Day 35: Justin's Book Club

Every time we move it seems Sue finds a group of ladies who meet to talk about a book they have been reading. They call it book club. I call it "leave the husbands at home to feed, bathe, and put the kids to bed while I relax with my friends and eat treats club." I've often joked with some of the husbands affected by "book club" that we should form our own club where we would go to a movie, play ball, etc., while the women stay home. Somehow this club never received the approval necessary to form (i.e., our wives laughed at us and said no).

Well now that I have deployed, I find that I have more free time on my hands than I used to. I have found that I can only spend so much time surfing the web, working out, and hanging with the guys. I've had to turn to books for entertainment (scary thought I know). Now typically I am not a huge book reader. If I ever have time to read, I usually pull out some of my exciting medical journals. But over the last week or so, I have found that reading books actually is an enjoyable activity that helps the time to pass along. So I have decided to form my own book club. Now unfortunately I can't invite you all to join me for an evening of treats and analysis of the novel, but I thought it might be fun to keep everyone updated on what I am reading. I've posted on the right column of my blog a new section that will show the book I am currently reading.

Now here is how you can get involved:

1) Give me ideas on what my next reading adventure should be. As a non-reader, I really don't know what to read next. So if you have read or are reading something interesting, let me know and I will add it to my future reading list (leave ideas as a comment or email me). If you are planning to read something in the near future, let me know in advance so I can get a hold of the book somehow, and I will read it with you.
2) The second option is to read along with me. If you notice my booklist and it looks interesting, feel free to read along with me. It is always more fun to have someone to read with.

Once I finish a book, I will probably post a quick synopsis of what I've read, insights I've had, and whether I give it a thumbs up or thumbs down.

The first book I have started is call The Village by Bing West. It is the true story of 15 Marines who lived, fought, and died with the Vietmanese during the war. So far it is pretty good. I will give you more info when I finish it.


Disclaimer: The first paragraph was meant to be read as a sarcastic comment. I actually am a big supporter of Sue and her book clubs. Speaking for all husbands of the world, we are always happy to watch the kids to give our beloved spouses a chance to escape the house for a few minutes. You deserve it!

Day 33: Fireflies and Lightning

Since I have been in Kansas I have noticed 2 things that often light up the night sky. The first are the fireflies. Kansas has a lot of fireflies. On certain nights, especially rainy ones, the little things are all over the place. They apparently are most active in Kansas during late June and early July. The second source of nighttime light comes from the lightning. It has rained almost every night here and when it rains it usually is accompanied with a fairly impressive lightning storm.

Last night both the fireflies and the lightning were out in force. I was scheduled to do nighttime driving exercises and so I was out working late (I actually do have some late nights for those of you who think I am just on vacation). Around 8PM, the sky darkened and down came torrential rains. The lightning was everywhere. Shortly thereafter all the fireflies appeared. It was a pretty impressive combination.

We were scheduled for drivers training on the up-armored Humvee's. Basically these are Humvee's on steroids. They are plated in a metal layer to provide further protection from bullets, grenades, etc. They weigh about 12,000 pounds each--weight you can really feel when you get behind the wheel. Initially we just drove on a regular driving course to become familiar with the feel and operation of the vehicle. Once it was dark we put on our night vision goggles, turned off the lights, and started driving around. Now I have accidentally forgotten to turn on the lights of my car after filling up with gas before, but this was the first time I had purposely driven off with my lights off. The night vision goggles (NVG's) are pretty cool and it is pretty neat what you can actually see when the only true light around is coming from the lightning and fireflies. We were able to drive up a rough dirt road, make several turns, and turn back around with no one hitting anything or accidentally driving off the road. Pretty cool stuff.

By the way, if you ever need to go on a covert mission without your wife knowing (sneaking out to buy ice-cream, going out with the guys to play some ball, etc.), let me know and I'll bring along my NVG's and we will be able to sneak out undetected.

Day 32: Doctors with Needles

Here is a quick multiple choice question:

You are sick and throwing up. You go to the ER for treatment. Given the choice, who would you NOT have put in your IV?

A. The nurse
B. The physician assistant
C. The doctor
D. Some random person in the waiting room

This is actually a trick question--there are two possible answers. The answer is either C or D. Choose the nurse or anyone other than the doctor. Physicians tend to be good at many procedures but IV's are often not one of our strengths. So if you see the doctor coming towards you with an IV you may want to hide.

