Trip Notes

At 1615 on 26 May 09 the STB made a formation, faced right and moved out to the buses. As I marched away at the front of the file I looked over to my left to give a final smile to Tricia, Jeffrey and Peggy who had come to see me off. Our time to say our final goodbyes was short, but there is no sense it taking a long time and dragging it out. I did grab Jeffrey by the hands and give him one last swing in a circle and then got a hug and kiss from him.

The buses took us to the field house where we dropped out bags temporarily, and received some instructions about our movement. I was over at a table with refreshments enjoying a few Girl Scout cookies when I noticed SSG Ellison whom I knew well from church in Germany. We had moved to Fort Carson at the same time and had run into each other while at the Tower Inn waiting to leave Germany. We talked together for a while until it was time to leave. During the rest of our travel time we saw each other periodically. It is nice to see a familiar face.

The buses took us to Peterson AFB where we waited for our plane to be prepared while waiting in a facility that looks to have been built just for the occasion of sending out a large number of soldiers. Dinner chow was served at this time and I made sure to eat while I could. Almost all soldiers had some type of device to help them pass the time; PSP, game boy, iPod, laptop, portable DVD and cell phone calls and games.

The night before I left Tricia had us read from John 14 as our nightly scripture reading together. While I waited at the AFB I thought about verse 26 which says,” Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let your heart not be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” While I am fully aware that I am just beginning a very long journey that will take me far away, I felt, and still feel at peace; that kind of peace that the Savior can provide.

At 2130 our air plane took off and headed for the state of Maine. I was very fortunate to have found myself in line in just the right place to get a seat in a section of the plane that happened to have a few unoccupied seats. I had the isle next to me and plenty of leg room for the entire flight. I slept comfortable for most of the flight, but not until I had read a few talks from the Ensign I had picked up during our trip to the temple and the letter that Tricia had written to me which I was to save for after our parting.

At 1000 on 27 May 09 (Colorado time) we landed in Leipzig Germany. As the plane’s wings dipped during the final turn to line us up with the air strip I was able to look out of the window and see a very familiar sight; green farm land, fields of yellow flowers in bloom, and red roofed hamlets. I had instructions to pick up a souvenir for Tricia, but the prices were so high that it would have taken everything out of my wallet just to get a simple key chain. Sorry, Tricia.

A short while later we were off again, this time our destination was Kurdistan. When we landed at the air base I put my watch back exactly 12 hour, making it 0630 at my location. We dropped our bags one more time and were given a brief in a tent which included swiping our ID cards which starts all of the extra pays for being deployed. Just in time too; being in country for one day gives you the benefits for the entire month.

The cartoonish writing on my duffle bags helped me to locate them quickly among all of those that had been shipped during our trip. The STB had us pack 72 hrs worth of stuff in our carryon bags, so we did not have to dig into our bags to get stuff out as others did after locating all bags.

During our time here we are staying in a large semi permanent tent filled with bunks and soldiers. In all, everything has been quite orderly and timely. I ended up sleeping more time that I had planned on, so putting off the jet lag will take one more day, but at least I know that I do have a place to rest my head.

First Day...

So my intentions were to leave this morning for Utah, but the concerns about the dumb birds (swallows or sparrow who are trying to build mud nests on my house) and a lack of sleep last night made me decide to postpone a day. That and the fact that a wonderful person in our ward called and said she'd help out with the bird situation.

Today was the Air Force Academy graduation, we live directly across the freeway from the academy and so we had a great view for the Thunderbirds show following the graduation. I wish Cory had been here to take the pictures then you would have really had something to look at.

The Last Week End

I was fortunate to be scheduled to get on an airplane and move out after the four day week end. This gave Tricia, Jeffrey, Peggy and I four good days to spend together without any interuption. Our home teacher and the Elders Quorum President came to our home on Sunday afternoon to assist me in giving a blessing to Jeffrey and Tricia and then gave one to me in preparation for my departure.

Tricia helped me to pack my bags for the last time and put a lock on them once everything had been squeezed inside. All that I will need for the next year fits inside three duffle bags, one carry one bag, a computer bag and an empty ruck sack.

We decided not to make any big plans for our last days together. We spent most of our time around home doing ordinary household things, like cleaning and making meals. We did take a trip to see the Denver Temple on Monday morning. This is the best time to visit any of the temples. The gates are open, but the only people around are a few grounds workers.

Monday evening we went to Chillis for dinner. Wow, what a meal we had. We agreed that it would be our place of celebration for my return.

A House with a View

One of the things that I have come to love best about the location of our home is being able to watch the weather from our front a back porch. Our elevation allows us to look down on most of the valley to our west towards the mountains. The clouds are out a lot of the time and make diverse formations which are sometimes filled with light as they are backlit from the sun, and others very dark as the layers of moisture block out the light.

