As my laundry sits in its bag impatiently, I sit down to relax and take a break.
We rolled in from mission the other day to find that my clinic had been overrun. The new guys sent to my little corner of Afghanistan have cleaned and rearranged the clinic. I return to my room and there are 3 new guys sitting in the clinic moving supplies and just taking a break to chat. As soon as I walk in one says, maybe he thought he was quiet, "That must be the Sergeant." "Yup thats me.", I exhaled while removing my body armor. I meet the 2 medics and the PA. Good flyboys, but why did they need to move almost everything. Now I have to go through and re-learn where everything is. I don't mind the cleaning because with how busy the other medic and I have been, we needed to catch up on some chores around here.
While we were out, I usually cook something on a propane stove or grill. So this past mission I cooked some chili, rather good if I say so myself. All the boyos loved it, ate it all up! So one said that I need to write down some of the recipes I use out in the field and make a cookbook out of it. It wouldn't be anything grand, mostly how to cook something tasty with very little resources. Home 6 also said I should write, she says I'd be good at it because she likes listening to my stories about things I've done in the past. Only thing is who would want to listen to a South Georgia boy ramble on about past experiences and cooking camp type food. I'd probably sell 2 copies, one for my mom and the other for Home 6.
I cook because it is relaxing and creative to make something great out of regular stuff. So me and Bulldog, my platoon sergeant, usually talk about cooking and recipes when we are relaxing after a long day. Swap ideas about how to cook certain foods. Its also entertaining to talk about food with all the guys. Sit back and reminisce about food at home and where we're gonna eat when we get back home. One of my friends returned from leave and I asked him where the first place he ate when he got back in the states. He made my mouth water talking about this steak he ate at Longhorn's the night he got back home. Everyone knows I love food; preparing it, cooking it, eating it, the whole process. I just wish the food on my base was a quarter as good as what is in a can of concentrated chicken noodle soup. Yes the food is that bad off.
Bulldog sometimes cooks when we return from mission just to help break up the monotony. We keep saying we are gonna have a battle of the chefs between us and the other platoon, because they talk shit saying what they fix is sooooo good. If I had half the resources they have I would be able to create a 4 course meal that would satisfy Juilia Child herself!!
Enough of my bragging and shit. Ya'll take it easy!!
17 October 2009
02 October 2009
Update on Life
Usually I try to be profound, but right now I'll just fill you in on the latest.
Mail out here in the boonies, or as RSM calls it "a forgotten area", is rather sparse and slow. We get mail on the whim of other Coalition Forces at much better bases around Afghanistan. None the less mail comes and its like Christmas every time mail comes. All the guys show off the stuff they got from loved ones back home. I recently got a package with some rather motivating things...
Yes the FSU gear is here and I already have got in trouble for being out of uniform! I can't wait until I get to actually watch a game.
I run the clinic here and the work is most of the time small potatoes; cuts, scraps, colds, and the occasional splash of something in the eye. Although after the normal hours of operation the clientele changes. The guys come in and the Xboxes turn on! Ordinarily a violent game is played where we talk shit back and forth, get loud, and get our fill of death and destruction. Recently we've whipped out Rock Band and Guitar Hero. We turn up the volume, jam out, sing the wrong lyrics (personally guilty), and mainly sing off key. So we keep ourselves entertained one way or another. The guys have dubbed my clinic the alternate MWR, or recreation station.
I've been without booze or any fermented type of goodness for some time. I'm starting to go through DTs. You know the normal; urge to kill stupid people, loud outbursts pertaining to stupid people, and the elusive quenching of thirst. I'll most likely take a good long vacation when I get home and drink copious amount of liquor and beer at some tropical destination, suggestions welcome, with my woman.
Which brings me to whats waiting for me back home. Home 6, my beautiful girlfriend, serious girlfriend! I know, its hard to grasp at first. So take a moment to catch your breath......
