How Rumors Start

The first few days up here is a whirl of standing in long lines for chow, then more long lines for record checks, finance, insurance, wills and powers of attorney, and assorted other administrative check points. Then longer lines for medical and dental checks, shots, vision test, more shots and the longest line possible for a 20-minute psych eval.

This morning, I waited an hour and a half to make it in to a waiting room where I got to sit and wait for another hour for a CIF issue. (Central Issue Facility: that's where they issue us all our soldier gear.) Could have been worse, I suppose. We went thru in alphabetical order and there are a lot of letters higher than P.

First we received new NBC suits (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical defense suits, vacuum sealed, along with boots, gloves, a charcoal filter canister, and decon kits). Then the newest ruck sack, which is dramatically improved over the old style, and an assault pack with LBV (load bearing vest) and assorted whiz-bang high-speed attachments, pouches, and other devices that clip, strap and snap on in various configurations.

We got fitted for new IBA (Improved Ballistic Armor: a kevlar vest with pouches for front and rear ballistic plates to protect your torso) and neck protectors, deltoid flaps, and even a groin protector. Thanks to the IBA kit, the duffle bag weighed ... well, I don't know, but I'm a pretty strong guy and I had a hard time with it.

Next was our RFI (Rapid Fielding Initiative) issue. New gloves, several sets of protective eyewear, a new sleeping system (three sleeping bags in one, so you can determine the level of protection you need). And a complete set of Extreme Cold Weather Clothing, that would supposedly keep us warm in weather as cold as 50 below. Not sure if I believe it would keep us warm. But perhaps survivable. The best thing about the RFI issue is we don't have to turn any of that back in. The ECWC is worth well over a grand, so I'm glad I don't have to worry about getting a fat payroll deduction later, if I were to lose track of part of it.

Then after the issuing was complete was (you guessed it) more waiting around, this time for transportation back to the billeting area. Some things just don't change. Hurry up and wait. While we were waiting, the soldiers are chatting, as they always seem to be.

"So why do you think they issued us all that Cold Weather stuff?"

"We're probably going to Afghanistan, not Iraq."

"Or Korea."

"Hey what was that? We're going to Korea?"

"Yeah, haven't you heard the news at chow?" (There is a TV in the chow hall that plays CNN.)

"Oh, that explains why they issued us the ECWC." (Pronounced eck-widk)

Later, a soldier asked me, "Sir, you think we're going to Iraq or Korea?"

Of course, I can't comment here on exactly where we are going in Iraq -- even if I knew -- but our mobilization orders read, "MOBILIZATION IS IN SUPPORT OF OPER IRAQI FREEDOM." But then again, when have orders form the President stood a chance against the inertia of the grapevine?

Blessing the Troops

Following is the prayer I wrote for this morning's send-off ceremony at the state capitol.

"Most merciful and gracious God,

"We thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. All of our needs your hand has provided. By your grace, we have enjoyed unparalleled freedom and opportunity in this land we love and defend.

"As we prepare to depart this assembly, we humbly ask your further blessing upon those gathered. For the leaders of this land, both present and represented, we pray your continued guidance and wisdom, that we and our families might continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty.

"For the loved ones gathered -- wives and husbands, children, parents, friends and family -- we pray that you would grant the calm assurance of knowing that we are in your hands now, and that you care for all of us. Ease the pangs of loneliness, slake the hunger of their souls, and bind together these individuals into one family.

"And for these soldiers gathered, we beseech above all your hand of protection. Although we have the best equipment, the best training, the best leadership possible, we know that ultimately, we are in your hands. As the psalmist wrote so many centuries ago:

"'We who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." For you will deliver us from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; you will cover us with your pinions, and under your wings will we find refuge; your faithfulness is a shield and buckler.'

"We ask of you these blessings, knowing that you are ever more ready to hear us than we are ready to pray. We ask all these things for your glory, in accordance with your will, and in your eternal and holy name. Amen."

A Moving Send-Off

Well, we're off. Today the 779th Engnieer Battalion was sent off for duty in Iraq with a moving ceremony and the gratitude of a city and state. At 1000 this morning we had a ceremony in a big courtyard behind the capitol building in Tallahassee.

I was initially scheduled to be on the platform. Just the governor, the TAG (the Adjutant General -- the two-star commander of the FL Guard), my commander, LTC Jarriel, and me. But at the last minute, the Lieutenant Governor wanted to participate, and there were only four chairs on the platform, so guess who got bumped. I don't mind at all. Instead, I came out to the ceremony with the official party and then took my place with the battalion staff in formation. Then at the end, I tripped all the way up the big stairs before asking God's blessings.

The most moving thing about today's sendoff was the escort. (Well, next to Lori being there, and Mom crying her eyes out.) We left the armory in four busses, escorted by probably a dozen or more motorcycle cops from Tallahassee and Leon County. Following our four busses was an "honor guard" of bikers from the Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group that escorts National Guard and Reserve units deploying and returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

It was hard not to get choked up by their display of support. I was sitting near the front of the lead bus, when the bikers started turning in to the parking lot, one after another, and queuing up. Each bike flew a large american flag. Some of the bikers wore their old military uniforms, and some just wore ... well, biker clothes. Altogether 18 motorcycles and three SUV's lined up to follow us to the capitol.

After the ceremony with the Governor, the Patriot Guard Riders accompanied us to the airport. We drove right up to the flightline and a few moments later we got on the plane, walking past these bikers as they stood at attention with their flags to wish us well.

We arrived at an Air National Guard landing strip in Wisconsin this afternoon, with considerably less fanfare. Then we got in the old yellow school buses and drove to Fort McCoy, where we will prepare for deployment for the next few weeks.