I’ve been a bad girl. It’s been almost a month since I’ve updated and I really am sorry for that. I know people look forward to hearing what is going on and seeing pictures. So much for my Picture of the Day, huh? I will be better, REALLY, I promise. I’ll be better.
It’s been a busy month, which is a good excuse for why I haven’t posted, but it wouldn’t be the truth. It’s just that when I finally get back to my trailer at night, usually after 9pm and a 12 to 15-hour day, I’m just too tired to be creative and/or entertaining. And I realize you don’t need me to be creative, you just want “me”, but there is some pressure when you know people will be reading.
Life out here is pretty good, all things considered. It’s very different than my first tour - I mean, really different. In the Green Zone in 2004, we were surrounded by hundreds of civilian contractors, federal employees from the Department of Defense and State Department, and local Iraqis hired for daily work in “the zone”. I was covering stories that spanned the country – from oil refineries, hospitals, schools, and even the Babylon ruins. Occasionally, those stories would involve soldiers but mostly, they were stories of rebuilding and restructuring, and often times they starred civilians who were paid big bucks to improve the quality of life in Iraq. Admittedly, those stories were fun because I got to travel and see a lot of things, but I didn’t truly get a solid appreciation for what the soldiers on the ground were doing on a daily basis – because mostly I was interviewing civilians. Now, although the mission isn’t as “sexy” (my detachment falls under a “sustainment” command – which means feeding supplies to troops in theater), I certainly do appreciate what the soldiers are doing on a daily basis and just how vital and important their role is in this conflict. I’m not talking politics; I’m talking soldiering.
Every day, there are soldiers who go on “route clearance” missions outside the wire. They are the soldiers who go out before the supply delivery convoys, usually before the sun comes up, and scout for IED’s or other known threats in the area. They do this so the supply convoys have a better chance of reaching their destination without incident – meaning, they clear the route of potential bombs that cause unimaginable damage and harm. Take a minute to think of that as your job – something that becomes so routine you forget there is a good chance it can kill you. Personalize it, if you can. It’s mind blowing to think of what theses men and women do for a living. That, for whatever the reason is they joined the military, they now find themselves confronting explosives head on and detonating them before they kill their battle buddies. It sounds cheesy but to me, it’s awe-inspiring. I do little in comparison to these soldiers; I simply put a camera in their face and ask for the privilege to tell their story but seeing it firsthand gives me a much deeper appreciation for how tough, and dangerous, a job it is.
We don’t get caught up in the politics of this War. In fact, I feel pretty out of touch with what is going on in the news, unlike last time. I rarely, if ever, have time to watch television or read the newspaper, and I don’t have any idea what is going on with the Presidential race. In less than a year, we will have a new Commander in Chief, and most of us are so busy with our mission, we have little time to absorb information that will help us cast our vote. I anticipate many trips here by Presidential candidates in 2008. The military vote is a large one and whoever is voted in office has a huge responsibility with our lives. I don’t envy that responsibility (shudder).
Before I came here, I authored a post on this blog labeled “Care Packages”. I thought it was fairly information and I knew some people might think the comment about the letters from school children being largely unnecessary was a bit harsh, but I didn’t think it would warrant this type of backlash:
Wow...I'd love to meet this person face to face. Better yet, I'd love this person to meet my mom, my husband, my brother and sister, my in-laws, my friends, and my boss's at Access Hollywood and SDI who have also had to sacrifice and worry every single day that I've spent in Iraq since late 2003. I understand someone taking my post out of context, but this particular commenter clearly has an agenda of his or her own. Just for giggles, in case "anonymous" comes back for a second round of MY LIFE A to Z literature, I'll address some of the accusations with proof they are more than a little ill-informed.
Pretty as a picture and living in luxery in Iraq.
Does anyone else find this part of the sentence bizarre? "...living in luxery (sic) in Iraq". Who thinks that ANYONE is living in luxury in Iraq? hahahahaha...okay moving on.
I guess I should take the compliment and accept that sometimes I am pretty as a picture. After all, I am assuming the picture he/she is looking at is from my wedding and if HAPPINESS equals PRETTY, them I'm guilty as charged. As for living in luxery (um, spell check is key if you are going for credibility), try this out for size: I have sand in nearly every crevice; my fingernails, no matter how often I clean them, are always dirty; I share a porto potty with hundreds of strangers at least 5 times a day; I share a very small room with another woman, virtually guaranteeing little or no privacy for a year; I live on a base that is mortared several times throughout the day and my wake up call sometimes sounds like this: "this is the command post, there has been an indirect fire attack. I repeat, there has been an indirect fire attack. seek cover seek cover seek cover."; every day I inhale toxins and who knows what else from smoke that rises from the huge fire pit on base; several times a month, I seek to tell stories that can potentially kill me, because that is my job; my husband of just six months, my family, friends and job are more than 8,000 miles away; And I live in the most dangerous country in the world. Some luxurious life, huh? If I'm not mistaken, save for the "cot life" in Kuwait on my way here, I've never really complained about the set up, have I? Just checking.
that deal you have with Netgrocer (another client of your firm?) must be very lucrative.
hahahahahaha - I've personally spent hundreds of dollars at Netgrocer.com during my deployments. I've yet to see any dollaz coming to me....hahahahahaha. This is fun.
Many soldiers are living in very remote, dangerous and inconvenient areas.
This is very true and I have addressed the living conditions of these soldiers, including my appreciation for what they do. Perhaps he/she should read the entire post, and they'll see that.
They write daily to an organization you put down and say that any communication with soldiers would be GREATLY appreciated.
I didn't put any organization down; I simply said that many (but not all) soldiers want to communicate with people they know, instead of complete strangers. If you are not a member of the military, you probably don't understand. At first, the letters are cute but after a while, you crave personal communication. ALL communication is appreciated but some is more effective than others. That is all I was trying to say. Jeez.
...tells most of us that you are a PR plant. A well paid (and well housed) model posing as a PR person hired by the government to show us what a great old time our soldiers are having.
Bitter much? Yea, I'm Sydney Bristow and this is my version of Alias, only I'm a model and Iraq is my catwalk. How many models do you know are PR plants - in the most dangerous countries in the world? And how many models do you know make $28,000 a year working internationally, as I apparently am right now? Better yet, if I am a model posing as a PR plant, why do I look like a soldier? I'm wearing a uniform so according to "anonymous" that would make me a soldier plant, not a PR plant. Hahahaha...thanks for the model compliment though. Camouflage does suit me, I'll give you that. Keep reading this blog, and the one from last time, and you'll see, if the government is paying me to push positive stories about them, they aren't using their money wisely.
it is very clear that you have an agenda and that the solders would be best served by the unpaid citizens who supprt them and not some press release writer like you are.
Tsk Tsk. Again with the spellcheck. Look in to it. For the record, I think the soldiers are very well served by me, not as a "model pr plant", but as their battle buddy. I serve alongside them, with them at times, through 2 deployments, while documenting a truly unique and intense time in their lives; a time when all they want to do is succeed at their mission so they can return home in one piece; a time when many of them lose friends in an instant while keeping Americans safe to enjoy their freedom; a time when emails make the difference in their day and a care package from their family fuels the energy they need to keep going; a time when people like anonymous questions their service and try to make them feel guilty because they are provided with a decent bed to sleep on. But they keep going because that's what soldiers do.
Greg will laugh at me responding to "anonymous" and I don't blame him because I'm giving attention to someone whose comment was buried in a post from months ago. When I first read it, it really did bother me. In fact, I was pissed. But then I cooled off and laughed about it. The model bit was my favorite. And while I am no longer upset about it, I wanted to defend the allegations, not for most people who read this blog but for those like "anonymous" who feel I was disrespectful in my post.
Mostly, though, I'm fighting back because this deployment and separation is very painful to me. Every day I hurt, just like thousands of other soldiers, and whether they are resting comfortably in trailers or sleeping uncomfortably on the sand, the pain of prolonged separation is the same. And if one person, whether I know them or not, questions the sincerity of my service, I take it personally. I'm not some high paid model working undercover in Iraq; I'm an American soldier and this is my second tour of duty in a war zone in service of my Country. I am sacrificing, my family is sacrificing and thousands of Americans have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I will not allow some random comment to cheapen that.
Showing posts with label Deployment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deployment. Show all posts
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Back to Blogging
I'm still truckin' along people. I've not updated because I've been so busy trying to catch up with the rest of my unit (who have been here for over four months already), figuring out what the mission is exactly, and getting used to way they do things. As I mentioned in an earlier post, ours is a logistics mission so we cover the units that fall under the command of the 316th as well as other units on LSA Anaconda. Our unit is essentially made up of two teams: a print team that writes, edits, and publishes a weekly 16 page newspaper called the Anaconda Times and a broadcast team that writes, edits, and produces a 15 minute + bi-monthly newscast called Newsreel Anaconda. We also submit our stories to Armed Forces Network Bureaus around the world as well as to The Pentagon Channel. Both of these teams are made up of just four soldiers each so the demand on each of us is pretty big. We have a lot to do with very few soldiers and that's not including our other responsibilities like early morning PT (physical training), shift change (mandatory reporting from each section of the days events), occasional guard duty, and of course maintaining our equipment, weapons, living and work areas.