Home 6 is a wonderful woman for putting up with me and all the stuff that goes on in my life. She has put up with me being gone from home for about 80% of a relationship which says a lot about us, or me should I say. Last time I deployed I broke up with the girl I was seeing. It just seemed wrong of me to ask someone to put their life on hold while I was away for so long. This time I felt something different, something that hurt a bit. Knowing I would be so far away, would she be alright while I was gone? I am a protective person, thats my nature. Anyone who I care about falls under my protection. And thats what hurt, knowing I couldn't protect her. Last time I ended my relationship more to protect myself, this time I want to protect her from everything. I don't know if that makes sense, but thats what I feel. Home 6 has my heart and there is no way I want it back. I love her more than anything on this earth. This coming from a man who would maim anyone who messed with his Harley.
I try to call her as much as possible just to tell her I love her and miss her.
Thats what has been goin on with me. I'm in love, making the best of my situation here in Afghanistan, and waiting for a well deserved vacation. Ya'll take care!!
Mail out here in the boonies, or as RSM calls it "a forgotten area", is rather sparse and slow. We get mail on the whim of other Coalition Forces at much better bases around Afghanistan. None the less mail comes and its like Christmas every time mail comes. All the guys show off the stuff they got from loved ones back home. I recently got a package with some rather motivating things...
Yes the FSU gear is here and I already have got in trouble for being out of uniform! I can't wait until I get to actually watch a game.
I run the clinic here and the work is most of the time small potatoes; cuts, scraps, colds, and the occasional splash of something in the eye. Although after the normal hours of operation the clientele changes. The guys come in and the Xboxes turn on! Ordinarily a violent game is played where we talk shit back and forth, get loud, and get our fill of death and destruction. Recently we've whipped out Rock Band and Guitar Hero. We turn up the volume, jam out, sing the wrong lyrics (personally guilty), and mainly sing off key. So we keep ourselves entertained one way or another. The guys have dubbed my clinic the alternate MWR, or recreation station.
I've been without booze or any fermented type of goodness for some time. I'm starting to go through DTs. You know the normal; urge to kill stupid people, loud outbursts pertaining to stupid people, and the elusive quenching of thirst. I'll most likely take a good long vacation when I get home and drink copious amount of liquor and beer at some tropical destination, suggestions welcome, with my woman.
Which brings me to whats waiting for me back home. Home 6, my beautiful girlfriend, serious girlfriend! I know, its hard to grasp at first. So take a moment to catch your breath......
Home 6 is a wonderful woman for putting up with me and all the stuff that goes on in my life. She has put up with me being gone from home for about 80% of a relationship which says a lot about us, or me should I say. Last time I deployed I broke up with the girl I was seeing. It just seemed wrong of me to ask someone to put their life on hold while I was away for so long. This time I felt something different, something that hurt a bit. Knowing I would be so far away, would she be alright while I was gone? I am a protective person, thats my nature. Anyone who I care about falls under my protection. And thats what hurt, knowing I couldn't protect her. Last time I ended my relationship more to protect myself, this time I want to protect her from everything. I don't know if that makes sense, but thats what I feel. Home 6 has my heart and there is no way I want it back. I love her more than anything on this earth. This coming from a man who would maim anyone who messed with his Harley.
I try to call her as much as possible just to tell her I love her and miss her.
Thats what has been goin on with me. I'm in love, making the best of my situation here in Afghanistan, and waiting for a well deserved vacation. Ya'll take care!!
30 September 2009
25 July 2009
Naked Blog Syndrome
I know my blog has been bare for quite some time. Here's a quick explanation.
Since the beginning of the new year, I've found myself as a nomad of sorts. I've been shuttled back and forth from post to post training and the inevitable trip across the pond. Now I'm here and doin my job.
Time is scarce and on top of that my chain of command doesn't trust its soldiers to talk without divulging too much information. Much less do they actually tell US what is goin on half the time. I'll post from time to time as I can. Everyone take care of themselves and don't work too hard.
Since the beginning of the new year, I've found myself as a nomad of sorts. I've been shuttled back and forth from post to post training and the inevitable trip across the pond. Now I'm here and doin my job.
