I'm getting sent to Iraq

[DakotaGuy]

Nothing official, just got put on alert today for up to a year, boots on the ground in Iraq. I am upset, but I signed the papers years ago. The Guards was always for college money and a nice part time job for a teacher, but I guess times have changed. Hopefully we don't get sent off before Christmas, but who knows. I will let you guys know when I am actually getting activated. This has been a hard day for me, over a year away from family and friends, seems so long....please don't let this thread turn political because I don't mean it to be, just wanted you guys to know what was going on in my life and if you don't see me on macrumors until 2005 that would be the reason why.

It will be weird to be out of touch with everything until the spring of 2005. If I can say one good thing about getting sent, it will be the money as an officer that I will make there, but the conditions will suck. Well I already said when I get home I am going to treat myself to a G5 or whatever is rocking at the time. I am almost in tears over this and believe it or not the fact that I will save up thousands while I am there does help a little as long as I can come home in one piece. This is a tough day, I had to tell my 5th graders and most had tears in their eyes...yes...war is hell especially when you have to live it, and it's scary when you don't know what to expect...

[Foxer]

Best of luck to you. I'm sure we all wish you a safe return.

[Kid Red]

Gotta be careful when you sign up, reserves or not. Be safe over there, let your training take care of your reflexes and don't try to be a hero.

Be safe and we support you :)

[Mr. Anderson]

Good luck and keep safe!

Try and treat it like an adventure if possible - its going to have its moments, both good and bad.

Any chance you'd be able to take pics while you're there? And what will you be doing?

Looking forward to your safe return! :D

D

[eyelikeart]

Wow...just take it as fate dealing u a necessary card. A year away will be tough, but something is meant from it.

U should take some photos while there though...it's something not many people will get to experience.

[ryme4reson]

I served in the Air Force, and although war is tough, I believe you need to understand the importance of signing up in the military. Just because you didnt expect to get activated, you should not be upset. Ignorance is not an excuse. Thats like the cop who thought policing is only donuts, and traffic tickets. sure, 90% of the time that is true, but you may have to shoot someone one day as a cop. Take care, buy an iPod, and be safe.

I still remember flying to Diego Garcia in a Buff with the iPod playing Metallica over the Intercomm system.

** *B-52H crewmember, with missions over Iraq and Afganistan....****

[idea_hamster]

I spent one tour (~1 yr.) in S. Korea. No open hostilities, but my entire year was a bit white-knuckled. I commizerate.

Keep your head down and come back safely. You'll be home before you know it.

[iJon]

i hope you do your job well and i am sure you will. it means a lot to probably most on this thread that you are representing our country. ill keep you in the prayers. and just think, when you get back there will be like a dual 4ghz g5 out.

iJon

[Rower_CPU]

Here's praying for a safe return...

[ColoJohnBoy]

We're all praying for you and hoping for the best. If you want to talk to someone about it, my father is home for about two weeks right now (Finally got some actual leave) and would be more than willing to chat with you. Again, best of luck and God bless.

[DakotaGuy]

Originally posted by iJon
just think, when you get back there will be like a dual 4ghz g5 out.

iJon

Yup when I get home that will be my first purchase, a G5. It will be interesting to see what they have at the time. Looking at my current bills the little I will spend while I am there and what I will make for pay...I think G5 and cinema display won't even touch the account.

Ryme4reson, you are right a person can't be that upset because when you sign the papers one must understand what he or she is getting into. I have been in over 8 years now and have been lucky all this time, one day it was going to come, so as we say in the military, "suck it up and drive on" I like the guys I am going with and will do the best job i can. I have 32 guys under me so I have to do what I can to take care of them and make sure we all get back safe.

Now the worse part is waiting for the actual activation and the date. Some think it will be right after Christmas, but who knows. At this point I am just preparing and I am sure within a few days or a week or two I will know. Just going to get my stuff in order and enjoy myself for the time left here. I have to remember too, being a single guy with no kids there are guys under me with wives and kids and what it will be like for them.

[Squire]

Originally posted by idea_hamster
I spent one tour (~1 yr.) in S. Korea. No open hostilities, but my entire year was a bit white-knuckled. I commizerate.

Keep your head down and come back safely. You'll be home before you know it.

Well, the best of luck. Be very careful. Actually, a year, in the grand scheme of things, is a very short period of time.

idea_hamster: You spent a year in that godforsaken hellhole? Wait a minute...that's where I am. ;)

Squire

[mactastic]

Good luck man.... Take a copy of Allison Krauss and Union Station's "Bright Sunny South" with you on that iPod.

