DAY 95: 30 APR 08

Well how about those Pens. 7 and 0 in the playoffs. Looks like it could be Philly and Pittsburgh in the Eastern finals which would be a hell of a series. Anyway I know Kabul and everywhere else around here has been in the news but I am safe. I am most likely not going off base anymore as I am in radio now and have gone off more than anyone except one guy. We have 2 marines that just got in and they are gun ho so…. Mom I heard about your car and all! I hope you are ok and would love to hear from you. Please email me and let me know what’s going on. The more I think abut getting out the more I lean towards it. I think there are only a few assignments I would stay in for. I talked to Siggy today and we had a nice chat. I have firmed up the list of guys in my wedding and have it to 4 including Michelle’s brother who I have yet to ask. I’ve been doing a good job of chilling lately and am glad to be at this pace. My stress level has been way down. I rolled the dice and bought myself a DQ blizzard today and am paying the price as I know I cannot handle ice cream! Anyway I guess that’s about it. Tomorrow is may 1st and my love turns 24 in 10 days and mother’s day is in 11. Yet another holiday I am away for which is another reason to settle back in the states in a few years. Anyway day 100 is quickly approaching and I am looking forward to getting back to Germany. We had a fallen comrade ceremony at like 3 am here. I did not get up and go and feel bad but even if I did it would have emotionally messed with me the whole day if not longer. Anyway I will try to make phone calls this weekend and if you are reading this and want to chat leave me your number on the message board. I love and miss you all. Rob

DAY 93: 28 APR 08

Well I guess I went off a little yesterday but I needed to get it off my chest. I am better today and have the resolve that if I just go to work, do my job, and finish these 2 months and change that I will be back to Germany with the love of my life, living like a king. This deployment is not easy but easy compared to many others and I lean on that fact. I watched the Count of Monte Cristo today and boy was that a good movie! I also read the GQ magazine today that Danielle sent and it has some great articles. I am starting to really look at getting out and branching out into some things that may require risk. Anyway right now I am just trying to take one at a time and go into work and spend more time in my room reading and being chill. To bed for tonight and LETS GO PENS!

DAY 92: 27 APR 08

Well it’s been a good weekend for me from the standpoint of my sports teams but a rocky one for me personally. I will start with the sports: I woke up and watched the Pens win a wild one and will watch them again tonight. I am really enjoying this young team we have. If only our Pirates would take a not from Mario and company and see how to run a franchise in Pittsburgh. I also watched the draft last night and am very happy with the Steelers draft thus far. They picked great players for a great value at positions we need. Now onto my work situation; Basically in the military you have a chain of command. I think in a non combat situation that the chain of command theory is out dated, inefficient, and bureaucratic. It’s freaking 2008 and we have technology, instant communication, and tons of resources yet we still MUST use the chain of command. Basically I got yelled at for emailing the E 7 in our shop instead of telling my E 5 supervisor and him telling his E 6 supervisor and then him telling the E 7. While I understand the idea it is undoubtedly inefficient. We are not in direct combat in our office and a suggestion for getting our stories on more platforms should not have to take so long and be so tedious. Anyway I have been writing emails that piss people off since I was 17. I am the type of person that if something needs done or said then damn it I am going get it done or say it. Life is too short for inefficient processes and lack of communication. Basically there is a person in our arena who is not in our office who should do more to help get the story out but instead impedes it. It is very hurting and upsetting to see a person whose job it is to communicate and get the story out do the exact opposite. Anyway if I ‘shoot my mouth off’ as my Dad would say, one more time I will get some paperwork and may not be able to test for E 5 when I get back. But that brings me to another point. Being deployed all I freaking here about is Non Commissioned Officers. That’s anyone Enlisted 5 or above (E 5 to E 9). Maybe I am nitpicking syntax here but who the hell wants to be a Non anything. Imagine being a non professional athlete, non certified/ licensed doctor, non trained school bus driver? It’s the biggest joke in the military. It should be called Enlisted Military Professional of EMP 1 through EMP 9. There is no doubt that the role these people fill is the backbone of our military, but being proud about being a non anything is crazy. And yes I do have my degree and could try to become a real commissioned officer but then I could not do broadcasting anymore and would probably face even more bureaucracy and get even more frustrated. With all of that being said I know I have to stay on the low key and just finish these last 3 or so months out. I do not have the patience, or luxury of wasting my abilities, capabilities, and potential on waiting 10 years to get the rank I need to say and do the things I want too. That probably means then I will get out in less than 2 years when I am done. I say that now and could change my mind but I cannot let rank and inefficient military processes limit me and what I want to do in this world. I signed up for what I got and have to obey orders regardless of what I think for now. In the end I work with great people, have a great job, and can’t complain too much. But I still have the mentality that if you are going to do something then do it your best and for me that makes it hard to depend on anyone else or go through a chain! Now onto more important information: The news piece I did on the humanitarian aid drop with all of the poor kids in Kabul is done through you guys. I got the information from the COL (Yes I emailed a full bird colonel without going through my chain of command and had no issues….see it is possible it’s called communications! Just joking because it was a simple request and not a request for change which the military obviously has major issues with) and he gave me the following. So with all of that being said I will end tonight’s sessions and get back to the Penguins game. I will post tomorrow and am wondering how work will be. I cannot wait to get this deployment under my let and back to Germany. Good night and lets go Pens!

