My Month

This has really been my month. It didn’t seem like it at first, and I appreciate all the prayer on my behalf. A lot of seemingly difficult things have happened; God has blessed me as a result. The first thing was the confusion with my orders, which resulted in uncertainty regarding my R&R trip and discouragement regarding my ability to fulfill my commitment to the MEF. This has been all worked out, and pending a few ‘chores’ that need to be done during the month of August, the situation is resolved.

The next thing was my upcoming promotion. I was the #2 officer selected of a total of 3 CWO4’s (Other Than Active Reserve category, or OTAR) for promotion during FY07. The #1 officer was promoted on 01 May. The promotion message announcing the projected September promotions listed the #3 selected officer for promotion. Well, I was somewhat disturbed by this announcement, so contacted the Promotion Branch at HQMC. They informed me that I would be promoted 01 September. I don’t know about the promotion for the #3 gentleman, I sincerely hope he gets promoted as planned—but I’m pretty jazzed that I’ll be promoted somewhat earlier than ‘necessary’ (promotions need not be effected until September 31^st of the FY in question, in this case a date more than a year after what should be my actual promotion date). The September 1^st date has not yet been officially confirmed in MFR format, and things can change, but I have the word of the Promotion Branch…

Additionally, I received (today) a very thoughtful package from Susan & Joe, thanks guys. So thoughtful of you to pack the chocolate unwrapped in a separate Tupperware container so that when it melted (which it did) I could still enjoy it. The paperbacks that were favorites of your Dad’s, Susan, were a meaningful gift, and I’m looking forward to enjoying them.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

Another Project

I’m deep into another project, and my ability to post to the blog for the next couple of days is practically nil. I could sort of see this coming, but hoped it would not be as bad as all that—though in actuality, it is a little badder than I thought.

I feel like I went a little ‘overboard’ with my last blog, and I know there are some ‘fallacies of logic’ inherent in my aligning whole great categories of people with criminals, terrorists, and insurgents. However, acknowledging the positional shortcomings is one thing—separating myself from taking ownership for what is already a considerable investment on my part and on the part of our nation is another. Hopefully y’all can understand that, and if you happen to believe differently, I trust you won’t take offense.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

Orders Resolved

I’d like to thank everyone for your prayers regarding my orders, the situation has been resolved. One report, in fact, said there was not really a problem at all, just a communication difficulty between chains of command. Whatever the origin of the ‘problem’ and whatever the methods utilized to ‘resolve’ it, I am back on track. My upcoming R&R trip has been approved, and I am also going to be able to fulfill my commitment to complete my tour of duty and adequately turn my responsibilities in person over to ‘the new guy.’

Just a word on the ‘Exit Strategy.’ The enemies of democracy in the Middle East, the criminals, insurgents, and terrorists have been passing the word to anyone who would listen that the Coalition Forces, particularly the US, will never leave. They say we are here as an army of occupation. They say we are here due to our Satanist Imperialistic ploys. They say we are trying to control economic and natural resources that are outside of our sovereignty. Unfortunately, these lies have been believed, repeated, and presented as policy by most of the news media the world over. The result is that not only does the average person in this part of the world hear this from those inciting terrorism, insurgency, and civil war, they see it on TV, hear about it on the radio, and read about it newspapers. The reality, that the stated goal of coalition forces has always been REGIME CHANGE, is almost completely lost in the propaganda fueled by the terrorist agenda. REGIME REMOVAL is the easy part (relatively speaking); rebuilding a political, civil, and military structure from the grass-roots up to the halls of power in a way that empowers people that have long been disenfranchised and gives them ownership of a totally new way of living is something that is NOT easy. We are leaving, make no mistake about it. Our only strategy IS an exit strategy, and always has been. However, an early exit would be dishonorable and counter to the stated policy of regime change, as the vulnerability and fragility of a partially functioning government (nationally, provincially, county and city wide) cannot withstand the concerted efforts of criminals, insurgents, and terrorists to disrupt it. Those who publicly cry that we are not leaving (forever mired), along with those who publicly cry for our immediate withdrawal (prior to the ability of the newly installed government to secure the protection, rights and freedoms of its people) are actually aiding criminals, insurgents, and terrorists. Please don’t be one of those people who join the GWOT on the OTHER side.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

