aren't broken in yet, was a bit of a challenge.
Even more challenging was trying to get up from the prone firing position and then from a squatting position, with all that weight on my upper body. I couldn't quite stand and needed a hand up. A little embarrassing, but I will take any help offered. My platoon shipmates (what does the Army call their colleagues?) are starting to look out for 'the old lady' (what I call myself).
I've got muscles sore that I didn't know I had, and blisters on my heels. Life is good.

This is what's left of me after a long day.Note the rolled cuffs and pants. That is mandatory when the heat reaches a certain level. Note also the big yellow stopper on my rifle. I'll remove that when I go to the range.

More heat, more gear

2011-05-31T22:31:00.000-04:00

The gentle heat of a South Carolina summer continued today. I think I've drunk about 50 gallons of water in an effort to stay hydrated. It didn't help that the air conditioning konked out in our classroom, either.

More gear issued today. I'm now the owner of a rifle and a pistol. They are my sole responsibility, and must be in my care at all times. It's almost like having babies all over again. I didn't learn how to disassemble and reassemble my babies, but I learned that skill today with my rifle.

The drill sergeants patiently explained the parts and what you did with them. For the clueless among us, like me, who haven't deal with weapons up close and personal before, the learning curve was steep. Contrasting sharply with such inexperience are the sailors who have been deployed before, and who can do this evolution in their sleep. We're all bunched up together, more than 100 of us in C Company, or Charlie Company. I'm in 4th platoon, or Charlie 4.

I'm heard 'hooah' several thousand times now. The Army uses that term for just about anything: hi, bye, ok, got it, you know, yes, understood. There's not a Navy equivalent that I'm aware of.

The fun continues tomorrow when we learn how to clean our weapons.

A different kind of Memorial Day

2011-05-30T19:17:00.000-04:00

Gear added today

While most of the country enjoyed a day off for Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, I started my training today. It made me think of those in whose boots I'm following, those who gave their lives for their country. Some of their stories are known; most are not known, except to family and friends. My barracks has undoubtedly housed thousands of service members over the decades. How many of them made the ultimate sacrifice? It's a sobering thought.

Today was a sweltering one spent with gear issue. I have three full seabags of gear and clothing. The enlisted sailors helped me alot with fitting my flak jacket, helping me stuff it into a seabag, and even carrying one of the heavy bags for me. I appreciated their help, but really tried to do as much on my own as I could. I don't want to look like I can't hack it and carry my own junk. On the other hand, I'm old enough to be the mother of at least half the sailors in my platoon, so I can't expect to keep up with a bunch of 20-somethings.

I am counting my blessings about having a room to myself (I put a picture of my bed on my last post). All the others in our two companies are in 40 bunk barracks. I heard some of the stories going around about cell phone conversations in the middle of the night, and prolific snorers who kept everyone in the barracks awake.

So I survived my first day and didn't fall down or suffer heat exhaustion (although I did get almost overheated after a while with no water). I'm tired but not totally exhausted.

Leaving everything I've known

2011-05-29T06:42:00.003-04:00

Saturday was the big day: the day I left behind everything I know to venture into the void of the unknown. Three buses were lined up to take about 100 of us and our accompanying gear to our Army training site. It was hard to watch the family members saying goodbye. The children were heartbroken. Two therapy dogs were on hand, and I realized, as I scratched them behind their ears, how much I will miss animals.

I was also surprised that there were people there just to see us off, to tell us goodbye and godspeed. They waved American flags and cheered as the buses started off.

Not the Taj Mahal, but it's private

By the time we got to our training camp outside Columbia, S.C., the heat and humidity had risen significantly. It will be worse wherever I wind up, so I'm just dealing with it and getting acclimated. At some point you are drenched in sweat and it doesn't get any worse.

Rank does have its privileges, at least sometimes. I'd heard we'd have open bay barracks--bunkbeds lining both sides of a long room. The reality is that four female senior officers have a tiny barracks with separate rooms. I even have wireless internet, but it is slow. I'm not complaining.

The 'common area'

I got to eat fried okra at dinner! Growing up in S.C., that was a dish I was very familiar with. I hadn't eaten it in years. I'm wondering if there will be grits, another Southern staple food, for breakfast tomorrow. I grew up eating grits and love them. They are definitely an acquired taste for some.

