Wild blue yonder

recent bike dyno video

2010-12-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

My bike on the dyno. End result: 97hp & 100Ft/Lbs

Life in AZ

2010-07-22T14:52:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update...been home 120 days now, all is well (work, Reserves, etc.). :)

Hope alive...

2010-05-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hopefully Uncle Jim won't be too far behind on the 'Laos list'. Here is the story.

New address and UPDATE...

2010-04-23T15:31:00.004-07:00

Well this update is overdue, but it can be summarized this way:

1) I made it home safely, not all with me did.
2) I will be back to my civilian job soon, I am excited for this!
3) I have moved recently...rather am in the middle of it. Look to the right for the address. ;)

No good...

2010-03-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Sad news...

Another Yon article...very true

2010-03-03T04:39:00.001-07:00

Great story, thanks Dad.

USAF social media policy...

2010-03-01T04:23:00.001-07:00

Interesting...

no more mail, please...

2010-02-24T23:15:00.003-07:00

Less than 30 days left! Please don't send any more mail here, as I don't want it to get lost in the nether world of military mail. Thank you!

Marjah

2010-02-11T19:00:00.001-07:00

Interesting...

Fourth Combat Camera Squadron story...

2010-02-10T06:44:00.001-07:00

The others from my unit in action! ;)

THANK YOU!

2010-01-26T04:49:00.006-07:00

So, I am down to less than 60 days left. Actually, I am still in shock with all of the support I have received over here. Coming from my unit, my family and friends...not to mention a few strangers (I.e. Fraternal Order of Eagles, Inverness, FL sent me 13 care pacakges!?).

I look forward to coming home, for a multitude of reasons. In the mean time, we are keeping very busy, which is a good thing as it means bad guys are going away.

More soon...

more images released...

2010-01-21T02:46:00.004-07:00

Some more images were released.

The night vision one is not mine, the Virin (file name) does not even match my name or Service. Oh well, you get the idea...

SKOL VIKINGS!!

2010-01-17T10:25:00.001-07:00

What a gift a deployment WIN would be!!

Photo logo...

2010-01-17T10:24:00.001-07:00

Kinda funny but still a little cool. ;)

RLTW...

2010-01-15T01:45:00.002-07:00

Without going into detail, I just wanted to post this link. Be home soon.

The New Year has come...

2010-01-11T00:28:00.004-07:00

Time is flying here, I am keeping busy, that is for sure. I will be home in less than 90 days, and I look forward to getting back to work, more WARM AZ sun and some very promising opportunities! ;)

COMING SOON: more 'old' photos from the archives! :)

Take care!

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-24T16:44:00.002-07:00

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas to everyone! It has been care-package MANIA here lately, so I certainly am thankful for that. I really appreciate all of the cookies, candy, cards, clothes, etc.!! In the mean time, I look forward to Christmas next year! ;)

some to share...

2009-12-20T02:16:00.003-07:00

Getting images released to the public is harder than you might think, I have taken thousands upon thousands, and yet only these 4 are the released. Horrible in comparison to other work I have done, but they are cleared for public use, so that is all I can show for now. ;)

...oh, and they re-write captions, I didn't create those ones.

from the vault...

2009-12-20T02:14:00.000-07:00

haha, found this oldie but goodie! lol

Chief Patterson (photographer), I hope all is well for you.

gobble gobble!

2009-11-25T15:28:00.002-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!...just another cold night over here....well into the 30s now. Anyway, enjoy the time with your families. I am sure next year will be that much better! (hmmm....Deja vu!)

Oh and for those superstitious types, lucky 13 has come and gone for me, so it is all down hill from here. ;)

good articles...

2009-11-13T04:30:00.003-07:00

One Couldn't have said it better: "Not since the Vietnam era have combat cameramen been able to deploy with Special Forces units in combat situations," said Parker. "I feel my entire career has been spent preparing for this one deployment and I'm proud to have been able to document the actions of these elite units and assist them wherever I could."

Two

Three

I shoot people!

2009-11-11T10:48:00.003-07:00

It is from this website a fellow photog told me about.

