Day 95: Arrival in Afghanistan

It’s hard to describe a day like today--surreal may be the best way to explain it. Today, my journey half way around the world concluded, as I finally reached my ultimate destination. Afghanistan, this poor, struggling, war ravaged country, finally became a reality for me this morning as I walked off the plane and saw it with my own eyes.

The trip began early--I was up by 1:00 AM (I still am trying to beat this jet lag thing) preparing for our 6:00 AM departure. After waiting for several hours, we made our way from the base to the Kyrgyzstan airport. For this leg of the journey, the flight was to be on a Spanish C-130 with full “battle rattle” (body armor) worn. A C-130 is an old, propeller type plane, used for decades to transport supplies. It really wasn’t designed to transport people--at least not comfortably. As you can see in the pictures, we basically sat on seats made of nylon netting with all of our gear loaded on pallets in the back. There is no heat or AC, there is no bathroom, there is no real room to get up and move around. It is a good thing that our flight was only a three hour one.

As we descended into Kabul, we descended fast. The norm when you enter a war zone is to make yourself as hard a target to hit as possible. Consequently, not only do you descend fast, you also bank back and forth in a rocking motion. It is quite the sensation--causing both nausea and a feeling that you will fall out of the sky at any moment. Once the airborne acrobatics were over, we touched down at Kabul International Airport.

Walking off the plane was an unforgettable experience. As plane propellers were noisily spinning, helicopters were flying in all directions around us. Guards stood by as international forces, American soldiers and local Afghan citizens went about their respective business. The reality of it all just really sunk in and I think we were all a little shell shocked.

After waiting for several hours, we finally were able to get a ride from the airport to one of the large bases here in Kabul named Camp Phoenix. Once again, it was an amazing experience to make that first convoy through the city. I don’t think any of us felt particularly worried about our safety--we were in an armored bus (see picture below) with our body armor in place, surrounded by an armed escort. It was just incredible to watch the people. There were old bearded men, women covered with burqas and kids walking home from school. I especially liked watching the kids. You could see the innocence and goodness in their eyes. Some just looked at us, others waved, and some gave us a thumbs up.

There is much more I could say. It was an interesting and eventful day. However, I think it is enough to say that I am safe and ready to continue on with this adventure. I will fill in more details later as time permits.

Day 94: "Two More Beers"

One thing I have learned since "joining" the Army is that once you are told when something is going to start, when you are leaving, or what you are doing...don't believe them. Changing plans is the rule rather than the exception. So was I surprised when yesterday afternoon our flight plans to Afghanistan were changed for the second time in less than 24 hours? No, of course not. We now are supposed to leave tomorrow morning. As soon as people heard they weren't leaving, they all realized that they could have two more beers. Here in Kyrgyzstan everyone is allowed 2 drinks in a 24 hour period. This is how some of my colleagues keep track of time. It isn't based on when the sun sets or the moon rises--time is monitored by how soon you can get your next 2 drinks. So we rearranged our bags (as seen below) so that they will fit on the "new" plane we will be taking and then we split off and went our separate ways to continue the waiting game. Some went and had their 2 beers while I went and had a bowl of ice-cream, a bag of M&M's, and a rice crispy treat. I guess we all find different ways to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Until next time.

Day 93: Kyrgyzstan

For approximately 48 hours, I am calling the Kyrgyz Republic home. Kyrgyzstan was once part of the former Soviet Union. When the Soviet Union fell, Kyrgyzstan gained its independence and has been a democratic nation ever since. Russian is still one of its official languages and about 20% of the population is Russian. The U.S. uses the country as a resupply point for its operations in Afghanistan.

Today was a day with no real purpose. Our flight leaves in the morning see we had the day to relax, adjust to the new time zone, eat, sleep, read, or watch movies. We are staying on Manas Air Force Base. The Air Force is known for taking good care of its people and consequently their living conditions are often better than those on Army or Navy bases. Here on this tiny base there are 2 movie theaters, 4 computer labs, a library, a salon offering manicures, pedicures, massages, etc., areas to play video games, and of course for those that drink, a bar. It was nice just to relax and have a day to prepare for the next leg of the journey. I should be in Afghanistan by tomorrow at some point!

This shop had many relics from the Soviet area. You could buy Russian currency, stamps, clothing, etc.

They even had a Pizza Hut.

