Stuck at Fort Benning

I was informed on Friday 16 Oct, that I had to fly to Fort Benning on 17 Oct. I flew down at 0600am Saturday morning, and enrolled in the CRC school. I have to complete a week of training, medical exams, dental,etc. I was supposed to fly to Afghanistan on 23 Oct. Problem is, I was here in May 2009. I had a medical problem, and had to get a medical exam. I was cleared for international travel, and I flew to Kuwait on June 1.

When I went to the medical office here at Fort Benning on Tuesday the 19th, my old medical hold was still on the computer. I told the doctor, that I had seen a civilian doctor in Columbus GA back in May, and that I had just returned from Iraq on 6 September. Nevertheless, I was put on a medical "no-go".

I had to return to the barracks, and turn in my badge. I have been "disenrolled" from training school. I went to the medical clinic on Wednesday morning 21 Oct, and the nurse drew my blood for a blood test. The results should be in on Friday, and then I can see the doctor, and get another clearance letter. I will have to re-enroll in CRC on24 Oct, and go through the whole CRC process again. I should be able to get the military air flight on Friday 30 Oct.

I am stuck in the barracks, with no rental car. I just hang out in the barracks, or go to the recreation center and use the computer. Last night, I watched "The Bourne Identity", and "Jeapordy!".

My military protective gear arrived by UPS, and I showed it to the supply sergeant. I have all of the military issued equipment I will need for Afghanistan. I asked my dentist for a clearance letter, and the office assistant FAXed it in to me this morning.

This Army "hurry up and wait", is maddening. I am perfectly healthy, and I have been working in Iraq and Afghanistan for over 5 years. When I went to the clinic on Tuesday, I got the seasonal flu shot. I still need the H1N1 "up the nose" spray shot. It will be just my luck, if I ge the flu, when I am in Afghanistan.

The good news, is I am on the payroll. I am getting a pay check, for sitting on my behind in the barracks. I have medical insurance. I have all of my military equipment, and I have completed nearly all of the classes here at CRC school.

Once I see the doctor, and get the clearance letter, I will be good to travel. I can't wait to get back to Afghanistan.

On the job for a week

I was hired by a firm on 1 Oct. And- man is it great to be back on the work force. My previous contract concluded on 8 Sept. I started looking for work, from my desk in Iraq, as soon as I learned of the project's completion date. I did what I always do, just get on google, and type in "Iraq jobs". The jobs just pop up. Man, do I love the internet.

After I returned to the USA, I interviewed with a firm, and they were just drooling over me, and offered me a position on the spot. However, the firm did not get the government contract, so the offer was withdrawn. Another firm spotted my resume, and they offered me a position. I was out of work for less than a month.

I work for a firm, that has a great reputation. I signed on the payroll, and went to their office in Falls Church VA. They are a sub-contractor for another firm. The prime contractor is a major firm, that has a telecommunications contract in Afghanistan. I will work on an unclassified telecommunications project in Afghanistan.

Even though I have completed the CRC training (required of all civilians deploying to Iraq/Afghanistan) three times already, I must do the ritual again. CRC is the "CONUS Replacement Center". Which is kind of misleading. CONUS is the Continental United States, whic is the 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. When a Civilian is going overseas, he/she must complete the week of school and processing, at the CRC. I went through it the first time in August 2005, at Fort Bliss Texas(El Paso). I went through it again, in March of 2008, at Fort Benning GA. I went through it again, in May of 2009.

The prime contractor is in charge of getting me overseas. They tried to get me into the CRC starting on 9 October. There are so many people deploying to Iraq/Afghanistan, that there were no open spaces. Now they are trying for the class that opens on 16 Oct. You fly to Columbus GA on Friday, and report to the office on Saturday Morning. Then you spend a week in classes, and processing paperwork. You meet a formation at 0500am on Friday morning, and go out to the Army airfield, and wait a whole day in the terminal. That afternoon, you fly to Kuwait.

The last flight I took was great. You get on the plane, and then you fly to Shannon, Ireland. You de-plane, and spend four hours in the terminal. The plane is serviced, re-fueled, new crew,etc. Then you get back on the plane, and fly to Ali Al-Saleem Kuwait. You stay in a tent city, and try to get to your next destination. I got a military flight to Baghdad airport, and my supervisor met me. That was on June 2, 2009.

This week , I have been signing up for my company benefits, medical, dental,etc. A couple of days after I returned from Iraq, I got really sick, and had to see the doctor. Since Sept. 8 was my last day of work, I thought my medical insurance was paid through the end of the month. I saw the doctor, and had some tests. I found out that my firm cut me off the medical plan on Sept 8. I had to pay the entire costs. I got my FedEx letter, with the option to purchase medical insurance, two days after I started my new job. I gotta write my congressman. You need to have medical insurance when you leave a job, until you can get your own, or start a new job.

Going back to work

I was in for a job in Afghanistan, setting up video teleconferences. The firm was all ready to hire me, but the firm lost the contract with the Defense Department, to another firm. So my employment offer never came through.

Another firm saw my resume, and they decided to offer me a job in Afghanistan. I accepted. I will begin training school in Falls Church, VA on 1 Oct. This looks like a great job and the company is a major Fortune 500 firm.

I will complete the school here, and then around 8 Oct, I will fly to Columbus Georgia, and go through the Army preparation/training school once again. I have completed this school once in Fort Bliss, Texas in 2005. I completed it again in 2008, and again in May of 2009. This will be the fourth time that I have completed the processing. I should be flying to Afghanistan on or about 15 October.

Since the US made the deal with Kyrgyzstan, to utilize the base at Manas, I will probably be flying in there. Then I will get a flight to Bagram. My initial work will be in Kabul.

We bought a new house in Alexandria VA. I returned back here, just in time to assist in moving. Moving is the grandmother of hassles. A million things to do. I engaged a professional mover, to get the furniture and heavy items. It took all day, and cost $900. Then I got a U-Haul truck, and some of my church friends came out to the house, and we loaded the small boxes into the U-Haul, and delivered the goods to my new place.

For the past week, I have been unpacking, and putting my goods away. I also had to have some repairs done, including getting new lighting installed, getting a circulating fan for the master bedroom, new cabinet lights, etc. What a hassle. I also bought a lawn mower, for the first time in my life.

The timing worked out pretty good. I have completed the move, and I will just pack my desert clothing up again, and then begin school on Thursday. My mom and dad are driving here, and they will arrive on Saturday afternoon. We will have Sunday free, and then mom/dad will drive up to Syracuse, NY, and see my brother and his blended family.

This will be my fifth contract in Afghanistan. Here is the history:

Feb 2004: Arrived in Kabul, to photograph the civilian air traffic control equipment at the Kabul international airport. Most of the engineering work had already been completed.

Mar-May 2004: Hired by a firm to supervise a police radio upgrade project. When I arrived in Kabul, I was told to drop that project, and coordinate a drug eradication radio project.

Nov 2007: Assigned to FOB Sharana, to work a data collection project, supervising data collections on four bases in Western Afghanistan.

Sept 2008: Arrived in FOB Salerno, to assist in training soldiers in how to operate video cameras.

There is my Afghanistan history.

Back in the USA

Arrived back at Dulles airport Washington Sept 6. I went home. Spent Labor Day weekend, relaxing. On Friday I had a phone discussion with another firm, about a television project in Afghanistan. On Tuesday 14 Sept, I interviewed in person. The engineers past along a "strong recommendation", that I get hired. I should have an offer letter by Monday 21 Sept.

I have been sick! I had some blood in my urine, so I went to the doctor. I am scheduled for a cytoscopy on 1 Oct. The doc will insert a video camera up my private parts, and take a look inside. I find this ironic, I work in the video industry!

Airport

In Baghdad Airport. Flying out tonight to Kuwait City. My supervisor brought me to the airport. He did not offer to help carry my bags, and he did not shake my hand.

I am not glad about losing this job, but I am glad to be leaving here.

Going back to the USA

I am going back to the USA. My health is fine, I was checked out by the military doctors in Baghdad, and all the tests were normal.

I am glad to be getting out of this heat, and a chance to cook my own meals again. I get bored with chow hall food.

I will be looking for work, telecommunications and electronics, in Iraq/Afghanistan. I think I will get another contract soon.

In the hospital

I was having some heart palpitations. I checked into the military hospital, and I had a series of tests. All of them came back normal, and I am feeling 100% better.
 
Please keep me in your prayers, regardless. I am going through a rough time now.
 
 

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With Windows Live, you can organize, edit, and share your photos. Click here.

Added a new link. Please check in

I have added, by request, a link to a Masonic discussion board, in Turkey. The board has English Language capabilities. You can access it directly from this blog, or you can go to:

http://www.masonlar.org

I am more than glad to add any link on this blog, all you need to do, is ask, and if your link is of interest, I will post it here!

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HOT in Iraq today, about 114 degrees. I have been out in the heat, went to lunch a short while ago.

August in Iraq

I have not made a new posting in almost a month. I do make regular postings on twitter.com Feel free, to sign up on twitter, and follow me.

I finished my first road trip, and returned back to my home camp. There is a great deal of work here, and I will be very busy here. The firm hired a new man, and I have been giving him some orientation. He is heading to a base up-country.

July and August in Iraq, is the most miserable time of the year here. I first arrived in Iraq, August 15, 2005. I was in a concrete barracks, with air conditioning, so I did not mind it so bad. I really liked Al-Asad. I spent 16 months there, and I was "living large". I wish I could have stayed there.

Anyway, I am now here at Camp Liberty. I live in a "containerized housing unit". It is decent, good air conditioning, and I have my own shower and sanitary facilities. I do not have to walk 200 yards down a gravel path, to take the shower. The Army pretty much leaves us alone, but we have been notified, that "health and welfare" inspections will be starting soon. This means that the Army will be going through our living quarters, looking for contraband. Mostly they are looking for alcohol, drugs, pornography. An American was caught with empty beer bottles in his trailer, and the Army wanted to expel him. His company convinced the Army to let him stay.

Work here is seven days a week. 8am to 6pm seven days a week. Even if there is no work, we have to be in the office. I must say that I am impressed by the food here at Camp Liberty. They serve an excellent breakfast. Because of health concerns, you can only get hard-boiled eggs, and scrambled eggs. Omelettes are made with powdered eggs.

There is a whole family of fast-food here. There is Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza hut, Subway, Cinnabon, Popeye's chicken, etc. Sometimes, I will pass on chow hall food, and get fast food.

