I had to leave pretty early this morning, I got up at 0330 and picked up the chaplain in the TMP at 0430. We left from PHV and headed towards the Landstuhl hospitable about an hour away. Once we arrived, we made sure the room adjacent to the DFAC was ready to go. This morning the chaplain hosted a prayer breakfast. The prayer breakfast is open to any soldiers that want to come, they purchase their own breakfast at the DFAC and then listen to the chaplain speak for a few minutes. Today's featured speaker was the 5th signal command chaplain…a full bird colonel. My job at this event was to make sure everyone got their fliers, everyone signed in, and also to take a bunch of photos.
After the event the chaplain and I took a short break in the main part of the DFAC and had some coffee. We went over the pros and cons of the event and then headed to 181st Company Headquarters. Here the chaplain went around and talked to the various soldiers and during this time I was able to stay in the TMP. My plan was to study a bit, but I was too tired…I kept reading the same paragraph over and over, then eventually gave in and just took a nap.
I met up with the chaplain in the conference room at 1045 where we setup for a financial training class. The chaplain brought along Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. I've listened to this guy before and he does a really great job of explaining finances and helping people get out of debt. Not only is he entertaining, but he gives some really sound advice. We watched about 45 minutes of his video on debt. The chaplain then spoke a bit and answered any questions. After that the commander and first sergeant had to get their time in, which eventually turned into a safety brief for the weekend…always one of my favorite topics (sigh). Interestingly enough when we were all leaving the first sergeant patted me on the back and asked how I liked helping out the chaplain. I told him I'm doing the best I can to help him out. The chaplain has been informing the commander and first sergeant how much he appreciates my help and I think it's starting to win the command over. The first sergeant has gone from accusing me of being a terrorist, to patting me on the back and actually being nice to me. It was pretty strange. I haven't been told anything about the investigation at all. Right now I'm cautiously optimistic that they are just going to drop it because it just got all overblown. It sure has caused me a lot of stress and really soured my view of the army. Right now I'm just working through each day knowing I'm one day closer to getting out.
We drove back to PHV where I dropped the chaplain off and then took a quick lunch break even though it was already past 1400. I then headed back to my office, stopping to top off the TMP gas tank along the way. Once I arrived, I went through my email and got all caught up. The chaplain let me go at 1630 for the day. Glad to finally start the weekend!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Observe the MAC - (Germany) Day 407
This morning for PT we did modern army combatives. This meant that I just showed up in my regular uniform and watched. I couldn't go work out on my own because I guess just watching still gives me credit for learning combatives, which we are supposed to have a certain number of hours learned each year. This went on from 0630 until 0800, when we were allowed to go home and get ready for the day, we had to be back at the ComSec office at 0930 for sergeant's time training.
This week's sergeant's time training involved basic ComSec forms and the correct way to package and inspect boxes for shipping ComSec material. This is actually some training that pertains to the job people do in ComSec, so I can't complain. I think all the training should either be MOS related or job related. The training lasted until lunch time where I headed home and ate, then headed back into my office to finish out the day. I spent the majority of the time going through my email. I've been backlogged and I finally made it through everything. I was also able to get everything on my "to do" list input digitally, so I feel like I'll be a little more efficient from now on. I grabbed a TMP and loaded it up with everything we need for tomorrow, checking to make sure there was a full tank and everything was ready to go. The only drawback…whoever used this TMP last bathed in cologne! I had to drive it home because we're leaving so early in the morning tomorrow and I had the windows rolled down the entire way even though it was very cold outside. I guess I'll see how well that helped when we take off tomorrow.
This week's sergeant's time training involved basic ComSec forms and the correct way to package and inspect boxes for shipping ComSec material. This is actually some training that pertains to the job people do in ComSec, so I can't complain. I think all the training should either be MOS related or job related. The training lasted until lunch time where I headed home and ate, then headed back into my office to finish out the day. I spent the majority of the time going through my email. I've been backlogged and I finally made it through everything. I was also able to get everything on my "to do" list input digitally, so I feel like I'll be a little more efficient from now on. I grabbed a TMP and loaded it up with everything we need for tomorrow, checking to make sure there was a full tank and everything was ready to go. The only drawback…whoever used this TMP last bathed in cologne! I had to drive it home because we're leaving so early in the morning tomorrow and I had the windows rolled down the entire way even though it was very cold outside. I guess I'll see how well that helped when we take off tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Check That Box - (Germany) Day 406
This morning for PT we formed up on PHV and those not on profile went on a run around the post, while those of us on profile headed to the gym. PT here on the same post where we live saves a lot of time, and I can't say that I don't mind heading into the gym to workout and listen to my headphones. I rode the stationary bike for my cardio today and I was able to get home in time to get ready at a normal pace instead of rushing around like a chicken with my head cut off.