I love it, how fitting! Sorry santas in hiding, I already ordered one for myself...

how nice...

2009-11-11T10:38:00.002-07:00

...little AP man, you almost exclusively shoot during the DAY! EASY! lol

Seriously, his work is great. If only I was a day walker too...haha!

good story...

2009-11-09T02:25:00.000-07:00

hmmm, looks familiar...

Afghanistan book quote...

2009-11-07T07:34:00.001-07:00

Interesting quote from a book I found called the Kandahar Province Handbook:

"Even an illiterate farmer, who likely could not locate the United States on a world map, can recite a detailed history of Kandahar. Every history will be told differently, however, because blood feuds that lasted hundreds of years still color the stories that fathers tell their sons."

click clock, huh?!

2009-10-31T05:16:00.003-07:00

The time thing, we operate off of Zulu/GMT/UTC time, not local time. So I am often converting from military to civilian time or vice versa, then into or from zulu, then into whatever timezone I am wondering about (CA, AZ, MN, FL, VA, etc.)...can you believe it...it never ends. For the record, my LOCAL time (to figure if it is day or night here) is:

CA+11.5 hours
AZ+11.5 hours
MN+ 9.5 hours
FL+ 8.5 hours
UTC+4.5 hours

...that is, UNTIL tomorrow at 0200 when Daylight Savings happens...now let's see, is that 0200 local, zulu, central, mountain but not AZ, or pacific????....lol...haha!

daily life...Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T04:58:00.004-07:00

A lot of you are asking for photos and more updates, but my hands are tied as far as my work schedule, where I travel, what I see, what I do, etc. Only a few in the military will ever see the photos I take or know fully what I am involved with here, and that is probably best. Most of the things I see/do/document here are not very cheerful or necessarily things you want to to remember or show family.

Daily life is usually steady, there are good days and bad days. Memorial ceremony for those in the recent '47 crash was today. Attended and photographed. Trying to keep a daily journal, thanks for the idea, Mom.

Food...hmmm...there are a few dining halls to choose from, as Kandahar is very large. Even still, the food is not all that great...since it is all made by foreign contractors whom I swear have never eaten a cheeseburger. Thankfully, I still have plenty of friends (some old, many new) at CEXC who keep me fed at their occasional bbq on the rare days I am not otherwise engaged.

Also, a day last week was like "Care-package mania"...I swear I had 4 boxes full of useable goodies, 3+ months of my mail, and TONS of cards sent to me, thanks to all of you (Mom, Barb, Crista, Mel, Josh & Jeanette, etc...)

Cannot think of much else...like I said, I want to share more, but cannot. Just know that I am safe. I LOVE my job here and the people are truly remarkable humans...this role is the epitome of what a combat photographer could ask for...well...aside from being able to share my images...haha!

40 year anniversary

2009-10-27T04:54:00.004-07:00

40 years ago today, my uncle Air Force 2LT James Wayne Herrick, Jr. went missing, along with his A-1 Skyraider aircraft, as he was conducting a recon patrol over the Ho Chi Minh Trail, Laos. He would have turned 25 the following day. He and his aircraft have yet to be discovered or returned home to his family. Read his story at www.firefly33.com

Sad day here...

2009-10-26T01:08:00.002-07:00

Sad day here.

and you thought...

2009-10-23T14:53:00.001-07:00

...gas prices were HIGH in the 'States!

reppin' MN!...

2009-10-21T19:10:00.004-07:00

Don't think I forgot my Vikes jersey when I packed to come here...it was a hit when we watched the Vikes take on GB at 4am in a cold tent! Gotta love AFN commercials! LOL Oh, and it is a little known fact that Thomas Jefferson invented American Baseball. See the pic for proof!

C'ville pics...

2009-10-21T18:57:00.003-07:00

Some recent pics from my trip to Charlottesville, VA. Thanks Josh/Lynn for the hospitality...it was great to see you all! :)

DC pics...

2009-10-21T18:46:00.005-07:00

Here are some pics from my quick trip to DC in early September! Grant/Ashley, it was great to see you both, I wish you the best with the upcoming little one and your new life in NY! ;)

Florida pics...

