T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 00:10 19 Nov 2003
...I am in the Army National Guard (prior service, Active Duty), and recently transferred from Kansas to Texas. As an 88M (Truck Driver), I am on the "Hit List for Activation" with a local HETS (Heavy Equipment Transport System) Unit. For those of you who don't know what a HETS is, try a "search" for M1070 or M916, which is Medium-Equipment Transporter. The SRP starts tomorrow morning and I don't know yet where, when, or if, I will actually deploy.
In the event I can't access to the Boards for some time, it's been great interacting with all of you. Particularly Ari and Haru, as I believe I've known you two the longest.
Sorry to have seen Celestial Mambo come to such a stand-still.
Fare thee well, my friends and I hope, God willing to see you all soon, if not later.
...I am in the Army National Guard (prior service, Active Duty), and recently transferred from Kansas to Texas. As an 88M (Truck Driver), I am on the "Hit List for Activation" with a local HETS (Heavy Equipment Transport System) Unit. For those of you who don't know what a HETS is, try a "search" for M1070 or M916, which is Medium-Equipment Transporter. The SRP starts tomorrow morning and I don't know yet where, when, or if, I will actually deploy.
In the event I can't access to the Boards for some time, it's been great interacting with all of you. Particularly Ari and Haru, as I believe I've known you two the longest.
Sorry to have seen Celestial Mambo come to such a stand-still.
Fare thee well, my friends and I hope, God willing to see you all soon, if not later.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 12:15 19 Nov 2003
Hi Rychaerde,
First, it has been great having you as a member here at Unified. And I am very sorry that you might have to leave.
Second, take care of yourself. I hope when your tour is over you will remember us and stop in again!
Third, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!
Thanks again for being a mamber of Unified.
Hi Rychaerde,
First, it has been great having you as a member here at Unified. And I am very sorry that you might have to leave.
Second, take care of yourself. I hope when your tour is over you will remember us and stop in again!
Third, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!
Thanks again for being a mamber of Unified.
T.T.F.N. - by Arislyn on 14:30 19 Nov 2003
Good luck out there! *waves* Take care of yourself.
Good luck out there! *waves* Take care of yourself.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 23:38 24 Nov 2003
Guess I was a little premature...
I have been declared "deployable", and if the Transportation Unit has their say about it, I will be going with them when they deploy on Dec 6th (some B-Day present), however the State of Texas decides who augments them.
The LT was extremely vague and non-committal Sun AM, when he told me I will get a phone call and/or orders to report, or not.
If I do go, the 6th would be the start of the 6-week train-up before shipping out.
I was asked by several people during the process if I wanted to go...My usual response...I am [MORE THAN] WILLING to go. (If I wasn't, I would not have raised my hand or signed the contract all those years ago, much less have extended several times since then.)
I feell that anyone who truly "Wants" to go can't really be in their right mind.
I saw one kid there Wednesday AM with a neck-brace on, and watched when he got into his car that afternoon as he took if off before driving away.
ps - Thanks, Brad for the PM, got it in my "Black Book" just in case.
Guess I was a little premature...
I have been declared "deployable", and if the Transportation Unit has their say about it, I will be going with them when they deploy on Dec 6th (some B-Day present), however the State of Texas decides who augments them.
The LT was extremely vague and non-committal Sun AM, when he told me I will get a phone call and/or orders to report, or not.
If I do go, the 6th would be the start of the 6-week train-up before shipping out.
I was asked by several people during the process if I wanted to go...My usual response...I am [MORE THAN] WILLING to go. (If I wasn't, I would not have raised my hand or signed the contract all those years ago, much less have extended several times since then.)
I feell that anyone who truly "Wants" to go can't really be in their right mind.
I saw one kid there Wednesday AM with a neck-brace on, and watched when he got into his car that afternoon as he took if off before driving away.
ps - Thanks, Brad for the PM, got it in my "Black Book" just in case.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 08:44 25 Nov 2003
Dec. 6th is coming up. From the news it does sound like a lot of NG and Reserve units will be relieving units that have been there awhile.
That's kind of a bummer birthday present. :|
Dec. 6th is coming up. From the news it does sound like a lot of NG and Reserve units will be relieving units that have been there awhile.
That's kind of a bummer birthday present. :|
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 23:05 26 Nov 2003
It's official...my last day here at work for this year is this coming Tuesday...(burning off the remaining vacation time)...
With any luck, I may be able to check-in every now and again while over there.
Again: Take Care Y'All, and God Bless!
Rychaerde Hroedeberdt (SCA name)
An alternate email for any one who wants to contact me:
richard.kinnison@us.army.mil
It's official...my last day here at work for this year is this coming Tuesday...(burning off the remaining vacation time)...
With any luck, I may be able to check-in every now and again while over there.
Again: Take Care Y'All, and God Bless!
Rychaerde Hroedeberdt (SCA name)
An alternate email for any one who wants to contact me:
richard.kinnison@us.army.mil
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 06:30 27 Nov 2003
Richard,
Check in if you can! God Bless.
Watch your six. We'll see you when you are back here in the States again.
Richard,
Check in if you can! God Bless.