Back Safely

I arrived back safely last night from a three night trip I’ve been on. Thank you for your prayers for me, everything went more smoothly than I had hoped. Traveling in military aircraft probably deserves some explanation for those of you who have never had the opportunity: ear plugs are required, as there is no sound insulation anywhere on any of the aircraft. Engine noise is extremely loud, and can damage your hearing in less than a minute without adequate hearing protection. Because there is no insulation on the aircraft, there is nothing ‘hiding’ all the cables, hydraulic lines, control wires, wiring harnesses, framing members and so forth—all of that is immediately visible as you enter the aircraft. For seating, there are canvas benches that fold down from the wall of the aircraft, sort of like super long cots with no cross-members at either end, and these are “backed” by nylon open mesh webbing/strapping which you can lean against. Some people find this fairly comfortable, but I am not one of those people. As a final note, many military aircraft (there are a few rotary wing models particularly noted for this tendency) leak hydraulic fluid, which splashes onto your clothes, luggage, etc. sort of at random—not to mention coating the canvas seat you’re sitting on, increasing the unpleasantness already assailing your backside through the vibration transmitted through the canvas ‘benches.’ I can remember watching movies of military units in transport situations thinking that it was probably pretty “cool” to travel that way, but the actual experience is hardly glamorous. None of these comments reflect negatively on the pilots and crew of these aircraft, who are extremely professional and always go the extra mile to ensure guys like me, who don’t know what we’re doing (like how to get the seatbelts to fit over all our gear, etc) and don’t know the procedure (like how to egress the particular aircraft in the proper method at the proper time) still have a safe and as enjoyable a trip as possible.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

Uncertain future

Of course, the future is always uncertain. In fact, ‘uncertain’ is just a very kind way of saying “absolutely beyond the scope of our ability to control or predict outside of divine revelation.” Rather than tell a 2^nd hand story here, I’m talking about my own future. What was expected to be a routine extension of my orders that would allow me to serve well into 2007 has turned out to be not so routine. There are at least two opposed schools of thought regarding my orders, and though I have my own opinions about who is interpreting the situation ‘correctly,’ the ‘school’ that is rejecting the continuation of my orders has the upper hand. At stake is a two week R&R trip that I was going to take shortly to spend some time with Sheryl and Joshua—a trip I do not ‘rate’ if I am prevented from serving a full tour in theatre. As it stands, the R&R trip is canceled, my orders will end prior to the completion of my tour, and continued Active service beyond the end of those orders is in doubt.

I believe that the Marine Corps is God’s instrument for directing my future, not vice versa, and there are pros and cons to either situation. Since I cannot ‘see’ the future, it is difficult for me to ‘champion’ either position, as for me comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the options is like comparing apples and oranges (as opposed to comparing apples with apples). Please pray for the ability to take full ownership and to be ‘fully invested’ in the directives, laws (we’re talking Title 10 United States Code, here) and orders that ultimately resolve this situation.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

Right to Choose

A Marine team was involved in providing a service to the residents of a township here, and their activity had been fully coordinated with city officials. The service the Marines provided necessitated interaction, on a personal level, with a large percentage of the township’s population. One of the Marines on the team was female junior NCO (often referred to as a Woman Marine—WM—by other Marines, though only when gender is relevant to the reference). Over the several days during which the Marines worked in the town, the WM averaged six marriage proposals a day from various residents. These proposals came from men of wide ranging income and status, and ranging in age from 18 to 60. The best dowry offer was, if I remember correctly, a steer (OK, a bull, I guess steers are only in Texas) and a few goats.