I arrived at my office and saw the computer was still not there, I was hoping the tech would have returned it ready to go by now. I gave him a call and he said he was still working on it…makes it tough to get much done. As usual I brought my textbook so I could read and do schoolwork. When the chaplain came in later on, I made some phone calls and ran some errands for him. I then left early before lunch and headed to the hospital, I was told yesterday by our CAM that I was due for another immunization shot and I had to get it done asap. When I arrived and told the immunization clinic at the hospital, they looked up my record and said I'm fine. I had them print off proof so I could take it back to the ComSec office and show them. It seems our company's records are a little out of whack. I headed home for lunch after leaving the hospital.
On my way back to my office, SGT Mex called and said our CAM wants me to come back to the ComSec office today and do more of the mandatory online training. So I spent the last half of the day doing just that and I was able to finish quite a few. It seems that they are rushing me now to get them all completed. Everyone else has had weeks to do them all, and I haven't even had a computer to do them on while at work. At 1700 I left and headed back to my office to lock up, and finally to my surprise my computer was there. It seems the tech finally got around to getting it working now. At least now I can do the mandatory training in the comfort of my office, and catch up on the over 190 emails I saw that are now in my inbox. The chaplain has a ton of stuff for me to work on as well, so I think I'll be a pretty busy guy at least for a while.
I arrived at my office and saw the computer was still not there, I was hoping the tech would have returned it ready to go by now. I gave him a call and he said he was still working on it…makes it tough to get much done. As usual I brought my textbook so I could read and do schoolwork. When the chaplain came in later on, I made some phone calls and ran some errands for him. I then left early before lunch and headed to the hospital, I was told yesterday by our CAM that I was due for another immunization shot and I had to get it done asap. When I arrived and told the immunization clinic at the hospital, they looked up my record and said I'm fine. I had them print off proof so I could take it back to the ComSec office and show them. It seems our company's records are a little out of whack. I headed home for lunch after leaving the hospital.
On my way back to my office, SGT Mex called and said our CAM wants me to come back to the ComSec office today and do more of the mandatory online training. So I spent the last half of the day doing just that and I was able to finish quite a few. It seems that they are rushing me now to get them all completed. Everyone else has had weeks to do them all, and I haven't even had a computer to do them on while at work. At 1700 I left and headed back to my office to lock up, and finally to my surprise my computer was there. It seems the tech finally got around to getting it working now. At least now I can do the mandatory training in the comfort of my office, and catch up on the over 190 emails I saw that are now in my inbox. The chaplain has a ton of stuff for me to work on as well, so I think I'll be a pretty busy guy at least for a while.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Back to Army PT - (Germany) Day 405
This morning we formed up in the gym and did PT as a unit once again. We are now back to normal PT, which means we start at 0630 and do the standard army exercise routines. This morning reminded me why I don't care for the army PT…not only is it at the butt crack of dawn when my body isn't acting normal yet, but I also hate doing PT as a group. I get a much better workout when I hit the gym on my own, but I can see why they made the change…too many people were missing PT because of work that always seemed to go late. If PT is done first thing on the morning, everyone usually gets it done.
I headed to my office at 0900 and tried to log into my computer with no luck, they still haven't added it to the domain. I called the IMO and he came down, tried some things, then said he would have to take the machine and image it. He said he'd have it back in a couple hours. Shortly after that the supply sergeant came by doing an inventory looking for the machine. When I told him the IMO took it, he got a little pissed. I guess the IMO is supposed to fill out a bunch of paperwork before he takes it.
We had some pretty crazy weather all of a sudden, there was thunder, then hail, then a ton of snow fell all at once. I've never seen anything like that before, I was heading out the door to run to the next building over when all of this happened. Within a couple of minutes there was an inch or two of snow on the ground…pretty crazy! I headed home for lunch…after wiping all the snow off my car. When I headed back into my office the IMO came back in as well. He said the image he put on the computer expired a few days ago and he has to download a new one. So I will not get a working computer until tomorrow…unless something else goes wrong. SGT Mex called and said our CAM wants me to do more of the online mandatory training. After I explained the situation with my computer, they told me to come over and use one of theirs.