"...said my kind hearted father as he took my hand/ As you go in defense of our dear native land/ Son be brave but show mercy whenever you can/ Our hearts will be with you/ 'Til you return again..."

And my thanks for putting yourself on the line for those of us back home.

[tpjunkie]

Here's hoping that you have a safe tour of duty. I have a cousin over there and I can only imagine how tough it must be to come to terms with actually going over there, to war.

All the best for you and all of our boys over there.

[electric]

Hopefully you wont need to be activated, hopefully things will get better over there. I read your post and got weepy, my nephew and his wife are both in the Air Force and they too might leave at any time. I wish you safety and you are in my prayers as well.

Thomas

[mymemory]

Man, I would like to go to war but the reason of this one in particular is stupid, it is because of oil actually.

You are gonna be alright, learn as much as you can, you will come back as a more wiser and humble person.

We are about to start a civil war in my country all the time, and is there when you realize that you are fighting for something bigger than you, that you are just an instrument of life and your life will keep the life of others. In your case there is not that value in this war, this is more cheap than Vietnam I think.

But, a man have to do what a man have to do. You are doing a brave thing in your personal life. For sure no one will recognize that in your future but life is just one and we have only one chance to learn the best and the worst of everything.

Thanx God you have an specific deal line of a year, many people in the world doesn't have any choice at all. There are wars with no endings for anybody, there are fighters with no way to go.

This is about your spirit, do your best and be sure many people will be just right behind you, you will not be alone.

Good luck.

[MacRAND]

Originally posted by Abercrombieboy
Boots on the ground in Iraq. ... it's scary when you don't know what to expect...

I repeat all the good sentiments already expressed.

As an ex-Marine (1967-1970) 2 tours in Viet Nam, it's smart to be scared, it keeps you alert and alive. If you are giving orders and thinking, make sure one of your sergeants is LISTENING (not to you) and LOOKING around as your bodyguard. Pay good attention to your 6th sense. You'll be alright, it's more dangerous on an L.A. freeway.

Take your iBook and an iSight, have a .Mac account so you can drop digital photos on it and give us your Public address.
Think about trading up to a new G4 iBook or a G4 PowerBook before you leave - have an AirPort Express card inside and order with BlueTooth installed (iBook, especially) and some extra RAM.

:cool: There's an excellent article "POWERBOOK DESERT SURVIVAL" on page 12 in Nov02 issue of MacAddict by some U.S. ARMY grunts in Iraq explaining how they kept their laptops protected from the powdered sugar fine "sand" (plastic bags) and padding for protection. Be sure to READ it. (not available online)

For portability, 12"? I like the Canon i70 mobile printer with optional battery, and take a ream of 24# paper and some blank CDs along. You probably don't need a scanner, but if you want a great $79 USB CanoScan, thin and lightweight, the Canon LiDE30 is excellent (2 higher quality models and only a little more expensive are also super).

Our prayers go with you. Ask Command about internet and wireless access (AirPort?), broadband?

If you need a MacBuddy, there are several thousand on the forums with a Mac, an iSight, and iChatAV. Smile...:D
Just ask, and lots of us will be happy to share our AIM or .Mac iChatAV name.

God be with you. :)

And while you are waiting, think about how your feelings are presented to your students concerning this situation. My brother (a year apart) and I idolized our 8th grade teacher, and what he said was like from the very lips of God. He was always well planned and humorous.

One more thing, Doggy, 1600 hours is when the little hand is pointing to the 4, and the big hand... :rolleyes:

[tazo]

as far as I know there is no internet access on army stations, but i am not really sure about that. as for pictures, I think not;)

[Stelliform]

Good luck Abercrombieboy! And my prayers will be with you.

I just listened to a speech given by a returning reservist. He is the son of a prominent judge and is a lawyer himself. I don't think he expected that they would ever call him. His job was to make sure that the rules on engagement were followed to the letter. And to make sure that U.S. Soldiers followed every international law governing war. He said that our guys were very careful in obeying the laws. He said there were some really good men and women over there.

[Stelliform]

Originally posted by tazo
as far as I know there is no internet access on army stations, but i am not really sure about that. as for pictures, I think not;)

I know I tried to help some people with some pics from their kid who was stationed in Afghanistan. But he had put them into this presentation program that was proprietary to the US Army. I even contacted my Brother-in-law to see if he could open and extract them, but he works with the Air force and they don't use that program.