All in all, it's not that bad here. They call Balad "Mortaritaville" because we get blasted a lot with mortar rounds but I haven't experienced much of that. A few come in every now and then but nothing like I experienced when I was in the Green Zone in 2004. This base is big so the mortars would have to land fairly close in order for me to hear them. Sometimes I hear what I think is thunder...then I realize it's not thunder, it's an explosion. So weird! And as odd as I know this sounds to you, on a day to day basis for us, life here feels pretty normal. I get up, go to work, do what I have to do, and I get back to my trailer - uneventful is the key as is working hard to accomplish the mission. So what is my mission exactly? Two things: (1) Tell the soldier's story and tell it well. (2) Get back to my family and friends in one piece.
Truly, the hardest part for me is missing home. I feel that a lot more severely than I did during my last deployment, which makes sense because I'm in a very different place than I was three years ago! Last weekend was very hard for me because of my brother's wedding. I was supposed to be a bridesmaid and I was sick to my stomach knowing my family was together celebrating his big day and welcoming his wife to our family! Those things, along with holidays, are very very tough on us. That is when it's most apparent to us how much we miss home and the realization that we won't get those days back. It's hard to reconcile.
Having said that, Greg and I stay in touch with occasional phone calls and a lot of emailing and IM'ing! I was able to get an internet connection in my trailer (that we are paying a ridiculous amount for) so that helps a lot! Finding time to email is pretty difficult because my day is pretty packed with work so if you emailed me and haven't heard back, I'm really sorry!
I'm finally feeling like I am comfortable and in to the groove of things here so I will be updating more often! My mom was really worried because she didn't hear from me for a couple of days so I will be sure to not let that happen very often! I've also decided I will do a PICTURE OF THE DAY post mostly every day so that you can really get a sense of what I am seeing on a daily basis. Sometimes I will have to go out on missions and won't be able to do it because I'll be off post (we call it "outside the wire")without access to the internet but I'll try to be consistent. I've taken some pics of my office and trailer so we'll start with these for now.
This is my trailer park looks like! Actually very confusing to find my trailer at first!
Our lovely abode, inside and out! I share part of this trailer with SGT Longbine. She's also in my unit. My bed is comfy, we have air conditioning, a television, and a refrigerator - no bathroom unfortunately but I'm not complaining after sleeping on that nasty cot for so long! I just can't escape the Porto potties though!
Here is where I work. It was VERY surreal when I first got here because when I was in Balad in late 2003, this is the EXACT building I lived in. At the time, it was an old Iraqi office building and we just found a room and camped out in it. Now, to see it so clean and like a real office building is so strange. My old bedroom is now my Captain's office. The smell, the air, the rooms...the memories came rushing back to me and I couldn't believe I was really here again! It seemed just like yesterday, not four years ago! But here is the building, the hallway, and the broadcasters work area. 
Like I said, I will post a pic or two a day to give you a visual of life for us here on LSA Anaconda. There are about 25,000 troops here and each one has a story. Hopefully through my stories and pictures, you won't feel so detached from what our life is like. I miss you all....
All in all, it's not that bad here. They call Balad "Mortaritaville" because we get blasted a lot with mortar rounds but I haven't experienced much of that. A few come in every now and then but nothing like I experienced when I was in the Green Zone in 2004. This base is big so the mortars would have to land fairly close in order for me to hear them. Sometimes I hear what I think is thunder...then I realize it's not thunder, it's an explosion. So weird! And as odd as I know this sounds to you, on a day to day basis for us, life here feels pretty normal. I get up, go to work, do what I have to do, and I get back to my trailer - uneventful is the key as is working hard to accomplish the mission. So what is my mission exactly? Two things: (1) Tell the soldier's story and tell it well. (2) Get back to my family and friends in one piece.
Truly, the hardest part for me is missing home. I feel that a lot more severely than I did during my last deployment, which makes sense because I'm in a very different place than I was three years ago! Last weekend was very hard for me because of my brother's wedding. I was supposed to be a bridesmaid and I was sick to my stomach knowing my family was together celebrating his big day and welcoming his wife to our family! Those things, along with holidays, are very very tough on us. That is when it's most apparent to us how much we miss home and the realization that we won't get those days back. It's hard to reconcile.
Having said that, Greg and I stay in touch with occasional phone calls and a lot of emailing and IM'ing! I was able to get an internet connection in my trailer (that we are paying a ridiculous amount for) so that helps a lot! Finding time to email is pretty difficult because my day is pretty packed with work so if you emailed me and haven't heard back, I'm really sorry!
I'm finally feeling like I am comfortable and in to the groove of things here so I will be updating more often! My mom was really worried because she didn't hear from me for a couple of days so I will be sure to not let that happen very often! I've also decided I will do a PICTURE OF THE DAY post mostly every day so that you can really get a sense of what I am seeing on a daily basis. Sometimes I will have to go out on missions and won't be able to do it because I'll be off post (we call it "outside the wire")without access to the internet but I'll try to be consistent. I've taken some pics of my office and trailer so we'll start with these for now.
This is my trailer park looks like! Actually very confusing to find my trailer at first!
Our lovely abode, inside and out! I share part of this trailer with SGT Longbine. She's also in my unit. My bed is comfy, we have air conditioning, a television, and a refrigerator - no bathroom unfortunately but I'm not complaining after sleeping on that nasty cot for so long! I just can't escape the Porto potties though!
Here is where I work. It was VERY surreal when I first got here because when I was in Balad in late 2003, this is the EXACT building I lived in. At the time, it was an old Iraqi office building and we just found a room and camped out in it. Now, to see it so clean and like a real office building is so strange. My old bedroom is now my Captain's office. The smell, the air, the rooms...the memories came rushing back to me and I couldn't believe I was really here again! It seemed just like yesterday, not four years ago! But here is the building, the hallway, and the broadcasters work area. 
Like I said, I will post a pic or two a day to give you a visual of life for us here on LSA Anaconda. There are about 25,000 troops here and each one has a story. Hopefully through my stories and pictures, you won't feel so detached from what our life is like. I miss you all....
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Iraq
I've finally arrived in Iraq. I got here at 4:30 this morning. It was quite a trip. I flew from Kuwait to Qatar to Balad on a C130. Not the most comfortable plane but after a few years in the military I've come to expect that comfort, or lack thereof, simply comes with the territory. It's pretty funny what I've become accustomed to after living like a nomad for a few weeks. I realized the other day that I haven't flushed a toilet in over two weeks. Think about it. What that means is for over two weeks I haven't had a nice, relaxing....well, you know. I've only used porto potties that are shared by thousands of soldiers. Gross. Beyond gross. But funny nonetheless. Too candid? My sincere apologies but I did tell you I would share the good and the bad about this deployment and now I guess I've ventured into toilet humor (yes, pun absolutely intended). Hey, it's no treat for me either. When I finally flushed today, I started to laugh. Perhaps the humor doesn't transfer very well here but to me, it's funny.
Thankfully, I'm moving on. I've met up with my team in Balad which consists of 8 soldiers from a reserve unit in California. The other 13 are in Baghdad at Camp Victory. I've worked with most of them before so it was nice to finally see some recognizable faces! After three weeks of traveling solo and having inner conversations, I really freaked myself out a few days ago when I actually verbalized part of my conversation! The trip to Balad couldn't come fast enough.
Luckily, they are giving me a few days to get comfortable and finish all of the administration stuff before I hit the ground running. It was VERY nice to have mail here waiting on me when I get here so THANK YOU Mom and Chuck, Gail, Mike and Jen, Mom Mom, Whitney, and Judy!!! It was like Christmas!! The only real negative thing so far is my BlackBerry doesn't work here like it did in Kuwait so I started to panic when I got here and realized there is no commercial cell phone use. I had no way to let Greg know I arrived, and arrived safely. It really bummed me out (see picture below). Greg calls that my Sad Fish Face. I admit it, I was sad. I really wanted to talk to him and I was feeling alone and helpless. But I'm fine now and before that, I was staying positive during my trip (see smiling picture below). Besides, I do have access to the Internet and the mail definitely cheered me up (see other smiling pic)! Enjoy the pics and I'll be in touch soon!
PS...if you want to email me you can at addiecollins@gmail.com!
Oh, and my name tag still says Collins because it takes a lot of paperwork to officially change your name in the Army....I start that tomorrow to become SSG ZINONE!! Yay!!
Thankfully, I'm moving on. I've met up with my team in Balad which consists of 8 soldiers from a reserve unit in California. The other 13 are in Baghdad at Camp Victory. I've worked with most of them before so it was nice to finally see some recognizable faces! After three weeks of traveling solo and having inner conversations, I really freaked myself out a few days ago when I actually verbalized part of my conversation! The trip to Balad couldn't come fast enough.