I headed over, it was weird being in the ComSec office once again. When I signed onto one of the computers a co-worker emailed me the answers to a few of the tests, so I could get them done pretty quick. I guess they started to build a comprehensive list of answers as they did each test to help each other. I was appreciative as it helped me get through three of them very quickly. It's all about getting the box checked to show that you're finished and not about actually learning anything. Speaking of email, when I opened mine I had over 170 emails in my inbox…I haven't checked it since Thanksgiving because of all the drama that has been going on and my local access taken away. I guess I'll have to go through those tomorrow if I get my computer back and working properly. I also got my orders and I will be heading to Wiesbaden no later than August 31st. This makes an interesting dilemma trying to decide how to spend the summer with my kids. They can't come until late July and I'll be out processing and moving in August.
I headed to my office at 0900 and tried to log into my computer with no luck, they still haven't added it to the domain. I called the IMO and he came down, tried some things, then said he would have to take the machine and image it. He said he'd have it back in a couple hours. Shortly after that the supply sergeant came by doing an inventory looking for the machine. When I told him the IMO took it, he got a little pissed. I guess the IMO is supposed to fill out a bunch of paperwork before he takes it.
We had some pretty crazy weather all of a sudden, there was thunder, then hail, then a ton of snow fell all at once. I've never seen anything like that before, I was heading out the door to run to the next building over when all of this happened. Within a couple of minutes there was an inch or two of snow on the ground…pretty crazy! I headed home for lunch…after wiping all the snow off my car. When I headed back into my office the IMO came back in as well. He said the image he put on the computer expired a few days ago and he has to download a new one. So I will not get a working computer until tomorrow…unless something else goes wrong. SGT Mex called and said our CAM wants me to do more of the online mandatory training. After I explained the situation with my computer, they told me to come over and use one of theirs.
I headed over, it was weird being in the ComSec office once again. When I signed onto one of the computers a co-worker emailed me the answers to a few of the tests, so I could get them done pretty quick. I guess they started to build a comprehensive list of answers as they did each test to help each other. I was appreciative as it helped me get through three of them very quickly. It's all about getting the box checked to show that you're finished and not about actually learning anything. Speaking of email, when I opened mine I had over 170 emails in my inbox…I haven't checked it since Thanksgiving because of all the drama that has been going on and my local access taken away. I guess I'll have to go through those tomorrow if I get my computer back and working properly. I also got my orders and I will be heading to Wiesbaden no later than August 31st. This makes an interesting dilemma trying to decide how to spend the summer with my kids. They can't come until late July and I'll be out processing and moving in August.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Garbage Trio - (Germany) Day 404
This morning I took my wife to work, then headed to my shift as garbage man. To my surprise there were three of us. There was a person from the dental office as usual, but there is also another woman who is getting kicked out of the army. So she is now doing the AIC detail (post cleanup…garbage man) on a daily basis. This made cleanup go very fast, the other two took the truck and I took the modified golf cart. They hit all the major garbage cans and the big stuff, and I hit all the playgrounds and also just drove around looking for miscellaneous trash along the roads. I was surprised how many little playgrounds there are here on PHV. You get a different view when driving the golf cart around behind buildings and such, I ran into at least 3 playgrounds that I didn't even know existed. There wasn't too much garbage around because it's still pretty cold for kiddos to be playing around, but there were plenty of little bags full of dog poop in the garbage cans…people still have to walk their dogs around.
I finished up about 1130 and then met my wife for lunch after changing into civilian clothes. The supervisor said from now on I can just wear civilian clothes every Monday when I'm pretending to be a garbage man. This is nice because I can wear hats that cover my ears to keep them warm, I can also dress comfortably and I don't have to worry about saluting officers…I can just do my job. I headed home after lunch and did schoolwork. The supervisor said he'd call me if he needed anything else done.
After some schoolwork after a quick nap, I started coordinating this weekend with some folks from work. We want to check out the carnival festivities in Köln. While chatting with SGT Mex he said our CAM is still waiting on all my mandatory online training…I told him I was picking up garbage all day. I wish they would actually give me some time once I actually have access to a computer. I also heard that my orders are already in, so I'll have to swing by there tomorrow and pick them up. I should then have a time frame of when I'll be moving to Wiesbaden…then I can kind of plan out my summer.
I finished up about 1130 and then met my wife for lunch after changing into civilian clothes. The supervisor said from now on I can just wear civilian clothes every Monday when I'm pretending to be a garbage man. This is nice because I can wear hats that cover my ears to keep them warm, I can also dress comfortably and I don't have to worry about saluting officers…I can just do my job. I headed home after lunch and did schoolwork. The supervisor said he'd call me if he needed anything else done.
