Hello Gang!
Well, I can say that the days are slowly falling off the calender.
Since my last update, alot has happened. Most of which, I cannot discuss at great length for OPSEC reasons. But, it is safe to say that it has been eventful, fast moving and unique. It has been rough month for US forces in general, but in the Western Iraq, we have had some close dealings, so to speak. As for our little det, all has been quiet. The Ramadan holiday slows things down a bit, the Habs (remember thats the town we are closest to) has been pretty docile.
As for things here, we have all been eating well and settling in. Our CF people have moved on and we now are working closely with the active duty Bee's from another Battalion. Our project and it progress is drawing rave reviews from the brass with the Marine Corps and our own skipper. We are getting visits daily from someone who wants to give us the ol BRAVO ZULU for the job well done. We have only started on the job and should see the entire deployment ate up by this.
As for working with the active duty battalion, all I can say is, WOAH!! Is that a messed up operation. It is true what some say, The reserves have the experience and expertice, the active duty folks are well versed in military stuff, but these poor kids have no idea how to swing a hammer or run a trowel. No work ethic, no motivation. But we are squaring them away as we speak and they are blending in well. We just kinda trade skills here and there. The active duty officers? Well, lets just say I haven't seen a decision made yet that hasn't been changed someone higher up the chain and makes as little sense as the first decision. It is true that the Chiefs run the Navy, they are just smart enough to make the officers think that they do.
In the military we have watches.It is a collateral duty that requires you "babysit" something. There are fire watches, quarterdeck watches, etc, etc, etc. Here in camp, we have figured out a way to get a day off called, The Scorpion Watch. I cannot say much about the details ofhow the watch works, but just know that we rotate the watch and everyone "HAS" to do it at least once a week. Pretty slick of us, right. We are SeaBees, ADAPT and OVERCOME is our hidden motto.
We have had some mail issues, which has really hurt moral, but that is getting worked out by the higher ups (scary as that may be). As soon as I ahve SET address, I'll get it to Michelle and she can forward it or I'll post it here. I appreciate the few e-mails I have recieved and great amount of support my family is recieveing from all of you. My mother-in-law, Patsy has been a tremendous support to Michelle it won't be soon forgotten, THANKYOU VERY MUCH!!
And, in closing, I DID IT!! Ya, I have purchased a 2007, Pearl Pewter Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic here in Iraq. It will be delivered to the dealer of my choice a few weeks before I get home. I cannot wait to get home and ride! Forget my wife and kids, right? Just wanna get home to the scooter. Only kidding, but it is surely another thing on the list of things that I cannot wait to do when I get done here. Mic, you know I am only kidding about getting home to you. You are top of the list, baby!
Anyway, that is all from here, keep the support comming shake the hand of ANYONE you see in a military uniform. Especially someone who's been here, Afghanistan or Gulf War one. They've been through it, and want you to appreciate their service.
All My Best To All Of You!
BU2 David L. Jensen, USN