Luckily, they are giving me a few days to get comfortable and finish all of the administration stuff before I hit the ground running. It was VERY nice to have mail here waiting on me when I get here so THANK YOU Mom and Chuck, Gail, Mike and Jen, Mom Mom, Whitney, and Judy!!! It was like Christmas!! The only real negative thing so far is my BlackBerry doesn't work here like it did in Kuwait so I started to panic when I got here and realized there is no commercial cell phone use. I had no way to let Greg know I arrived, and arrived safely. It really bummed me out (see picture below). Greg calls that my Sad Fish Face. I admit it, I was sad. I really wanted to talk to him and I was feeling alone and helpless. But I'm fine now and before that, I was staying positive during my trip (see smiling picture below). Besides, I do have access to the Internet and the mail definitely cheered me up (see other smiling pic)! Enjoy the pics and I'll be in touch soon!
PS...if you want to email me you can at addiecollins@gmail.com!
Oh, and my name tag still says Collins because it takes a lot of paperwork to officially change your name in the Army....I start that tomorrow to become SSG ZINONE!! Yay!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
My Last Few Days in Kuwait
Updating this blog is becoming increasingly more difficult because there are so many soldiers going after the same 10 internet plug-ins! Admittedly, last week I was very spoiled because I had a password to the wireless network (given to me by someone who bought it on base) but that has since expired and I’m back to standing in endless lines. Not that I am above standing in lines; it’s just that the lines never seem to end! To combat that (pun intended), I went to buy my own wireless 4-day voucher but for some reason they are no longer available. So the days of sitting in the air-conditioned tent writing emails and updating my blog in Kuwait are apparently behind me!
But because I care about you all soooo much, this afternoon I stood outside the USO tent for 45 minutes prior to the center opening so I could be one of the first to get a computer and let you know how I'm doing! I'm not under the assumtion I have a loyal following but I know my mom, grandmother, and in-laws like to know what I am up to. So here goes...
I should be leaving for Iraq any day now. All of my training in Kuwait is now complete, including a 3 day field-training sojourn to the desert where we learned about convoy tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP’s), identifying and reacting to improvised explosive devices (IED’s) and extraction of casualties on the battlefield. Vital and important stuff but not altogether fun. In the field, there is no electricity or running water, nowhere to sleep but on the sand or on a hard sandy floor in a makeshift tent that doubles as our classroom and our sleeping quarters, and nothing but delicious MRE’s for every meal. This is the life of a grunt, a soldier, a Joe. At times, it can actually be fun and in hindsight, it’s never as bad as it feels at the time. So when I start to complain and feel tired and dirty, I remind myself this is what thousands of Marines and Soldiers deal with on a daily basis – THIS kind of soldiering is their job – and I have no room to complain because, for me, it’s over when the training is over. For them, it doesn’t end until their tired and beat up feet finally hit American soil. We should all thank them because theirs is a difficult and thankless job.
Okey Dokey, back to My Life. Because pictures tell the story better than mere adjectives, here a few shots of our training:
Nothing but soldiers and desert for miles - our training started at 4:30am.
Live-fire quick reaction and close quarters marksmanship (I look a lot cooler than I am!) 
In front of and on the 5-Ton in preparation for Convoy Rehearsals 
I was the vehicle commander for our humvee (God Help Us). Here I am identifying our vehicle to the Convoy Commander. Our call sign was DUSTMAKER 10 
Yummy scrumptious MRE’s – this particular delight is Chicken Fajita. (just imagine how tasty it is …it’s designed to last 10 years!)
5 Star Accommodations 
And finally, more Camels just for fun 
As I mentioned, according to my liaison I should be leaving for Iraq within the next few days. That is probably the next time you will hear from me. Until then, I’m spending my time watching SEINFELD on my cot…and of course, missing all of you, in particular my husband and Gumata! I'll be back as soon as I can....
But because I care about you all soooo much, this afternoon I stood outside the USO tent for 45 minutes prior to the center opening so I could be one of the first to get a computer and let you know how I'm doing! I'm not under the assumtion I have a loyal following but I know my mom, grandmother, and in-laws like to know what I am up to. So here goes...
I should be leaving for Iraq any day now. All of my training in Kuwait is now complete, including a 3 day field-training sojourn to the desert where we learned about convoy tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP’s), identifying and reacting to improvised explosive devices (IED’s) and extraction of casualties on the battlefield. Vital and important stuff but not altogether fun. In the field, there is no electricity or running water, nowhere to sleep but on the sand or on a hard sandy floor in a makeshift tent that doubles as our classroom and our sleeping quarters, and nothing but delicious MRE’s for every meal. This is the life of a grunt, a soldier, a Joe. At times, it can actually be fun and in hindsight, it’s never as bad as it feels at the time. So when I start to complain and feel tired and dirty, I remind myself this is what thousands of Marines and Soldiers deal with on a daily basis – THIS kind of soldiering is their job – and I have no room to complain because, for me, it’s over when the training is over. For them, it doesn’t end until their tired and beat up feet finally hit American soil. We should all thank them because theirs is a difficult and thankless job.
Okey Dokey, back to My Life. Because pictures tell the story better than mere adjectives, here a few shots of our training:
Nothing but soldiers and desert for miles - our training started at 4:30am.
Live-fire quick reaction and close quarters marksmanship (I look a lot cooler than I am!) 
In front of and on the 5-Ton in preparation for Convoy Rehearsals 
I was the vehicle commander for our humvee (God Help Us). Here I am identifying our vehicle to the Convoy Commander. Our call sign was DUSTMAKER 10 
Yummy scrumptious MRE’s – this particular delight is Chicken Fajita. (just imagine how tasty it is …it’s designed to last 10 years!)
5 Star Accommodations 
And finally, more Camels just for fun 
As I mentioned, according to my liaison I should be leaving for Iraq within the next few days. That is probably the next time you will hear from me. Until then, I’m spending my time watching SEINFELD on my cot…and of course, missing all of you, in particular my husband and Gumata! I'll be back as soon as I can....
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
MY ADDRESS
Yes, I know I've posted a lot today but forgive me, I have my very own internet connection and I am making the most of it! I found out yesterday I am headed to Balad, after all. It's about 60 miles north of Baghdad and it's where half of my assigned unit (302nd Mobile Public Affairs Attachment) is. The other half is in Baghdad, at Camp Victory (where I thought I was going). Balad is great in that it is loaded with Morale Welfare and Recreation activities. Greg and I will be working closely with the USO while I am there but more on that later...I want to pack a punch with the announcement and want to make sure all of our ducks are in a row before I spill it...but it's SOOOO exciting for us!! Mission-wise, it will be good, too. I don't have details but there are a lot of Civil Affairs soldiers based in Balad and great opportunities for me to see firsthand some of the humanitarian work that is being done. Okay, let's get to it. Here is my address.....(wink wink)......if you mail something, like a package (wink wink) you MUST go to the post office and fill out a customs form. It's very simple and it's required! Postage rates are national so you will pay the same if you send it to California or to Iraq. For letters and/or cards, no customs form is required. Please, no porn, pork, or alcohol. Don't get me arrested. DVD's and TV Series DVD's are greatly appreciated as it gets VERY boring at night and that is what I watch on my computer as I fall asleep. Right now I am on Season 5 of Cheers. I love Cheers. Crystal Light On The Go's are AWESOME!!! And I love blow pops. Very good snacks to break up the day. That's all I can think of now. I'm sure there will be more so check back often! Thank you so much!
SSG Addie Zinone
302nd MPAD
APO AE 09391
SSG Addie Zinone
302nd MPAD
APO AE 09391
Kuwait...Sandy, Hot Kuwait
Hello from the Middle East, where it's HOT HOT HOT and full of SAND SAND SAND! I'm doing well actually. I've been here for about 3 days (I am very disoriented time/day-wise because the trip was so long and the time change so drastic) and I've yet to get used to having sand in nearly every crevice. I have settled in to Camp Buehring in Kuwait, the in-processing and training area all soldiers are required to go through prior to getting to Iraq. It's just another stop on a seemingly never ending trip! I truly forgot how grueling and tiresome it is just to get to where I am headed. Since I've been here, it's been fairly easy. I do not have immediate access to the internet or the phones and the lines, they are LONG! Thousands of soldiers vying for the same resources and it takes a lesson in patience to deal with it. But I'm doing just fine. Right now, I'm currently in the USO Morale Tent with my own laptop hooked up to the land line...what a luxury! I have had minimal training so far; they are trying to determine what it is I need to get to Iraq. It's different for each MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) - our job - and since I'm here as an inidividual augmentee, they aren't sure what it is I need. While I wait, I hang out in my assigned tent with no less than 25 of my closest battle buddies...so many broads it's like a hostel! You can say the accommodations are less than stellar. See Exhibit A, B, C. 
