Thus ends another block leave period.  It went too quickly (as usual) but at least Manna and the little one are "established" in El Paso now.

I managed to make it safely back to Syracuse but in true airline fashion, my bags did not.  Fucking LaGuardia.   At least the view during the final approach was incredible.

After a short drive back to Philly ( Read more... )

Ahoy, mateys! Seein' as I've freshly return'd to me port after many a' adventure of late, I thought I'd pour a flagon (or three) o' rum and share the tales o' pillage an' plunder with ye, yo ho!

Aye, t'was a fine day fer Cap'n Sapper an' his crew that set sail for the yonder shores o' the Back 40.  Many a sleepy village await, unaware o' the scourge ( Read more... )

Looks like my Brigade (BDE) will be deploying to Iraqistan in Octobuary. It's nice to know that the higher headquarters has everything as clear as mud, too.

You may now return to your regular scheduled programming. Nothing to see here folks. Move along.

Well, it's official: The DoD announced today that the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division is deploying to Iraq in early '09.  In true Ft. Drum PAO (Public Affairs Office) fashion, the official blessing was shared with the local news channel before we were informed.  I'd be pissed at their oversight, but unfortunately this is par for the ( Read more... )

Thursday was the six month mark of my company command.  I can't say what I truly feel for the whole deal, but it's been a rough road.  Workplace dynamics remain incredibly complicated, exacerbated by personnel shortages and a ridiculous OPTEMPO.

At least the Battalion's Forward Operating Base Exercise (FOBEX) from the 12th to the 20th was a great ( Read more... )

 I can't wait... I've been dead for so long...

I need to write.  So much has gone down in the last month and a half that I can't internalize anymore.  Stress is wearing me thin, adversely affecting my mood and consequently affecting my marriage.  My brief trip to Fort Leonard Wood for the Counter Explosive Hazards Planning Course was a ripe ( Read more... )

Finally, some much needed down time at home.  Manna's been sick so Lily and I have been chillin', letting Mommy grab a nap on the couch.

My daughter rocks.  She absolutely loves AFI's Miss Murder.  All smiles and squeals.  We've spent all day jammin' tunes and watching videos on youtube.  Everything from Nena to Sepultura. She had her 9 month ( Read more... )

 Greetings, all!

Seems I've been a tad busy recently.  Company command is kicking my ass as I am short three critical leader positions which means I'm pulling quadruple duty.  It makes for some incredibly long days but very fast weeks.  Block leave is a scant five weeks away, and before I left for the field, I purchased our flight tickets for our ( Read more... )

 My first full week of command was pretty cool.  It culminated with me getting shot in the head playing paintball against the staff.

Other highlights include:

Combat Water Survival Training (good!)
Range recons to prep for our month of shooting things and weapons qualifications (good!)
Soldier pissing hot for cocaine (bad!)
Nasty-gram from the Brigade ( Read more... )

 By the authority of Army Regulation 600-20 Chapter 1, Paragraph 1-5, the undersigned assumes command of Alpha Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, NY effective 1000 local, 27 September 2007.

//Original Signed//

Otty H. Medina, Jr.
CPT, EN
Commanding