Went to work this morning, 12noon. The chow hall served chicken fillets, and french fries, also chili. Supper was fried chicken, rice, green beans. I am eating so much less here, no ice cream, my belt is down two notches already.
I am running out of clean clothes, so I will do laundry tonight, when I get off work at midnite.
Work today was unusual. I had to go up on the elevator truck, and I get vertigo real bad. I guess that I will get used to it. I took a spray jar of soapsuds, and sprayed some inflated plastic, to check for leaks. I found some, and marked them with a felt tip pen. Tonight in the wind, I went out with adhesive and patches, and patched the pinhole leaks. Similar to patching a bicycle tire.
I am on garbage detail this week. Two days ago, I put on rubber gloves, and got on my knees, and scrubbed out the bathroom. This, after 5 1/2 years in college.
This is undoubtedly, the worst contract I have ever had.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Where Masonry stands in Iraq and Afghanistan
There is both good news, and bad news about Masonry in Iraq and Afghanistan. (I have been working in South-west Asia for six years). The bad news, is that after all these years, there is not one working F&AM lodge, chartered by any mainstream Grand Lodge, anywhere in South-West Asia. Not one.
There are a number of working Prince Hall lodges, operating on the various military bases in Iraq/Afghanistan. Most of these are chartered by MW Prince Hall Grand Lodges of Oklahoma and Texas. Victory Base Complex (Baghdad), has four working lodges, and two Eastern Star chapters, all Prince Hall affiliated.
The Grand Lodge of New York F&AM, holds the charter for Land, Sea, and Air Lodge #1 (UD). This lodge was first chartered in 1917 (World War I). The lodge was de-activated, and then brought back for WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and its most recent activation was Sep-Oct-Nov 2005. (Send me a PM, and I will send you the link). I volunteered to assist in the administration and activation of LSA#1, in November 2005. I had the traveling charter with me, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. In December 2005, the Grand Lodge of New York, directed me to return the charter to New York, so that it could be displayed in a museum in New York City. I was promised, that a new traveling charter would be issued, next year (2006). I never received a new charter.
If a military or civilian Mason, serving in this part of the world, wishes to participate in Freemasonry, the only route is through Prince Hall Masonry. If a man holds membership in a Grand Lodge, which does not recognize Prince Hall Masonry, he risks suspension or expulsion. If a man holds membership in more than one Grand Lodge, and all of his memberships are not in communication with Prince Hall Masonry, he risks suspension or expulsion.
There are a number of informal Masonic assemblies here in SWA. I started a “Masonic Square and Compasses Club”, at Al Asad. It was not a working lodge, just a bi-weekly meeting, where we would drink a soda, and fellowship.
The Grand Lodge of Nebraska F&AM, developed a program, to enable Masonry to be practiced in Iraq/Afghanistan. They produced a “Lodge in a box”, which included all of the working tools necessary for Craft Masonry, including a charter. They called these portable lodges “Swisher Kits”, named after the first Nebraska Freemason to be killed in Iraq. The program never got off the ground, because several Grand Lodges made it known, that they would not accept degree work, from any of these temporary lodges.
It has been a real disappointment to me, that I have been working in Iraq/Afghanistan since 2004, and I have never been able to attend a lodge meeting. I am also disappointed, that not one Grand Lodge in the USA, has shown any initiative to issue a traveling charter, for a military lodge in this part of the world.
“The opposite of love, is not hate. The opposite of love, is indifference"- Elie Wiesel. Nobel Prize winner, and holocaust survivor
There are a number of working Prince Hall lodges, operating on the various military bases in Iraq/Afghanistan. Most of these are chartered by MW Prince Hall Grand Lodges of Oklahoma and Texas. Victory Base Complex (Baghdad), has four working lodges, and two Eastern Star chapters, all Prince Hall affiliated.
The Grand Lodge of New York F&AM, holds the charter for Land, Sea, and Air Lodge #1 (UD). This lodge was first chartered in 1917 (World War I). The lodge was de-activated, and then brought back for WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and its most recent activation was Sep-Oct-Nov 2005. (Send me a PM, and I will send you the link). I volunteered to assist in the administration and activation of LSA#1, in November 2005. I had the traveling charter with me, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. In December 2005, the Grand Lodge of New York, directed me to return the charter to New York, so that it could be displayed in a museum in New York City. I was promised, that a new traveling charter would be issued, next year (2006). I never received a new charter.
