Spoke with Nick this morning

Spoke with Nick for a while this morning. He is now at his new home; FOB Iskan. FOB stands for Forward Operating Base. FOB Iskan is also known as Camp Iskandariyah. It took them a while to get there because of attacks - he said that insurgents were dropping mortars into their drop zone.

Nick says that the base is big, but very crude (he had a more colorful expression). He describes their living quarters is an old concrete one-story building with a long hall and concrete rooms on each side. There are nine guys in his room, all sleeping on cots, and he said its the size of his bedroom here at home. When they arrived, there was no power to the building and of course, no A/C. They have now bought several window A/C units and many power extension cables, running them from somewhere else. He said they now have 2 outlets for all 9 people and have to be careful how much stuff is running at once, so they don't overload it. This is somewhat ironic, since I've read that FOB Iskan surrounds a power plant that provides a third of all Iraq's power. He said that the building has a BIG mouse problem and with the rotted ceilings, the mice were literally falling from the rafters. They secured a bunch of trash bags to the ceiling to keep the mice from falling on to the floor. The buildings have tall concrete blast walls surrounding them and in between all walkways, to block shrapnel from mortars.

Nick said its a 30 minute walk to the chow hall, which is about the size of our upstairs. There is no PX - instead, you give a guy some money and a list, and they go to a PX to get it. However, there is an Iraqi market on the FOB and you can buy stuff from them (that's where they got the A/C units). Nick was most impressed by the massive selection of DVD movies. He said you can get a single DVD that has up to 4 full movies on it, all for about $3.

Nick says the area looks like an old Mexican town, with dilapidated concrete buildings, lots of palm trees and jungle type vegetation.

I have shipped a package to Nick to verify the address. He has been told that packages take about 10 days, but for some reason letters take 30 days. Nick asked me to wait on giving his address out, until we know for sure it is correct.

Nick is using an AT&T AAFES calling card when calling home. He is able to use other calling cards as well, but this card is rechargable. It costs $0.25/min to call home from Iraq. Staci has given me the calling card info so that I can recharge it for him. If anyone would like to donate money to his calling card, let me know. While I'm sure everyone would like to get calls from him, I hope you understand that he may have few opportunities to make calls. There is one building with 10 phones and 10 computers w/Internet for the whole FOB. Plus, he will be going on missions quite a bit, some lasting a week at a time.

I don't know when Nick will have opportunity to send any pictures to us, but in the meantime, I have found some pictures of FOB Iskan from someone else posted on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAqT3sUz_VM

Jon Taking On Snow

Spoke with Jon yesterday. Colorado Springs has been getting quite a bit of snow. The base was shut down because of a blizzard. Here's a picture of Phoebe in the snow.

Nick in Baghdad

Spoke with Nick for a few minutes this morning. He has landed in Baghdad, but they are currently unable to continue to their FOB (Forward Operating Base). Each of the other groups going there have come under attack by machine gun and mortar rounds, so they have suspended the rest until its taken care of. He mentioned that he saw a Humvee come through the gates ridden with bullet holes down the side and burn marks from blasts and he thought, "wonder how many missions it took to look like that".

Not in Iraq Yet...

Spoke with Nick this morning. He still hasn't left Kuwait - will be leaving anytime though. He may not go straight to his new base though. He said they may be diverted to help some other guys out on the way. More news when available.

Spoke with Nick today

I IM'd with Nick briefly early this morning, then spoke with him by phone in the afternoon. This is probably the last contact until he makes it to his new location. Nick gave me an address, but they aren't sure if its correct or not. He asked me to mail him a letter and see if he gets it, before giving it out to everyone. His computer has died, but so far he hasn't used it to access the internet - they have only been allowed to use the internet cafe and use those machines (paying a per minute charge). He has taken a couple pictures, but he said everything pretty much looks the same... sand. Plus, he hasn't figured out a way to send them successfully yet. They've been told that at some point, they should be staying in "containers" or "cans". From what I've read on the web, these are modular aluminum units with a window A/C and they have a real bed (pictured)

IM'd and spoke with Nick this morning

IM'd with Nick early this morning. This time, he had a computer with a camera so I was able to snap a few pictures (click the pic to see them all).

He is doing fine. Got his high-and-tight haircut. He said he has heard that they may be getting their mailing address soon. He's been doing a lot of running and its pretty hot. Before he left, we signed him up for Vonage service, hoping that he could use it as an Internet phone while he was gone - but he said that so far, the internet isn't good enough to use it.

