Today was my first real day in Iraq and while I am happy to be here I must tell you Yikes!  Hot, dry, and brown.  For a knucklehead with 3 acres and surrounded by regular farms, tree farms, and hunting grounds this place is certainly not picturesque.

Besides the landscape and weather I like it here.  Captain Watts, the Marine I am replacing here in TQ has been showing me around and introducing me to the officers and senior enlisted within the commands playing out here.

As for Captain Watts, he is rather impressive.  Hard worker, great attitude, and can easily tell he loves his wife and 2 daughters.  Just a good man to be around.

My initial impression of the other officers and senior enlisted was nothing short of impressive.  Great attitudes, commitment to the fight, and as equally important the assurance to the safety, welfare, and education of the Marines in their charge.

I am out here as the liaison (LnO) between the Marine Corps Center of Lessons Learned (MCCLL) and the Marines in the Al Anbar province.  My job for the next 6+ months is to work with the Marine Corps commands and strive to improve practices, equipment, training, and of course to collect and disseminate information that should limit/prevent loss of life and property.

The Marine leaders I have met thus far are highly committed to all that’s in their charge as well as MCCLL.  MCCLL may affect the here and now but its biggest bang for the buck is for the Marines that will follow on later.  The leaders I have been meeting know this and have welcomed me aboard.

Besides my mission out here let me also comment about some of the daily life. 

The chow hall is just awesome.  You can eat as much as you want and the food is very good. 

Water is everywhere.  No taps as it’s only safe to drink bottled water.  There is never a shortage of cases of water in every office and pallets of cases strewn about everywhere.  Just walk by pick one up, wipe of the sand, and your good to go.  Kuwait was the same by the way.

Not a bad gym and since its open all the time there is always a chance to work out.  Only issue I have with working out is that I am not a treadmill guy.  Running in the 90 degree heat pretty much was pretty miserable today.

There are plenty of Moral Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tents and buildings.  They have everything from mini-stores, a $3 barber shop, phone calling center, Internet service, laundry, mini-library, church services, etc….  Honestly, there is no reason to be bored out here.

Also of note out here is the services Marines normally need if there is a change to their record books, pay, education, etc…  Today was payday but since I am new I couldn’t guarantee I got paid correctly.  Woo hoo!  I did.  By the way, another great thing the Bush administration did for the service members is a deployed savings program that guarantees you to make 10% on any money you save until deployed back to the real world.

I must say I am impressed with how the Marine Corps takes care of their warriors out here.  It’s been a great first full day in TQ and I look forward to giving back as the new LnO out here.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 12% [?]

Yes folks I am living in a can and heck ya its great. 

When I flew in tonight from Ali Al Salem, Kuwait I was expecting to live the next 6 months in a general purpose (GP) tent and was happy to see that I was upgraded to a can.

I guess its maybe 6 foot wide and 20 foot long with two beds, two closets, an end table, and a couple outlets.  Funny how Captain Watts (my roommate) and I think these are the greatest living conditions.

It may not be home but no sand on your feet as you awake each morning is perfect for me!

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 12% [?]

Last night I racked in a tent with Marines coming and going.  Two officers were heading back to the world for a couple weeks of meetings and the rest were going back to their units in Iraq.  As for me I looked forward too seeing some of the culture before I hop on a bird to take me into Al Taqaddum (TQ).

Well I must admit I was bit surprised when the culture I found after leaving my tent was so Americanized.   Coffee (which will be its own food group should I ever lead the Department of Agriculture), Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Subway, etc…  I know the young troopers like it but personally, would have welcomed the chance to taste authentic Kuwaiti food and drink.

After chowing down on some authentic Kuwaiti KFC and a few bottles of water I went to see about finding a bird so I wouldn’t have to sit here for 4 days.  I have nothing against this place but sitting here waiting, eating KFC, and doing nothing else wasn’t part of my mission.

The Air Force and a company called KBR run the show in regards to flights from Kuwait into the battle spaces.  I was surprised by their lack of motivation and sense of urgency.  In fact I think they thought it odd I was trying to get into Iraq so quickly.  Well it took a number of hours but I finally found a flight to take me to TQ the next morning.

I did take lots of pictures and will post them later but here are a few.  The Bush administration and the defense agencies really must be given credit for providing a touch of home to the young guys.  They may spend a bit more then liberals think is necessary but at the end of the day we know most liberals are cowards with no sense of responsibility to their fellow man.   It may sound contradictory but conservatives like to spend at times.  Most notibly, on the members of our military.  Conservatives understand that freedom is not free and that those who seek to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy must be taken care of.

Now before I stop my blathering I must ask why the Army likes to salute everything.  I am a Gunnery Sergeant which means unless I have won the Medal of Honor no one (in any military branch) salutes me.  First the entire place is a non saluting area (combat areas almost always are) and second ———– dang son know the difference between an officer and enlisted folks!  I stopped a few of them to try to teach them but I don’t think it stuck.