If a military or civilian Mason, serving in this part of the world, wishes to participate in Freemasonry, the only route is through Prince Hall Masonry. If a man holds membership in a Grand Lodge, which does not recognize Prince Hall Masonry, he risks suspension or expulsion. If a man holds membership in more than one Grand Lodge, and all of his memberships are not in communication with Prince Hall Masonry, he risks suspension or expulsion.
There are a number of informal Masonic assemblies here in SWA. I started a “Masonic Square and Compasses Club”, at Al Asad. It was not a working lodge, just a bi-weekly meeting, where we would drink a soda, and fellowship.
The Grand Lodge of Nebraska F&AM, developed a program, to enable Masonry to be practiced in Iraq/Afghanistan. They produced a “Lodge in a box”, which included all of the working tools necessary for Craft Masonry, including a charter. They called these portable lodges “Swisher Kits”, named after the first Nebraska Freemason to be killed in Iraq. The program never got off the ground, because several Grand Lodges made it known, that they would not accept degree work, from any of these temporary lodges.
It has been a real disappointment to me, that I have been working in Iraq/Afghanistan since 2004, and I have never been able to attend a lodge meeting. I am also disappointed, that not one Grand Lodge in the USA, has shown any initiative to issue a traveling charter, for a military lodge in this part of the world.
“The opposite of love, is not hate. The opposite of love, is indifference"- Elie Wiesel. Nobel Prize winner, and holocaust survivor
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Saturday afternoon
I work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have our slow periods, but Thursday was awful. The food in the military dining hall is usually pretty good, but today was a loser. For lunch they had hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. I ate a bowl of Special K cereal. For lunch, it was shepherd's pie, shredded lamb with mashed potatoes on top. I ate a salad, with ranch dressing, and a bagel with cream cheese.
The nights are still cold in Afghanistan. I feel like I will never be clean again. This place is so dusty, and the garbage pit, where the garbage is burned produces smoke.
May 20, was the bloodiest day for dead soldiers in 2010. A contractor was killed at Bagram (I was stationed there for three months).
Today was not too bad, I drove the forklift truck, and moved some lumber and building supplies around. I also helped on a project, where we prepared a cable for shipment to the USA. I had to wear rubber gloves, and smear epoxy sealant on the work. I enjoyed it.
There was a new pair of boots that no one wanted, so I latched on to them myself.
Keep up with my progress on the blog!
The nights are still cold in Afghanistan. I feel like I will never be clean again. This place is so dusty, and the garbage pit, where the garbage is burned produces smoke.
May 20, was the bloodiest day for dead soldiers in 2010. A contractor was killed at Bagram (I was stationed there for three months).
Today was not too bad, I drove the forklift truck, and moved some lumber and building supplies around. I also helped on a project, where we prepared a cable for shipment to the USA. I had to wear rubber gloves, and smear epoxy sealant on the work. I enjoyed it.
There was a new pair of boots that no one wanted, so I latched on to them myself.
Keep up with my progress on the blog!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Saturday night in Zormat
The day started out quite beautiful. I got up, and walked down to the chow hall. The lunch was four tortillas, with ground beef, and salsa. I made a couple of enchiladas. I walked back to the office. The sky was clear and blue. The sky in Afghanistan can be quite spectacular.
I watched the TV screen for a while. Then I helped haul the balloon down. The sky looked a bit threatening.
Supper was unusual. The chow hall served meat loaf. It was little blocks of ground beef, about 2 inches per side. I ate some with strawberry soda.
Evening is quiet. When the balloon is down, there is little to do. My co-worker is refurbishing an old motorcycle. He also does some carpentry work. When the Army needs something sawed or cut, he is always there to volunteer.
I wish I had some leisure activity. I work 12 noon to 12 midnite, 7 days a week. When I get up in the morning, it is all I can do to, put my clothes on, and go to the office (about 100 yards away). This morning, there was some gunfire, the Army must test their big guns, so BOOM every 15 minutes or so.