He will be leaving Kuwait and going to Iraq sometime next week - not aloud to say exactly where. Anyone wanting more specifics on this, please contact me - not going to put these type of details on the Blog. But he said its going to be a location with "lots of bunnies", implying it will be all friendly and pleasant (don't believe it). One of the jobs they will be doing will be picking up trash around the towns and spray painting over the anti-government and anti-American graffiti. They will also be paying locals to do same. The idea is to make things look better so hopefully the people will feel better too. I guess this is their "hobby" job, in between fighting insurgents.

Nick said he is currently carrying an M-4, M-16 and a M-240. Seems like a pretty heavy load to me. He especially liked his M-4 because its brand new. As for the M-16, apparently they've nicknamed it "The Musket" - guess they don't like it too much. He said that he will be walking most of the time, but when in the HMMWV (Humvee), he will be one of those riding in the turret (but they switch out). He said he recently spent some time in the new HMMWVs and that they were pretty cool (literally). They have A/C and he said it has a "Pope Dome" because the turret is incased in protective glass. He is going to try and get some pics of it for me.

That's about it for now. Click on the pic and see the various snaps I got from the IM session.

-Tavis

Pictures during Nick's visit in September

I finally got these pictures posted on to SnapFish. These are the pictures that were taken while Nick was here on leave, prior to shipping out to Kuwait. Pictures include:

• A small party we had for Nick, with family and few friends
• Dinner at Babe's with Stacy's family - We told the waitress it was Nick's Birthday, hence the chicken on the head
• Nick showing off his new uniform
  
  Click on the picture to see the album
  

Nick in Kuwait

I spoke with Nick this morning (6AM my time, 2PM his time). He has arrived at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kuwait. He said that he arrived in early morning and the sun was just rising - the air was dry and the perfect temp. Then the afternoon came and it was much hotter, but he said its still not too bad - sort of like at the beach, but no water. On the drive to the base, all you could see was sand in all directions, then an area with bright lights appeared - this was their destination.

Nick said the base has some of the best chow he's had, plus they have all types of restaurants there; Taco Bell, Baskin Robins, even a Panda Express type restaurant. And to top it off, the PX (Post Exchange, like a Military WalMart) had Monster Drinks -- YEA!! It sounds like he would rather be stationed in Kuwait than in Alaska ;)

After they got off the plane, they all loaded on to a nice big bus and headed through the desert to the base. They made a stop along the way for everyone to get out and stretch their legs, and get some water / Gatoraide. Nick stepped off the bus and looked around - sand everywhere - and got back on the bus to continue playing is PSP (Personal Sony PlayStation) game. The bus driver, a Kuwaiti, came up to him with a water bottle and made hand-gestures asking if he could cut the top of the bottle with a knife to make a glass. Nick pulls out his knife and waits for the bus driver to hand him the bottle. The driver wants to take the knife and do it himself. Nick said they stood there for a moment and he thought, "Oh, HELL no". So he took the bottle from the guy and cut the top off, then gave it back to the driver. Nick said, "We were the only two on the boss, don't know who the Hell this is, I'm not going to hand him my knife!".

They will be in Kuwait for 3-4 weeks doing additional training, so we will probably here from him again. He is using a calling card to call us ($0.21/min) and he can get on a computer with internet access for $5/hr. If anyone is interested in purchasing pre-paid calling cards for Nick, the cheapest I found for calling from Kuwait / Iraq is the AT&T AAFES card (https://thor.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx).

Jonathan's address and pictures

Jonathan's new address at Fort Carson:

SPC Jonathan Schriefer
5901C Heurtgen Forest Rd.
Fort Carson, CO 80913

Pictures of Jonathan and Stephanie's wedding (click)



http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=40071160243305365/l=213059424/g=9664036/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Starting back up the Blog

Well, its been a while, but now time to start the Blog back up. The last time I typed here was in January 2006 - Nick was stationed in Alaska and Jon was safely back at home, living in Irving, TX. Time seems to have gone by fast.

Jonathan has transferred from the Texas National Guard to active duty US Army, and is now stationed at Fort Carson in Colarodo Springs, CO. (http://www.carson.army.mil/). Jon is happily married to Stephanie and has a 2 year old daughter, Phoebe.

Nicholas has just been deployed to Iraq and shipped out from Alaska today. Nick is engaged to Staci McAdams and they plan to marry after he returns in about 15 months.

