like opening the oven door

100 degrees is somewhat of a magic, almost mythical number. People back home mention 100 degree weather, and folks will cover their mouth with their hand, and gasp. The weatherman forecasts 100 degree weather, and mothers tell their children to stay inside, enjoy the a/c - it's too hot outside, almost dangerous. Swimming pools overflow with customers. Summer sports and other activities shut down, due to the brutal heat.

Well, as most folks know, it gets real hot in the desert. Having never visited the Middle East before, I only had stories and word of mouth of what exactly "desert heat" feels like. Well, I'm here now, and experiencing it all first hand. When we first arrived in Iraq, we were still enjoying the spring season, and mild temperatures that came with it. High temperatures back then peaked around the high 80s and low 90s. Not too bad, we told each other. This is bearable.

Spring is in the rear-view mirror now. Summer is here, dropping the hammer of scorching summer temperatures on all of us. Soldiers stationed in the desert are defenseless to the bright sun, the hot dusty wind, and everything else that summer brings with it. Soldiers can not simply stay inside and enjoy a/c, or spend all day cooling off at the pool. Soldiers must continue on, complete their missions, all while enduring the triple-digit temperatures.

Each day this week our sections weather guru, SPC Burnham (a meteorology major at UNL) has been monitoring his weather station and recording the steady climb of the Iraq heat. Today has been the hottest day so far - we topped out at 111.6 degrees. The effect of this level of hot is hard to describe, but SPC Kane found a way to sum it up perfectly - "it's like opening the oven door in the kitchen - the heat kicks you in the face and forces you to look away". Everytime you dare to venture outdoors, the heat is waiting.

Continue to keep the soldiers of the 1-167th RSTA in your thoughts and prayers as we continue our mission in the extreme heat of Iraq. I'm thankful for my desk job and the stream of a/c - now more than ever!

Award Presentation

I'm sure some of you find yourselves scratching your head from day to day and wondering, "I know Jon is deployed, but what the heck is he doing over there in Iraq?" Well, hopefully this post will help in identifying at least one or two examples of what it is, exactly, that I do here.
We recently had an incident where one of the soldiers in our Squadron was involved with discovering and confiscating a large amount of contraband (in this case, liqour) from a truck that was entering LSA Anaconda. The General here at Anaconda wanted to reward this fine soldier with an award for his discovery. After a few emails and phone calls, the news of the event made it down to my level and it was determined that yours truly would be responsible for writing the award and seeing that it was done properly so the General could sign it and award it to the soldier. I went to work, doing my thing, and once I had the award completed and signed by all the right folks, I forwarded it on to the General's office, which took it from there. This long process came full circle this morning, with the General making a visit to the soldier and awarding him with an Army Achievment Medal. I was present for the ceremony, and was tasked with taking plenty of pictures. I'll put a few on here for you to see.

(from l-r) LTC Apprich (Our Squadron Commander), GEN Halstead, and the awardee, SPC McPherson.

(l-r) LTC Apprich congratulates SSG Vance on the coin he received from the General.

G.I. Joe

My job description and requirments don't allow me to get out too much. I pretty much spend my entire day in the office, behind my computer, doing my thing. However, every once in awhile I get a chance to be a real "soldier", and get out of the office. Today I was preparing for a mission and had a rare oppertunity to put on all my gear, and decided it would be a good photo oppertunity. I submit these pictures to you now, to give an idea of what I look like when I get all dressed up.

the Pool

The inevitable heat wave has washed over LSA Anaconda, suffocating all in it's path with triple-digit temperatures and stifling heat. Gone are the mild spring temperatures of 80 degrees. Summer has arrived, and it's here to stay.

One of the best things Anaconda has to offer is their outdoor pool. The pool was actually built by the Hussein family for Iraqi athlete to train in for the Olympic games. After 9/11 and the U.S. takeover of Balad and LSA Anaconda, the military opened up the pool to provide U.S. service members a break from the scorching desert heat and at the same time let them enjoy a nice reminder of summer fun back in the USA. The pool is open 24/7, and is used for both lap swimming and pure unadulterated fun.

My favorite feature of the pool has to be the diving tower, hands down. Not only are diving towers fun just by themselves, but if you factor in a childhood spent at swimming pools such as the Municipal pool in Seward NE and Woods pool in Lincoln NE, then you can understand my enjoyment of this concrete structure. Many soldiers make fools of themselves attempting to pull off absurd jumps and maneuvers from the diving tower, but these types of incidents are encouraged, as they provide entertainment for the rest of us watching from a distance. Unfortunately for the thrill seekers, the top deck is off limits, but I think most would agree that the middle deck is high enough (30 feet) to satisfy any service members needs.

My workout partner (SPC Kane) and I have gotten into a routine of working out in the gym (which can be seen off in the distance of the above picture) and then walking over to the pool for a nice cool down period. This has been working out well, and will probably be a staple for months to come.

Bottom line: the swimming pool rocks, is one of Anaconda's best features, and will be one of my favorite spots during my time here in Iraq.

Before I wrap this up I just wanted to say congratulations to my brother James on his graduation this Sunday from Seward High School. An outstanding achievement, to be sure. Good luck brother at Hastings College - I know Mom would be proud, as the rest of us are.

Inside the Hooch

I told you all awhile back that I would post some pictures of the inside of my room once the initial "just moved in" phase had passed and the place was presentable. After being here a few weeks and getting comfortable and everything in its place, I now present a pair of pictures of my room.


Above is the front corner on my half of the room. Most of the rooms here are laid out just like this one - two beds, two wall lockers, and lovely wood paneling.

Here is my cozy back corner. Notice the lovely blanket that Nicki made me and gave as a Christmas gift - it keeps me warm at night when the a/c is cranking. My brother Jacob sent me a handful of PS2 games that I play when I have time - thanks Jacob! This picture is now outdated, as I have now moved the green foot locker out of the way and tucked it underneath the bed. My roommate and I feel that the switch really opens up the space.

The living quarters are simple, yet efficient. The beds are comfortable - I sleep well every night. In the past, soldiers lived in tents, on cots, with as many as 12 men per tent. I am very grateful for what I have!