Here’s the way the average encounter happened: the interested man would approach the eldest/senior ranking male in the Marine team, and indicate his interest in marriage to the WM (whom he had as yet never spoken to, discovered her name, or ANY information about her). Instead of acting as the head of a household and negotiating the bride price for the WM, as would be expected of the eldest male in what was obviously a social/cultural ‘community’ by construct, the Marine leader would explain that the WM was fully capable of making her own decision in this regard, in fact it would not only be improper but illegal for him to negotiate anything on the WM’s behalf, as she had the same right to autonomous decision making within the bounds of the law as pertaining to her own life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as the Marine leader himself did. Many of the would-be husbands, faced with the obstacle of conducting business (determining the bride price) with a woman, particularly the very woman that was the object of the business, were deterred. Many others, however, approached the WM, and very carefully extolled the many benefits that would result from her accepting the position of first, second, or third wife in the would-be husband’s household.

I would argue that the extent to which Coalition Forces are ‘victorious’ in the Global War on Terror has as much to do with the attitudes, perceptions, and values that accompany the views with which all concerned parties view each other as a result of GWOT interaction, as it does with the price of oil, international politics or universal commerce.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

2nd Hand Stories

I’m aware that there is an interest, on the part of practically everyone, for more information, a closer look, a personal story, the ground truth, anecdotes, paradigms, reality, first person accounts, anything that would shed more light on what exactly we’re doing in the Global War on Terror. What impact are we having, what are our short term and long term goals, and how are we doing on accomplishing those goals? What are the criteria that need to be considered in a valid risk versus gain analysis of our continued involvement in different arenas? To what ends should we be willing to go to accomplish political objectives, and how forgiving will national and international opinion be of an administration that acts to neutralize a danger which can reasonably be identified as posing a clear and present danger to the United States of America, its people, or their way of life?

I’d be happy to provide my view, but my experiential interaction with any of the variables that would contribute to meaningful evaluation, appraisal, or even (valid) opinion is limited to the point of being non-contributory. I’m aware that the average resident in the US is exposed to more information in a twenty four hour period as to what is going on in GWOT than I am exposed to in a week—what is suspect is the source of that information, the motivation of those providing the information, the realization that whatever information is actually communicated is only a fraction of the information available on the subject (so what information am I NOT hearing regarding this event), the agenda of the organization providing the salary of the person gathering the ‘information,’ etc. What I can do, however, is relate experiences as they are related to me by the individuals that participated in specific events, and report what THEIR experience was (in as much as their experience can be verbally communicated). I don’t hear very many of these accounts, as I’m necessarily chained to my computer with my headphones on and oblivious to my surroundings while I work in a vacuum on what is, despite its isolation from operations, an essential series of products. However, I do hear a few ‘stories,’ and those that can be told in this medium, I will attempt to do so.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

A Snail's Pace

I received eight Moto-Mails yesterday, and one snail mail. I would like to thank (in the order in which they wrote me, by date) Lina (who wrote 2), Sonny & Sandy, Ruth M., Roy & Linda, Brad (the Dutchman), Cory & Co., and cousin James for the Moto-Mails, and Judy for the snail mail card (things you DON’T want to hear while getting a tattoo—very funny). The Moto-Mails, though they were printed (as near as I can tell) at the post office on base within twenty four hours of when you each wrote them, took an average (for seven of the eight Moto-Mails) of over thirty days to get to me from the post office. Now, I figure (being very generous and allowing for the most circuitous route) that it is about half a mile from the post office to here. There have been no ‘Acts of God’ here (like tornados, floods, hurricanes, monsoons, tsunamis, avalanches, earthquakes, lightning strikes, or volcano eruptions) to significantly interrupt the activities of the mail carriers, and I figure a SNAIL could actually make it from the post office to my shop in less than thirty days. Judy’s so-called snail mail card made it here from the other side of the world in 7 days, and it had the same address on it. I’m going to make a few inquiries, it may be possible (but I doubt it) to discover what the hold up is/was. If I find out what the problem was, I’ll definitely let you know.

This brings up the absence of any recent Moto-Mails from Nicole—who I assume has been diligently typing me witty voluminous texts, but I just haven’t been getting them. When I catch the guilty postal worker with the sack of all MY mail, the meaning of “Reckoning Day” will be fully revealed.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

Limited Posts

The restrictions on internet use here are finally coming to bear on my ability to post to this blog. I can still post via email, but due to the ‘automatically inserted’ materials management statements, I am usually able post, then access the blog and remove the additions. I also have to access the blog online to post a picture to an entry. The BLUF is that my posts my be a little less regular from here on out, and may include statements at the end and the beginning pertaining to the classification of the contents of my emails. I ask that you bear with me in this.

