Life's Highway - The Randy Helms Express

Yesterday we were allowed to go over to the American side of the post. What a treat. Not only do they have a hugh chow hall, but the PX is one of the biggest in Iraq. From what I saw the PX really did not have that big of a selection, but just a lot of the same stuff. One whole aisle was boom boxes.

I went to the MWR tent and they had computers. When I sat down I noticed they had a camera attached to it. I immediately got on MSN to see Iz and the boys. Once they got on line, there was Caelan smiling ear to ear. He was really happy to see me, even if he could not hear me. I was just a happy as him. Then Ryleigh came into the room and he saw me and pointed with a big grin on his face. Daddy was a proud man at that point. To bad the camera was broke and I had to hold it the whole time. Made typing with one hand difficult.

Today nothing really going on, as of now. We had classes this morning and knocked out the afternoon ones at the same time. So no class this afternoon. I just got up from a two hour nap. That was nice for a change.

I started my B.F.L program today. We will see in 84 days Isabel.

Peace be upon you,
Randy

Posted by Randy at 4:23 AM | Permalink | Comments

This morning started off great. Isabel was online and Ryleigh was crying. She went in and got him and I got to see him on the camera. To bad this computer that I am using does not have a camera, so they could see me. He looked so cute, even though he was just rubbing his eyes. In just the short amount of time that I have been gone, he has grown. I told Isabel to be online today at a certain time and I will try to get on again. This way I can see big Caelan. I am sure he will show me one of his famous dance steps. For anyone who has MSN messenger and has been chatting with Iz, you know the break dance moves Caelan can do. He is Sportacus from Lazy Town.

Class was canceled this afternoon. Time to rest and listen to some country.

Until I write again,

Randy

Posted by Randy at 3:19 AM | Permalink | Comments

Well I am at the Phoenix Academy and will be here for a couple of weeks of more training. This type of training is more in line of what I will be doing. The only good things I can say at this point is the following: Free Haircuts, Free Laundry, Gym, and Free Internet. There is no little shopette or place to get any food. We have to go to the US side and not sure when we will get to do that. We live on the Iraqi side. We will eat in their mess hall. Should be interesting to say the least.

The flight was quick, but the rest of the waiting around took forever. Sort of the norm as of late. Oh well, I will survive.

Randy

Posted by Randy at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments

Our little tent area has a kitten that runs around. All these killers and warriors are like little babies when she comes around. They feed her and pet her. It's funny. The little thing crawled up a tree yesterday and tried to get into a big bird's nest. It was funny, because she was really scared. Her back paw kept shaking. She finally gave up and came down.

Coming from the bathroom last night around 0230 I saw a big dog snooping around our area. Not sure if he was friendly or not. So I just waited till he walked away. Plus I do not speak Arab so the dog probably would not have understood me. Like most folks. Found out this morning that he was not a dog, but a coyote.

It's pouring down rain today. Gonna be a crappy day. I have detail after lunch and the rain will not help things.

Later
Randy

(Not the real kitten. Want to save her from public embarrassment)

Posted by Randy at 9:40 PM | Permalink | Comments

Well almost two months later I have finally arrived in Iraq. I will be at this place (Camp Stryker) for a couple of days and then move to my permanent place. The plane ride to get here was a nightmare. We got canceled several times throughout the night before we finally caught a bird to get here. I will have a little down time, so I plan on resting.

I did run into an old friend today that I worked with in Phoenix. For those whom know her, my hint is, she sings all the time. That's right K.S. She looked good and was happy.

Keep up the prayers and I will continue to keep safe,

Randy

Posted by Randy at 10:12 PM | Permalink | Comments

Yesterday we had a pretty bad sand storm most of the day. The wind was kicking it up everywhere. I had it all over my weapon, in my ears, and I crunched down on some of it the got in my mouth. Yuck.

We are being told to get ready, because Kuwait will be behind us soon. Looking forward to getting to Iraq to start working. Makes the time go by faster.

Personal note to Terry: Saw the Rams have a new coach? What's your status bud? Shoot me and email, when you get a chance.

Talk again soon,

Randy

Posted by Randy at 6:02 PM | Permalink | Comments

The last two days we were in the field doing some Hooah Hooah Training. Both days I saw more camels then I have ever seen before. Remember I have spent time in both Saudi Arabia and Egypt. One of the days we saw around 500 sheep being walked by their Bedouin (pronounced Bedawin). For those who do not know what a Bedouin is I will elaborate. He is a person who travels freely and has no home. He goes where ever Allah leads him. Anything he finds he takes, because Allah has left it for him. So in other words, leave nothing outside if you still want it in the morning.

On the way back to the base camp I rode in the turret (the top of the HMVWW or commonly know as a Humvee). The sand and dirt was all in my eyes and ears. I could not wait to get back and shower.

Later,
Randy

Posted by Randy at 5:42 PM | Permalink | Comments

There are many things that I will never forget about my Uncle Junior. He was my Grandfather's youngest brother. Uncle Junior was a short man, but I am sure in his day a fighter. Three things I would like to share with you all and bring back a few good memories of him for my family.

Uncle Junior told me one time when he was around nine or ten he would go down to this local pool hall and play pinball. He said one time while he was in there this old drunk started giving him a hard time. He said the owner of the place told the old man to leave that boy alone. The drunk taught it was funny so he kept on messing with him. Uncle Junior said he just got tired of the old man so he went outside. When he came back in he had a two by four and cracked the old man on his knees. That's funny right there.

