Our Guided Steps

Catch up

2011-07-06T09:46:00.001-04:00

Greetings,

I have so much to catch up...

First, I started by reading all my friends blogs ... wow, I have missed a lot!

And I realize you guys have missed so much as well....

So I am making it my goal ... to catch up by end of summer! Almost a 1/2 year wrapped into a summer...

Thank you all so much for missing me! I have missed you too!

Blessings,

It's obvious...

2011-07-05T09:42:00.001-04:00

Greetings,

Obviously, I have been a slacker on the blog front.

Obviously, I have been working hard on other ventures.... getting ready for Homecoming, but it's no excuse to neglect on blog friends!

Obviously, Harry has made it home safe and sound...

Obviously, we have been enjoying his return!

Obviously, it's time to come back!

See you soon!

Blessings,

Final Push Home

2011-05-06T16:37:00.000-04:00

Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group Reunites For Final Push Home

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Mann, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4 Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Ships of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and Marines of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) concluded their final port visit in Rota, Spain, May 3.

The amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15) was joined on April 30 by amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) in Rota to take on supplies, off-load ammo, refuel, perform maintenance, and prepare for the transatlantic journey to homeport.

Kearsarge and Ponce also hosted a Navy Shipboard Inspection Survey (INSURV) team which inspects the material condition of the ships.

"Kearsarge will conduct INSURV in August of 2012. While in Rota, we had our one year out assessment; this gave us a snapshot of where we are in our preparations for the inspection next August," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Harris, Kearsarge C5I officer.

The Kearsarge ARG conducted disaggregated operations for most of its U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR) deployment. Kearsarge and Ponce entered the U.S. 6th fleet AOR, in early March, to support Operation Odyssey Dawn and the follow-on NATO-led Operation Unified Protector. Carter Hall completed its U.S. 5th Fleet tasking and entered the U.S. 6th Fleet to support Operation Unified Protector April 13. This April encounter was the first time the entire Kearsarge ARG had worked together since October 2010.

"We spent a great deal of time conducting split ARG operations during this deployment and each ship was successful in completing their individual missions," said Commanding Officer, USS Carter Hall, Cmdr. George Doyon. "Carter Hall is excited to be back together with the rest of the ARG."

With the last port visit behind them, the Kearsarge ARG is focused on the next stage of its 2010-2011 deployment.

"The ability to execute diverse missions over multiple fleets is a testament to the versatility of the amphibious navy," said Commodore, Kearsarge ARG, Capt. Peter Pagano. "We still have a very busy schedule ahead of us, we must stay focused and continue to prepare as we transit to offload 26th MEU."

The Kearsarge ARG/26th MEU is scheduled to return to homeport mid-May. After Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 (Reinforced) flies off, the Marines and vehicles of 26th MEU will debark and ships of the ARG will take on some of their family members for a "Tiger Cruise" back to homeport.

Kearsarge ARG is led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 4, and is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Embarked detachments include Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 6, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21-detachment 1, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22.

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) is based out of Camp Lejuene, N.C., and consists of Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/8, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 26, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 (Reinforced), 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine regiment and the Command Element.

Penciled-in Orders

2011-03-26T08:58:00.002-04:00

Greetings,

We are "penciled-in" aka easily changed for our next set of orders!

We are set to head a little south:

Cherry Point, North Carolina!

Give me a few days and I will see exactly how I feel!

Blessings,

Bad Blogger... very bad!

2011-03-24T20:23:00.001-04:00

Greetings,

From a 3+ month sabbatical...

It's amazing how time flies by when you are trying to run a household ALL BY ONESELF!

But hopefully, I am back to my normal blogging self...

Blessings,

An Awesome View

2011-02-19T17:59:00.007-05:00

Greetings,

I am debating....

We traded this daily view...

And this...

For daily house repairs!

So I am not sure which I prefer... It's a toss up.

Being back in the states for the past year... has seemed to fly by!

