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% [?]

Today the Marines welcomed recent newcomers to the country music Granger Smith to TQ.

They opened up about 1230 and played to us for about an hour an a half.  A heard only one of their songs before but certainly left a fan because of their music as well as a desire to give what they could back to the troops.  Certainly not Dixie Chick types.  Very down to earth and actually stand for something.

Thanks guys.

Semper Fi

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 20% [?]

Grrrrrrrrr.  Don’t get me wrong I really like being here but today seemed like such a waste.

Grrrrr Number 1:  First we have had back to back sandstorms which just shuts almost everything down.  NOTE TO SELF: After taking a shower make sure you COMPLETELY dry yourself off as you know how sand sticks to water.

Grrrrr number 2: Cancelled flight.  I was supposed to catch a helo to Al Asad but ended up sitting about 6 hours before the flight finally got cancelled.  I cannot wait to get my books so at least I can read before flights and convoys. 

Grrrrr number 3:  Knucklehead lying about a suicide vehicle borne IED (SVBEID) on base.  Again, I won’t get into specifics but some yahoo thought he would get “brownie points” for telling about a SVBIED.  This caused the day to be even more of a waste as it happened while I was waiting for my flight and had to wait at the airfield until we got the all clear like another 2 hours later.

Heck while I am at it let’s go for Grrrrr number 4:  The Air Force shouldn’t play with guns.  So I am waiting at the airfield and finally getting clarity that my flight wont be going today when I see all these yahoos (American this time) running past me to the hanger. 

Ok now this is odd.  No mortars, no small arms fire, but plenty of half-dressed, no weapon holding goofs running past me.  Odd just turned into curiosity.

Heck I have nothing to do right now so I guess I will have to check it out.  So I go into the hanger and its filling up with civilians and members of all 4 military branches. 

Supposedly, we have Indirect Fire (IDF) coming in.

Oh and the yahoos running past me?  Air Force personnel working across the way got wind of the IDF, left their work area, and ran for cover with most leaving behind their body armor and weapons.  Just a completely nasty display of leadership and professionalism.

Now that I think about it, I guess it wasn’t a complete waste of a day.  Seeing all of us Marines with our body armor, weapons, and wanting to go out and look for the shooter(s) reaffirmed the choice I made to become a Marine 15 years earlier.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 41% [?]

Today I just spent the day learning more about the role as MCCLL liaison will be like in TQ for the next 6 months.

I am relieving Capt Watts who has been here just about 6.5 months. He likes it here but certainly wishes to head home to his wife and 2 daughters. I think his count down is just 3 days.

Originally, I was told I would be deployed for 6 months. However, according to Marine Corps math that really equates to 6.5 to 7 months. How so? Well, evidently, my 6 month clock doesn’t start until the day Capt Watts actually leaves and I officially take over for him. Sooooooo, time in Kuwait doesn’t count, the week to learn about the job doesn’t count, time in Kuwait waiting to leave for the US doesn’t count, etc…

I also have no idea when I will leave because we have no idea who will be replacing me. Until we know that, which wont be until probably September, I have no idea when I will punch.

Either way, I am cool with it. While I hope to get back in time to run the Marine Corps marathon (October 26th) life is good here and I am glad to have an opportunity to help out.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 24% [?]

Ok, I am all about keeping your area clean but hiring folks to sweep sand in and around our living area just doesn’t seem productive or fiduciary responsible.  I never have seen folks at the Jersey shore drying the beach outside their homes or businesses. 

When I get back to the states I need to work with the guy who got away with writing this into a contract.  Maybe we could team up to sell 30 year mortgages to the elderly, cars to the blind, or perhaps even cattle ranches to PETA members.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 24% [?]

A lot can happen in 20 minutes when you are in Iraq.

Alarm goes off at 0300 and after hitting the snooze twice I go to the head to shave and brush my teeth. I remember thinking what an awesome morning it was as I walked half asleep. The temperature must have been down to about 65 degrees and a nice cool breeze.

About 20 minutes later the entire scene had changed. Wind was kicking pretty hard and there was so much sand swirling about it appeared to be overcast. In minutes a storm rushed in and persisted for just shy of 24 hours.

I can certainly see how people can get lost in these storms.  Its a blizzard of sand.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 27% [?]

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: 16% [?]

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: 15% [?]