They claim the tap water isn't safe, so everywhere you go on base there are stashes of bottled water for the taking.

This is a bell dedicated to those who have served in OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom)

A view of a portion of the base. The rest looks about the same--pretty plain.

The Base Chapel. It really is a tent with a hardened structure attached to the front.

The Danger Zone. In the dining facility they have bins of candybars that you can take at anytime in any quantity desired. Up until now I have avoided the temptation. Good thing we are leaving tomorrow before my will power disappears.

We have started noticing some unfamiliar languages on some of the food packaging. This milk is not skim, 1% or even 2%. It is 3.2% milkfat--they probably should just call it whole.

One of the many movie rooms. In addition, they have some larger movie theaters. We had time to relax and watch a little movie this morning.

Day 92: Jet Lag

Is it Sunday, Monday, night, day? My body is very confused right now. Here is why.

Sunday 3AM--Loaded all of our bags and went to the deployment center at Ft. Riley. Here we had a quick meeting and then were quickly put onto a bus headed for Topeka.

Loading some of our bags into the staging area. Everyone labels their bags on the bottom with their own unique design. I chose to use a Sharpie--creative, I know.

LT Warner and myself waiting in the deployment center

Filing out of the deployment center and onto the bus

Sunday 7AM--Arrived in Topeka and then waited appropximately 1 hour until we boarded our plane at 8AM.

Waiting on the bus

Sunday 9AM--Left Topeka and headed to Shannon, Ireland. It was a 7 hour flight. There was my Navy class of 50 on the flight as well as 200+ Army guys. Consequently, it was a crowded and uncomfortable flight. On the good side, they did give us food and they had movies--things you don't see often on airlines these days. The flights were not military flights but had been chartered through a private company. We arrived in Shannon at 10PM Ireland time (2PM Utah time).

On the ground in Topeka

Finally in Ireland with enough time to stretch

This is my first trip to Europe. I'm sure those of you who have gone to Britain have enjoyed the different way things are laid out and are named.

Monday 1AM--This is Ireland time (Utah time is Sunday 5PM). We jumped on our previous plane and flew from Ireland to Kyrgyzstan--an 8 hour flight. Again we had lots of food and movies. However, by this time our bodies started to feel the effects of the travel. Physically we were tired and had had little sleep up to that point. It was dark outside. However, our internal clocks still told us it was early evening. This is the first time I've ever had to deal with jet lag and time changes like this. Obviously, my body was starting to feel the adjustment.

Monday 2PM--We arrived in Kyrgyzstan. We are on a small Air Force base that is attached to the airport. It is small but the facilities seem relatively good. After several hours of welcome briefs we went to our temporary barracks, had dinner, and then I headed here to the computer lab to give you all an update on what I am doing.

Waiting to get off the plane in Kyrgyzstan

A view of us deplaning at the airport. There was a deadly airplane crash here the day before but we saw no evidence of it by the time we landed.

Our accommodations for a day (actually overall better than it looks--or at least we tell ourselves that)

We will be leaving for Afghanistan on Wednesday morning (Tuesday afternoon in the US). Tomorrow I will show you a little more of our current home. For now, I am going to go put this confused body in bed and see if we can't resolve this jet lag thing.

Day 90: Sacrifices

Since leaving on this deployment, I have often thought of those who have gone before me in previous conflicts. I think of the soldiers storming the beach at Normandy or those who waded through rice paddies in Vietnam. I can't imagine being on a plane about to parachute into enemy territory or being asked to storm a machine gun nest. How grateful I am for the brave men and women who have given their greatest effort and for many their lives in defending our country.

Luckily, I am not being asked to perform such dangerous tasks. My sacrifice is much less than those who have gone before. My greatest sacrifice is leaving my wife, children, and the comforts of home for a year. Sure there is some stress associated with entering a "combat zone". However, I will be in generally safe places and will be well protected. One of my good friends, Mike, recently arrived here at Ft. Riley. He also is heading to Afghanistan for a year. He left his beachfront (well at least near the beach) home in Guam, his pregnant wife (due any day with girl #1), and little boy to come on this deployment. I am always amazed at the strength of those who endure one of the greatest sacrifices military service can ask of a family--having a baby while Dad is away on deployment. I can't imagine missing the birth of one of my children and then most of their first year of life. Thanks Mike and Gemma for making this huge sacrifice.