Watch your six. We'll see you when you are back here in the States again.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 21:12 27 Jan 2004
Greetings from Fort Bliss, TX...Entering Phase III of the train-up. Mostly MP and Advanced Infantry skills. Oh, and this week, its Convoy Operations and lessons learned from units that are currently there. We are due to arrive in Kuwait mid-February.
Hope to check in again before I leave, but of course, no guarantees there.
Take Care All.
Rychaerde Hroedeberdt
Greetings from Fort Bliss, TX...Entering Phase III of the train-up. Mostly MP and Advanced Infantry skills. Oh, and this week, its Convoy Operations and lessons learned from units that are currently there. We are due to arrive in Kuwait mid-February.
Hope to check in again before I leave, but of course, no guarantees there.
Take Care All.
Rychaerde Hroedeberdt
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 07:24 28 Jan 2004
Hey Rychaerde,
Thanks so much for checking in! Sounds like they are keeping you busy.
Kuwait in Feb. It's about 0 degrees here now, it is hard to imagine some place that hot.
I hope you can check in before you leave.
Hey Rychaerde,
Thanks so much for checking in! Sounds like they are keeping you busy.
Kuwait in Feb. It's about 0 degrees here now, it is hard to imagine some place that hot.
I hope you can check in before you leave.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 11:56 08 Feb 2004
The Company Commander made the official announcement, so I guess it's been "declassified"...
Certification completed. We fly out on Friday, the 13th.
Busy is an understatement. Phase III included 2 36-hr FTX's. They were, logically very concerned during the live-fire portions. Was disappointed that we couldn't use our vehicles and fire from the cab's as we'll more likely do, but we got to see how difficult it is to fire from the back of a moving 5-ton cargo truck.
This week should be pretty lite. Will check-back as I can.
The Company Commander made the official announcement, so I guess it's been "declassified"...
Certification completed. We fly out on Friday, the 13th.
Busy is an understatement. Phase III included 2 36-hr FTX's. They were, logically very concerned during the live-fire portions. Was disappointed that we couldn't use our vehicles and fire from the cab's as we'll more likely do, but we got to see how difficult it is to fire from the back of a moving 5-ton cargo truck.
This week should be pretty lite. Will check-back as I can.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 13:07 08 Feb 2004
Hi Rycharde, I'm glad you stopped in. :
You know, come to think of it, in all my years of civilian target practice and hunting, I've never fired from a vehicle, let alone a moving one. Nor have I fired while doing more than walking. I bet it is way different to try to shoot from the back of a bouncing truck.
Good luck on your deployment and be careful. Check in when you can.
Hi Rycharde, I'm glad you stopped in. :
You know, come to think of it, in all my years of civilian target practice and hunting, I've never fired from a vehicle, let alone a moving one. Nor have I fired while doing more than walking. I bet it is way different to try to shoot from the back of a bouncing truck.
Good luck on your deployment and be careful. Check in when you can.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 12:47 17 Mar 2004
This time, I'm in Camp BIAP, Iraq and still based out of Cmp Arifjan, Kuwait. So far in the 6 convoys I've participated in, I have neither come under fire, nor encountered an IED, for which I and my co-drivers consider ourselves Blessed. For which, I wish to thank you all for your continued support in prayer.
Take Care, and again: Will check in again when I can.
Rychaerde
This time, I'm in Camp BIAP, Iraq and still based out of Cmp Arifjan, Kuwait. So far in the 6 convoys I've participated in, I have neither come under fire, nor encountered an IED, for which I and my co-drivers consider ourselves Blessed. For which, I wish to thank you all for your continued support in prayer.
Take Care, and again: Will check in again when I can.
Rychaerde
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 12:17 18 Mar 2004
We will be thinking of you and praying for your safety.
Thank you, for stopping in!
We will be thinking of you and praying for your safety.
Thank you, for stopping in!
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 04:42 01 May 2004
Hello again, all! Just checking in to let you all know I'm still alive and occasionally able to check in (which is a rarity, since there is usually a long line for these computers).
Yes, I was in Iraq during the recent uprising, fortunately the road was out of range of their small arms, so no one in our convoy was injured.
I must say I do, indeed, feel the power of those prayers of support. As one of my co-drivers commented, We Are Blessed; and I believe those prayers are a big part of it...
Again, take care, all...
Rychaerde... signing off till next time.
Hello again, all! Just checking in to let you all know I'm still alive and occasionally able to check in (which is a rarity, since there is usually a long line for these computers).
Yes, I was in Iraq during the recent uprising, fortunately the road was out of range of their small arms, so no one in our convoy was injured.
I must say I do, indeed, feel the power of those prayers of support. As one of my co-drivers commented, We Are Blessed; and I believe those prayers are a big part of it...
Again, take care, all...
Rychaerde... signing off till next time.
T.T.F.N. - by Arislyn on 12:26 01 May 2004
Hey! It's good to hear from you. Everytime I hear something on the news, I think of you and wonder if you are okay.
Be careful out there and know that we're still praying for ya over here. We want to see all of you come home safely.
