All work and no play??? Yeahhhh, about that.

I tend to complain about work  a lot on this thing, but that is because I try to occupy as much time as possible out here keeping my mind off the ticking clock as we work our way back to the States. Honestly, though, there are a lot of opportunities to get away from the grind and take your mind off things. The Army has something it refers to as Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR). It covers the gyms, the concerts and the various programs/events/tournaments that are put on by the post. Everything from Guitar Hero Karaoke to Deadlift Competitions to that insufferable Kellie Pickler (awesome to look at, not so awesome to listen to) coming for a concert on post. You name it, we’ve done it. Spades tournaments (won one a few months ago), poker tournaments (won two of the four I’ve played in), dominoes tournament (won one of those too, no big deal or anything). There really is a TON to do here on post.

I’m kind of in a weird position where I work. I have a lot of freedom that the other officers don’t have because I don’t have all of the additional details they do. You’d think that to be a blessing, but a commander not assigning an LT additional duties generally says something about your ability. My case, however is a little different. When I first found out I was officially being deployed to Kuwait, I knew I would lead a transportation platoon that would be out on the road for long periods of time. I just wasn’t sure what capacity I would be in. Every truck convoy needs a security element (gun trucks) to escort along the route. Being a trained and qualified logistics officer, my commander from Nevada told me that my platoon and I would be meeting a company from Arizona, and joining with them to drive those gigantic trucks. Been a great time, but my commanders don’t want my guys to feel any sort of pressure when it comes to ‘re-integrating’ with the Soldiers from Nevada that we’ve seen very little of over the past year.

In truth, I couldn’t have asked for a better platoon. These guys are ridiculous. Fun, hard-working and mature. Can’t ask for much more than that out of a bunch of truck drivers. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in this war. They make me look good…and I bend over backwards for them.

Now, as I was saying, I don’t really have a lot to do for either company (Arizona or Nevada)…which gives me an inordinate amount of free time. Instead of getting myself in trouble, I decided to start a company basketball team. The championship game takes place three days before we leave Kuwait, so I figured it would be the perfect way to get some of the guys together from both my platoon and the Arizona company (in a transportation company, you really stick to your platoon, since that’s who you spend all your time on the road with. Even after 10 months, my enlisted still don’t have a lot of interaction with the other joes) in a competitive environment. I’ve decided to stress my best asset on the basketball court in the hopes of making this a fun team that has potential to make a deep run – coaching. That’s right. I show up to every game in a polo and jeans and set plays, run rotations, the whole nine yards (pictures coming on Edit…I promise!). What a wonderful opportunity. We’re 3-0 after a RIDICULOUS 58-57 triple overtime game the other day and things are looking up! Game #4 is tonight and we went from a small following of 4 or 5 in the company to about 30 strong. CRAZY. I can’t believe the support the company has given us and now I have the luxury of playing my best players since people are COMPETING for spots. I love it! And even if we lose every game the rest of the way, I know we’ll come out better, because those who want to be there will stick it out and the negative trash will go by the wayside. A great time.

Currently cleaning the office to keep my mind off the time that I need to pass to come. Operation Cat Out The Bag is officially complete. Although I’m not sure why she’s STILL so secretive

Ciao

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