Be prepared

02MAR12 -0800

After having a month of rehearsals and preparation for this trip to Kuwait, we finally presented to our first group of Soldiers.

Since working with the MN National Gurd for the last 8 1/2 years, I have learned that it is so important to be flexible and to be able to adjust to changes and ever evolving schedules. During lunch, we adjusted our presentation to flow better and make it even more interactive. Adjust, adjust, adjust again and then adjust to the adjustment you just made an hour ago.

Today I found the USO tent and have been able to use the computer and phone. In the past two days, I have had about 5 hours of sleep. Jet lag has set in and I am unsure what day of the week it is. The team has reassured ourselves that indeed it is Friday.

A common practice in the Army is an AAR (After Action Review). I have come to appreciate the AARs because they provide immediate feedback on what we have just completed. After our day of presentations, we discussed what should be improved and what should be sustained. We adjusted our presentations to make a better workshop for the Soldiers.

03MAR12 - 1225

Finally, I was able to sleep last night. When we arrived at our tents at 0645, we found them without power. Our group went to breakfast and when we returned the tents were still without power. We were preparing and were ready to present regardless if we had power or not. The power was restored at 0755 for our presentations that began at 0800.

In discussing our movement from one camp to another in a few days, I asked how long it would take to arrive. They stated "Normally about 1 1/2 hours, but not with our bus..." The phrase "not with our bus" was used repeatedly because our bus isn't able to go that fast. Check out our bus below.

Finally presenting and working with Soldiers.

I was reassured this morning that it is indeed Saturday.

Until text time,

Gina