The Camp Eggers Volunteer Community Relations (VCR) program enhances the partnership with the people of Afghanistan while providing a venue for US and Coalition troops to assist others. Through this program, Camp Eggers VCR volunteers interact with local nationals at various locations in the Kabul area, including schools, orphanages, medical centers and
Internally Displaced Persons camps. The Afghan people in these locations are not as fortunate as we are and could greatly benefit from your support to improve their quality of life. Conservative clothing for men, women, and children are most often needed. During winter months, items like gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, coats, and blankets are critical. Shoes, non-electronic toys, school supplies, and hygiene items are of great assistance too.

The VCR program is also involved with forwarding items to US service members located at smaller forward operating bases (FOBs) and other locations that may not have the PX facilities that most of the larger camps have. Donations of personal hygiene items, CD or DVD tapes,
magazines, and other items that service members would enjoy are welcome.


The U.S. Postal Service now offers a new, larger flat-rate box with a military discount for those mailing to APO and FPO addresses. Regardless of how much they weigh, the boxes will cost $12.95 to mail for the general public, and $10.95 if mailed to an APO or FPO address. Customers can begin using the new flat-rate box at the new mailing rates. The boxes are free and are available online at http://www.usps.com/supplies or by calling (800) 610-8734.

If you have any of the above mentioned items that are new or gently used and would like to donate them, please mail to:

VCR
CSTC-A, Pool House
APO, AE 09356

Unfortunately we can't give religious material to the Afghan people, so please refrain from including this in your donations. Camp Eggers VCR thanks you for your support. And so do the people of Afghanistan.
PS: I was only joking about my mother in law having a big mouth. It was truly a joke. I think I may have a future in Ann Coulter type writings as I seem to bother everyone in both my personal and professional writings. I am a firm believer in the truth hurts. Anyway the truth is I am in Afghanistan bending over for General Order number 1 while all you guys have the normal luxuries of life so I guess the truth is that I am the fool!

DAY 90: 25 APR 08

I got an A in my online masters class. I was very happy about that today. I anchored and did 5 hours of live radio today: 2 music and 3 sports. I am going to sleep now so I can wake up and watch the Pens at 330.

