Greetings from Kuwait Naval Base - Camp Patriot,
Last night we traveled from Camp Buehring to Camp Arifjan. We were told the bus ride would be 3 hours long. Oh Goodness! Because the bus is uncomfortable and doesn't go very fast, we were just ready to get to Camp Arifjan. See the bus picture from previous post. Thank goodness, we arrived at Camp Arifjan in 1 1/2 hours. Yippee! They told us 3 hours which was the worst case scenario. You can imagine how happy we were when we arrived 1 1/2 hours early.
We had the luxury of staying in the VIP area of Camp Arifjan and each had our own rooms. Needless to say, I was so thankful when I walked into my room. There was a made bed, a desk, a closet and even a TV (imagine a simple dorm room). After having worked at that point for 16 hours, I just went to bed. The great thing was I didn't even have to go outside to use the latrine as it was only one door away from my door. Ahhhh! Our MN National Guard counter-parts said that they were saving the best for last and they didn't want to get our expectations up by staying there first and then moving to Camp Buehring. It was a fair and valid point. Good call!
The drive from Camp Buehring to Arifjan at night was very interesting. This morning one team (4 civilians and 5 MN National Guard) went from Camp Arifjan to Kuwait Naval Base - Camp Patriot to train. Our other two teams stayed at Camp Arifjan to train. On our way from Camp Arifjan to Kuwait Naval Base - Camp Patriot, we received background on the area around the Camp and the significance of all the tents in the fields. I'll explain that in a later post.
Conditions are significantly different from Camp Buehring to Camp Patriot. Today was the first time I saw a tree or anything green for that matter. Okay, I may have seen green uniforms or green beans, but I'm talking about something living that is green. :-) I am unable to post pictures today, but will post as soon as I can.
At this point, Tony and I have presented 25 times in the 5 days we have been in Kuwait. As of last night, our 3 teams have worked with 950+ Soldiers. Our teams are doing amazing jobs and sharing beneficial information and resources for the Soldiers to use as they prepare for jobs or start/continue their education.
As the trip comes to an end, I am experiencing a mix of emotions. At times, I don't want to return to Minnesota but instead stay and help Soldiers until they return to Minnesota later this spring. At this point, words can't explain how amazing this trip has been and all the appreciation that has been extended to us from the Soldiers. It has truly been a life changing experience. I want to extend my appreciation and thanks to all that served and serve in the military. Thank you for protecting our freedoms.
Until next time,
Gina
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
It's all about participation
Good Morning from sunny Kuwait,
Below is an update from the last few days in Kuwait.
03MAR12
We saw Minnesota Soldiers today! WOO HOO! It was so great to see them. They came to the workshops with their MyMilitary GPS LifePlan goals completed. In addition, they brought their resumes and cover letters. It is so energizing to have our Soldiers ready to participate and engage in the workshops.
Today feels like a very windy spring day in Moorhead. But add a lot of dust and sand. I actually felt the sand in my teeth and mouth after only walking from our workshop tents to the USO tent (about 100 yards).
I was advised to not wear contacts because of the extreme dust and sand. I'm wearing my glasses. Unfortunately, having to wear my glasses means I'm unable to wear sun glasses. The sun is so intense that being outside for even one minute takes a considerable toll on my eyes. It takes my eyes a few minutes to adjust when walking indoors again.
04MAR12
Today we saw SO many energized and appreciative Minnesota Soldiers. We received thank-yous and appreciation from the Soldiers that we came to Kuwait to work with them prior to their arrival back in Minnesota. We heard a lot of Soldiers say that they received more out of the workshops than they anticipated.
I have finally been able to get a somewhat sense of direction. For those that know me, I don't do north, south, east or west. I only know left or right. Let me try to explain why it has been so difficult. Tony and I start our first presentation in Tent 19-7 which is the second tent in the row, but the ERT calls it Tent 1. Then we move to Tent 2, which is the third in the row, but numbered Tent 19-6. Can you know see why we are confused and lost?
Today, I was able to see a great friend that is deployed with the 1-194 CAB (The 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor) out of Brainerd, MAJ Suarez. It was so great to see him.
As of last night, we trained a total of 663 Soldiers.
05MAR12
Every day we awake to Reveille being played at 0600. Today, we also awoke to the sounds of field artillery. It sounds like thunder or fire works that are miles away. This sound has been occurring since before 0600 this morning. It puts things into perspective of what has occurred in this area of the world for the last 9 years.
I was also able to receive a tour of Camp Buehring today. We drove around the perimeter and saw Apache and Blackhawk helicopters. Also at Camp Buehring are Patriot Missiles from the Gulf War in 1991. As we continued our tour, I saw a lot of equipment that was pulled out of Iraq at the end of the war. It was interesting to hear the stories of the equipment that was first used in Iraq and how it evolved because of the sophistication of IEDs (improvised explosive device) as the war progressed. HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) were not even allowed in Iraq in the last few years because new equipment was introduced that had more protection and armor.