Blessings,

More Snow

2011-01-08T19:52:00.004-05:00

Greetings,

I have bought my very first....

Ice scraper.

Never needed one before now!

Blessings,

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T10:11:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

Blessings,

Birthdays

2010-12-30T11:41:00.002-05:00

Greetings,

It's my birthday.

I am not that old, but getting there...

Blessings,

Holiday traveling

2010-12-28T20:46:00.001-05:00

Greetings,

Holiday season travel is somewhat frustrating!

Safe travels & Happy Holidays,

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T08:44:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas

Miss you Harry!

I'll be Home for Christmas

2010-12-20T21:31:00.003-05:00

Greetings,

From a frigid 28 degrees in Virginia

to a warming sunny 70 in Florida...

I am home (Florida) for Christmas!

Christmas Blessings to everyone,

Too cold for the pets

2010-12-19T16:53:00.005-05:00

Greetings,

Even the animals are freezing..

Did not take Oliver long... before he headed back inside

Miss P did not mind it so much...

It's just December, but I am ready for summer!

Blessings,

Way too cold

2010-12-17T09:34:00.009-05:00

Greetings,

Burrrr... my thin Florida blood cannot take much more of this..

Not to mention ...I really have no clue how to deal with snow and frozen roads...?

Blessings,

Foreign language

2010-12-16T17:32:00.003-05:00

Received this advisory....

which seems like a foreign language to this Florida girl...

3:42 pm EST, Thu., Dec. 16, 2010

... WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE... SLEET ALONG WITH LIGHT FREEZING RAIN OR DRIZZLE.

* ICE AMOUNTS... A TRACE TO ONE TENTH OF AN INCH.

* TIMING: LIGHT FREEZING RAIN AND SLEET WILL TAPER OFF THIS EVENING.

* IMPACTS: HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW... SLEET... OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES... AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

I only speak the language of Florida....

Trying to keep warm,

BRRRRRRrrrrrr

2010-12-12T12:45:00.000-05:00

Greetings,

As I say through shivering teeth!

It is so cold here...

Blessings,

FRG goes to see Santa

2010-12-10T08:48:00.009-05:00

Greetings,

The Family Readiness Group visited Santa...

and his Narnia Castle

Complete with snow!

I refused to get on Santa's lap

I am too old!

Blessings,

Retaining Wall

2010-12-08T08:40:00.013-05:00

Greetings,

So a load of bricks...

A few handy women....

Robby, aka Bob the Builder.....

A supervising dog...

And viola...

A retaining wall!

Now for the grass....

Blessings,

Front Porch face Lift

2010-12-05T08:41:00.012-05:00

Greetings,

Time for a little change..

Time to get rid of that ugly baby blue...

A nice plain Jane beige...

Anything is better than baby blue!

Blessings,

A Chimney Swift

2010-12-03T08:37:00.013-05:00

Greetings,

Had a bird fly down the chimney.

Opened all the doors on the 2nd floor.

Tried to shoo the bird out the door.

Dog and cat following said bird everywhere.

Bird flies downstairs.

Lose sight of bird.

Hours later ... find bird.

Dead. In the floor.

Have no one to get bird out of house...

Go to bed.

Wake up with dead bed still in living room floor.

Tell the dog to take the bird outside... she thinks she is in trouble and goes to her time-out spot.

Feel ridiculous about needing to call someone to extricate a dead bird out of my house...

Use the dust pan... close my eyes... hum to myself....

Scoop up bird... open back door... toss bird outside.

All while eyes tightly shut.

Poor bird.

Urghh...

Where is Harry when you need him?

Blessings,

Fox and the Hound

2010-12-01T08:35:00.011-05:00

Greetings,

Young Tod: “Copper, you're my best friend.”

Young Copper: “And you're mine too, Tod.”

Young Tod: “And we'll always be friends forever. Won't we?”

Young Copper: “Yeah, forever.”

They are not the Fox and the hound, but some days .... I wonder?

I think we are all missing Harry right about now!