So, there's the 60-second update. Now its time to keep up with this thing again, so that others can stay up-to-date with the happen'ns.

For those that are new to my blog, I invite you to read through the history of the boys. I started the blog in January 2005 and followed Jon through his tour in Iraq, and Nick through his boot camp, training and first duty station in Alaska. When possible, I put links in the blog to pictures, so that if anyone wants to get copies, they can pretty easy. I invite any feedback or suggestions to make the blog better and please feel free to add your own comments to the blog entries.

-Tavis

Volcano Augustine in Alaska

Volcano Augustine began to erupt on 11-JAN about 175 miles from Anchorage.

Augustine is on a small uninhabited island in the Cook Inlet, off the inland coast near Anchorage, across from the Mud Flats.

Current webcam pictures and seismic activity can be seen at http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Augustine.php

Here is a link to the satelite view of the volcano and surounding area (Google Maps)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=59.364508,+-153.433136+(Volcano+Augustine)&btnG=Search&t=k&ll=59.368543,-153.435402&spn=0.102158,0.309677&t=h

Jon's Homecoming

Here are pictures from Jon's homecoming at Baylor University's stadium 10-DEC-2005. There is a video as well, but I don't have it ready yet - will let you know. (click on the picture to see the album)

WELCOM BACK JONATHAN !!!

Jonathan in the USA

Jonathan called. He has landed in Maine and should be arriving in Ft. Hood around 8:30AM.

WELCOME HOME !!!

Texas National Guard Homecoming - 10 December

Below is the press release for the homecoming in Waco. At this moment, I do not know if Jon will be back in country by then. He left me a voicemail on 4 Dec and said he would not be able to speak with me for a couple days. My assumption is that he has not yet reached Kuwait. Will update when I know more.

-Tavis


Welcome Home Ceremony Dec. 10 for 56th Brigade
Nov. 28, 2005

Media: See important contact information below.

Baylor media contact: Lori Fogleman (254) 710-6275 or mobile (254) 709-5959


For more on the Jan. 1, 2005, sendoff ceremony, please click on this link.


Soldiers of the 56th Brigade Combat Team will receive their official welcome home at Baylor University's Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 10, starting at 2:00 p.m.

While the return of some units and rear detachments of the 56th BCT may be delayed until after Dec. 10, members of main body can anticipate reunion with their families and the demonstrated appreciation of a crowd that may exceed 30,000 well-wishers.

Approximately 3,000 soldiers comprise the brigade, which is part of the Texas National Guard's 36th Infantry Division. Although headquartered in Fort Worth, brigade members come from all regions of Texas.

They will be returning to the same site where family, friends and community said good-bye to them Jan. 1. The brigade was mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom Aug. 15, 2004, and trained during the months leading up to their deployment. Following the Dec. 10 event, the soldiers will demobilize and return to their homes, families and civilian jobs.

"The men and women of the 56th Brigade Combat Team have made a significant contribution to the Global War on Terrorism, and now it is time for them to resume their lives in the civilian world," said Maj. Gen. Charles G. Rodriguez, Adjutant General of Texas, who commands the state's military forces. "We will be happy to have them back home in Texas. We know their friends and family will cherish their return home -- a very special holiday homecoming."

Among the returning soldiers are 29 who at the time of deployment were not American citizens yet, but who loved their chosen country so much that they decided to serve it. Also on Dec. 10, they will be sworn in as American citizens by U.S. District Judge Walter Smith Jr., and will stand together with their fellow citizens to receive thanks from their fellow Americans.

The 56th Brigade Combat Team consists of the following units:


•Abilene - Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 111th Engineer Battalion; Company A, 111th Engineer Battalion;
•Amarillo - Company A, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry;
•Arlington - Company B, 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Big Spring - Detachment 1, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry;
•Brady - Company C, 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Brownwood - 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Coleman - Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Denton - Company A, 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor;•El Paso - 3rd Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery;
•Fort Worth - Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 56th Brigade; H Troop, 124th Cavalry; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Irving - Company C, 111th Engineer Battalion;
•Lubbock - Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 142nd Infantry;
•Midland - Company C, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry;
•Mineral Wells - Company B, 111th Engineer Battalion;
•Odessa - Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery;
•Pampa - Detachment 1, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry;
•Plainview - Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry;
•San Angelo - Company A, 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Snyder - Detachment 1, Company A, 111th Engineer Battalion;
•Stephenville - Company B, 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Weatherford - Company C, 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Wellington - Company B, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry.