The awkward, in between feeling

2011-05-27T22:38:00.000-04:00

Today was probably the toughest day yet, for a totally unexpected reason. I've never heard this talked about by anyone mobilizing for the first time. I've hit an 'in between' stage. I have started the disconnect with my civilian life, but I'm not yet connected to my 'new' life. It's as if my fingers are slipping away from friends and family at home but, because I'm still in a fairly familiar environment, I still have nothing to grasp to ground me in the active duty military world.

I got my seabag this afternoon, and had my first experience of lugging a full bag a long way, in hot weather, wearing long pants. I'll have to get tips (gouge is what it is called in the Navy) on the best way to haul a seabag/duffle bag so I don't do a face plant or mess up my back.

Someone called me on using the term 'cover' in my last post without saying what that is. A cover is what you wear on your head. The Navy has several kinds. The garrison cover looks like the old McDonald's paper hats. Please, leave comments and ask questions. I'll be glad to explain.

Khakis no more

2011-05-26T12:13:00.000-04:00

I wear my khakis for the last time today. Tomorrow I'll get my Army digital cami uniforms, and won't wear Navy stuff except for physical training (PT) gear until I'm back in the States.

This week has been a blur of briefings, checklists, and paperwork. I needed to get on some lists, and get off of others, to process through to active duty. I have one more station to clear this afternoon, and then I'll trash my old uniform. This one has seen better days, including the shoes. I will keep the garrison cover, the straight fore-and-aft cover. Mine is the 'old style' female cover which was replaced by the unisex cover. (A side bar on shoes in the Navy: if you are an officer in the aviation community, you wear brown shoes and are referred to as a "Brown shoe." Others wear the black oxford shoes and are referred to as "Black shoes." Surface Warfare Officers, or SWOs, are known as "Shoes." I've not been attached to a squadron, so I'm a Black shoe. Little lesson over.)

I talked to a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) yesterday who had been deployed a few years ago. He said that he'd gotten lots of advice from many people, but that the best advice had come from his young son, who told him, "Have fun on your trip!" Good advice. If I work all the time and don't take care of myself or relax and laugh, I won't be able to look out for my troops.

First day of processing

2011-05-23T20:59:00.000-04:00

Paperwork and Death by Power Point were on the agenda for my first day of inprocessing. That, and uniform/boot fittings. I'll get a seabag full of Army camouflage uniforms.

I met a shipmate I'd been in a unit with at least 10 years ago, and I'm on a base that I first set foot on more than 20 years ago. In all the newness, having some things I know is comforting.

It's also nice to be on a Naval base where sailors unfailingly render salutes when passing. My last reserve unit was made up of multiple services, and it was apparently difficult to tell ranks on all the different uniforms. During the year or so I was attached to that unit I called several Army enlisted back after they'd passed me without saluting, to ask if it was not military courtesy to initiate a salute on approaching an officer, rather than after they had passed. I guess that won't be a problem in a few days, when I'll look like all the Army personnel.

The adventure has begun

2011-05-21T12:48:00.000-04:00

Friday morning I officially reported and checked out of my reserve support unit. It wasn't as painful as I'd envisioned it would be.
In the afternoon we were able to go to the Joint Air Base Andrews 2011 Air Show. It was fantastic. I've always loved the sound of jet noise. Then we headed up to Baltimore to watch my team, the Orioles, play the Nationals. Alas, a win was not to be; not that I had expected one. But I enjoyed the atmosphere and spending more quality time with my family.
Today I am home for my last full day. Last loads of laundry and decisions about what to take now and what will be send after I leave are taking up most of my time.
The big unknown is about to unfold, at least a little. Thanks for coming on the adventure with me.

Humbling and bittersweet week

2011-05-17T08:43:00.000-04:00

I said goodbye to my church family on Sunday during a very humbling time at the end of the service. The congregation prayed over me and my family members and loved on all of us. We started attending West Side Baptist way back in 1996, and have been involved in many of the ministries here.
I took a picture of the back wall of the sanctuary. When I sing with the Praise Team during worship services, besides glancing around at the members of the congregation, I look at the bricks on the back wall. The picture will go on my laptop, along with the picture of the choir loft, to be added to my collection of reminders of home.
Today is my last day at work, which means more goodbyes.
Someone called me a hero yesterday, and many are telling me how proud they are of me.
I don't feel like a hero, or that I've done outstanding things. I'm just a regular person who got 'the call.' There are thousands who have done this, and many who did extraordinary, heroic things.
3 days until I report.

Pictures, family time

2011-05-14T16:34:00.000-04:00

Went grocery shopping this morning, and wondered if this was the last time I'd be in a 'civvie' grocery store for a while.

