Quick update over last two weeks

25AUG17

Today is Friday, August 25^th, 2017 and I have been in Iraq two full weeks. The first week here I spent doing a hand-off with the unit rep I replaced. My job is similar to supervising a few dealership maintenance branches. The difference being our maintenance vehicles are tanks and other combat-related vehicles. I work out of two offices. One office is found within my unit’s headquarters, where the vast majority of admin-related tasks get done. The second office isn’t really an office as much as a location. My second office requires a bit more attention to detail, so more to come.

I few events stand out in my mind during the first two weeks, which, if I were back home, would equate to an annual training and I would returning home soon. Key events: I was afforded the opportunity to be served tea in an Iraqi Brigadier General’s office. Granted, the BG is corrupt beyond measure, but still, it was a pretty cool event. His is the office that looks more like a Vegas Club than a BG’s office.

This week I took over missions. No longer baby-sat, I am in full charge of my section’s mission and we pulled it off nicely. ON Tuesday while strolling through the compound, we suddenly came across a 120mm tank round nonchalantly placed on the ground and left. What a lovely surprise.

I’ve also enjoyed a couple medical issues this week. Upon arrival in this region, my skin started to react unhappily. I’ve been experiencing acne sporadically with only my face and hands being exceptions to the rule. One pop-up on my lower left back turned into a nasty cyst that required being surgically removed on Tuesday. I have a great video of it, if you’re interested. Prior to and for the last two days, that tiny area has been a pain in my back. Literally. Especially when I put on my protective vest. THAT was a highly emotional experience.

Immediately following this event on Thursday was  the result of enjoying the dining facility’s Indian Cuisine Night with lamb curry. My stomach has not been the same for going on two days now. Keep in mind no interior latrines can be found anywhere on this entire compound. In order to get to the nearest “repository” whether I am in my room or in the office, I need to walk a solid 50-100m. And then the facilities are nothing more than a porta-pottie or latrine/shower facility.

So sums up my first two weeks, leaving out only a few things that happened that are of more interest to my military compadres than not. Overall I am doing well. Personality issues are more troublesome than work-related issues, but that’s always to be expected until the dust settles. Those are the things that stress me out at work.

On the home front, I am able to facetime using the internet I have in my room, which allows me near daily contact back home. While I miss my wife, daughter, and grandson, being able to see them while talking with them eases the homesickness. I have been authorized the taking and sending of videos to Bracken, so I can stay in contact with the kiddos and teachers, too. I find great therapy in doing such an activity. Once my back heals up (Nice marble-sized hole) I will hit the gym regularly. I am back in touch with my coach and look forward to hearing his voice in my head again too.

Friday and Sunday morning are my only days off. I am ten hours ahead of Vegas time. So, if you feel like reaching out on facetime, email me ahead of time so I can turn on my connection. It is always good to hear from the States! That’s about it for this update. Stay tuned for more news out of the desert.