Erik's day...

9-11-2008
We had our deployment ceremony today for the 1st SBCT 25th ID. It was nice, but quite long. Two generals, Sarah Palin the governor of Alaska, and the brigade commander all spoke. The ceremony took about 90 minutes. It was quite cold at first until the sun decided to come out and warm us. The secret service was present and protecting the governor. I looked for my friend Phil, but knew that he was likely not on this detail, but it sure would have been nice to see a familiar face and share a beer in Alaska with him. I’m sure this is a big difference for the governor as the reports of her prior to being named Senator McCain’s running mate had her driving herself around Alaska to decrease the cost of the state trooper protection detail. The day today being September 11th brings a lot of memories back. I still remember sitting in the radiology lecture that morning and hearing the news. Watching the images on the big screen in the lecture room and then preparing to help at the National Naval Medical Center with the overwhelming number of casualties from the Pentagon that never came. My children will never know that America prior to 9-11-2001. Coming onto post and having to show our IDs is normal now and just one of the restrictions put on America, but it was nice not having to wait in line and simply drive on post prior to that day. The new memorial at the Pentagon looked very nice and I would like to visit that some day.
The highlight of the day was seeing the kids on the webcam. Gordon was showing me his new I-Spy Truck and Bus book, Donna was dancing and singing a Hannah Montana song, and Wes showed me his new football jersey (he got #20 just like last year—Barry Sander’s number for those who don’t know). I wish I could be at Wes’ football practices and games, but I did get to see 1 video clip from his practice. I’m sure Wes isn’t too disappointed; however, as the amount of dad-coaching from Alaska is limited, but I still get in a few pointers. I’m going to miss most if not all of next year’s season as well because I think they are usually done by November. Melisa has started scanning some guitar music for me, which will be much appreciated if I can get my acoustic guitar sent over to Iraq in once piece. It will be nice to try and learn some songs for around the campfire.

The Wall and The Fence and Me

The completion of the backyard renovation... strangely I am having completed-project-let-down. Now I can't wait to stain it, but I do have to wait for it to bake dry. I love it. I provided a couple pictures of the French Gothic pickets that are popular down here. I really couldn't be happier with the custom cuts the fence guys did. Best feature has to be that Gordon hasn't figured out the latches, yet.

Braces

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Wesley made the big step of acquiring braces today. He looks so old to me now. What a trooper, from having trouble falling asleep last night wrought with anticipation to waltzing out of the office claiming, "that was easy!"

Updates from abroad...

9-5-08
I received pictures of our new refrigerator and it looks great. I hope that Melisa didn't have to use a hacksaw on any of our countertops to fit it in. In case you don't know what I am referring to some of you may remember that Melisa received a refrigerator at our Maryland home that had a slightly larger depth than the one she ordered. In her haste to have a new refrigerator (she hated the old one that was still functional), instead of telling them to take it back and get her the one with the correct measurements, she proceeded to use a hacksaw to cut off a lip of wood on the windowsill to the kitchen that was in the way. So, you can imagine my curiosity regarding the recent delivery of another refrigerator to our home when I am away. I'm sure our countertops are intact, but I just hope I can say the same for my wife's sanity by the time I return. Miss you too much already.

It's cold in Alaska with the temperature in the 40s in the a.m. and peaking in the 60s during the day. I think the high is supposed to be in the 50s this weekend. The leaves are already starting to change colors and it is quite beautiful. Again, it reminds me a lot of Michigan, but with lots of mountains in the area. One of the family medicine docs here had a barbecue at his house out in the woods last night and invited all of the medical providers over. Some brought their children and one of the PAs (physician assistants) had a 2 month old daughter. I know I am not all that helpful with new babies (Melisa recently stated that I am good for letting them fall asleep on my chest and change a diaper or two), but seeing her made me think of how much I do miss seeing Melisa with them. I will miss those first few months when she is a new mother again. I miss the kids a lot already and every time I see one near their age think of them. Anyways, salmon, hot dogs, hamburgers, and even shark was on the menu. One of the PAs caught the shark on a recent fishing trip. It took 5 guys taking turns fighting the shark to finally get him in the boat. Mosquitoes are still out here. Everything is not only tougher in Alaska (pardon the reference to the show on TV), but it is also more expensive. I paid $10.25 for a haircut on post (<$9 in Georgia) and $6 for a 12pack of Diet Coke.

9-6-08
It is quite an experience waking up at 9:00a.m., turning on the tv, and seeing that college football has already started its day without me. The layout of the hotel room is very adequate given that I can sit on the toilet and still have an unobstructed view of the University of Michigan Wolverines. Their new freshmen RB #2 is quite effective and should be exciting to watch this year. Sorry Krista and Doug for your Mountaineers’ performance. I know how you feel given Michigan’s lost last week to Utah. Accommodations now are great, but I anticipate a stay in circus size tents with about 100 or so other soldiers in my not too distant future. Last night for dinner was pizza and beer night. Alaska Amber is palatable and goes nicely with an Anthony’s pizza (found on almost every army post, it is no Pizza Patch) and a side of boredom. Today, however, I will be going to see a movie with some of the other providers which will be nice to get out of this hotel room.
I wanted to mention my thanks to NWA for bumping me to first class for my 5 hour flight from Minnesota to Alaska. I had to fly U.S. Airways from Augusta to Charlotte to Minneapolis and then boarded an NWA flight to Alaska. I had very short layovers at all stops and had aisle seats arranged on all my U.S. Airways flights, but they couldn’t change my NWA seat assignment. Upon my arrival to the home of the ongoing Republican National Convention I checked in with the gate agent asking if I could change to an aisle seat and she already had a first class ticket waiting for me. I was not traveling in uniform, and in my excitement failed to ask why I was bestowed this privilege. Maybe in the computer they saw that I was traveling on a government ticket, or maybe NWA saw my meager accumulation of frequent flyer miles and wanted to get me to fly more. I haven’t quite figured out what the cost of legroom is, but it sure is nice to have on a 5 hour flight. The pre-takoff drink of diet coke, complimentary chicken dinner, beers, coffee, etc. were also all very nice. It certainly would be nice to travel like that all the time.
9-7-08
The day did not start without me as I was sure to wake up at 0830 Alaska time to see the start of the NASCAR race at 0900, as well as the start of the NFL games. Turn left Jeff Gordon, turn left. It was a nice day as the #24 Dupont Chevrolet Impala was able to finish 8th and qualify for the chase, which is equivalent to the NASCAR playoffs. Wes’ driver, Jimmie Johnson, won for the 2nd week in a row. I’m looking forward already to my return and plan on attending several NASCAR races that year. Anyone interested please check your schedule and let me know. On the list of possibilities would be Daytona 500 (likely will not be able to get tickets, but would try), Atlanta (spring), Talladega, Darlington, Martinsville, and Bristol (August race).
I got to speak with the kids on the phone today and Gordon had quite a bit to say, although I do need a translator when I can’t see what he is either holding or pointing to. Donna was disappointed to find out that there are no penguins at the hotel where I am at. Wes was excited to learn the results of the race and when asked what he was doing he said, “I was watching TV until mom turned it off.” They were getting ready to go to the pool which I’m sure they all enjoyed in the 95 degree Georgia weather. It is quite a bit colder here, but that didn’t stop me from going for a 3 mile run. During the run in the relative cold of Alaska, however, I experienced Gordy Bud upper respiratory infection equivalent nasal discharge. Again, it is tougher in Alaska.

Only 13 hours!

that will be the headline in roughly one year. Until then...
We will miss you!