2009-10-21T18:24:00.005-07:00

Here are some pics from my quick trip to FL in early September! Thanks, FL Herricks for having me! ...by the way, the last one is the shuttle launch in Florida. :)

connected...

2009-10-10T01:22:00.002-07:00

I am well, we now have a way to update this/fb/etc so I hope to do that more often. Mail is finally starting to trickle in, so thank you!

update...

2009-10-02T15:07:00.004-07:00

Hi, most of us are well. The physical output required sometimes here make a marathon look easy in comparison. At least I am holding my own. Also keeping my head down and watching where I step. That last part seems to be the trick here. ;)

FNG, not me!

2009-09-25T11:53:00.002-07:00

No longer the FNG. Real good real world experience to be had here, and am thankful for that. Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming for me and all the guys, this is the wild wild west, indeed.

Thanks.

off we go...

2009-09-18T16:27:00.002-07:00

...into the wild blue younder....flying high...

You get the idea. Departing sooner than later, will advise on here when safely arrived in country. Here is to hoping I can reconnect with some old friends while transiting through certain areas.

Email me anytime, just be patient if my replies are limited and delayed! ;)

WAY BEHIND...

2009-09-10T12:35:00.004-07:00

Found out there are a few more days before departure, so I will soon get this updated with pics. Also, please simply know I will be photographing activity on the battlefield, and that I will be working with some really awesome folks!

I will ALWAYS have my updated contact info here: www.johnherrick.com ;)

a little R n R in advance...

2009-08-27T18:01:00.003-07:00

What a nice break from NJ and it's humidity all of July. While I was glad to visit family (Janet and Justin, his parents and Alexander and Nicholas are ALL awesome!), I am glad to get down to NC for my last bit of training at Ft. Bragg.

In the mean time, I had an extra couple of days, so here is my family in FL today...

2009-08-23T18:24:00.003-07:00

for those wonder what my civilian job is:

Byron is a coworker of mine...

quick update...

2009-08-12T19:21:00.001-07:00

update for 13AUG09: headed to the field tomorrow for 5 days of training, more live fire, etc...Getting CLOSER! ;)

More pics coming soon. ;)

never a dull new jersey moment...

2009-08-03T21:49:00.006-07:00

Well what a few weeks it has been. In the last 30 days, I have:

-packed up everything I own and put it into storage; left my apartment
-given/taken a saline lock/Intravenous; now a "Combat Lifesaver".
-driven a Humvee under near full dark conditions (with only NVGs and moonlight)
-met my cousin's husband and brand new twin boys (Justin, Alex/Nate, respectively)
-practiced escape of inverted Humvee after replicated rollover
-become familiarized with various Humvees, MRAPs, etc.
-many more sensitive things that cannot go here
-become proficient with M16/M9

The purpose of this school is to train Airmen in roles that were traditionally filled by Army 'ground-pounders'. The training is impressive, and we are all making great use of any downtime we might have. I miss my job, coworkers, and family in Arizona, but now just want to get this tour out of the way.

Still here a few more weeks (until about 23AUG.) Next stop, Fort Bragg, NC (near Fayetteville, NC) to meet up with my team. Cheers!

catchin' up...

2009-05-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

just some 'catch up' photos...

solo no more...

2009-05-10T03:21:00.002-07:00

I just joined the VFW Riders here in SO*AZ. Good group of guys, here is the back patch.

"Front and center!"

2009-05-05T21:38:00.004-07:00

Here is my new front mount intercooler, I love it. Car pulls much stronger now, and it only took 6 hours to install (thanks Marc, Adam and Uncle Roger!). NO MORE heatsoak! :)

Mead me in the middle

2009-04-05T21:56:00.006-07:00

After 90+ days, here is what I came up with!! Thanks, Marc for designing the front label, and everyone else who helped: Ashley & Edick Moreno, Kimberly, Jim and Grant!!

IED attack at Bagram!

2009-03-04T20:33:00.006-07:00

CEXC TO THE FRONT!!! I don't recognize those folks, but glad to see they are doing their thing...UNLIKE LAST TIME!!