There has apparently been some complications with my orders, significant enough that the complications may disrupt my plans for an upcoming two week trip home and frustrate my ability to conclude my time here in a way that would provide meaning to my substantial investment of effort. Please pray that these complications would not frustrate either our plans or my ability to complete the assigned tasks here. Thanks again for your support.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

More Adventures

Joshua and Sheryl continue in their travels. Below is an excerpt from Wednesday’s account (from Minnesota), and another from Thursday’s account (from Detroit), both from Sheryl’s emails:

“Today was another gorgeous day here in Lanesboro... (Got) into town around 11:00… we played in the park… went for lunch… Joshua and I quick changed into our suits and headed to the river… When we got home I set (Joshua) up to read his Spanish books and write in his journal… We set Joshua up with March of the Penguins -- his first movie or TV this whole trip. After the movie, he wrote a quick post card to you, a thank you card to Ann and then sparklers. I got some pictures and a little video. We caught a few fireflies and then headed to bed.”

“We arrived safe and sound… the flight to Detroit went fine. Joshua dozed off for about 15 minutes on the drive (from the airport) and so that might be partly why he isn't ready for bed yet -- 10:00 p.m. Joshua hit it off with (his cousins) right away… It is good to see him just having fun. They bounced on the trampoline for at least half an hour tonight before bed time. Joshua has a cough that just developed last night. He is complaining about that right now too, so please pray that he isn't getting sick.”

Semper Fi, Jon G.

News from Sheryl

While Sheryl and Joshua are traveling and on vacation, Sheryl has asked me to post a few updates to my blog (as she does not have access to her blog) regarding their adventures. The below is from an email I received on the 3rd from Bob & Anne's place in Minnesota:

"Kimberly took Joshua and I on the bike trail. We rode a short bit on the road to the bike trail and then 3 1/2 miles into town. It is a great ride and today was cool -- overcast -- but the path is often in shade due to many trees. Joshua had one fall when we were crossing the road -- which is gravel -- and he fell. He cried a bit, although it barely broke the skin. I think he was just frustrated. But otherwise he was a great rider and even made it up a couple long hills without help. After lunch, I suggested finding the tubes and floating down the river. He was so excited. When we first stepped into the river Joshua got scared and said, "I don't want to do this." But I was able to ease him in and we held hands through the first few rapids. Then at one point we lost hold, he got scared and because he was kind of sitting on the edge of his tube instead of down in it, he fell out. I couldn't reach him, but he had sandals on, pushed off the bottom and grabbed his tube. I don't even think his head went under. He was brave … We ended up floating down 3 times. He wanted a 4th, but I said we could come tomorrow or the next day. Tomorrow there is a 4th of July parade in a local town and Ann said they throw candy to the kids who are watching the parade -- I'm sure that will be a BIG hit with Joshua. I haven't mentioned the candy to him. Tonight we're having home-made strawberry ice cream J”

As you can see, they’re having a lot of fun! By the way, happy 4^th of July to everyone, we had a short ceremony here in which the FaBQ (now only a quartet, as we’re short a French Horn) played three numbers.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

No More Flies

Yesterday a co-worker said, “Hey, you know what? The flies are gone!” He’s right. After his statement, I realized that it has been about a week since I’ve been pestered by a fly. When I first arrived in country, the flies were ‘fairly pesky’, building to a ‘constantly pesky’ peak about the middle of May, and then they just pretty much disappeared. One of the standard adornments of every building I’ve been in here are strips of fly paper, tacked up in just about every room. Some of them have been up long enough to be fully layered on both sides, monuments to either the stupidity of flies or the brilliance of some Egyptian vector control guy who worked for the Pharoh way back when (probably a combination, as flies don’t even have a brain, per se, and humans are as yet the only species known to be capable of original rational thought). I personally feel the fly paper should be replaced when (due to the accumulation of dead flies) it reaches the consistency of black velvet on both sides, as by that time it is no longer effective. However, there are those whose antagonism towards the fly goes beyond practicality to the point of gloating and vulgar posturing (all of which is lost on the flies, I’m sure), who leave these macabre strips of fly-coated paper up interminably. I am satisfied enough when I am able to nail one or two a day at my workstation with the community fly swatter. And for those who have encountered the famous Black Fly in Minnesota (which I, fortunately, have NOT), these flies here are of the harmless non-biting housefly variety, not really worth an emotional investment one way or the other. Bottom line, I’m glad they’re gone.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