Someone once taught me that if we ever want to truly become like the Savior, He who sacrificed all, we too must be willing to sacrifice. It isn't always easy to do those things in life that are right or are expected of us. However, as we sacrifice we learn those lessons that help us progress towards perfection. Hopefully as I board my plane and head overseas tomorrow, I will learn a little more about sacrifice and take one more step in the direction of becoming as He is.

Day 89: Three Extra Days (Again)!

Remember when I wrote about my 3 extra days at home last week? The Navy was nice enough to extend our leave home a few days while they finalized our flight plans to Afghanistan. So instead of returning on August 16th, I was able to stay in Utah until August 19th.

At that time I didn't realize I would be given 3 extra days again. That is right. We were given 3 extra days here at Ft. Riley. Our flight plans keep changing and consequently we keep waiting. First we were scheduled to leave on Thursday. Then they had to reschedule for Saturday. Now it looks like we will be leaving on Sunday. Three extra days to sit around, eat, sleep, work out, read, pack, and sleep some more. I shouldn't complain--most people would call this vacation. I just wish my second 3 extra days could have spent at home rather than in Kansas.

Assuming I leave Sunday, I should arrive in Afghanistan by Tuesday. The tentative plan is to fly from Kansas to Ireland to Kyrgystan to Afghanistan. I will keep you posted as I can along the journey--that is if we ever leave Kansas.

Day 87: Animal Cookies

In High School, my friend Lynn and I had a great summer job--we were carpenters. That is right, I, the man who can barely hammer a nail, worked at Granite School District in their carpentry shop. It was a rough job. A typical day consisted of arriving at the shop, playing a game or two of darts and then driving to one of our schools (stopping for doughnuts on the way of course). Once at the school, strained by the long drive and feeling the effects of a half dozen doughnuts, we had to take our first break. This break typically consisted of settling into the lounge and watching an episode of the Price is Right followed by The People's Court. We then would wander out into the halls, fix a few lockers, talk with some of the school maintenance folk, and then before you knew it it was lunch time. Lunch was typically a run to Burger King, Taco Bell or the like with a short (30 minute to an hour) nap at the Park. By the time lunch was over, we would pound on a few more lockers, maybe watch Magnum PI, then clean up and head back to the shop. As you can imagine they were taxing and strenuous days.

One day I remember well. Lynn and I had purchased a large bag of animal cookies. These were the good kind with the pink and white frosting that were covered in sprinkles. I had eaten a good number of them (probably half the bag) when we decided that we would race around the school track. We sprinted around for one lap and when we got back our boss told us to jump in the truck to head on to our next location. By the time we were out of the parking lot, I started to feel the cold sweat and knot in my stomach, that I knew would be followed by some form of embarrassment. Luckily I was by the window, and as we drove down the street, out came a half a bag of animal cookies. This was my first running and throwing up experience...unfortunately it wasn't my last.

Several times since I have been in the Navy, as I have run my semiannual physical fitness test, I have gotten sick at the end of the run. There have been no animal cookies involved in these incidents. I honestly think it is just the result of lack of preparation, four kids, and too many late night ice cream treats. Anyway, it has become one of my greatest fears that I will throw up at the end of any significant exertion.

Luckily, since I started my deployment training, I have avoided any "incidents". In fact, I have been pretty proud of my ability to actually run a significant distance and do it rather quickly. This has led me to the decision to spend the next year training for something I have always said I was going to do, but never had the time or will power to follow up on. This goal of which I speak is running a marathon. Don't get me wrong, I really don't like to run. I would much rather play some basketball, tennis, or ping pong for that matter. However, since running on the treadmill is my only real option for exercise in Afghanistan, marathon training it will be.

Now for those of you who want to join me, I would love to have some company and some fellow marathon trainers back home. On the weekend of September 27, 2009, I will be running the Lake Tahoe Marathon. For those of you who only want to run a 5K or 10K, those events are available as well. There are also biking or kayaking options. There is even a free kids run for all kids over the age of 2. For those of you who don't want to run, it still would make a good weekend getaway. Really, I can't think of many good excuses why you wouldn't want to come (well, okay, maybe I can think of a few that I would use, but they really aren't GOOD excuses).

Anyway, it should be a good opportunity for all of us to get in shape and have a little weekend vacation. Finally, as added incentive, for anyone who comes, runs, and finishes their race, I will have a reward waiting at the finish line...