Hey! It's good to hear from you. Everytime I hear something on the news, I think of you and wonder if you are okay.
Be careful out there and know that we're still praying for ya over here. We want to see all of you come home safely.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 05:13 11 May 2004
Thanks, Brad, for the book, "Cold in the Light". Very nice, tried to message Kainja, but no dice.
Getting ready to go out again for a couple more weeks. Take Care, All.
PS - Nice to see someone else responding. I thought that, maybe, you were upset with me, Ari; haven't 'heard' from you in a coons-age.
Thanks, Brad, for the book, "Cold in the Light". Very nice, tried to message Kainja, but no dice.
Getting ready to go out again for a couple more weeks. Take Care, All.
PS - Nice to see someone else responding. I thought that, maybe, you were upset with me, Ari; haven't 'heard' from you in a coons-age.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 20:01 13 May 2004
I'm real glad you enjoyed that! Thanks, so much, for checking in Rychaerde!
I'm real glad you enjoyed that!
Thanks, so much, for checking in Rychaerde!T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 13:08 20 May 2004
Package arrived here at Camp Virginia a couple days ago . Thank you again, Brad. Unsure when it arrived at the unit, there's a 2-3 day delay before we receive it here. Dove into, and didn't want to put down "Liberty", but had an 1800 formation, probably finish it tomorrow. Unfortunately the ants got into the Bit-O-Honey 
, at least not till several of us enjoyed some (I knew I should've put the the remainder in a zip-lock baggy 
). Lesson learned!
At any rate, take it light, y'all back stateside. Am doing my best to keep my hopes up (not that hard) and my head down on this side of the Atlantic (can be difficult in that over-tall truck I drive ).
Rychaerde.
Package arrived here at Camp Virginia a couple days ago
. Thank you again, Brad. Unsure when it arrived at the unit, there's a 2-3 day delay before we receive it here. Dove into, and didn't want to put down "Liberty", but had an 1800 formation, probably finish it tomorrow. Unfortunately the ants got into the Bit-O-Honey , at least not till several of us enjoyed some (I knew I should've put the the remainder in a zip-lock baggy ). Lesson learned!At any rate, take it light, y'all back stateside. Am doing my best to keep my hopes up (not that hard) and my head down on this side of the Atlantic (can be difficult in that over-tall truck I drive
).Rychaerde.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 14:04 21 May 2004
Glad it arrived safely. As a kid I always liked Bit o Honey, Tootsie rolls and Slowpokes (not sure if they still make slowpokes).
Glad you got a few before the ants!
Glad it arrived safely. As a kid I always liked Bit o Honey, Tootsie rolls and Slowpokes (not sure if they still make slowpokes).
Glad you got a few before the ants!
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 14:37 31 May 2004
This posting finds me at Camp Udari, Kuwait. Still training the Air Force. Just one more week to go, then its back to Camp Arifjan, and hopefully, some convoy missions.
For what its worth, they've finally started taking my stated radio communications skills seriously, as my primary mission while assisting with the weapons ranges is as RTO (Radio-Telegraph(?) Operator)...The guys here are finally understanding what I've been telling them about the communications shortcomings that we've had on our convoys and how best to correct it (though will be a major logistics issue, since they didn't do it stateside).
Hmmmm...it just occurred to me that that may backfire on me, as in I could end-up being named the companies Commo-Guy and blamed for any/all related failures... 
Well, I guess I'll close this. Take it easy y'all.
Rychaerde.
This posting finds me at Camp Udari, Kuwait. Still training the Air Force. Just one more week to go, then its back to Camp Arifjan, and hopefully, some convoy missions.
For what its worth, they've finally started taking my stated radio communications skills seriously, as my primary mission while assisting with the weapons ranges is as RTO (Radio-Telegraph(?) Operator)...The guys here are finally understanding what I've been telling them about the communications shortcomings that we've had on our convoys and how best to correct it (though will be a major logistics issue, since they didn't do it stateside).
Hmmmm...it just occurred to me that that may backfire on me, as in I could end-up being named the companies Commo-Guy and blamed for any/all related failures... Well, I guess I'll close this. Take it easy y'all.
Rychaerde.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 06:47 13 Jun 2004
Am back at Arifjan. Thank you, Brad, the last package arrived in great shape, am looking forward to trying some of them out; I believe it was the Risus game that mentioned a web-site with a solo-type quest. My LT was quite pleased with the prospect of gaming on-the-road.
Thanks again, Brad and Crew for all your support and encouragement.
As always, take care, all, and God Bless.
- Rychaerde
Am back at Arifjan. Thank you, Brad, the last package arrived in great shape, am looking forward to trying some of them out; I believe it was the Risus game that mentioned a web-site with a solo-type quest. My LT was quite pleased with the prospect of gaming on-the-road.
Thanks again, Brad and Crew for all your support and encouragement.
As always, take care, all, and God Bless.
- Rychaerde
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 12:10 13 Jun 2004
I'm glad you are safe too Rychaerde. I hope Risus will be of help to you. There are some links on the game homepage. The more I look at the Risus system the more I like it, especially for pickup games. I think Moonhunter tipped me off on it awhile ago.