Also glad to hear no U.S. or Coalition KIAs...UNLIKE LAST TIME.

Only casualty: Suicide bomber. Plus you died running away, how brave!!

Braumeister Herrick...

2008-12-18T20:19:00.003-07:00

Just kidding...kind of...I have always wanted to make mead, ever since 2003 when I first sampled my friend Grant's homemade batch. Wow, fermented honey has quite an effect. Anyway, Ashley Moreno from the Reserves has a husband who is a beekeeper in Beverly Hills, CA, so I bought a few gallons from him this summer. Well, it is quite sweet to begin with...I cant wait to taste the final product! (But I will have to, as the best results begin to appear between 6-12 months). Well, check back for updates on this.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas to everyone I know and love. And have a wonderful new year full of surprises and joy!

Cheers!
-JH

Job updates...

2008-10-27T11:16:00.004-07:00

Defeating the purpose of an easy to update blog, I have slacked off with keeping this site up to date, but am now ALL caught up (see all the October posts, some of which have pictures from March!). The big reason in the delay was because I was waiting to see what happens next with my job.

I have accepted a position with my old company, which starts this week in Sierra Vista, AZ (3 hours south of Phoenix).

Currahee, part 1, "Hi-Oh Silver!" lol

2008-10-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Well if you have ever seen episode one of Band of Brothers, then you will recognize Currahee as a mountain in Toccoa, Georgia where the original members of the U.S. Army's newly formed Airborne corps were sent for training during early-mid WWII.

I had the opportunity to run the length ("three miles up, three miles down") of the Col. Robert Sink Memorial Trail when I went through Ft. Benning this March, after returning from Afghanistan. One helluva run, especially for an out of shape guy like me...but at least I made it.

A sign at the base of the trail:

Me at the bottom:

A coin given to me by the 506th PIR, Fort Campbell, KY, 2007:

Currahee, part 2, at the top

2008-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Currahee, part 3, on the way down...

2008-10-25T17:21:00.005-07:00

The way down, good thing I had a flashlight:
Timing myself...what a confidence killer:

A memorial at the bottom:

low and mean, indeed...

2008-10-25T11:33:00.009-07:00

Pics of my new flat black 11.5" billet shocks and rear brake caliper relocation (now hidden behind the exhaust), thanks to the guys at www.lowandmean.com, in Lake Havasu, AZ! The powdercoat job looks great and really cleans up the rear end! Thanks Chris!

Average JO-HN

2008-10-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I took my bike to the VERY knowledgeable and friendly bike shop in Mesa, AZ called Average Joe's Motorcycles today...what a great time. I wanted a simple baseline dyno, and they were glad to work on a metric bike like mine, even tho they specialize in HDs. Here is the result: 55HP, 74Ft/Lbs. Not too bad with only new exhaust, K&N drop in, and a Cobra Fi2000R computer. Anyway, hats off to John (seen testing the bike) and Eric for such a great help!

Click on the video to watch it.

The video:

Dyno-sore

2008-10-22T17:11:00.005-07:00

OK, OK, I can't let my bike have all the fun, so in the name of getting caught up, here are some pictures and video of my car on the dynamometer at Vivid Racing. While the HP/TQ numbers are no where near what I had hoped for, I am told a Mustang dyno is way more conservative than a DynoJet dyno. A heartbreaker of dyno namebrands if you will...haha!

Technical Sergeant Herrick...

2008-09-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

Well after 6.5 years as a Staff Sergeant (E-5), I was able to sew on Technical Sergeant (E-6) as of 1OCT08! Thanks to all at the 4th Combat Camera Squadron who helped develop, endorse and submit my PEP (Promotion Enhancement Package) paperwork, which required a LOT of detailed writing. Aren't I glad I payed attention in English class!?

Milball, Foxnews, RNC, etc...

2008-09-08T00:12:00.002-07:00

Well, let's see...I attended the 2008 Military Ball in St. Paul, MN...where coincidentally the RNC was being held. As such, I bumped into and met Sean Hannity of Fox News fame. It was great to get home and see many old faces. Pictures of the MN trip to come very soon! :)

Air Force Reserve ball, 2008

2008-09-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of myself and Kimberly, Christian and Susan, Josh and Jeanette, Dave and Jill, Captain Joel Loomis, Sarah the master hairstylist (didn't she do great on me!? lol), and the rest of the gang at the Air Force Reserve ball in St. Paul, Minnesota, September, 2008.