...a large bag of animal cookies.

Day 86: Till We Meet Again

Well, what more can I say--the picture says it all. When this all started in January we knew the final goodbye would eventually come. Sue and I spent the last 2 weeks pretending it somehow wouldn't come. However, try as we might to wish it away, the day that we had all been dreading came and I left home to start my journey to Afghanistan. There were lots of tears and feelings of sadness. Mostly, there was gratitude for the blessing of an amazing and wonderful family. How lucky I am to have a beautiful wife, 4 incredible children, loving parents and in-laws, supportive brothers (and sisters), aunts, uncles, cousins, neices, nephews, friends, and the list goes on.

A few quick thank you's...

First, thanks to all of the family and friends that have helped Sue and the kids through these first few months. The hardest part of leaving for me, is worrying about those I leave behind. It is such a helpless feeling to be away and not be able to step in when I am needed at home. Many of you have already stepped in to fill the void and helped Sue and the kids in so many ways. I won't list names because there are too many of you. But sincerely, thank you. One of my greatest comforts is knowing that my family will be watched over and loved while I am away.

Second, thanks for all of your prayers. I know that many prayers are offered on my behalf on a daily basis. I know that we have a Father who hears these prayers and that they are recognized. There is nothing that makes me feel more safe and secure than knowing that those who love me most are pleading with our Heavenly Father for my safe return.

To my three beautiful princesses and my little man...I love you and miss you. Seeing your faces and hearing your voices, keeps me motivated to keep going. You guys are the best! I am so blessed to be your Dad.

To my Susie...Hang in there! What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger right? I think of those crazy days back at Branbury when you decided that you wanted to marry me. I'm still amazed that you chose me (I guess my amazing looks didn't hurt). We have had many adventures since and this is just the latest of many more adventures to come. I am grateful to be passing through this journey with you--I wouldn't choose another. I love you so much and am so grateful that you will be mine forever.

Day 83: Three Extra Days!

I remember a few times during college and medical school, occasions when a test was postponed a few days or I was given an extra weekend to work on a research paper. I remember well the sensation of relief when I knew I had a little more precious time before the looming deadline arrived. An unexpected few days could definitely make a big difference.

Well this week I was given a few unexpected extra days (thanks Navy) to be home with my family. My pre-deployment leave was extended three days. So instead of being in Kansas right now, I am still at home! Instead of sleeping in a crowded barracks with a bunch of dirty sailors, I am able to enjoy a few more nights of goodnight stories and goodnight kisses. Needless to say, it was a very welcome surprise that has allowed me to enjoy a few more precious moments with Sue and the kids.

We have done many fun things over the past 10 days and hope to do a few more before I leave next week. I couldn't write about them all--however, below are a few pictures of some of the highlights.

Happy #5 Ellie

The 4 "Earls"

Lovely Ladies

Teaching the Younger Generation (I'm glad I didn't get caught doing this one)

A Surprise Visit from a Tarantula on our Driveway

Catching Up with Old Friends

Sunday Dinner with the Grandmas

An Overnight Escape at the Grand America

Pulling Handcarts at This is the Place Monument

Making New Friends

Exhaustion from too much FUN!

Day 76: Growing Up Too Fast

I wish there was a way to freeze time and keep my kids from growing up over the next year. Don't get me wrong, it is neat to see them learning, growing and enjoying life--it is just hard to miss it.

It hasn't even been three months since I left home and I already am noticing my little rugrats growing up on me. Since I have been home for the past few days, I have noticed little changes in each of the kids.

Ammon has turned into a little boy. He gets the diapers for me when he needs a change, he is talking more, and he loves playing with his sisters. Yesterday he took his first trip to the barber shop for a much needed trim. I was amazed that he would actually sit there and let the stylist cut his hair--maybe the sucker convinced him not to run?

Eden has turned into a little motor mouth. Those of you who know Eden, know she has been a little behind in her speech. We even had her evaluated last year because she was a little behind. However, over the past few months it is amazing how she has changed. Sure, there is plenty I don't understand, but she talks non-stop and has developed a funny little personality.

Ellie has turned from wiggle worm to miss mellow. Okay, that may be an exaggeration, but honestly, I have been amazed at how much less wiggly she has become. She actually can sit for a few minutes (okay, maybe it is only seconds) if it is required of her. At least she can sit long enough to take piano lessons. Her kindergarten teacher will be grateful for this new talent.