I have been told that the US Dollar is to be phased out here, in October. This is strange to hear. I almost never use paper money here. I use my credit card at the PX. I have an "Eagle Cash Card", issued by the Army. It is a debit card, that I take to the finance office, and "load" funds from my USA Bank Account. Then I use the card at the barber shop, or fast food place, and the dollar amount is taken off the card. In five and half years in Iraq/Afghanistan, I have spent less than $300 in cash.

I started with this firm on May 4. On August 4, I had ninety days with the firm. Thirty days of that was in the USA. I spent two weeks in Florida, doing in-processing, getting my security clearance transferred, and setting up my direct deposit. I also had a medical exam. Then I spent a week in Fort Benning Georgia, going to classes in First Aid, and how to spot a roadside bomb. I also got some shots. I was all set to fly out, but I needed one more medical exam. I had to spend an extra week at Benning. I finally arrived in Iraq on 2 June.

I sure do not have much of a life outside of work. At 6pm, I walk across the street to the Recreation center. I watch Jeapordy at 6:30pm. If there is a decent show on TV, I will stick around, and watch "Law and Order". Last night there was a movie "Inkheart". By 800pm, I am usually worn out, so I walk back to the trailer, and take a shower, and climb into bed. I have a couple of books that I am reading, but I can usually get through only a few pages, before I am collapsing.

The generators here run 24/7, so there is no quiet in my trailer. By dawn, there are often helicopters flying over, so they wake me up. I get up by 7am, and walk to the office. I usually sweep the place out, and on Sunday, I mop the floor. I wish we could get some Filipinos, or other people to handle the janitorial work.

I do not like Iraq, but I like working in Iraq. This is my third contract in Iraq. I first did data collection. Then I came back, and worked a project where I supervised Iraqis, installing radio sets in Iraqi army vehicles. Then I came back on this satellite project.

I would like to stay for the entire year, but I may not. I would rather be working here, than unemployed in the USA. I would like to finish here, and return to the USA in 2010. By then, the economy should have picked up, and I will be able to find a position in Washington DC metro area.

Back to Belediyat

Back to Belediyat. I got the system on line, and then returned to Loyalty base. What a nice place! I have a real bed, with sheets. The chow hall is first-rate. The system was serviceable at Belediyat, and I have been waiting here for two days.

I found out this morning, that the system is off the spacecraft. I must now return to Belediyat on the night convoy. Then I will get the system back on the spacecraft.

I am out of clean laundry, maybe I can get some washed there at Belediyat.

Belediyat

I have just completed my first assignment. It is a great feeling to accomplish a task. I was told that this install would be easy, and that I would not have to use "tool one". Boy-was that wrong. I arrived up here at Belediyat two weeks ago. The equipment was not serviceable. I spent a couple of hot-sweaty days on a roof, trying to get it to run. I finally, disattached the dish antenna, and took the pedestal down.

I drove back to Liberty, and when I opened the pedestal, one of the circuit cards was burned. We scrounged a replacement, and I installed the card. Then I spent a couple of weeks trying to get a ride back here to Belediyat. I caught a chopper on Monday, and arrived. The army had to build a bed for me. I got started the next morning.

The antenna was not working properly, so I cracked open the case, and found that one of the gears was not attached to a shaft, and thus it was spinning freely. I did not have a correct allen key, but I found one. I got a carpentry crew to loan me a battery, so that I could turn the motor, and I set the gear properly.

This morning, I borrowed a compass, and pointed the dish antenna, and gave the equipment a run-through. I was able to capture the satellite, and it works great! I am glad that I was able to get this system up and running. Score one for me.

I am sure that everyone knows that the USA has turned over security in the Iraqi cities to the Iraqis. I read this myself. What the news reports did not say, is that now US military vehicles cannot even drive in the streets of Iraqi cities, except between midnite and 0500am. This means that moving around Iraq will be even more difficult for civilian technicians, and anyone who has to "float" between bases. What a hassle.

There are no convoys driving tonite, so I will catch one later. I will get a ride in a military vehicle, and go to Loyaltly base (20 mins away). Then I will catch a chopper to Liberty, a twelve minute ride.

Food here is pretty good. Since convoys do not run in the daytime, this post has set up a kitchen. They serve a decent breakfast. Since most of the soldiers do their duties in the middle of the night, the food schedule is breakfast at 1030am Lunch at 5pm, and supper at 630pm. Supper tonight was ground beef and pasta, so I had a slice of cheesecake for supper.

No TV here, sometimes they show a videodisc in the break room. At least here they have indoor plumbing. The latrine is just down the hall from my room. I forgot to bring a razor and cream, so I am letting the beard grow. The shower is weak, the water just dribbles out, and it is warm. But I can wash myself thoroughly.

So for now, I will just relax, and wait for the next convoy.

Monday

An awful dust-storm yesterday. It was so bad here, that the storm made the news in the USA. The internet was out, and phones were out. the Airport was closed. Today, the air is quite a bit clearer. Still gray and depressing.

I have to return to Beledia, and do an install. The equipment checks out OK here, I just hope it goes properly at the site. I want to keep this job, for the entire year, and perhaps go for an additional year. I hope so.

I got some additional clothing and bedding from my family. This was a godsend. I even have an additional laundry bag. The laundry service here is excellent. With the sweat and the dust, clothing gets nasty fast.

I wish I could sleep more soundly. I have a difficult time falling asleep, and then I must get up a couple of times per nite, to visit the bathroom.

My supervisor gave us the whole day off Sunday (Thank you, Mr. Scrooge). I slept late, and I got a subway sandwich. I watched a couple of movies at the Rec Center. "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts. I also watched some political broadcasts.

I will not be taking any vacation, during 2009. I prefer to take my time off, in between contracts. I have a strange list of priorities:

I like to cook my own meals. When I am here, I eat what the Army tells me, and on their schedule.

I like to watch cable TV. I like to go to the store. Call me weird.

Back to Beledia

On Sunday, I flew to Camp Loyalty, about a 12 minute flight from here. I was lucky, and I found a soldier,with a John Deere Gator. I loaded my duffel bag, and tools, and he took me to the transient quarters. I checked in with the Army, and made arrangements to get a ride to Beledia on Monday morning. I got up at 0600, for the 0630am ride.

I got to Beledia, and found the system was not working. I decided to return to Loyalty. I checked in with the office, and my supervisor told me to get back to Beledia, and dismount the system and bring it back to Liberty.

I spent a difficult night, on a cot, using my shirt for a pillow. Fortunately, there was a general officer in residence there, so the Army sent a hot breakfast over for everyone.

I dismounted the system, and caught a convoy, back to Loyalty. I had gone three days without a shower. I stored the system at the communications warehouse, and went to the transient quarters. I took the grandmother of showers.

Wednesday morning at 0800, I went back and got the system. Then I caught a convoy back to Liberty. I opened all of the equipment cabinets, and found that one of the circuit boards had burned out. I was able to find another board, and replaced the defectiver board.

On Thursday, I called the NCO back at Loyalty, and asked for arrangements to be made, to shuttle me and the system back to Beledia.

Thursday was a HOT day, and I was outside most of it. I washed off the system, and stored it in the packing crate. We had a nice barbecue last night, I offered to buy all of the food and sodas, but one of my co-workers bought everything.

I am finally able to sleep much better. I was able to obtain some sheets, that actually fit the bed. I also got a package of more clothing and underclothes. Keeping a reasonable standard of hygiene in this environment, is difficult!!!

Sunday morning

Went to the aiport last night, to fly to Loyalty base. Got on the chopper, and flew for 20 minutes. Then got off so the chopper could refuel! Then got back on the chopper, and taxied for 20 minutes, to the passenger terminal. Got off the chopper, weather hold! I got my firm to come and drive me back to the barracks.

It is now Sunday, and I must go back to the chopper pad tonight, and try again to fly to Loyalty base.

It is hot today, and dusty. But the sky is clear, and the choppers should be flying.

Saturday morning

In the last 24 hours, another 100 people have read this blog. I am amazed. I did not know so many people were interested.

Yesterday, was a HOT one. We had a bad dust storm, over the past 48 hours. The sun literally disappeared, and when the worst was over, the air was an eerie orange color. Everything had a half-inch of dust on it. We have been washing off the equipment, since the air cleared.

I assembled two satellite dish antennas yesterday, alone. It was hot and I sweated through my clothes. I have to drink 4 liters (a gallon) of water every day, just to keep up with the sweat.

I am delighted to hear from so many people, and especially brother Masons. I often get inquiries about Masonry in Afghanistan, but I do not know which bases have operating lodges. Best I can do, is refer these people to the Chaplain's office, and the recreation center. They can often provide the information.

I will be going to Camp Speicher, after my training and orientation is completed here. My firm has a house there, and my co-workers have informed me, that the quality of life there is good.

Last night, we grilled burgers and brats. I contributed a case of soda pop. The guys were up late, singing and playing guitar. Up till after midnite, actually. I got up early this morn, and picked up some of the trash from the revelry.

I would like to invite anyone who is interested, to follow me on Twitter.com

Just sign on to www.twitter.com and follow cemab4y.

Tuesday, the ides of June plus three (Ides of June is 13 June)

In the last 24 hours, 100 people have hit this webpage. I am astounded! I cannot imagine what it is that makes this blog so popular. I guess I will have to start posting more information.

I would like to hear from anyone who reads this blog. Feel free to leave a comment (This can be done anonymously), or email directly at cemab4y@hotmail.com

Hot and dusty today. Got my laundry. Tomorrow, I will go to the finance office, and get some US dollars. You do not need much cash here, but I would like to keep some around, just in case. Also I need to add some money to my debit card.

Finished my week

Sunday night. We get Sunday morning off, so I slept in till 1100am. Great. The air conditioner works fine in my trailer. This was an interesting week. I worked from 0800 to 1000pm Thursday, and it was rough. I got a pizza after work, and it was excellent.

I went to Burger King this morning, and tried to get a sandwich. My credit card did not work, so I went back to the office. I called the credit card company, and it seems that a retailer was hacked, and several thousand credit card numbers were compromised, so my account was closed, and a new number assigned. I explained that I was in Iraq, and I needed my account, so the closure was cancelled, and now I can use the old card again.

Last night, I went to the rec hall to watch "Law and Order". The music in the dance room was so loud, that I could not hear the program. I miss having my own TV in the room.