My nephew Garin ;)

2008-09-02T18:24:00.002-07:00

Adam and Kat couldn't be happier! :)

the father of the POW/MIA movement

2008-09-01T17:23:00.002-07:00

Pictures of Colonel Earl P. Hopper Sr's funeral from July, 2008.

August update...

2008-08-03T19:07:00.004-07:00

A lot happening here in sunny AZ...there will be much more to report soon, but for now, here are some recent pictures of my baby (ahem, I mean, BIKE!)...

Herrick 08?

2008-07-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

my fellow Airmen, making me proud...

2008-06-05T20:11:00.001-07:00

Great video, displaying some of the things our military (Air Force Airmen, ahem!) go through on a daily basis, all around the world.

happy trails...

2008-06-05T01:20:00.004-07:00

Me and my friend/fellow Reservist photographer Efren (above) recently went out to Joshua Tree National Forest (on the CA side) to shoot star trails. Google it to learn more. Better yet, try it for yourself sometime. In the meantime, here is my best one (needs improvement, but OK for a nearly first attempt). Cheers, and thank you, Efren.

Ben Avery shooting range...

2008-06-05T00:23:00.003-07:00

Josh n I cruised out there and spent a few rounds on Memorial weekend. Largest outdoor shooting range in U.S. Josh is such a good shot with the AR, you will want to always remember to be VERY nice to him! jk

House hunter...

2008-06-05T00:18:00.003-07:00

...maybe that is the name of some show on HGTV, but that is what I feel like lately. Actually, I have not seen as many houses as some friends who are also looking, but that is OK, as I am in no big hurry. Anyway, I still hope to buy this year, but am renting in the meantime. The one with the pool is where I am renting, and the other is a house close to what I am looking to buy.

"Is that you John Wayne?..."

2008-06-05T00:04:00.009-07:00

Ok, ok...so you may not all remember him, but I do. Kevyn Major Howard had a significant role in Stanley Kubrick's 80s cult classic, Full Metal Jacket. Coincidentally, he played the role of "Rafterman", the combat photographer. Pretty cool, since that is what I do in the Reserves. Anyway, we recently met at AirFest '08, the big annual air show held at my base: March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, California.

Side note: Kevyn was there with his drag cars from Fueled by the Fallen, which is his great program meant to honor the service of Marines in OIF. The cars are all Chevy, and have the names of every KIA U.S. Marine on their sides.

One last picture of me in front of the Douglas Skyraider, named after the base my MIA uncle flew out of during Vietnam: Nakhon Phanom (aka "Naked Fanny") Royal Thai Air Force Base. We won't forget you Uncle Jim.

Move to AZ

2008-06-04T23:32:00.004-07:00

As you all know, I moved to AZ earlier this spring. Here are some pics of my arrival in Arizona (thanks Marc for helping with the drive). My, my...Phoenix is beautiful from South Mountain! While I don't look happy in the border pic, I was just sick.

Meanie pt. 3

2008-06-04T23:21:00.007-07:00

Current pics:

Pics of "old" rear fender:

Now have road trip gear (floorboards, windshield, etc.). LED/fender elim kit installed (see pic). Now just need my AZ vet plates. Arlen ness mirrors, aftermarket 3" flat black exhaust ( but I already have flat black exhaust you say...well, this rids me of the ugly and inconceivalbe-for-a-bike-catalytic-converter, AND gives a little more power since it is true 3"), cobra floorboards, cobra fi2000, etc. should be here soon...I cannot wait!! Anyone know a powdercoater who specializes in black?? jk lol

St. Thomas trip and pics...

