Well, my pass officially started at 1600 on Wednesday. I whipped off my Army green like a drunken skinny dipper and put on the only civilian attire I brought with me: my favorite pair of jeans and a tie-dyed shirt I made with my mom and sister just days before I left home. And I can't forget about the real bra. After wearing a sport bra for a few weeks, I was in awe of how womanly I felt while wearing a real one. Ahhh. It was good.
Unfortunately for me, my job required that I not relax too much right away. Just after I changed into normal clothes, I was told that my team needed me to go on a run to Indy to drop off the command team and a few others at their respective hotels. Since I'm one of the few people who happen to know the roads a little bit, I was assigned as the navigator/A driver. "Alright," I told myself, "I will do this, but I will not change back into uniform. This is my pass, gosh darn it." So, in the van we went. I parked myself next to the sergeant major and pulled out my Kindle. Sidebar... In my few weeks as a driver, I have dealt with many a backseat driver. Picture this. You have the commanding general, the sergeant major, the JAG, public affairs, etc. Now, all of these people are anxious to get to their hotels and all of them think they know how to get there. I thought I had it bad. My colonel, who was the driver, had it much worse. There was definitely too much testosterone in that van.
We accomplished the mission, despite everyone's ideas of how to get there or how to get there faster. On the way back, we hit up a White Castle. Up to that point, I was a White Castle virgin who had never held in my hand a tiny sandwich with an even tinier meat patty. The food made it all worth it. I don't know if the meal was actually good or not, but I can say that the experience made it unique.
Ah, but my pass didn't really start at the end of this trip. I still had a 0330 wake up the following morning because my DVs (distinguished visitors) had not left yet and still needed a lift to the airport. The trip sucked, to say the least. I made a quick trip to a gas station and tried guzzle some coffee before I picked them up. Once they were in the vehicle, there was no radio, no conversation, no cold air conditioning ( because they were from the Virgin Islands and they would freeze to death). I was afraid I would fall asleep along the way, but my fear of screwing up kept me relatively alert.
Again, food made the trip worth it. When we dropped off our DVs, we stopped at a Waffle House on the way back. I had a good little breakfast and a cup of coffee to keep me alert, drove back to the barracks and took a nap. I woke up, and my pass began...
26.9.09
18.9.09
Light at the end of the Atterbury tunnel
As of yesterday, I have one week until my departure ceremony at Camp Atterbury. After the ceremony, I have a long weekend in Indiana to do pretty much whatever I want. We in the JVB are excited to see the end of our mob training here at Atterbury. Our trainers have disappointed us countless times, our comrades have depended on us for many more things than are actually in our job description, and our resources have been minimal to nonexistant. (For example, the image at the top of this post is a picture of what we call the 24-hour printer. This printer prints only when it wants to. Sometimes that means we won't get our printed documents until a day later. The whole post seems to have the same mindset.) We are set up for our mission in Kosovo, but over the past several weeks, we have been forced to readjust to the mission set before us. The light is at the end of the tunnel. We are in the last stretch before we can finally depart and move on to our training in Germany.
But the mission isn't over yet. Over the next several days, we will be escorting distinguished visitors from all over the U.S. so they observe training and attend our departure ceremony. The number of distinguished visitors alone is overwhelming. Add their entire entourage, and you have a nightmare. I feel ready to take on the task, but only because I know it is the last thing I have to do to leave this place. I hope I can handle a week of sleep deprivation, stress, and chaos. Wait a minute. That's what my job is all about.
But the mission isn't over yet. Over the next several days, we will be escorting distinguished visitors from all over the U.S. so they observe training and attend our departure ceremony. The number of distinguished visitors alone is overwhelming. Add their entire entourage, and you have a nightmare. I feel ready to take on the task, but only because I know it is the last thing I have to do to leave this place. I hope I can handle a week of sleep deprivation, stress, and chaos. Wait a minute. That's what my job is all about.
14.9.09
First general officer, first coin of the deployment
I'm currently sitting here in my company's headquarters, assigned to CQ, an overnight shift where I man the phone just in case something bad happens. It's one of the joys of being a specialist, I guess. It's late, and I've already had a long day. I'm chewing seeds to keep me occupied. It does feel nice to have some down time to unwind and sort through the last couple of days. Things have been crazy for the joint visitors bureau. We spent the first three weeks at mob station planning and acquainting ourselves with our jobs. Now we have to put all of that coordination into practice. Though the implementation is stressful, I feel such a relief seeing some sort of result.
I had my first general officer as a distinguished visitor today. A two star general who was once the commanding general of the KFOR rotation when my commanding general was their lawyer. The mission ran like clockwork. I was not nervous at all, and the general was actually a pleasant individual. He seemed more concerned about the training we got out of taking care of him than about his personal benefit. He shared stories about past JVB encounters, like leaving him in an un-airconditioned vehicle while fretting over whether the vehicle was properly marked for a general. He even admitted that, as a general officer, he doesn't know where he's going in a new place. When an escort officer follows protocol and trails behind him, he has difficulty finding his way. What an interesting guy with a clear perspective. He coined us with his 38th Infantry Division coin and assured us that we will have quite a collection by the time we get home.
