Monday, May 29, 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Where Are They Now?
Nothing to significant in the last day to write about so I figured I would throw out a few names to see if any of you know what happened to them?
1. Roy "Paris" Gentry
2. Dave Quakenbush
3. David Kline
4. Bruce Zaragozza
5. Bobby Engels
6. Reid Thrawick
7. Kevin (what's his last name, he played a mean jazz guitar)
8. William "Wilbur" Morris
9. Scott "Bio" Miller
10. Jimmie "Evil Eye" (what was his last name)
11. Mr. Mobley
12. Alonzo Hawk
13. That dude that Mr Jennings said was the meanest man in Tennessee
14. Mason Walters
Any clue on these people, please pass along.
Randy
1. Roy "Paris" Gentry
2. Dave Quakenbush
3. David Kline
4. Bruce Zaragozza
5. Bobby Engels
6. Reid Thrawick
7. Kevin (what's his last name, he played a mean jazz guitar)
8. William "Wilbur" Morris
9. Scott "Bio" Miller
10. Jimmie "Evil Eye" (what was his last name)
11. Mr. Mobley
12. Alonzo Hawk
13. That dude that Mr Jennings said was the meanest man in Tennessee
14. Mason Walters
Any clue on these people, please pass along.
Randy
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Another Long Night
We had mission again last night. This time I stayed back and pulled radio watch. The guys pulled back into camp at about 0630. I stayed up all day, because I have so much Admin stuff that needs to be done. Finally about 1500 (3:00 pm) I crashed for two hours.
Isabel told me a cute story about the boys. It seems Ryleigh was getting in Caelan's way when he was trying to watch a movie. Caelan kept telling Ryleigh to move away from the television. I guess Caelan got made and he pushed or pulled Ryleigh to the ground. Of course Ryleigh started crying. Ryleigh got up and went over and turned the TV off. Good for him.
Later,
Randy
Isabel told me a cute story about the boys. It seems Ryleigh was getting in Caelan's way when he was trying to watch a movie. Caelan kept telling Ryleigh to move away from the television. I guess Caelan got made and he pushed or pulled Ryleigh to the ground. Of course Ryleigh started crying. Ryleigh got up and went over and turned the TV off. Good for him.
Later,
Randy
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
They Call Me....Tariq
I have spent the last five days in Tarmiyah. Our Iraqi Battalion owns the battle space in this area. We rotate members of our team in and out of there to serve as advisors and liaisons between our Iraqi counterparts and the other military units in this area. At times it was very boring and then there were times we were busy and the time flew. The Iraqis love watching Arabic music videos. That got real old, real quick. At night we would watch American movies with the Arabic subtitles on the bottom of the screen. We also played a cool card game called 51. It is like gin rummy but with two decks and you cannot lay any cards down on the table until they reach 51 points or higher when adding up their face value.
I ate like crazy. They were constantly feeding me. They do not take the word no well. I ate fish, all kinds of beef and sheep dishes, rice, cucumbers, stewed tomatoes (remember I dislike tomatoes), potatoes, and more bread then a bakery. After every meal its Chi time. Chi is hot sweet tea. Great stuff.
They gave me an Arabic name. They call me Tariq. They told me it's a strong name, normally given to leaders. Cool.
I found out that my leave dates have been pushed back. I thought I was going to be able to be home 01 June, no later than 02 June, but now that has been changed. I leave here on 04 June and will probably not make it to the US until 07 or 08 June. That stinks really bad since Caelan's fourth birthday is 01 June.
Got two cool things in the mail today. Grandpa sent me a letter. Normally it's Nana who does the writhing, so it was a surprise to open it and see it was from him. I will keep it forever and that is the truth.
The other thing I got was a DVD and CD from my partner in heavy metal adventures, Troy. Thanks dude for the movie. I have not watched it yet. I want to wait till I can kick my boots off and relax with my socks on. Did one scene have a waterfall in the dessert? I thought that is what I saw coming down those rocks. Also nice touch with the Bud commercials in between the songs. Plus the first song, Stryper and the Steel Dragon songs was a nice surprise.
Later Peeps (as Christian would say),
Randy
I ate like crazy. They were constantly feeding me. They do not take the word no well. I ate fish, all kinds of beef and sheep dishes, rice, cucumbers, stewed tomatoes (remember I dislike tomatoes), potatoes, and more bread then a bakery. After every meal its Chi time. Chi is hot sweet tea. Great stuff.
They gave me an Arabic name. They call me Tariq. They told me it's a strong name, normally given to leaders. Cool.
