Well time is marching on, and I have hardly a clue as to what day it is. If I hadn't a calendar watch or calendar on a nearby laptop, I wouldn't have any idea ...... everything just runs into the next event. I'm a little bummed out, still getting used to marching or running, nowhere to hide from my new family of 440. Pretty cool talking with our brothers and sisters from HI though. can't wait to see the islands when this gig is done.
We finished combat life saving, made me nearly ill looking at many injuries from the field..... unbelievable mutilation. I can't believe how some soldiers lived from their injuries. We are all hoping to God we never have to use it, but glad we have some training.
Today we had classes on battle fatigue, stress and suicide.... more pleasant stuff, and the usual annual brief on sexual harassment, fratinization, and legal stuff, blah blah......
I'm trying to tell myself to just go with the group, we're all one big happy family.... quite a slow pace compared to my civilian life, lots of waiting for busses, meals etc. We have a saying so far, "Semper Gumby" (be flexible), and the ever popular, "indecision is the key to flexibility". We're all counitng the days til we complete the green phase and move into the blue phase,about may 3. That means we start flying in early may.....Yahoo!!
I really am greatful to be part of this group, how cool is it to be over 40, (shutup), and on military flight status, and flying one of the best aircraft in the world... Thank you Lord!I'll hopefully have some photos to post when I send them to my son, I just can't get much time to do it.... and I'm kind of ticked I can't find a phone line to use anywhere on this post! So I cant use my Enforc. laptop yet, which is driving me nuts.... Our internet for our room should be installed by fri...... Thanks.
We finished combat life saving, made me nearly ill looking at many injuries from the field..... unbelievable mutilation. I can't believe how some soldiers lived from their injuries. We are all hoping to God we never have to use it, but glad we have some training.
Today we had classes on battle fatigue, stress and suicide.... more pleasant stuff, and the usual annual brief on sexual harassment, fratinization, and legal stuff, blah blah......
I'm trying to tell myself to just go with the group, we're all one big happy family.... quite a slow pace compared to my civilian life, lots of waiting for busses, meals etc. We have a saying so far, "Semper Gumby" (be flexible), and the ever popular, "indecision is the key to flexibility". We're all counitng the days til we complete the green phase and move into the blue phase,about may 3. That means we start flying in early may.....Yahoo!!
I really am greatful to be part of this group, how cool is it to be over 40, (shutup), and on military flight status, and flying one of the best aircraft in the world... Thank you Lord!I'll hopefully have some photos to post when I send them to my son, I just can't get much time to do it.... and I'm kind of ticked I can't find a phone line to use anywhere on this post! So I cant use my Enforc. laptop yet, which is driving me nuts.... Our internet for our room should be installed by fri...... Thanks.
10 comments:
Hi Brad,
Thanks for taking the time to post to this so we can keep current with your life. It's amazing that as I read your words I hear them spoken in your voice! We'll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers....Mjo
You crack me up - your voice is heard just like mom said :)
Hey Dad,
The 'inserting nasal breathing tube' deal sounded like bad news! Ouch! But, like y'a said, it's good knowledge for you to have.
Hopefully it hasn't been too warm yet?
Glad to hear that you'll be flying soon. I didn't realize that you would have to wait so long without getting any flight time. Bummer!
Getting psyched up for your PT test coming up?!? Haha... Ah, what's another "300" for y'a. Haha. You d'a MAN!! :) Your PT scores really must be a military record!
Love y'a, Dad... Hope to chat with y'a soon! :)
Hi Brad,
My name is Angie. I work with Lisa and met you when you came to STMA HS to visit. My son is leaving for USMC bootcamp in May so I am going to share this with him. I think he will be very interested to hear your thoughts and experiences.
We were stationed in HI for nearly 4 years. I haven't been able to get back there so when you go, maybe I can enjoy it vicariously through you! :)
Thank you for being willing to share your valuable free time with us. You will be in my thoughts and prayers always!
Hey Brad,
Got to see the fly over at Crystal Airport. You guys surprised me I had just found a spot to park my car and was getting the camera ready listening for you. Then all of a sudden I look and you are halfway up the field. I did not realize the Black hawks where so quiet. I was able to get some video footage, but it is not very good quality as I had problems with the sun. I sent the vid's to Adam so he could see. Still a pretty sweet site to see 10 black hawks together like that.
Sounds like training is going good for you. It is good to learn all the medical stuff. Knowledge you can use in Iraq and still bring back home here to use. For example, like when someone try's to change the blade of a lawnmower when it is still turning and clips the tip of their finger off... Ha Ha... good story.
Anyway, keep on your toes and ready for anything. Take care of yourself. Good luck with the PT test. A perfect 300 for every test is quite impressive.
Looking forward to water skiing with you when you return.
Cheers,
Ande
Hi Brad,
My name is Meghan and I work with Lisa-we have lunch together most days so I have been kept up to date on deployment. Actually, you may know my cousin, Mitch Meyer. He is in Iraq right now as a Shanook pilot. I think you may be stationed near him. He is in the National Guard as well and is a Black Hawk mechanic so you may know him! His wife was at your "send off" supporting the Black Hawk pilots and she said it was a very nice ceremony. Hang in there and thank you for all of your hard work.
Bradley-
We missed you at choir practice last night. Dwight J. is filling in for you through the end of the year. He's very well-behaved.
John M. assures me that the baptistry will hold water and is ready for the 4/29 service. Thanks for all your work on that project.
It's really getting springy around here. It will soon be time to pull out the Brad Maas memorial lawnmower and cut some grass.
Praying for you, brother-
Pastor Paul
Brad,
I asked Lisa about having the students here at STMA ask you questions, would this be okay with you? I know you are busy, so it's not going to be a lot...let me know what you think. They are currently in Lit. of War class and your blog would be a nice tie in.
Thanks, Ms. Tiffany Schmid
Brad-- thoughts and prayers from your colleagues are with you. Your personal and collective efforts are appreciated. I laughed ironically at your "indecision = flexibility" remark, as, unfortunately, I've seen and heard such nonsense in action from certain folk in our organization.
Taylor
PS Did you get to eat steak with Senator Coleman?
Hi Brad,
I had a vacation day on the 12th and I had heard that a fly-by was going to be done for the troops that were leaving. Around 9AM 10 or 12 helicopters flew over two by two. It was awesome!! Thought of you.
God bless.
Bernadette Jensen
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