The last picture is where I sleep...inviting, isn't it? Well today the air conditioner went off in the tent and it was so hot one soldier walked in from using the bathroom and fell right to her face from the heat. Poor child has scratches and bruises all over her legs and arms from hitting the wood floor without warning. Hopefully they have that fixed because sleeping is not an option when you're pruining from lying/sleeping in your own sweat. N to the ASTY. Fo realz.
As for the rest, here's a little tour. The endless row of tents that house thousands of transient soldiers:
The trailer we shower in (only 15 gallons per soldier...aka a very cold, uncomfortable, dry shower): 
This is self explanatory...but no less disgusting in 122 degree heat: 
Bomb shelters (rarely, if ever, used in Kuwait): 
And finally, here are some pictures from our trip to the range early yesterday morning to test fire our M16's and M9's: 
The range was VERY far out in the desert but it was nice that early in the morning (we went there at 4:30am). We saw camels being herded (are camels herded??? if that sounded ignorant, I apologize): 
The more I see, the more surreal it seems! Someone commented that I need to remember all I see and do, and commit it to memory...they are so right because in spite of the pain this separation is causing me, this is truly a unique and interesting experience. I'm lucky to share it with you. I hope you are enjoying it. I miss you!
The last picture is where I sleep...inviting, isn't it? Well today the air conditioner went off in the tent and it was so hot one soldier walked in from using the bathroom and fell right to her face from the heat. Poor child has scratches and bruises all over her legs and arms from hitting the wood floor without warning. Hopefully they have that fixed because sleeping is not an option when you're pruining from lying/sleeping in your own sweat. N to the ASTY. Fo realz.As for the rest, here's a little tour. The endless row of tents that house thousands of transient soldiers:
The trailer we shower in (only 15 gallons per soldier...aka a very cold, uncomfortable, dry shower): 
This is self explanatory...but no less disgusting in 122 degree heat: 
Bomb shelters (rarely, if ever, used in Kuwait): 
And finally, here are some pictures from our trip to the range early yesterday morning to test fire our M16's and M9's: 
The range was VERY far out in the desert but it was nice that early in the morning (we went there at 4:30am). We saw camels being herded (are camels herded??? if that sounded ignorant, I apologize): 
The more I see, the more surreal it seems! Someone commented that I need to remember all I see and do, and commit it to memory...they are so right because in spite of the pain this separation is causing me, this is truly a unique and interesting experience. I'm lucky to share it with you. I hope you are enjoying it. I miss you!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Georgia...Maine...Ireland...Kuwait...Iraq
I'm currently on the third stop of my of my two city, three country adventure. Ireland, where the Guiness is thick and the spirit is high. As we came off the plane and in to the terminal, the crowd erupted into spontaneous applause. That feels good because considering where we are heading, I anticipate that will be the last standing ovation we receive until we return home.
I have just a few minutes before we have to reboard but since I have an internet connection, I wanted to check in to let you know I am doing well. The week at Fort Benning was quick and easy. Greg was able to come down from Tuesday to Friday and although we didn't have as much time as we wanted, I was luckier than most because everyone else said goodbye to their family before leaving for Benning. That said, the final goodbye yesterday was/is gut-wrenching. It doesn't seem real to me that I will not return home in a week and fall in to his hug. In fact, when I wake up from sleeping on the plane, I painfully realize all over again that with each flight I am flying further and further away from the love of my life. I know it's only nine or ten months but right now, that does little to comfort me. One. Day. At. A. Time.
I've met some really great people in the airport just since I've been typing this. One very nice couple from Connecticut and a young man from West Virginia. Two West Virginian's meeting in an Irish Airport Hanger...who would have thought?
Time to go...from here, it only gets tougher so I have to psych myself up for this next leg! Next time you hear from me I should be there. I'm not sure when I can update because I have no idea what my living/working situation will be. But know I am doing well and concentrating on that return home! Until then, keep us all in your prayers and know all of us are serving with your Freedoms and safety foremost in our minds.
I have just a few minutes before we have to reboard but since I have an internet connection, I wanted to check in to let you know I am doing well. The week at Fort Benning was quick and easy. Greg was able to come down from Tuesday to Friday and although we didn't have as much time as we wanted, I was luckier than most because everyone else said goodbye to their family before leaving for Benning. That said, the final goodbye yesterday was/is gut-wrenching. It doesn't seem real to me that I will not return home in a week and fall in to his hug. In fact, when I wake up from sleeping on the plane, I painfully realize all over again that with each flight I am flying further and further away from the love of my life. I know it's only nine or ten months but right now, that does little to comfort me. One. Day. At. A. Time.
I've met some really great people in the airport just since I've been typing this. One very nice couple from Connecticut and a young man from West Virginia. Two West Virginian's meeting in an Irish Airport Hanger...who would have thought?
Time to go...from here, it only gets tougher so I have to psych myself up for this next leg! Next time you hear from me I should be there. I'm not sure when I can update because I have no idea what my living/working situation will be. But know I am doing well and concentrating on that return home! Until then, keep us all in your prayers and know all of us are serving with your Freedoms and safety foremost in our minds.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
So It Begins
In less than 3 hours I am leaving to catch my flight to Fort Benning, Georgia. This time next week, according to the most recent information I've received, I will be on a plane crossing the Atlantic. And so it begins....
It's late and I'm tired. For obvious reasons I can't sleep (note that Greg isn't one to lose sleep when he's stressed....God love him but he's out like a light!) so I thought I'd write a quick update because I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it from Georgia. Luckily, I don't have to say my final good-bye to Greg today. He is coming to Georgia on Tuesday to spend a few days with me. We're keeping our fingers crossed that I won't be training into the evening so that we'll have plenty of time together. Regardless, even if it's for 20 minutes a day, it's worth it. Gosh, I love my husband.
I will, however, have to say good-bye to Gumata. We've had this dog a little more than 2 months and I am so in love with her, I can't stand it!! Pets really do become your children! I mean, come on....how can you not love a dog who LOVES the beach (like her parents) and LOVES to sleep (like her parents)?
This little girl is only 9 months old and she's already close to 80lbs! When I get back, she is going to be HUGE! Gosh, I can't wait to hug her again....this is so hard. I've underestimated it for sure. More from Georgia....
It's late and I'm tired. For obvious reasons I can't sleep (note that Greg isn't one to lose sleep when he's stressed....God love him but he's out like a light!) so I thought I'd write a quick update because I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it from Georgia. Luckily, I don't have to say my final good-bye to Greg today. He is coming to Georgia on Tuesday to spend a few days with me. We're keeping our fingers crossed that I won't be training into the evening so that we'll have plenty of time together. Regardless, even if it's for 20 minutes a day, it's worth it. Gosh, I love my husband.
I will, however, have to say good-bye to Gumata. We've had this dog a little more than 2 months and I am so in love with her, I can't stand it!! Pets really do become your children! I mean, come on....how can you not love a dog who LOVES the beach (like her parents) and LOVES to sleep (like her parents)?
This little girl is only 9 months old and she's already close to 80lbs! When I get back, she is going to be HUGE! Gosh, I can't wait to hug her again....this is so hard. I've underestimated it for sure. More from Georgia....
Friday, August 24, 2007
I'm Still Here....
Yep, I'm still here. Sorry it's been so long between posts. I'm assuming it's just my family (and by family, i mean my mother and grandmother) who check to see if I've updated, but still....
It's been a pretty stressful month and it's about to get even more stressful. I think I'm having a physical aversion to this deployment! I've had severe headaches the last few days; Greg says it's because I'm thinking too much. He may be right.
The fact is I thought I would have been long gone by now. I was supposed to be gone the first week in August according to the information I got when I first found out I was being deployed. I finished work, went home to visit the fam, said my goodbyes to them, and came back to LA to spend a good solid week with Greg and Gumata before gearing up to leave. Only thing is we kept waiting and waiting...and waiting...and waiting....and heard nothing for weeks. Don't get me wrong; I LOVE and appreciate the extra time in the beautiful California sun with my family, but life isn't free and I wasn't working. It was hard to truly enjoy that time, without stress, when we had no idea when I was leaving. So I did a little Army stuff, booked an INSANE freelance VH1 shoot with Janice Dickinson (more on that later), then went back to work at Susan Davis International. All of that work was a godsend. Susan Davis is a gem. Take note.
Then finally, last Tuesday (8/21) I got the call that we had simultaneously been waiting for and dreading: I have to report to Fort Benning, Georgia no later than 1500 (3pm) on September 1st (next Saturday) for an 8 day training period. From there, I assume I go to Kuwait. By this time next month, I will be in Iraq to join the unit that has been there since the weekend of our wedding. I've cried more recently (usually when I am alone) than I have since I found out. There is a unique difference in knowing you are leaving and actually having a date. It's painful, and I've had a constant knot in my throat. The only thing I keep telling myself is that thousands, if not millions, of soldiers have done it and have survived. Of course, I realize how dramatic this sounds....I get it....but the fear of goodbye is so real to me now that it's turned in to a true physical pain. Even the simplist thing makes me tear up. Uh, feeding the fish..yep, almost makes me cry. Putting gas in my car? Tears. Picking up Gumata's poo? Tears. I'll be the first to admit it's laughable.
