Ramblings from Camp Leatherneck 2011-07-24

Ramblings of a Deployed Mind
From the confines of Camp Leatherneck

ALMAR, ALFAM, ALFNDS

Another week down in the dirty hood — the A-Stan, The Stan, or as you all call it, Afghanistan. As usual, the busy bee didn’t notice how fast the week went. Overall, I give the week a B+, as it could’ve been worse, but it could have gone better. NATO interrupted our week by coming down and inspecting our little kingdom and left us a “Satisfactory” report…thanks guys! We were called “exceptional” — and not in a good way. I took it personal for a second until I realized it was coming from a German Captain and a Turkish civilian… I let it go… because I truly think Americans are exceptional — especially the men and women out here.

Traveled north to Bagram to have a small pow-wow with my boys from RC (E). They are truly joint in that vault! They have a Soldier, Sailor, and Airman there, while we have all Marines working here. Learned a few things from them and kept up good communications by exchanging ideas. Ran into a few friends up there and ran their Disney 8-mile loop (that didn’t go well at all). Got to visit with my brother for two days, which is always the best — and he is doing well. He has two months down with four to go… I’m a tad jealous.

I am prepping to go on R&R soon, so that is HELLA exciting!! I’m flying into NC, driving to my electricity-less home, picking up clothes, attending a BBQ at a friend’s house, putting my truck on a trailer and heading north to get my girls. I can’t wait to see them!!

I must say that as much as there isn’t anything to do at Camp Leatherneck, I’d much rather be here than the other bases that I have to travel to. The comforts and family at your “home” base is a reassuring concept that most people don’t get. When I was at Bagram, I couldn’t wait to get back to Leatherneck.

Speaking of Leatherneck, the Marine Corps Marathon has chosen this base to partner up with for its “forward” marathon. So, I’ve already registered for the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon Forward. It is an officially sanctioned event, so all finishers will get an actual medal, shirt, and goodie bag that the MCM will be providing out here. That’s exciting. We will be running on October 30th along with the MCM runners in DC. The USS George Washington has been selected as the second site to run a “forward” Marathon… so congrats to them. Bagram was chosen for last year’s Boston Marathon, so this is quite exciting.

We are only allowed 500 runners and we are expecting the spots to fill up quickly. I’m assisting our gung-ho Lt that has spearheaded this whole evolution. Along with volunteering for that, I’ve also started volunteering on Sunday mornings with church. That has been more awesome than expected.

As I just sent out a Ramblings on Wednesday, this one is going to be short. As everyone knows that I love to talk, I just don’t have anything more to say.

Semper Fi.

Joel
MSgt, USMC, FOB Leatherneck, AFG