Heading to Afghanistan

As I came home from work last week, a parcel greeted me on the worn little table by the door. The same flat rate box that I’ve sent to Daniel during his past two deployments was now addressed to me — from my son.

Inside, I found a Camelbak, ballistic eyewear with interchangeable lenses, ear protection in a handy case, a headlamp with a red lens and a book about warfare along with other odds and ends.

I didn’t join the military, though I did volunteer to tell their stories.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an intense desire to cover the stories of Afghanistan. I want to find and share the experiences of the military who are serving there and of the people who live and make their home in a country perpetually at war.

I was surprised after my most recent pleadings when Joan Krauter, my executive editor, told me to write our Washington bureau and ask them to consider sending me on assignment. (She either believes in me, or I wore her down with my persistence -- she says it’s the former.)

I say 'surprised' because Joan cringes at the thought of violence or danger in all forms -- it took me months to sell her on a project documenting the growth of mixed martial arts in Florida.

So, now I sit in a hotel room in the rolling green hills of Virginia, ready to embark upon a weeklong stint of hostile environment training which will prepare me, as much as anything can, for working in a country at war.

This blog - -which has helped me through numerous stages of wonder, fear, ups, downs, pride, love, and respect for my son’s career and all those who serve — will be put to rest for the time being.

Soon, I’ll post a link to a new blog where I’ll share my observations, experiences, and stories of the people I meet.

I hope to do them justice.

--Tiffany

_________

Congratulations, Christine Semones

Christine D. Semones has been awarded an Air Force ROTC scholarship to attend a host college or university. High school seniors from across the United States are selected after a competitive application process based on comprehensive tests scores, scholastic achievement, school officials' evaluations, extra-curricular activities, and community involvement.
The majority of scholarships cover full college tuition, provide a textbook allowance and pay most laboratory or incidental fees. The scholarship program also pays a $350 tax-free monthly allowance to each student during the academic year, which increases to $500 by his or her senior year. The value of a scholarship may exceed $100,000, depending on the student's choice of school and the type of scholarship offered.
Upon graduating from college and completing the ROTC program, the cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force. The new lieutenants select and enter various career fields to train as pilots, navigators, engineers, medical, personnel, business management fields, and special operations.
She is the daughter of Michael and Dawn Semones of 28th St., Parrish, Fla.
Her grandparents, Brock and Gloria Jackson, also reside on 28th St., Parrish.
Semones is a student at Palmetto High School, Fla.

_________

Congratulations, Max Dean

Air Force Airman Max N. Dean graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Nick and Mimi Dean of Summer Blossom Lane, Bradenton, Fla.

Dean is a 2008 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School, Bradenton.

_________

Around the military:

Fire boat response crews battle the blazing remnants of the oil rig Deepwater Horizon off the Louisiana coast in the Gulf of Mexico, April 21, 2010. A Coast Guard MH-65C dolphin rescue helicopter and crew document the fire aboard the mobile drilling unit Deepwater Horizon, while searching for survivors. Multiple Coast Guard helicopters, planes and cutters responded to rescue the Deepwater Horizon's 126 person crew. U.S. Coast Guard photo

U.S. and Polish members of the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team conduct a shura or meeting with village elders in Jaghatu village in Ghazni, Afghanistan, April 14, 2010. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. J.T. May III

The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron known as the Thunderbirds demonstrates F-16 Fighting Falcon acrobatic maneuvers on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 11, 2010. The Thunderbirds headlined Eglin's 75th Air Show with more than 140,000 spectators in attendance. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sheila Devera

Visit Sarah Smiley-Navy wife

Busy day today--so going to keep it short. (It seems that there's a time of year when all the annual checkups come due--this is my week: say "ahhh," then pull out your wallet. Loads of fun.)

So…during my browsings for something interesting, I came across Sarah Smiley--remember her? She's a Navy wife with a serious gift with words. Here's a link to some of her columns.

Enjoy!

--Tiffany

_________

Too fat to fight?

read a new report:

_________

Around the military:

A CH 46 from HMM166, the MEU's Aviation Combat Element shoots flares during an aerial display April 8. Via Twitter

A U.S. Army soldier performs a pre-flight system check on a Black Hawk helicopter before a flight at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Kunar province, Afghanistan, on April 15, 2010. This Task Force Lighthorse mission includes soldiers from Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment with the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. The preparations are for a leaflet drop. DoD photo by Spc. Lorenzo Ware, U.S. Army. (Released)

U.S. Navy Lt. Michael Hodges pulls himself up through a mechanical rescue hoist as he is raised into an SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter while conducting drills in the Arabian Gulf, April 13, 2010. Hodges is assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 1. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael D. Blackwell II

Special people: They're standing right next to you!