Got my first paycheck with the overseas bonus. I got no serious issue with the pay. I am certainly no expert on this technology. What the hell do I know about balloons? And the weather? and how to spot wind drafts at 1000 feet? I feel like a real idiot, bending my neck back and staring at the sky.
I am only here for my in-country orientation, Then I will be transferred to another base. It will probably be another small base like this one. I just hope that all of their equipment is installed, I dread having to take a set of this equipment from the crates, and then installing everything.
I watched the TV screen for a while. Then I helped haul the balloon down. The sky looked a bit threatening.
Supper was unusual. The chow hall served meat loaf. It was little blocks of ground beef, about 2 inches per side. I ate some with strawberry soda.
Evening is quiet. When the balloon is down, there is little to do. My co-worker is refurbishing an old motorcycle. He also does some carpentry work. When the Army needs something sawed or cut, he is always there to volunteer.
I wish I had some leisure activity. I work 12 noon to 12 midnite, 7 days a week. When I get up in the morning, it is all I can do to, put my clothes on, and go to the office (about 100 yards away). This morning, there was some gunfire, the Army must test their big guns, so BOOM every 15 minutes or so.
Got my first paycheck with the overseas bonus. I got no serious issue with the pay. I am certainly no expert on this technology. What the hell do I know about balloons? And the weather? and how to spot wind drafts at 1000 feet? I feel like a real idiot, bending my neck back and staring at the sky.
I am only here for my in-country orientation, Then I will be transferred to another base. It will probably be another small base like this one. I just hope that all of their equipment is installed, I dread having to take a set of this equipment from the crates, and then installing everything.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday night in Zormat
Like the film "Ground Hog Day", this place never changes. I work from 12 noon to 12 midnite. We have busy periods, and slow periods. Today, I took an air compressor, and blew the dust out of the air conditioner. Somehow, the filters were installed backwards. I cleaned the same air conditioner last week, and the filters were installed properly.
I had to assist in filling the balloon with more helium today. It was interesting, to haul the hoses, and assist. We brought the balloon down, and it was about my fifth time here, helping on a down-haul. I am getting the hang of it, I wish was more expert.
After completing the re-fill, I helped hang some protective blankets on the balloon platform. The blankets are industrial plastic, with metal fillings, imagine a bullet-proof vest that is 20 square feet. The blankets are heavy, I strained by hands, holding them.
I am charged with garbage removal, and it is amazing, how much garbage 6 men can generate. I collect it during the day, and then at 1000pm, I haul it to the base dump, to be burned.
I don't know if I can stand 12 months in this dump. I am at Zormat for training, and then I will be pushed on to another base. It will probably be a small forward operating base, like here. If it is really terrible, I will have to re-think my employment situation. There are a lot of jobs in the USA, they do not pay so much money, and they do not have the tax-free status of overseas work.
Food here is about what I expected. I was in the chow hall at 1130, exactly when they open up. For lunch, there was chicken nuggets, cold, and french fries, also cold. I ate some, and they felt like lead bricks in my gut.
Dinner was good roast beef. Thoroughly marbled and stringy, with big globs of fat hanging off it. Also mashed potatoes and peas and carrots. A decent salad, also. Dessert was sara lee pecan pie, and M&M candies.
Back to the office after dinner, slow today. I did a cross word puzzle and a cryptogram. This base is entirely gravel. The rocks do a job on my feet, I must wear combat boots. Someone left a brand new pair of boots in the office, so I decided to "glom" them. ("glom" is a Yiddish word for "take"). I used to live with a Jewish woman, and she taught me a bunch of Yiddish words.
I had to assist in filling the balloon with more helium today. It was interesting, to haul the hoses, and assist. We brought the balloon down, and it was about my fifth time here, helping on a down-haul. I am getting the hang of it, I wish was more expert.
After completing the re-fill, I helped hang some protective blankets on the balloon platform. The blankets are industrial plastic, with metal fillings, imagine a bullet-proof vest that is 20 square feet. The blankets are heavy, I strained by hands, holding them.
I am charged with garbage removal, and it is amazing, how much garbage 6 men can generate. I collect it during the day, and then at 1000pm, I haul it to the base dump, to be burned.