Speaking of laughable, let's lighten things up a bit and talk about my shoot with Ms. Janice Dickinson for VH1. HOLY WACKY CRAZY INSANE BOTOXED TRAINWRECK. To refresh your memory, this is Janice:
I did Ms. Thing a favor by posting a relatively flattering picture of her. She is so nutty that in many of her pictures she is either exposing her underwear, making a crazy face, or grabbing men's crotches...you name it. Google her name, you'll see. Okay back to the story. Here's the deal: the shoot was for VH1's Fabulous Life series...this particular episode is about "cougars" (women who date younger men) and women over 40 who keep it sexy. Apparently the producers at VH1 think Janice fits the mold. It also doesn't hurt that she is crazy and will do most anything on camera (which makes for a better episode for them). She realizes this, believe me. They aren't exploiting anyone who doesn't know it. Janice isn't a dummy; she understands that the way she stays relevant these days is to be the star of her own mini circus. Welcome to Janice's Circus. Exhibit A, just for fun: 
(smaller pic, easier on the eyes).
The shoot was supposed to last 5 hours and we were going shopping with Janice at 4 or 5 different trendy shops in Hollywood; she was going to show us how she "keeps it sexy". I don't have the time or energy to relive every single detail but I'll bust out a few of the highlights. Ms. Janice is 53 years old and considers herself "the world's first supermodel". To her credit, she still looks great. She is admittedly botoxed within an inch of her life and her teeth rival Mr. Ed's but still...she looks great. She has two kids that I know of, one of which was on the shoot with her. She's 13. Keep this in mind as I bring you the highlights. First stop, Agent Provocateur. Lingerie. Sexy in the bedroom type stuff. Janice puts on one of the most provocative ensembles I have ever seen - complete with whip, garter, high heels and push up bra. She is crazy. When she comes out of the dressing room, her 13-year-old daughter leaves the store, mortified. But that doesn't stop Janice from playing up to the camera about her sexual exploits and desires. Wow. I thought I was unshockable. I'm not. The thing with Janice is she doesn't care if she appears rude to people. I think she feels absolutely entitled -- entitled to free stuff, entitled to boss people around, entitled to do as she pleases. In fact, when the camera man (Kevin, I've worked with him at Access Hollywood) and I were talking about me going back to Iraq, I was no longer "producer girl".....I immediately became Iraq girl. IRAQ GIRL!!!!! The public relations guy was PR GUY; camera guy, well CAMERA GUY. You get the point. It didn't even occur to her that it may be rude! And she SCREAMS your tag line when she needs you....."PR GUY AM I GETTING THIS STUFF FOR FREE?" "IRAQ GIRL, WHERE ARE WE GOING NEXT?" Oh my holy trainwreck. I only wish that once in your life you get to experience something like this. Every store we went in, she expected to keep everything she tried on. Didn't matter if it cost thousands of dollars or if it was one of a kind. Didn't matter. And she didn't stop there. Again, to her credit, in spite of the fact that she called me "Iraq Girl", she was very gracious about my going to Iraq. Almost too gracious. Every store we went in, with the exception of Agent Provocateur, she kept saying "can you wear this in Iraq, do you want this hat, this shirt, these pants?" When I said "no, thank you" she threw them at me and told me to keep them. We're talking $150 t-shirts. Um, can't wear Ed Hardy in Iraq. Can't wear a hoodie from Kitson. Can't wear a trench from Ted Baker (although I LOVED that trench coat!). I understand she was only trying to be nice, and her intentions were good, but the looks on the faces of the managers and employees at these stores were priceless. They were unexpectedly cast in the latest espisode of the Janice Dickinson Circus. It was crazy. For the record, I took everything she threw at me back to the stores. The free stuff is not for me to have. It's not ethical, first of all. Secondly, (News Bulletin) we only wear Government Issue in Iraq!! Besides, the detail in the trench would be lost under my Kevlar Vest and it certainly doesn't go with an M16A2 rifle. It's basic fashion awareness people. Jeez.
So anyway, we finished the shoot and although it went well, I seriously felt like I had survived a hurricane. These shoots are always chaotic; when you're dealing with famous people and egos and entitlement, there is always drama. Plus, as the producer, you are the one who has to keep egos in check, stick to the timeline, deal with publicist, managers, agents, etc. You're in charge and it's NUTS.
My life is so full of perspective. And when it's all said and done, in spite of the stresses of military life, it's provided a much healthier outlook on life for me. I would much rather be facing an enemy in Iraq than be the 13-year-old daughter of an aging, egotistical, entitled supermodel who flashes her vajayjay for the world to see....all for a little attention. The truth is Janice was nothing but nice to me, albeit in her own way. But I'm not the one she needs to be thinking about. Perhaps she can put her snatch away and think about why her daughter is running out of stores at the sight of her in a thong.
You see, the perception for most is that Hollywood is the place you come to make your dreams come true. For a lucky few, that may be true. In Janice's case, however, it's clouded her judgment in raising her daughter. Her need for fame and success overrides her daughter's need for a healthy environment and lifestyle. I may complain and get sad about my circumstances, but I'm truly happier living my life as a soldier who makes $2000 a month serving in a combat zone than as a celebrity pulling in millions a year by making a jerk of herself and her daughter. But that's just me - AKA Iraq Girl.
It's been a pretty stressful month and it's about to get even more stressful. I think I'm having a physical aversion to this deployment! I've had severe headaches the last few days; Greg says it's because I'm thinking too much. He may be right.
The fact is I thought I would have been long gone by now. I was supposed to be gone the first week in August according to the information I got when I first found out I was being deployed. I finished work, went home to visit the fam, said my goodbyes to them, and came back to LA to spend a good solid week with Greg and Gumata before gearing up to leave. Only thing is we kept waiting and waiting...and waiting...and waiting....and heard nothing for weeks. Don't get me wrong; I LOVE and appreciate the extra time in the beautiful California sun with my family, but life isn't free and I wasn't working. It was hard to truly enjoy that time, without stress, when we had no idea when I was leaving. So I did a little Army stuff, booked an INSANE freelance VH1 shoot with Janice Dickinson (more on that later), then went back to work at Susan Davis International. All of that work was a godsend. Susan Davis is a gem. Take note.
Then finally, last Tuesday (8/21) I got the call that we had simultaneously been waiting for and dreading: I have to report to Fort Benning, Georgia no later than 1500 (3pm) on September 1st (next Saturday) for an 8 day training period. From there, I assume I go to Kuwait. By this time next month, I will be in Iraq to join the unit that has been there since the weekend of our wedding. I've cried more recently (usually when I am alone) than I have since I found out. There is a unique difference in knowing you are leaving and actually having a date. It's painful, and I've had a constant knot in my throat. The only thing I keep telling myself is that thousands, if not millions, of soldiers have done it and have survived. Of course, I realize how dramatic this sounds....I get it....but the fear of goodbye is so real to me now that it's turned in to a true physical pain. Even the simplist thing makes me tear up. Uh, feeding the fish..yep, almost makes me cry. Putting gas in my car? Tears. Picking up Gumata's poo? Tears. I'll be the first to admit it's laughable.