Don’t groan before I finish this sentence…but I watched Michael Moore’s “Capitalism: A Love Story” last night with my husband.

When Moore argued that people who make disgusting amounts of money are glorified rather than the ‘real folk’ who keep the machinery moving—it stuck with me.

Who ground that hamburger you’re eating? Who fixed your fridge when it broke? Who flew your plane on that last visit to grandma in Ohio? Who taught your kid how to conjugate French verbs?

Yup—just normal people.

Folks like the ones who fight fires, catch the bad guys, and keep our country safe.

They are Moore’s 99% who don’t grin at us from the covers of magazines lining the checkout counters at the supermarket.

They are our neighbors, friends, and family—and they’re on my pedestal.

--Tiffany

_________

Welcome home, Sailor Adam Brewer!

read more about his wife, Karen

_________

Warnings about Lejeune's tainted water unheeded for years

read more from McClatchy

_________

Congratulations, newly promoted

Brigadier General Scott F. Donahue

Scott F. Donahue has been promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Army.

Donahue is currently the commander of the South Pacific Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in San Francisco, Calif. With his new rank, Donahue becomes the highest ranking Army officer in the San Francisco bay area. In his current position, he is responsible for a staff of 2,473, along with a $1 billion civil works, construction and environmental restoration budget. He is in charge of an area that covers one-fifth of the U.S. with four districts representing 10 states in the western U.S.
He was previously assigned as the XVIII Airborne Corps Engineer at Fort Bragg, N.C., and deployed to Iraq as the chief engineer with Multi-national Corps -- Iraq.

With an Army career spanning more than 27 years, Donahue has had assignments that have taken him to such places as South Korea, California, Georgia, North Carolina, New York and Washington, D.C. In addition to a deployment to Iraq, Donahue also had a tour to Bagram, Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

He has held positions that have ranged from engineer platoon leader to company commander, battalion security and intelligence officer, battalion operations officer, brigade operations officer and battalion commander.

He earned a master of science in 1992 from Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif.

He is the son of Carol Nelson of Clearwater, Fla., and son of Frank Donahue of Bradenton, Fla.

He is the father of Eric Donahue of Fort Bragg, N.C.

Donahue graduated in 1979 from Andover High School, Mass., and received a bachelor of science degree in 1983 from Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Va.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service, three awards of the Legion of Merit, two awards of the Bronze Star, two awards of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, two awards of the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal and five awards of the Army Achievement Medal.

_________

Around the military:

U.S. Army Capt. Mark Moretti sits hand in hand with Shamshir Khan, one of the most senior Korengal Valley elders, on the Korengal Outpost in Kunar province, Afghanistan, April 13, 2010. Moretti, who has led soldiers on the outpost since 2009, welcomed Khan and other elders to offer an orientation of all the buildings and equipment that would be left behind for the people of the valley.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. David Jackson

U.S. Air Force members of the 79th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron secure the unit's flag to a pole on Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, April 10, 2010. With the first alert mission complete, airmen in the squadron look forward to a successful deployment, while showing off the unique capabilities of the HC-130P “Combat King” aircraft. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel J. Martinez

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Geoffrey Martin, assigned to Riverine Squadron 1, fires a GAU-17A gun from the bow of a riverine assault boat during live-fire battle drills on Fort Knox, Ky., March 28, 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryan Weyers

Soldier bloggers: Reality-check reading

Sometimes it’s good for our inner compass to listen to those who can tell us straight-up what’s going on from their perspective.

That’s why I’m going to share some links for blogs written by soldiers, sailors and Marines. This is by no means a comprehensive list—there are thousands out there. These bloggers want to share their experiences, insights, and feelings. Let’s give them a listen:

THOUGHTS FROM AFGHANISTAN: “Reflections of an Indian Immigrant and officer in the United States Army serving in Afghanistan in 2009-2010.”

ONE MARINE’S VIEW: “You can torture me, kill me but just don't bore me.”

SGT. DANGER: “I’m an American citizen, proud of my country and its heritage. I enlisted in the United States Army in 2003, following two years of as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Long Beach, California. I’m a non-commissioned officer; leading soldiers is the most satisfying part of my life, apart from my family and church service.”

MICHAEL YON ONLINE: “Michael Yon is a former Green Beret, native of Winter Haven, Fl. who has been reporting from Iraq and Afghanistan since December 2004.”

