See, I can be serious too!

WEST COAST Y'ALL, Yeah were crazy like that. My buddy Timmy and me in front of "The Flinstone's Village" An acre or so built to look like the cartoon for Saddam's family to hang out in. All kinds of tunnels, paths, caves, and waterfalls on a man-made lake, in front of another palace that was under construction still, when it took some damage by some fast moving steel and depleted uranium I'm guessing. Holes blown all over the 'village' also. Gotta watch your step. Somebodys been 'tagging' it all over too. Not sure where to get spraypaint though.

You are all so damn mean, I think my arm looks great!

We got to go out to some of the other bases nearby today. This is a pic. in front of Al - Faw Palace. One of Saddam's little get-aways. Couple hundred-thousand square feet of insecurity. The 'ventillation' that the U.S. military added gives it a nice touch I think. New 'skylights' for lots of buildings that are still standing. Couldn't go inside because they are afraid the roof might come down. Silly engineers. It might not look like it, but I'm smiling inside just a little right there.

Smallpox shots suck!

Nice little oozing blister on my arm from the evil doctors who say we needed to get smallpox shots. I thought they erradicated smallpox....I guess not everywhere. Should be a fine scab in a few more days. Anyone want it? They say it's really contagious. Maybe C-Webb wants it, or Rob, or Jonny. I won't even ask Mike, Pinc, or Scott because they would just fight over it. P.S. muscles are actually bigger than they appear in photos..okay maybe not.....yet. James

New Diggs!

This is My new home away from home-away from home. Station # 2. Away from the flightline, but closer to the shooting range. So airplane noise is lower, but guns are real loud too. That is my truck for now on the left. Ain't she a beut. I think I'll call her Tracy. Yep Tracy the tanker. Yes I am starting to lose it just a little bit. How close is May? ...... James

I don't speek German!

Sorry, but somebody switched my blog to german, and I can't remember anything from my 2 years of it in middle school. So as soon as I get it figured out I can post more stuff. James

I still hate Mondays

Sorry, no new photos yet. I haven't felt like exploring the bases just yet. Hmmm maybe I'm still in denial that I'm here. We had our first (kinda) sandstorm yesterday. Since we are surrounded by bases and Baghdad the sand isn't as bad as out in the middle of BFE. But we had fifty mile per hour winds for about 15 hours solid. Dirt tastes about the same as at home. Goggles help. We fought for a few hours to keep our tents from blowing away. Lost our connection on the tv sattelite. Tried in vain for about an hour to re-align it, but gave up after my hands went numb. So we missed the football games. All I can say now is GO BEARS. Peyton Manning will lose the big game, again. Maybe.... Hopefully.... I got my smallpox shot the other day, and am supposed to have a nasty oozing blister by now if it took. Instead I have a tiny red mark with a small white bump in the middle of it. But I don't think I'll be running down to tell them about it. They had their chance. Not my fault. I'm probably speaking to soon though, I'll let you know in another week. Unfortunately, we had another 'Patriot Detail' last night. That is where we have a small formation and ceremony for the poor soldiers who lost their lifes. They load them up on aircraft to send them home with the proper respect. A touching but painful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for others. There will unfortunately be dozens more for me to witness. Well that is completely depressing, sorry, but it's what happens here daily. I hope you are all doing good, and staying safe. I am too. James

Fine Fleet!

Here's a picture of some of our trucks. We haven't had any calls yet, which is boring for us, but good for everyone who's flying. Hope it stays that way. Just like at home they come in phases. So right now we just get to wash these beasts and practice with them. We have guys here from several different home bases, so it's kinda cool to hear how different units do business. Hope it warms up a little for everyone in Reno/Sparks. The weather here is not too bad right now, upper 50's for a high, low 30's at night. How many days left?........Actually I can't help but mark them off on a callendar. Days are flying by though. It's hard to remember what day of the week it is sometimes. Till later, James Oh yeah, Jonny, punch C-Webb for me.