Happy Easter

Happy Easter Sunday to all!

I found a place on base you can access blogs, so I'm posting again. It is Easter Sunday afternoon. Sundays are slow days for us, and today especially since it is Easter. We had a well attended Sunday service, but I missed TF TROY chapel picking up folks who returned from travel.

All is going pretty well-I am almost over the "Crud" almost everyone gets. It is heating up rapidly. The past two days have both been in the 90s, and we may make a run at 100 this week. I didn't turn the AC on in my trailer, so my Easter chocolate is fairly squishy. If it doesn't harden up as the trailer cools, I will take it in to work and put it in a fridge. Thanks to all who sent it!

In the wind or in the air,
Bur

"Last"s

Its my last weekend at home. As usual, everything becomes either a last minute to-do item, or the "last time I will" fill in the blank here. Had a good motorcycle ride yesterday although the reason for it wasn't so good-memorial services for a female biker married to a leader in one of the clubs here. Afterwards had a very nice send-off by most our CMA chapter and a few folks from a sister chapter.
Hanging out today with the kids, as its good to spend a little more time with them, and also its raining and cool-what passes for winter here in San Diego. Our temps are a lot like Iraq's right now-I'm fortunate to be deploying before it gets 100+ degrees hot.
Next post will be from either Kuwait or Victory-

Second Post today-Sad News

Over the last few days, another Navy EOD tech was killed in Iraq. This brings the total to eleven Navy EOD operators killed during OIF. EOD1 Luis Souffront was killed by an IED while operating with Navy SEALs.

If my staff officer work can keep this from happening anymore, the time away from family and loved ones will definately be worth it. Makes having to sit around for four hours today for one hour of processing, then driving across town for some gear seem trivial.

Regardless of your views on the war, please keep EOD1 Souffront's and the SEALs' families in your prayers.

NMPS

Completed most of NMPS today (Day two). My advice would be to take the ECRC checklist seriously, and get as much of it done as possible. Our NMPS class was huge (about 250) so those needing medical, personnel or wills/POA help have a long week ahead of them. I also managed to get my gas mask already, and most my gear as an EOD officer.

If you are reading this prior to NMPS, my other tidbit is be ready for some waiting around, being sent somewhere only to be sent somewhere else, and everything else moving through a process as a group entails. Remember the first few days as a boot, mid or OCS candidate? Almost as bad, but there aren't any yellow footprints.

Last, get the NKO classes done within the past year. With a few exceptions, they "expire" after one year. Just go with it, and get them done before showing up. I can't speak for other NMPS sites, but NMPS San Diego has to use the RECYARD computers in the mornings for make-up NKO coursework.

Blog created

I, a self-admitted Luddite, have entered the blogisphere. After seeing many fellow "Narmy" IAs use blogs to keep friends and family informed, I have made the leap.



I am about three weeks from starting my IA to Iraq, so these first few posts will talk about my final preps before leaving. So far, the process has been relatively painless, as many have offered good advice and assistance. If you are headed to an IA-don't be shy! Use NKO, contacts, your command IA coordinator, Narmy blogs-ask away as our Navy is telling you to deploy in a way unlike any other.



More to follow-heading in to C3F to turnover with my relief.