I hope this finds you well. Things are going well here. Yesterday we did leadership training and NBC training. Today we did weapons PT, a road march, M9 live fire training, radio and medevac training, and learned how to strip the M16 and M9. We're up for land navigation tomorrow. This field thing is lots of fun though it would be much nicer if they were more private accomidations and if there were a better way to stay clean. I don't think I will have another chance to write. I'm doing this during my phone duty at 0230.
I think one of the nicest things I've found so far about this field exercise is seeing both the sunrise and the sunset for the last two days, and I'm sure today is going to be no different. It's a challenge to stay hydrated in the heat but with a camelpack and canteens I'm doing well. There is plenty of exercise going on both intentionally and inadvertently so my abs hurt. I think I will be extremely tired by friday not so much because of hard work but more a combination of the heat, exercise, and now having to split the night to do phone duty.
I give my best to all and I hope everyone is doing extremely well especially grandpa.

Ooh I forgot the fun of yesterday.

Last night was the CG reception for the HPSP OBC. I had the fortune to be able to meet BG Cates who is the chief of the veterinary corps. I picked his brain for a bit and even suggested a new idea which he actually liked. I also had the chance to meet and talk with the CG himself MG Weightman. It was actually fun being the individual who was not awestruck when the generals walked up to talk to us. It was however even more fun seeing the reactions from some of my colleagues when the general walked up and they were stunned into silence. That makes the tally up to three generals whom I have met in the last week of which two are active and one is retired.

Back to AMEDD museum!!

This morning was interesting and fun. I was able to sleep in till 0730 (that's really late). Then we had an appointment with the AMEDD museum at 1030 and had to drop off our duffels with some of our ftx gear at 1000.
The tour was great though we had to watch the same movie that the vetcorps group had watched two days prior. I did pay attention to the part of the tour which I could hear but the guide wasn't doing a very good job of sounding off or waiting until we were in an area to start talking (yes I know that is hard to do). But there is an amazing and growing collection of army medical memorabilia. One of the most interesting exhibits at the museum is its WWII ambulance train car. The train car was equipped with hospital beds, doctor beds, a kitchen, dining facility and other items necessary for long distance transport of sick or wounded patients.
The group with whom I rode to the museum this morning then decided to go to lunch at Godfathers pizza. The pizza was very good but I think it'll be the only pizza I should enjoy while I'm down here as it is extremely unhealthful.
Tomorrow I will go to church at 0800 and then pack to head out on our FTX.
On other news, anyone who reads this should keep my grandfather in their prayers as he had open heart surgery two days ago and is just today beginning the long road to recovery. They are going to take the ventillator off this evening and hopefully he will do well without it. And of course it's always good to keep in mind those who are spending countless hours nearby and that they are sleep deprived and need to be careful driving and doing their daily buisness. As long as were on a prayer list I think rain for Ames needs to be in the picture as Karly has been mentioning the lack of it on a regular basis and last but certainly not least we need to mention all of my colleagues who are serving our country in OIE, OEF and other deployments, that their missions allow their safe return and that all which still needs to be accomplished will be done well before the general public of the US gets their panties in a bunch and force the politicians to pull the Army out before there is stability.
Speaking of which I have a pet peeve which has come about even more since joining the military. I can't stand the people who complain about the US and the Army and the President and don't appreciate the sacrifice of the hundred and thousands of men and women who have given their lives and time so that those who complain have the freedom to do so. It seems obvious that they don't actually appreciate the freedoms which they live with and that they are certainly not willing to give any of their time, money or abilities so that others may enjoy even a hint of the freedoms which we have as US citizens. I am getting the feeling right now that the more time I spend working with the soldiers who are giving their lives to help others be free, the more I WILL NOT tolerate the individuals who slander and desecrate the sacrifice (ultimate or otherwise) which those soldiers are giving voluntarily.
Peace, love and happiness be to all who lay their eyes on these words.