Take care and enjoy.
I'm glad you are safe too Rychaerde. I hope Risus will be of help to you. There are some links on the game homepage. The more I look at the Risus system the more I like it, especially for pickup games. I think Moonhunter tipped me off on it awhile ago.
Take care and enjoy.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 16:27 25 Jun 2004
Thanks, Brad...Envelope arrived today with the Risus material, hope to put it to use.
Overall, am doing ok. Found a bullet hole in the driver's side door. Now it won't open from the inside. Never heard to shot or sound from the impact, so must've been during a very noisy 85-mile stretch of dirt road. Still, in all, I feel we have been blessed so far; no ones been hurt on any mission I've been on to date. God's protective hand is clearly felt. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Rychaerde.
Thanks, Brad...Envelope arrived today with the Risus material, hope to put it to use.
Overall, am doing ok. Found a bullet hole in the driver's side door. Now it won't open from the inside. Never heard to shot or sound from the impact, so must've been during a very noisy 85-mile stretch of dirt road. Still, in all, I feel we have been blessed so far; no ones been hurt on any mission I've been on to date. God's protective hand is clearly felt. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Rychaerde.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 06:16 14 Jul 2004
Greetings to one and all. This posting finds me at Camp Striker, BIAP, Iraq. All is well so far; inexplicable vehicle breakdowns on the northbound portion of this mission prevented our being caught in a major fire-fight further north. Can you say "Divine Intervention"?
Take Care all, will stop in and say Hi again in the future.
Rychaerde
Greetings to one and all. This posting finds me at Camp Striker, BIAP, Iraq. All is well so far; inexplicable vehicle breakdowns on the northbound portion of this mission prevented our being caught in a major fire-fight further north. Can you say "Divine Intervention"?
Take Care all, will stop in and say Hi again in the future.
Rychaerde
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 15:48 16 Jul 2004
Thank goodness for that breakdown. Glad you are okay. Keep safe Rychaerde.
Thank goodness for that breakdown. Glad you are okay. Keep safe Rychaerde.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 07:30 26 Jul 2004
Greetings all, this time from CSC Scania, Iraq. On our way southbound. This last mission took us on some ASRs which are where most of the bad news come from. No incidents coming or going.
Thanks of course to all of you keeping my fellow soldiers and I in your thoughts and prayers. His presence and protective hand are still very much in evidence.
As always, will check back when I can.
In Service,
Rychaerde
PS:
ASR - Alternate Supply Route
CSC - Convoy Support Center
Greetings all, this time from CSC Scania, Iraq. On our way southbound. This last mission took us on some ASRs which are where most of the bad news come from. No incidents coming or going.
Thanks of course to all of you keeping my fellow soldiers and I in your thoughts and prayers. His presence and protective hand are still very much in evidence.
As always, will check back when I can.
In Service,
Rychaerde
PS:
ASR - Alternate Supply Route
CSC - Convoy Support Center
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 10:06 13 Aug 2004
Greetings again...am doing well over here.
Am posting this time from Camp Anaconda, Iraq. We're pretty far north on hwy 2, a nearby town is TUZ. Don't know if it will be on a map, but I thought I'd toss that in.
Take Care all.
Rychaerde
Greetings again...am doing well over here.
Am posting this time from Camp Anaconda, Iraq. We're pretty far north on hwy 2, a nearby town is TUZ. Don't know if it will be on a map, but I thought I'd toss that in.
Take Care all.
Rychaerde
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 12:35 15 Aug 2004
Well, this posting finds me at Camp BIAP, still in Iraq. We had to be diverted after coming under attack during a night convoy to a destination further south. One of the TCN's (civilian) in our convoy was injured, but was medevac'd out and is doing fine.
Still don't understand the commands logic that night convoys are supposed to be safer, we drive vehicles that can't be mistaken for anything other than American military and has nowhere near the acceleration curve necessary to "get-out-of-there-quick". Top-end speed for these 48-wheel behemoths...a whopping 45-50 mph... Makes us a BIG, SLOW MOVING TARGET (a concept they evidently won't accept). And at night, we can't as easily see those folks who were dropping the bombs off the bridge as we passed under.
Take Care all, a please keep us in your prayers. The power of the prayer support to date has been phenominally felt and is VERY MUCH appreciated.
Well, this posting finds me at Camp BIAP, still in Iraq. We had to be diverted after coming under attack during a night convoy to a destination further south. One of the TCN's (civilian) in our convoy was injured, but was medevac'd out and is doing fine.
Still don't understand the commands logic that night convoys are supposed to be safer, we drive vehicles that can't be mistaken for anything other than American military and has nowhere near the acceleration curve necessary to "get-out-of-there-quick". Top-end speed for these 48-wheel behemoths...a whopping 45-50 mph... Makes us a BIG, SLOW MOVING TARGET (a concept they evidently won't accept). And at night, we can't as easily see those folks who were dropping the bombs off the bridge as we passed under.