The food quality in the chow hall remains excellent. I am impressed, that the KBR people can do such a good job, in this environment. I am eating much better than I ever did, when I was on active duty 30 years ago.

I also miss Masonry very much. I have completed the year of suspension, and now I am eligible for re-instatement, and my friend R.B. Hooks Jr, will attend my lodge (KY) next week, and get my reinstatement completed. I still need a letter to be sent to New York and Massachusetts, so that I can have the suspension lifted in those states as well.

I am going to Camp Speicher ( pronounced SPY-ker) and I do not know if there is a lodge there or not. I plan to start a square and compasses club, if there is not one there already.

Believe it or not, I miss Afghanistan. The climate there is not as harsh, at least you have some elevation, so you do not broil in the sun. I drink 6 liters of water per day (about 1.5 gallons) and I still cannot keep my self hydrated. At least I can sleep well. I got some cardboard, and taped over the windows in the trailer, so that the sun rising at 4:30am did not wake me.

I installed a counter on this blog, and I am amazed that 50 or more people read this blog every day. I am astounded. I did not know I was so interesting. I wish more people left comments, and joined in on the twitter.com conversations.

Another day here

Still having a hard time falling asleep. The trailer is cool, the air conditioner keeps up. We have our own power generator here in this compound, the generator is 100 yards from the hooch. Why in the world we cannot use the main power from the camp, is beyond me.

The food here is good. Iraq has better food than Afghanistan. Here the rice and pasta is not overcooked. There is California iceberg lettuce on the salad bar. The chow hall does an excellent job. We still cannot have eggs that are not fully cooked. This means no over easy eggs.

I have not yet received any postal mail. I ordered some items from the USA, and I am getting some packages shipped here.

Tuesday

Had pizza for supper last night. Looks like another hot day here. If anyone is interested in the film "Brother's War", you can see the website:

http://www.brotherswar.info

I am not certain of the USA release date, I know that DVDs are available, possibly through www.amazon.com

Monday morning

Had a barbecue last night, excellent steaks! We talked for some hours, about all kinds of stuff, mostly why the moon always keeps one face towards the earth. Had a difficult time getting to sleep, had to take some Benadryls (sp?), to help me sleep.

I have had the worst case of jet-lag, I have had in several years. I usually get over the jet-lag in a week or so.

I turned in some laundry this morning, and I will get it back on Wednesday. I am going to be assigned to Camp Speicher, once my initial orientation is through.

Made some changes

I have set up the blog, so that you can read my latest "tweets", on Twitter. Also, what I post here, will be repeated on Twitter.

I will see how it works, and adjust it if necessary.

First post to twitter

Hello everyone!

A great day

Last night, there was a barbecue, and I was invited. I drove over to Camp Victory, but there was a dust storm, and I could not find the place. I just drove around for a while, and decided to drive back, before the darkness made driving impossible.

I went on a service call this morning, and helped with some repair. This job looks like it is going to be terrific, and I will be learning a lot about Satellite engineering.

The office got a 5,000 BTU air conditioning unit installed here, and the office is like a meat-locker. We will not be sweating in the office! I was going through the piles of junk in my room ,and I found a set of new bedsheets! I have been sleeping on the bare mattress.

I am about over the jet-lag, and I got a decent sleep last night. Problem is, the sun rises at 0415am, and the light and heat begin early.

I ate a decent breakfast, the chow hall here at Camp Liberty is decent. I had a good lunch, I will probably pass on dinner. Maybe I will go to the Recreation Center, and see a movie. Last night they showed "Frost and Nixon", but the dance music in the main hall, made it difficult to hear the film.

I met some people who smoke hookah, and I may attend their smoke sessions. Back at Taji, we smoked every night.

What a country!

HOT today

Got into the office early. It is going to be a HOT day. I will go on a service call at 1000am, and probably be there most of the day. I found out yesterday, that I will be going to Speicher (Iraq), when I finish the orientation period here. This is great, my firm has a house there, and I should have a good stay there. I still do not know about Afghanistan, I guess I will go there later this year.

New features here

I added a hit-counter, so now I can see how many people are reading the blog. I wish I had added that years ago. Also- I have added my blog to receive my Twitter "tweets".

I will be here in Iraq for about 90 days, and then I am traveling on to Afghanistan.

On the ground in Baghdad

I got up at 0100, so that the luggage truck could get me at 0130am. Then I checked in at the terminal at 0200. The roll call was at 0300, and the bus pickup was at 0430. The airplane took off at 0600, and landed and Baghdad International AirPort at 0700. At 0930 am my supervisor picked me up.

I had lunch, and then went back to the office. I have the jet-lag really bad. So I will be off to bed.

In Kuwait

I am at Ali Al Saleem Kuwait. I left Fort Benning Georgia on 28 May, and we flew to Shannon Ireland. (I did not see any leprechauns). We spent four hours in the airport, then we flew to Kuwait. I checked into a tent, and I slept for 12 hours!

I am now trying to book passage to Babylon (Baghdad's old name). I have a pass, and I will be headed up there shortly.

This is an interesting life, I lead.

Leaving tomorrow

My assignment has been changed to Iraq, for the initial 90 days. I will be in Baghdad for 90 days. Then I am to be assigned to Afghanistan. I cannot believe my good luck!!

An article about my overseas work

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=328552&paper=81&cat=104

A newspaper story about my overseas work

See:

In Tampa Florida

Flew to Tampa on Sunday (now it's Wednesday). I got the shuttle from my house to Reagan National Airport. Then I flew to Atlanta, and changed to a Tampa flight. Got into Tampa, got my rental car, and went to the hotel. Ordered some Chinese food, sat back and relaxed.

Went to the office Monday morning. Paperwork, checking in. Started some training.

I will have to go to Fort Benning Georgia for a week, then on to Afghanistan. I will not get any time back at Lorton, prior to departure.

Thurs nite. Pain in the A**

Sitting on the back porch, just chillin'. Listening to the oldies on the stereo. Then I heard a "thump" and a man yelling "Get out of here". I thought, just some kids messing around. Then I heard the man "Your front window is broken". Sure enough-the storm door was smashed to bits.

Called the police, hassle. Tomorrow, I have to get a new door. I am flying to Tampa on Sunday, this could not have happened at a worse time.

Confirmation of start!!

I heard from my firm on Wednesday morning. I start work (actually training school) on Monday May 4, in Tampa FLA. I set up my flight from Reagan National to Tampa on Sunday May 3. Now, I have to pack, and get my paperwork in order. I made hotel reservations, and I will be in Tampa for about two weeks. I may have to do the one-week training school at Fort Benning GA. I did the school in August of 2008, and the training is usually good for one year. If I have to do it again, I will.

I would like to get a week off and go to Kentucky. Maybe I can.

If you have questions

If anyone has questions about any topic, please email me directly, I will be more than glad to answer. I got a question about the air quality in Kabul. I have done a couple of projects in downtown Kabul (way back in 2004). I thought the air quality was fine, you are up in the mountains, and there is no industrial air pollution at all.

On my first trip to Kabul (Feb 2004), I developed a blockage in one of my lungs. I got an inhaler from the US Army doctor. There I was, at 6000 feet, operating on one lung. I had to climb 12 flights of stairs to get to the top of the airport control tower, and I was wheezing badly. I eventually recovered.

Tuesday night, Midnight

Got up early this morning. Made biscuits from scratch. I like to measure the flour, and the baking powder. I have a toaster-oven, that is perfect for a batch of biscuits. I also made some sausage and eggs. What a delight to be able to cook my own meals. I have been eating in chow halls since I first hit the ground in Afghanistan, February 2004. That was my first experience in Kabul.

I was hired by a firm in Reston VA. I filled out my security paperwork, and got a military ID at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. I flew on a civilian airplane from Dulles (Washington DC) to London. I then flew to Dubai United Arab Emirates. I drove out to the Al-Udied Air Base, and caught a military flight to Bagram Air Base Afghanistan. The place was primitive. I stayed there, then next morning I caught a chopper to Kabul. I photographed the air traffic control system at Kabul Aiport. I could not wait to clear out of there.

Any way- I am enjoying the transition back to ordinary life. I am getting used to driving again, on the freeways. I got lost Saturday night, and again this afternoon. It is easy to get disoriented. I went to the dentist, and I got a cleaning, inspection, x-rays. I have some deterioration in one of my teeth, I need to get a new crown, maybe.

I bought some hummus (chick-pea paste), and some stuffed grape leaves, and some pita bread. I find it ironic, that in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is impossible to get middle eastern food. I got hooked on hummus, when I lived in Saudi Arabia in 1991.

I got some small submarine loaves. I got some shaved ham, and swiss cheese, and I can actually make a sandwich. When you are eating in the chow hall, that is all there is.

I went to a discussion group on Sunday, up in Adams-Morgan, a district in Washington DC. It was nice to have an intelligent discussion with nice people. There was a man there , who is going to be assigned to China. I was in the foreign service from 1983-1988.

It is the end of April, and it is already getting hot here. Washington DC summers are the worst. HOT and sticky. I already miss the dry heat of the desert.

-I still do not have a definite start date for my new job. I am scheduled to start in Tampa FLA on May 4. I may have to wait an additional time.

In the meantime, I will be "living large". Taking tub baths, cooking my own meals, driving on the freeways, enjoying cable TV, and just "chillin".

Monday afternoon

Starting a new contract, there are 1000 things to do. I got the information package, and contracts in the FedEx last week, and there were about 40 forms to fill out, but nothing about medical. So I called the admin office and asked the person about medical forms. She said I will fill the forms out in Tampa.

I went to Wal-Mart, and got light bulbs, and an ashtray. Larisa said she quit smoking, but since her mom flew back, she has been chain-smoking. She will never quit smoking.

I bought paper towels, and mouthwash, and a decent plate to eat from. I have been eating from paper plates, and I decided enough was enough. I have rubbed holes in my jeans, and I got some iron-on patches.

I went to a meeting yesterday, it was at a mid-eastern cafe. I got some decent hummus (chick-pea paste) and some pita bread. I think it is ironic- In the chow halls in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army does not serve middle eastern food! I had some good moroccan tea, but it costs $2.5o per glass. On the other hand, I got a bottle of water, and it was free.

I paid $17 for my snacks and $15 to park the car. I thought I could drive in to Washington DC on a Sunday afternoon, and there would be adequate parking. BOY was I wrong. I went to a district called "Adams-Morgan", and every free space in the area was filled.

