Arrived in Kuwait!

David flew out of McChord Air Force Base, refueled Germany, and landed in Kuwait. After a few initial briefings, they ate and then started exploring the base. David writes: "Just imagine absolutely flat hardpan of dust and gravel as far as you can see, with zero vegetation." (Remember what he said about Ft Lewis? See blog #1)

Located 5 miles south of Tacoma, WA, McChord Air Force Base is primarily an airlift base, flying large transport aircraft that are used in international U.S. military operations. The base is also used by Army and Special Forces units from Fort Lewis, which is adjacent to McChord. The 4,616-acre base currently has 48 C-141 Starlifters, and over 6,000 employees. McChord is also the Western United States Air Defense Sector hub, one of a few regional NORAD points that monitor radar data for possible incoming hostile or smuggling aircraft.

Seattle Pass

Hi Everybody...

I'm Shannon, David's girlfriend. I was able to fly out to Seattle this past week to visit David on his four day pass and just wanted to share with everyone about our time out there.

First of all, getting to see him was fantastic. I didn't expect to miss him as much as I have, so seeing him and getting to spend some time with him was really really nice. When he walked into the hotel I pretty much ran up and jumped on him with hugs and kisses (all in front of a bunch of businessmen.... oh well). It was so good to see him.

The first night (Tuesday) we went out to meet up with a bunch of his army friends in downtown Seattle. It was nice to finally have faces to put with names. The following day (Wednesday) we went shopping in the morning, ate lunch at the Cheesecake factory, and then went to Pike's Place Market. Pike's Place Market is essentially this huge farmer's market with lots of stores and stands. Also, the first Starbucks is located there, which was especially exciting for me. :)


After the market we got ready and went out to dinner at the Space Needle. It. was. awesome. We met his friend from his unit and his girlfriend, Darren and Mayra, and we all four had a delicious dinner with the best view ever in the rotating restaurant.


Thursday David and I drove about 2.5 hours to Mount Rainier National Park. The park itself as well as the drive down there were so beautiful! We were lucky enough to have sunshine everyday of the trip, so it made for a gorgeous day to be outside and driving in the country side. I took SO many pictures that day so I'll just post a few.


Friday we took a ferry to Bainebridge Island and had lunch with Darren and Mayra. Before we met up with them we were able to walk around the Island and learn more about it's history. Apparently Bainebridge Island was the first place Japanese immigrants were taken from and put in internment camps. It was really quite sad to hear but also something neither of us knew. Anyway, here is a picture from the ferry ride.


That night David took me to the Metropolitan Grill for a nice dinner since it was the last night of the trip. We each had really really good steak. Plus, we got all dressed up which is always fun.


The next day (Saturday) I had to leave and say goodbye. It was NOT fun. The good news was that Mayra and I were on the same flight and switched seats to sit next to one another. We ended up sitting in a row with another girl who was out there visiting her boyfriend (and was also from St. Cloud like Mayra and I) in David's unit, so we all talked the whole way home. That was especially good for me since I'm afraid of flying. :)

So that's really all the updates I have. I hope you enjoyed it!

Army Achievement Medal

On Tuesday, April 7, 2009, David was told to be in the auditorium at 2:00 PM. He didn’t know what it was for but eventually figured out that it was an awards ceremony. Awards presented: Two Army Commendations (ARCOMs); eight Army Achievement Medals (AAMs), and three Coins.

This is what David writes:

“The award (AAM) was presented to me by the Division commander, Major General Richard C. Nash, with the following written on the award certificate:

“…for: meritorious achievement during the 34th Infantry “Red Bull” Division’s Mission Rehearsal Exercise, Specialist David L. Kasperson significantly contributed to the overall success of the Division’s validation prior to deployment to Iraq. Specialist Kasperson’s dedication and commitment is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects distinct credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry “Red Bull” Division and the United States Army.”

On the Recommendation for Award form, filled out by my supervisor:

Achievements:
1. SPC Kasperson prepared and conducted an informational briefing to the G6 section during the Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX). On his own initiative, he spent numerous hours improving his own situational environment in order to prepare the operational environment brief for the section. His briefing helped ensure the G6 section was trained for onward movement in the Iraqi Theater of Operation.

2. SPC Kasperson was assigned to track 10 flight rosters and equipment flow for the G6 section. SPC Kasperson's attention to detail and forward thinking in preparing the section flight rosters has guaranteed our success for key communications assets and key leaders getting into theater when scheduled.

3. SPC Kasperson was selected for his work in the G6 Plans section with no experience with the Military Decision Making Process. During the MRX, he elevated himself above his peers and was assigned the Operational Planning Team Lead for the C4I War Fighting Function. He prepared the staff signal estimate and the quad charts required to actively participate in these OPT sessions with little to no guidance.