Today as part of our classes we all put in IV's. We each took a turn putting one in and receiving one. I wisely chose the ICU nurse as my counterpart as he is the expert in IV placement. I actually did better than expected when it was my turn to put in the IV and was able to place it on the first stick. Maybe, doctors aren't so bad at putting in IV's after all...or maybe not.

First stick, baby.

Payback time.

Day 31: Go Army!

During our training at Ft. Riley there are Navy personnel and Army personnel all mixed together in classes. The Navy has mostly medical folk while the Army has infantry, intelligence, etc. Basically, the Navy is the "how do you shoot this weapon?", "how do you turn on this radio?", type of soldiers while they are the "what can we blow up", "who can we shoot" type of soldiers. We obviously have different backgrounds and experience. Today I was glad for the difference.

We started a Combat Life Saver course today, which is basically simple life saving measures every soldier needs to be familiar with. For example we are taught tourniquet use, basic airway techniques, how to expand a collapsed lung, etc. This is a review for the medical types but a new idea for most of the Army guys. So when they asked for volunteers to demonstrate placement of a nasopharyngeal airway (a.k.a. long tube stuck in your nose), a bunch of Army arms went up, while all the Navy guys kept their hands hidden and looked away hoping not to be called upon. We knew better than to volunteer for this job. The poor unsuspecting Army guys survived but I think next time they will wait a second longer before they jump in and volunteer. I was just glad they were around because 6 inches of plastic shoved in the nose doesn't sound like fun.

Anyway, only 1 week to go until I get to come home for the 4th! We will see you all then.

Day 30: Disneyland in Kansas

On our honeymoon, I learned of Sue's love for high speed adventure. On our way to San Diego we stopped at the California/Nevada border for a ride on the Desperado. This is one of the highest and fastest roller coasters in the United States. Anyone who has been on it definitely remembers that first drop...straight down.


After a week in San Diego, we spent a night in Las Vegas. We stayed at the Stratosphere which is a replica of the Space Needle in Seattle. It seemed like a fun place to unwind and relax on our trip back to Utah. Of course Sue was not satisfied with just lounging around, going to dinner, watching a movie, etc. She had to go on the "Big Shot". This is a ride that consists of strapping yourself into a little seat at the base of the needle and then being shot up 160 feet until you are over 1000 feet above the Strip. I reluctantly went along not wanting my new bride to doubt my manliness. As I sat and awaited my death, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. This thrill seeking wife of mine, who would have been the perfect match for Evil Knievel, was not going to be satisfied until I either puked or wet my pants (neither of which happened for those who are wondering). After it was all said and done I have to admit that I had fun and was glad that I had gone on the ride--although I didn't volunteer to go a second time!


It is interesting to look at my kids and see how the parent's genes are passed on. Abbie, from a very young age, has been our little dare devil. She will go on anything and is always heart broken because she is too small to go on the biggest and fastest rides. Ellie is more like her dad--a little more cautious and satisfied to take on the more mellow rides.

Anyway, enough rambling. The reason I mention all of this is today we went on Fort Riley's version of an amusement park ride. We went on the HEAT Trainer. Basically, it simulates a Humvee rolling over. The purpose of the "ride" is to give you a simulated experience of what you should do if your vehicle were ever to roll. We put on our full "battle rattle" (body armor, helmet, knee/elbow pads, etc.) and jumped into the simulator. Although, the simulator does not turn too fast, it is surprising with all that extra weight on you, how hard it is to keep yourself up. Finally after several spins they stop you in an upside down position. From there you have to get yourself out. I know you are thinking this sounds easy, but it is actually quite difficult. You find that you are very disoriented, cramped and have little room to maneuver. Once you find your seat belt buckle, you unclick and fall down to the roof of the vehicle. You then have to somehow find (with fogged up goggles) the elusive door handle and open it the right way (it is more of a lever than a typical car door handle you might think of) and then finally you will be free.

Before stepping on the simulatorThe HEAT Trainer

Ready to Roll

Upside Down

How do I get out of here?

Free at last!

It was a pretty fun exercise but even more so an important preparation for a possible emergency situation down the road.