I wanted to go to lodge tonight, but after all this hassle and driving around, I am going to give lodge a pass tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

Saturday night in Lorton VA

What an interesting day. My mother-in-law was staying with us. This afternoon, she flew back to Moscow. She is in the air, even now. Larisa has been trying not to act too depressed about it. Anyway, we can have a bit of privacy, now that we are alone in the house.

Today, a Census employee dropped by, confirming our address. I worked for the 1990 Census, in computer operations. I used to tell people, that I had a job that really counted.

I went to McDonalds for breakfast. I like their steak/egg/cheese bagels. I drank a cup of their industrial-grade coffee. I bought a copy of the Washington post, I usually read it on line.

I went to the grocery store, and bought a Boston cream pie. I have not eaten one in many years. I also got some lettuce and tomatoes. There is no Imperial valley iceberg lettuce in Iraq, there is a lot of Romaine lettuce. I must get filled of all the USA foods that I can, When I return to the desert, I will do without.

My suspension from Masonry will expire in a couple of weeks. I am anxious to return to being a Mason in good standing, in Kentucky. Then the Grand Lodge of KY will inform Massachusetts and New York, and I can go back to being a three-lodge mason again.

I went to MENSA on Friday night. Only one other person showed up. The group has dwindled.

Tomorrow is Sunday, I will probably sleep in. Larisa gets all mad, when I fry, the odors waft right into the bedroom.

I would like to visit a horse race track, before I return. There is a race track in Tampa! Maybe I can attend.

I get the most interesting emails. But I keep referring the inquiries here! If people would visit the blog, they can get updated more easily.

Back to work in Iraq or Afghanistan

I have accepted an offer of employment with a telecommunications firm. I will be flying down to Tampa, FLA in the next week or so. Then I will deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan. I may have to do that military training at Fort Benning GA again. This is great news, and I am looking forward to returning.

Things are looking up

My contract in Afghanistan concluded on 4 April 2009. I am in Lorton VA, seeking employment. If anyone has information or a job lead, please feel free to write me.

Anyway, today I interviewed (by phone) with an engineer in Iraq. The interview went very well, and tomorrow, I have a phone interview with the tem leader in Tampa Florida. If I pass the interview, I will be hired for this new project.

I have completed four (4) contracts in Afghanistan, and two (2) contracts in Iraq. If selected for this project, I will attend a training school in Tampa, Florida. Then I will return, either to Iraq or Afghanistan. Believe me, the quality of life in Iraq is better than the quality of life in Afghanistan. The US presence in Afghanistan is growing so fast, that the infrastructure (housing,etc) cannot keep up with the demand.

Iraq is drawing down in numbers, but the US presence will be there for many years. I work in Telecommunications, and Telecommunications is always the first in and the last out! I am looking forward to returning.

I will keep everyone posted.

Email from a friend

Good Evening Charles, Sorry to hear you are under the weather due to coming back to the US. I know when I went out West, I caught the chest cold thing and it took a week to get use to the new climate. Do you live in the Washington DC area? (Yes I do) If so I will be up there on a April 30 and 31. I have found a job working for a large engineering company who corporate HQ is in Washington. I am going there to fill in all the paperwork and from Washington going to Camp Lejeune for a month of training then to Afghanistan. I would like to shake your hand if you are feeling well and have the time on Thur. or Friday week after next.Douglas Seaman (phone number deleted)

Email from a friend

Good Evening Charles, Sorry to hear you are under the weather due to coming back to the US. I know when I went out West, I caught the chest cold thing and it took a week to get use to the new climate. Do you live in the Washington DC area? (Yes, I live in suburban Washington) If so I will be up there on a April 30 and 31. I have found a job working for a large engineering company who corporate HQ is in Washington. I am going there to fill in all the paperwork and from Washington going to Camp Lejeune for a month of training then to Afghanistan. I would like to shake your hand if you are feeling well and have the time on Thur. or Friday week after next.Douglas Seaman (phone number deleted)

Sunday afternoon

A quiet Sunday. It is Russian Orthodox Easter. I had a good supper last night. I fried two italian sausage links, and the house smelled like fennel and garlic. My mother-in-law has asthma, so she did not like the odor. My wife opened the windows, but kept the venetian blinds down and closed, so no air circulated.

I am suffering the effects of some kind of upper respiratory illness. I have not been sick one day in the last seven months in Afghanistan, and it is much more unhealthy up there. As soon as I get back to the USA, I get exposed to a whole new family of bacteria and allergens. My chest is sore, and I have a sore throat, and I am coughing a lot. I guess I will get over it in a couple of days.

I had a couple of bagels with strawberry cream cheese. I am enjoying drinking real american coffee, made in a drip coffeemaker. I also enjoy half-and-half in the coffee. I enjoy cooking my own meals for a change. Last night Larisa, sent me to the store for two containers of sour cream, and some whole-grain bread. I bought some spices. Army chow hall food, is bland, and they never use any spices. Even the chili is bland. I guess soldiers do not like spicy food. There is always hot sauce on the table, though.

It is a change to be in the house with two women. Larisa and her mom, have their own rituals. They do not have a good grasp on "kitchen science" and bacteriology. They leave a can of condensed milk, open, on the table for weeks. and they have left a can of creamed corn, on the counter for a week, open. Gross. I always make it a point to use only clean dishes and tableware. I have been washing the dishes in the dishwasher, because my wife does not keep a clean table.

Home a week

Well, it has been an interesting week. I was interviewed by phone, by Amber Healy, for a story in the local paper. And I just got off the phone with a photographer. I have been looking for work, and I have a couple of leads, hopefully, I can get back to Iraq soon.

It is good to relax, I have been in Afghanistan for seven months. Driving is a challenge, I almost hit a couple of pedestrians. It is difficult to get used to the traffic of Washington DC metro. And cooking my own meals! I can sleep the whole night, without aircraft waking me up! Biggest hassle, is my mother-in-law is here, and there is not much space for three people. The kitchen is small, and the wife and mother-in-law are always complaining. When I fry sausage, the odor goes all over.

Email from a fan!

Dear Mr. Martin,

Glad to read that you have made it home safely. Thank you for all you have been doing for our troops. I have been reading your blog for a couple of months trying to gain some insight into the needs of our troops. I am the mother of a deployed paratrooper. He is a (deleted)at FOB (deleted). I would trully appreciate any insight in regards to what they could use to make it easier. I know there is no px and they need hygiene and snacks. I also sent my son a box of laundry detergent after reading that you did your own laundry on Boris. In addition, I would like invite you to a web site I have recently found. http://www.anysoldier.com/. There is a forum and chat room that people use to try to figure out what to send etc. OPSEC applies there like everywhere else. Nothing is more important than the safety of our children.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Laurie (deleted).

Monday morning

A quiet weekend. I watched "The Sound of Music". This morning, I went to the car wash, and got the SUV washed. I went to Wal-Mart, and I bought some T-shirts. Then I went to Lowe's and Home Depot, looking for household grease, and a bathtub stopper. It is an adjustment to get back to normal life. Driving, and going to stores is strange. I went to Jiffy Lube, and got an oil change, and the differentials serviced. Then I went to taco bell. The chow halls in Afghanistan, cannot do mexican food properly.

I have a phone interview for a job in Iraq on Wednesday. If the interview goes properly, I will be heading back to Iraq.

Comment from Amber Healy

Good afternoon Mr. Martin,My name is Amber Healy, I'm a freelance reporter for the Connection Newspapers in Fairfax County, VA. Your blog popped up on my editor's desk this morning courtesy of the mention of your (safe) return to Lorton. I was wondering if you might be interested in talking with me a little about your time in Iraq and Afghanistan, what kind of work you do there, etc. Please feel free to email me at (DELETED) if you're interested.

I am delighted to hear from you! I am flattered that you are interested in a story about me. I called the paper, and left a voice mail for the editor, and I emailed you with my contact information. I am always delighted to work with the Fourth Estate. Please contact me, and we can set up an interview! Charles E. Martin

Back in the USA

I am back home in Lorton VA. It is good to have some peace and quiet, after 7 straight months in Afghanistan. I am enjoying "decompressing", I have been to the grocery store, and I have cooked my own meals. I actually made some coffee! I will find out on Wednesday, if I get to go to a training conference in Tampa Florida. I have not been to Florida since 1980, when I went to Walt Disney World.

Going back to the USA

I am heading back to the USA soon. For a well-deserved rest. Keep in touch on my blog.

Going back to the USA

I am heading back to the USA soon. For a well-deserved rest. Keep in touch on my blog.

Friday

Cool this morning. Went to breakfast, first time in weeks. Had some eggs, first time in weeks. I am going up to Jalalabad soon, on a training mission. I went to J-bad back in 2004, it was bleak. The place has probably grown, and it is bit more modern now.

I still have trouble sleeping, the tent is too near the flight line. Last night, the mechanics were doing "Static tests" on aircraft engines. That is where they place an engine on stilts, and run up the motor, to see how it runs. It is LOUD, about 140Db.

I like Afghanistan less and less. But it is better to be working here, than unemployed back home.

Sunday afternoon

Got my weekly pizza. It was delicious as usual!

Thurs nite

Went to the other side of Bagram this afternoon. There is a trivia contest at the main recreation center tonight. I am going to enter, and see if I can win. I will let you know!

Wednesday March 11

What a day. Took a shower, and went to lunch. The spring is on the way, I do not need a jacket, in the afternoons. Nights are still cold. At least it is dry, I can get by with one shower every two days.

There will be much work here. The place is ramping up. I would like to stay in Afghanistan until 2011.

Monday

Slept all right last night. The base is getting new plywood huts, and I may be moving out of the tent soon. Biggest hassle is the NOISE. The generator runs 24/7 and the heater blower is loud.

Tonight at dinner, there was shrimp creole and rice. One of my co-workers said I was losing weight. I am.

Life in Afghanistan is strange, to say the least. There is not much for me to do, just now, but the work is ramping up. With 17,000 more troops headed this way, the work is going to hit the fan.

I enjoy hearing from all of you, please continue to write!

8 Mar 2009

Pretty weather at last. Went to church, and got a pizza. I also bought some magazines, I never have enough to read. It is a hassle getting around, the bus schedules are science fiction.

I am going to a trivia contest on 12 March. I think I will be able to do very well.