Time is scarce and on top of that my chain of command doesn't trust its soldiers to talk without divulging too much information. Much less do they actually tell US what is goin on half the time. I'll post from time to time as I can. Everyone take care of themselves and don't work too hard.
17 December 2008
IED To The Face...
As the days roll by like a speeding freight train, its that time again to spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Because next Christmas won't be around a decorated tree with family, but around a HMMWV or sand table preparing for another mission.
As time gets smaller, its only natural to think about not wanting to leave your loved ones behind. Thinking; will everything be alright while I'm gone, will my children understand, will my spouse/significant other wait or leave. I really don't have these dilemmas like most of the other soldiers around me do. I just tell them I cannot imagine the the stress you have right now, and usually try to offer what seems in my eyes as petty and useless advice.
My dilemma is the lack of time I have to spend with all the people who crave my attention. Being the guy that I am I make many friends along my journeys. Many haven't heard from me in a while, its sad I only think about them once in a while or when I know I won't be able to talk to them. I want to spend time with them all if at all possible, but I know I can't be in many places at once. My family of course is my first priority, I owe too much to my momma and daddy, and all they want is a little of my time, oh yeah and my brother, but he'll be in Afghanistan with me so I'll see him. Next is my lady, even though I know we won't be together forever I still want her to know I care for her and I will miss her. On to all my friends, it's not fair that they get the short end of the stick, but my roots are from South Georgia and many of them are from North Georgia. Not to say thats a problem, just problematic, being sent to training with little notice, or just keeping odd hours to complete tasks.
But now as the deployment is close enough to taste in the air, I want all my friends to know you're not forgotten or disowned. There is no excuse for my lack of communication. Just know with the little time I have, my smiling face will be around, you may not now when, but keep an eye peeled. 'Cause if you know me I move where the moment takes me.
As time gets smaller, its only natural to think about not wanting to leave your loved ones behind. Thinking; will everything be alright while I'm gone, will my children understand, will my spouse/significant other wait or leave. I really don't have these dilemmas like most of the other soldiers around me do. I just tell them I cannot imagine the the stress you have right now, and usually try to offer what seems in my eyes as petty and useless advice.
My dilemma is the lack of time I have to spend with all the people who crave my attention. Being the guy that I am I make many friends along my journeys. Many haven't heard from me in a while, its sad I only think about them once in a while or when I know I won't be able to talk to them. I want to spend time with them all if at all possible, but I know I can't be in many places at once. My family of course is my first priority, I owe too much to my momma and daddy, and all they want is a little of my time, oh yeah and my brother, but he'll be in Afghanistan with me so I'll see him. Next is my lady, even though I know we won't be together forever I still want her to know I care for her and I will miss her. On to all my friends, it's not fair that they get the short end of the stick, but my roots are from South Georgia and many of them are from North Georgia. Not to say thats a problem, just problematic, being sent to training with little notice, or just keeping odd hours to complete tasks.
But now as the deployment is close enough to taste in the air, I want all my friends to know you're not forgotten or disowned. There is no excuse for my lack of communication. Just know with the little time I have, my smiling face will be around, you may not now when, but keep an eye peeled. 'Cause if you know me I move where the moment takes me.
01 December 2008
Preparations for War
Now that my preferred occupation has recalled my services, I prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Mentally I get back into my zone of hate and intolerance for stupidity. Needless to say I get mad alot, this IS the Army, but it doesn't last long. I now have to think about the health and well being of about 130 men, and yes only men because I am a combat medic not some pansy in a Clinic somewhere. I put my mind back in medic mode, to help hurting soldiers and lead my medics to always think of the next thing; stay up with new medical procedures, next actions needed with a casualty, and tactical profeciency. So thats what my mind is absorbed with most of the time.
Physically I get my personal fitness back into a considerablly better shape. Working out and attempting to eat better is a good focus. I also am getting supplies ordered and planning for operations, here for training and for missions on foreign soil. The physical aspect will take time but its something you have to do.
