It was an eventful week with finishing up some last items, moving from our mod to accomodate the new folks, out processing with all the different organizations, and getting packed. I was hampered a bit by the move to our new compound in that I lost computer access for many days. By moving out of the mods, I also lost my computer access in my room...so if this blog is a little choppy, it is because I updated it as I had access in different places.
As part of the final week, a some of us were fortunate to receive a Navy Commendation Medal. Due to the fact that we belonged to the Naval Construction Regiment when we arrived, we were eligible to receive a Navy award in lieu of an Air Force Award. I preferred the Navy award because it was a unique opportunty to receive an award from another service because, most of the time, you deploy and work within your own service. CAPT Schmader was kind enough to take time and come down to our new compound to give the awards. I worked with CAPT Schmader as part of the KAF planning board and on many of my presentations to the Generals from USFOR-A right after he arrived. I did not work as closely with him as I did the previous Commodore because we broke away the last few months to form our own squadron and no longer worked directly for the Navy. He is a very good engineer, great troop leader, and has that keen insight and wisdom that most O-6's possess when it comes to making decisions. My interactions with him were mostly positive and I am glad I had the opportunity to work with him. Below are some pictures of the award presentation.
The final 72 hours of my tour was wild. My replacement arrived and I began to finalize my travel plans. My intended flight on the 17th was cancelled and the next one was 5 days later. Through the hard work of many people, calling in many favors, and some answered prayer...I am on my way home on Friday Jan 15th ..I am writing this from Turkey now. It has been a very stressful last 72 hours, filled with very little sleep, constant changes and anxiety. I got put on the flight out of Afghanistan with a few hours to spare and found out I made the flight home at the last minute. There was a group of 4 of us who were rushed through the system to make the flight. Most people spend 3 days in Manas, the first stop where you turn in your stuff and catch your flight home...our group spent less than 3 hours. We were still uncertain that we would make the flight up to the last minute. Barring any long delays, I will be home Friday night. The travel time is 24 hours from Manas and one of the worst parts of the deployment experience for me...but the way home is alot easier to put up with than the way in. Looking forward to seeing my family in a few hours.
I will update the blog next week with the status of the baby and my adjustment home.. stay tuned.