After some schoolwork after a quick nap, I started coordinating this weekend with some folks from work. We want to check out the carnival festivities in Köln. While chatting with SGT Mex he said our CAM is still waiting on all my mandatory online training…I told him I was picking up garbage all day. I wish they would actually give me some time once I actually have access to a computer. I also heard that my orders are already in, so I'll have to swing by there tomorrow and pick them up. I should then have a time frame of when I'll be moving to Wiesbaden…then I can kind of plan out my summer.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Weekend Wrap-Up - (Germany) Day 402 - 403
Saturday: We didn't have any big plans to go anywhere this weekend. Most of the places I want to go either don't start opening until March, or the weather just hasn't been good enough. So we ended up just heading out to IKEA which is in a neighboring town not too far away. We went to actually have lunch and then just do some window shopping. When we got back we ended up going to see a movie here on post. The movie "Parker" was an entertaining action blow-em up movie…fun to watch. I'm assuming since I never got a call to come in and finish the mandatory online training, that they are not doing it today. I'll work on it next week if my office computer has been added back to the domain.
Sunday: Today was another day of rest. My wife and I just hung out all day watching TV, then video chatting with the kids and family during the night. The Super Bowl is on tonight at midnight and the rest of the office gets to come in at 1300, but because I'm now the designated garbage man every Monday…I have to start my job at 0900. This means no watching the Super Bowl for me.
Sunday: Today was another day of rest. My wife and I just hung out all day watching TV, then video chatting with the kids and family during the night. The Super Bowl is on tonight at midnight and the rest of the office gets to come in at 1300, but because I'm now the designated garbage man every Monday…I have to start my job at 0900. This means no watching the Super Bowl for me.
Friday, February 1, 2013
SHARP - (Germany) Day 401
This morning I headed out a little early, my wife dropped me off at my office a bit before 0630 where I met up with the chaplain after his formation. We were unable to get a TMP to drive up to Days of Excellence which is being held in Ramstein, so we took his car. He wanted me to drive…the good news is that it's a BMW, the bad news is that I didn't bring my GPS. I get lost easily once I leave our immediate Heidelberg area. We only had to double back once on the drive there. Once we arrived, I took a seat next to SPC Mac and some others that I used to work with back in the ComSec office.
The ceremony started off with some awards and promotions. One specialist got an army achievement medal for saving another's life while in a restaurant. He stated "I want to thank SPC so and so for choking and CSI Miami for teaching me the Heimlich Maneuver" LOL. We then went on to some required army training. The topic of the day was SHARP (Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention). The first module was the same ol' PowerPoint presentation that we usually get along with the same slides we see over and over again. The training itself was actually not that bad all because of the enthusiasm and the motivation the sergeant had while giving it. The second module was unlike any army training I've had before. The topic was on communication and instead of using PowerPoint, the trainer picked five lower enlisted soldiers to head up on stage and five NCOs or officers to join them. The lower enlisted were the "supervisors" and the NCOs and officers were the builders. The supervisors were shown a building (an assortment of large legos put together) and had to tell the builders how to build it. The rules…builders were blindfolded and supervisors could not speak. It was pretty funny to watch. The supervisors were stomping and clapping and the builders didn't have a clue, in the end I think they didn't even get the base put together. The trainer then went on to go over the many aspects and feelings people have when trying to communicate. It was nice to do something a little different and I think everyone got something out of it.
After the event we all had to stand outside in the rain and cold to listen to our commander and first sergeant give us a safety brief for the weekend. It's super bowl weekend and they don't want any issues to arise. Every time we thought it was just about to finish the other would start talking more and more about being safe. This went on for a while and the commander also promised that if the company goes 81 days without any incidents, he and the first sergeant will work some shifts for the soldiers…that would be funny.
I drove the chaplain to the hospital first, so he could get some contact info for the chaplain there. He also bought me lunch at the DFAC there and we had a decent meal. I don't know why, but it always seems as though that the hospital DFACs have the best food. On the drive back the chaplain fell asleep and I ended up taking us through a detour through the middle of Mannheim. I finally found some signs to head towards Heidelberg and we eventually made our way back. I think I may just keep my spare GPS in my office, so I'll always have it no matter what from now on.
When I arrived back I ran some errands for the chaplain here on post, then headed home. I ended up getting a text from my boss later on asking if I wanted to have a few beers with him at the bowling alley…no problem. We had some beers, played some darts and just hung out and talked with a couple other NCOs from the maintenance side of the ComSec office. It was a pretty good night.
Me on the right with some guys from the office watching the communication exercise
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)