Speaking of laughable, let's lighten things up a bit and talk about my shoot with Ms. Janice Dickinson for VH1. HOLY WACKY CRAZY INSANE BOTOXED TRAINWRECK. To refresh your memory, this is Janice:
I did Ms. Thing a favor by posting a relatively flattering picture of her. She is so nutty that in many of her pictures she is either exposing her underwear, making a crazy face, or grabbing men's crotches...you name it. Google her name, you'll see. Okay back to the story. Here's the deal: the shoot was for VH1's Fabulous Life series...this particular episode is about "cougars" (women who date younger men) and women over 40 who keep it sexy. Apparently the producers at VH1 think Janice fits the mold. It also doesn't hurt that she is crazy and will do most anything on camera (which makes for a better episode for them). She realizes this, believe me. They aren't exploiting anyone who doesn't know it. Janice isn't a dummy; she understands that the way she stays relevant these days is to be the star of her own mini circus. Welcome to Janice's Circus. Exhibit A, just for fun: 
(smaller pic, easier on the eyes).The shoot was supposed to last 5 hours and we were going shopping with Janice at 4 or 5 different trendy shops in Hollywood; she was going to show us how she "keeps it sexy". I don't have the time or energy to relive every single detail but I'll bust out a few of the highlights. Ms. Janice is 53 years old and considers herself "the world's first supermodel". To her credit, she still looks great. She is admittedly botoxed within an inch of her life and her teeth rival Mr. Ed's but still...she looks great. She has two kids that I know of, one of which was on the shoot with her. She's 13. Keep this in mind as I bring you the highlights. First stop, Agent Provocateur. Lingerie. Sexy in the bedroom type stuff. Janice puts on one of the most provocative ensembles I have ever seen - complete with whip, garter, high heels and push up bra. She is crazy. When she comes out of the dressing room, her 13-year-old daughter leaves the store, mortified. But that doesn't stop Janice from playing up to the camera about her sexual exploits and desires. Wow. I thought I was unshockable. I'm not. The thing with Janice is she doesn't care if she appears rude to people. I think she feels absolutely entitled -- entitled to free stuff, entitled to boss people around, entitled to do as she pleases. In fact, when the camera man (Kevin, I've worked with him at Access Hollywood) and I were talking about me going back to Iraq, I was no longer "producer girl".....I immediately became Iraq girl. IRAQ GIRL!!!!! The public relations guy was PR GUY; camera guy, well CAMERA GUY. You get the point. It didn't even occur to her that it may be rude! And she SCREAMS your tag line when she needs you....."PR GUY AM I GETTING THIS STUFF FOR FREE?" "IRAQ GIRL, WHERE ARE WE GOING NEXT?" Oh my holy trainwreck. I only wish that once in your life you get to experience something like this. Every store we went in, she expected to keep everything she tried on. Didn't matter if it cost thousands of dollars or if it was one of a kind. Didn't matter. And she didn't stop there. Again, to her credit, in spite of the fact that she called me "Iraq Girl", she was very gracious about my going to Iraq. Almost too gracious. Every store we went in, with the exception of Agent Provocateur, she kept saying "can you wear this in Iraq, do you want this hat, this shirt, these pants?" When I said "no, thank you" she threw them at me and told me to keep them. We're talking $150 t-shirts. Um, can't wear Ed Hardy in Iraq. Can't wear a hoodie from Kitson. Can't wear a trench from Ted Baker (although I LOVED that trench coat!). I understand she was only trying to be nice, and her intentions were good, but the looks on the faces of the managers and employees at these stores were priceless. They were unexpectedly cast in the latest espisode of the Janice Dickinson Circus. It was crazy. For the record, I took everything she threw at me back to the stores. The free stuff is not for me to have. It's not ethical, first of all. Secondly, (News Bulletin) we only wear Government Issue in Iraq!! Besides, the detail in the trench would be lost under my Kevlar Vest and it certainly doesn't go with an M16A2 rifle. It's basic fashion awareness people. Jeez.
So anyway, we finished the shoot and although it went well, I seriously felt like I had survived a hurricane. These shoots are always chaotic; when you're dealing with famous people and egos and entitlement, there is always drama. Plus, as the producer, you are the one who has to keep egos in check, stick to the timeline, deal with publicist, managers, agents, etc. You're in charge and it's NUTS.
My life is so full of perspective. And when it's all said and done, in spite of the stresses of military life, it's provided a much healthier outlook on life for me. I would much rather be facing an enemy in Iraq than be the 13-year-old daughter of an aging, egotistical, entitled supermodel who flashes her vajayjay for the world to see....all for a little attention. The truth is Janice was nothing but nice to me, albeit in her own way. But I'm not the one she needs to be thinking about. Perhaps she can put her snatch away and think about why her daughter is running out of stores at the sight of her in a thong.
You see, the perception for most is that Hollywood is the place you come to make your dreams come true. For a lucky few, that may be true. In Janice's case, however, it's clouded her judgment in raising her daughter. Her need for fame and success overrides her daughter's need for a healthy environment and lifestyle. I may complain and get sad about my circumstances, but I'm truly happier living my life as a soldier who makes $2000 a month serving in a combat zone than as a celebrity pulling in millions a year by making a jerk of herself and her daughter. But that's just me - AKA Iraq Girl.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Care Packages
For those of you who don't know what it is I do for a living, it's probably a good idea to explain so that this post will make sense. After years of working in television, I recently started as an Account Executive for a great PR agency in Washington, DC called Susan Davis International. It's Public Relations - something I've never thought I would be interested in doing. Turns out I am interested, and I happen to really enjoy it.
One of our biggest accounts, and the one closest to my heart, is America Supports You, a Department of Defense program which highlights citizens' support for military personnel and their families, and then communicates that support to our troops serving all over the world. The "communicate" part of the equation is the most important element to me, and it has a lot to do with this post. Under the umbrella of the America Supports You program sit over 275 non-profit organizations whose purpose is to provide support of any and all kinds to our men and women in uniform. Fulfilling the needs of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines is the priority, and it's very upsetting when the needs of these amazing Americans aren't met, or aren't communicated properly.
Today my boss sent me an email a soldier who is stationed in Iraq sent to an extremely successful non-profit organization here in the states.. Because the email was not sent directly to me, I won't reveal which non-profit it was nor will I reveal the soldier's identity. But I would like to talk about what he wrote in the email. Here is a small snippet:
"I am just another Joe in the desert out here in Iraq...has it ever occurred to anyone in the States to ask the troops directly what they need or what in terms of support? The last thing we need out here is another million letters and boxes jammed with Q-tips, cotton balls, and pilfered hotel soap bars.....It just frustrates me to see these campaigns and no one is coordinating with us here."
The email was sent to me because my boss knows I can relate to the soldier's frustrations and she wanted to gage my perspective to see if this is a bitter soldier or a valid complaint. Here is my long response (clearly it is something I am passionate about):
A few things come to mind:
He may, in fact, be a disgruntled Joe. But we have to explore exactly why he is disgruntled and pin down why he has chosen to send an email that can potentially hurt someones efforts in supporting the troops. I'm guessing he is "over it" - run down by missions, danger, violence, increased public dissatisfaction of the war (which we ALL feel and know but rarely talk about with anyone outside of our little circle), time away from family, having very little control over the decisions that affect us, and last but not least, feeling terribly homesick.
As I have mentioned before, the ONE thing we look forward to CONSTANTLY, is getting mail - and if there is a package, light the candles because it absolutely feels like a birthday!! But imagine you are so excited and then you open a package only to find one of hundreds of items you have been sent before; items that were useless even in 2004. It's like getting a birthday present you can't use. Don't get me wrong...the appreciation is there, without a doubt, but the excitement wears off because it's just another example of the disconnect taking place between what soldiers need and what the public think we need.
The truth is our government has gone to great lengths to make sure the majority of us are properly taken care of. Not long after the initial invasion, when logistics were just starting to take effect, private contractors were hired to build and house us in air conditioned trailers stocked with a shared hot water shower and bathroom, television, DVD player as well as personal armoires and beds, TV stands and night tables. Basically, it didn't take long to assure our quality of life on the FOB's (Forward Operation Base) was high.
And while the food in the chow halls is wide ranging and served in abundance, it's THEIR choice for what we want; not the choice of the service member.
People can argue that it's the life you choose when you voluntarily sign up to be a JOE. That is true. But it's also true that your friends and family, along with thousands of strangers who want to help in any way they can, are going to send you care packages in an attempt to make you feel less homesick, make you smile, or to help fill a void. If you are a family member, you know exactly what your loved ones want and you can fulfill the request. If you are not, you simply go on what you've heard or what you THINK a soldier needs: q-tips, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, wet naps, beef jerky, pens, pencils, and random well wishes from a kindergarten class in the mid-west. All well intended and appreciated of course, but it's not filling a need and to the soldier, it further fuels the assumption that there is a disconnect between our needs and you, thus adding to our homesickness. Is this too confusing? Well, it is to us as well. It's hard to verbalize or make sense of your feelings in that environment without fear of sounding like a whiner, a slacker, and a pansy that can't take the tough life of a JOE. That is why I think we should move away from assuming this soldier is disgruntled and think of his letter as a Citizen Service Announcement for the thousands of troops who share his frustrations. And think of ways to combat it (pun intended).
How do we do this? Well, one way is to push this relationship with NetGrocer.com. As I have mentioned before, I spent hundreds of my own dollars at Net Grocer on items I wasn't getting in care packages and that weren't offered in the chow hall or PX....items that gave me a piece of home and a feeling of normalcy. I understand this probably sounds crazy, but it truly boosted my morale to enjoy a 12 ounce can of Diet Mountain Dew - something that I can pick up anywhere in the states but also something that takes over 2 weeks to get when deployed in a war zone. When I relayed that message to my friends and family, I no longer had to spend my money on it. They took out the toothpaste and q-tips and made room for another 6 pack of Diet Mountain Dew. They weren't wrong for not doing it in the first place; they simply didn't know.
Secondly, we should relay this message to all the home front groups who fall under ASY that send care packages overseas. I think they should ALL reevaluate the items they spend their time and money on, determine if those items still fit the needs of today's soldier based on the soldier's conditions, and adjust fire (again, pun intended). There is no need to fill packages with unwanted or unneeded items and then waste a lot of money on shipping.