2008-06-04T22:46:00.007-07:00

In early April, I had a great 7 days in St. Thomas, seeing good friends and making new ones. What a great place to vacation when you already have a place to stay, etc. (thanks Jackie and Crista). I never did make it to the Cruzan Rum distillery on St. Croix...looks like I will have to go back one day. lol

Movie stars, the Carribean, and Phoenix, oh my

2008-05-05T12:11:00.001-07:00

Lots of updating to do (with pictures), so stay tuned...

Meanie pt. 2

2008-03-31T22:50:00.005-07:00

Pics to and at the dealership today...obviously I did not take delivery with today's weather! lol

such a meanie!!

2008-03-31T21:53:00.004-07:00

Ok, so it is a stock photo, not one of mine, but you get the idea...today I bought a 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak - Special Edition*. I prefer the 2007, and had to poke around to find a new one, but when I found this one here in Minnesota, I picked it up.

Oh, and I have already 'made' a fender eliminator kit:

-smoked LED taillight kit with integrated turn signals

-a driveshaft cover with license plate relocation slot

More to come...

* the 2007 SE is flat black paint, red wheels/frame, no chrome, etc.

"Summer of George..." ??

2008-03-16T00:45:00.008-07:00

Well, maybe YOU don't remember the Seinfeld episode...but I do. Suffice it to say, 2008 has plenty of changes on the horizon.

To start, after 1.5 years, I am no longer an employee at the Nat'l Ground Intelligence Center. It just got to be too much; travelling with our training team, going to California for Reserves once a month, going to Afghanistan, travelling with the training team, back to Afghanistan, etc. Although the busiest time of my life, the experience was one of the highlights of my life so far. So what next?...

Well, I am now in MN, visiting family and friends and gathering my belongings. The first week of April, I am vacationing in St. Thomas to visit my friends Jackie/Justin at the resort they live at. Then, on or about 15 APR I will hop in a u-haul and move to AZ.

Oh, and don't forget the Reserves, I finally made it to the Combat Camera unit. I've encountered a few difficulties so far, but will keep at it and see if things smooth out. It just might shape up to be the busiest year for me, yet!...

Thankful...

2008-02-24T09:39:00.002-07:00

We should all be very thankful to live in the United States. Seeing what can happen in foreign countries while travelling home reminded me how sweet it truly is to live in a relatively un-corrupt society, as compared to other countries around the world.

I am home, and back at work in Virginia. It was great to be among friends in Afghanistan. Here is to a speedy return, gents.

Cheers!

No SMS service...

2008-02-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like T-Mobile was not accurate, as I do not have SMS (text message) service here. As such, please be patient for me to reply, I should have it soon when I am back in the States again...only a couple more weeks. In the meantime, I am checking Yahoo! email almost daily. Cheers!!

Also, here is a picture I recently took at a Humanitarian aid event, where we handed out cold weather clothing to local Afghanistan nationals a t the Egyptian Field Hospital.

lucky 21...

2008-01-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have now been to 21 countries, as I stopped in England and Albania on the way here. wahoo!

Home sweet home...??

2008-01-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

I arrived safely late on 23JAN. I was instantly up to speed and working (a benefit of having been here for almost a full year!) immediately. It is cold, like in the teens and twenties, although everyone in MN will say that that is balmy! jk

I am glad to be back to pitch in for these thirty days, as this place does many things right.

If you have been texting me on my cell, please be patient, as I am working out with T-Mobile the details of why it isn't working yet. There is service here, I just cannot get my phone to grab on.

Thanks for the emails (sans forwards, DAD!, haha!) and I will be back before you know it!

KIA: U.S. ARMY SGT JAMES K. HEALY, 7JAN08

2008-01-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of working with SGT Healy in AFG. He was a U.S. Army EOD operator, also assigned to CEXC. While I met him around AUG/SEP timeframe, I last saw him around OCT as he would often pass through BAF, awaiting flights to his job at JAF. We talked for sometimes hours at a time as he would have nothing to do while waiting for his flights out. Ironically, one of the few things I remember about him specifically is him commenting on how he had just re-enlisted in the most dangerous career field in the Army.

Apparently he was just home at the end of 2007 on RnR visiting his wife Shannon and celebrating the 1 year birthday of his son. He was very knowledgeable and was truly a pleasure to know.