I don't know if I can stand 12 months in this dump. I am at Zormat for training, and then I will be pushed on to another base. It will probably be a small forward operating base, like here. If it is really terrible, I will have to re-think my employment situation. There are a lot of jobs in the USA, they do not pay so much money, and they do not have the tax-free status of overseas work.
Food here is about what I expected. I was in the chow hall at 1130, exactly when they open up. For lunch, there was chicken nuggets, cold, and french fries, also cold. I ate some, and they felt like lead bricks in my gut.
Dinner was good roast beef. Thoroughly marbled and stringy, with big globs of fat hanging off it. Also mashed potatoes and peas and carrots. A decent salad, also. Dessert was sara lee pecan pie, and M&M candies.
Back to the office after dinner, slow today. I did a cross word puzzle and a cryptogram. This base is entirely gravel. The rocks do a job on my feet, I must wear combat boots. Someone left a brand new pair of boots in the office, so I decided to "glom" them. ("glom" is a Yiddish word for "take"). I used to live with a Jewish woman, and she taught me a bunch of Yiddish words.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Saturday night in Zormat
Fairly pleasant day here in Zormat. The guys decided to grill some burgers, and I had two, and they were delicious. The weather was clear, so we flew the balloon for some hours. In the afternoon, we hauled it down. I am getting more practice with raising and lowering the balloon.
Dinner tonight, was cajun rice, and fish fillets in spicy sauce. I ate some salad. I could really use some decent desserts. I will lose weight here, I always do.
Biggest hassle, is the depression. I am working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. When I get off at midnight, all I can do, is go back to the trailer, and try to sleep. I get up around 1100am, and get dressed. The dining hall opens at 1130, so I eat, and the get to work at 1200noon.
Summer is coming to Afghanistan. At least I will not freeze, working outside.
Dinner tonight, was cajun rice, and fish fillets in spicy sauce. I ate some salad. I could really use some decent desserts. I will lose weight here, I always do.
Biggest hassle, is the depression. I am working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. When I get off at midnight, all I can do, is go back to the trailer, and try to sleep. I get up around 1100am, and get dressed. The dining hall opens at 1130, so I eat, and the get to work at 1200noon.
Summer is coming to Afghanistan. At least I will not freeze, working outside.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Three days on the site
I am at Zormat, Afghanistan. Possibly the bleakest outpost I have been assigned to since I have been working in Iraq/Afghanistan. I flew in by chopper, on May 1. I have a decent trailer, clean and quiet. One other man is in the trailer, he works 12 midnite to 12 noon. I work 12 noon to 12 midnite, so I have the trailer all to myself when I am off duty.
This is a rough assignment. I have to learn new technology, I work the balloon. I also work the electronics and cameras. I never even saw a balloon until 13 April in Akron Ohio. I now must be proficient in operations.
I also have to learn how to work on a lift-truck. Today,I drove the lift-truck around the camp, and ran the elevator up 40 feet. I am not used to heights. We were caught in a cloudburst, and I was soaked, the rain was like needles. We brought it down, and I got in out of the rain, and changed my clothing.
I enjoy hearing from readers, if you have anything you wish to comment on, please feel free.
Charles E. Martin
Forward Operating Base Zormat
Afghanistan
This is a rough assignment. I have to learn new technology, I work the balloon. I also work the electronics and cameras. I never even saw a balloon until 13 April in Akron Ohio. I now must be proficient in operations.
I also have to learn how to work on a lift-truck. Today,I drove the lift-truck around the camp, and ran the elevator up 40 feet. I am not used to heights. We were caught in a cloudburst, and I was soaked, the rain was like needles. We brought it down, and I got in out of the rain, and changed my clothing.
I enjoy hearing from readers, if you have anything you wish to comment on, please feel free.
Charles E. Martin
Forward Operating Base Zormat
Afghanistan
Friday, April 30, 2010
in Afghanistan
I flew from Fort Benning GA, to Ali Al Saleem, Kuwait. I stayed in the tent city there, and I flew to Bagram, Afghanistan two days ago. I flew from Bagram to Sharana Afghanistan, where I am now (Friday nite, 730pm Afghanistan time).