I found out that my leave dates have been pushed back. I thought I was going to be able to be home 01 June, no later than 02 June, but now that has been changed. I leave here on 04 June and will probably not make it to the US until 07 or 08 June. That stinks really bad since Caelan's fourth birthday is 01 June.
Got two cool things in the mail today. Grandpa sent me a letter. Normally it's Nana who does the writhing, so it was a surprise to open it and see it was from him. I will keep it forever and that is the truth.
The other thing I got was a DVD and CD from my partner in heavy metal adventures, Troy. Thanks dude for the movie. I have not watched it yet. I want to wait till I can kick my boots off and relax with my socks on. Did one scene have a waterfall in the dessert? I thought that is what I saw coming down those rocks. Also nice touch with the Bud commercials in between the songs. Plus the first song, Stryper and the Steel Dragon songs was a nice surprise.
Later Peeps (as Christian would say),
Randy
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Like Little Kids In A Candy Store
Yesterday we went to Balad, Iraq. The sole purpose of the mission was to try and get supplies. We took along with us a bunch of Iraqi Privates, the Battalion (BN) Sergeant Major (SGM) and a Supply Captain. The whole day just started out bad and continued that way until.
We were suppose to have left at 0600, but the other two teams that were traveling along with us, was not ready at the time they were suppose to be. So we left about 40 minutes behind schedule. The trip up was no problem. I drove and at one point I saw two Iraqi men fighting in the street over who was going to give this car gas. See they have make shift gas stations all over the road. Basically somebody shows up with about 20 five gallon cans and they wait for people to stop. This one guys was hitting and kicking this other guy. When the guy who was getting beat up fell on the ground, the other guy raced over and started filling up this car. Really funny stuff.
When we got to Balad we decided to split up so each team could do what they needed. Our team went to the DMRO or place you pickup used equipment, trucks, and anything else that is no longer serviceable. The Iraqis soldiers were in heaven. They were grabbing big old ice coolers, copy machines, a couple of water buffalos (portable water barrel on a trailer) and anything else they could throw on the back of their trucks. This place looked like a junk yard. All the of the equipment was broke, but trust me these guys can fix it.
After that we took them to the American Chow Hall. They were crazy in there. They grabbed so much food, that most of them could not eat everything they got. I sat with my two interpreters, the Iraqi CPT and the Iraqi BN SGM. I noticed the BN SGM keep staring at all the American females. I asked him if he liked what he saw. He smiled and laughed. The Iraqi CPT was eating cornbread with a spoon. I did not have the heart to tell him he need to pick it up with his hands. As they started leaving, some of the Privates found the Ice Cream bar. They loaded up with Ice Creams, Sodas, and Gator Aide. Of course once we got outside and back to the trucks, the rest of the Privates who had not loaded up started going back inside the Chow Hall. I did not see them do this, I just noticed after about 10 minutes half of my guys where gone. Then I saw them walking over hands full.
Well we had to wait for three hours for the other two teams to return. They took their sweet time and made us wait outside in the hot sun. The temperature was about 105 to 110. I went and sat under a tree with the BN SGM and my two interpreters. Then this truck pulled up with three Air Force folks. They told me they were reporters and could they take some pictures of us, since we looked like we were having a good time. I cleared it with the BN SGM and he said no problem. So they took the pictures of us as I was telling jokes and stories and making the BN SGM laugh. I gave them my info and who the other three with me where. The reporters took my email address and assured me they would send me a copy of the pictures they use in their little paper. He also told me he would send me a home town news realize so they can send it to the Brunswick News.
Pretty cool day even if it was hot as the dickens.
Randy
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Some Pictures of My Room and Area
I took a few shots of were I lay my head at night. Thought you might enjoy them. Not much going on here, but the heat. Everyday it is getting hotter and hotter. My hat is just brown with nasty sweat stains. I need to wash it.
Caelan will be four in a couple of weeks. I cannot believe how fast he and his brother are growing. Seems like yesterday he was born. I am looking forward to the two of them hugging the bajabbers out of me when they see me.
Take care,
Randy
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Sorry Ingrid
The Sand Storm
Happy Mothers Day
To All The Mothers, Happy Mothers Day, but especially Isabel, Momma, Nana, Ingrid, Renee, Sib, Annette, and Sarah. I hope your children and spouses treat you well today. Tomorrow it's back to normal though (HA HA).
As you can see I went and tagged a few tanks today with some spray paint. I got some good shots for Isabel and the boys. I also hit two up for my main man John Sousa.