U.S. FLEET BLOG: “This is the official U.S. Fleet Forces Command blog.”

THE HELMAND BLOG: “The Helmand blog is run by Major Paul Smyth and the team from UK Forces Media Ops. The team is located in Helmand at Camp Bastion and the Task Force Headquarters and works to support the coalition forces together with the other government departments such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development.”

--Tiffany

_________

A kind offer of horseback riding from a former "Army Brat"

My name is Kathy Hunt and I am a former "Army Brat". My dad retired from the Army when I was 17 so I grew up in the military life and have a very strong appreciation for everything that anyone in any branch of the service does for our country.

I am writing you because I kind of accidently came across your blog and wanted to extend an offer to any military personnel you know that may be visiting our area while on leave or before being deployed overseas. I own and operate a small horseback trail riding business with my fiance' (who was also in the army) here in the area. We take people riding at Little Manatee River State Park, Alafia State Park and when the trails dry out, Myakka River State Park. We have a website if you would like to check it out. What we would like to do is offer a free ride to any active duty military personnel. If you would like to pass this along to anyone you know that would be great.

Thank you,

Kathy

_________

Around the military:

U.S. Army soldiers walk with Afghan children through the village of HeydarKheyl in Sayed-Abad district in Afghanistan's Wardak province, March 25, 2010. The soldiers, assigned to the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion, are in the area to help improve humanitarian conditions in the village. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Russell Gilchrest

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joel Meyer and Staff Sgt. Derek Walton train on room-clearing tactics on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 5, 2010. Meyer and Walton are assigned to the 28th Security Forces Squadron. Meyer was selected as the 2009 Security Forces Air Force Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua J. Seybert

The U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, performs during the Southernmost Air Spectacular air show on Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., April 10, 2010. More than 21,000 people attended the two-day air show. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael McNabb

A SMART gift: Unconditional love

There’s nothing more frustrating than having an amazing gift, and nobody to share it with.

That’s the position Gail Clifton of SMART finds her organization in right now; a fantastic program for wounded warriors and veterans, with no takers.

“We have the capability to serve any kind of disability, we are really set up well,” said Clifton, executive director of Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy.

Horses for Heroes, a program set up a year ago for wounded warriors to help with brain injuries, amputations, PTSD, or challenges of any kind, has not had one participant—yet.

Gail is hoping to get the word out so veterans can benefit from the free program.

“I firmly believe this program is good for people. When it takes off, it will be successful,” said Clifton.

“It improves core strength, spatial awareness, and increases confidence,” said Clifton, who went on: “I’ll accept a veteran from any war.”

Out in East Bradenton at 4800 County Road 675 between State Road 70 and State Road 64 is a stable full of fuzzy, warm horses and a group of trained volunteers waiting to serve those who have served their country.

What’s their gift? Unconditional love.

--Tiffany

_________

Manasota's Operation Troop Support
upcoming volunteer opportunities:

Sam's Club Shop For the Troops Food Drive will be held again on Friday,
April 16th, from 9am to 3pm at the Bradenton location off of Highway
301. Volunteers are needed!

The MOTS Pantry is getting bare, so all who would like to volunteer in
passing out shopping lists for the toops to Sam's Club customers and
collecting the goodies, please call 941-782-0748. You can make a
difference with just one hour or so of your time. It's a fun,
interactive volunteer experience and you will probably see some of your
neighbors there!

The last time Sam's invited us to do this over $1800 worth of product
donated for our locally deployed troops.

And...
Manasota Operation Troop Support will be having their monthly Packing
Party for the Troops on Saturday, April 17th, from 10am to Noon.
It will be held at the MOTS offices at 4301 32nd St W, Suite C-20, in
Bradenton. Volunteers are needed! Last month 37 people showed up to
pack food and hygiene products for the deployed troops in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and Kuwait.

All ages are welcome! What a great way to start your weekend! Call
941-782-0748 with any questions or to sign up.