My duty station is Zormat, Afghanistan, I will get a helicopter ride there soon. I am glad to finally be near the end of the long journey!
My duty station is Zormat, Afghanistan, I will get a helicopter ride there soon. I am glad to finally be near the end of the long journey!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Looks like we may be leaving
I have been cooped up in this airport terminal for a week, waiting out the volcano eruption. What a hassle. Sleeping on a cot, no hot water in the shower. The army brings in food in plastic tubs for us to eat. Really awful.
But the rumor is that we can fly tomorrow (Friday 23April). The Army tries to keep such things as schedules, confidential, but you cannot keep a civilian airline flight a secret, when it is published all over the internet.
I am glad to be getting out of here. But I am apprehensive on this new job. I do not know anything at all about balloons, I never saw one up close before two weeks ago. Now I will have to drive them. I guess it will all come clear to me in the field.
This schedule is going to be rough. We have to work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. I would like to have some time off, I need it.
But the rumor is that we can fly tomorrow (Friday 23April). The Army tries to keep such things as schedules, confidential, but you cannot keep a civilian airline flight a secret, when it is published all over the internet.
I am glad to be getting out of here. But I am apprehensive on this new job. I do not know anything at all about balloons, I never saw one up close before two weeks ago. Now I will have to drive them. I guess it will all come clear to me in the field.
This schedule is going to be rough. We have to work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. I would like to have some time off, I need it.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Stuck at Benning
Well, I started my new job on 14 March. I flew to Cape Canaveral Florida, and started training there. After two weeks in Florida, I flew to Akron Ohio, for balloon school. I had never seen a balloon up close before. I learned how to drive the cables, and raise and lower the balloon.
I then flew to Fort Benning Georgia, to catch the plane to Afghanistan. The day before I was to leave, the volcano blew in Iceland. I have been stuck here at the Airport for a week, sleeping on a cot. The Army brings in food three times a day. I need a shower, but there is no hot water in the terminal building.
I then flew to Fort Benning Georgia, to catch the plane to Afghanistan. The day before I was to leave, the volcano blew in Iceland. I have been stuck here at the Airport for a week, sleeping on a cot. The Army brings in food three times a day. I need a shower, but there is no hot water in the terminal building.
Friday, March 12, 2010
I need to post more often
Hello everyone! I was working in Iraq from late January through early March. I was picked up by another firm, and I flew back to Alexandria VA. I have been here at my home, getting my paperwork in line, and getting medical/dental exams,etc. Starting a new job in Iraq is a hassle. I should know, I have been working there for six years.
I will fly down to Orlando FLA on Sunday 14 March. Then I will rent a car, and drive to Cocoa Beach FLA. I will stay in a hotel in Cocoa Beach, and begin a two week training course in Cape Canaveral FLA. At the conclusion of the course, I will go back to Fort Benning again, and then fly on to Iraq (or Afghanistan).
I have been feeling depressed, I should be feeling all right, but I don't. I do not like just sitting around, waiting for a new job to start..
I will fly down to Orlando FLA on Sunday 14 March. Then I will rent a car, and drive to Cocoa Beach FLA. I will stay in a hotel in Cocoa Beach, and begin a two week training course in Cape Canaveral FLA. At the conclusion of the course, I will go back to Fort Benning again, and then fly on to Iraq (or Afghanistan).
I have been feeling depressed, I should be feeling all right, but I don't. I do not like just sitting around, waiting for a new job to start..
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A week in Iraq
I have been here for a week. After the usual jet-lag, I am getting more or less into a routine. My feet, legs, and back are in pain constantly. I have to do a lot of walking, and standing, I am not used to it yet. For two months, I have been sitting on my behind, in the house, surfing the net and looking for work.
I live in a trailer, it is called a "Containerized Housing Unit", or "CHU". The chow hall food, is typical of Iraq, excellent. I am amazed at how well our people are fed here.
This is a short-term contract, I will be here only 2-3 months, thankfully. My firm, will roll me into a contract in Afghanistan, when this project is completed.
I live in a trailer, it is called a "Containerized Housing Unit", or "CHU". The chow hall food, is typical of Iraq, excellent. I am amazed at how well our people are fed here.
