Ft Dix: The Beginning

Dave: I can't say that this deployment ever felt that real until saying goodbye in MD, and getting on a bus for Fort Dix.  I always knew this was real and serious, but I was always just 3 or 4 weeks from seeing Kristine, and that is what I focused on. Now it seems like the time away from her requirement is pressing and my desire to see her grows.

Arriving here, they put us in a building located diagonally next to the one I was in last time.  Once again I am crammed into a 12 man room.  It strikes me how much I miss my wife, how much I miss a normal life, how much I miss a little privacy and space to call my own.  Its like I don't have time or space to be me. We run (not literally) from training to training and that is how I identify my time.  I'm either in training or waiting for the next one to start.  We do have a little downtime, but all we can do is hangout or go to the gym.  Amazingly I am able to talk to Kristine frequently and she keeps me sane. 

Here I am learning how to use a 50cal machine gun, the M2 (pronounced Maw Duece). 

Last deployment we had individuals specified as gunners who were not military intelligence and whose sole purpose was to drive or gun when we went into country. This time the entire unit are officers and noncommissioned officers, and I am low man on the totem pole, which means I get all the tasks and training my hirer ups don't really want. So far I have trained on driving, and using two different kinds of machine guns. The sad part is that the M2 is no longer allowed in Iraq due to our agreement with the Iraqi government, so this training is just for ft dix and a waste of time that I would rather spend talking to my wife.

 Here we are after getting our gas masks tested.

Here is SSG Durham and Myself ready for brazilian jujitsu at combatives class. I know these uniforms look like awesome special occasion Army style samurai clothing, but in actuality they are our regular uniforms turned inside out. I guess the velcro is more dangerous than I thought.

It is Easter Sunday and unfortuneately I am unable to celebrate with my family or even watch general conference.  On an upside though, there is a small serviceman's group which I have a little time to attend.  Both this and last week there were 5 of us attending sacrament.  More than ever I am appreciative of the simple moments when I am able to feel the spirit of the Lord and feel renewed.