Just waiting on an assignment.

At Bagram

I arrived this morning. Tues 24 Feb 2009. What a dump! I am in a tent, right next to a 30KW generator, blasting away 24 hours a day. I am in a bunk bed, no room for privacy or my personal items. Bagram is an anthill, crowded and lines everywhere. Afghanistan is adding new people so fast, that the infrastructure cannot deal with them.

I want to get to a forward base, so at least I can sleep in quiet.

New Assignment- Bagram Afghanistan

I am now assigned to Bagram Air Base Afghanistan. If anyone needs my postal address, please email me, or leave a comment here.

Saturday Afternoon

Stuck at FOB Boris. I keep trying to leave, but the winds of good fortune are not blowing in my direction. I just make the most of it. I got a haircut today, including sideburn trim, and close cut on my upper lip. I also took a long shower (I only shower every two days, when I am traveling). I wanted to watch "O'Reilly factor", but a soldier was watching wrestling. I always let the soldiers watch anything they like. I mostly hang out at the recreation center, so that I can read. If you like to read, Afghanistan is the place.

I am a little tired of this "OpSec" crud. OpSec means operational security. In my emails, I am required to let my firm know my whereabouts. This is not classified. Neither is the weather. You just look outside, and you can see if it is raining or snowing. Some helicopters can fly in lousy weather, some cannot. I hate being nitpicked.

I washed my clothes today. The water is safe for washing, but not for drinking. When I am at my home base, I just drop off the laundry, and collect it the next day, clean and folded. The Afghans do a good job. Here, I wash the clothes myself.

I wish I could lose the "blues". Just being in this part of the world, with the loneliness, and the "same every day" routine, gets to be a drag. I get up in the morning, and check with the flight desk, to see if any helicopters are flying. If not, then I just go to the Rec Hall, and watch TV. Lunch is served at 1130. Then I go back to the Rec Hall, and watch "Jeapordy" at 1pm. Then "O'Reilly" at 330pm. In between, I read. Then supper at 500pm. Then back to the concrete hooch.

My bed has two mattresses, the top mattress has steel rods, but, I just position my body, in between the rods. Fortunately, the barracks is quiet, and the heater works well. I try to get to sleep by 1100pm, then it is back up for another day. This place is like "Ground Hog Day", the same every day.

With luck, I can get a chopper back to FOB Salerno soon.

A cold and lonely time

Time now is 0140am Saturday morning 7 February. I am at Forward Operating Base Boris, Afghanistan. The outside weather is cold, just above freezing. The full moon is overhead, making it easy to see around. One thing about the cold winter, it is safer. The bad guys go up into the mountains, and they are huddled up, waiting for the spring.

I have been getting some good feedback about the employment project. We have several good people, back in Virginia, who are assisting. With the unemployment rate soaring, I feel that Masonry should do more to help our unemployed members and their dependents. Doing nothing is unacceptable.

The Army continues to feed me well. Tonight, grilled steaks, lobster tails, crab legs, shrimp, corn on the cob. Only thing they do not have here is fresh eggs and coca-cola. Such is Army chow.

The rec hall here, has a huge selection of videos. I watched some "Law and Order" episodes. Also "Spartacus", one of my favorite films. I also read books sometimes, I have been perusing "Born Again" the story of Charles Colson, the Watergate guy.

I could sure use some chocolate, there is no PX here, so there is no way to get chocolate. There is a little Afghan restaurant, but I have not yet sampled their wares. The soldiers eat there sometimes, I guess the food is safe.

An open letter to the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia

Dear Grand Officers, The USA is now in the biggest recession in the last 80 years. Unemployment is spreading fast, and this tragedy is also affecting our brother Masons and their families. Just last week a man lost his job in California, and then he went home and killed his five children and his wife, then himself. In his suicide note, he asked "Is there no hope for the widow's son?" During the 1930's and for some time thereafter, Many Grand Lodges (and other masonic groups) assisted Brother Masons in seeking employment. I think this activity is part of our splendid Masonic tradition. I therefore wish to make a formal request: Can we revive the employment assistance bureau in Virginia? Is there a way for brother Masons to assist our unemployed Brother Masons (and their wives/widows/dependents) in seeking employment? Some people have said that Masonry has no business getting involved. Some say there are legal issues involved, that there could be legal ramifications if an organization like ours got involved in assisting people who were out of work. Some say that the government, and state employment offices are better equipped to assist the unemployed. I think that is a bunch of crap. Private, non-government organizations can assist people in finding work. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints (the Mormons) operate a national network of employment offices, and no one objects. I request that the Grand Lodge seek out a legal opinion, and determine if our Grand Lodge can re-open the employment services, that we ran decades ago. I am certain that there is no legal problem at all. Please let me know if this is possible, and if it is, I request that we get it underway quickly. There is no time to lose. (BTW- I am in Afghanistan. There is not much I can here, but when I return to the USA in Sept 2009, I would be more than glad to get directly involved. Charles E. Martin
=============================
Here is a "template" of how a program could be operated:


-A service set up, similar to what was done by lodges and Grand Lodges in the 1930's, and what Kentucky ran right up into the 1980's. -The Grand Lodge will serve as a "coordinator", and advisor to individual lodges (and Masonic districts). Districts/lodges will be offered the opportunity to participate in the program at their own discretion.

-The service will exist to assist Brother Masons (and their wives/widows/dependents) in all phases of seeking employment. The service will be open to assist the general public, and any individual who applies for help. Guidance and advice will be offered to anyone on a non-discriminatory basis.

-The service will primarily consist of counseling and providing advice in guidance in helping individuals conduct their own job search. The Grand Lodge will NOT go out and find jobs for participants.

-The service will be educational in nature. Clients will be advised in the methodology of how to seek work in the internet age. Assistance will be provided in how to prepare both a traditional paper resume, and how to prepare an electonic internet resume. Clients will be coached in how to seek work on the internet, and in the print "want ads", as well as other traditional job-seeking venues. Clients will be coached and critiqued in how to obtain interviews, and how to dress, how to answer interview questions, etc.

-The program will be staffed by volunteers. The Grand Lodge can provide office space, administrative assistance, and logistical help.

-District Deputy grand Masters, will be asked to select an employment coordinator in each district, and/or in each lodge that chooses to participate in the program.

-When a mason (or dependent/widow) or anyone who asks for help, needs employment assistance, the district/lodge employment coordinator will assist the applicant, in all aspects of the employment search process, including seeking help from other government agencies (the state employment service).

-Individual companies will be advised of the program, and offered guidance in how to get job openings distributed to individuals who are seeking work. This could be done through the operation of an internet page, run by the Grand Lodge. Non-government organizations have been providing individuals with employment search assistance, with programs exactly like this for many years, with absolutely no objections from any government agency, or any fear of lawsuit. As long as the assistance is offered to anyone who applies, and the help is provided in an educational and advisory capacity, there is no problem. There is absolutely no danger of being in violation of any federal or state laws, nor of any conflict with equal employment and equal pay legislation.

The USA is now in the worst recession that has occured in the last 70 years. See:http://www.manufacturing.net/article.aspx?id=183252I am going to run this proposal past an attorney friend back in Virginia. I am confident that a program run this way, will pass all legal muster. And you can be sure that any Grand Lodge will check it out thoroughly before they get involved.

Been off the blog for too long

I apologize, that I have not made any new entries for some time. I got back to Salerno safely, and I was told to leave for another mission to Orgun-E. I went there last October. Then I was informed to go to Forward Operating Base Boris. I went down to see about a chopper flight, and I have been trying to get a flight for three weeks. I finally got out today (29 Jan 2009).

I have been assigned permanently to Bagram Air Base. When I return to Salerno (After this mission) I will collect my gear, and fly to Bagram. I would really much rather stay at Salerno. I have a bed, with a mattress and sheets. I am in a tent, but it is more than adequate.

I will be on a cot, with no privacy at all at Bagram. The base is an anthill, way too many people for the square mileage. It takes forever to get any where.

Anyway, I am at Boris. I got some decent quarters, and the chow hall is adequate, but not Class 1. The chow hall has three meals per day, instead of the two per day served at FOB Tillman. There is a decent Rec Center, where I can use their computers for my work.

Leaving Tillman

Well, the work is not done here. But there is a shortage of helicopters, and as the winter weather closes in, there will be fewer flights. So I am leaving Tillman tonight, I cannot say that I am sad to leave here, fact is , it will be good to get back to my home base, and clean sheets, and some privacy. Also the chow hall at Salerno is Class1, with three meals perday. Also I have two months of mail waiting on me, back at Salerno.

The work is not finished here. There is a hassle with one of the power supplies. I do not like to leave a base, where there is a problem.

I have been getting some more comments on the blog posts. I am always glad to get comments, 99.9% of them are very positive. Since I changed the "open comments" policy, the comments got much more positive.

Some individuals have offered to send personal care items and snacks for the troops. For this I am grateful. I take the items down to the Rec Hall, and give them out to the troops. I was at a small base, that did not have any soap, and I collected a couple of soap bars at the Rec Hall one time.

It still amazes me, how much these guys like beef jerky. Personally, I cant stand the stuff. Also, I am amazed at how many of these guys dip snuff and use smokeless tobacco. I cannot think of a more disgusting habit, and it destroys your teeth and gums. Live and let live, though.

I am not glad to be flying at night. I have to wait outside in the cold for an hour on the flight line, then I have to fly in a helicopter, with the back door wide open, and the wind whooshing through the passenger compartment. By the time I get back to Salerno, it will be almost sunrise. Then I have to crawl into the bed, and try to sleep.

Sunday night

Wrapped up the work here at Forward Operating Base Tillman. What a miserable and lonely place! I am very anxious to clear out, and return to my home base. I am going to have to fly back to FOB Orgun-E for an installation. When I get there, I may be stuck there for some days or weeks.

The sun came out, and the small volume of snow melted away, leaving the base a sticky mud-hole. I had chicken with penne pasta for dinner. I am appalled at the way soldiers waste food. Truck drivers risk their lives, to bring the supplies here, and then the soldiers pile the food on their trays, and then throw so much of it away. I say, take all you want, but eat all you take.

Physically, I am much better over the past couple of days. The medicine that I got from the Army doctors cleared me right up. The high altitude and the thin air, is still taking some getting used to. I have to walk a lot here, and the rough gravel works like torture on my feet. I have a new set of combat boots, but they are wearing out fast.

The ice froze out the satellite dish last night. On Saturday, the Army TV station broadcasts an episode of classic "Star Trek", and I like to watch the shows. The ice melted off the satellite dish, and I was able to watch some TV this afternoon. There are some new movies being released this spring, and I would like to see some of them. When I get back to the USA, I will go to the movies a lot!

It is now after 10pm here on the roof of the world. I think I will watch some CNN news, and then call it a night.

3 Jan 2008 Still at FOB Tillman

Wrapping up the work. It is cold and snow flurries. Just enough to make the whole base sticky and muddy. With luck, I can get out of here soon.

If anyone wants to donate personal care items to the soldiers, you can send the items to me, and I will pass along the items to the troops. The guys are nuts about smokeless tobacco (I can't stand the stuff), also beef jerky and chocolate. Soap, toothpaste, razors, etc. are also highly prized. If anyone is interested, please send your donations to:

Charles E. Martin
BETTS-C Project
FOB Salerno
APO AE 09314

On behalf of America's finest, I thank you!!

At Forward Operating Base Tillman

Well, after almost a month at FOB Orgun-E, we finally got a chopper ride to FOB Tillman. I tell you, this place is bleak. The team leader got into a heated discussion with the base commander, and I wanted to fall into a hole! One thing I learned, since I have been working here in Afghanistan and Iraq, is you gotta "play nice" with the Army. Especially junior officers! Put a pair of captain's bars on a man, he thinks he is God almighty.

I got a shower, I was able to scrounge a bar of soap, from the Air Force. I am getting some scale and crud on my toes, so I scrubbed my feet until they were raw. I also got a close shave, with an old razor, and brushed my teeth vigorously. I want to keep my teeth for many years, I have spent a blue fortune on crowns and dental work, I try to keep my gums healthy, they are about the only part of my mouth that is natural!

The chow hall here is primitive, and all the cooks are Army, no foreign nationals or USA civilians. Tonight, they had polish sausages and sauerkraut. I got a huge portion, and ate it all up. (I did not get breakfast nor lunch today). They also had Dr. Pepper in the fridge, I have not had a Dr. Pepper in over a year. I will have to do without Baskin-Robbins for the time being.

My bed has a real mattress! After over a month of sleeping on a military cot, a real mattress, what luxury. It is strange what people find important at the roof of the world. Decent food, a decent bed, hot water in the shower, is about all takes to be happy here!

Stuck at ORGUN-E

Got up this morning at 0700am, to get a chopper ride. Waited for some hours, but found out the chopper ride was cancelled. So I went back to the barracks, and unpacked my stuff, and fell asleep on the cot. I will be stuck here through Christmas.

It is not so bad here. The Chow Hall is excellent. Tonight, I had excellent prime rib, with Bernaise Sauce, lobster tails, and fried scallops, and bread dressing. For dessert, I had a fruit smoothie. It is the only way I can get fruit, is if it is pureed.

It was beautiful today, sunshine, about 60. There is plenty of hot water in the shower, but I only shower every two days. I like being clean-shaven, but I do not like shaving.

I found a three-pound Claxton fruit cake, and ate it all up! I love fruitcake, people make jokes about fruitcake at Christmas, but I like it. I also found some chocolate, and Reeses peanut butter cups!

The Rec Hall computers are fine, very fast connection. I watch some TV, today I watched "It's a wonderful life" with Jimmy Stewart. Two days ago, I watched "White Christmas", with Bing Crosby. There will be holiday films on for the next couple of days.

I will just have to wait for a chopper!

Ten reasons NOT to become a Freemason

The Top Ten Reasons *NOT* to become a Freemason.
(1) You have too many friends. Let’s face it, you have so many friends you can’t imagine trying to juggle any more. Half of the time these so called ‘friends’ are more trouble than they are worth; constantly inviting you to social events, inquiring about the health of your family and personal life, and offering their wisdom and guidance. Sometimes a man just needs to be alone.

(2) You like to lie, cheat, and steal. The reality of the situation is that you are good at what you do. You know how to tell people what they want to hear and have never found a situation where a lie, or half-truth, wouldn’t offer you some advantage. The thought of joining an institution that requires you to be ‘square’ and honest in all of your dealings with your fellow man is fundamentally contrary to your character.

(3) You are a nonconformist. You hate every fad, trend, or anything that anyone else is doing in the world. You are so much of a non-conformist that that your are literally a conformist to the non-conformist lifestyle. How could you be a ‘joiner’ of a club and follow their rules? Even if you consider that these are rules you completely agree with, you would still be ‘joining’ something and conforming to a particular code of ethics. This action would be so contrary to your personal identity that you could never join a group that limits its membership to men of good character and encourages them to live their lives by the highest standards of morality.

(4) You are a stingy bastard. The fact of the matter is that you worked hard for your money and see absolutely no reason to spend one penny of it to help anyone else. Senior Citizens, burn victims, children with birth defects, widows, orphans, youth, all deadbeats. Not only do they not deserve any support or help, there is nothing you would get out of either. In fact, even if all they want from you is some of your time, who has that any more either?

(5) You are a religious fundamentalist and believe the dogma of your faith is the only one true path to salvation. You believe that your only duty in this world is to convert other human beings to your faith, or **** them to hell if you fail. You have no room for 'so called' religious tolerance, and this idiotic ideal of ‘freedom of religion’ is a liberal commie plot by those pot-spoking hippies in the American Revolution.

(6) You are a material reductionist. You believe that there is no such thing as God. Not Spinoza’s God and not any one definition will suffice. You believe that anyone stupid enough to believe in a God is a damnable idiot. You believe that the Universe is a Netwonian tick-tock world of billiard ball atoms and molecules, that there was no big-bang, and that human consciousness is a random glitch in the random process of selfish-gene evolution. You believe that life itself is meaningless and serves no higher purpose beyond self-gratification.

(7) You hate the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. You think the American Revolution, and the Enlightment in general, was a scam. You believe the world ran better when men were uneducated, lived in fear of religious persecution, under Monarchies, dictatorships, and that free thought was a concept reserved for dreaming kittens, not the working class of a society. You do not believe all men are created equal, nor do they have the right to pursue happiness. You do not believe in justice, liberty, equality, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, or any form of representative government. Since these are all of the core tenets of Freemasonry, established by Freemasons in the American Revolution, there can be no doubt that this institution would disagee with you most heartedly.

(8) You are too busy. Once again, let’s face it. You have too much TV to watch. You have a two hour commute every day. You have soccer practice, swim-team, World of Warcraft, XBOX, Playstation, and many other critical demands on your time. In fact, it is completely outside of your power to change your schedule and priorties to engage in social interaction with your community. You don’t know who the people are in your community and have no reason to become involved. It is literally impossible for you to ‘make time’, ‘shift priorities’, or re-evaluate for yourself just what really is important in life. You have a job to go to, you have a video game to play, and Netflix and Tivo to get caught up on. How in the world could you attend five, six, ten meetings a year? How could you go to a charity fund raiser or support a youth group? This is all simply crazy talk at this point.

(9) You hate tradition and history. Tradition is stupid. History is stupid. We are in the modern world now. There is nothing worth preserving. Not buildings and, certainly not, oral traditions. Does it matter that a tradition has been around in human civilization for hundreds (if not thousands) of years? Not one bit! Let it die! Remember when people used to try to only speak Latin in the Latin quarter in Paris? What fools! Remember when your Grandfather, Uncles, and other relatives were involved in Masonry? What a bunch of old doddering fools. Why would you want to sustain and support an anachronistic, outdated, and pointless ritualistic ceremony that has long since outlived its purpose? In today’s society there is no point in carying on a tradition such as this, or any other.

(10) You have no intention of ‘improving’ yourself. You are perfect just the way you are, in every way possible. There is nothing you could do to improve your social skills in public speaking, mentoring youth, charitable service, making conversation, or keeping your mind sharp. Your character is impeccable and there is nothing you could do to make it any better than it is today. Were you to join Freemasonry you would merely have to teach others the great skills you already posses, thus making the entire exercise pointless.__________________

Fri afternoon

Still stuck at ORGUN-E. Cold, damp, muddy, lonely. I got an interesting e-mail, asking about life here. ORGUN-E is about average for a mid-size camp in Afghanistan.

There is a gym, about average.
The Chow Hall is KBR run, decent food. Every Friday there is grilled steak and crab legs/lobster tails.
There is satellite TV in the Recreation center. There are computers and phones in the Rec Center. I do not thnk there is any wireless internet on this post.

We got our first snowfall, just enough to make everything all muddy. It is about 200 yards to the shower, so I only shower every two days. Laundry is a two-day turn around.

I will just wait until I can get a chopper ride.

Sunday afternoon

Sunday afternoon. COLD here in Orgun-E. The chow hall served polish sausage and potatos tonight. I walked out of the chow hall, and it was very dark. The moon is at its closest point to the earth in 21 years, and the full moon is now on. When the moon rises, it is spectacular.

I am waiting for a chopper flight, it may be another week here, before one can be had. What a hassle. In the meantime, it is just wait for the chopper.

I am reading James Michener's "Hawaii", and also "Space". I watch TV, I got a lot of football last week, all the football I can stand. I wish the military TV had more educational programs, and A&E, and history,etc.

I am glad that I brought enough clothes. Snow is expected soon. At least I have thick boots, and walking on the gravel does not hurt my feet so much.

I am still getting over a cold. I cough up a lot of mucus, and my chest is sore from all the coughing. I got some tablets from the Army doctor, and they help.

Interesting E-Mail

I get some interesting comments:


I have just red your blog and I can't wait to see that movie. I like the movies on that theme. I watched National treasure part I and II but I didn't like the idea that everything is in USA.
I'm strongly convinced that many masonic secrets i.e. "treasure" is hidden in all the members who are dispersed throughout whole the world and everyone carries a little piece of that "treasure" which for me is not a phisical one but spiritual.
I don't know how do you see this things.

Ill but recovering

This past week, I have been sicker than at any previous time overseas. I picked up some lung crud, and it has knocked me right down. I am at Forward Operating Base Orgun-E. I arrived here on Monday, (it is now Sunday night). I have been coughing and hacking, and delivering all kinds of mucus. I went to see the Army doctor, and he said, a lot of this is going around. When you live in a group living environment, you share all of your germs with everyone in your barracks.

I am sleeping on a cot, with a sleeping bag. The barracks is COLD, and this does not help my illness. The last two nights, I fell asleep on the sofa in the Recreation hall, at least it is warm here. I could not eat any solid food on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, I went to the chow hall, and had some gumbo. I also drank a strawberry/banana smoothie. My diet here is a train wreck, and with the small amount of fruits and vegetables, my immune system has taken a nose dive.

I only take a shower every two days. It is so cold, you do not sweat. I was taking a shower, and I lost control of my bowels, fortunately I was able to clean it all up. If you are going to have an accident like that, the best place to be is in the shower.

All I can do is take the tablets, I got from the Army doctor, and rest up.

The decline in Membership in Masonry- and what we can do about it.

Here is the state-by-state breakdown as of the end of 2007:(This data is for the mainstream lodges, and does not include Prince Hall, or any other Masonic group, nor co-Masonry) http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/phpn...ews.php?uid=1052007 is the last year, in which statistics are available. We can be assured that 2008, will be worse. Only Delaware and Massachusetts showed any increase. The numbers are B-A-D. Not shown here, is the average age of Masons, which is creeping upward every year. We can take some solace, is that some Grand Lodges are addressing the problem. The Masonic Renewal Task Force ( http://www.masonic-renewal.org ) has been developing literature, programs, and plans to reverse the decline. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, won the Nobel Peace Prize. Her organization has a rule, it is forbidden to say the word "problem". You must say "gift", instead. I think that Masonry should take a lesson from this soon-to-be Saint. If we are serious about reversing the trend, and keeping Masonry (and the appendant bodies) healthy in the 21st century, we need to look on the trend as a gift and act accordingly. I am appalled that every lodge in the USA does not have a website. They can be had for FREE, so there is no excuse why every lodge does not have one. The quality of the Grand Lodge websites varies all over the map. Some are excellent, some are mediocre, some are an embarrassment to Masonry. Every grand Lodge website should be state-of-the-art, with precise instructions on how to petition Freemasonry, how to locate the nearest lodge to your residence, a sample petition, that can be downloaded, etc. We live in the internet age, and the first knock on our West Gate, is most often an electronic knock. Every Grand Lodge should have a toll-free number, for information, so that individuals who are interested in Masonry can call in! Every lodge should be having regular "open houses", where the lodge is open to the public. People can visit, get a cup of coffee, obtain literature on Masonry, and learn about the Craft. Massachusetts has two (2) statewide open houses every year. EVERY lodge in the entire state is open on a Saturday morning. The event is publicized on statewide media (The Boston TV stations and newspapers are state-wide). People visit the lodges, some lodges have Ben Franklin impersonators, and music. Massachusetts had an increase in membership in 2007. HELLO!We can do other things. We should strive to keep all of our current membership active and participating. One way is through "Rusty Nail" nights. Virtually every Mason has male relatives, we should be looking to them as our new membership base. We should reach out to Masonic widows- They have sons and grandsons, who are our future membership.We should be pushing hard to have Masonic youth groups, especially DeMolay, in our communities. Over 90% of DeMolay graduates go on into the Masonic lodge, when they reach the age of Majority. The working tools, to save this Craft are in our hands. It will take courage, and hard work, and sweat, to get our craft growing again. Masons will have to "think outside the box", and apply new techniques and methodology, to get Masonry relevant to the 21st Century. We will have to have the backbone, to apply ideas and techniques from other organizations, and not be afraid to experiment. "The dogmas of the quiet past, are not relevant to the stormy present" - Abraham Lincoln"If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got' - Cromwell"It does not take a Majority to effect change. But an irate and tireless Minority, to light brush fires in people's minds" - Samuel Adams"We live in a world, in which the only constant is Change" - Heraclitus, Greek philosopher 4th century BC. --------------------

Not all churches are seeing a decline in membership. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons) are seeing an explosion of membership. This church, which started 170 years ago, in a farmhouse in upstate New York, now has over 12 million members. The LDS church sends out over 50,000 missionaries per year. They have a huge media program, to get their presence out in front of people, worldwide. There are many reasons why the Mormons are exploding. They have an extensive person-to-person outreach program. "Every member a Missionary", is one of their fundamental beliefs. Their public relations program is modern and state-of-the-art. Each new member is meant to feel special and welcome. They have a program, where every church member is visited in their homes on a monthly basis. The church has vibrant youth and women's programs. I call this a combination of "high-tech", and "high-touch". The church operates on a "local" basis, where every member can participate, with as much involvement as their situation permits. This "tailors" the church experience to the individual. The LDS retention rate, is around 95%. There was an obscure religious sect called the "Shakers". Their rules forbade any missionary work, any discussion of the religion with outsiders, and required strict celibacy for all members, including married members. The Shakers died out.Who do you think we should imitate? The Mormons or the Shakers?

New Film with Masonic theme

There is a new film soon to be released: "Brother's War". It is about two men, a British officer and a German Officer, who are Masons. Here is the link:

http://www.brotherswar.info/

The director, Tino Struckmann, is a Mason. I wrote him a fan letter, and he is sending a Director's Cut of the film to me here in Afghanistan.

Here is the letter:

it will be in the mail my brotherhell Id bring it myself if the military would let me;-) be safe out there tino
From: cemab4y@hotmail.comTo: tinostruckmann@hotmail.comSubject: RE: Brothers WarDate: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 00:51:17 -0500

Brother Struckmann, I am way too old and too fat for military service. I am a video systems engineer, working on a military project. This is my fourth contract in Afghanistan. I was in the Air Force 1973-1978. I am certain that all of the brothers would be delighted to see the film. If you wish to send a DVD, we will be more than grateful. My address: Charles E. MartinBETTS-C ProjectFOB SALERNOAPO AE 09314 My blog about masonry in Afghanistan and Iraq http://www.cemab4y.blogspot.com/ I cannot think of anything else I need at the moment. But I will give it some thought, and get back to YOU!!
From: tinostruckmann@hotmail.comTo: cemab4y@hotmail.comSubject: RE: Brothers WarDate: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 02:11:24 +0000


My brother I take it that you are sitting there because you are in the military? I spent 10 years in the ARMY, but now Im just sitting back here feeling bad Im not there! you send me an address and Ill send you a private screener of the film, and if there is anything else you need out there you just say the word fraternallytino struckmannJD Sunset Lodge 369 Santa Monica
From: cemab4y@hotmail.comTo: tinostruckmann@hotmail.comSubject: Brothers WarDate: Tue, 2 Dec 2008 11:33:34 -0500
.

Your film looks fantastic. When can we expect a DVD release? I am on a mountaintop in Afghanistan, and I cannot get to a cinema, for some months!! I am a Freemason. I keep a blog about Freemasonry in Afghanistan and Iraq, we have lodges here at the "roof of the world." Keep in touch!!

Arrived at Orgun-E base

Got up at 0700am. Got to flight line at 0800am. waited until 12noon to fly out to Orgun-E. I arrived here, and I am in the transient barracks. Army cot, six men to a room. There is nothing to do , because there is no equipment here. We will wait until Friday, and then fly on to FOB Tillman.

Decent chow hall here. I ate roast beef and fried fish for lunch. The chow hall is run by civilian contractors from KBR (Houston Tex corporation). The Army is pretty much out of the food service business, no more "KP" for the soldiers. It costs a lot to bring US civilians here to do the cooking, but that is how it is.

There are many Afghans working on this base. I do not trust them. Anyone could be carrying a bomb, they could put ground glass in the food. They all report back to their friends where they are, and they could be providing information to the terrorists.

Sometimes, I tell myself, there has got to be a better way to make a living!

Additional policy on comments

I need to explain the policy on comments more fully. Here it is:

There will be NO criticism of Freemasonry, nor of the appendant and concordant bodies of Freemasonry on this board. This policy is absolute, and non-negotiable. Any individual who attempts to post any comments that are derogatory, will find those comments deleted.

I will be more than glad to discuss any aspect of Freemasonry, with any serious inquirer. The purpose of this blog, is to serve as a personal log, of my experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, both professionally, and with respect to Masonry.

My policy on comments

I welcome comments on my postings. I have a very liberal policy, and I publish nearly all comments received, both pro and con. Most posters use their real name (or handle). Some individuals choose to post anonymously.

I will post all comments that I deem appropriate. Racist, vulgar, and obscene remarks will not be published. Libelous and slanderous remarks will not be published. Anonymous comments will be published, if and only if the comments will be of interest to the readers of this blog.

When I first started the blog, I had an "open comments" policy and all comments were published. The comments quickly got obscene and racist, so I had to begin moderating comments.

I will not publish any comments that are in any way opposed to Masonry, and the appendant and concordant bodies of Masonry. There are many other venues for people to vent their spleens about Masonry. Do not waste time, telling me that Masonry is "pagan" or "satanic".

So- Keep it on point, or else.

About Masonry

I received an anonymous comment:

"Masonry is so fantastic, and I have always enjoyed it, no matter where I am."What, exactly, is so "fantastic"? BY the language and tone you use to express yourself, it would sound as if Masonry is a festivity.What, exactly, is so "fantastic"? How are you "participating," and what exactly does "participating" mean? "

This is an interesting posting, and it sounds like the individual is interested in Masonry. I have lived all over the world- Germany, Mozambique, France, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan. I have worked from Maine to California. I enjoy Masonry, in virtually every place on earth. My participation varies- some locales have no organized lodges. I attended a German-speaking lodge in France, and I attended a Russian-speaking lodge in Moscow. Anywhere on this planet, I am welcomed as a brother.

Is Masonry a "festivity"? Well, in some instances it is. Many lodges have a "festive board" which is where they serve refreshments. This can be anything from barbecue sandwiches on paper plates, to a four-star gourmet meal, served in a Paris restaurant. To fellowship with good and decent men, from many economic and social backgrounds, is indeed a festivity.

The level of participation varies widely, depending on my personal situation and the means available to participate in Masonry. I lived in Columbus, Ohio for one year. While there, I went to Masonic lodge meetings only a couple of times. I did however, participate in the Shrine. I was in five Shrine clubs, and president of one of them. I was doing some Shrine activity every weekend.

I lived in Al Asad, Iraq for one year and four months. There was no working lodge there, but I did start a Masonic "Square and Compasses Club" ,where we met twice a month, and discussed Masonry, and we fellowshipped. We did not do any degree work in the club, but we did assist several of the Marines and civilians, with locating lodges back in the USA, so that they could pursue Masonry, upon their return.

