One Step Closer

Yes, I'm still here at Warrior, but today a lot of us flew out so that puts us one step closer... well, them at least, not me. I'm keeping my chin up though and it's not so bad. Homesickness is already starting to set in pretty bad though so thats going to be pretty rough. Although once again... chin up and things go great. I have been working out a lot lately with my team so that keeps my mind off of things and helps a lot with stress, and makes me bigger, thats always a plus. Anyways, still nothing to relay, not a lot is happening so ill leave it short. Can't wait to see you all again soon and I miss you all. Take care!

Just Kidding

So today we got the word, we are moving out at 0500 to the landing pad and then getting on the birds. So thats just what we did. I grabbed my 120 pound rucksack, my M-4, my M-14 and got to walking. After straining over to the pad we got accountability and stood by until the birds arrived, which they did... kind of. The weather turned from great to bad in a matter of minutes and we all had a bad feeling about the trip. Then finally we saw the birds on the horizon and got relieved. That is until they did a complete 180 and turned right back around. So, here I am, once again, sitting in this wonderful tent talking to you all about everything and nothing. And with this I leave you, and wish you all the best in your endeavors.
Take care.

Stitches

Finally we are getting ready to leave. In about an hour and a half Ill be on a chopper headed for my new home. Ill be there for about 2 months or so and I wont have access to internet so don't expect any updates anytime soon. My life should turn from laid back and relaxed, to intense and stressful here really soon so I might be writing a bit different when I get back, but don't worry, it's still Allen. I'm guessing some of you might be wondering about the title of this blog entry, and don't worry I didn't have to get stitches. There is a dog here on the base that runs around free that had to get stitches ones and so he is kind of our mascot now. He has had all sorts of vaccines so don't worry, I'm not going to get rabies or anything. ill try to get a picture of him on here so cross your fingers. Anyways, thats all from me. Love you all and take care.

Finally Here

Alright, so i finally made it to my new home. I've been here for about two days now and things are looking ok. The word is I'm on my way to a long long mission tomorrow so I'm not too excited. Anyhow, the trip over here was pretty exciting. It was nice to finally get to see my surroundings and the area I'm supposed to be working in over the next year. We had a slight bump in with the local bad guys on the flight but nothing to worry about. Anyways, I'm extremely tired and for some reason don't feel like writing too much tonight so I'll keep this one short. All is well and take care. See you soon.

-Allen-

Surrounded By Mountains

Alright, so we finally actually made it up into the mountains, still not in the right mountains though... We are currently at a FoB somewhere in the mountains of Afghanistan, and let me tell you, this place is gorgeous. Most wouldn't agree with me on that point but I tend to like the mountains better then anything else. Theres no snow right where we are but all the mountains around us are covered in snow, and I'm guessing thats where we are going. Anyways, just a quick update for everyone. I don't know how much more Ill be able to use the internet but Ill do it as often as I can. As for pictures... I'm having a hard time getting them uploaded since the internet is so slow. I wanna apologize for the short blogs lately too but its because all I'm doing is traveling eating and sleeping so don't think I'm leaving out any juicy details. Have a good day everyone and take care.

Almost There...

So we just finished putting all our stuff onto the pallets, and contrary to popular belief it actually wasn't half bad, so maybe it's a sign things are looking up for us. So now I sit here and wait for the time to pass, trying to think of mindless thoughts to fill this blank space with. Because clearly there is but one thing stuck in my mind... and that is you, all of you there at home that I miss and love so much. I'm not worried about the cold or the fighting nearly as much as the thoughts of loosing my loved ones worry me. There you have it, the sappy side of Allen. I wont bother you with too much so I bid you farewell and take care.

Leaving On A Jetplane

So about 3 hours ago we finally got the word, tomorrow we leave for Afghanistan. Get up at eight, pack, eat, put bags on pallets and then wait until 1630, then leave. Simple enough right? Wrong. This is the Army we're talking about people, tomorrow will probably be one of the most chaotic days in years. Hopefully though, it will go by somewhat smooth and not too many headaches will bother me. Well, its getting to be that time again and I need to rest up for the big day ahead. Hope all is well back home and take care.

Malaria Monday

Today is the day we all love so very much here in Bco 2/508, thats right, its Malaria Monday! Basically what the day is, is the day we all join together and take a little pill that's supposed to protect us from the evils of Malaria. The reason why it is so disliked is the side effects. Shortly after taking the said pill one gets a slight feeling of drowsiness, drowsiness isnt so bad you say, well my friends, it is when it gives you some really screwed up dreams, which it does. So the following night and maybe some after that, you experience some interesting dreams. So that's about all I have to report about today. Oh ya, I gave an M-14 class infront of the platoon today, well me and the other 2 M-14 gunners did at least. So that's about all I got for you. I should be moving out of here soon and finally getting sent to Afghanistan, and I will of course keep you all updated. So take care and I love you all.

Sleepless Night and Hockey Morning

So last night I went back to my bunk after having written the first blog, the time was 0400... that was way too late since I had to get up at eight. Not that it really mattered since I got absolutely NO sleep. But the thing is, I wont be on a steady sleep schedule when I get to my permanent place of duty for the next year. Most my missions will take place during the dark hours of the day and long into the night, so thats where the wacky sleep comes in. Ill see if i can get some pictures up on the blog here but the internet is so slow I don't know how easy it will be. The good thing though, was the morning PT we did. We lifted weights for about an hour and then engaged in a seriously insane game of Hockey... indoor that is. I'm surprised we managed to keep score seeing how the main focus of the game was complete and utter destruction of the other team. The concept of the puck being out side of the court was completely lost on one and all. There were a few moments when the puck went sailing into the basketball game going on next to us and that did nothing to stop the motion of the game. I saw several basketball players go down as the puck went amok among their shins and feet. The play went on for about 2 hours and we finally called it quits since a bunch of whiny scouts were standing on the sidelines trying to get onto the playing field. So we finally buckled and let them have at it. After that the day pretty much consisted of reading my book and listening to music. Not a bad day, not bad at all.

Takeoffs and Landings

The title says it all. Today was a straight forward day in the Army, wake up, get ready, tons of formations and then cram into some sort of vehicle with all your buddies. Except today had a slight twist. Instead of going to some range or briefing we hopped on a plane and took off. First landing, somerandomtown, Maine, where we got greeted like conquering heroes, only thing was, we hadn't conquered anything... yet. From there, Turkey. We didnt leave the plane but still got to see the town we were in. Looked a lot like a scene from Black Hawk Down. Lots of shanties and busted down clay buildings. From there we flew another few hours untill we hit the beautiful town of Mana (I think), Kyrgyzstan. But minutes before we landed the pilot came over the speaker and said, "We are about to touch down in a few minutes and I just wanted to let everyone know that the runway here isn't of the best quality, so expect a rough landing." A sentence he finished with a laugh... And he wasn't lying, the plane actually bounced off the runway completely like a basketball before coming to a smooth drive. It was nuts. So now I sit at a internet cafe waiting for the morning to come so I can partake in the fun about to take place. So i leave you with this. Dont come to Kyrgyzstan... its not a lot of fun.