DAY 89: 24 APR 08

Well I anchored again today and did 4 hours of radio. Its been a little grueling at work but I enjoy it. I am not sure why the videos are not loading fast. It could be numerous issues for which I have no control over. Anyway I am doing a weekly sports show on Friday nights with an Army guy. Tomorrow we are doing a 3 hour special so we have enough time to cover the draft. It should be a ton of fun. I also have a very relaxed schedule this weekend as I worked all last. The Pens play at 3:30AM Saturday and then the Draft start at like 11PM Saturday night into Sunday. The Pens then play again at 11PM Sunday night into Monday. I plan on sleeping around those sporting events since I have the time to do so. I am actually excited about his weekend which is the first time I have felt that way in a long time. And speaking of the White house can you believe the Air Force has a slot there for my job! I emailed the lady today and it does not become vacant until 2010 when I am suppose to leave Germany. But it’s for a rank one above what I will be by then. We shall see but if I can apply for that slot I am going too. It’s a 4 year term, civilian clothes, top secret clearance, and working for the President, VP, or top White House Staff. If Hillary gets in I may not apply but for McCain or Obama o heck yeah. And yes I have had numerous people tell me about Hillary’s winnings. At least Obama won Centre County showing that PSU knows who to vote for. She won 60 of the 67 counties and in some areas won 80% of the vote. I am sorry to say but that is racism at its best or worst depending upon your persuasion. I guarantee if she were running against a white male she would never get 80% of the vote in any PA county. Centre county was the furthest west county as well showing that we, and I do say we, certainly are stuck to our belief systems in western pa aren’t we!? Anyway it looks like my R & R got bumped back to the end of May which is fine by me. I will be going to Qatar for 4 days and doing some sightseeing and jet skiing along with having a few brews. O today we got a huge box of stuff from the organization New Jersey Cares and a local boy scouts troops. I knew my mother in law had a big mouth as a teacher but boy is this surprising. Now I know what you guys do at your unions meetings. LOL I wrote both the boy scouts and the NJ cares group an email today. I cannot get over the box they sent. I of course shared the stuff with co workers and will be taking the rest to the soldiers support center tomorrow. Well I guess that’s it for today. I have a few comments about my sister that out of respect for the rest of the family I will keep to myself! One last thing. I did not write stuff last night because I have been real tired. Well last night I got a Tylenol PM off of a coworker and went to dinner around 7PM. I took it with dinner and by 8:30 I was out, allowing me to get almost 12 solid hours of sleep. I felt like a million bucks today. Anyway it’s about midnight now so I better not start the sleep deprivation cycle again….. Night everyone and thanks for all of your support.

DAY 88: 23 APR 08

Look at those kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DAY 87: 22 APR 08

As promised me anchoring and interview with the General:

DAY 86: 21 APR 08

Well I got the pictures of the General and I as you can see. I was supposed to anchor today but the power was out almost all day so we had to wait until tomorrow to do our newscast. I am in a much better mood but still tired today. I rearranged my room before the trip and have really maximized my living space. I guess what’s on my mind today is our economy, the primary election in my home state tomorrow and eventually getting out of here. I know Hillary will win big because old people, love her and there are many who will not vote for Obama because of his pigment to say the least. I just can’t wait until I have a new boss to say the least. Believe it or not who wins will affect my decision to stay in or get out. I was upset to hear that my sister is back with that piece of sh*t in Ellwood city. Its sad to see what drugs can do to a person. Dad wants me to keep things to myself but there is no hiding that Robin will not listen to anyone and is on a very destructive path. The worst part is that she is very street smart and savvy and could make it without any guy in her life. That’s what she needs to focus on. Anyway if anyone talks to her please tell her to give me a number I can call her at. As for Afghanistan well it is still here. I think I was emotionally drained after this last trip between witnessing the poorness of those people and then having to be on the professional level of a 4 star general for the interview. Big spectrum of emotions there to say the least. I still cannot get over the job these soldiers do. In all honesty I hardly ever see a soldier smile here. I can tell they are genuinely not happy with their choice of joining. That is my personal opinion and view. I truly have it made in the shade with my job which is why I try to work hard each day and put myself in their shoes on my bad days. This place Bagram is the safest but most annoying in Afghanistan. Go to any other base or whatever and they are relaxed about PT gear and what not. Here they jump down your throat for having your reflective belt on the wrong way and then wonder why they have suicide issues. These are of course Army issues as the Air Force suicide rate is nothing compared to the Army’s. I live and work in an Army area and its like you can feel the vibe. All of the blue Air Force is up the road a bit which is fine. The Army leaves us alone for the most part and we do our own thing. I talked to my Uncle Josh the other day which was nice. I webcamed with Mom today and saw Emma. I love that little girl and pray my sister can get her act together for her. Anyway I am half way now maybe less depending upon when I leave. I do not know the next time I will be home but will know more as it gets closer to me leaving here. Well I guess that’s it for today. I am going for some solid sleep tonight to get back on track and feel better. Ask any questions as I feel like I have not been including what people want to hear. All of the stories I produce I will start posting as you can watch and experience them. Ok bye for now!