I love it when the sun breaks through the clouds and sends a brigh ray of light on one or several portions of the mountain side. It is like a spot light on a stage drawing the attention of the audience to the star of the show. The best time to take photographs is right after a light rain when you can see detail in the mountain side miles away.

Love, Daddy

Tricia wanted to get Jeffrey an ID tag to wear while I am away. We looked at the PX to see if one could be made but did not see anything. While at Walmart Tricia happened to see a machine that makes personalized ID tags. We wrote, "I'll be home soon Love, Daddy SSG Cory MacNeil." He does not always like to wear it, but he will put it on once in a while. I think it will just take some time for him to get used to it.

A Boy and His Train

Grandpa MacNeil had purchased for Jeffrey last year a train set that he has come to love. This year for his birthday he added onto it with a rug featuring a city with roads and buildings. This will allow Jeffrey to set up his train on the hardwood floor where it will recieve a solid under surface, and also protect the floor as he plays.

As he plays with his train I can see an obvious improvement in his hand motor skills. Jeffrey is able to apply a more gentle and accurate touch to the train as he drives it along the tracks.

Terminator Salvation

I went to the 1030 AM showing of "Terminator Salvation" at the Hollywood Theaters near our house. Tricia was not interesting in seeing it, but I was glad that my fly out date allowed me the time to see this before leaving.

I was not disappointed in the way that the movie tied into the previous three movies and showed the predicted future talked about in all proceeding films.

Angels and Demons

We went out for a night at the movies where we saw "Angels and Demons." Long ago we listened to "The DaVinci Code," and were fans of the movie, so we were anxious to see this film after having read the book.

The funnest part of seeing the movie was recognizing some of the places we had visited during out trip to Rome.

The Squeeky Wheel Gets the Grease

Upon my arrival to FT Carson, CO, I was assigned interestingly enough to an infantry battalion. Combat engineers typically support infantry and tankers, but to actually be assigned to that type of battalion is unordinary. There is a slot alloted for one engineer to work in the battalion HQ as an engineer always present to give expert advise on how engineers can be used, but that position was already filled.

I floated in the S-3 for a while waiting to find out what would be done with me when I was finally sent to the Aco which has a route clearance mission; something combat engineers typically do. I thought that I would surely be a part of that when I found myself again floating in the company HQ. A squad of engineers were being sent to the company and I thought that the big picture was coming together and that this had all been a bigger plan to connect me with a squad of engineers for this mission. I was assigned to the platoon with the mission, but soon learned that the squad of engineers already had a squad leader with it. Two squad leaders are not needed in one squad, especially when one has been with the squad for several years and the other is just meeting them.

I could see that I was going no where fast so I took a walk over to the special troops battalion where the engineer squad had come from to see if they could use a squad leader as they will be moving out at the same time. It turns out that they are indeed in need of a squad leader and they were all puzzled as to how I could have been assigned to an infantry unit when they are only a block away.

It took some leg work to get the administrative stuff taken care of, but I am now the newest edition to the STB where I am finally working as a squad leader.

All These Things

I am begining to use the LDS Collectors Library once again to read a gospel oriented book once in a while. I am currently reading "All These Things," by Neal A. Maxwell. I read this book way back when I was in Iraq and I thought it would be a good read for my circumstances again.

When one decides whether or not to deal with hard doctrines, the tendency is to put them off or to be put off by them. Not only are they in some respects puzzling, but they may even offend our mortal pride. Just as there are some good deeds we do gladly and quickly (while others are put off time and again), so it is with certain gospel truths: we accept some with joy and alacrity, but others we keep at arm's length. The hardness is usually not in their complexity, but in the deep demands these doctrines make of us. They are actually harder to accept than to understand, for there is a breathtaking simplicity about them.

Extraordinary truths can move us to extraordinary accomplishments! And, strangely enough, even as we partake of the bread of adversity (with its unique calories), this will provide us with new and needed energy. The hard doctrines will also keep us from that flabbiness which has called a sad halt to many a journey-as well-doing individuals have grown "weary by the way."

So much of the secular data men have accumulated is accurate, but ultimately unimportant. Even learning useful things has often diverted mankind from learning crucial things.

Taking Time to Think On a Walk

I was able to break away from the rest of the platoon and do some physical training on my own this morning. I went up to the hills in our back yard for a run but ended up taking a long walk as I thought about what I have been doing with myself for the last few years. I came to the conclusion that I have had some great adventures, experienced far away places in the world and have been successful in many varied situations.

I could not help but think that the pattern of my llife has shown that I have the ability to make the best of nearly any situation. I am going to be just fine if Afghanistan.