Ok time to pack up for tomorrow and crash for the night.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 22% [?]

Grrrrr.  What a long day this was. 

Up at 0530 to finish packing (ok start packing), unplug everything, and get on the road to attend a pro-troop rally and then my friends house to drop my car off and scam a free ride to the airport.

I thought all my gear would barely fit into 2 sea bags but thinking and packing were not to be synched up today.  I quickly found I needed a 3rd bag and regrettably a carryon too.  The weight however wasn’t as bad as a I thought (ok I did leave some stuff behind I thought there would be no need for).  All told about 200 pounds of gear so not that bad.  I like the idea of going by myself and being on my own program but the downside is you have to totally fend for yourself.

On my way to my friends’ house I stopped to thank the patriots who meet weekly in West Chester to show their support to the troops, their mission, and the ideals of America.  Believe it or not there have been protestors on the opposite corner for 5 years now.  They protest the troops, the mission, religion, and most notably America.  If you ever have a chance to attend the rally its 11AM every Saturday.  Just look for the side that has American flags or pro-troop signs.

Next, I stopped at my friend Cheryl’s’ house.  She is going to keep an eye on my car and help out with the finances/power of attorney stuff while I am away.  Great girl and I am soooo lucky to have her as my friend.  She is also considered one of the bets local jewelry makers so check out her site Inspired Designed at http://www.inspiredesigned.com.

At Philly International Airport I was happy to see my mom and my elder sister Christine with her family.  Unfortunately, we were only able to chat for maybe 30-45 minutes as I had to ensure there were no delays due to international security checks.  I know the week before when I was in Montreal it took over an hour to get out.

Plane rides for me are never fun.  First, being that my primary job in the Marines is that of an Air Traffic Controller I know what goes on with the goofing around and games, second, food is worse then that in a hospital, and third its rare I get to sit next to a hottie.

Pete Peeve #1:  Passengers who pour over into my seat
The first plane ride, from Philly to Dulles, I had the window seat but the woman next to me was sooooo large she took up all of her seat, some of my seat, and some of the aisle.  I do like people but like in Air Traffic Control – separation is important.

Pete Peeve #2:  Stuck in the middle with you
Sitting next to a goof, being sick, or squashed on a short trip maybe but 11 hours flight?  No thank you.  I had the worst seat I could get heading from Dulles into Kuwait.  There were 2 seats, an aisle, 5 seats, an aisle, and then 2 more seats.  Well I got to sit in the middle seat of the middle section for 11+ hours.  We were so tight I don’t think any of us were able to sit back and relax but thankfully the woman from the Philly to Dulles flight wasn’t with us.

I guess it was about 1730 Kuwaiti time (7 hours difference) when I arrived in theater, picked up my bags, went through customs and meet the Marine Liaison waiting for me.  Master Sergeant Hendricks drove me to Ali Al Salem which was about 30 minutes away.  Once there he hooked me up with all a Marine needs:  A weapon, something to eat, and a rack. 

Life is good.

Semper Fi.

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 25% [?]

I must say how all but the two companies I mentioned before (Comcast and Barnes & Noble’s) really seem to respect our mission abroad and the troops sent into harm’s way.

Allied Waste didn’t charge me for the quarter and Verizon waved all their charges for the entire month without hesitation.  After having to put out over $400 for Iraq it is nice to have less expense this final month.

Primerica was easy as anything to modify my beneficiaries and Desarri from Harleysville National Bank has made herself the contact person for my customers to send their checks to.  I do think I somehow owe her dinner when I come back though.  Again no dessert lady banker!

Lastly, I have to once again mention Joe Ryan.  Joe was a Marine who later started a law firm and successfully fought corruption as a county controller and as well led the county to attain a AAA bond rating which less than 1% of all counties in the US attain.  Now, Joe is helping young pups like me.  He donated his firms’ time and resources to ensure I had a proper will, power of attorney, and living will setup.  Joe gave me much peace in my mind and I am very appreciative.

Thank s again to all the companies who respect and understand what those of us in the military do on a daily basis.

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 16% [?]

Busy day today but as the chairman of the Chester County Young Republicans (CCYR) I had to attend the YR mixer to at least say goodbye.  Unbeknownst to me I walk in and it was actually a send off from my fellow Young Republicans, and elected folks from the state general assembly and county.

It was a nice surprise and truly unexpected.  I have to especially thank the CCYR officers and committee chairs as well as the elected officials who were late to their meetings just too at least say goodbye.

Tonight was just another example how Republicans appreciate freedom and the military members.  Unfortunately, for the last 5 years the Democrats protest the job the military is doing ever Saturday in West Chester.  If you ever wish to come out and support the troops be in West Chester at 1045AM every Saturday.  The other side must know that they do not speak for us.