PS: Thank you to SSgt Marc Nickens for the pictures!

DAY 85: 20 APR 08

Not feeling too good today. I will post a nice one tomorrow with pictures of me and GEN McNeill. I am also anchoring starting tomorrow for atleast a week so that should be cool. OK everyone have a great Sunday!

DAY 84: 19 APR 08

Well I am back to Bagram safe and sound. Sorry it took me a few days to post but I have been settling in and playing a ton of playstation 2 to be completely honest. I am just about half way and boy it feel good. Our trip to Kabul was pretty successful as I did get to interview GEN McNeil. I will post the pictures and interview once it becomes available. I am now moving into radio as they do not want me to be gone as I missed the sports show last week but we had a good one last evening. The trip really made me think about a ton. These kids are so poor and even in our own military I have it great. If you get a chance pick up the latest issue of Rolling Stone and read the article about the Marlboro Marine from Kentucky who is dealing with post traumatic stress syndrome! I got into it with a Lieutenant colonel while I was down in Kabul about the war and tour lengths on soldiers. He came at me out of no where as I was talking to a fellow navy sailor who was similar to my rank. This guy started going off about how we should be here longer than 6 months and all. I shot right back that the toll it is taking on our families, mainly the soldiers families is crazy. So then he responds about how so many soldiers reenlist while downrange because they want to be a part of a team. I responded that if you reward these soldiers with 20K tax free bonuses of course they are going to reenlist downrange. Many of them have car payments and families to support not to mention being from small towns where it may take them a year to make 20k if they got out of the Army and went back. There is no doubt there has been a fiscal draft. I see it almost daily. The bottom line is this country and its people do need our help. I got into a very interesting conversation with some Pakistani soldiers about world politics and boy did they have ne laughing. They do not like India, had very little to say good about China, and are obviously not big fans of Israel. They went a little further in one ware that my Dad likes to blame but I will not go there. Let’s just say I learned about a new twist on the Kennedy assignation! Anyway a bunch of international soldiers died recently. I get the emails from ISAF which is where I was. There were a ton of troops from like 20 different countries there in Kabul. It’s funny because everyone except Air Force can drink down there! Of course the Brits do their share and everyone busts on the Macedonians as they eat a ton and drink too much. They probably do not get the same offerings in their home country as they do there at ISAF so good for them. Well the pictures of me interviewing a Marine LTC who was really cool. I also am doing a story on a Vietnam vet serving here and a Vietnam refugee who is now in the air force also as a Lt Col. I will add more pictures of me and the general hopefully tonight of not tomorrow. I will post again tomorrow as more comes to mind about my trip. Also if anything wants any afghan stuff let me know. The newscasts are stories I did on my last trip. I should be anchoring very soon and will post those newscasts as well. Next week on Friday I will be spending a little wad at the bazaar here on base. They have a ton of neat stuff but in the end I really need nothing else in this world but maybe you do! Ok got to run have a great day.

Day 80: 15 APR 07

Well limited internet connectivity do to the rain but here is a quick post. I am safe and sound but still in Kabul. Interviewing a 4 star General tomorrow it looks like. I should be back to Bagram come Thursday sometime. Today is neat because taxes are due and I only have 99 days left in country! I also found out I am moving to radio when I get back which is a relief. More to come on that later. I will post a ton more Thursday night because I got to go for now. I just wanted to poke my nose in to let everyone know its all good. O yeah Penguins are up 3 - 0 but I have yet to see one game! Ok got to go. Bye!

DAY 78: 13 APR 08

Just checking in quick as I am tired and have to be up early. I have yet to do the foot patrol and am currently at ISAF with service members from like 20 different countries. I will post more tomorrow but just want you guys to know I am fine and love you all.

