150 calories per Gatorade.  150.  Wow I know.  And so much sugar.  Grrrr

Well I guess I have to change another habit.  First it was cutting back on coffee and now looks like more water and less Gatorade.

Normally I drink 5 to 6 20 ounce bottles of water a day and 3 to 5 Gatorades a day.  Oh yea and of course start everyday the American way, 2 cups of java.

Now I guess cutting down to 1 Gatorade a day and going up to 8 20 ounce bottles of water is better for me.  So with those still wishing to send out goodies I ask to hold off on the Gatorade.

The only problem I have now is what to put in my water.  So much water gets boring and I have liked the Propel but of course need to check on if that’s sugar free and near to no calories. 

Anyone know?

Any other suggestions?

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 40% [?]

On one hand I didn’t like getting stuck in Al Asad because of a sandstorm.  On the other hand when I did catch a flight out it was on the Marine Corps newest aircraft the MV-22 or as most call it, the Osprey.

The Osprey is arguably the most radical one built in the last 20+ years.  It is radical because it can take off horizontally (like a jet) as well as a vertically (like a helicopter).

Primarily, the pilots choose to take off like a helicopter and wow it’s not like any helicopter I have ever been.  The Osprey just seems to jump right up off the runway.  And fast speed?  Better than any rotary-wing aircraft that’s out there too.  In fact, after we left the Landing Zone (LZ) in Baghdad we touched down so quickly (like 5 minutes) that I figured we had to stop at another LZ.  I was wrong as we were in TQ.  Normally, I would expect about a 20 minute trip from Baghdad to TQ.

If I was to make any recommendation for improvement then it would be to have even another foot between the people sitting across from me so that we can more easily store our gear.  But as fast as it can go why complain?

Check another item of my wish list on my Iraq vacation.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 61% [?]

Yet another unique experience last night in Iraq. Being in Al Asad for a few meetings I had the opportunity to attend a Jewish Shabbat service. Shabbat or Shabbos is the weekly Sabbath i.e. day of rest in Judaism. I must confess that being in the heart of the Middle East I erroneously didn’t expect to see anyone practicing their Jewish faith.

Before the 1st millennium it is said that the Jews were nearly 300,000 strong in what we now considered Iraq. At the time this was the largest Jewish population in the world. Sadly now, they number only 9. Yes 9. 9 followers of the Jewish faith amongst the 25 million people of Iraq.

As for the number of Synagogues in Iraq? 1. I had no idea I would be observing and eating dinner in the only Synagogue in Iraq.

Service was led by Rabbi John Cutler who is in the Navy and is the Chaplain for the Third Marine Air Wing stationed here in Al Asad. Rabbi Cutler is also from Pennsylvania and lives in Bucks County (not too far from Philly).

Afterwards the dinner, the Rabbi and I talked for awhile so that I can gather some of his thoughts and opinions on how religion can play a role in the counter-insurgency (COIN) in Iraq.

All the left-wing nuts so badly wanted to call this a civil war (yes including MoveOn.orgs favorite son B. Hussein Obama) so that their blame-America-first rants would start to have more validity. In keeping with tradition of the loony left they failed to look at the facts nor show a desire to help a culture other then theirs.

We have now been fighting a COIN for the past couple years. Since General David Petraeus was able to implement a surge our ability to conduct COIN operations has proved huge dividends. By the way, McCain supported the surge and the General while B. Hussein Obama still speaks against both.

While we are doing a terrific job with COIN operations we still lack probably the most necessary ingredient for quicker success and that is the implementation of religious engagement programs. We need more American Muslim Chaplains to live with and work the Iraqi religious leaders.

Iraqis do not identify themselves as Iraqis. They first identify themselves by their household (family), then their clan (group of families), then their tribe (groups of clans), and finally a confederation or qabila (groups of tribes). Essentially, we are talking about what is known as blood loyalty.

With loyalty based on local leadership (predominantly religious leaders) vice those in Baghdad it would be in Americas best interest to expand our Chaplain Corps well beyond the 2 Muslims Chaplains we have now.

If you attended any meetings with military, political, and religious leaders in Iraq its easily recognizable that the Iraqis listen to the religious leaders first and foremost. This is the sort of knowledge that we must exploit.

Let me close by thanking Rabbi Cutler for the Shabbat dinner and follow-on discussion and of course the warm welcome I received from all of my new friends who also attended last night.

Shabbat Shalom and Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 58% [?]

I keep just having great the greatest time and experiences here in Iraq.  Last night proved to be another as I went on what I thought was the observation of a nighttime HST training exercise with a CH-46 Squadron (picture below) and a Landing Support Battalion (LSB).

Every month the CH-46s pilots must perform a certain number of operations (day and night) known as HST (Helicopter Support Teams).  Basically what they do is fly in one at a time, hover just a few feet over the heads of a couple Marines, and await the signal that those Marines hooked up gear to a line hanging down from the helicopter.

Its dangerous work for many reasons but these LSB Marines love it.  Just a few ways the Marines in the LSB can get hurt or killed include sand and rocks flying all over the place, getting electrocuted by the high amount of static electricity, getting squashed by 46, or getting knocked out by one of the 46 tires.

Going there just to observe I was right next to the 46s when they came in but after watching the first set (2 birds) they threw me rubber gloves and told me the rest where mine.  My job was to was to lock the hook when it came in then attach the cargo it to.

Talk about being thrown into the fire.  No training, just get in and do it.  While it was fun it was also a great learning experience.  No better way then to write up an observation and recommendation on nighttime HST operations.

Prep-Time
First we use glow sticks to setup a small landing pad to help guide the 46s coming in and as well to always provide reference to the LSB Marines of rally points in case something goes awry.

Next each of the Marines who will be in the operation gets two glow sticks.  We wear a glow stick in the chest area and back of our protective vests so that no matter what happens we can always find a Marine.

Normally when you use glow sticks you stomp on it and crack it for them to start glowing.  These Marines, however, have a tradition before they start the operations.  Instead of letting the individual Marine cracking their glow sticks the two Marines heading up the operation do it.

Everyone lines up for a gear inspection and then the two Marines heading up the operations kick you in the chest and back to crack them open.  The LSB Marines were all Sergeants and below so they were hesitant about me being of Gunny.  Of course I had no problem with and actually thought it was pretty funny.  It appeared they liked seeing the Gunny kicked too.

Time To Eat Rocks
Now we are ready to start playing so we walk to the cargo and wait for the birds to start coming in one at a time.

The initial wave of sand, rocks, and debris that caused by the 46 coming in is like a wall coming at you.  You crouch down a little, brace yourself, try not to eat dirt, deal with being pelted by rocks, and make sure you don’t lose site of the hook hanging down from the 46.

The reason why you do not take your eyes off the hook, despite the wall of debris, is because of the static electricity being given off by the 46.  Before working with the hook and attaching the cargo I must know the Marine next to me is touching the hook with a grounding rod else I get shocked / electrocuted.

My first one I had a little problem with the hook but afterwards not an issue as I better understood the mechanics and how to work with the other Marine and the grounding rod.  I ended up doing 11 of the 13 lifts.

Rocking Eating Time Is Over
While only being out there for two hours it does get rather draining.  Certainly must be hydrated and we had a good Doc on the scene as she was rather pushy with safety and water.

Just a great job all around from the LSB Marines and the Corpsman.

I continue to have a great time out here and owe the Marine Corps so much for what they have given me.  I have served our country my entire adult life and yet I still feel I owe them.  Love it.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 36% [?]

Ok this may sound weird but since I already clued you in on my food-touching-issue  (See my blog entry Why Does My French Toast Smell Like Bananas?) why not tell you about my potential PJ and slipper issue.

First, I don’t wear PJs or slippers.  Second, I will never wear PJs or slippers.  Third, if I did then that’s something I wouldn’t admit in a public forum anyway.  Oh mom and sisters, don’t put your two cents in on this blog entry.

Ok getting to my latest “issue”.  Each morning when I awake and finally walk outside to drink my coffee or head to the chow hall I find my inner voice yelling “I hope you are not wearing PJs and manly slippers socks”.   Seriously, this has been happening the last few weeks now.

It’s just that since my little piggies are better and found great cushions for my boots too it always feels like I am wearing a new pair of ubber-supper-fantasic-best-acme-zenith-thick socks.

As for the cammies, until about 9AM they always feel light and soft (ahhhhhhhh).  From 9AM  until I crash later that night they of course just suck.  With the nearly 120 degrees they feel water logged (ewwwwwww).