I had my first general officer as a distinguished visitor today. A two star general who was once the commanding general of the KFOR rotation when my commanding general was their lawyer. The mission ran like clockwork. I was not nervous at all, and the general was actually a pleasant individual. He seemed more concerned about the training we got out of taking care of him than about his personal benefit. He shared stories about past JVB encounters, like leaving him in an un-airconditioned vehicle while fretting over whether the vehicle was properly marked for a general. He even admitted that, as a general officer, he doesn't know where he's going in a new place. When an escort officer follows protocol and trails behind him, he has difficulty finding his way. What an interesting guy with a clear perspective. He coined us with his 38th Infantry Division coin and assured us that we will have quite a collection by the time we get home.
12.9.09
Big Red
One of the things I love about the South is its food. Okay, so Indiana is not quite the South, but it's close enough for my liking. I had a feeling of nostalgia when I first shopped at the PX (post exchange) here at Atterbury. There, in the cooler, was my favorite childhood drink: Big Red. North Dakotans may not have experienced the taste of Big Red because most convenience stores never carry it. Ah, but I did. You see, I have this uncle who used to live in Texas. Every time he came back home, he would bring Big Red for my sister and me. I was hooked. I can only count on one hand how many times I've seen Big Red in North Dakota, but I tell you, I see it everywhere in Indiana. They even have 2 Liter bottles of the stuff. Even diet. There's even a sister soda called Big Blue.
About a week into training, I decided to buy myself a bottle for old times' sake. On the first sip I was reminded of my childhood love of the drink. Big Red tastes like the gum at first, with its cinnamon flavor, and then it leaves a cherry aftertaste. After the second sip, I realized that, as an adult, I can no longer drink pure sugar and feel good about it. Regardless, I took my bottle of Big Red to movie night at the chapel and drank it to completion while watching "Ironman." Though I can't enjoy Big Red like I used to, I might try diet. You never know. I might fall in love all over again.
About a week into training, I decided to buy myself a bottle for old times' sake. On the first sip I was reminded of my childhood love of the drink. Big Red tastes like the gum at first, with its cinnamon flavor, and then it leaves a cherry aftertaste. After the second sip, I realized that, as an adult, I can no longer drink pure sugar and feel good about it. Regardless, I took my bottle of Big Red to movie night at the chapel and drank it to completion while watching "Ironman." Though I can't enjoy Big Red like I used to, I might try diet. You never know. I might fall in love all over again.
8.9.09
Routine
Things at Camp Atterbury are slowly down a bit now. More specifically, things are getting into a routine. I am an unfortunate victim of the Army system due to my sudden need for routine. In the civilian world, I work without routine, but in the Army, lack of routine causes miscommunication and mass chaos. I can't thrive without being told when to show up for work, how long I'm going to be there, and what work I will do. If I didn't have a set shift and job responsibilities, I would work late into the night and become a massive overacheiver. I am so glad I have boundaries.
My routine now includes breakfast, working out, and even making my bed. Those who know me well may have once observed that such things were not a priority back in my early college days (this is what I will now call freshman year).
Jamming all of these things into a routine gives me time to do more enjoyable things as well. Yesterday another member of the team and I borrowed bikes from the MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) shop and took them around post to do a tour, or what we like to call a recon. On our tour, we found a campground well stocked with firewood, a laundry facility, a lounge - with real couches! - and hundreds of movies to boot. I felt like I stepped into another world. We also investigated the limits of our post. We literally biked all the way to the signs that told us that we were being watched by video surveillance. In Army terms, this means that the MPs would be on us if we went any further. Bikes are definitely the way to travel around here. The only problem is that I carry an M4, a rifle, and I haven't found a way to transport it with a bicycle. Being that we can only go without a weapon on post while we are physically exercising, this could pose a problem. I'm sure I'll figure it out. Creativity comes out of necessity
My routine now includes breakfast, working out, and even making my bed. Those who know me well may have once observed that such things were not a priority back in my early college days (this is what I will now call freshman year).
Jamming all of these things into a routine gives me time to do more enjoyable things as well. Yesterday another member of the team and I borrowed bikes from the MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) shop and took them around post to do a tour, or what we like to call a recon. On our tour, we found a campground well stocked with firewood, a laundry facility, a lounge - with real couches! - and hundreds of movies to boot. I felt like I stepped into another world. We also investigated the limits of our post. We literally biked all the way to the signs that told us that we were being watched by video surveillance. In Army terms, this means that the MPs would be on us if we went any further. Bikes are definitely the way to travel around here. The only problem is that I carry an M4, a rifle, and I haven't found a way to transport it with a bicycle. Being that we can only go without a weapon on post while we are physically exercising, this could pose a problem. I'm sure I'll figure it out. Creativity comes out of necessity
31.8.09
Gospel groove
I am now medically cleared for Kosovo, which is exactly what I expected. I'm trying to eat the way I'm supposed to, and for the most part, it's working out.
