Nearing the end of this tour!! Finally got a couple good crew pictures the other day while we were out on patrol. The picture of us is front of the MRAP. Those are the million dollar tactical vehicles that are designed to take the imapact of an IED explosion and protect the occupants. They are beasts. The vehicle wins all five stars in the protection department, but as far as comfort they are terrible. You have to literally strap yourself into the seats to keep from hitting your head on the roof when going over bumps and rough terrain. I guess that is the sacrifice they had to make to design a safer vehicle for us. No firm date yet on when we are returning. The dates continue to slide. We are almost there. The word is we are supposed to have a big homecoming either in the Rosemont Horzion or Solider Field. As soon as we know it will be pushed out to everyone. Next month is supposed to be the peak for temperatures. Into the 120's and 130's. You do get used to it. It's still hot no matter what, but your body does acclimate and it becomes easier to deal with. Was on the range yesterday and got to fire the big guns. I actually have a bruised face right under my eye and on the bridge of my nose from the gun hitting my sunglasses. The feeling of a machine gun in your hands is true power. That adrenaline feeling is the best. All is well in Al Anbar, Iraq. Doc
17 comments:
Three months and counting. We are dealing with alot of strange weather patterns, but nothing like 105-106..yikes..like living in a sauna. Hope you received our letter. All is well here and hoping for the same where you reside. Keep on keeping on...do you have a more definite date...late september?
with love...MJ & the Senior Navy Medic
Joe,
You are the studs? There is something about a man in uniform. I can't believe your temps.. I really don't think I would get use to that at all. Thank God for AIR!!
Those trucks Are amazing. They had heavy duty trucks here with the 1461st transportation unit too. Better uncomfortable then sorry like you said.
Your arrival date looks like it is going to be after school startes.Looks like Danialle might have to miss a couple days of school.
You know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers.Continue to stay safe. Count down is moving right along.
Love ya Joe
Cindy
Hey Injector,
What’s up? Well, for this year, you and me have more pump time then Cummings. I heard about your fire. I had a S&B acting up.
We’re finally gonna have yours and Mike’s promotional party. It will be next Wednesday. I’ll have some fuu-fuu drink waiting for you incase you make it in.
All is well at 123. The 1 year old air-conditioner doesn’t work and the sewer is so backed up that we can’t run water right now. (paper plates & plastic wear. . .Pro would die.) We just had the kitchen bombed for bugs and all the bottom cabinets were taken out with no plan to replace them. Oh yea, and the city took all the sand out of the back and left a huge mud pit.(Lake Freza)
You should have received 3 boxes of stuff from the firehouse. I hope you got it.
We’re thinking of you and the letter you sent us was great. . .to light the grill with.
Anyway, stay safe & watch each others back,
Ray
Hey Ray,
All your nonsense sounds great!! The fact that the city has done nothing to improve the living conditions of our house doesn't surprise me at all. I think I'm actually living better here. I mean hell, we have plenty of sand here and not much water.
The ALDI stuff you sent was great!! Tried to give it away to the locals and even they knew what ALDI was. I thought at least over here I'd get name brand stuff from you.
Other than that, will soon be home. Not in time for the promotion party jagoff!! That's all right though, when I make Lieutenant and am relieving at 123's house, I'm going to make sure you do an EMS drill for the crew. I know how great of a Paramedic you are....wait a minute...did I say that? Well, whatever.
Nice to hear from you Ray. Tell the boys I will be home soon. Be safe!!
WOW...Under the 90 mark.You really must be getting excited!
When will you actually get to pull out of Iraq and head back to the states?
Love Ya Joe..
Cindy
Yes the days are getting down now. As far as dates, of course can't say on here. The counter is pretty accurate. Soon we will be home.
Time is really starting to tick down now. I know that it is not going fast enough for you with the hot days you are having and hotter ones to come.
Nice pictures of you and the guys. It helps us to know that you are safe and doing what needs to be done so that you can get home.
We are getting into summer projects around here and attending all those graduation open houses and weddings.
Take care and stay safe.
Katy
Hi Joe,
Thank You for the quick reply.
I am getting so excited for you. I love getting on here everyday to see the clock tick down. It is so weird to see it in the 80's after seeing it at 365 days at one point.