So there you go.  My latest issue.   Ha-ha

Thoughts on a cure??????

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 42% [?]

With an estimated 7 out of 10 newspaper readers being voters it would be wise for conservative candidates and groups to exploit their penmanship skills by writing letters to the editors (LTE) in their local publications. 

Writing an LTE is simple but let’s be honest it’s not about getting your name in the paper.  If an LTE doesn’t motivate people to action it’s worthless.  As conservatives, we speak often about our deterring rights and the injustices cast upon us from socialist minded representation but take no further action.

It is incumbent upon conservatives to not only be well versed in constitutional matters but to express them to the masses.  Amongst friends, neighbors, and co-workers is not good enough.

Each of us has an issue or two that moves us so why not create more awareness and energy about it?  Think about a “campaign” you wish to start, learn all points of view, and set forth with a plan of attack.

When you are ready to kick off your campaign remember that there are three (3) keys to successfully motivating people to action.

Credibility

Professionalism

Optimism

On my page GET YOUR BLOG ON is a document my company produced to better aide you attain the 3 keys to success.  Click here to open the PDF.

As usual, my fellow patriot, feedback is always appreciated.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 27% [?]

Just went rolling through a few towns the other day but when getting to Ramadi I was surprised how trashed that place still is.  Actually worse then what I saw of Baghdad.

Ramadi was a key location for the Ba’ath party and assorted other loyal Saddam goofs so the coalition forces did some re-decorating via at the outset of the war.  But still, it’s been how many years now?  Clean it up already as you and your children live there.

I was up there to take a look at a few places that we suspected as potential problem areas for movement.  In hindsight I think the whole place is a problem area.

Getting out of the MRAP I certainly gained a better understanding of their hardship but was also trying to reason why they didn’t rise up against Saddam.  Knowing that they are above pre-war levels in all the basic needs (water, sewage, communication, electricity, health, etc…) and recognizing it to still be a complete dump one can only imagine how bad it was under that yahoo.

Trash in the street.  Wires running like spider webs barely over the streets.  Metal objects sticking out of the ground everywhere.  Other then one soccer field I didn’t see anywhere the kids can play safely.

The populace is certainly much more used to use rolling through certain cities and areas and that showed the other day.  As soon as I got out to take pictures people to start coming out of their “homes” and seeing what was going on.  This is a pain because not only do you have to scan the area for IEDs as you walk and all the vantage points for possible yahoos but now you have to continually scan the crowd as you try to do your job.  Basically, you are looking for anyone in the crowd with a possible weapon, cell phone, camera, or just watching too intently to what we are doing.

All in all it was a success. I got the information I needed and the engineers got the information they needed to collect.

Below is a picture of an MRAP in case you didn’t know what they look like as well as some pictures from one of the streets we rolled down.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 73% [?]

As you know from a blog entry last week, I went to Saddam’s house to see if he was in.  While he wasn’t there I of course slithered in to check it out and got to meet General David Petraeus instead.  Much better don’t you agree?

The General is doing an awesome job.  After spending more time listening in on the morning briefs and talking to others he “gets it”.

He understands Counter Insurgency (COIN) operations and knows when and how to deal with them militaristically as well as economically.  Most of what he does is help push along common sense ideas and approaches.  However, he also has an innate ability to recognize when to extend the olive branch to groups to resolve concerns or current issues.

Congress would do the right thing for America is they do not pressure him for timetables and results.  Just with my limited exposure to this man I feel its in the best interest to allow him to run CENTCOM as he seems fit.

John McCain has bought into the Petraeus philosophies but unfortunately Obama repeated states that his policies and actions are failures meaning the General is a failure.  I do not feel its appropriate for a Presidential candidate should be siding with MoveOn.org and Code Pink when all the facts say otherwise.

General David Petraeus, a leader we can trust in.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 48% [?]

How We Got Here
The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) is Americas forced response to the jihadist networks that have killed, maimed, and tortured Americans for years.  For too long, America’s lack of leadership has emboldened jihadist and rouge nations.  This “acceptance” paved the way for September 11th.

Under President Clinton the jihadist networks thrived.  Clinton sat on the sidelines and watched jihadist literally get away with murder.  His lack of action allowed jihadist networks to grow in size, scope, and capabilities.  Allowing the jihadist networks to blossom resulted in the fall of some countries and government infiltration within many more.