Take Care all, a please keep us in your prayers. The power of the prayer support to date has been phenominally felt and is VERY MUCH appreciated.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 12:45 15 Aug 2004
Glad to hear you are okay, Richard. Rest assured you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Glad to hear you are okay, Richard. Rest assured you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 13:51 05 Sep 2004
Well, a mission and a half later...Northbound again. Only 2 nights sleep in our beds back at basecamp last month (and they say this is the "slow" season). Most of the TCNs with us on this trip are Nepalese and the Nepali gov't just mandated that none of their nationals were to go north of the berm. So here we sit at Navistar with no news when we'll continue. Oh well, it's not a bad camp to be stuck at.
As always, Take Care and will check in again when I can.
Well, a mission and a half later...Northbound again. Only 2 nights sleep in our beds back at basecamp last month (and they say this is the "slow" season). Most of the TCNs with us on this trip are Nepalese and the Nepali gov't just mandated that none of their nationals were to go north of the berm. So here we sit at Navistar with no news when we'll continue. Oh well, it's not a bad camp to be stuck at.
As always, Take Care and will check in again when I can.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 15:59 15 Sep 2004
Greetings once again from Navistar. Northbound again, this time taking the equipment that we had to leave back due to 28 of the 33 TCNs restriction from Iraq.
Not surprising, with the Change of Command back at Camp Arifjan, the politics and new rules seen at our home away from home is getting way too ridiculous.
Fortunately, we spend enough time on the road that we can retain our sanity.
On a sad note, the 1836th Transportation Company has suffered its first fatality. A young 19-yr old in the 4th Platoon. He joined the National Guard enlistment surge that followed 9/11, and though a fellow 88M, he volunteered to be the .50 cal gunner on the lead gun truck which was struck by an IED. One other soldier in the vehicle was injured.
Yet another reason not to drive at night. It also helps justify trading in the piecemeal'd up-armored 998 HMMWV for the new M1114 Armored HMMWV's. They are now starting to up-armor our HETs (welding a steel plate to the doors which partially cover the windows); its slow going and leaves much to be desired, but is better than nothing.
All for now.
In Service,
Rychaerde.
Greetings once again from Navistar. Northbound again, this time taking the equipment that we had to leave back due to 28 of the 33 TCNs restriction from Iraq.
Not surprising, with the Change of Command back at Camp Arifjan, the politics and new rules seen at our home away from home is getting way too ridiculous.
Fortunately, we spend enough time on the road that we can retain our sanity.
On a sad note, the 1836th Transportation Company has suffered its first fatality. A young 19-yr old in the 4th Platoon. He joined the National Guard enlistment surge that followed 9/11, and though a fellow 88M, he volunteered to be the .50 cal gunner on the lead gun truck which was struck by an IED. One other soldier in the vehicle was injured.
Yet another reason not to drive at night. It also helps justify trading in the piecemeal'd up-armored 998 HMMWV for the new M1114 Armored HMMWV's. They are now starting to up-armor our HETs (welding a steel plate to the doors which partially cover the windows); its slow going and leaves much to be desired, but is better than nothing.
All for now.
In Service,
Rychaerde.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 15:49 24 Sep 2004
Richard,
Thanks for keeping us updated. I hope things get better. Take care and be assured we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Brad
Richard,
Thanks for keeping us updated. I hope things get better. Take care and be assured we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Brad
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 12:08 23 Oct 2004
Still alive and kicking. First Internet access in several weeks. Didn't realize how much I miss surfing.
Am back from 2 back-to-back missions (attacked on 1st of those), and now preparing for R&R. Should be flying home tomorrow for 2 weeks on Leave.
The attack was at night while driving through a small town in Northern Iraq, no convoy equipment/cargo damaged and no personnel injured, but can't say the same for those in the house that opened fire on us. They probably weren't expecting such a rapid response (.50-cals, SAWs, M16s) as they couldn't see that both driver and co-driver had loaded weapons pointed out of the windows. Still didn't halt the convoy as they were probably hoping.
Belated Happy Birthday, Brad.
Still alive and kicking. First Internet access in several weeks. Didn't realize how much I miss surfing.
Am back from 2 back-to-back missions (attacked on 1st of those), and now preparing for R&R. Should be flying home tomorrow for 2 weeks on Leave.
The attack was at night while driving through a small town in Northern Iraq, no convoy equipment/cargo damaged and no personnel injured, but can't say the same for those in the house that opened fire on us. They probably weren't expecting such a rapid response (.50-cals, SAWs, M16s) as they couldn't see that both driver and co-driver had loaded weapons pointed out of the windows. Still didn't halt the convoy as they were probably hoping.
Belated Happy Birthday, Brad.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 12:56 30 Oct 2004
Greetings from Plano, TX!!!
Am in the midst of 2 weeks of R & R and ENJOYING IT!
Not much to report, the flight was uneventful, slept most of it and gained 9 hours from crossing all those time zones. There was a 45-minute layover in Shannon, Ireland. Nice airport, though at that time of night, most of the shops were closed.
Take Care all, and thanks again for all your prayers and support.
Rychaerde.
Greetings from Plano, TX!!!
Am in the midst of 2 weeks of R & R and ENJOYING IT!