I don't know if he was supposed to send the pics or not, but it really didn't matter since I couldn't get them opened. :(

(Hey don't the Navy Seals have good internet connections so they can kick on-line gamer butt? ;) :p)

[wdlove]

Thank you for your service Abercrombieboy. I know that I would feel the same way if I were in your shoes. Our freedom is not free, all through our history men and women have been willing to put there life on the line to protect that freedom. I served in the USAFR from 1974 to 1990. Two years of that was active duty. I was very proud to serve, and still feel proud. Retired as a Captain.

[alset]

I have much respect for your position and I'm proud to know that decent people are representing our country in the mid-east. We'll all be thinking of you. Take care and keep us posted, when you can.

On a happy note, you'll come back a stronger and more disciplined individual. Here's to your safe return!

Dan

[rjrufo]

Abercrombieboy,
Keep your chin up, and your head down, and most of all, stay safe.

As someone mentioned, my iChat name is the same as my user name here on MR, so if you are bored and want to chat, send an IM.

[LethalWolfe]

Good luck and stay safe, man. And remember, when in doubt, duck. ;)


Lethal

[DakotaGuy]

Here is the news article:

http://www.argusleader.com/news/Fridayfeature.shtml

[Mr. Anderson]

Well, the good news is that you're not all going to Iraq - maybe you'd get stationed somewhere else.

Good luck! :D

D

[Juventuz]

Originally posted by tazo
as far as I know there is no internet access on army stations, but i am not really sure about that. as for pictures, I think not;)

Actually they do. I have a friend who's stationed in Iraq now, Baghdad to be exact, and he emails us here at home at least once a week. He even browses various forums.

He's attached pictures with no problem too.

[medea]

well be careful and make it back safe. but I thought you weren't allowed to tell people where you will be stationed? maybe that is just certain parts of the military.
good luck.

[mactastic]

Yeah, I was under the impression that email has revolutionized the way service members keep in touch with friends and family. Of course there are times when it may be restricted, but I have heard many military members say how much they enjoy being in daily touch with home. Sure beats writing letters and waiting for the military mail truck.

[DillHarris]

I'm in the NY ANG myself... I have buddies who have been over and come back, plus some others that are called up. Good luck, and as always in our prayers.

Keep a postive outlook... Us young enlisted guys look up to you officers (well if you're a good guy)...

[DakotaGuy]

Originally posted by medea
well be careful and make it back safe. but I thought you weren't allowed to tell people where you will be stationed? maybe that is just certain parts of the military.
good luck.

I don't have any idea where I will be stationed to be exact. It could be Iraq it might not be, but considering where most replacements will be needed there is a good chance that is where I will eventually end up.

[DakotaGuy]

Originally posted by DillHarris
I'm in the NY ANG myself... I have buddies who have been over and come back, plus some others that are called up. Good luck, and as always in our prayers.

Keep a postive outlook... Us young enlisted guys look up to you officers (well if you're a good guy)...

Thanks for being in the Guards and helping us out. I enjoy the soldiers that work for me. In fact, I don't so much agree with the cause this time around, but I believe in who I am with, and that keeps me motivated to do the best I can and all come back safe in one piece.

[pseudobrit]

My brother is in the Honor Guard and nondeployable. He's supposed to get out by springtime but has decided to re-up and join another infantry unit for the express purpose of going to Iraq and seeing action.

I'll just tell you what I told him:

You're not a cop no matter what your orders are, so don't think you're there to serve and protect the people of Iraq. You are not a peacekeeper. You are always a target.

You're a trained killer, so don't hesitate to do so when you get a bad feeling about a situation.

Your priorities for protection in combat break down like this:
1) you
2) your fellow troops
3) innocents
4) the enemy (surrendered or disarmed, of course)

Keep your head up, your wits about you, don't panic and use your killer instinct.

[zimv20]

abercrombieboy -- stay safe

[kiwi_the_iwik]

We'll all be thinking of you, and hope you stay safe.

How about opening a thread when you get some spare time over there, based on your insights to the country? We'd be interested about a first-hand account of your experiences in dealing with the locals, and how their customs differ.

You can be MacRumor's first ambassador to Iraq!

Take it easy - don't get into trouble...