It is great to see how many Soldiers plan to continue their education. When we ask how many plan to continue or start college, about 80% of the hands are raised. Minnesota Soldiers understand the importance of continuing their education and receiving degrees.
Below are some pictures from the past few days.
Until next time,
Gina
Below is an update from the last few days in Kuwait.
03MAR12
We saw Minnesota Soldiers today! WOO HOO! It was so great to see them. They came to the workshops with their MyMilitary GPS LifePlan goals completed. In addition, they brought their resumes and cover letters. It is so energizing to have our Soldiers ready to participate and engage in the workshops.
Today feels like a very windy spring day in Moorhead. But add a lot of dust and sand. I actually felt the sand in my teeth and mouth after only walking from our workshop tents to the USO tent (about 100 yards).
I was advised to not wear contacts because of the extreme dust and sand. I'm wearing my glasses. Unfortunately, having to wear my glasses means I'm unable to wear sun glasses. The sun is so intense that being outside for even one minute takes a considerable toll on my eyes. It takes my eyes a few minutes to adjust when walking indoors again.
04MAR12
Today we saw SO many energized and appreciative Minnesota Soldiers. We received thank-yous and appreciation from the Soldiers that we came to Kuwait to work with them prior to their arrival back in Minnesota. We heard a lot of Soldiers say that they received more out of the workshops than they anticipated.
I have finally been able to get a somewhat sense of direction. For those that know me, I don't do north, south, east or west. I only know left or right. Let me try to explain why it has been so difficult. Tony and I start our first presentation in Tent 19-7 which is the second tent in the row, but the ERT calls it Tent 1. Then we move to Tent 2, which is the third in the row, but numbered Tent 19-6. Can you know see why we are confused and lost?
Today, I was able to see a great friend that is deployed with the 1-194 CAB (The 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor) out of Brainerd, MAJ Suarez. It was so great to see him.
As of last night, we trained a total of 663 Soldiers.
05MAR12
Every day we awake to Reveille being played at 0600. Today, we also awoke to the sounds of field artillery. It sounds like thunder or fire works that are miles away. This sound has been occurring since before 0600 this morning. It puts things into perspective of what has occurred in this area of the world for the last 9 years.
I was also able to receive a tour of Camp Buehring today. We drove around the perimeter and saw Apache and Blackhawk helicopters. Also at Camp Buehring are Patriot Missiles from the Gulf War in 1991. As we continued our tour, I saw a lot of equipment that was pulled out of Iraq at the end of the war. It was interesting to hear the stories of the equipment that was first used in Iraq and how it evolved because of the sophistication of IEDs (improvised explosive device) as the war progressed. HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) were not even allowed in Iraq in the last few years because new equipment was introduced that had more protection and armor.
It is great to see how many Soldiers plan to continue their education. When we ask how many plan to continue or start college, about 80% of the hands are raised. Minnesota Soldiers understand the importance of continuing their education and receiving degrees.
Below are some pictures from the past few days.
Until next time,
Gina
The MnSCU banner hanging in Tent 2.
A water station. These stations are all around Camp Buehring and filled with bottles of water.
The ERT (Employment Resource Team) ready to work early on Sunday morning.
My team members attempt to help with my Diet Coke request.
It was Coke but they wrote "DIET" on the cans.
It was Coke but they wrote "DIET" on the cans.
Minnesota Soldiers ready and prepared for the workshop.
MAJ Ed Suarez and me.
The USO where I make phone calls and use the internet.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
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.
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
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Extreme Weather
Greetings from Kuwait,
Below you will read about our journey from Minneapolis to Kuwait City.
29FEB12 - 6:45PM EST
Even after the snow storm, we were able to leave Minneapolis on time. I think we were all anxious because we wanted to catch our connecting flight to Kuwait from Washington D.C. Dulles.
It is great to be working with such a great team. You can actually see and hear the excitement in us. We are proudly carrying our Army National Guard issued backpacks.
Ironically, we were delayed at Washington D.C. Dulles due to rain, but the snow in Minnesota didn't delay us. As never having been on a flight longer than 4 hours, the announcement that the flight was 11 hours and 44 minutes made reality set in. We are really doing this and going to Kuwait. SO EXCITED!
01MAR12 -1:45 PM Kuwait Time
We will be landing in Kuwait soon. It is very difficult to describe how I feel. I am unsure of what lays ahead, but I do know that the team is ready to go and begin working with Soldiers.
01MAR12 - 5:00 PM Kuwait Time
Arrived at Kuwait International and had to go through about 4 different processes before we could get our bags. Visas, finger-printing, pictures, more finger-printing and then customs. At last, it was great to see our Minnesota Soldiers picking us up at the airport. Our drivers quickly explained the landscape and our photograph restrictions. I actually saw a sign that said "Sand Drifts." We're not in Minnesota anymore. In addition, we were welcomed by a sand storm. A sand storm looks like a brown blizzard.
My sleeping quarters
Tents in which we will present.
Below you will read about our journey from Minneapolis to Kuwait City.
