Ramblings from Camp Leatherneck 2011-06-26

Ramblings of a Deployed Mind
From the confines of Camp Leatherneck

ALMAR/ALFAM/ALFNDS

Everyone is going to get sick of hearing this, but this week WENT BY quick as hell. I’m not sure where it went, but it’s gone. It’s another very warm, very bright, and very dusty filled day here in Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Work was work and it kept me busy for the most part. We’ve been trying to trim back our hours, but it just never seems to happen. I partly blame that on my OCD because (if you know me) I can find something to do every second of every day and it’s not just busy work. I don’t procrastinate, and if it can be done now, then we’ll do it now, regardless of having 12 months to do it… just sayin’. Anyway, things are going well and have become routine. We’ve started crossing all the T’s and dotting all the I’s, making huge improvements for the crew that will replace us. They’ll walk into a modernized, up-to-date, clean work area.

So Brian, the new daddy, is back on deck. We were issued our pink cigars upon his arrival, and it’s just really nice to have him back. We tried to make his transition back easy, but outside sources made his first day back a pain, and he was upset his first day. It’s just part of our job out here — working with entities that don’t always know what they’re doing, and it’s up to us Marines to fix things others won’t. At the end of the day, I go to bed with a clean conscience, knowing that I did all I could for the day. I’m hoping by the time our replacements come out here next year, they’ll walk into an area and pick up everything we’ve done in just a few days — we’re trying to make it that simple and routine.

I know my roomie is on his way out here, so that’s exciting… high-fives all around. Gotta give props to my TRUE FRIENDS back home. Dave and Robin said they will be taking care of my house while Joe and I are here… I’m just hoping Joe emptied the fish tank. Also learned this morning that my boy Chongo is in country. This will be a hell of a reunion… good times!!

As for school, I’m falling behind again. It’s not that I wasn’t trying, but time just slipped away. So many things have come up that I haven’t been able to sit down and focus. This will be the last class I take until I return from R&R. I think I’ve done pretty well, knocking out three courses since I’ve been here.

A lot of people have been asking my thoughts on President Obama’s speech about pulling troops from Afghanistan. I tell them to look at history and timing. The man hasn’t done anything he said he would do yet, so why believe him now? My taxes are going up, he’s going to erode military benefits and retirement, troops haven’t left Iraq (but are going back), and we have more troops here than you can count. Oh, and Libya’s still going on… just throwing that out there. It’s another speech with no real action behind it. Either way, he’s my CINC, and I’ll do as he orders me. I’d like to see all my fellow military members out of here, but I think NATO can handle it, just like they’ve done in the Balkans and Libya (insert sarcasm).

So my babies are done with school and attending camps this summer. Kirstin has missed a few due to sickness, but every time I talk to her, she’s in such amazing spirits. She said she really enjoyed the Colitis Walk a few weeks ago and told me to say THANK YOU to everyone who helped her crush her goal. She raised just under $2,400 for the cause. She also made me a candy basket for Father’s Day. She said I work late and need candy to stay awake… awwww, how sweet. Kara is Kara, being 11 years old. She talks about middle school and how busy she is doing things… makes me laugh. I hate saying, “that’s what my parents told me” but it’s true… crazy how the circle of life works!

I haven’t run much lately due to my back, but here’s a development: I criticized Nike last week, and low and behold, I win one of their 4,999 spots in the 2012 Chicago Marathon. Sweet! Also, my new Garmin 610 showed up, so I’m back to pacing my runs. Thank you, Nike and Garmin. We’re looking to spend our 4th of July having a good time here — PT gear, hats, and weapons, just like the other services! Should be interesting. We’ll be on TV, so if you get a chance, try watching Good Morning America or any of those morning shows on the 4th. You’ll see us. 🙂

Anyway, it’s off to church for me (yes, I’m emailing from my room… terrible, lol), and I’ll talk to everyone next week. If you feel like sending a care package… room fresheners are a wonderful item. Dad/Mom, SLEEP Room Spray from Bath & Body Works. I love you guys!

MSGT JOEL D WEBER
II MEF FWD C6
UNIT 73920
FPO AE 09510-3920