The family went to a local book fair, seeking out the latest books we just couldn't live without. I wandered into the military history section, not really paying attention to specific books. One book caught my eye, however: The Girls Come Marching Home. The title alone implies that this won't be your ordinary book about war. I put it in with the other books to purchase. It will be interesting reading about war from women's experience and perspective.

I took pictures of my Rugosa rose in full bloom in my back yard. It's a beautiful pink and wonderfully fragrant. I wish I could bottle the smell and take it with me. I'll take pics of family and friends, and more pictures of the house and pets this week, to take with me on my computer.

Six days until I report.

Last weekend with my unit

2011-05-11T06:54:00.000-04:00

I left home Friday evening for the drive to my drill site. I've done this routine many times over the years. It felt strange to be doing it for what will be the last time for more than a year.
I don't really like the last days/weeks before a huge life change. I'd rather just make the change, rather than having to think about it and say the final goodbyes.
I'm getting invitations from all sides for dinner, visits, etc. I know it's important to accept as I can, but these will be more heart-wrenching than enjoyable--sort of like enduring a thousand tiny cuts. Of course, I will give those who love me the opportunity to say their goodbyes, and will be gracious.

Changes, changes

2011-05-03T16:35:00.001-04:00

And so it starts: I said goodbye to two people this weekend. Things you ordinarily don't hear about when people deploy are all the changes, the final tasks, the long string of goodbyes.

In order to get ready for this deployment, I decided to cut my hair short. I've had long hair since high school. Every time I put on my uniform, I have to braid my hair. That's one more thing to have to keep up with in a combat zone, which led to the decision.

The stylist kept asking, "Are you sure? Are you sure?" as he combed out my hair and took his scissors in hand. It was so hard to say, "Just do it." He was very good, though, and gave me a great style. It will take a while to get used to, but everyone else says it looks great.

I finally got my orders today recalling me to active duty.

16 days until I report.

Change in blog name

2011-04-23T12:41:00.000-04:00

I have been tagged for mobilization to active military duty. I'll have to put my freelance business on hold while I'm gone. Because I want a place to record the myriad happenings as I prepare, go, and return, I'm converting my business blog, Shenandoah Writing Services, to The Camouflage Keyboard.

I've been in the service for just more than 20 years and have never been mobilized. Other unique things about me are that I'm also a business owner, a wife, and a mom, living in suburban America. Going active and being shipped halfway around the world is stressful, to say the least, on everyone.

Of utmost importance to me is to practice Operational Security, or OPSEC. This means that you won't find specific details here about where I am, who I'm supporting, or what I am doing. What you WILL find are the strange, unbelievable, mundane, and life-changing things that such a momentous change will necessarily bring.

What is your worst writing worry?

2009-12-31T12:40:00.008-05:00

Confession time: I misspell words.
Not all of them; but there are a few words that I can never remember how to spell properly.
'Definite' used to give me fits, until I realized that "fini" would mark the finish of that properly-spelled word.
'Occasion' is another word I've had to work to spell correctly.
How about you? Do you struggle with who/whom or there/their? Is your biggest problem whether it's 'i' or 'e'?
I've posted this question on my Facebook page http://tinyurl.com/yhz6qjj and asked LinkedIn members http://tinyurl.com/yhd33v6, and Twitter followers http://twitter.com/shenwriting.

The list so far:

- Effect/Affect

- There/Their

- Latinate plurals: one index, many indices (not indexes); one appendix, many appendices (not appendixes); one memorandum, many memoranda...

- The mixup of "I" for "me" and vice-versa.

- The inappropriate use of let and leave ... let means to allow, leave means to depart.

Add to the list by posting your writing obstacles.

~~Colleen

Don’t waste your website!

2009-10-31T20:27:00.012-04:00

Isn't it frustrating when you try to go to a website and the page is practically empty? Maybe you're interested in doing business with someone or making a purchase from a store. You get nowhere with a website that is “under construction.”

In an effort to cut corners, many website owners decide against using a professional writer to develop their web content. These business owners make the commitment to develop their own content, only to discover that the everyday responsibilities of running a business prevent them from doing much writing. The result? A website ready to be populated which sits virtually empty for months. The last thing you want to do, as a hard-working business owner, is saddle yourself with the daunting task of writing scintillating text to populate your site.

Take the responsibility off your shoulders and let a professional writer develop the text for your site. You'll avoid having to choose between seeing an empty website and agonizing over how best to get your ideas across to potential clients.