Spent last night with the Iraqi COL watching Arabic music videos. This guy loves to watch them. I brought him a six piece Popeyes Spicy Chicken dinner. He was extremely happy. He told me he would eat it when everyone was gone. My kind of guy, just like Joey from Friends, share no food with no one.
The weather is getting hotter everyday. It has broken the 100s a couple of times. I can only imagine what it is like in June and July when it hits 120s and 130s. I will be sweating my behind off. I have also included some photos of the sand storm from the other day. My CPT took them from the roof of our building.
Finally a personal note to my brother. Thanks for your comment the other day. You made my day with the little bro comment. And to answer you, NO I'M NOT. Just remember when you where a life guard in the summer of 84. Take care,
Randy
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Welcome Back
Almost all Iraqi soldiers leave there unit for seven days a month to go home. Reason they are allowed seven days of leave a month is for them to take their pay home. See Iraq does not have a centralized banking system. This is the only way they can get money to their families. Most of them do not tell their friends or people who live around them that they are soldiers. If the insurgents in their home area find out they are in the Iraqi Army, they will kill them or their families. So when they leave they travel in civilian clothes and leave all their military gear here on the post.
You never now when they will leave. They just decide to go at the last minute and they are gone. So when I walk into the Admin (S1) office my counterparts may be gone. Yesterday most of them returned from their seven days. They were very happy to see me. They cannot say Helms, so it comes out Helmes. There were many hugs and kisses thrown my way. They all told me of their families and how good it was to see them. I expressed my happiness that they made back safe and sound.
Sometimes they do not return, because they have quit. Some of the young privates only serve a couple of months and then take their paycheck and never return. This is a problem in the Iraqi Army. They sign a contract, but they are not really held to it. No Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is in the Iraqi Army like we have in our Military. UCMJ is a federal law, enacted by Congress. Its provisions are contained in United States Code, Title 10, Chapter 47. Article 36 of the UCMJ allows the President to prescribe rules and procedures to implement the provisions of the UCMJ. The President does this via the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) which is an executive order that contains detailed instructions for implementing military law for the United States Armed Forces. We have 146 Articles in the UCMJ. The Iraqi Army needs to implement something like this.
I was told that in the coming weeks I will go to Tarmiyah for about three to five days. We run a office in this town and I will be there to assist one of our Iraqi counterparts. This will be my first time staying there for a couple of days. I have been there before to drop off other members of our team. Everyone of them have told me that it can be a fun time, or a boring time depending on what you do to keep yourself busy. They also have told me the Iraqis constantly feed you, but when you return be prepared to go to the bathroom a lot. My roommate returned one time and had the runs for three days. I am looking forward to it, well not the runs, but the stay.
See ya,
Randy
You never now when they will leave. They just decide to go at the last minute and they are gone. So when I walk into the Admin (S1) office my counterparts may be gone. Yesterday most of them returned from their seven days. They were very happy to see me. They cannot say Helms, so it comes out Helmes. There were many hugs and kisses thrown my way. They all told me of their families and how good it was to see them. I expressed my happiness that they made back safe and sound.
Sometimes they do not return, because they have quit. Some of the young privates only serve a couple of months and then take their paycheck and never return. This is a problem in the Iraqi Army. They sign a contract, but they are not really held to it. No Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is in the Iraqi Army like we have in our Military. UCMJ is a federal law, enacted by Congress. Its provisions are contained in United States Code, Title 10, Chapter 47. Article 36 of the UCMJ allows the President to prescribe rules and procedures to implement the provisions of the UCMJ. The President does this via the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) which is an executive order that contains detailed instructions for implementing military law for the United States Armed Forces. We have 146 Articles in the UCMJ. The Iraqi Army needs to implement something like this.
I was told that in the coming weeks I will go to Tarmiyah for about three to five days. We run a office in this town and I will be there to assist one of our Iraqi counterparts. This will be my first time staying there for a couple of days. I have been there before to drop off other members of our team. Everyone of them have told me that it can be a fun time, or a boring time depending on what you do to keep yourself busy. They also have told me the Iraqis constantly feed you, but when you return be prepared to go to the bathroom a lot. My roommate returned one time and had the runs for three days. I am looking forward to it, well not the runs, but the stay.
See ya,
Randy
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
To The Love Of My Life, The Mother Of My Children, And My Best Friend
When wondering what I could give you, I thought for awhile.
How can I give something, that's worthy of that smile.
I pondered a lovely fragrance, a very sweet perfume.