:)

[Stelliform]

If you can't get on-line yourself, have someone in your family post a mailing address for you. I sure you might get bored and look forward to periodic Mac Rumors updates.

:D

[Backtothemac]

You will be in my prayers. Remember what you have learned, becuase you and I both know that it will save your life. While there, be fair. But, be careful. Most of the Iraqi's will treat you like a savior. Some will not. Don't let the comfort of those that like you make you let your guard down.

Follow your gut, not your mind, or your heart. You know what I mean.

You have my address here don't you? If so, drop me a line, and I will stay in touch with you. Also, I have family over there, so I may be able to put you in contact with boots that have been on the ground for a while.

Let me know if you don't have my address, and I will pm it to you.

[trebblekicked]

good luck and be safe. if you think of it, drop a post here once in a while to let us know how yr doing. here's wishing you a quick return.

[e-coli]

Best of luck, pal. We all support you 100%.

It will be a great adventure. I'm sure not without it's hardships, but hey...free trip to the Middle East! ;)

You'll be fine. Just make sure you take pictures and come home safely.

[Code101]

Thank you for your service! May God watch over you.

[jonapete2001]

Hey, good luck man. My best friend is over their right now. He tells me he gets shot at all the time. Bombs go off and people get hurt. I hope with with all my heart that this thing ends soon and that my friend and you get out of their as soon as possible.

[manitoubalck]

Good luck, and God's speed.

[yamabushi]

Thank you. Good luck and take care.

[DakotaGuy]

Well I got the call last night, December 1st is the date of our activation orders. I don't even think about how long a year to 18 months is right now or it gets me a little down, but I will go and do the best job I can and keep you all informed when I get a chance on how things are going over there. It will probably be around March, after we do our training here, when we actually hit the ground. Training that I used to brush off is going to be taken very seriously this time.

[jzieske]

Good Luck and God Bless You All. I am glad that there are Brave people like yourself out there to do what needs to be done. Again Thank You and stay safe. -Jeff

[bennetsaysargh]

stay safe, pack up your ipod with tunes, and thank you.

[MacRAND]

Our best wishes go with you, and YES, please keep in touch.
;)
If you have a .Mac account, you can deposit digital photos and videos in your Public Folder. Just let us know on the forum the "name" you use, and we'll check it out. Show us some local (Iraqi) color from your personal point of view.
:cool:
Arizona just got notice that about 500 reserve troops from Phoenix and Tucson are being called up during your same time frame. You won't be alone. At least we "desert rats" are familiar with (never used to) the arid heat and sand.

Watch your back...Abercrombieboy

[pseudobrit]

Depending on what my MOS might end up being, my brother and I will likely be joining you by autumn next year, which is good news for you. ;)

The difference will be that we'll be going in fully knowing that we're likely to see action.

[DakotaGuy]

Yes I am buying an iPod before I leave. I heard back from a friend over there, there is not much to do when you get down time, and that iPods are in demand. I have to keep it in a safe place though, since I have a feeling in a place like that it might get "legs" unless they don't like your taste in music.

[iJon]

Originally posted by Abercrombieboy
Yes I am buying an iPod before I leave. I heard back from a friend over there, there is not much to do when you get down time, and that iPods are in demand. I have to keep it in a safe place though, since I have a feeling in a place like that it might get "legs" unless they don't like your taste in music.
dont take an ipod, go buy yourself a zen, nobody wants those. if i were you i would get yourself a nice ipod for music and a gameboy advance so you can play mario all the time.

iJon

[MrMacMan]

Best of wishes.

Make sure to keep you head down and

Safe trip man, keep safe.

[MacRAND]

Going to Iraq, the Sahara Desert, or to the beach with your iBook or PowerBook?
:confused: Need protection?
BE PREPARED!
There's an excellent MacAddict article "POWERBOOK DESERT SURVIVAL" on page 12 of the Nov 2003 issue.
Written by a pair of U.S. ARMY grunts in Iraq, they explain how to keep your laptop "alive" and well protected from the powdered sugar fine "sand" (plastic bags) and from being banged around by using padding.
:cool: Be sure to READ it.
(:( not available online)

[wdlove]

Originally posted by Abercrombieboy
Well I got the call last night, December 1st is the date of our activation orders. I don't even think about how long a year to 18 months is right now or it gets me a little down, but I will go and do the best job I can and keep you all informed when I get a chance on how things are going over there. It will probably be around March, after we do our training here, when we actually hit the ground. Training that I used to brush off is going to be taken very seriously this time.