I will miss my friend and the battle in the streets of Chester County to ensure we elect John McCain as our next President.  Nothing else matters if we live in fear from terrorist.  Remember, this next election is about American sovereignty not speeches.

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 9% [?]

I must say that I truly found a great home in East Coventry, Pennsylvania.  Just 30 miles from Philly and 90 miles from NY (driving time the same grrrr) I am surrounded by farms and good people.  I live in the type of place where you do not have to lock your doors, neighbors welcome themselves over, and you better at least pretend you know something about farming or hunting.

This morning I met my friend and handyman extraordinaire Billy Keeley at probably the smallest restaurant in all of Chester County.  It is a working class place called Coventry Café and if you go be prepared to listen to some wild conversations.  Oh and if you start with any of the waitresses you will lose.  They do bite back!  Haha

Ok stay focused Jonathan.

Billy has volunteered to take care of my home for my entire deployment.   Billy is a former squid (that means he was in the navy and not really a cephalopod).  I really lucked out meeting Billy when I bought my house as he will be doing everything from grass cutting to getting the mail to telling the insurance company where my house was when it burns down while I am away.

Breakfast was especially bad today as I got yelled out and berated by Helen again by asking for pork roll and blueberry pancakes.  Who doesn’t have pork roll and seriously what dude knows when blueberries are out of season?

It wasn’t all bad however.  I was promised a free breakfast when I come back and yes to include pork roll and blueberry pancakes no matter what time of year it is.  Seems so easy to con the ladies into feeding me lately.  God bless sympathy and blueberry food group.

GySgt Jonathan Jenkisn

Popularity: 16% [?]

Grrrr its bad enough I do not like to drive (hence my true motivation to become a self-made millionaire) but why did my last day in Washington DC involve a 6 hour drive home?  I can understand the south bound lane being shut because that’s where the accident was but I was heading north and crawling like a fat kid to a salad.  In my opinion DNA research will reach its peek when we can modify the want to rubberneck at police and fire activity.

Anyway….I digest (sorry that was on Family Guy the other night and I could not find anywhere in the course of the day to use it).  Today, I finalized just about everything I needed to handle for Iraq.  I am cleared hot to go but feel the need to purchase a better holster for the 9MM I will be issued and a pair of WileyX glasses that meet military ballistic standards.

Friend, Marine, and now detective in Tredyffrin Township, Todd Bereda meet me tonight to provide me a drop holster so I didn’t have to purchase my own.  Todd is a good friend and will be my liaison to the Republican Committee of Chester County while I am deployed.  Thanks again Todd!

One more item to get, call some last minute businesses, pack, and I am ready to rock and roll.

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 33% [?]

Well today I called everyone I pay bills to so that I can either cancel or suspend services.  Most companies were very helpful.  Two however flat out will do nothing to compensate those who go fight abroad (Comcast and Barnes & Noble’s).

Sprint for example will allow service members under contract to suspend their service until they come back at no cost.  Not needing to come home to a new phone number will be great.

Meenan Oil not only put me on a budget plan but reduced the cost further for no other reason than I am deploying.

PECO reviewed my history of spending for the last two years and gave a lot of advice on reducing cost and protecting my house.

Friend and Republican Committeeman Joe Ryan has dedicated his firms time for all my legal work and flat out refuses any compensation.

My township police chief has committed to have each shift take a look at my place being that I live alone.

My great friend Cheryl has agreed to manage my money while away and be the executor of my will in case I do not come back.

 
Billy, my handyman, is completely trustworthy and will be at my house often to ensure it looks lived in and take care of anything that may arise.

 
And the list just goes on.

 
However, I was surprised how billion dollar Comcast refused to even discuss waiving reconnection fees.  I will concede that the only social responsibility business has is to make as much money as possible but when the Pennsylvania Governor Fast Eddie provides subsides (i.e. us the taxpayers) the least I think they can do is look to help those who truly have sacrificed.

 
Another shocker was Barnes & Nobles.  All I asked was to suspend my readers advantage card until I get back and stop payment on the Wi-Fi access I use in their stores (The same stores I purchase hundreds of dollars a year in).  They went so far to say that it doesn’t make sense for me to suspend my service since I can still order books online while in Iraq.  How do I retort to such intelligent suggestions?  Haha  As for the Wi-fi, they have no way to suspend the service and insist I must go through AT&T who 2 days later still doesn’t know how to cancel my Wi-fi access.

 
Let me digress by saying that overall everyone seems helpful except for a few radical anti-war/American Sovereignty “people” who say I deserve whatever happens to me over there.   The people in my circle of friends understand sacrifice and wish to be a part of something positive.  It’s an honor to know them and have such commitment to the troops.

 
Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 16% [?]