Winding Down

The training is complete. G6 is prepping for forward movement. Several shipping containers have been filled with computers and other automation equipment.

Looks like the weekend will be pretty quiet. Next week, David has 4 days leave. He and Shannon plan to explore some parts of Washington State. Maybe it will even stop raining for a little while.

Commander's Comments

by MAJ David Riha, Alpha Company Commander.

Greetings!

It has now been 52 days since 10 February. The Company has completed a great deal of training in that time in order to move forward to Iraq. To recap, all soldiers have qualified with their assigned weapons, zeroed their weapons with close quarters optics, completed 36 individual warrior tasks, and they have completed 42 army warrior tasks and battle drills.

Those soldiers (this includes David)from the company that are assigned to the Division Signal Section (G6) have been very busy supporting the division headquarters with all of their automation needs. They work in operations, network operations, network services, engineering, information assurance and computer network defense, help desk operations, video teleconferencing, and plans. To date, they have completed three command post exercises (CPX) and are currently in the middle of the mobilization readiness exercise (MRX). Unfortunately, since they work in a secure facility known as the Battle Command Training Center (BCTC), I could not take any pictures. So I will have to get some pictures of them a little further down the road.

Those soldiers from the company that support the Warrior Information Network Tactical (WINT) have also been very busy. They completed the 3 week new equipment training for the Tactical Hub Node, which included training for the switch and the satellite communication sections. Concurrently, the soldiers assigned to the Joint Network Nodes (JNN) received some classroom and over the shoulder training. Our Line of Site operators received similar training. To clarify, the WINT provides all of the satellite communications for the division. At their after action review, they were particularly praised by the 35th Expeditionary Signal Battalion from Fort Gordon for their willingness to learn, adaptability, coaching and mentoring, and leadership.

The Communication Electronic (CE) maintenance section has taken on the task to get us all ready to move, whether it is sending equipment back to Minnesota or forward to Iraq. Supply has arranged for us to receive all of our new personal equipment, our new communications equipment, and they have inventoried and signed for everything in a very fluid environment. They work to get us anything that we need. Our cable section has helped at the BCTC and here at North Fort Lewis. They have also done anything asked to help the company. Our administrative section takes care of tracking all of the training, pay issues, personnel and human resource issues of any kind, and they provide transportation to our personnel as we work at several locations and have business or appointments at many other locations throughout the day.

I cannot express how proud I am of A Company! The dedication and perseverance of our soldiers to complete their training and their mission represents the best Minnesota has to offer. I look forward to providing notes to you again,

Sincerely,
Major David Riha

Minnesota Civic Leaders Visit Red Bull Soldiers

By: Staff Sgt. Jamieson Pond on: Fri March 27, 2009 06:08 am CDT

Members of the the Patriot Guard traveled to Ft. Lewis, WA, to visit with Minnesota's deploying 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Soldiers and wish them a safe and successful mission to Iraq.

FORT LEWIS, WA. – Several Minnesota government, business and civic leaders visited the deploying 34th Red Bull Infantry Division here Tuesday to wish them a final farewell before they head off to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The distinguished visitors included the civilian Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, two mayors, members of ‘Serving Our Troops’ and members of Minnesota’s Patriot Guard. The visit gave the visitors a chance to talk with deploying Soldiers one-on-one and get to know them on a more personal level. "The best part was meeting you guys, seeing where you're from, what things are like and the jobs you do at home and what you're going to be doing while you're gone," said Mike Ray, the Vice President of Human Resources for Best Buy.

The visitors also got the opportunity to see what kind of training the Soldiers are doing and what kind of living conditions the Soldiers experience. "The personal protection is definitely better than it used to be for Soldiers going into a combat zone. The training is very impressive," remarked Harry Sieben, the civilian Assistant to the Secretary of the Army.

The visitors were also able to hear from Soldiers first hand and learn how they can better help and show their support for Soldiers and their families. "We have a large group of people with the Yellow Ribbon foundation that are looking for ways to support the Soldiers. Just a couple weeks ago I had a meeting with a bunch of Boy Scout groups, and they have all these young boy scouts who want to support families. So we’re just trying to figure out what is a good way to help some families while you're all deployed, and then subsequently when you all come back," said William Droste, the mayor of Rosemount, Minn.

Stan Kowalski, a WWII veteran and the State Commander of the MN VFW, was eager to visit the deploying Soldiers, wish them luck and let them know he is looking out for them. "These kids are putting their life on the line; I don't want to see them mistreated when they’re going out there. I see a lot more smiling faces so that means you’re being treated well. That's what I'm looking for."

"I just want you guys to know that we support you and that people at home are thinking of you. Good luck and get home safe," added Ray.

Source: http://www.theredbulls.org/article51