DAY 76: 11 APR 08

*** Warning: Todays blog is quite detailed which could cause some unpleasantness***

Well today was yet another eye opening experience. Probably the most since I have been here. So on our convoy on the way to the humanitarian aid drop the vehicle in front of mine clipped a a vehicle that came onto the road. This caused its back right tire to go flat. About 1 mile later we had to stop and get out to pull security as they assessed the situation. So there I am in the middle of Kabul with my 9mm drawn just in case. It was the weirdest thing because I felt completely safe. I do not know if God has Angles with me but if hes does they sure as heaven made me feel safe today. We all got back in the trucks after about 1 minute and then went to the site. When we got their the first thing that hit me was the smell. This Kuchi tribe of people are nomads and they are bedded down in a little area of Kabul right now. These are by far the poorest people I have seen here. Somehow I kept my composure enough between the little kids and the smell as so not to throw up or cry. They were aggressive little suckers though. They took anything you gave them. I gave away a comb to a girl, gum to other kids, and a pen to a 12 or 13 year old who spoke some English. Just look at the pictures below. On that note I would like to give credit to SSgt Marc Nickens who is a Public Affairs specialist serving with me. Coincidentally enough he is a reservist out of the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh! Anyway most of the pictures I have on here are from Air Force photographers that go out with me. I thank them all very much. Anyway on the ground was mud and puddles of water as it rained the last three days but I personally saw one of their cows piss right where all the kids walk and play. I am not really sure if you get much more poor! The men even took the pallets at the end. They people handed out bags of items, blankets, rice and other stuff. It was weird though as their were some nice houses in this area. Its like the potential is here but they still have so far to go. Anyway I was really repulsed when I saw the rotting carcass of a dead dog or possibly calf. I did not look close, or long enough to determine. Now for something I mentioned to my Dad on the phone that he did not believe. It is 100% confirmed today: Women here are for child bearing and Men are for fun. What that means is that men engage in relations with women only when they want to impregnate her and when they want enjoyment they either pitch or catch with each other. I am not trying to be a smart a** or be vulgar I am just trying to give perspective on how backwards they are here. Like I said before I went back 1000 years and on a different planet for all intents and purposes. The Colonel who I interviewed (pictured) says he has seen slightly worse conditions. How that is possible is beyond me. Anyway I think i have wrote enough about that today. The pictures speech for themselves and to be honest I do not know how I have held myself together as that little trip today was just unreal. When I say unreal its like you are in a movie or something.. just so sad. OK now for some interesting news and great news. Interesting news first: I will be going on both a convoy and foot patrol tomorrow! I will be fine and i am sure tomorrows blog will be even more engaging. However on Tuesday I am interviewing the ISAF Commander General (thats 4 stars) McNeill. Mom I love you but I know you will ask what ISAF is so here is a link: http://www.nato.int/ISAF/ The Pentagon Channel wants a 10 minute special with me also in the interview like a sit down you see on the big networks. My hopes are not totally up though as until it is shot, edited, and aired will I believe my interview with a 4 star General will go through. Anyway thats whats up for now. I need to go charge my camera batteries and get ready for tomorrow. I love you and thank you for your support. Have a great day. I will try to post tomorrow!

Day 74: 9 APR 08

I got to Kabul safe and will post more as the week progresses!

DAY 71: 6 MAR 08

Well this weekend flew by between my hw and work its going very fast. We have a little bit of a developing situation here in our b hut in that an Army soldier moved in. Ok no big deal as the 2 main divisions (82nd is leaving and 101st is taking over) are in a transition period. The catch is that he is married to a woman in the same unit and they are both here. Well she spent the night in our hut last night which is technically against the rules married or not. They do have married living arrangements here but apparently there is a waiting list. I am on the fence about saying something. If it’s one night a week I think I can handle it but more than that and I think we will be having an issue. Well I leave for Kabul this week and will be gone for another week. I am busy as hell at work which is ok. After this trip I will not go on another until June as I am taking my 4 days and going to Qatar in May. More on that as we get closer. I have got this interview with the 4 star general so I am getting a little nervous. I got to get a haircut this week. I get one before I leave for each trip so I look good in representing AFN. One I get back I will also be anchoring which many of you may be able to view on TV and if not definitely on the internet. Well I guess that’s it for now. My paper is just about done and then I have to do my final. Once those are done and in I am done with the class which will give me a total of 9 credits towards my masters. It takes 36 so I have a long way to go. Good night.

PS: can someone please call my Mom and tell her whether her brother got the picture from Ray's niece?

Quick update

Just wanted to stop in and post a picture. I will update sunday night as I got to hammer out all of my hw tomorrow. The class is over on Wednesday.