This is my very favorite picture right now. It's not fun being away from Karly but we're doing well with the seperation.
A picture of Wayne and I and then Karly drinking really big beer's at the Bayernstube in Gibson City IL during Helen's graduation party.
The most boring tour ever!!!Today we had the "opportunity" to visity the Veterinary food diagnostics lab here at Ft. Sam. The actual food inspection process is kind of fun but the aftermath which comes here for testing I found to be rather dry. Or perhaps it was the presentation which was dry, either way the tour was not extremely enjoyable. The triumphant finale was going to the diagnostic lab and seeing leptospira and rabies (on microscopes), and a nice bat display. Other than that it was quite difficult to not only hear but to pay attention to the presenters.On the brighter side, this morning was fun. We went over to Lackland and visited the MWD kennel and VTF. They house a lot of dogs there and do most of the training on that site. We were privledged to a demonstration prior to our tour.I'm hoping the interest level I have for this course picks up when we head to our FTX. I'm guessing that just being outside again and doing things in the field will be a whole lot more fun than our daily "death by powerpoint" sessions. 

This morning marked a most interesting experience. It was kind of a shock and awe kind of times.
I woke up at 0600 and was planning on walking to church at the main chapel on post. I headed off at about 0700. I arrived at the chapel for the service which was listed as "protestant traditional". There were about 50 people there of which there were quite a few veterinarians. I was informed that the chaplain was a lutheran. His name is Chaplain James Benson. He had a very interesting sermon which was by no means what I expected from a lutheran pastor but it was good nonetheless.
After the service was over as I was walking out I was asked by a lady wether I would be jogging or walking back to the hotel. I said casually that I was hoping to find a ride back. She volunteered shortly thereafter. I met her outside of the chapel and we were walking toward the car and she said her husband was just dropping of some newspapers for recycling and we'd meet him in just a second.
We walked up to the car and I was introduced as was he. His name is Floyd Baker. His wife decided to jump up into the rumble seat of their little S10 pickup and let me have the passenger seat. So I got in and just started chatting. When he dropped me off he gave me his best and said that they hoped to see me at all of the services while I'm on post and he wants to meet Karly. I was just happy to make a new friend here in San Antonio.
Shortly after that is when my shock and awe kicked in. As I walked around the back of the truck to head up to the hotel I just casually glanced down at the bumper and was surprised to see two stars. I was at that point thinking naw it can't be. So I headed up to my room here and looked up Floyd Baker on AKO and lo and behold the wonderful gentleman who gave me a ride home and wants to see me again was none other than retired Major General Floyd W. Baker. Wow. I have since then just been in kind of an awe state.
I find it to be a wonderful thing that someone who has been in such an influential position in the military would be so kind and generous. It definitely shows the integrity of the person behind the position and how we are all in then end just people.

Stole this one from Karly.

40 Things you'd Never Think to ask...

1. Have you ever been questioned by the cops?

Only for being pulled over for a traffic violation

2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters?

Nope, I like to see the action ahead

3. When is the last time you've been sledding?

Oh, it was something like Feb. 2005 with Karly at the disc golf course.

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?

I like sleeping with my wife, wink, wink.

5. Do you believe in ghosts?

Yes, I’ve had some first hand experience.

6. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?

Yes.

7. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?

Who is Jennifer Aniston? I’d have to go with Angelina but I personally think she’s a butterface.

8. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about politics?

I know a little just because I have to. Playing politics is the life of military.

9. Do you know how to play poker?

Yep

10. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?

I don’t remember ever doing anything that dumb.

11. What is your favorite commercial?

The one’s for the US Army. If you’re 18 and need a job go sign up.

12. Do you like to cuddle?

Yep but I haven’t got enough of it lately.

13. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is at sight, would you speed?

I’m not a huge speeding at night person. My vision isn’t as good and most of my experience at getting pulled over has been at night when I didn’t see the cop. So the answer is not much.

14. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?

Perhaps but if I did I wouldn’t put it here would I.

15. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?

Who cares.

16. How often do you remember your dream?

Occasionally I’ll remember them for a couple of hours after I wake up.

17. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatles?

Yep.

18. What's the one thing on your mind?

My wife.

19. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Not truly love, but attraction that can lead to love. That’s what I had with Karly.

20. What talent do you wish you had?

I think it would be cool to do magic tricks.

21. Do You like Sushi?

I love sushi.

23. What do you wear to bed?

Shorts and a shirt.

24. Have you ever been caught stealing?

That would assume that I have stolen something so no.

25. Rock or Rap?

Rock

26. If you could be seen with one famous person, who would it be?

George Bush

27. Do you know anyone in jail?

Yep

28. Have you ever sang in front of the mirror?

Sure

29. What food do you find disgusting?

Pickled pigs feet

30. Did you ever play, "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours?"

Nope I was a good little boy.

31. Who is your biggest fan?

Karly for sure.

32. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew?

Yes I have.

34. If you could live anywhere where would you live?

I think I would like to have a house and some land in Brasil or at least South America somewhere.

36. Your best quality?

My sense of humor and easy going attitude according to Karly.

37. Best feature?

My eyes again according to Karly.

38. When was the last time you smoked pot?

That’s just a dumb question. Answering this with a yes would be incriminating and foolish.

39. Have you ever spent the night with a person of the opposite sex?

Yep and I’m on the phone with her right now.

40. Do you miss high school?

Not at all. High school was retarded and petty.

Ok so here's the deal. A lot of what I'm doing here and for the rest of my career will be considered classified or confidential information. That means I won't tell and you won't ask. Thus I will not be posting much about exactly what who, what, where, when, why or how we're doing thing. But I can post some things which have past so as soon as I have a way to download pictures from my phone I will add some color to my posts again.

Things are extremely busy down here. We generaly have a wake up call at about 0500 and get home about 1900, and with wakeup at 0500 you must get to sleep early or sleep deprevation will be iminent. So blogging will be intermittent here. But on weekends I have much more free time.

Here's something I got from Karly and felt like filling out. It was written last night so things are a little offf for today but whatever.

1.) Where were you when the ball dropped for 2006?
The Basil in Ames, IA where I was kissing my new wife.
2.) How did you get the idea for your myspace name?
I don’t have a myspace name
3) What are you listening to right now?
My wife on the phone
4.) Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry?
Ronald Regan there is nothing more emotional than a state funeral.
5.) What color underwear are you wearing?
Grey
6.) Do you live in a zoo?
If you consider soldiers animals than the answer is yes.
7.) What did you do this morning?
DAPFT at 0445
8.) this question is missing
9.) Where do you work?
Wherever the US Army has me.
10) What ended your last relationship?
I got sick of dealing with vegetarians.
11) What are the last two digits of your phone number?
15
12.) What was the last concert you attended?
Maynard Fergusson and the Big Bop Nuevo Band.
13.) Who was with you?
My wife and my inlaws at least I think they were inlaws already then but I’m not sure when the concert was actually.
14.) What was the last movie you watched?
Blazing Saddles
15.) What do you dislike at the moment?
PETA
16.) What food do you crave right now?
Meat
17.) Did you dream last night?
It had to do with me and my wife and that’s all you get to know.
18.) What was the last TV show you watched?
Fox news
19.) What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
My wedding band.
20.) Name someone on your Top 8 who is just like you?
What is top 8? Is that like a chaunukah thing with those little tops that they spin or something?
21.) What is the last thing you ate?
Ritz crackers
22.) We seem to have another missing question...
23.) Who last IMed you?
Karly
24.) Are you on any medication?
Nope
25.) What side of the bed do you sleep on?
The side that my wife isn’t on which on occasion isn’t so much as a side as an inch but then I push her back over and she says sorry and I say I just wanted to get close to you or some dialogue which I don’t remember in the morning because I never really woke up.
26.) What color shirt are you wearing?
White
27) what color is your razor?
silver
28.) What is your favorite frozen treat?

Karly in the winter time. She turns into a popsicle.