And little Miss Abbie...the other night she "borrowed" my cell phone and disappeared. I found her in the pantry with the door closed making phone calls. I didn't think that kind of thing happened at age seven. Luckily at this point the calls made were to Grandma or her cousin Becca--no boys yet. I'm scared of the day when I will have 3 teenage girls at the same time!

Day 74: Bear Hugs

One of the best things about coming home after a long time away is all the hugs you get. I remember when Abbie was a baby, there was a period where I was away from her and Sue for several weeks. I will never forget the reunion at the airport--I walked up, Abbie gave a cautious little smile (hey, I think I know this guy I'm sure she thought), then she hung on as tight as she could for about a half an hour (just to make sure I wouldn't slip away). She didn't say anything, she just gave me the biggest hug of my life.

Yesterday, when I got home Ammon did the same thing. It must be the normal reaction at this age. He wouldn't look at me (maybe he thought I would disappear if he did), but his death grip assured me that he was happy to see me. This morning he was the first one awake. When I walked into his room, he looked at me suspiciously as if to say, "are you really still here". Again, he didn't say anything (not that he ever says much) and just held me as tight as he could for about 30 minutes until he was sure I was really there. There is nothing nicer than being the recipient of a I'm not going to let you disappear again bear hug from your one year old.

Day 72: Graduation

I have been involved in several graduations during my life. They include:

West Jordan High School
Brigham Young University
George Washington University School of Medicine
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Family Medicine Residency

and now...

Fort Riley Transition Team and Combat Advisor Training

Yes, today I finally did it. The hard work and sacrifice paid off as I joined my colleagues in a joyous graduation ceremony. After 72 days of strenuous labor, we finally have been certified and qualified to move on to bigger and better things...one year of service in Afghanistan.

The accomplishments have been many. The memories are innumerable. Here are some of the highlights:

-20 man barracks, shared bathrooms, and never really being alone (oh, the joys of having friends).
-Guns, guns and more guns.
-Two trips back to Utah to see the family
-Shooting for 10 short minutes and then spending 8 hours cleaning our weapons
-The DFAC (dining facility)...flies, bread pudding (I wish I would have taken a picture), beef stew and dumplings (you don't want to know) and lots of ice cream!
-Good use of precious time: 15 minutes of lecture, 30 minutes of break, 15 minutes of lecture, 2 hour break, stop for lunch, 15 minute lecture, and then call it a day.
-Dinner at Famous Daves
-Heat index of 112 degrees, full body armor and no air conditioning!
-iChat with the family
-Being able to run (at least a little) without throwing up.
-Getting shot at with paint balls and rubber pellets
-Finally finding the peanut butter M&Ms in the MRE
-No dirty diapers. Sorry honey.
-Worrying that they actually might give real bullets to a few of my classmates (luckily they aren't going to Herat)
-Rainstorms, golf ball sized hail, and tornadoes
-Basketball games
-Associating with good people
-Finally being DONE!

I will be home for the next 10 days. Hopefully, I will be able to see many of you during that time. Thanks again for all that everyone has done to support Sue and I during these times. We love you guys.

**Publishers note: no pictures were included in this post due to the graduation ceremony only lasting 7 minutes. An attempt to take pictures after was attempted, however, this failed due to the mad rush of all participants to the door for a quick exit back home. Sorry.

Day 70: Three Cups of Tea

In 1993, Greg Mortenson, failed to reach the peak of the second tallest mountain in the world, K2. He was within 600 meters of reaching his goal--a goal he had worked to reach for years and for which he had spent several months on the mountain. In a moment his quest ended, as he rushed down the mountain trying to save the life of one of his fellow climbers who had succumbed to the lack of oxygen at this incredible altitude. During his descent, he became lost himself and disoriented. As he stumbled down the mountain alone, starving and literally freezing to death, he was rescued by the kindness of strangers in a small, isolated Pakistani village. He didn't know their language or their customs. He was a foreigner, an American no less, who had no claim upon their limited resources or mercy. Miraculously, they nursed their American friend to health and he became a part of their family.

Greg Mortenson, while recuperating, decided to return and build a school for the children of the village. Over several years, he struggled at great personal cost, both socially and financially, to build this school for his "family" in Pakistan. Ultimately, he succeeded and built a school dedicated to educating these poor Pakistani children and improving their quality of life.