America Supports You can provide the troops and the home front group a fantastic service. We've been provided a very useful message from a soldier who knows what he is talking about. Now we need to relay that message to the appropriate home front groups, start a conversation (perhaps a conference call summit), and see what we can collectively agree is the best plan of action to assure this kind of letter isn't written again.
I get that most of this message may not mean that much to you. Alot of what I wrote is jargon known to only those of us who work on the account but I'd like to address a few of the points I made in the email because this can help everyone out who is planning to send care packages to soldiers like me (wink wink).
I am on my way back to Iraq and it's almost guaranteed that I will have the same comfy set up that you see in the picture above. Many soldiers and Marines do not, however.
If you pay attention to the background of this picture you will see he is living is substandard conditions, one which allows the mighty Marines to pack up quickly and defend our Freedoms (Thank You!). Please understand, however, that this is NOT how the majority of us are roughing it. If you know a soldier or Marine serving in this capacity, the items in this pic are probably more suitable for them.
These items are great because they fit in pockets, ruck sacks, and duffel bags. They are also very convenient and necessary for troops who have to travel light and for troops who like to brush their teeth, wipe off the sand, and fuel up on snacks between firefights.
But like I said before, most of us are not living like that so those little things people think we need end up in the garbage - or as handouts to Iraqi children. There is a huge misconception about the life of a soldier. True, there are moments of inconvenience and restless nights on uncomfortable cots while consuming dry and tasteless MRE's. But for MOST soldiers, this happens very rarely. Which is why the email from the soldier is so valuable.
He and his soldiers don't need food that is still edible ten years down the road. They, like me, want things they can't get their hands on: soda, candy, or chips not offered in the chow hall or PX, portable entertainment equipment (ipods, dvd players, handheld gaming consoles) and a litany of other things. My suggestion, if you want to send care packages and not waste your money, would be to find a soldier or a unit and communicate with them and their Chain of Command to gage their specific wants and needs. Additionally, I wouldn't send something to "any soldier". We're beyond that as almost every soldier receives cards, letters, and packages and if they aren't, a random letter of support from someone they don't know won't do much to boost their morale. I do suggest, however, that in your communication with your loved one, you ask if someone in his or her unit isn't receiving mail on a regular basis. Then email that soldier, ask them what they would like specifically, and send it with love.
The fear here is that people will think soldiers are being unappreciative. It's not that at all! But it does get redundant to read letters of support from strangers we don't know. At first, it's cute and appreciated but the feeling wears off after the 10th letter from someone whose name we don't recognize. When it's personal, it's awesome. When it's not, it's a little less awesome(sorry to sound so rude, but it's true!).
Whew, this has turned out to be a long post! I'm not even sure it makes sense but I hope it is helpful in pointing out what is valuable to a soldier and what is not. I mentioned NetGrocer above...it's a great on-line grocery and product service that ships to military bases all over the world. I used it and I encourage others to use it. SDI is in the process of building a relationship with NetGrocer and some of the non-profit groups that fall under America Supports You to make it more user friendly for the military and their families. But until then, hop on over and look around. Better yet, send the link to whoever you know in Iraq or Afghanistan, and ask them to make a wish list. It will do wonders for their spirit and you can be sure your money will be well spent.
Have a great weekend!
One of our biggest accounts, and the one closest to my heart, is America Supports You, a Department of Defense program which highlights citizens' support for military personnel and their families, and then communicates that support to our troops serving all over the world. The "communicate" part of the equation is the most important element to me, and it has a lot to do with this post. Under the umbrella of the America Supports You program sit over 275 non-profit organizations whose purpose is to provide support of any and all kinds to our men and women in uniform. Fulfilling the needs of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines is the priority, and it's very upsetting when the needs of these amazing Americans aren't met, or aren't communicated properly.
Today my boss sent me an email a soldier who is stationed in Iraq sent to an extremely successful non-profit organization here in the states.. Because the email was not sent directly to me, I won't reveal which non-profit it was nor will I reveal the soldier's identity. But I would like to talk about what he wrote in the email. Here is a small snippet:
"I am just another Joe in the desert out here in Iraq...has it ever occurred to anyone in the States to ask the troops directly what they need or what in terms of support? The last thing we need out here is another million letters and boxes jammed with Q-tips, cotton balls, and pilfered hotel soap bars.....It just frustrates me to see these campaigns and no one is coordinating with us here."
The email was sent to me because my boss knows I can relate to the soldier's frustrations and she wanted to gage my perspective to see if this is a bitter soldier or a valid complaint. Here is my long response (clearly it is something I am passionate about):
A few things come to mind:
He may, in fact, be a disgruntled Joe. But we have to explore exactly why he is disgruntled and pin down why he has chosen to send an email that can potentially hurt someones efforts in supporting the troops. I'm guessing he is "over it" - run down by missions, danger, violence, increased public dissatisfaction of the war (which we ALL feel and know but rarely talk about with anyone outside of our little circle), time away from family, having very little control over the decisions that affect us, and last but not least, feeling terribly homesick.
As I have mentioned before, the ONE thing we look forward to CONSTANTLY, is getting mail - and if there is a package, light the candles because it absolutely feels like a birthday!! But imagine you are so excited and then you open a package only to find one of hundreds of items you have been sent before; items that were useless even in 2004. It's like getting a birthday present you can't use. Don't get me wrong...the appreciation is there, without a doubt, but the excitement wears off because it's just another example of the disconnect taking place between what soldiers need and what the public think we need.
The truth is our government has gone to great lengths to make sure the majority of us are properly taken care of. Not long after the initial invasion, when logistics were just starting to take effect, private contractors were hired to build and house us in air conditioned trailers stocked with a shared hot water shower and bathroom, television, DVD player as well as personal armoires and beds, TV stands and night tables. Basically, it didn't take long to assure our quality of life on the FOB's (Forward Operation Base) was high.
And while the food in the chow halls is wide ranging and served in abundance, it's THEIR choice for what we want; not the choice of the service member. People can argue that it's the life you choose when you voluntarily sign up to be a JOE. That is true. But it's also true that your friends and family, along with thousands of strangers who want to help in any way they can, are going to send you care packages in an attempt to make you feel less homesick, make you smile, or to help fill a void. If you are a family member, you know exactly what your loved ones want and you can fulfill the request. If you are not, you simply go on what you've heard or what you THINK a soldier needs: q-tips, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, wet naps, beef jerky, pens, pencils, and random well wishes from a kindergarten class in the mid-west. All well intended and appreciated of course, but it's not filling a need and to the soldier, it further fuels the assumption that there is a disconnect between our needs and you, thus adding to our homesickness. Is this too confusing? Well, it is to us as well. It's hard to verbalize or make sense of your feelings in that environment without fear of sounding like a whiner, a slacker, and a pansy that can't take the tough life of a JOE. That is why I think we should move away from assuming this soldier is disgruntled and think of his letter as a Citizen Service Announcement for the thousands of troops who share his frustrations. And think of ways to combat it (pun intended).
How do we do this? Well, one way is to push this relationship with NetGrocer.com. As I have mentioned before, I spent hundreds of my own dollars at Net Grocer on items I wasn't getting in care packages and that weren't offered in the chow hall or PX....items that gave me a piece of home and a feeling of normalcy. I understand this probably sounds crazy, but it truly boosted my morale to enjoy a 12 ounce can of Diet Mountain Dew - something that I can pick up anywhere in the states but also something that takes over 2 weeks to get when deployed in a war zone. When I relayed that message to my friends and family, I no longer had to spend my money on it. They took out the toothpaste and q-tips and made room for another 6 pack of Diet Mountain Dew. They weren't wrong for not doing it in the first place; they simply didn't know.
Secondly, we should relay this message to all the home front groups who fall under ASY that send care packages overseas. I think they should ALL reevaluate the items they spend their time and money on, determine if those items still fit the needs of today's soldier based on the soldier's conditions, and adjust fire (again, pun intended). There is no need to fill packages with unwanted or unneeded items and then waste a lot of money on shipping.
America Supports You can provide the troops and the home front group a fantastic service. We've been provided a very useful message from a soldier who knows what he is talking about. Now we need to relay that message to the appropriate home front groups, start a conversation (perhaps a conference call summit), and see what we can collectively agree is the best plan of action to assure this kind of letter isn't written again.
I get that most of this message may not mean that much to you. Alot of what I wrote is jargon known to only those of us who work on the account but I'd like to address a few of the points I made in the email because this can help everyone out who is planning to send care packages to soldiers like me (wink wink).
I am on my way back to Iraq and it's almost guaranteed that I will have the same comfy set up that you see in the picture above. Many soldiers and Marines do not, however.
If you pay attention to the background of this picture you will see he is living is substandard conditions, one which allows the mighty Marines to pack up quickly and defend our Freedoms (Thank You!). Please understand, however, that this is NOT how the majority of us are roughing it. If you know a soldier or Marine serving in this capacity, the items in this pic are probably more suitable for them.