I know that you can't disclose things on the blog. But, don't you demobilize in the states before you come back.And that usually takes place a couple of weeeks before you actually get to come back to Chicago? So are you on state side during that time? You can email me on my email if you would like to about it.
Well like normal I pray for your quick return. You guys hug each other and tell them it is from home.
Love You Joe.
Cindy
Joe,
Hi there! How are you? Wow, I love all the pictures you post; you and your men are so amazing! I cannot believe it was that HOT! Well, I am going to send you another letter today!
Have an amazingly blessed day, and I am praying for you and your men everyday.
Lauren
Joe,
Less than three months....awesome. As Ray said, nothing has changed with the 51st Street Holligans. With the ALS truck details, I have had more truck time (and two more fires) than on the TL. Stay hydrated out there. Nice temps! If you get a temp of 123 F on your digital thermometer, be sure to click a shot of it to post. My brother tomorrow leaves Bragg for Bagdad then to Taji then to Kirkuk to do the helo thing. I though he was doing it for the private sector but has a us.army.mil email. I'll Skype him once he's there for details.
Be safe. Minas
ha ha ha good old 123 last time i was there i woke up in the middle of the night to wizz, then flushed the urinal. well i guess it never shut off because in the morning there was urinal water all over the kitchen. blamed it on guzman. hey joe, why ya pickin your nose in the bottom photo? also, it will be hard to drill guys when you're in the bureau. guess who
80 days and counting. I can't believe how fast the clock as ticked down. I know that it has not been fast for you.
Weather has been pretty nice around here.
Looking forward to your safe return.
Will write again soon.
Kathy
To Joe and ALL Our Family Friends and Loved ones fighting for our freedom. Our prayers are with you on this this day of celebration July 4 2008. We love you and Thank You for your service. Bring them home safe.
Time is getting closer. I just love that clock ticking.
Take care and God Bless.
Cindy and Family
Joe, how the heck are ya. We've been all here wondering about you and hope you are doing fine. Especially after the guys from FOX company / Wisconsin. I knew I had your blog somewhere on my computer and just found it on my lap-top (which no longer goes online - ha). But we want to wish you safe at all times. The Club here is behind you and waiting to take you for a ride when you get on home. If there is anything that you want or need, please let us know (but sorry, no I can't ship ya out a 21y.o. blond). Happy 4th - and you got balls like church bells brother.
Tom Maloney Chicago Fire Dept / AFF-MC
Joe,
Fourth of July is over time to get back to the hustle and bustle.Have to wonder what you all have been up to. Hope everyone is safe.You are getting down to the 60's mark. It is so wonderful to see that clock ticking.Are you starting to feel any older? It is actually getting closer to another year older. Actually I have another big mile stone. THe BIG 50! I thought I would never turn 21, and it is like how could I be turning 50. Man life just passes you right by.
We are leaving for Florida on Thursday for the week. Going down to see those folks and Gramps. He hasn't been up to par lately, got to go and see if we can get him perked up.
Went camping out in Concord over the weekend. Was a beautiful weekend for that. I hope your temps have cooled down for you. I just don't know how you do it. And as always I Thank You for it.
When you get time write and let us know you are doing fine.
We Love You Joe.
Thanks to our soldiers.
Love Cindy
Hey, Joe,
Got your e-mails at work. Thanks! Responded to them at your e-mail address but also thought I should respond here - all is well here and I hope for you all. When I look at the current pics on the blog I can't help but think of the movie "A Few Good Men" - we want and NEED you on that line! God bless each and all of you for your sacrifices. We couldn't hope to have the freedoms we have in this country without brave individuals like you men.
Can you give any specifics as to when you will be moving out to another camp? Perhaps Kuwait?? In any event, we sent out a package to you on 7/7 (I think that makes 23 or 24 pkgs in all) but I'm thinking that if your going to be moving around, perhaps we'll make that the last one we send because you're COMING HOME SOON!!!
Speak with you soon, know you are in our prayers, thoughts and hearts daily.
Love,
Mom
Joe,
Hi there!!! Wow, 70 days and you will be coming home! I hope you got my letters and I am sending another one this morning!
Well, have an amazing day and thank you so much for everything you and your men are doing!
Lauren
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