Changing Cameras

I took the batteries out of my Canon 30D and put it back in its bag for the last time for a very long time. I will not be taking it with me as there will not be room and I would not want to take such a nice camera into such harsh conditions. I will be taking with me my Canon PowerShot, the camera I took with me to Iraq several years ago. After working with the 30D for so long it will be hard to let it go for the less sophisticated PowerShot, but it is the only logical choice to make.

I do have a tripod that will be goiong with me and I will of course have my laptop with Photoshop. I will have to learn to shoot in a different style because of the limitations of the camera, but I am convinced that this challenge will help me to be an even better photographer by the time I am able to return to the 30D. In the mean time I have already compiled a list of lenses and such that I would like to save for and purchase during my away time. It will give me something to look forward to returning to along with my wonderful family.

Taking Care of a Real Yard

While living in Germany our yard was mostly taken care of by the combined efforts of everyone living in the building. I only had to mow the grass twice during the entire summer this last year. This year the yard is all up to us. We do not yet have the grass as we are waiting for one last portion of sidewalk to be poured before the land scapers make an appearance with a truck loaded down with sod. Still, the plants around the house are already in and need watering and we are having to deal with some birds.

I am not sure what type of bird they are, but our neighborhood has been infiltrated with a large flock of birds that have an affinity for stucco walls and the shade of over hanging rooves. They are gathering clay from a local pond and making a line of nests at the top of the house. Our land lord was kind enough to purchase a hose and sprayer for us to use to knock down the bird houses before they can move in permanently. We did learn that this nesting will only go on for a short period, but it is imperative to keep them away or next year they will be even more relentless in their persuits in home building.

Jeffrey came out with me in the evening time to help water the plants and wash the car. When watering the plants he wanted to put a hand on the sprayer to feel like he was a part of what was happening and when it came to washing the car he put a rag in the bucket and follwed after Dad rubbing the car down.

Texas Waffle

It is hard to believe that just back on 06 MAR 09 we landed in Texas after three long and fun years in Germany. One thing that I remember well from my days spent in Fort Hood, Texas, is that Texans love Texas, and they are not afraid to show it. Our nights stay in the big state at the Best Western included a free continental breakfast at which we made our own waffles in the shape of Texas. Now that is some pride in your state.

I think that by that point Jeffrey must have begun to think that we were homeless. We had taken him on trips and airplanes before, but by now he had seen all of his possessions carried away, had stayed in a hotel and then a friends home and took a very long journey which did not end in a transient stay at a hotel but rather was just begining as we traveld across the country. Hopefully he knows now that he is at home and any trips he takes away from it are only temporary.

Happy Anniversary

Our collection of mismatched pots and pans from Germany are on their way out after Tricia decided that she would like a set of Caphalon for our anniversary. They had served us well in Germany, but it was obvious that many of the pans were becoming warped and it was affecting their cooking performance with one side of the pan obviously recieving more heat than the other. We used them tonight for the first time and I can tell you that their is a big difference between using a pan and a nice pan. It is worth saving up to buy something nice once in a while. We will be getting a lot of use from these pans for a very long time.

Jeffrey's Birthday

We celebrated Jeffrey's birthday a while ago to ensure that I would be here and make a party while Addy and Lizzy were here for a visit, but now that Jeffrey is back from his trip to Utah we celebrated his birthday on the day.

Some of Jeffrey's friends in Germany have play kitchens that he loved to play with during his visits so we knew just what to look for when we arrived in the USA. When I brough the box in from the garage he took a look at the picture on the front of two kids playing with a kitchen and excited recognition came across his face.

Jeffrey got a dose of hard reality for his birthday too. When we opened the box and removed the contents his face fell as a dissasembled array of kitchen fell out onto the floor, unrecognizable in shape and form. The look on his face was priceless.

It took Tricia and Peggy an hour to get it together while I kept Jeffrey busy and away from the action.

Once it was all together Jeffrey did not dissapoint. I think that he is going to spend a lot of time cooking in his room. This will go along well with the toy grill that he recieved for Christmas with which he has spent much time.

Four Wonderful Years

Though she was out of town at the time, on 12 May Tricia and I celebrated our four year anniversary. A few days before we were out on a walk together and talked about how long of a time it seems, and also how quickly it has gone by. Three of our four years was spent far away from family on the other side of the world where we explored different countries and cultures. We will spend the next year apart, but I am confident that the first four were spent so well together that we will be all right.

On My Own for a Few Days

While Tricia has been in Utah to help her family make their goodbyes to Grandma Porter I have been on my own back here in Colorado. I have been able to get a lot done with unpacking the house, though I do not know how we will ever get it all put away. Our closet is stuffed full of clothing, yet there is still a huge pile outside of the closet waiting for somewhere to go. I do not know how we had so much in Germany; our home was not overfull at all. We may have to go through our stuff one more time and find things to give away.