Web users view online text differently than they do printed material. The word “surfer” has come to mean users who rapidly switch from one web page to another. In Faster, Smarter Web Page Creation, Mary Hillhallon writes, “If a web page doesn’t grab a user quickly—within 10 seconds (according to most usability studies)—the user will very likely move on to another page (or another site altogether).”

A professional writer can mold your information into eye-catching and interesting text, written specifically for an online audience. The results are better adapted to the web than merely reworking an existing brochure or other print advertising.

Take the worry out of writing. Get a free consultation on your project. After all, you've got nothing to lose—except all that worry.

www.shenandoahwriting.com
colleen@shenandoahwriting.com
540-476-1855

~~Colleen

Get your facts straight

2009-06-11T08:57:00.003-04:00

Do you ever stop to think about whether the information in the newspaper, book, or web page you are reading is correct or true?

Unfortunately, the world has recently seen the downfall of journalists and book authors who fabricated their information.

That is at the extreme end of the spectrum. Toward the other end fall factual errors that could call the accuracy of an entire document into question.

Are you doing your best to ensure the information in your writing is correct?

This is where an editor can be invaluable to you.

Just as an editor checks for grammar and typographical errors and readability, an editor can also double-check spellings of names and places, and ensure information is accurate.

Here are some recent examples I’ve come across while editing:
• Misspelling Aaron Copland’s name
• Misspelling an author’s name in a book promo
• Citing the wrong city as the location of a Marine Corps Air Station

You may be thinking, “So, what? Who’s going to notice?”

You’d be surprised the number of people who would notice. Factual errors like the ones in my examples may cause readers to doubt your ability and credibility.

Whether your project is for school or shareholders, be sure to get your facts straight. Having an editor do fact-checking for you is one way to ensure errors have not crept into your writing.

Visit my website, www.shenandoahwriting.com, to learn more about how I can help you with your next project.

~~Colleen

Don't dangle your modifiers!

2009-02-18T13:35:00.003-05:00

I love editing, especially when I get a good laugh out of what I'm working on.

While editing an intern's article, I came across these doozies:

--After all that work, students might type up a paper for an advisor that would just sit in a file cabinet.

Someone let that poor advisor out of the file cabinet!

--It makes it easier for students to explain what they do to a layperson.

Ack! Quick, cover the children's ears so they don't hear what students do to laypeople!

I love my work! Where else can I be guaranteed belly laughs?

~~Colleen
www.shenandoahwriting.com

Keeping up with customers

2009-01-15T15:11:00.005-05:00

My freelance business has definitely seen changes during these economically challenging times. Freelance websites are now clogged with other souls clamoring for the same jobs I'm bidding for. I've almost given up on them for now. Some of these sites cater to buyers who pay little or nothing for one's hard work, as well as to providers willing to work for poverty wages.

So, what's a freelance writer or editor to do?

In an article I wrote, "Tips for Keeping in Touch With Customers," I discussed ways to take care of customers you already have, which is cheaper than obtaining new ones. To read the complete article, visit http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1107305.

Keeping in touch means checking in with clients I've previously done work for, just to let them know I'm still available to assist with any project they have. I've been able to pick up projects from several clients just by sending them a short, friendly email.

If you have successfully worked with a client in the past, the chances of that pleasant experience repeating itself are good.

Consider dropping short emails to your client list. Who knows? You might pick up some new projects.

~~Colleen

How could one possibly "unthaw" anything?

2008-10-11T15:50:00.004-04:00

I read--a lot. Part of the reason for that is to expand my vocabulary and enjoy good writing. Another part is to know how to avoid bad writing.

Here's an example of truly bad writing from the AP's 10/11/2008 article, "Government to Buy Stakes in U.S. Banks":

The purchase of stakes in companies would be in addition to the main thrust of the $700 billion rescue effort, which is to purchase distressed assets from financial institutions as a way of unthawing frozen credit, getting banks to resume more normal lending operations and staving off severe problems for businesses and everyday Americans alike.

Unthawing frozen credit? Wouldn't that be to actually FREEZE frozen credit, as the opposite of "thaw" is "freeze"?

That word isn't in any dictionary I consulted.

What were they thinking?

And don't get me started on the incredible run-on sentence that consumed an entire paragraph.

~~Colleen

Beware of GoFreelance.com

2008-10-05T18:25:00.005-04:00

If you are a freelancer looking for work through online listings, you've probably run into Web sites that are too good to be true.