Not much to report, the flight was uneventful, slept most of it and gained 9 hours from crossing all those time zones. There was a 45-minute layover in Shannon, Ireland. Nice airport, though at that time of night, most of the shops were closed.
Take Care all, and thanks again for all your prayers and support.
Rychaerde.
T.T.F.N. - by Arislyn on 13:02 30 Oct 2004
Hey, Rick!
Good to have you back, safe and sound.
Hey, Rick!
Good to have you back, safe and sound.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 04:36 13 Nov 2004
Greetings once again from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait after a thoroughly relaxing R & R!! I soooo hated being a practice dummy for my spouses Massage Therapy class <NOT> .
This time the flight went thru Budapest, Hungary, unfortunately we were not permitted to deplane during the refuel/crew-change.
Appears they are starting to wind down already and I probably won't see Iraq again during this tour. We'll see, three months is a relatively long time where last minute changes are the norm.
As always, thanks to all for your prayers and support.
Take Care and God Bless. Will continue check in every now and then.
Rychaerde
aka Richard
ps: Hey, I think I see some gaming opportunities if we really are to see more down-time. There are at least 6 others in my platoon who have expressed an interest. But we can't seem to decide who'll DM. Hmmmmm!
Perhaps, its finally time to re-research Risus.
Greetings once again from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait after a thoroughly relaxing R & R!! I soooo hated being a practice dummy for my spouses Massage Therapy class <NOT>
.This time the flight went thru Budapest, Hungary, unfortunately we were not permitted to deplane during the refuel/crew-change.
Appears they are starting to wind down already and I probably won't see Iraq again during this tour. We'll see, three months is a relatively long time where last minute changes are the norm.
As always, thanks to all for your prayers and support.
Take Care and God Bless. Will continue check in every now and then.
Rychaerde
aka Richard
ps: Hey, I think I see some gaming opportunities if we really are to see more down-time. There are at least 6 others in my platoon who have expressed an interest. But we can't seem to decide who'll DM. Hmmmmm!Perhaps, its finally time to re-research Risus.
T.T.F.N. - by Hyperspeed on 10:17 15 Nov 2004
Oh I'm sure you just hated that! I had a friend go to massage school, and she always wanted to massage me so she could get some practice hours....then once she got her degree I couldn't get 5 minutes from her without paying for it!
I'm new to the board, but I read through your updates in this thread, glad to hear you are out of Iraq and safe and sound.
| Quote (Rychaerde @ Nov. 13 2004,01:36) |
| Greetings once again from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait after a thoroughly relaxing R & R!! I soooo hated being a practice dummy for my spouses Massage Therapy class <NOT> . |
Oh I'm sure you just hated that! I had a friend go to massage school, and she always wanted to massage me so she could get some practice hours....then once she got her degree I couldn't get 5 minutes from her without paying for it!
I'm new to the board, but I read through your updates in this thread, glad to hear you are out of Iraq and safe and sound.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 11:54 18 Nov 2004
Well, so much for not going North again, as I am once again at Camp BIAP, Iraq, with the destinations further north, yet.
OPSEC precludes being too specific, just delivering equipment, as normal. 3 different pick-up sites in Kuwait, and 4 drop-off locations throughout Iraq.
Thank you for the post, Hyperspeed, and welcome to the Boards.
Well, gotta go, have an early start tomorrow.
Rychaerde.
Well, so much for not going North again, as I am once again at Camp BIAP, Iraq, with the destinations further north, yet.
OPSEC precludes being too specific, just delivering equipment, as normal. 3 different pick-up sites in Kuwait, and 4 drop-off locations throughout Iraq.
Thank you for the post, Hyperspeed, and welcome to the Boards.
Well, gotta go, have an early start tomorrow.
Rychaerde.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 14:39 18 Nov 2004
Rychaerde, glad you enjoyed your R&R. I hope things wind down for you for the rest of your tour.
Take care.
Brad
Rychaerde, glad you enjoyed your R&R. I hope things wind down for you for the rest of your tour.
Take care.
Brad
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 05:31 30 Nov 2004
Not out of Iraq, quite yet, as I am here for a second time, delivering more equipment, then bringing back some conex's for the back-haul. Am once again at CSC Scania, heading to further points north and around Baghdad.
I haven't been counting, but my co-driver quoted a number in the 70's. I'll reserve jubulations at least till the plane is taxiing out of here.
Any way you look at it, we're on the downhill slide.
Please don't stop praying for us and our families, even after I leave. It's been very helpful, more than most of you all can know.
Take it light!
Rychaerde
| Quote (Hyperspeed @ Nov. 15 2004,09:17) | ||
|
Not out of Iraq, quite yet, as I am here for a second time, delivering more equipment, then bringing back some conex's for the back-haul. Am once again at CSC Scania, heading to further points north and around Baghdad.
I haven't been counting, but my co-driver quoted a number in the 70's. I'll reserve jubulations at least till the plane is taxiing out of here.
Any way you look at it, we're on the downhill slide.
Please don't stop praying for us and our families, even after I leave. It's been very helpful, more than most of you all can know.
Take it light!