Emotionally I prepare not to care. I know that sounds cold but thats the way you have to look at some things in order to keep your mind on your job. I already care about my soldiers, but there is a difference between caring and becoming emtionally attached. The soldier you care for can be your friends, best friends, or brothers from another mother but you have to be able to let them go if you have to. Hopefully I won't have to let go of any of them. On the homefront its good to have someone to care for and cares for you. I currently have a special lady in my life and she fits the bill. Any soldier will tell you if you have nothing to loose you will make bad decisions. If you have something to live for or someone to go home to you'll slow down and think about your decisions and make better chocies for your men.
Preparing for what most men fear really brings you down to earth!
Mentally I get back into my zone of hate and intolerance for stupidity. Needless to say I get mad alot, this IS the Army, but it doesn't last long. I now have to think about the health and well being of about 130 men, and yes only men because I am a combat medic not some pansy in a Clinic somewhere. I put my mind back in medic mode, to help hurting soldiers and lead my medics to always think of the next thing; stay up with new medical procedures, next actions needed with a casualty, and tactical profeciency. So thats what my mind is absorbed with most of the time.
Physically I get my personal fitness back into a considerablly better shape. Working out and attempting to eat better is a good focus. I also am getting supplies ordered and planning for operations, here for training and for missions on foreign soil. The physical aspect will take time but its something you have to do.
Emotionally I prepare not to care. I know that sounds cold but thats the way you have to look at some things in order to keep your mind on your job. I already care about my soldiers, but there is a difference between caring and becoming emtionally attached. The soldier you care for can be your friends, best friends, or brothers from another mother but you have to be able to let them go if you have to. Hopefully I won't have to let go of any of them. On the homefront its good to have someone to care for and cares for you. I currently have a special lady in my life and she fits the bill. Any soldier will tell you if you have nothing to loose you will make bad decisions. If you have something to live for or someone to go home to you'll slow down and think about your decisions and make better chocies for your men.
Preparing for what most men fear really brings you down to earth!
04 October 2008
A Chapter Draws to a Close
The other day my friend from my unit calls me. I got my orders to report, 4 months earlier than expected.
I wake up around 1300, got to work the graveyard shift. Missed calls on my cell phone? Everyone knows I sleep during the day. My boy Jack called me. Jack goes on to inform me that I'm on orders effective immediatly until we ship to Afghani-land. My job as a policeman has been put on pause for now. I was just getting into the grind of it all. So that what going through my head.
I wake up around 1300, got to work the graveyard shift. Missed calls on my cell phone? Everyone knows I sleep during the day. My boy Jack called me. Jack goes on to inform me that I'm on orders effective immediatly until we ship to Afghani-land. My job as a policeman has been put on pause for now. I was just getting into the grind of it all. So that what going through my head.
11 May 2008
Thought it be fun to do a survey with random questions.
| Name : | Lance Ward |
| Nick Name : | Doc |
| Birthdate : | 1982 |
| Birthplace : | Valdosta, GA |
| Eye Color : | Brown |
| Hair Color : | Blonde |
| Height : | 6'4" |
| Weight : | 285 |
| Piercings : | Left Ear |
| Tatoos : | Grim Reaper Left under arm, latin on upper back |
| Boyfriend/Girlfriend : | not at this time |
| Vehicle : | Dodge 2500, Harley Road King, Police Patrol Car |
| Overused Phrase : | Hippie |
| FAVORITES | |
| Food : | Southern Home Cookin |
| Pub/Disc/Restaurant : | Mama Kitchen |
| Candy : | Orange Slices |
| Number : | 43 |
| Color : | Blue |
| Animal : | Dog |
| Drink : | Alcoholic |
| Body Part on Opposite sex : | I'm an ass man |
| Perfume : | not much |
| TV Show : | American Gladiators |
| Music Album : | ?? |
| Movie : | Shawshank Redemption |
| Actor/Actress : | R Lee Ermey |