This is a short-term contract, I will be here only 2-3 months, thankfully. My firm, will roll me into a contract in Afghanistan, when this project is completed.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Safe in Iraq
I flew from Dulles Field (Washington DC) Tuesday night. A 12 hour flight from Washington to Kuwait City Kuwait. The flight was ordinary, a long ride in a tiny seat. Food OK. Landed at Kuwait, and transferred to Gryphon airlines for the two hour flight to Baghdad.
Met at the airport by a company rep, and taken to transient barracks. Slept soundly. Got up next morning for lunch. Drove to a couple of sites. Then back in the bed for a long sleep. Getting over the jet-lag is tough.
My Iraq cell phone works, I can text back to the USA.
Met at the airport by a company rep, and taken to transient barracks. Slept soundly. Got up next morning for lunch. Drove to a couple of sites. Then back in the bed for a long sleep. Getting over the jet-lag is tough.
My Iraq cell phone works, I can text back to the USA.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Heading back today
I am scheduled to fly to Kuwait tonight. I will fly on to Baghdad, then to my duty station. I am anxious to return to work, hanging out at the house, is tiresome.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Heading back soon
I am still an unemployed person. My previous contract completed on 8 November 2009, but I got severance until 28 November. On 8 Dec, I signed a new contract for work in Afghanistan. I still do not have a start date, here on 16 January 2010. I have a chance for some temporary work, and I will accept it, and do a project that lasts about 3-4 months, this is for a Florida firm.
I am anxious to get out of the house, and let the wife and her mother have some privacy. The MIL (Mother in Law) gets on my case all the time. Something always has her in a snit. It will be good to put some distance between me and the MIL.
I sent my TV link around to some of my friends, and they all got a chuckle out of seeing me on TV.
I am anxious to get out of the house, and let the wife and her mother have some privacy. The MIL (Mother in Law) gets on my case all the time. Something always has her in a snit. It will be good to put some distance between me and the MIL.
I sent my TV link around to some of my friends, and they all got a chuckle out of seeing me on TV.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
SEE ME ON TELEVISION!!!!
I was interviewed for the local TV station See
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0110/694864_video.html
(Cut and paste this link into your browser, or click on the link in the suggested links over here --->)
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0110/694864_video.html
(Cut and paste this link into your browser, or click on the link in the suggested links over here --->)
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Back to the Roof of the World...
I was working up until November 8. I was laid off, and I joined the 11% of the USA population that is unemployed. I got two weeks of severance, and I began looking for work right away. I had a few nibbles, and a firm in Arizona was interested in me. But I am not able to move to Arizona at my own expense, and take a job that pays $35 per hour. I told the firm, that if you are recruiting nationally, that you should be prepare to stand the cost of relocating people.
A firm called on Friday (Dec 4) and indicated that I met their requirements for an Afghanistan position, and I said that I was very keen to return. I do not have an offer letter yet, but I should be getting an offer soon.
Another firm sent me a "contingency letter", asking me, to agree to accept a position with their firm, if they got the contract in Afghanistan. I signed the letter.
A recruiter in Fort Worth, Texas, asked if I would be willing to let her represent me, for an Afghanistan job. I agreed, and I sent them a letter of authorization. If their firm gets a contract with the US Government, and the firm makes an offer, then the recruiter will get a finder's fee.
My in-laws are in town, and they are interesting people. My FIL broke the water vase for my hookah-pipe, and there is no chance of getting a replacement. My MIL has been riding the broom, but she does not speak English. She can give me a cussing in her language, and I do not understand. She feels better, and my feelings are not hurt.
A firm called on Friday (Dec 4) and indicated that I met their requirements for an Afghanistan position, and I said that I was very keen to return. I do not have an offer letter yet, but I should be getting an offer soon.
Another firm sent me a "contingency letter", asking me, to agree to accept a position with their firm, if they got the contract in Afghanistan. I signed the letter.
A recruiter in Fort Worth, Texas, asked if I would be willing to let her represent me, for an Afghanistan job. I agreed, and I sent them a letter of authorization. If their firm gets a contract with the US Government, and the firm makes an offer, then the recruiter will get a finder's fee.