Day 66: 1 April 08

Well every time I see that number I think of my sports idol Mario Lemieux. I have to say I think I performed like him today! Although I wish he would come back and play on the power play and help the Pens with the Cup this season. Anyway I announced the promotion and awards ceremony for the Air Force personnel here on base. I did a pretty good job even though I messed a few things up (This one guy had a crazy African name that the General made me redo!). I had a couple good jokes too. One guy in our shop got promoted to Staff Sergeant (E-5) and we joked before we went to the ceremony that he could not be promoted because it was April fools day. Anyway during the ceremony the 1 star General on base handed out the certificates and saluted those being promoted. Well when Steve came up they, for whatever reason, did not have his certificate. So as he shook hands and saluted and walked back to his seat I said ‘April Fools’ and it got a good laugh from the crowd of about 400. Then at the end all of the people lined up to shake hands and the General said something when I was suppose to end the ceremony from the script so instead I paused and then adlibbed ‘ Thank you for attending today’s ceremony now do whatever the General said” That got a real good laugh as things ended. I got a coin from the Command Chief which makes it my third coin since deploying here. Tomorrow I will post pictures of the event if I can get some. Also today I discovered (on the post gazette’s website which I read daily) that there is a website that you can find teachers in PA and NJ’s salaries. It took me about 2 minutes to find out how much my Uncle Joe and Mother in law make. Its funny too because my Dad just made a comment about how I dry my underwear on the front porch. Well two things here: 1. I believe anyone being paid by the government should have their salary advertised. We are all public servants on different levels and should never earn more than we would be embarrassed for good or bad to have as public knowledge. You can look and see how much I make any day as military pay is public knowledge. 2. I live life so that I do not have dirty laundry to dry on the front porch. (Although Michelle will tell you I hang onto some boxers beyond their rightful life span!) Now that is not to say I am perfect or will not have something bad happen to me in the future. But I look at life as if God knows all and if he knows then we better do our best to live right. Therefore if you ask me something I am going to admit it. I get very upset when people make excuses for their sins or wrong doings. If you did something wrong just admit it, ask forgiveness and try not to do it again. You can thank my parents for that installation of values even though they sometimes come to light in what my Dad would label as ‘laundry on the front porch’. LOL Anyway I love you and miss you all. The funny part is my Dad and Mom are now commenting in the same area. This is the first step of civil communication in the 12 step program! LOL You guys need to understand I am half of each of you so I will continue to bother you both about this nonsense. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow which is why we have to remain positive and love each other no matter how much we feel hurt or offended. So I guess that’s it for now. I got another trip coming up next week to Kabul. I am slated to interview a 4 Star General! That makes my first as the highest before that was a 3 Star. Then in May I am taking my 4 day pass and going to Qatar! Beer, pool, civilian clothes, and 4 days off… I cannot wait. O I won a raffle for the opportunity to buy a Nintendo Wii. They are hard to get and I got one. A guy at work really wanted it so he bought it from me but its cool as it is in our office and we play daily. Golf and bowling. For those who do not know it is the one with the controller that is motion sensitive. You control the guy on the screen. I think I will get another one for Christmas as Michelle loves Mario Cart and it is coming out soon. Nintendo reminds me of my days with my Dad in the basement playing Blades of Steel on Connie Drive (circa 1990). I got a ton of homework to do now so I best be going. Look for some pictures tomorrow and less underwear on my front porch! One last thing though. As you all can see my Dad has yet to discover spell checker but he is still a brilliant and intelligent man. I will never forget his quotes. One of the funniest ones was when I was 19 years old the summer of 2002 we would work together each Friday on his building in Beaver Falls and boy was it fun. Anyway I think we had a great summer but one Friday morning I was having trouble getting out of bed to go to BF with him. (I was most likely out hooping it up the night before) Well when it comes to work there is no half assing it with my Dad. He said son: “You cannot hang with the Night Owls and expect to soar with the Eagles in the morning.” So Dad because I love you and Mom I will try to not hang my underwear on the front porch anymore and will now do my homework and get to bed at a decent hour so I am not late to work! Good night all Rob
PS: Happy belated Birthday to my best friend Kurt who turned the ripe old age of 28 yesterday!