29.) How many tattoos/piercing do you have?
None intentionally however I have had some accidental piercings but those healed over which is good.
30.) What are your favorite stores?
ebay
31.) Are you thirsty right now?
No I just drank some gatorade.
32.) Can you imagine yourself ever getting married?
I am married and I’d marry her again in a heartbeat.
33.) Who's someone you haven't seen in awhile?
My old friend Skip Gilfillan. I’ve been trying to get in touch with him for a long time with no success.
34.) What did you do last night?
Slept duh.
35.) Do you care what people think about you?
Nope
36.) Have you ever instigated trouble?
I’m nothing but a little angel. Sike (I had to use that really old slang term).
37.)Do you like your nose?
Unless it’s burnt and hurting, yes.
38.) What color is your bedroom?
White
39.) When was the last time you worked out?
This morning
40.) And another missing question! I think maybe someone doesn't know how to count...

41.) Do you like doggies?
I do like K-9’s
42.) Where do you live?
With my wife who lives in Iowa.
43.) Are you an aggressive driver?
I classify myself as offensively defensive.
44.) Who is your cell phone carrier?
Verizon
45.) Do you like the person who posted this last?
Yep I married her didn’t I.
46.) Do you know their Birthday?
Of course I do and I can prove it to but you didn’t ask that.
47.) What is the one thing you'd want to change most about your best friend?
Her fear of butterflies, moths, heights and singing solos.
48.) What color is your car?
Green
49.) What do you smell like right now?
I smell like I just got out of the shower because I did just get out of the shower.
50.) What is your favorite color?
Blue
51.) Do you like mustard?
Yep
52.)What do you tell yourself when times get hard?
God has a plan.
53.) Would you ever skydive?
Heck yes and I think I’ll go to airborne school to learn too.
54.)What do you sleep on?
A sheet on top of a mattress pad on top of a mattress.
55.)What character from a movie/TV most reminds you of yourself?
Jeff Corwin
56.)Have you ever bid for something on ebay?
Many times.
57.) What do you think of Angelina Jolie being pregnant?
I don’t care
58.)Do you enjoy giving hugs?
Yep, you want one? If you do please come to Texas and I will oblige.
59.)Would you consider yourself to be fashionable?
Not usually, of course the new ACU is the latest fashion for our US ARMY.
60.)Do you own a digital camera?
D70 baby yeah.
61.)What celebrities have you been compared to?
Owen Wilson, the guy who played angel on angel.
62.)Who is your favorite Star Wars character?
Yoda
63.)Does it annoy you when someone says they'll call but never do?
Yep
64.)What books, if any, have made you cry?
I don’t think there are any
66.) Are you a jealous person?
not usually
67.)Do you ever feel guilty after eating meat?
Hell no, meat is an essential part of every meal.
68.)If you were born the opposite sex what would your name be?
Bob
69.)Do you know anybody in jail?
Yes

Scary, terrific, wonderful, lonely... I want to go but I don't want to leave. I want to go so that I may return and not have to go again. But I don't want to go because I have to leave my wife, yet leaving my wife will allow her to do things like work and "get back into shape". Oh, Bother!! There is no option and it's obviously the only way that I can continue to be on the job path which I/we have chosen. Time will fly and then we will be in Kansas together.

Moving on, we got back from our 1500 mile trek down to the Shawnee National forest and back. We stopped in Normingtion/Hudson on the way down and on the way back up. We stayed in Greenville for the two nights in so. IL. I tried to break my leg on a rock at Burden falls in the forest. I was unsuccessful in breaking it but to this time it's still painful. We had a wonderful time down in the forest and were able to pass off the Cadillac to Mandy.

On sunday we were recruited to be part of the choir for the dedication of Redeemer Lutheran church in Greenville. It was a wonderful time and the sermon for the dedication was incredible. I hope to be able to post a transcript in the future.

For memorial day we returned to Bloomington to deliver flowers to the graves of our ancestors. On the morning of Memorial day we went to the parade and then the memorial service and then we delivered flowers. We had a great lunch at Schooners and then were off back to Ames.

It was a lot of driving and a lot of fun but very tiring. I have a feeling that that will be a synopsis of Karly and my life in the military that is a lot of driving a lot of fun but very tiring.