_________

Around the military:

U.S. Army Spc. Greg R. Kenshalo fires an automatic grenade launcher during an attack on Combat Outpost Bar Alai in Kunar province, Afghanistan, April 5, 2010. Multiple insurgents with automatic machine guns opened fire about seven hours after a sniper also shot at the base. No members of Afghan or international forces were injured during the attacks. Kenshalo is a a rifleman with Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment.U.S. Army photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte

A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter provides aerial security while Iraqi army soldiers conduct an air assault operation in Taji, Iraq, March 29, 2010. The operation demonstrated the last six weeks of training on helicopter egress and assault maneuvers provided by U.S. Army helicopter pilots assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Division's 227 Assault Helicopter Battalion. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Venessa Hernandez

U.S. troops and volunteers join wounded servicemembers to bike 65 miles on Texas roads from Austin to Fort Hood during the "Ride 2 Recovery" bike challenge, April 8, 2010. The event encourages the mental and physical rehabilitation of active duty troops and veterans while promoting awareness of their sacrifices. U.S. Army photo by D. Myles Cullen

An earth-rattling Easter

I flipped open my phone Sunday, eager to give Daniel and Ashley a call to wish them a happy Easter, but noticed a message icon in the window:

“Hey, I wanted to let you know we just had an earthquake but we are fine. Happy Easter!”

I pictured them in their little house on the top of a steep hill, and took a deep breath as I pressed their number on my phone.

As it was picked up, I could hear the hum of voices and what sounded like a party going on.

“We’re having Thanksgiving on Easter,” said Daniel, and the 7.2 earthquake centered in Baja which rattled the dishes, set the light fixtures swinging and the cats zinging only added spice to the conversation at the gathering.

Ashley had frozen her turkey and saved it for Daniel’s return from deployment to have Thanksgiving together, and had invited some of their Marine friends over to share their celebration.

How was the party?

Earth-shaking--but they took it in stride.

That’s just how they roll...

--Tiffany

_________

From Terry Longpre:
The Patriot Guard Riders escort Spc. Peter Mannina of Sarasota
off to his deployment:

_________

_________

Around the military:

A U.S. Marine pulls security near a poppy field in Peyo as Marines and Afghan soldiers patrol through the village in the Bala Baluk district in Afghanistan's Farah province, March 29, 2010. The Marines are assigned to Marine Special Operation Command.U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Pilch

U.S. Marines remain suspended from a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during a special insertion and extraction exercise in Djibouti, March 24, 2010. The Marines are assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Various non-infantry Marines received the opportunity to participate in the exercise for the first time. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alex C. Sauceda

U.S. Navy sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush practice manning a fire hose during a damage control event in the hangar bay in the Atlantic Ocean, April 3, 2010. The event offered several exercises related to damage control, including fire fighting and mass casualty response. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Tackitt

Little dancer...all grown up

I used to tell her, “Pull up! Heel forward! Listen to the music!”

But on the Bonhomme Richard’s Facebook page we traded comments for a full month before I realized this mature young woman--married to a sailor deployed on the same ship as Daniel--was my ballet student--a long time ago.

“Did you used to take ballet at Allison’s?” I asked Karen one evening--glad she didn’t realize who I was until after we had stuck up a friendship; I was known as a hard taskmaster…though I’m sure the girls had a very different description of me.

She ran up to me last week, breathless with excitement and gave me a big hug.

She was leaving for San Diego this week, ready for the homecoming of the USS Bonhomme Richard and her husband, Adam Brewer.

“Do you want a kitten?” she asked, then she quickly laid out her plans for her husband’s return. I had a distinct feeling of déjà-vu as right at that moment, she reminded me of my daughter-in-law, Ashley.

After one last hug, she ran off into the crowd at the Seafood Fest, and I felt deeply thankful to have been a part of this young woman’s life in some small way.

I wish them all the best.

--Tiffany

Note:
For the last month, an embarked representative from the Fleet and Family Service Center has facilitated return and reunion workshops for crew members, focusing on returning to family, financial planning and emotional changes that may occur after deployment. The Reality Standdown provided additional information for possible changes and challenges that lay ahead for Bonhomme Richard crewmembers readjusting post-deployment.

Happy Easter

_________

From Terry Longpre:

A lone bugler plays taps at an indigent ceremony at the Sarasota National Cemetery. You may call the cemetery if you would like to attend a service in support of Veterans who pass with no friends or family.

_________

Around the military:

U.S. Marines provide security in a wheat field in Suji as Afghan soldiers and Marines patrol through the village in the Bala Baluk district in Afghanistan's Farah province, March 29, 2010. The Marines are assigned to Marine Special Operation Command Marines. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Pilch

U.S. Army Sgt. Patrick Audette, assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, passes by a herd of sheep during a dismounted patrol near Baghdad, Iraq, on Mar. 7, 2010. The soldiers are in the area providing security for polling stations 300 meters away. DoD photo by 1st Lt. Becky Bort, U.S. Army.

U.S. and Afghan soldiers patrol through Bibycott village in Paktika province, Afghanistan, March 27, 2010. The U.S. soldiers are assigned to the Paktika Reconstruction Team. U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Christopher McKenna