In the Kyrgyz Republic

It was a long trip over, all total we were on the plane for more then 14 hours. Ive driven for longer periods then that and didn't feel half as tired as I did when I stepped off the plane. I'm guessing that jet-lag is a true and viable phenomenon. Anyway, watched some decent movies on the plane, wrote short letters to my children, unfortunately the turn-around on postage is pretty slow, Ive heard it can take up to two weeks :( But I did get them written anyhow :)

Right now we are just cooling our heels on the base here. I am not sure exactly where here is, but it seems to be and in processing installation, where all branches of the military visit when they go and come from Afghanistan. I'm not sure what about it I am allowed to talk about and what I am not, so to take the side of caution, that's about all I am going to say.

The surrounding is, well, pretty neat I guess. I am still working the issue with my phone and taking pictures and getting them transferred to my computer, I have a couple of options, guess I am being lazy, as it takes forever for the required hardware drivers and software to transfer over. I'll get rambunctious at some point and get it done. Till then I guess it'll just be boring text. Sorry. One of the coolest things around here is the mountains that can be seen over the barrier walls. The scenery itself reminds me of so many movies I have watched where the setting has taken place in this area. It's almost surreal, seeing the buildings and vegetation being exactly what was in the movies. Always in the back of my mind I thought places don't really exist like that. A person has to see it to believe it, especially when one hasn't the first hand experience. Honestly I feel like I am in a dream world. I suppose it will turn real enough, soon enough. Anyway, as more happens, I'll keep this thing up-to-date.

And kids, I miss you guys. I love you and hopefully talk to you soon :)

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At the hangar, waiting to catch the plane.
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Darn winter!

Today we were supposed to finish building two huts we started three days ago. Mother Nature stuck her nose in where it didn't belong and hosed us. Its so bad at present that it even halted our training. At least the ride back to camp will be small arms, IED, and RPG free! The other picture was taken yesterday. The temp was a little chilly, but there wasn't any snow to contend with.
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One of many.

Laptops are almost essential for release and to alleviate boredom. I have a little stand made up of my foot locker and heater meal boxes for me and my bunk neighbor to use as our computer center. Right now we are all on Modern Warfare, making teams and killing each other. Its great fun with everybody hollering at being shot. I finally got my laptop running at optimal performance. Its been a pain re-installing everything, but it has been well worth it.
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A tired Soldier

Yesterday we had a loooong day at the range. We didn't get finished until the wee hours of the morning. Some soldiers were so tired, they pretty much fell asleep as they wore, kind of like this poor guy. We had some down time earlier while waiting for our turn, so I took my nap then. I learned long ago that power naps during the day can do wonders for keeping me awake and alert, no matter the time of night. Unfortunately, I'm not a morning person, so I'm always a little slow starting out.
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Missing my fourth baby!

I realized today, or rather it sunk in finally, that I won't be driving my truck for a loooooong while. For those that don't know I spent the better part of two years in that vehicle. Countless hours driving back and forth from Fargo to where-ever my job site was. Even more hours driving it around the job site, and yes even lived in it when the need arose. Watching it drive away with my children waving out of the back window was truly one of the saddest moments in my life. Some of the happiest times I had where in that truck while laughing, joking, and singing to the radio with my kids. I can't wait to see them waving to me from the windshield when they pick me up after this deployment ends :)
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Night Vision

As I said in an earlier post, was going to be doing night vision operations. I managed to get my phone just right to take this. What's weird is after looking through it, everything has a red tint to it.
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