We also did a little bit of vehicle maintenance training and a tire changing exercise. The tires on the Humvees weigh approximately 100 pounds each! It definately is a 2 person job.

Day 28: Blessings from a Father

On a daily basis as we go about our lives, I think we often miss much of the beauty that is around us. Our Father has given us so much. We sometimes are blinded by the worries, struggles, and stressors that we have, that the blessings often are overlooked. I have now been on Ft. Riley for 3 weeks and until tonight I don't think I really stopped to notice the beauty that surrounded me. As I walked around the camp tonight, I was impressed by the love our Heavenly Father has for us his children. He has given us this beautiful world to bless our lives and help us find happiness. President Monson said, “Do we give thanks to God 'for his unspeakable gift' and His rich blessings so abundantly bestowed upon us?” I hope as this upcoming week begins, I will focus more on what I have been given and be more grateful for those amazing gifts that I have.

Here are some pictures from my walk this evening.

Day 27: Is It Saturday Yet?

Is it Saturday yet? Oh wait, that's today isn't it. Everyday kind of blurs together here at Fort Riley. I guess I should get used to it as I have heard that once you are in Afghanistan you experience the same "Ground Hog Day" phenomenon on a regular basis.

We have a six day work week here and so Saturday's are just another day. This morning we went on a road march. This is where we march around in our gear as if we were on a patrol--something we will probably never do in real life. However, as part of the experience we are breaking in our body armor so we get used to lugging around the extra weight. It weighs by my estimate around 30 pounds. Initially it is not a huge deal. However, by the end of a one hour march your shoulders are aching pretty good. Pretty soon we will be adding more weight--helmets, ruck sacks (backpacks), miscellaneous gear, etc. Should be fun.

We also finished up our radio classes this afternoon. The picture shows us linking up with a satellite with our portable satellite dish. It actually was pretty cool stuff. Unfortunately the class instruction was pretty dry and boring.

Thanks again to everyone for staying in touch. I hope you all have a good weekend.

Day 26: Car Covers on Tanks?

Typically I think of tanks as kind of the ultimate armored vehicle. Nothing can touch them in battle and they are designed to withstand the elements--whether it be torrential rain or fierce desert sandstorms. Well I never thought I would see the day when the Army started covering its tanks with a car cover. However, the proof is below.


Ok, this isn't actually a true tank. It is called an M20 armored vehicle (kind of like a mini tank). However, it is a pretty tough vehicle. Every evening they cover it up with a little tank cover. Cute, eh? I guess the Army is getting a little soft these days.

Here is another picture of an M4 tank. These were used heavily during World War 2. Tanks are pretty big here at Ft. Riley. In fact most of my training while I am here is being done by an Army tank brigade. I figured since their job is to drive tanks around they might be willing to give us a quick ride in one of them before we left Kansas. I asked today and was basically told in Army lingo, "don't hold your breath". Oh well, it was worth asking.

Day 25: 10-4 Good Buddy

Imagine a bunch of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other relatively well educated individuals learning how to work a radio. Should be pretty simple, right? Well guess again. Today we started our 3 day communications class. We have 4-5 different radio systems that we are learning how to use. We not only learn how to use the systems but how to tie them together and then encrypt the transmissions so that they are secure and can't be interfered with by the enemy. It was actually pretty fun to pull them out and get our hands dirty so to speak. However, they are surprisingly complicated. Once I arrive in Afghanistan I will be going off base regularly for missions. I have been told that I will often be asked to be the radio guy. So I am trying to pay pretty close attention.

Here are a few of my colleagues. In front is a pharmacist heading to Kabul. In the rear is a medical administrator who will be joining me in Herat. In my group we are the only 2 heading to Herat. By the way, what do you think of their haircuts? I am considering a similar look. Let me know what you think.

Day 23: Acronyms

Someday my kids will think I am backward because I have never text messaged before. From what I gather, the acronyms used have become a whole new language for those that use them. I think the following commercial is pretty funny.



The military has its own language composed of acronyms as well. During the last few days of lectures I have been amazed at how everything has been abbreviated. Here are a few examples:

FOB = Forward Operating Base
MSR = Main Supply Route
ODA = Operational Detachment Alpha (I don't even know what this is when they write it out)
PAO = Public Affairs Office
RIP = Relief in Place
TT = Transition Team
VBIED = Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device
SOF = Special Operations Forces

And the list goes on. Honestly I could have listed at least a 100 more. During our classes, many of the lecturers have assumed that we know this lingo. Us medical types typically tend to have no idea what it is they are saying. The net effects of using these acronyms has been to cast a spell on us uneducated types causing a deep sleep to come upon us. Here is one of my colleagues who succumbed to the spell.