These items are great because they fit in pockets, ruck sacks, and duffel bags. They are also very convenient and necessary for troops who have to travel light and for troops who like to brush their teeth, wipe off the sand, and fuel up on snacks between firefights. But like I said before, most of us are not living like that so those little things people think we need end up in the garbage - or as handouts to Iraqi children. There is a huge misconception about the life of a soldier. True, there are moments of inconvenience and restless nights on uncomfortable cots while consuming dry and tasteless MRE's. But for MOST soldiers, this happens very rarely. Which is why the email from the soldier is so valuable.
He and his soldiers don't need food that is still edible ten years down the road. They, like me, want things they can't get their hands on: soda, candy, or chips not offered in the chow hall or PX, portable entertainment equipment (ipods, dvd players, handheld gaming consoles) and a litany of other things. My suggestion, if you want to send care packages and not waste your money, would be to find a soldier or a unit and communicate with them and their Chain of Command to gage their specific wants and needs. Additionally, I wouldn't send something to "any soldier". We're beyond that as almost every soldier receives cards, letters, and packages and if they aren't, a random letter of support from someone they don't know won't do much to boost their morale. I do suggest, however, that in your communication with your loved one, you ask if someone in his or her unit isn't receiving mail on a regular basis. Then email that soldier, ask them what they would like specifically, and send it with love.
The fear here is that people will think soldiers are being unappreciative. It's not that at all! But it does get redundant to read letters of support from strangers we don't know. At first, it's cute and appreciated but the feeling wears off after the 10th letter from someone whose name we don't recognize. When it's personal, it's awesome. When it's not, it's a little less awesome(sorry to sound so rude, but it's true!).
Whew, this has turned out to be a long post! I'm not even sure it makes sense but I hope it is helpful in pointing out what is valuable to a soldier and what is not. I mentioned NetGrocer above...it's a great on-line grocery and product service that ships to military bases all over the world. I used it and I encourage others to use it. SDI is in the process of building a relationship with NetGrocer and some of the non-profit groups that fall under America Supports You to make it more user friendly for the military and their families. But until then, hop on over and look around. Better yet, send the link to whoever you know in Iraq or Afghanistan, and ask them to make a wish list. It will do wonders for their spirit and you can be sure your money will be well spent.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Here We Go Again
A litte over a week ago I received a call alerting me that I am headed back to Iraq. For those who know me, you know the deal. For those who don't, I spent a year in Iraq from November 2003 to November 2004. I spent a month or so in Balad, but mostly I was stationed in Baghdad.
I've been home for a while now; long enough to meet a (wonderful) man and marry him.
I blogged about my experience the first time, but I used my maiden name. This time is different, for several reasons: (1) I have a different name. I'm Addie Zinone (proudly) (2) I have a child...granted, my child has four legs, not two, but I love her just the same (3) I have a meaningful job that brings attention to the people and organizations I believe truly deserve it (4) I'm older, wiser, stronger, prouder (5) I'm also a lot more sad.
I'm not writing all of this to garner sympathy; I'm simply writing to provide a voice, if I may be so bold, for many soldiers like me who find themselves in a very similar situation. It's clearly more dangerous than it was a few years ago but the danger isn't my biggest fear. My biggest fear is the saddness I am going to feel leaving my husband and now my little doggy, the FAMILY I love so much!
I hope I am not offending anyone, particularly my mother,
by saying this deployment will be harder for me. It's never easy to leave anyone in your family but the truth is, throughout college and because of the various jobs I've had over the years, I've been home very little. So I'm used to it. It's sad, of course, but it's a different kind of sad. Leaving my husband, someone I have been around consistently for two-and-a-half years, is something I can't fathom. And I'm petrified of that final hug goodbye.
When I went to Iraq the first time, I didn't have the additional burden of leaving a husband behind. I felt little guilt; but now I feel a little guilty because I am leaving Greg to worry about me in ways I can not imagine. I am leaving him to care for our dog alone, to sit alone on the couch watching tv shows we used to watch together, and to love from a distance. It stinks!!
One of the good things about this tour, however, is I am filling in for someone who has to come home. I am not sure why he is leaving; all I know is I am going. As such, I will only have to serve 9 or 10 months in Iraq. I am headed to Balad, which is about 65 miles north of Baghdad. It's an old Iraqi airfield that is home to about 28,000 soldiers. I will have plenty of company. But not the company I want!!! Take care of my husband! I will miss him terribly.....and I know he will miss me too.
My future sister-in-law, Lindsey, forwarded me an email about having "perspective" - about how those of us in the states need to take a break from complaining so much because the men and women serving in our military have to deal with really terrible things on a daily basis. The very last line of the email was "the only thing harder than being a soldier is loving one". It's so true! It's much harder for our friends and family, particularly a spouse, to deal with a deployment, especially in a war zone, because they feel fear and desperation about the unknown. I know Greg will be constantly thinking, "Is Addie okay? Is she in danger? Is she being careful?" because that is what my mom was always thinking! It's completely natural to worry like that and, I can only imagine, it makes for an awfully long year for them.
So what I'm trying to do this time is blog about my deployment more frequently. All of it, from now until the end, the good, the bad, the scary, and the ugly. Because, I feel, the more informed and aware my family, friends, and Greg are about what I am up to, the easier it will be for them. And that's all I want: to know they are okay. Then I will be okay.
More later. I'm off to enjoy one of the few weekends I have left with my family.
I've been home for a while now; long enough to meet a (wonderful) man and marry him. 
I blogged about my experience the first time, but I used my maiden name. This time is different, for several reasons: (1) I have a different name. I'm Addie Zinone (proudly) (2) I have a child...granted, my child has four legs, not two, but I love her just the same (3) I have a meaningful job that brings attention to the people and organizations I believe truly deserve it (4) I'm older, wiser, stronger, prouder (5) I'm also a lot more sad.
I'm not writing all of this to garner sympathy; I'm simply writing to provide a voice, if I may be so bold, for many soldiers like me who find themselves in a very similar situation. It's clearly more dangerous than it was a few years ago but the danger isn't my biggest fear. My biggest fear is the saddness I am going to feel leaving my husband and now my little doggy, the FAMILY I love so much!
I hope I am not offending anyone, particularly my mother,
by saying this deployment will be harder for me. It's never easy to leave anyone in your family but the truth is, throughout college and because of the various jobs I've had over the years, I've been home very little. So I'm used to it. It's sad, of course, but it's a different kind of sad. Leaving my husband, someone I have been around consistently for two-and-a-half years, is something I can't fathom. And I'm petrified of that final hug goodbye.When I went to Iraq the first time, I didn't have the additional burden of leaving a husband behind. I felt little guilt; but now I feel a little guilty because I am leaving Greg to worry about me in ways I can not imagine. I am leaving him to care for our dog alone, to sit alone on the couch watching tv shows we used to watch together, and to love from a distance. It stinks!!
One of the good things about this tour, however, is I am filling in for someone who has to come home. I am not sure why he is leaving; all I know is I am going. As such, I will only have to serve 9 or 10 months in Iraq. I am headed to Balad, which is about 65 miles north of Baghdad. It's an old Iraqi airfield that is home to about 28,000 soldiers. I will have plenty of company. But not the company I want!!! Take care of my husband! I will miss him terribly.....and I know he will miss me too.
My future sister-in-law, Lindsey, forwarded me an email about having "perspective" - about how those of us in the states need to take a break from complaining so much because the men and women serving in our military have to deal with really terrible things on a daily basis. The very last line of the email was "the only thing harder than being a soldier is loving one". It's so true! It's much harder for our friends and family, particularly a spouse, to deal with a deployment, especially in a war zone, because they feel fear and desperation about the unknown. I know Greg will be constantly thinking, "Is Addie okay? Is she in danger? Is she being careful?" because that is what my mom was always thinking! It's completely natural to worry like that and, I can only imagine, it makes for an awfully long year for them.
So what I'm trying to do this time is blog about my deployment more frequently. All of it, from now until the end, the good, the bad, the scary, and the ugly. Because, I feel, the more informed and aware my family, friends, and Greg are about what I am up to, the easier it will be for them. And that's all I want: to know they are okay. Then I will be okay.
More later. I'm off to enjoy one of the few weekends I have left with my family.
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My, my the Department of Defense is spending its money well on you. Pretty as a picture and living in luxery in Iraq. And that deal you have with Netgrocer (another client of your firm?) must be very lucrative.
Many soldiers are living in very remote, dangerous and inconvenient areas. They write daily to an organization you put down and say that any communication with soldiers would be GREATLY appreciated. Your crack about "random" letters from midwestern school children tells most of us that you are a PR plant. A well paid (and well housed) model posing as a PR person hired by the government to show us what a great old time our soldiers are having.
I support this effort and our troops and don't advise sending junk at all. However, it is very clear that you have an agenda and that the solders would be best served by the unpaid citizens who supprt them and not some press release writer like you are.