Rychaerde
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 03:23 08 Dec 2004
Am back at Arifjan, Kuwiat after another mission near and around Baghdad, Iraq. Had a "near incident" with an IED while leaving Camp Cooke, Taji, Iraq on the 1st.
Thanks to several trailers busting brake chambers on an unusually large "speed bump", EOD got there first, held up traffic, and executed a controlled burst just as we started rolling again. (Can you say Divine Intervention??)
As powerful as these tractors are, they will not pull, even an empty trailer, when it's 40 wheels are locked up.
On the 3rd, heading back toTaji, we were hit by a smaller IED, no injuries except for ringing ears for those closest to the blast. Had vehicle and cargo damage, but nothing critical. Had unconfirmed reports of small arms fire, but suspect it was debris falling from the blast. A civilian on a bicycle across the street was blown off, dazed and confused, but otherwise unhurt. Again, I cite His protective hand, considering no one was hurt.
Still, though, am hoping to be on this upcoming mission (I loathe being stuck in "the rear").
Take Care all, and God Bless. Will continue to check in, on occasion.
Am back at Arifjan, Kuwiat after another mission near and around Baghdad, Iraq. Had a "near incident" with an IED while leaving Camp Cooke, Taji, Iraq on the 1st.
Thanks to several trailers busting brake chambers on an unusually large "speed bump", EOD got there first, held up traffic, and executed a controlled burst just as we started rolling again. (Can you say Divine Intervention??)
As powerful as these tractors are, they will not pull, even an empty trailer, when it's 40 wheels are locked up.
On the 3rd, heading back toTaji, we were hit by a smaller IED, no injuries except for ringing ears for those closest to the blast. Had vehicle and cargo damage, but nothing critical. Had unconfirmed reports of small arms fire, but suspect it was debris falling from the blast. A civilian on a bicycle across the street was blown off, dazed and confused, but otherwise unhurt. Again, I cite His protective hand, considering no one was hurt.
Still, though, am hoping to be on this upcoming mission (I loathe being stuck in "the rear").
Take Care all, and God Bless. Will continue to check in, on occasion.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 12:16 02 Jan 2005
Am back from a mission to "TQ", shortened version of a very long name. From the map, it's roughly 10-miles West of Fallujah, on the NE edge of a lake. A rather nice and uneventful trip, news reports indicate a major drop in convoy attacks, but an increase in attacks against the Iraqi Police and Military. Our commander said in the AAR that may be due to the overall successes in the recent attack on Fallujah.
At any rate, already taking our relieving unit on missions so they can learn the various routes and encampments.
Looking forward to returning home. Or as many have put it, "seeing the light at the end of the tunnel". Only a month or so to go, then the demob at Ft Bliss, TX.
That's all for now. Take Care, all.
Am back from a mission to "TQ", shortened version of a very long name. From the map, it's roughly 10-miles West of Fallujah, on the NE edge of a lake. A rather nice and uneventful trip, news reports indicate a major drop in convoy attacks, but an increase in attacks against the Iraqi Police and Military. Our commander said in the AAR that may be due to the overall successes in the recent attack on Fallujah.
At any rate, already taking our relieving unit on missions so they can learn the various routes and encampments.
Looking forward to returning home. Or as many have put it, "seeing the light at the end of the tunnel". Only a month or so to go, then the demob at Ft Bliss, TX.
That's all for now. Take Care, all.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 17:46 05 Jan 2005
Glad to hear you are coming home soon. Don't let your guard down! Take care.
Glad to hear you are coming home soon. Don't let your guard down! Take care.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 02:24 19 Feb 2005
ALRIGHT!!!!! Gotta date (finally): 26 FEB 05...Not that I'm getting a short-timer's attitude...and
No, I'm not planning to take one of my fellow deployed soldiers out to eat (or as a certain box recently found in the cab of my truck would suggest) to the motorpool.
Well, will have at least one more posting, if only to say something to the effect of "Greeting from Fort Bliss, TX"
Thanks again for all your prayers and support during this deployment.
73s all
kc0mcr
aka Rychaerde.
ALRIGHT!!!!! Gotta date (finally): 26 FEB 05...Not that I'm getting a short-timer's attitude...and
No, I'm not planning to take one of my fellow deployed soldiers out to eat (or as a certain box recently found in the cab of my truck would suggest) to the motorpool.
Well, will have at least one more posting, if only to say something to the effect of "Greeting from Fort Bliss, TX"
Thanks again for all your prayers and support during this deployment.
73s all
kc0mcr
aka Rychaerde.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 16:50 27 Feb 2005
Richard it will be good to have tou back here in the US!
Richard it will be good to have tou back here in the US!
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 21:24 08 Mar 2005
Greetings, All from Fort Bliss, Texas!!!!
Though we've all made it back (save for one previously mentioned), I along with a couple dozen others find ourselves on MEDical HOLD. In my case, aggrevated a previous injury that may require a couple months of Ortho/Phys Therapy.
Fortunately, I have recently discovered that I have wireless internet access through the adapter purchased at the PX in Kuwait that supposedly won't work stateside.
Though the 11 Mbps is relatively slow, and signal strength is "weak", at least it works!!