In addition, individuals from other units throughout Texas - although not their entire units, were deployed as members of the 56th Brigade Combat Team.


Baylor campus map: http://www.baylor.edu/map/

Stadium Seating/gate chart: http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/bay/sports/m-foo
tbl/auto_pdf/floyd-caseyseatingchart.pdf

Driving directions to Floyd Casey Stadium: http://baylorbears.collegesports.com/trads/bay-findingstadiu
m.html


Media Information

News media representatives are invited to cover the official welcome ceremony for members of the Texas National Guard 56th Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, who deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom on Jan. 1, 2005, and will officially be welcomed back Dec. 10, 2005.

The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at Baylor University's Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas. Access the venue from Interstate Highway 35 by exiting Valley Mills Drive east to the stadium. Please be at the stadium no later than 11:30 a.m. to avoid traffic jams. Public Affairs representatives will meet media at the designated visitors' parking lot.

The press box will be made available for print media.

Information Regarding Jonathan's Return

Below is a link to the 56th Brigade Combat Team website. Once you are on this page, click on [CMDR's "DEMOB" PLAN] on the left side of the page for a letter from the Commander.

56 Brigade Combat Team

Great article on the rebuilding efforts - Kevin Sites in the Hot Zone From Yahoo! News

I read this article this morning along with some of the feedback given by readers. I think its very well written and points to the good we are doing in Iraq. Almost everything we see in media is the bad that's going on, because for whatever reason, the media thinks thats what we want to know about.

Kevin Sites in the Hot Zone From Yahoo! News

56th BCT Welcome Home Ceremony

It is very possible that Jonathan will be coming home around this time and will be at this ceremony. Of course we plan to be there and hope everyone can make it as well to welcome home all the Texas troops coming back from Iraq. -Tavis

Who - All units under the 56th BCT returning from Iraq
What - Welcome Home Ceremony
When - 10 Dec 2005, 2 pm

Where - Baylor's "Floyd Casey" stadium - Waco, TX
Driving Directions to Floyd Casey stadium - http://baylorbears.collegesports.com/trads/bay-findingstadium.html

Letter Courtesy of Darrell Mitchell - Oct 26, 2005

Soldiers and Families of HHC 111TH EN BN,

As schedules have synchorinized, it is very likely that we will be back in time to attend the 56th BCT Re-Deployment Ceremony in Waco at Baylor Stadium. More information was posted in an earlier news post regarding the ceremony.

Please remain flexible as the schedule is tight and there are no guarantees. If you plan on meeting your Solider it may be a good idea to start looking at the lodging availability as soon as possible.

I know everyone's question will be when are we going to hit ground.....It is likely to be some few days prior to the ceremony but undetermined at this point. The schedules remain to be finalized and we will not be able to give out any exacts in order to maintain security. Once we are in route Soldiers will be able to give you better ideas of when they may be landing. Please also keep in mind that the Soldiers will not be released from Active Duty as this time. We will remain at Fort Hood some duration of time before and after the ceremony in order to process from active duty.

The best news of all is that your loved ones will be home for Christmas as it appears now and I feel we are all blessed to have been able to spend the previous Christmas and the upcoming one with our families during this time of year.

As always your soldiers are doing an OUTSTANDING JOB and help them to remain focused on finishing up the next several weeks. I know there a lot of decisions that everyone has to start thinking about for the re-integration back into our lives; but if at all possible minimize the destracting items from the Soldiers current lives so they can come home safe to you.

God Speed to you all, and THANK YOU for your support to our Soldiers.

CPT Mitchell

Nicholas trained on the Javelin

Check out the new toy that Nick has trained for...

Click picture to play video

Read more about the Javelin Anti-Tank Missle here:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/javelin.htm

Nick - New Address

Nick's new address is:

PFC Nicholas Schriefer
700 Quartermaster Road #704
Ft. Richardson, AK 99505-8220

Heard from both boys

Jon called today. His internet is screwing up quite a bit so he is considering terminating it. He said that they have now told them that we can continue to mail packages until November now. Also, there is rumors of extending their tour, but nothing firm yet.

Nick IM'd me breifly this morning. They went swimming this morning and he says they had to race to see who could get two bricks from the bottom of the 10ft deep pool first and make it back up with them. Fun Fun.

Nothing firm yet for Christmas for either of them.