| This or That | |
| Pepsi or Coke : | Coke |
| McDonalds or BurgerKing : | Buger King |
| Chocolate or Vanilla | Vanilla |
| Hot Chocolate or Coffee : | Coffee |
| Kiss or Hug : | Kiss |
| Dog or Cat : | Dog |
| Rap or Punk : | Country |
| Summer or Winter : | Summer |
| Scary Movies or Funny Movies : | Funny Movies |
| Love or Money : | Love |
| YOUR... | |
| Bedtime : | whenever I can sleep |
| Most Missed Memory : | Iraq |
| Best phyiscal feature : | Hair |
| First Thought Waking Up : | Shit I gotta get ready for work |
| Ambition : | One day to be a PA |
| Best Friends : | 2 |
| Weakness : | Women |
| Fears : | Women |
| Longest relationship : | 2 years |
| HAVE YOU... | |
| Cheated Your Partner : | No |
| Ever been beaten up : | Yes |
| Ever beaten someone up : | Yes |
| Ever Shoplifted : | No |
| Ever Skinny Dipped : | Yes |
| Ever Kissed Opposite sex : | Yes |
| Been Dumped Lately : | No |
| IN A GUY/GIRL | |
| Favorite Eye Color : | Green |
| Favorite Hair Color : | Red |
| Short or Long : | Long |
| Height : | little shorter than me |
| Style : | Depends on the moment |
| Looks or Personality : | good Mix |
| Hot or Cute | Cute |
| Muscular or Really Skinny : | good Mix |
| RANDOMS | |
| What country do you want to Visit : | Australia |
| How do you want to Die : | fighting |
| Been to the Mall Lately : | nope |
| Get along with your Parents : | yup |
| Health Freak : | occasionally |
| Do you think your Attractive : | nope |
| Believe in Yourself : | yup |
| Want to go to College : | been |
| Do you Smoke : | yup |
| Do you Drink : | yup |
| Shower Daily : | yup |
| Been in Love : | once |
| Do you Sing : | in the shower |
| Want to get Married : | one day |
| Do you want Children : | one day |
| Age you wanna lose your Virginity : | done gone |
| Hate anyone : | yup |
| Take Survey | Create Survey |
30 April 2008
Being the Man
Working as a police officer can be boring at times, but others you're busy as hell.
The other day we go to serve a search warrant in a known drug area to show the public we are combating the problem and to get the drugs off the street. We get the group together and get ready to go hit this house. Me being the youngest and most physically fit in the group, which by the way I'm out of shape, not too bad though. Anyway I digress, I was told if anyone ran from the scene I was to give chase and grab them. Immediately the though came to mind I might have to tackle, I mean help, anyone who ran to the ground, so I was looking forward to that. Is it bad that I like to hurt bad people? But no one ran, the search was fine until the crowd started to form.
Everyone in the house was brought outside while a few officers searched the house and brought in the dog. Standard stuff. All people involved were calm and fine until relatives and friends started to show up. Then what is known as the "Threat Display" starts. The "Threat Display" is a theory shared by some of our officers in my department. It goes like this, people will not make a show about how they are pissed off with the cops until a outside factors acts on their pride, reputation, or ego. When the outside factor comes into play, in this case being the crowd of people, thats when people start raising their voices and accusing the police of some injustice of some sort. Also at this point everyone becomes a legal expert and begins to tell you how to be a policeman.
Anyway so he "Threat Display" begins an officer turns of his camera as to cover us in the event I have to beat the brakes off someone, 'cause anyone who knows me knows I don't take kindly to people who don't know what they're fucking talking about, get diarrhea of the mouth. I remain calm and collected throughout the verbal assault of myself and other officers. Up until the point the race card is pulled out. Now I go to DEFCON 3. I'm still calm and collected but any sudden moves make we want to hurt people. So then the Chief goes into Alpha Male Mode as I call it a raises his voice so the whole crowd can hear. Basically he states that the next person to yell in front of the children present in the crowd will be arrested for disorderly conduct, and "If we have to get a bus up here to take everyone to jail we can do it!" Hell yeah Chief! Good on you Mate!
Needless to say the crowd quickly became quite and subsequently dispersed. So we took some drugs off the street, and a bad guy goes to federal do me in the butt prison. All in all it was a good day.