Aunt Lori 'gets thru'

It has been reported to me that my Aunt Lori has been trying to post comments to this blog, but has fallen afoul of the trons. She has also tried to send me Moto Mails, but continues to have trouble trying to establish her account. Aunt Lori, I appreciate all your prayers for me, and know you are doing all you can do to support me. That is as much as, or more, than I expect of anyone. THEN, in the mail yesterday, I received a tin of two flavors of specialty popcorn, and two ADDITIONAL tins of Mrs. Fields world famous cookies! It is such an indescribable feeling, being cared for in such tangible ways by people on the other side of the world. It is overwhelming that in the midst of all that is going on in your lives, you specifically think of me, and contemplate ways to encourage me, and then expend valuable time and hard earned wages to put those plans into action. I am very humbled every time I am ‘touched’ by your care, but extremely encouraged. Thank you so much.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

Blessed (continually)

I received a care package the other day, from Sonny and Sandy. What a treat! You are so creative in what you send, not only the specific ‘standard’ items I’ve requested (like Nutter Butters), but also specially selected Beef Jerky flavors, special oatmeal energy bars, chocolate-peanut-butter snacks, and specialty trail mixes. I think I am managing to stay in shape, despite the abundant supply of non-DFAC food supplies, and it is SO much more enjoyable this way. Thank you so much for thinking of me and ‘caring’ for me.

It looks like I may be doing some in-country travel. I agree with my boss that though the scheduled travel will have a definite negative impact on my mission accomplishment in the short term, it has the potential to have a positive (possibly a decisive) impact on long term success (in a very limited aspect) throughout the AO. I’ll keep you posted, as much as is possible and prudent, and in the meantime, would appreciate your prayers in this regard.

Semper Fi, Jon G.

Fixed

That’s what happened to the geese—there were too many goslings being created for the flora and fauna of the camp to support, so we ‘fixed’ the geese so we wouldn’t have that problem… Just kidding, the geese are fine. What I fixed were my headphones. I purchased some noise limiting Mickey Mouse-type headphones (using a gift certificate from my sister-in-law, thanks Sandy) knowing that music would be a tremendous way to make my long hours at the computer more livable. They worked great on the trip over (for watching movies and listening to music on the airplane, and for ‘white noise’ to doze in the airplane seat), but after about a month over here the piece that holds one of the swiveling ear-pieces (for a comfort fit to any head) snapped. I duct taped it together, and it held for awhile, and then the head band itself (made of plastic and steel) broke in two. Again, more duct tape solved the problem. Finally (I’m not hard on equipment, really, I think it must be the dryness in the air or something, and I’ve got a small head, not like I’m straining the head band to its limit or anything) the tensioned hinge at the apex of the headband broke, and duct tape could not fix that adequately.

On a ‘hike’ out to the S4 shop (that’s supply and logistics) the other day I saw some one inch steel banding material lying around (it was about a one foot length that had been cut off after banding a pallet, not like I was stealing anything). I disassembled the mounting points on each headphone, and using the wire from a coat hanger and the flat steel banding material was able to fabricate a passable headband. I tensioned it just right, was able to adapt it to my head, but the problem was it was not that comfortable. I picked up some of that air-bubble plastic packing material, made a little pad under the headpiece, and wrapped it in a bandanna (so the plastic doesn’t make my head sweat). Hey, it may not look beautiful, but I’m back in business—and I’ve got another 7 months here, which would be a whole lot less endurable without music. Plus, you could practically drive over these things with a HMMWV now and they’d still work.

Semper Fi, Jon G.