Over the past decade, Greg Mortenson has continued his journey and mission--to provide education for children, especially girls, in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

His non-profit organization, the Central Asia Institute, has organized and helped fund the completion of over 60 schools in the region. The book, Three Cups of Tea, that Mortenson co-wrote, chronicles his journey and his amazing accomplishments.

I learned several lessons from this book. First, people are generally good and kind. In the news we read of only the bad and hear what the wicked of the world do. This tends to taint our perspective on humanity as a whole. After 9/11, the tendency in America was to view Islam as a fundamentalist, radical religion, whose followers were willing to kill and torture to accomplish their goals. The reality is that true followers of Islam are humble, faithful, dedicated people who love their God, family and heritage--much like we try to do ourselves.

Secondly, I learned that people can still make a difference in this world. A simple man, with no financial resources, found a way to serve the poorest and weakest among us--the children of an often forgotten third world country. Through pure determination and motivated by love, he was able to construct schools that are changing lives for the better. When others sought to solve the regions problems with bombs and missiles, he put himself at great personal risk to find a better way. His way was to educate the children and give them the opportunity to solve their own problems in the future.

There has been some dread associated with this deployment--mostly due to having to leave my wife and kids for an extended period of time. However, I feel that slowly, I am starting to understand more clearly the mission that my Heavenly Father would have me fulfill over the next year. He loves his children throughout the world. He wants them to be happy. Many of the people of Afghanistan know nothing but war, violence, and poverty. Conversely, I have been blessed with innumerable spiritual and physical blessings. This is an opportunity for me to serve my brothers and sisters in Afghanistan and share with them the blessings that I have been given. I hope that I can dedicate myself to making a difference in the lives of these wonderful people that I will soon get to know.

Day 69: Packing for a Year

In our family, Sue is the packer. Before any vacation or trip, I can consistently count on 2 things happening. First, Sue will be awake all night packing the day before a trip. You might be thinking, "oh she must close her eyes for at least a few minutes". If you are thinking this, you are wrong. Something in her body is triggered by packing that releases energy enhancing endorphins that will not allow her to sleep--not even for one second. It is pretty amazing. Secondly, Sue is a master in organization. Our bed will be covered four feet deep with clothes and things she wants to bring on the trip. Amazingly, all of this "stuff" always seems to fit in the two small bags that we are taking. And what makes this even more amazing is that not only does it fit, it is folded perfectly, organized by child, and arranged so that each outfit can be pulled out exactly when it is needed. Some may call this OCD, but we prefer to call it "attention to detail." On occassion, I have made the mistake of saying, "hey why don't you let me pack" or "why don't you just throw this all in the bag and come to bed." Without saying a word, she lets me know that this isn't an option.

I tease Sue often about her packing habits. As usual, some of what is written above is slightly exagerated. However, I can honestly say that no one packs more thoroughly than Sue. Ultimately, I am glad that she takes the time to keep us organized and I am awed by how she is able to throw it all together.

Today, I was wishing I had my beautiful wife with me to help me pack. I wasn't just packing for a week or even a month. I was packing for a whole year. It is amazing how much stuff the Army gives you and how little space there is in the few small duffel bags they give you to pack it in. There is the body armor, sleeping bag, seven layers of winter clothes, 4 uniforms, 10 pairs of socks, t-shirts, exercise clothing, bedding, accessories for your weapons, flight jumpsuits, etc. Then there is the stuff I was given that I still haven't figured out what it is used for. Anyway, as the task laid before me, I was wishing I had someone with me who could visualize where to put all this stuff and then magically make it disappear into the bags. I knew Sue could have made it happen. Unfortunately, she wasn't available. So I struggled on my own and somehow, after several hours of pain and agony, I managed to fit it all in. It wasn't pretty and it wasn't as good as Sue would have done...but hey, at least I am going to get some sleep tonight.

Day 68: Car Wash

Things here at Ft. Riley are winding down. Really, all we have left to do is pack, clean and turn in equipment before graduation next Tuesday. This morning a group of us went down to the "car wash" to clean off our Humvees. It was different than any car wash I have been to before. We used water cannons and fire hoses to wash down the vehicles. It was like a pressure washer--but about 10 times as much water came out.