Sunday was my best day since I came here. I decided to be a little adventurous with my church going, so I went to the gospel service at the post chapel. No one wanted to come with me for some reason. When I got there, I realized that caucasians were a definite minority. I expected that. But the civilian ministry team from Calvary Baptist Church was so welcoming. The minister had a deep, DEEP voice, and you could hear him over everyone in the church when he sang. The piano player had some mad skills on the keys, but his voice was beautiful too. Surprisingly, I knew most of the songs we sang. The only difference is that in this service the songs had a groove to them. And they clap and say their "Amens" like the best of 'em. I have not had that much fun at a worship service in a time. It was exactly what I needed. I'd love to bring this experience back to my home church someday.
Sunday was my best day since I came here. I decided to be a little adventurous with my church going, so I went to the gospel service at the post chapel. No one wanted to come with me for some reason. When I got there, I realized that caucasians were a definite minority. I expected that. But the civilian ministry team from Calvary Baptist Church was so welcoming. The minister had a deep, DEEP voice, and you could hear him over everyone in the church when he sang. The piano player had some mad skills on the keys, but his voice was beautiful too. Surprisingly, I knew most of the songs we sang. The only difference is that in this service the songs had a groove to them. And they clap and say their "Amens" like the best of 'em. I have not had that much fun at a worship service in a time. It was exactly what I needed. I'd love to bring this experience back to my home church someday.
27.8.09
Hello from Camp Atterbury
Well, I finally made it to my mobilization station. It has been one crazy adventure since we landed last Friday. Our one advantage is that we had so many of our inprocessing requirements done months before we left. Most of the stations we went to only required a signature or a validation that we had already done the paperwork. I was happy to find out that I had all of my required shots done, except for the mandatory TB test and blood draw for HIV. Oh, and I almost forgot that every female had to have a pregnancy test done. At least I knew what the results were going to be...
I should probably note that I had my blood drawn more than once because I've had a medical issue that has gotten worse since I came here. The Army is concerned about my low energy/dizziness/possible low blood sugar problem. I had to go in for more testing earlier in the week, and the TMC doctor thought of every problem under the sun, except for what was actually wrong. He referred me to what they call "case management," the people in charge of making the decision on whether a person's medical issues make them nondeployable. Scary stuff. After a half hour of troubleshooting with a lieutenant colonel, we finally came to a decision that I'm hypoglycemic. He probably subconsciously thought I was anorexic as well because he told me I don't know how much a Soldier needs to eat. Therefore, I'm on a sort of probationary period where I had to follow his guidelines, get more blood drawn, and have a follow-up meeting at the end of the week. I will hopefully convince him that I will be just fine now that I know what's wrong, and then we will agree that the first doctor completely overreacted.
In the meantime, my team has me under constant supervision. My boss put me on a vitamin regimen - One a Day Maximum multivitamin in the morning and a B complex supplement after lunch. Everyone else is watching me like a hawk, often with food in hand whenever I seem to be having a low period. Things are improving little by little, so hopefully I will be my energetic self very soon.
Despite the health "crisis," I'm adjusting to Camp Atterbury life better than I thought. The place isn't as bad as a lot of people told us it would be. Of course, we North Dakotans are struggling to deal with the heat and humidity. But our barracks cancel out the heat with frigid air conditioning. We actually have to go outside to warm up. I'm glad I brought my great grandmother's quilt to keep me warm in the middle of summer.
I should probably note that I had my blood drawn more than once because I've had a medical issue that has gotten worse since I came here. The Army is concerned about my low energy/dizziness/possible low blood sugar problem. I had to go in for more testing earlier in the week, and the TMC doctor thought of every problem under the sun, except for what was actually wrong. He referred me to what they call "case management," the people in charge of making the decision on whether a person's medical issues make them nondeployable. Scary stuff. After a half hour of troubleshooting with a lieutenant colonel, we finally came to a decision that I'm hypoglycemic. He probably subconsciously thought I was anorexic as well because he told me I don't know how much a Soldier needs to eat. Therefore, I'm on a sort of probationary period where I had to follow his guidelines, get more blood drawn, and have a follow-up meeting at the end of the week. I will hopefully convince him that I will be just fine now that I know what's wrong, and then we will agree that the first doctor completely overreacted.
In the meantime, my team has me under constant supervision. My boss put me on a vitamin regimen - One a Day Maximum multivitamin in the morning and a B complex supplement after lunch. Everyone else is watching me like a hawk, often with food in hand whenever I seem to be having a low period. Things are improving little by little, so hopefully I will be my energetic self very soon.
Despite the health "crisis," I'm adjusting to Camp Atterbury life better than I thought. The place isn't as bad as a lot of people told us it would be. Of course, we North Dakotans are struggling to deal with the heat and humidity. But our barracks cancel out the heat with frigid air conditioning. We actually have to go outside to warm up. I'm glad I brought my great grandmother's quilt to keep me warm in the middle of summer.
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