This is a warning about a site that, at first, looked really promising: GoFreelance.com. I got a 7-day trial for $7.99, and got access to a small amount of postings. Every day, I also got emails about jobs that sounded really good. They always included a link to apply to the job but, when clicked, they always led to a page to join GoFreelance.

Call me naive, but I assumed that this was just a sampling of what I would be getting after the one-week trial, when my PayPal account would be reduced by $39.99.

Wrong.

I still got several emails a day with great-sounding jobs described, but there was never a way to actually apply for these jobs. If I logged on to the Web site, there was still the small listing of jobs, most of them either old or extremely low-paying. I couldn't find the jobs mentioned in my emails.

Oh, they had a "Support" link where I could report difficulties. What that got me was an automatic email that my problem was being worked on. However, this only led to dead-ends when I couldn't log in to the Help area.

I canceled my membership and will have to chalk up the lost $$ to learning the hard way.

I won't reveal how I obtained the email address of the owner of this site, but it is rob@robpalmer.com. I emailed Mr. Palmer directly, not really expecting any response--so far, nothing.

If you have had similar experiences from this scam site, please let me know if you were able to resolve it successfully.

~~Colleen

How to Ruin an Interview

2008-06-23T20:34:00.006-04:00

I picked up the phone the other day to arrange an interview.

“Hello, Major, I’m calling to schedule an interview with you about your recent competition.”

This would normally be just another step on the way to creating an article for the university magazine to which I’m assigned. I was tapped to do this interview because I’ve been in the Navy Reserve for more than 18 years and I understand military terminology better than the other civilians on staff.

The interview was going well. Letting Major S. know about my military affiliation showed my membership in “the club”—I may not be in the same service, but I could relate to most of what he was talking about. At some point, I commented on the difficulties in identifying other service ranks, particularly Air Force enlisted personnel.

“Are you still in?” asked Major S.

I confirmed that I am.

“What’s your rank?”

I knew that question might come up. I had purposely not mentioned my rank before, but there was no avoiding it now.

“I’m a commander,” I replied.

A commander is one grade senior to a major.

That’s when I heard the words I didn’t want to hear in that interview.

“Yes, ma’am,” the Major said.

I knew that if he found out I outranked him, the major would be deferential, as a junior officer should be. I didn't need deference, I needed him to be comfortable enough to answer my questions.

“No. I’m not here as a commander, I’m here as a civilian,” I reassured him.

“Yes, ma’am.”

I sighed.

That’s the quickest way I know of to ruin an interview.

Postscript:
Things turned out well in the end.

Here is the product of this interview:
Not for the weak or fainthearted

Is Spelling Still Important?

2008-06-09T20:01:00.005-04:00

I've been noticing an increase in spelling errors in e-mail, documents, newspaper headlines and other forms of writing.

While this troubles me, I am aware that some would argue that it's not a big deal. As long as the reader understands what the writer meant, some spelling errors won't matter.

Really?

I'm surely dating myself, but my teachers and professors expected me to spell properly, in all forms of classwork. I would think they still expect that.

When I read the newspaper or a magazine, I don't want to have to struggle through misspelled words. My local paper, the Daily News-Record, is notorious for misspelled words. What really kills me is that headlines frequently have misspellings in them. Since when is the word dairies spelled daries?

I've read that, in this era of instant communication, with text messages, IMs and emails, spelling and grammar are taking a beating. These types of mistakes are even showing up in classwork--work turned in for a grade.

My sincere hope is that our educators will continue to hold students accountable for correct spelling. Once the general opinion, expressed above, spreads and people believe that spelling errors don't matter as long as the reader understands what the writer meant, we will regress more than three hundred years, to the days when people spelled words like they sounded.

I also hope my local paper will start paying more attention to headlines. It's Eastern Mennonite University, not Easter Mennonite University!

~~Colleen

Which is Easier, 1,000 Words or 100 Words?

2008-05-23T14:37:00.007-04:00

One would think that having a limit of just a few words would be easier. In actuality, you'd be surprised at how quickly you can reach a 100-word limit. Having 1,000 words in which to make a point is much, much easier--unless, of course, you don't have much subject matter.

Writing headlines and captions can be difficult, as well, because a great deal of information needs to be relayed in just a few words. Take a look at some of the captions in the next magazine or newspaper you pick up--do the captions tell you the story of the photo? Does the headline give an accurate indication of what the story is about?