Good be back on US soil, and Thanks again for all your support during this deployment. I can't thank you enough.
Greetings, All from Fort Bliss, Texas!!!!
Though we've all made it back (save for one previously mentioned), I along with a couple dozen others find ourselves on MEDical HOLD. In my case, aggrevated a previous injury that may require a couple months of Ortho/Phys Therapy.
Fortunately, I have recently discovered that I have wireless internet access through the adapter purchased at the PX in Kuwait that supposedly won't work stateside.
Though the 11 Mbps is relatively slow, and signal strength is "weak", at least it works!!
Good be back on US soil, and Thanks again for all your support during this deployment. I can't thank you enough.
T.T.F.N. - by Brad on 06:03 09 Mar 2005
Woohoo! Glad you are home Richard! Sorry to hear about the medical problems - but it sure is good to hear you are back in the US. Also glad you have an internet connection!
I hope he medical thing is not too painful.
Woohoo! Glad you are home Richard! Sorry to hear about the medical problems - but it sure is good to hear you are back in the US. Also glad you have an internet connection!
I hope he medical thing is not too painful.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 16:47 09 Mar 2005
Just had my Initial Eval: Scoliosis of the Spine, probable reason for the back pain. Knee pain probably due to trouble with the Cartilage, potential for surgery there, though the back will likely only need Physical Therapy. Got the x-rays done to see the degree to which the spine is curved and x-rayed the knees, as well. To discuss results with the Doc next week.
Probably TMI, but oh well.
FWIW: Don't plan to continue this thread much longer, but will of course keeping checking the boards. Hope to join in on a game at some point.
Rychaerde, out.
Just had my Initial Eval: Scoliosis of the Spine, probable reason for the back pain. Knee pain probably due to trouble with the Cartilage, potential for surgery there, though the back will likely only need Physical Therapy. Got the x-rays done to see the degree to which the spine is curved and x-rayed the knees, as well. To discuss results with the Doc next week.
Probably TMI, but oh well.
FWIW: Don't plan to continue this thread much longer, but will of course keeping checking the boards. Hope to join in on a game at some point.
Rychaerde, out.
T.T.F.N. - by NoonChild on 06:10 10 Mar 2005
I would have thought that scoliosis would have prevented you from joining the army or at least been picked up in the evaluation when you joined up. Is there a suggestion that this has been caused by the work you have been doing? Up to now it has only been thought to be genetic.
Hmmm I wonder if I tried to join the army I'd get a proper diagnosis of what is causing my back pain (how about poor posture, lack of proper excercise and no stomach muscles to speak of!...Shut up brain).
I would have thought that scoliosis would have prevented you from joining the army or at least been picked up in the evaluation when you joined up. Is there a suggestion that this has been caused by the work you have been doing? Up to now it has only been thought to be genetic.
Hmmm I wonder if I tried to join the army I'd get a proper diagnosis of what is causing my back pain (how about poor posture, lack of proper excercise and no stomach muscles to speak of!...Shut up brain).
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 13:43 10 Mar 2005
It would depend of the Degree of Curvature, in my case, it's not severe, just noticeable. Related back pain is generally due to acute stresses, (ie Body Armor with Ballistic Plates installed, and six 30-round magazines and an M-9 bayonet attached). All that weight, regardless of such attachments rests fully on the shoulders. Same would go for playing some sports.
It's always been there, if I remember correctly, but that hasn't prevented my reaching a height of 6'4" (not quite 2 m).
It would depend of the Degree of Curvature, in my case, it's not severe, just noticeable. Related back pain is generally due to acute stresses, (ie Body Armor with Ballistic Plates installed, and six 30-round magazines and an M-9 bayonet attached). All that weight, regardless of such attachments rests fully on the shoulders. Same would go for playing some sports.
It's always been there, if I remember correctly, but that hasn't prevented my reaching a height of 6'4" (not quite 2 m).
T.T.F.N. - by NoonChild on 09:11 14 Mar 2005
That kind of weight would give anyone back pain. Army needs to train mules to run and hide with you while they carry all that gear for you! Hmmm can you see why I'm not in army strategy?
Good to hear you are getting a rest.
That kind of weight would give anyone back pain. Army needs to train mules to run and hide with you while they carry all that gear for you! Hmmm can you see why I'm not in army strategy?
Good to hear you are getting a rest.
T.T.F.N. - by Rychaerde on 14:27 14 Mar 2005
Eh, don't know about the value of training mules...even with as slow as those HETs run, I doubt they'd be able to keep up.
Besides, wouldn't do me much good, if the mule's carrying the armor when the bullets start flying at us. I guess I'll have to "suffer" with my wife giving me the massages she's getting her license to do...
Still foresee surgery on the knees, though. Will find out more, tomorrow.
Eh, don't know about the value of training mules...even with as slow as those HETs run, I doubt they'd be able to keep up.
Besides, wouldn't do me much good, if the mule's carrying the armor when the bullets start flying at us. I guess I'll have to "suffer" with my wife giving me the massages she's getting her license to do...
Still foresee surgery on the knees, though. Will find out more, tomorrow.