Last Purchases and Packing Up

I have nearly all that I need to take with me stacked together in a pile in the garage. After an inspection by the commander last Wednesday I found that there were a few items I was still in need of and so took care of them this weekend. I plan on taking my large print scriptures with me, but it will be handy to take this small version on over night missions. I recieved this from the Brown's several years ago for Christmas.

It appears that this infantry company has a standard of tying off weapons to individuals, that way if someone has to be picked up and carried away their weapons goes with them.

I had a pretty handy utility knife that I had purchased in Iraq, but it did not seem to have made the move with me as it and several other knives are missing even after opening and emptying all of our boxes. I have replaced it with this KA-Bar cut from a solid peice of steel and cut on an interesting and useful angle to get the most out of the knife as a tool. The plastic case can be attached directly to my gear so that it will always be handy when out on a mission.

Two More Photos of Seven Falls

Returning in the evening to the falls allowed me to take a long exposure of this fall making the water appear silky.

The blaring sun from the time of day that I took this shot washed out all of the strong colors that would have made it interesting, so I went for this duotone which emphasises the dryness of the place.

Seven Falls

The day before Sam and Paige were scheduled to head back to Utah we recieved a call letting us know that Grandma Porter was in critical condition and their return would have to be made early. Tricia and Jeffrey went with to be there at this important time. It was actually very fortunate that Paige and Sam were here with their van at this time because it would have been very difficult for me to take Tricia to Utah and also be back for work.

I promised Tricia that I would stay busy while she was gone. She actually showed some concern that I would not be able to feed myself. I assured here that I would be fine and so planned for myself a heavy schedule of activities to make the best of my time.

A soldier at work suggested that Seven Falls would be a good place to take my camera for an afternoon. He was right, it was a great time and I would love to return with Tricia and Jeffrey. I came back once again at night to photograph the falls under the artificial light the park puts on them after the sun goes down.

As for staying busy around the house, I have been on the go every minute. I have been able to unpack a lot of our items and getting the house put back in order. I have some how managed to get three meals a day.

Making It a Home

I anticipated waiting until all things were unpacked and in their places before putting up pictures on the wall, but Tricia had other plans. She wasted no time in picking out her favorites from what we had on the walls in Germany and finding places for them in our new home. During our travels in Germany we made a small collection of water color paintings we had purchased in each country we visited. She and Paige worked together to make a montage in the living room of all of those paintings in their frames together. I do not think that we will hang up all of the frames that we have, but it does make a big difference in the house to have a little something on the walls.

An Early Birthday Celebration

Since I do not know for sure that I will be in town to celebrate Jeffrey's birthday on its actual day, Tricia suggested that we celebrate early, and then we could have Addy and Lizzy at his party.

We started out as a normal Sunday, getting up and everyone ready for church.

Upon returning home we began to put out the party preparations. The theme was the movie "Cars." We had a Cars table cloth, birthday cake, hats and party favors.

Jeffrey is old enough now to understand that we you hand him an items wrapped in paper to go ahead and tear it open.

We were very glad that Addy and Lizzy were here for the celebration. After opening the gifts we all went outside and played with the new bubble toys.

The Flying W Ranch

Sam, Paige, Addy and Lizzy Irving came out to Colorado Springs for a few days to visit. They arrived just in time, for the next day our household goods arrived and Sam was able to help me direct traffic to get all of our boxes in the right rooms. After working hard for a while we took a break with the movers and one of them noticed a box marked The Book of Mormon. Several years ago we recieved a large poster covering the cronology of The Book of Mormon, and in order to protect it during the move we shipped it in its original box. This started a good conversation with both of the movers in which they asked some very good questions about the book, where it came from, and what it contains. Sam had packed a copy with him and was able to go into the house and retrieve it and give it to them.

To entertain our visitors Tricia made reservations to spend an evening at the Flying W Ranch. We had an amazing dinner with hot biscuits, honey butter, baked beans, baked potatoe and one of the best servings of briskit I have ever had. After dinner everyone turned their chairs and attention to the stage where we saw a country music show.

The First Bath

Jeffrey was the first to take a bath in the master bedroom. I think that he enjoyed having such a large tub and I think that he recognized that it was different than where he normally has a bath so it made it a special fun time. Jeffrey has the advantage of not needing as much water as either Tricia or I would so he may get to take these fun baths more often than we do.

Now that we are having to pay for our own utilities, something that we did not have to worry about in Germany, we are working to keep what we use to a minimum. We are glad that there are many windows all around the house making it necessary to turn lights on only at night. Our fire places do a great job getting the house warm, but I noticed that it takes a while to get the warm air all around the house. I made a small investment in a floor fan to place in front of the fire places when we use them to get the air flowing faster and thus use less gas.