My in-laws are in town, and they are interesting people. My FIL broke the water vase for my hookah-pipe, and there is no chance of getting a replacement. My MIL has been riding the broom, but she does not speak English. She can give me a cussing in her language, and I do not understand. She feels better, and my feelings are not hurt.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Erin, I need your email
I spent two weeks at FOB Boris in Afghanistan. If you send me your email, I will fill you in on the place. The old name for FOB Boris, is FOB Bermeil. The name of the post was changed in 2008. I suggest you google "FOB Bermeil".
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Looking for work
I am again unemployed. I was laid off, due to the fact that the contract requirements changed. I was hired by a firm in Northern VA. This firm, loaned me out to another firm, which had a project in Afghanistan. All civilians who work in Iraq/Afghanistan, are required to spend a week at Fort Benning Georgia, for briefings, and to insure that their health is adequate, and they can spend time in a country with low-standard medical care.
I cleared Fort Benning five months ago, and I worked in Iraq June/July/August 2009. My new firm required me to go back through the Fort Benning process again, even though the school is good for one year. The Army found an old medical report, and required me to get another medical exam. The medical exam showed me to be completely healthy, and free of any possibility of cancer.
While I was waiting in the barracks, the prime contractor was informed that the requirements changed, so I was surplussed. If I had already been in Afghanistan, I would have been recalled, and had to fly back to the USA.
The result is, I am unemployed. My firm is assisting me in finding a new position, either overseas or here in the Northern VA area.
My current resume is at http://www.4jobs.com/charlesmartin
If anyone knows of any work I can do, please feel free to contact me.
I cleared Fort Benning five months ago, and I worked in Iraq June/July/August 2009. My new firm required me to go back through the Fort Benning process again, even though the school is good for one year. The Army found an old medical report, and required me to get another medical exam. The medical exam showed me to be completely healthy, and free of any possibility of cancer.
While I was waiting in the barracks, the prime contractor was informed that the requirements changed, so I was surplussed. If I had already been in Afghanistan, I would have been recalled, and had to fly back to the USA.
The result is, I am unemployed. My firm is assisting me in finding a new position, either overseas or here in the Northern VA area.
My current resume is at http://www.4jobs.com/charlesmartin
If anyone knows of any work I can do, please feel free to contact me.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Still stuck at Fort Benning
I arrived at For Benning three weeks ago, I thought I would be here for six days. My old medical screening was determined to be invalid, so I had to see a urologist in town (Possible cancer of the prostate). Fortunately,I am cancer-free. But the Army needs everything documented.
I had to have a needle biopsy. The doctor rams a 14 inch plastic dildo up your rectum, and then shoots 11 spring loaded needles directly into the prostate, and the base of the penis. The pain is unbearable, and there is no anesthetic. I had this procedure done, last Monday. I felt pretty good Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but on Thursday, I was unable to urinate for 10 hours. I called the paramedics, and I was taken to the emergency room.
I had a plastic PVC pipe inserted into my penis, and I passed 1000cc of urine. I was told that I must wear the catheter all weekend. I went in to see the doctor on Monday, and he told me that I must wear the device for two more days. It is now Tuesday, and I will see the doctor on Wednesday, and hopefully, have the catheter removed.
I must have the doctor submit the paperwork to the Army medical office, certifying that I am cancer-free. Then I can conclude the processing here at Fort Benning, and travel on Afghanistan.
I had to have a needle biopsy. The doctor rams a 14 inch plastic dildo up your rectum, and then shoots 11 spring loaded needles directly into the prostate, and the base of the penis. The pain is unbearable, and there is no anesthetic. I had this procedure done, last Monday. I felt pretty good Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but on Thursday, I was unable to urinate for 10 hours. I called the paramedics, and I was taken to the emergency room.
I had a plastic PVC pipe inserted into my penis, and I passed 1000cc of urine. I was told that I must wear the catheter all weekend. I went in to see the doctor on Monday, and he told me that I must wear the device for two more days. It is now Tuesday, and I will see the doctor on Wednesday, and hopefully, have the catheter removed.
I must have the doctor submit the paperwork to the Army medical office, certifying that I am cancer-free. Then I can conclude the processing here at Fort Benning, and travel on Afghanistan.
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