But nothing is as sweet, as when you walk into the room.
A brand new wardrobe, DKNY, Polo or even a little Tommy.
It doesn't matter what you wear, your still the prettiest Mommy.
I lingered long, and finally decided the gift that I'd would choose.
It's four simple little words, Baby, I love you.
Happy Birthday Isabel,
Randy
We hacked into Daddy's blog. jdjfnjkndfjknjdf Stop touching the keyboard Ryleigh, let me do it. Wuff Wuff Stop barking Bailey. Happy Birthday Mommy, From the Helms brothers. Caelan and Ryleigh
P.S. Dick, God Bless yah brother. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Monday, May 08, 2006
I Only See a Red Sky
Today we had a sand storm you would not believe. It happened around 3:30 pm. The sky was the color of red and you could not see anything. I snapped a photo with my CPT's camera, but it was just dark. I was only outside in it for a couple of minutes, but my whole body was covered with sand. It's a really sticky feeling. Gets in your hair and ears. Just nasty.
I took this picture in one of the Iraqi CPT's offices. The little girl is praying to Allah to help the new Iraq. Look close enough and you will see tears coming down her face. It really touched me. The Iraqi CPT and I spoke for a while on the photo. He informed me that when an Islamic person prays to Allah, they sometimes cry to him to help them. I told him it is the same with the Christian religion. Unfortunately most of the time the crying is done after the person has made the mistake. Really nice conversation with him and he really wants the new Iraqi army to be different then the old Republican Guard. I do as well.
Played soccer again today, but I was not real happy. My temper started getting to me, because these guys just keep arguing instead of playing. They would tell me play here, now play over here, and then go over there. I finally had to yell at them, listen guys I know how to play. I have spent ten of the last 14 years overseas. I understand the game and how it is played, I'm just not that good.
Enough for now,
Randy
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
I Kissed a Man, Say What?
In the Arab world it is common to kiss your elder or a man that deserves respect. Just a simple kiss on his check. I have become close with one of the Iraqi Officers and two days ago I gave him a man kiss, as we call it. He responded by slapping me on the back and smiling. From what my interpreter told me, he really respects me. Of course I have heard the normal comments from the other guys, that I must be gay now. Far cry, I can assure you. I figured I would do like I have done in every country I have been, and learn the customs and try to follow them.
I am a day late, and I apologize, but Happy Birthday Frans. I wanted to post something yesterday, but our Internet was down all day. Yesterday was also my roommate, SFC I's birthday. I gave him a nice present. I put together his new wall locker for him. Did a pretty good job, if I do say so.
SFC I and I bought a satellite and vacuum cleaner. We are waiting for a couple of guys to come by and hook the satellite up. They assured us they can do it and get us the right channels. I hope they hurry.
Did I mention that Nana sent me about five to six pounds of homemade cookies? Man, those things are of the chain. I gave one bag to my Iraqi LTC I was talking about above. He loved them as well. Just need to score some milk from the chow hall everyday. I have also received several packages from my sponsors. Thank you to all of you. I have enough food to last me awhile. One of the best things I got recently was from Mom and Sonny. I nice GA Bulldawg picture in a frame. I hung it over my bed.
On Sunday I spent about three hours playing guitar with our BDE SGM. He and I played a bunch of country songs and a few rock ones. I had a blast. I felt like Sonny Thompson sitting around all my friends. I will try and score a picture from it and post it later.
See ya,
Randy
I am a day late, and I apologize, but Happy Birthday Frans. I wanted to post something yesterday, but our Internet was down all day. Yesterday was also my roommate, SFC I's birthday. I gave him a nice present. I put together his new wall locker for him. Did a pretty good job, if I do say so.
SFC I and I bought a satellite and vacuum cleaner. We are waiting for a couple of guys to come by and hook the satellite up. They assured us they can do it and get us the right channels. I hope they hurry.
Did I mention that Nana sent me about five to six pounds of homemade cookies? Man, those things are of the chain. I gave one bag to my Iraqi LTC I was talking about above. He loved them as well. Just need to score some milk from the chow hall everyday. I have also received several packages from my sponsors. Thank you to all of you. I have enough food to last me awhile. One of the best things I got recently was from Mom and Sonny. I nice GA Bulldawg picture in a frame. I hung it over my bed.
On Sunday I spent about three hours playing guitar with our BDE SGM. He and I played a bunch of country songs and a few rock ones. I had a blast. I felt like Sonny Thompson sitting around all my friends. I will try and score a picture from it and post it later.
See ya,
Randy