Cheers,
John H.

Links:

http://newsenterpriseonline.com/articles/2008/01/11/news/news02.txt

http://www.hesperiastar.com/onset?id=1463&template=article.html

http://www.militarycity.com/valor/3299076.html

http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/8476/

2007-12-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the last 60 days in the States has been a whirlwind of traveling for work, the Reserves, etc. Even so, have a wonderful, Merry Christmas, and an even better, safe, New Years Holiday! :)

Also, I will be headed back to AFG in Jan, but only for 30 days this time. Then, back here to continue work in Virginia.

Cheers!

fini in sight...

2007-10-16T11:48:00.001-07:00

Only a week to go, this will be my last post for a few days. I will be leaving for another Middle Eastern country in about a week, to await further transportation home. I am excited, but still staying focused on what remains.

Overall, I have experienced many things...and this trip was definitely worth the experience. I am glad to have experienced the following:

my 1st earthquake,
many indirect attacks: motars/rockets,
photographing thousands of pieces of evidence,
completing a marathon at nearly mile high altitude,
meeting and working with people from: DOD, DOJ, CIA, etc.,
working in a joint environment, with all branches, civilians, officers and enlisted alike...
meeting and working with people from many different countries: Poland, Norway, Romania, Germany, Finland, Egypt, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Pakistan, Turkey, etc.,
photographing evidence, only to have piece of it (a cell phone) ring: scared as %&*#!,
looking into the eyes of the most evil men I will likely ever encounter,
seeing the remains of young, misdirected suicide bombers,
photographing activities outside the wire,
smelling death for days on end...

It was a great 8 months, and my coworkers/friends are the ones who made it bearable. Also, anyone who took the time to send a package/write/email, and ESPECIALLY those who did, and did not get upset when I didn't return the favor, THANK YOU!!

the "sexy" scoop...

2007-10-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

If you read this article about CEXC-Iraq, you will have a much better understanding about me and what I do. While I am not in Iraq, the setup/purpose/etc. is the same, just a much different country.

"T minus fifteen..."

2007-10-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

Almost there...only a few more weeks.

"CSI Afghanistan"...?

2007-09-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

Often, that is how our Lab is referred to. Thankfully, there are no season-long DVD sets. jk

In these pictures, I am working the night shift. I am wearing the new Air Force ABU (Airman Battle Uniform). I am trying to kill two birds with one stone and do a few hours of Reserve duty, in addition to my normal daily hours as a DOD Contractor. It makes for some long days, but it will be worth it in the end.

Hope you are all doing well. I am "getting short"; down to about 25 days left here.

Take off, hoser! (part deux)

2007-09-24T03:45:00.001-07:00

And another.

Take off, hoser!

2007-09-24T03:36:00.000-07:00

Lance,

It has been a pleasure. Thanks to you for your friendship and to your family for their support. Farewell, Canuck! Get home soon.

Long live Jack Bauer and Dexter!!

"T minus thirty..."

2007-09-24T03:14:00.000-07:00

Less than 30 days to go. Not that I won't (slightly) miss this place: the friends, the experience, the opportunity to continue my photography, no rent, "the horrible commute", etc.

All in all, it has been great, and while I am not done yet, I am getting to the point where I can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Happy Birthday to...

2007-09-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

...the United States Air Force! Today, September 18th, 2007, is the service's 60th anniversary. Read here.

I remember being active duty and stationed in Florida for the 50th anniversary in 1997. Here is to hoping I am around and still in (the Reserves) for the 70th. That means I will be past retirement age (38) and eligible to retire. :)

a 10K a day keeps the doctor away...

2007-09-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe not. But the base had a nice 9/11 memorial 10K today. Other than the fact that I have not run since 4JUL, I did OK. My time was about 3 minutes slower than I wanted, but I still did fine: 50:54.

I hope all is well, and I will have pictures up soon! :)

thankmntroops.org Video

2007-08-21T23:53:00.000-07:00

Very nicely done:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMjLxZUar6k

courtesty of: www.thankmntroops.org

Bad day at the office...?

