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.

Day 18: Surprise Trip Home

When I first arrived in Kansas, I was told that we would get a 4 day weekend every month. Over these long weekends we were allowed to go home if we wanted to. I decided to go home for both! However, I only told Sue about the trip home this weekend--the kids, parents, etc., had no idea I was coming. Here is the kids reaction at the airport (they thought they were picking up a missing piece of luggage). Although the footage is shaky, notice during the first few seconds Abbie's shocked face and Ellie's expressionless slow movement towards me. Ammon cries the whole time. However, once I picked him up he was all smiles and glued to me the rest of the day.



I can't tell you how nice it is to escape the Army for awhile and go home. The trip home started at 1:30 AM with a 2 hour shuttle ride from Fort Riley to Kansas City. I actually thought I was going to die on the way home--horrible thunder storm combined with a crazy, one handed driving, cell phone addicted, shuttle driver is never a good combination. My flight was slightly delayed due to the weather, but luckily it was non-stop and I was still home by 9:00 AM. We went to visit Sue's mom, went to the park, and then Sue and I went on a date in the evening. It was a great day.

Day 17: Mark Twain vs. Thomas S. Monson

Mark Twain said,"when angry count four; when very angry, swear." He also said, "let us swear while we may, for in Heaven it will not be allowed."

President Thomas S. Monson said, "How you speak and the words you use tell much about the image you choose to portray. Use language to build and uplift those around you. Profane, vulgar, or crude language and inappropriate or off-color jokes are offensive to the Lord. Never misuse the name of God or Jesus Christ. The Lord said, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain"


So who do you follow? Mark Twain or President Monson. Obviously, Mark Twain's quotes are intended to be humorous and they are funny. However, after being barraged with profane language all week, it seemed like this would be a good forum to vent. Now it is not a surprise to me that I hear some vulgarity from a bunch of Navy sailors. Even less so am I surprised to hear Army soldiers swear. However, the amount of vulgarity has been somewhat overwhelming. I knew we were in trouble when a senior officer in the Army, while giving a presentation, used a four letter word (starting with an F) twice. Again I am not surprised that he used the language, but I was surprised that he used it while in the base Chapel! How much more respect I have for people who can lead without needing to resort to filthy language. I am grateful to have been taught to reverence God and use my language to uplift and strengthen others. I like the quote that says, "profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully." Luckily, I have a good group of guys on my team who speak relatively cleanly. It was impressive that several guys, not of my faith, found the swearing in the chapel incident offensive.

Here are a few pictures of our classroom. We have spent the last 3 days in here and will be spending at least 3 more here until we move out and start doing more hands on stuff.