Luckily we only have one full day of class and then we should be back to doing some more hands on stuff. Until then TTFN.

Day 22: ABC's and 123's

When I was preparing for my mission to Argentina I went to the Missionary Training Center for 2 months of language training. We studied pretty extensively over that time and by the time we left we felt pretty confident with our language skills. After all, we could talk to each other almost exclusively in Spanish. We thought we had the Spanish language mastered.

My confidence was quickly dashed as I boarded the plane flying from Miami to Buenos Aires. There was a large group of Argentine kids returning from a trip to Disney World. I quickly realized that speaking "spanglish" with a bunch of English speaking guys was completely different than speaking true Spanish. I could not understand one word these kids were saying. I knew at that point I was in trouble. Once I arrived in Argentina I was given a native Argentine companion who spoke very little English. I still remember vividly walking the streets with him my first day there. I tried and tried to understand what was being said. However, outside of a few "hola's" and "si's" I was pretty lost. Gratefully the Lord blessed me and the language skills soon came.

Now I find myself once again in language training. This time I am trying to learn some Dari so I can communicate with my Afghan counterparts. Obviously my expectation is not to become fluent like I did with my Spanish, but I hope that I can learn some basic salutations and greetings. I think the Afghans I interact with will appreciate someone who is trying to understand their culture and way of life. I thought you might be interested to see a sample of the language. Below are the numbers from 0 to 9. Writing the numbers actually is easier than it looks once you practice a few times. Luckily I will have a translator to fill in the gaps once I arrive in Afghanistan--a luxury I didn't have in Argentina.

Day 21: Happy Father's Day

Happy Father’s Day!

I guess every vacation must come to an end. It was so great to come home and spend the weekend with my family. It was especially nice to be home with my kids on Father’s Day. What a blessing it is to be a father. I am always amazed that my Heavenly Father trusts me with four of his most precious little children. Abbie, Ellie, Eden and Ammon--thanks for letting me be your daddy. To my dad--thanks for always showing me an example of how a father should be. I love you.

My kids gave me a “World’s Greatest Dad” t-shirt for Father’s Day. They very appropriately picked out the camouflage version. I received numerous compliments on my shirt on my way back to Kansas. Thanks kids. Sue also had several presents for me and as always made my feel appreciated and loved. It was a great Father’s Day. The only downside was that it was cut short by a 1:30 PM flight back to Kansas. I just arrived back and am looking forward to the next 3 weeks--or at least looking forward to them flying by, so that I can go home again!

Day 20: Mother's Love Their Baby Boys

Children don't realize the love of their parents until they become parents themselves. I think of my children and how much I love them. I think of how much I miss them now that I am away. I was blessed to have a wonderful mother. She has always been such a great example to me. As I have started this deployment process, I have noticed my mom's worry and anxiety for her little boy. I sometimes forget that in her eyes, she probably still sees the little guy I used to be. She's seen me succeed and fail. She has been there in good times and bad. She has always been supportive and loving. How grateful I am for a mother who loves me!

Today we got together for pizza and games at my mom and dad's home. No one knew I was in Utah and so it was fun to surprise everyone. It was especially exciting to surprise my mom. I think you will enjoy her reaction. Love you mom.

Day 19: Thanksgiving Point

When I decided to come home for the weekend, I think Sue and I had different visions in our minds about what I would be doing...

My vision


Sue's vision

I think Sue's vision came true. I have been on dedicated diaper duty since I arrived home. She keeps telling me this is my Father's Day present. She tells me that changing the diapers allows me to be a father and fulfill my fatherly responsibilities--I'm not too convinced by this logic. However, I would change a thousand diapers a day for the chance to be home with my family.

Today we decided was going to be all about family time...no work, no stress, just fun! We have never been to Thanksgiving Point so we decided to spend the day there. We were surprised at everything there was to do. By the way, we did buy a year long family pass so if anyone ever wants to join Sue and the kids there, she can get you in for 1/2 price.