2007-08-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well let's all be thankful that we are not the individual(s) who prompted tonight's announcement over the base PA: "Attention, attention, Task Force Med (the hospital here) is in short supply of type 'O Negative' blood. Contact them to donate ASAP.".

Anyway, keep that in mind the next time you think things are going bad for you. Don't forget all of the fallen comrade ceremonies that occur here 24/7/365 (nothing like seeing several hundred (thousand?) people lined up and saluting, along a darkened road waiting for a hummvee with a flag draped casket to pass by. The most recent was a coalition (Polish) KIA.

Harnessing my "mojo"

2007-08-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Sounds like the title to an ad in the back of a men's magazine, I know...but truly it applies to just being here and pushing through the work each day. I am temporarily 'running' the lab, which would not be possible without my two coworkers, Troy and Lance, who both make this situation feasible. This is just while Jerry is home on leave (Sunny Florida, hand-squeezed oranges, Disneyworld...*sigh*) through about mid Sep.

Anyway, you may notice I don't email back or call as much...please DO NOT take it personally. It is simply because after working 180 consecutive days (OK, OK, I worked a half day when I ran the marathon) and now being down to about 65 days in country, I am just charging ahead, and trying to keep my focus (hard to do for me, harder to do for me here, haha). Not bad for what will be over 8 months and no break! :)

Those of you who use PayPal, please do yourselves a favor and go change your password. Mine was 'broken into', but thankfully PayPal recognized this and locked it down for me. It is all fixed now...what a pain dealing with from 7000+ miles away! lol

In the next day or so, I will be posting pictures to 'catch up' :)

"You are going WHERE??"

2007-08-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

That is all I heard when I told people I was coming to Afghanistan. Well having seen photos from Troopers who reconstruct accidents on Minnesota highways, I even said "it is no more dangerous than driving down the interstate in Minneapolis"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070802/ap_on_re_us/minnesota_bridge_collapse

I guess I was right to some degree. When it is your time, there is little you can do. Thankfully, all of my family and friends are accounted for.

fast news

2007-07-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture I took today for a fellow MAZDASPEED Protege owner/friend in TX whose car was featured in a magazine. Thanks for the copy, Vic!

Finally got the final anthrax immunization yesterday (it is a series of 6)...it is about time, it was 2003 when I started it! haha!

I have lost about 15 lbs in the last 2 months...does not have anything to do with running, since I haven't done ANY lately. Rather I think it is my diet, eating *a little* healthier. :)

Also, I booked my commercial plane ticket home to MN via Doha, Qatar...deja vu!! lol

At least it is NWA the whole way, so I will get my frequent flyer miles (about 7500 miles). :)

Really miss everyone, and cannot wait to see and thank those that have sent me things while I have been here. It is about to hit the 6 month mark, CRAZY! Only 3 more to go...

Stop Medal-ing!

2007-07-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

I had a frame made with the finisher's medals/running bib I have received while here. There is a bib/medal from the marathon, a medal from the half marathon and one from the group 4 mile race I did. They have some russian guys that make them (usually next day) however you want for a relatively small amount of money. Here is their attempt, I think it turned out great. Now let's just hope it makes is home OK in the mail! ;)

Sorry for the reflection, but I don't have a CPL filter on my point and shoot, lol!

What a JERK!!!

2007-07-15T04:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.houseofjerky.net/troops.html

...no, it is not a hint or anything! ;)

4th Combat Camera Squadron, March ARB (Riverside), CA...

2007-07-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

I bet it never took Led Zepplin this long to find out they were headed to California...

After months and months of waiting and dealing with a super busy recruiter, I finally found out my 1st drill weekend will be 3/4 NOV.

So I should be back in the States around Halloween. Then a month of vacation time (read: aimless wandering, jk). NO, this does NOT mean I am MOVING to Cali, simply doing one weekend a month there. :)

Combat Camera, here I come! :)
Cheers...

What time is it, kids?...

2007-07-08T09:48:00.001-07:00

The local time here.

Recent news...

2007-07-03T22:16:00.001-07:00

Sorry, just trying to make up for the lack of posts lately. A Soldier from Virgina...killed about 3 hours or so from here.