God's speed Abercrombieboy. Where will you be doing your training? I remember doing active Air Evac, it made you take your training very seriously. Hopefully you will have a good support system at home. The iPod should be a great comfort during quiet times.

[krimson]

Good Luck! (Make sure you get ceramic plates for your vest)

my cousin just got back from there as a "civilian contractor" doing "intel" in hostile areas.

[DakotaGuy]

Well tomorrow morning I leave here and head off for this tour of duty. We will be spending some time in the US for training first of course. So I would say it will be about March 1st before we see the soil of Iraq and then it is a year. A lot of people hope to see something change by then but who knows about things like this. I have my personal opinions about the whole situation, but I leave them out, because it does not matter. If you sign the line you do what you are asked to do. Thats my theory and I have good guys backing me up. I have a feeling this will end up being the biggest event of my life and hopefully some good will come out of it for me as well.

I bought a new 10GB iPod and have about 1,500 songs on it. (Thats everything I own) We are getting issued a large fiberglass tote for each person along with our 2 duffel bags, so the tote is for all personal things. I am taking my iBook 600 I figure if it lives, it lives, and I will get a new iBook when I get home anyhow. I can watch DVD's, play some games, etc. I got a padded case and will put it all in a plastic bag and in the tote, the totes have a lock so it will be safe. I am also taking my Kodak digital camera. I asked for a USB memory stick for christmas, well hopefully I will get more then that, lol, but reports coming back from there is those are the way to go. You get about 15 mins at a computer so I figure I can type email on Word, pictures, etc on my iBook, save it on the stick then when I get a chance it will be there.

I have some other things I am taking as well and of course all my military equipment and my rifle! That's the most important thing!

Well I will try to keep in touch with all of you and let you know how things are going. Maybe post a pic of myself later on so you can all see me in the desert! Oh a buddy of mine bought me the coolest flashlight ever, it impressed me almost as much as my new iPod impresses all my soldiers. It's called the Night Star, waterproof and never needs batteries, its really cool...check it out here...

http://www.nightstarflashlight.com/customer/home.php

He gave me the clear one, it's really built and works just like they say!

Well hope all goes well, I can't wait to get this done. I am hoping we get back sooner, but that is hoping. Well hopefully there will be iMac G5's by the time I get back cause I am getting one of those and a new iBook. I will let you know how my iBook holds up in the desert. I think if I take care of it and always store it in a plastic bag and in my hard tote it will do fine. Take care all and hope to post on here again soon...

[MacRAND]

Abercrombieboy,

Wishing you the best and God's speed.

The only thing you can really do for your iBook before you go is to make sure you have a very "fresh battery", maybe buy an extra to back up what you have just to be sure. A spindle of 25 blank CDs for archiving photos or mailing them home is good.
;)

[bennetsaysargh]

yet again, best wishes. stay safe and we'll be happy when you come back:)

[wdlove]

That is a cool flashlight Abercrombieboy. I'm sure that your parents are very proud of you. I greatly appreciate your service, you are the reason that I can sleep safely in my bed at night. I have completed my service and retired. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I pray for the soldiers and there famlies everyday. May God always be with you. Just remember that you are never alone.

[DakotaGuy]

I just thought I would send a quick note and update you guys. I am finally just about done here at the mob station in ft. carson, co and soon in the next week or two will be going overseas. The training has been pretty good, there has been good times and bad times. I got to see my family this weekend for the last time until I come home. I wish things would start to calm over there, but who knows if that will ever happen. Of course, we can always keep praying for peace.

I went to the Apple store in Littletown, CO on Saturday and bought a new Al Powerbook. I sold my iBook 600 to a friend here. I was going to get another iBook, but thought, why not? I got a new 15.4" Powerbook, 1Ghz, Combo Drive, 60GB HD, Airport Extreme Card, 512MB RAM. I really like it, SO much more power and speed then my old iBook. I also got a real nice, hard case for it so it will stay safe. I will keep it wrapped in plastic and padding in the case and it should stay nice. Well I will try and write again and attach a picture or two when I am over there. Peace.

[bennetsaysargh]

thanks for the update. hopefully you'll come back soon.
good luck:)

[johnnyjibbs]

Good luck. Treat it as an experience, keep your wits about you, and you'll be back in no time. Then you'll be able to bag one of those 4GHz G5s.

We're all behind you :)