Geez I can not believe that I have to leave in just a little more then 2 months.  There is so much to still help out with.

Not knowing if the Marine following me will be as ambitious to get involved, I wish there was an opportunity to stay here for a year instead of this quick 6 months.  Then again, I am sure I will feel the same way when I year is up too.

I know this bothers some back home when I talk about staying.  However, I just love being involved and basically having card-blanch to go anywhere for a chance to help the cause.

The last two days, for instance, was spent at the southwest corner of Iraq where there was only 15 Marines.  Having the opportunity to talk with the Marines to learn about their mission and their challenges to be successful and then trying to help mitigate the concerns is very rewarding.   I will tell you more about COP (Combat Outpost) Nukhayb later this week, if not tomorrow.

With so much to still do before redeploying back to the states, I have decided to forego R&R to Qatar.

Those serving in OEF or OIF in the CENTCOM AOR for a year are given an opportunity to go on leave for 2 weeks.  Those serving just 6 to 7 months have an opportunity to get 4 days of leave (really ends up being about 7) to Qatar. 

Exploring countries is always a rewarding experience but I know I would regret missing of week of Iraq vice the Guinness in Qatar.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 67% [?]

I was taking pictures for a re-enlistment ceremony when Laura and Kjersti walked up and we started to talk.  They are two outgoing girls but at the same time just laid back and seemingly humble.

And you know what?  Thus fare they have seen more Iraq then me!  They at least have been to Al Keim and Korean Village.    Grrrr I am so gonna find something I need to do there this month.

Both appear to like being here and I think gaining a new perspective on the war.  They may have been a little nervous before flying into Iraq but when you think about it, their job to dance at auditions as well as perform in front of tens of thousands of people is something most people would never have the inner strength to do.

Funny, what a small world this is too.  Kjersti lives probably 15 minutes from me and yes even knows my dink town of East Coventry.

As for Laura she is a graduate from the Philadelphia School of the Arts as a dance major and now living in Philly.  Now for the weird part - her last name is Jenkins too. 

It was nice to have a non-Marine conversation for the first time in nearly two months.   I sometimes get a chance to call out but when I do so its from my workspace in front of my computers so when talking I easily get distracted by incoming messages.

While I of course don’t know either it’s easy to recognize they both are rather industrious.  Laura works several part-time jobs to pay off that dreaded college loan and Kjersti a couple too. 

I think most times they both probably get recognized as being an NFL cheerleader instead of Laura and Kjersti and that’s too bad.  Spend even 5 minutes with them and you’ll see they don’t that let that define them.

We took a picture together but unfortunately it didn’t take as my batteries went dead.  Hmmm how do I con them into letting me into an Eagles game to get a picture when I come home in October?

Semper Fi Laura and Kjersti.

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 29% [?]

Tonight 5 of the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders came to TQ to give a little show and talk about their appreciation for us.

Nikki, Madeline, Laura, Rachel, and Kjersti got on stage at 8PM to dance, tell a little about themselves, and provide give-aways of Philadelphia Eagles gear. 

As for why I wasn’t issued a hottie during my pre-deployment I am not sure but will certainly mention the concern on my After Action Report. 

In the mean time I guess I will just have to start taking applications for a girlfriend for when I get home in October.  Application questionaire below:

The be Jonathans Hottie Application:
Just email me (Jonathan@ConservativeBOG.org) your name, where you live, a little bit about yourself, a picture, and why your self-esteem so is low you wish to be my hottie.

Attention: Weirdos, psychos, man haters, and cougars need not apply.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 51% [?]