29FEB12 - 6:45PM EST
Even after the snow storm, we were able to leave Minneapolis on time. I think we were all anxious because we wanted to catch our connecting flight to Kuwait from Washington D.C. Dulles.
It is great to be working with such a great team. You can actually see and hear the excitement in us. We are proudly carrying our Army National Guard issued backpacks.
Ironically, we were delayed at Washington D.C. Dulles due to rain, but the snow in Minnesota didn't delay us. As never having been on a flight longer than 4 hours, the announcement that the flight was 11 hours and 44 minutes made reality set in. We are really doing this and going to Kuwait. SO EXCITED!
01MAR12 -1:45 PM Kuwait Time
We will be landing in Kuwait soon. It is very difficult to describe how I feel. I am unsure of what lays ahead, but I do know that the team is ready to go and begin working with Soldiers.
01MAR12 - 5:00 PM Kuwait Time
Arrived at Kuwait International and had to go through about 4 different processes before we could get our bags. Visas, finger-printing, pictures, more finger-printing and then customs. At last, it was great to see our Minnesota Soldiers picking us up at the airport. Our drivers quickly explained the landscape and our photograph restrictions. I actually saw a sign that said "Sand Drifts." We're not in Minnesota anymore. In addition, we were welcomed by a sand storm. A sand storm looks like a brown blizzard.
My sleeping quarters
Tents in which we will present.
Our team after arrival at Kuwait International Airport.
You have to be resourceful to be able to charge your phone. :-)
Until next time...Take care.
Gina
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
CHU (pronounced "choo") - Containerized Housing Units
Greetings,
The day for our departure to Kuwait is quickly approaching. Our Employment Resource Team (ERT) found out some FANTASTIC news yesterday. None of our team members will be sleeping in tents as we were originally told. YAY! We will be staying in CHUs (Containerized Housing Units). See the picture below - it's a general idea of what a CHU looks like. Latrines (bathrooms) and showers will be located separately from the sleeping structures. We were told that linens will be provided (includes sheets, pillow, pillow cases, and army wool blanket). The CHUs have climate-controlled A/C-Heat units.
The day for our departure to Kuwait is quickly approaching. Our Employment Resource Team (ERT) found out some FANTASTIC news yesterday. None of our team members will be sleeping in tents as we were originally told. YAY! We will be staying in CHUs (Containerized Housing Units). See the picture below - it's a general idea of what a CHU looks like. Latrines (bathrooms) and showers will be located separately from the sleeping structures. We were told that linens will be provided (includes sheets, pillow, pillow cases, and army wool blanket). The CHUs have climate-controlled A/C-Heat units.
I am about 98% finished packing. I weighed my checked bag earlier and it is only 34 pounds. The team was issued Army backpacks for our carry-on bag. Although I'm having some issues with what to put in my carry-on. Just check out the picture below. Two important items for me are my dark chocolate and the Go Places handouts.
As before, I am SO honored to represent MnSCU on this team and to serve those that serve us and protect our freedoms. Thank you. Take care.
Peace,
Gina
Monday, February 27, 2012
Packing for sand fleas and dust
Greetings,
This week I will begin an exciting adventure, which will be a once in a lifetime experience. I am traveling to Kuwait to work with the 2,700 + Minnesota National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers who will return in May from their deployment to Iraq and Kuwait. I will be briefing on MyMilitary GPS LifePlan (http://www.gpslifeplan.org/mnscumilitary/) which includes a goal setting workshop. The goal setting portion will help them with finding a job and to begin/continue their education. By the end of our time there, my colleague and I will have done 30, 40-minute workshops. Goodness!
I am the only female on a team of 11, but I have ensured the guys that I will be able to put up with them for our time in Kuwait. :-)
They also know that I will be packing significantly more because I have to do my hair and wear make-up.
You can follow our exciting adventure through the Star Tribune at http://www.startribune.com/bios/80657717.html. The first article can be found at http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/140376053.html.
I’m SO excited and honored to serve those that serve us and protect our freedoms every day. Take care.
Peace,
Gina
This week I will begin an exciting adventure, which will be a once in a lifetime experience. I am traveling to Kuwait to work with the 2,700 + Minnesota National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers who will return in May from their deployment to Iraq and Kuwait. I will be briefing on MyMilitary GPS LifePlan (http://www.gpslifeplan.org/mnscumilitary/) which includes a goal setting workshop. The goal setting portion will help them with finding a job and to begin/continue their education. By the end of our time there, my colleague and I will have done 30, 40-minute workshops. Goodness!
I am the only female on a team of 11, but I have ensured the guys that I will be able to put up with them for our time in Kuwait. :-)
They also know that I will be packing significantly more because I have to do my hair and wear make-up. You can follow our exciting adventure through the Star Tribune at http://www.startribune.com/bios/80657717.html. The first article can be found at http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/140376053.html.
I’m SO excited and honored to serve those that serve us and protect our freedoms every day. Take care.
Peace,
Gina
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