Here is a sample of a piece for which I won third place in a 55-word contest. I initially had roughly twice the number of words allowed, and had to work hard to whittle the count down to 55. Let me know what you think of the result:

Jakob

The small boy slept peacefully in my arms as we rocked. My heart broke as I thought about his fate - most likely dead before he reached manhood. He would never fall in love, never hold his child. No money for good food or doctor visits. As he slumbered on, tears rolled slowly down my cheeks.

Until next time,

Colleen

www.shenandoahwriting.com

What Do I Write About?

2008-03-11T17:02:00.007-04:00

Some writers focus on a particular genre, or type of writing. For example, science fiction and fantasy sound like fairly specialized writing.

"Creative nonfiction" is how I would categorize my personal writing. I tend to use life events to tell a story. I've always had a knack for creating vivid word pictures--"showing" rather than "telling."

In my part-time gig as a writer for a university magazine, topics I've written about cover a fairly broad spectrum. The first assignment I got was a feature on a center promoting physical fitness for girls and women. I had only been at the university a few months and didn't know anything about the history of the program or the professors for whom it was named.

Where to start? Research, research, research; and then interview, interview, interview.

The final product made my editor happy. Here is the finished article:
http://www.jmu.edu/madisononline/madison/wm_library/W07_P32-P49.pdf

I've written about a 100-year old alumna's memories of her Madison experience; a long-time athletic trainer who spent a large chunk of time mothering her charges in the Women's basketball program; and the new outdoor astronomy park for the Physics and Astronomy program. That park's first star-gazing event took place on the coldest night of December 2006.

When someone asks what I write about, I can easily say, "What topic are you most interested in?" Chances are that I've written something they'll like.

Take the worry out of writing--use Shenandoah Writing Services

www.shenandoahwriting.com

Which do you need, an editor or a proofreader?

2008-02-21T09:14:00.005-05:00

Many people who advertise for proofreading help are actually in need of an editor.

How can you tell the difference?

If your document is in need of serious help--reducing word count, replacing confusing or redundant phrases, rearranging or deleting content, and in general making it "read" better--you need an editor.

If you want someone to check for typos and stray punctuation marks, what you need is a proofreader.

Having said that, did you know that editing can have different levels?

Line editing is a bit more complicated than tracking down misspelled words and erroneous commas. Your document is submitted to line-by-line scrutiny for uniformity of fonts/headers/figures, etc. and for style issues (i.e., AP, Chicago Manual of Style). Your editor will also make note of worrisome word choices, verb tense disagreement, and awkward phrasing.

Content editing includes proofreading and line editing tasks, as well as looking at the overall flow of the text. Your editor will suggest improvements in paragraph structure, rearrange sentences where needed, and perform other tasks to enhance your document.

Who knew it was this complicated? Semantics aside, all clients want their paper, report, article or other type of text to get their message to readers. My goal is to learn about my clients' target audience, in what shape they believe their text is and what they'd like to see in a finished product. That gives me a good idea of how much word wrangling I'm going to be doing.

No matter if your document needs a light proof or heavy content editing, I want you to be satisfied that your text is the very best it can be.

Until next time,
Colleen

Where Should You Get Your Information?

2008-01-03T19:57:00.001-05:00

When most people need to find out about something, whether it's how to plant a garden or do front shoulder raises, where do they go?

The internet, right? Hasn't "google" become a verb?

But what about more detailed, complex topics? Should you trust the information you find through internet research?

That depends.

For instance, you might need to find information about prostate cancer. Researching at your local library can yield valuable information. For faster results, plenty of good information is available on the internet--you just have to be aware of the source.

Concentrating on reliable, known sources can help you steer clear of confusing, outdated or just plain incorrect information. With a topic as important as prostate cancer, wouldn't you want to ensure the information is as up-to-date as possible?

Besides knowing the source, check to see if the web sites you visit have a "Last updated on" date. Information that has been collecting dust for three years may not be what you're after.

~~Colleen

Take the Worry Out of Writing

2007-12-31T21:37:00.001-05:00

Has this ever happened to you? You've worked hard researching and writing something and, after you've already sent it out, you discover an embarrassing error.

What about this? You need to write an article, letter, or similar piece, and just can't get started. Staring at a blank screen doesn't help. Writing has always been hard, but now your deadline is looming.

Using a professional writer or editor can give your message the right polish, and the benefits far outweigh the fee.

Take the worry out of writing--use Shenandoah Writing Services.
Check out www.shenandoahwriting.com