When I return to the the USA in 2010, I intend to participate in Freemasonry, and the appendant bodies. I will join a lodge near my residence (Alexandria, VA), and I will participate in the Alexandria Scottish Rite Valley (chapter). I also intend to re-activate my Shrine membership. I was made a Shriner, at Kena Shrine Center in Fairfax VA in 1988, and I have always had a fond memory of the Shrine there. (The Shrine is NOT a Masonic organization, but it is a a club of men who are Masons.)

I also plan to establish an "affinity lodge". I want to set up a "Lodge of the Arts" patterned after a similar lodge in Seattle, Washington. I plan to set up a lodge that meets on Saturdays at noon. We will stress education in the arts, and the arts in education. We will hold fund-raisers, and support various arts programs in the Northern Virginia area.

Masonry is like the "ink-blot" test you take in the psychologists' office. You see in it what you want to see. If you wish to learn more about Masonry, and how much fun it is, I suggest you contact your nearest Masonic lodge.

Saturday night

I will never get used to this country. Today it was fair and pleasant. Warm enough to wear short pants. I have been through two winters in Afghanistan, and believe me, they are cold. I have to fly up to FOB Tillman, and do an installation, then fly on to Orgun-E. I spent ten days at Orgun-E in October 2007. What a dump. No quarters for transients, and I had to sleep on a cot. A decent chow hall. The Chaplain there was terrific, plenty of free time, we would chat about various stuff.

Went to the chow hall for lunch, could not look at the food. No appetite at all. I just got a small spoonful of spaghetti, with some meat sauce, drank a soda, and ate a cookie. Went back to the tent, and watched a couple of movies. One good thing about this job, is that you are traveling a lot, and you do not have to spend much time with any one person.

When I worked in Iraq, I had my own trailer, a 75 foot paradise, wall to wall carpet, and cable TV. Shower house next door. fabulous. Here I am in a tent , and it is 200 yards to the shower house, and then climb up the stairs.

I would like to participate in Masonry in this country, but the opportunities are not there. Most of the FOBs (Forward Operating Bases) have no lodge, and the few lodges that are operating here, are not recognized by Kentucky. I see no reason to antagonize anyone. I have never attended a clandestine lodge, and I never will. If I go and have a plate of fried chicken with some American heroes, someone will "fink" on me. Best to just leave Masonry alone in Afghanistan.

I intend to participate very much, when I return to the USA. I want to get back in the Shrine as well. Masonry is so fantastic, and I have always enjoyed it, no matter where I am. I wish the Grand Lodge of New York would issue a charter for LSA#1, but the Grand Lodge of New York doesn't even answer my mail.

Saturday

Took some muscle relaxers to help me sleep. They helped, I had a peaceful night. Got up this morning, and had a peanut butter sandwich, using the bread that I made in the bread machine. I am still sore from falling down, lips first in the gravel. My knee had about 5 square inches of skin scraped off, and my left shoulder is bruised. I hit that gravel square on the lips, and my upper lip is sore.

I have been watching some educational video disks, I sure like to study about the American West, and the pioneers. I have a mini-series of John Adams, on the way, I like to study the American Revolution as well. I am reading a book about the war in the pacific "Eagle against the Sun". I lived in Germany 1976-1978, and I visited many of the WW2 battlefield sites, like Bastogne. I used to have my hair cut, by a former SS tank commander, who fought in the Battle of Stalingrad.

The WW2 battles in the pacific are fascinating. This conflict here in Afghanistan, will intensify. I think the new administration, will not pull us out overnight.

Back at Salerno

I was able to secure a seat on a C-130 flight back to Salerno (My home base). I was carrying my luggage, and wearing my helmet and flak jacket. While walking back to my tent, I tripped on a cable, and went flying down, face first into the gravel. I smashed my knee and shoulder, and tore some skin off my knee. I went mouth-first into the gravel, and my lips are sore.  I do not have enough strength to even go get a shower. I am going to rest, and try to get some strength back in my knee, so I can walk. I am going to see the medics tomorrow.
 
More Later!

---

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Stuck at Bagram

Unable to get on a chopper yesterday. Next flight maybe Friday, so I will sign up on Thursday. With luck, I can get back to my home base of Salerno Friday. I sure need some clean clothes. At least here, I have a decent bed, and a good chow hall. All I can do is "cool my heels"!!

Stuck at Bagram air base

I have been stuck here at Bagram air base. I am flying to Salerno, my home base, as soon as I am able.

Thursday

Cool last night. Bright and Sunny this morning. My co-workers got more mail today. I got a video disk yesterday. Lunch today was pretty awful. I was not in the mood for meatloaf or turkey wings. I got a cheeseburger and a bowl of chili. I ordered a bread machine, it is on the way. We will have fresh homemade bread every day.

This election is interesting, I admit that I am hooked on politics.

Daylight savings time runs out in the USA this weekend. Afghanistan keeps the same time year round. I will have to wait another hour before I can call anyone in the USA. It looks like it is going to be a cold winter here in Afghanistan.

Monday 27 Oct

Had a good weekend. Generally quiet. For the last two nights, the Afghans have gone out at night, and shouted and hollered, in high-pitched voices. It sounds like Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds". EEK-EEK-EEK. This is a strange country.

Went to church on Sunday. It fascinates me, that there is so little church attendance here. With soldiers facing death, and the boredom of this isolated post, you would figure that there would be more church attendance. It is said "there are no atheists in foxholes". Maybe there are more atheists in the Army than you would realize.

I got some mail this morning. A package of jelly beans from Jelly Belly, and some soap and toiletries from drugstore.com. I ordered some additional snacks from netgrocer.com and some items from a middle eastern grocer as well. I like to eat stuffed grape leaves and olives. When I lived in Saudi in 1991, I got hooked on "hummus" which is crushed chickpea paste, the peanut butter of the mideast. I ordered some cans of hummus.

The work goes on. I will be very busy in the future.

Friday afternoon

Got up and went to the chow hall. They were serving meat loaf, and jagerschnitzel. I decided to have canned ravioli. Tonight, the chow hall will serve TBones and fried shrimp. If four-star cuisine is what you like, then FOB Salerno is not the place. I will be getting busier, from now on. Life here is all right, but I miss Iraq. The quality of life is just better in Mesopotamia.

I am anxious to get back to the USA, we get a break every four months. Frankly, I will enjoy it.

Setting the record straight.

It is a matter of public record, that I am suspended from the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. This suspension is for a period of one year, and it expires April 2009. I intend to be reinstated at this time. Since I am up on a mountaintop in Afghanistan, where there is no Masonry, this is not a real sacrifice.

I graduated from Western Kentucky University in June 1983. I completed 197 undergraduate hours, and completed all of the requirements for my degree. This is also a matter of public record.

I am working in Afghanistan, on an unclassified project. I work with a team of installers, installing video cameras and infrared cameras. I also assist in training soldiers on how to use the equipment. My job title is "New Equipment Training Officer". I prefer not to list the name of my employer on this blog.

I am not interested in being any kind of a "savior". But I am very interested in Masonry, and I intend to keep studying the Craft, and keeping tabs on the state of Masonry, back in the USA, and overseas. One of the tenets of our Fraternity is Truth. I only tell the truth on this blog, I have no reason to post anything that is false. If anyone finds a posting here, that is not truthful, please leave a comment, pointing out my mistake, or email me directly. I will gladly publish any corrections.

9 Oct 2008

Been here on FOB Salerno for a week. It is DARK at night. The base requires all lights to be off. I have to carry a small flashlight, so I won't bump into concrete barricades. At least the cable TV is working properly. Tonight at the chow hall, there was a mongolian barbecue. You select vegetables like shredded green peppers and onions, and the cook stir-fries them with shredded beef, then you place it on rice. My diet is a train wreck here. At least my feet and ankles are toughening up some, getting used to the walking.

I turned in some laundry, and the laundry is supposed to process it, and I can get it back in one day. We shall see. Today, the main shower house was closed, so I went to the smaller shower house. I got a HOT shower, with plenty of soap. I am glad that there is HOT water here.

I still have not received any postal mail here. I should be getting some mail soon.

Why I became a Mason, and what I have received.

Your question is quite valid, and important. Nevertheless, it is difficult to answer. Men join the Gentle Craft for many reasons. Family tradition, is one. My father and both of my Grandfathers were masons, my uncle (deceased) was a 33rd degree Mason.

Masonry offers men many things, a chance to associate with good men from many different religious and educational backgrounds, fellowship, brotherhood, and a chance for self-improvement. While not a charitable organization, there are opportunities for charitable service. Masonry and the appendant organizations affiliated with Masonry, contribute about $2.6 million dollars per day, to various charitable and philanthropic causes in the USA.
I joined, because of my family tradition, but most especially because men I knew and respected were Masons. Most masons do not realize it, but they are the best advertising the Fraternity has.
During the last 26 years, I have received many things from Masonry. Camaraderie, instructions in ethics and morality, great frienships, and meeting some of the finest men I have ever known. I have sat in lodge in Paris France, with men who risked concentration camps for being Masons. I have sat in lodge in Moscow, Russia, with men who risked being sent to Siberia, for being Masons. I have attended lodge in the very room, where George Washington was made a Mason, in Fredericksburg Virginia.
Masonry enabled me to join the Shriners, and I have transported children to our hospitals for medical treatment. I transported a child, who was born with spina bifida, and his family had no medical insurance. He had to have twenty operations before he was two years old. The costs exceeded one million dollars, and the Shriners paid the entire costs.
Different men receive different rewards from being Masons. We refer to these rewards, as the “wages of a Master Mason”. The wages vary with the individual, and his particular Masonic experience.
I am now assigned to a desolate mountaintop Army base, in Afghanistan. Myself, and the Masons here, are going to establish a traveling military lodge, and continue on with the Masonic tradition, here on the “roof of the world”. Dictators and tyrants have sought to crush Masonry, for centuries. Our lodge will meet, in the very face of terrorism, continuing on with the tradition of religious tolerance, and freedom.
Masonic lodges have met on US Army posts, since Valley Forge. Our lodge has met in the trenches of France in WW1, and on the battlefields of Germany in WW2. We met in Korea, and in the jungles of VietNam. Our lodge met in the desert of Iraq, and now we continue, here on this rocky escarpment, under the mortar fire of the very terrorists who planned the attacks on September 11, 2001.
Hope this answer is helpful to you.