Hmm, what has Pinwheels been up to? Offline for months, no replies to comments...must be that favorite of LRO pastimes. That's right folks, another deployment. This time to an undisclosed location somewhere with lots of rubble. And natural gas. Can't forget that. Especially on Sunday nights, which is Chinese night at the DFAC. Whew.
Last time I was deployed, I could have paid some obscene amount to get wireless internet access in my tent. This time, I'm in a hard billet with a real gym, lap pool, and air conditioning. And zero commercial internet opportunities for months. Finally, as I'm within weeks of going home, we get free access at the BX. I'm blogging with about 60 of my closest friends. Whenever a power outlet opens up there is physical violence. Approximately 95% of the people here are playing WoW, and the rest are on MySpaceBookTube.
And I get to see the family again. Have you ever had a videoconference with a 6-year old? In public? He loves it when I make faces, or turn on the iChat effects to make my face turn into a jelly bean. Good times. Not sure if the rest of the folks think the heat is starting to get to me.
Today was 110 or so. We thought it was cold at lunch.
So, what am I doing this time? Warning! Acronyms! Working in the Combined Air and Space Operations Center (CAOC), in the Air Mobility Division (AMD). My Aerial Port Control Team (APCT) of 16 coordinate airlift with the 27 or so aerial ports spread across Iraq and Afghanistan. You need something or someone moved, and we'll help get it where it needs to go. We also run a commercial airlift program that augments the military assets in theater. We've moved tens of thousands of tons of stuff, from helicopters to MREs. And thousands of MRAPs. One of the coolest moves was 100 up-armored HMMWVs, which we pulled off in just 13 days.
This was a 6-month tour, and I'm looking forward to returning home. The new tempo bands dictate I'll get a year home and then be back out here. Or Georgia, although I hope not. Can someone say "too big a bite right now?"
Let's see. In other news, I sold my 1997 328i convertible before I left, and bought a bright blue Honda Fit Sport 5sp. It's fantastic, and gets mid-30 MPG no matter how you drive it. The kids fit in the back seat now (which also flips all around) and the dealership doesn't steal $500 from me every time I drive by. Weirdest part is that after the test drive, my BMW's airbag light came on and stayed on, as if it knew I was getting rid of it. Is the Fit as cool? No, but I feel like I bought a hybrid without the hybrid premium. And, it's appreciating, just like a Prius! And it's nearly as fun to toss into a corner.
Finally, to all the family and friends who have sent letters, care packages, and mowed my lawn, THANK YOU! We can't do our jobs out here without the incredible support and care your provide to us and our loved ones.