When I was a young boy I went fishing in the FLA Keys with my grandfather and Uncle Junior. One night it was raining on the houseboat, so I opened the screen to close the window, because I was getting wet. Of course about a million mosquitoes came flying in. My grandfather said he felt them right away, but he just laid in his bed waiting for the critters to fly to the bottom of the boat and bite Junior. A couple minutes later, sure enough Uncle Junior came storming up from below cursing, "Who the hell let all them damn blasted mosquitoes inside?" We all where laughing and we have shared that story numerous times. Ever time I saw Uncle Junior, he would ask me when do I want to go to the Keys again.

The last thing I want to sure, is one of the last times I spoke to him. I had taken Isabel and Caelan to my grandparents for a visit, along with my mom and sister. We had a real nice family reunion and fish fry. I was sitting outside talking with Uncle Junior and he told me of all the things he had done in his life, he just wished he could go back and never pick up that first cigarette.

Goodbye Uncle Junior. You made me laugh and I love ya for it.

Posted by Randy at 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments

Today we were able to shoot the AK-47. For those of you who are not familiar with this weapon, it is the weapon of choice for insurgents. The AK-47 is not a sub-machine gun, but it's not a rifle either. It is sort of a combo of the two. It's a semi automatic, gas operated, 30 round magazine feed weapon. It weighs around 9 pounds (4.3 kgs). To be honest, it shots like S--t. I think I shoot Ok, but I could not hit anything. The rounds were everywhere. So what do we learn from this? They need to continue to use this weapon, because it makes our job easier.

The power went out last night in our tent, so the heater went out. I woke up at 0330 freezing. So I just got up and went and called my baby. She was glad to her from me. I spoke with Caelan as well, and Ryleigh could be heard in the background. They do not realize it yet, because they are so young, but it makes Daddy's day.

Take care,

Randy

Posted by Randy at 8:09 AM | Permalink | Comments

The heater in our tent does not work. For anyone who has been in the dessert before, you know that the nights are cold. Last night I was in full PT gear (Pants and Jacket) zipped up in my sleeping bag, with another sleeping bag wrapped around my head. I was still cold. I stayed up until 0030 and watched the game between the Steelers and Colts.

For the next several days will are training. Some class time, but a lot of field time. We will head north in about a week or so. I am ready to stop the training and get to work.

I have called and talked to Iz and the boys just about everyday. I know she appreciates it and it makes my day. Last night I had to wait about and hour and half to call, but just hearing their voices made it worth the wait.

Talk again soon,

Randy

Posted by Randy at 10:12 PM | Permalink | Comments

Well we arrived in Kuwait. It was a very painful journey. We made several stops along the way and I was only able to sleep, maybe three hours total. I am in a tent with ten other guys that I have been training with. From this point, I will only refer to them by the last initial. C my partner is right there with me. He snores, but with the ear plugs in, I can sleep.

We will train here for awhile and then move onwards to Iraq. The place is not bad, but when we arrived it was raining. You do the math, rain and dirt equal mud.

Talk later,

Randy

Posted by Randy at 3:38 AM | Permalink | Comments

To All,

We leave for Kuwait. Our day will begin at when we have to bring all of our bags downstairs for the dogs to sniff. Then we have to build a pallet for them to go on the plane. I have four duffels and one carry on. A lot of stuff to keep me safe and happy. We will make around four to six stops before we finally arrive in Kuwait.

I am not sure when I will post on here again. We start training in Kuwait right away. I will call Iz when I arrive and she can log in a post that I have made it. Once I get a permanent address in Iraq, I will shoot it out to you all.

Until I post again,

Randy

Posted by Randy at 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments

Hey Everyone,

How are you? We had a pee test this morning. Of course I passed. We spent the rest of the AM packing and spraying our bags with our names. You can assume correctly, I got paint all over my hands. Luckily I found some comet and a sponge with a scrub pad on it. For the rest of the day I will smell like comet.

They told us we can store three duffel bags under the plane and carry a ruck or back pack with us on the plane. We have to carry our weapons and wear all of our battle rattle. So it will be painful. I cannot give you the flight schedule, but I will tell you its long and several stops along the way.

Hopefully later tonight we will go to one of the local malls. I just want to walk around and get out of the barracks.

Later,
Randy

Posted by Randy at 9:48 AM | Permalink | Comments

The words of a George Strait song never spoke louder. I leave in the morning back to Ft Carson, and then onwards to the hot sands of Iraq. We will stop in Kuwait for a few days first.

I spent the last day with Iz and the boys. To bad that Ryleigh was sick, but he takes after his daddy, because he did not miss a meal. Caelan went with me to run errands. You know the usually things like change the oil, fill up the tank, and other odds and ends.

I hate to go, but I am ready. I want to get this year behind me and the longer I sit at home, the longer it is until I return.

I love you all and I will miss you so badly.

Isabel, you are my heart and my sole. Someone said behind a good man is a good woman. I don't believe it. I want you beside me, not behind me.

Caelan and Ryleigh, Don't grow up to fast, leave some for me when I return.

So off to the great wide open,
Randy

Posted by Randy at 8:17 PM | Permalink | Comments

Hello Family and friends,

I will try and update this as much as possible throughout the next year. There will be times I will not be able to write what I have done or seen, due to security reasons. I am sure you understand. I still think this will be easier then trying to send out emails to everybody.

I am home in San Antonio right now, and I leave on Sunday to head back to Ft Carson, CO. I am of course sad, but I was so glad to be home with Iz and the boys. They are getting so big. I can only imagne what they will look like in a year.

I am enclosing a couple of pics of Ryleigh's 1st birthday and Christmas.

Talk later,

Randy

Posted by Randy at 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments