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: 38% [?]

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% [?]