The Motor Pool

Hello All,

This infamous piece of parking lot is the motor pool that I have been spending alot of my time in. It is quite a feat that the amount of packing that is going on. In addition to that we are trying to patch up vehicles with limited amount of tools. The amount of training has slowed down and we are focusing on getting crap ready. Most days we get a break to go down to the gym to accomplish some exercise. The days all grind together because they are all basically the same. We usually have some time for a movie in the evening. Right now we are watching the HBO series Generation Kill. The above picture of just the weapon is my 249 SAW Machine Gun with my night optics.....pretty cool to fire it at night.

Getting Heavier

This is a little picture of me with my gear....this was what was required for the classroom portion of the class. The days are all blending together as they are all busy, start early, and end late. Lately we have been spending time in training and also spending a fair amount of time getting our equipment ready. Still a fairly high level of chaos, but I look for small things to keep me busy.

Everyday is Friday

Hello All,

It has been about a week since my last post.....I have been either too busy or too exhausted to get to the computer lab. I have a bunch more pictures to post and lots of cool stories. The weather here is pretty nice....no snow and has been sunny more than I expected. We are basically in two different modes right now, setting up our work area and doing required training. Some required training is what brought me down to the computer lab this sunny Saturday afternoon. I just received a care package from my mom with beef jerky, cookies, and water flavor packets.....pretty weird what things you tend to want when you are here. I am nursing a cold right now. I think between all the shots and the change of weather (no more driving and getting out...we get to walk everywhere), it is taking a toll on my body. I will try to post some more pictures later.

Here is a link for the MRAP vehicle that we started some training on: http://defense-update.com/products/m/mrap.htm

Sam

Today was another interesting Army day. We started the morning with no heat and was actually able to sleep until about 6 am. It turns out the reason we did not have heat was from no heating oil...novel concept. We then spent the day racing around warehouse facilities adding another 2 bags to the 4 I have already packed. Alot of new and improved equipment that I have not seen before....very cool. We will be able to turn some of the old stuff in later. Not sure what tomorrow will bring.....should hopefully find out soon.

BTW - Happy Valentines Day!

Biohazard?

The first night at Ft Lewis was interesting......the day was extended by 2 hours (time zone change), set up our bunks, and tried to find out what that funny smell was from. After careful deliberation, we tracked it down to a pair of boots located close to my bunk (not mine). We later tried to put them in a biohazard bag for overnight storage, but it did not work.....we may just have to store them in the front office. We are also thinking of hiding them next to other people's bunks for a good laugh......we will see how long it takes for the victim to find out where the mystery stench is from.

I have moved in to my new housing

These are the WWII style housing we are staying in.....fabulous

Mailing Address

Here is my mailing address for the next 6-8 weeks. I like surprises and like to be informed with current events while I am away. News clippings, pictures, or anything else to keep me entertained/informed.

MAIL THROUGH THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

SPC, Holl, Samuel
1st JMB/34th Infantry Division/HHC, 34th STB
P.O. Box 339546, MS 120
Fort Lewis, WA 98433-9546

MAIL THROUGH UPS AND FED EX

SPC, Holl, Samuel
1st JMB/34th Infantry Division/HHC, 34th STB
Cook Ave, Bldg #R9656
Fort Lewis, WA 98433-9546

Intro to Blogging

This is my feeble attempt at starting my first blog. I am soon scheduled to deploy with the MN Army National Guard for awhile. Here is a link that sheds some light on what I might be going (things change frequently) http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/12/10/mn_guard_deployment/

Champps Send off

Thanks to all my coworkers for the support they have given me. It has made the transition easier on my family and I as I am getting ready to deploy. It was a great time to socialize with all my TCF peeps one last time before I go. The gift was really appreciated and will be enjoyed.