The other day we go to serve a search warrant in a known drug area to show the public we are combating the problem and to get the drugs off the street. We get the group together and get ready to go hit this house. Me being the youngest and most physically fit in the group, which by the way I'm out of shape, not too bad though. Anyway I digress, I was told if anyone ran from the scene I was to give chase and grab them. Immediately the though came to mind I might have to tackle, I mean help, anyone who ran to the ground, so I was looking forward to that. Is it bad that I like to hurt bad people? But no one ran, the search was fine until the crowd started to form.
Everyone in the house was brought outside while a few officers searched the house and brought in the dog. Standard stuff. All people involved were calm and fine until relatives and friends started to show up. Then what is known as the "Threat Display" starts. The "Threat Display" is a theory shared by some of our officers in my department. It goes like this, people will not make a show about how they are pissed off with the cops until a outside factors acts on their pride, reputation, or ego. When the outside factor comes into play, in this case being the crowd of people, thats when people start raising their voices and accusing the police of some injustice of some sort. Also at this point everyone becomes a legal expert and begins to tell you how to be a policeman.
Anyway so he "Threat Display" begins an officer turns of his camera as to cover us in the event I have to beat the brakes off someone, 'cause anyone who knows me knows I don't take kindly to people who don't know what they're fucking talking about, get diarrhea of the mouth. I remain calm and collected throughout the verbal assault of myself and other officers. Up until the point the race card is pulled out. Now I go to DEFCON 3. I'm still calm and collected but any sudden moves make we want to hurt people. So then the Chief goes into Alpha Male Mode as I call it a raises his voice so the whole crowd can hear. Basically he states that the next person to yell in front of the children present in the crowd will be arrested for disorderly conduct, and "If we have to get a bus up here to take everyone to jail we can do it!" Hell yeah Chief! Good on you Mate!
Needless to say the crowd quickly became quite and subsequently dispersed. So we took some drugs off the street, and a bad guy goes to federal do me in the butt prison. All in all it was a good day.
28 March 2008
Sleepless in South GA
It has been a long day without sleep but I still can't sleep.
I guess the Iraq switch in the back of my head flipped. I remember this feeling doin long missions and back to back patrols. I've been tryin to take power naps but can't. Every litle sound or lack thereof makes me look around for the problem. As long as the ambient noise stays persistent I seem to get a little sleep. Even though I've been back a while some thing you just don't get rid of.
Just yesterday when I was out on a call to a lesser liked portion of town, a familiar smell hit my nose. I paused for a second looked around and for a split second was back in Baghdad. I reckon some things never leave your mind; smells, patterns of behavior, I always find myself doin the exact same thing when I get my police uniform on as I used to gear up in Iraq. Listen to music, sometimes violent music, and get my mind in the zone, check my appearance, 'cause I gotta look good, especially my hair. I know I don't have alot of hair but I'm proud of it. They don't call be Big Sexy for nothing.
I look at my law enforcement job as I did my military job in Iraq, I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six. Why don't you just marinate on that for a minute!
I guess the Iraq switch in the back of my head flipped. I remember this feeling doin long missions and back to back patrols. I've been tryin to take power naps but can't. Every litle sound or lack thereof makes me look around for the problem. As long as the ambient noise stays persistent I seem to get a little sleep. Even though I've been back a while some thing you just don't get rid of.
Just yesterday when I was out on a call to a lesser liked portion of town, a familiar smell hit my nose. I paused for a second looked around and for a split second was back in Baghdad. I reckon some things never leave your mind; smells, patterns of behavior, I always find myself doin the exact same thing when I get my police uniform on as I used to gear up in Iraq. Listen to music, sometimes violent music, and get my mind in the zone, check my appearance, 'cause I gotta look good, especially my hair. I know I don't have alot of hair but I'm proud of it. They don't call be Big Sexy for nothing.
I look at my law enforcement job as I did my military job in Iraq, I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six. Why don't you just marinate on that for a minute!
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