New Sheriff in Town
Let’s be honest, on September 11th most Americans knew they made the right choice by electing George Bush over Al Gore.  America was sick of inaction and complacency.  America was craving a real leader and justice.  President Bush would take action to chase down and punish the terrorist versus being part of the “blame America first crowd”.

Since taking the fight to the enemy, jihadists have sustained huge setbacks.  Driven from power in Africa and the Middle East, remnants of jihadist networks remain but are severely degraded.  Their ability to communicate and operate freely, other than on a very small scale, is non-existent. 

The policies of the Bush administration to stop the money flow and infiltrate their communication networks has hampered them to the point where those who haven’t been killed or captured have resorted to either walking off the battlefield or forced into remote areas with little or no resources to put up an effective fight.

Presidential Candidates
In respect to the GWOT, this is the 2004 Presidential race all over again.  The two leading Presidential candidates are miles apart in wisdom, philosophy, and military prowess.

One will protect America while the other will blame her.  One will continue to eradicate jihadist and fulfill a promise to our friends in Africa and the Middle East, while the other shows moral cowardice by immediately leaving Iraq thus succumbing to anti-American groups such as MoveOn.org and Code Pink.

Putting political affiliation and all other issues aside, one can only reason that it is Senator John McCain who is best qualified to be commander-in-chief.

Sacrifice and Maturity
We all know John McCain as a warrior at heart.  His journey took him from the Naval Academy to becoming a Navy pilot, to eventually being taken as a POW for 5 years.  When offered a chance to be released before others McCain rejected the offer.  He understood duty, honor, and sacrifice.  McCain doesn’t wish to place fellow military members in harms way, but understands the necessity and sacrifices that must be made.

One cannot reject the fact that Obama lacks the understanding and wisdom of the capabilities and needs of a military.  As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he chairs a subcommittee on European relations that includes, of course, NATO and therefore involvement in Afghanistan.  Hillary Clinton and Obama are both on record stating that no substantive meetings have been held.  His lack of participation demonstrates his lack of appreciation for Americans sacrificing their lives in Afghanistan.  To not hold even one meeting about oversight in Afghanistan shows a lack of wisdom and duty.

Cost of the War
Have you noticed since the war began that Obama predominantly talks about the cost of the war? 

Americans need a president to envision an endstate that brings peace to the Middle East and the United States.  They need a President with the wisdom to look at the cost of not winning this war.  They need a President that believes in General David Petraeus and fully supports the great inroads paved, not only by the surge, but shared economic investment too.

It only takes sitting in on a few briefs with the General to recognize he continually asks who is paying for new projects or assuming responsibilities for its administration / execution.  His plan requiring Iraqi investment within their infrastructure has undeniably shown tremendous results.

With water, electricity, food, health care, etc… far exceeding pre-war levels, the civilian populace are now conditioned to a better life.  So much so that they are turning in the jihadist in their neighborhood in order to keep their creature comforts.  Other then Al Qaeda, jihadists recognize they just lose more support and credibility when attacking civilians and their infrastructure.

Yes, wars are costly, but there is a shared economic responsibility and the Government of Iraq now takes the lead for budgeting and spending with their own money.

We need a President who recognizes a strategy that is exceeding expectations and continues to support those executing it.  A President planning on running away now will show the world that America doesn’t have the stomach for war and will further embolden the terrorist.

Do we really want another 4 years of Clinton-esque foreign policies where terrorist run free and without repercussions?

Why I Support John McCain
The loss of Iraq will cause ripple effects thru most of the Middle East and large portions of Northern and Eastern Africa.  The loss of sovereign nations will provide havens for jihadist networks to rebuild and prosper.  The fight will then come to our shores with possible unspeakable consequences due to a weapon of mass destruction.

John McCain knows how to best decide when, where, and how to deploy the military.  He has no problem standing alone when it comes to his opinion on American security.  He leads from the front but will allow the conditions on the ground to dictate America’s success and pullout from Iraq.

Nothing else matters if we lose security and sovereignty.  That’s why I support John McCain.

Semper Fi,

Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 49% [?]

Who would have thought catching a donkey would be more difficult then catching bag guys?

Turn up your speakers, click on the link below, and learn who really is the “donkey”.

And before you ask, yes this is for real.  LOL

The Donkey Movie

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 44% [?]