Blessings,

Work..?

2010-11-28T08:26:00.007-05:00

Greetings,

Not sure if this should be called work for him...

Form airplanes to tanks...I think Harry likes Big toys..?

Blessings and be safe,

Thanksgiving recap

2010-11-26T20:23:00.009-05:00

Greetings,

Some friends I decided....

to head up to New York City for the Macy's Day Parade...

Not a traditional thanksgiving.... but the Cantonese noodles from Chinatown were delicious!

Blessings of Thankfulness,

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T20:24:00.004-05:00

New York ....

here we come!

Bring on the Macy's Day parade!

Blessings,

Fire in the Hole

2010-11-23T12:20:00.014-05:00

Greetings,

While sitting at the computer...

I heard this irritating and deafening squealing sound . The sound of a smoke detector at full blast.

As I round the corner, I see a flaming toaster inches from the new cabinets. Instinctively, I unplug the toaster and try to blow out the flames.

When this fails....

I toss it outside on the porch steps...

as the wind picks up... (and I have time to grab a camera) the flames continue

So ...

I kick the toaster down the steps and into the yard.

Time to add a new toaster to the Christmas wish list!

Blessings,

Lawn Care Needed

2010-11-22T12:25:00.001-05:00

Greetings,

Because I sure as all get out.... DO NOT WANT TO DO IT!!!

Blessings,

Is traditional out?

2010-11-21T08:21:00.006-05:00

Greetings,

I am beginning to think...

I am a little old fashioned when it comes to church...?

Gone are the days when folks wear their Sunday best? Not sure if I will ever get used to wearing jeans to church on a Sunday morning.

But to each his own... I am sure God does not have a problem with it... just old fashioned silly willy's like myself!

Blessings,

Fun in the Sun

2010-11-16T20:26:00.000-05:00

Greetings,

He looks like he is having the time of his life...

I guess I thought he should look a little sad and homesick, but that's just not Harry!

Keep up the hard work Harry... we are proud of you!

Blessings,

Bowling & birthdays

2010-11-14T00:01:00.011-05:00

Greetings,

I ventured home (Florida home) this weekend... for my niece's 6th birthday.

Nothing like hanging out with a large group of 6 year-olds, loud music, screaming kids, and bowling balls to make you feel young again.

I think the highlight of the night was Kadence's little brother Karter Lawson and his bowling ball prop...

As soon as the ball was released... he was ready for a new one.

It's nice being home again...

Blessings,

Navy.mil Djibouti

2010-11-12T23:30:00.015-05:00

Greetings,

26th MEU Marines endure African climate to train in Djibouti

11/12/2010 By Lance Cpl. Santiago G. Colon Jr , 26th MEU

DJIBOUTI, Africa —

Marines with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived on the shores of a Djiboutian beach to scorching temperatures and the site of donkeys, camels and a mountainous landscape to conduct sustainment training at the end of October 2010.

More than 200 Marines with Fox Battery 2/12 arrived on the African beach to perform a six-day training evolution consisting of fire mission exercises for the M777A2 Howitzer and M224 mortar, a machine gun shoot, and other training.

The main goal of the Djibouti exercise for Fox Battery 2/12 was to sharpen combat procedures in a new environment after spending weeks at sea, said Cpl. David C. Sparks, a field radio operator with Fox Battery 2/12.

"This was a good chance to knock the rust off and stretch our legs on land," said Sparks, who added that the ability to perform sustainment training in the open spaces ashore reinforced the Marines' skills. "No matter what we do, we perform as a battery by shooting, moving and communicating."

For Marines with Company L, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th MEU, who arrived to conduct their sustainment training Oct. 27 through Nov. 2, Djibouti was a chance to sharpen combat skills on a larger scale than what is available aboard USS Carter Hall, said 1st Sgt. Troy A. Nicks, Company L first sergeant.

"The main focus of Djibouti was on critical and crucial skill sets at the platoon-level," Nicks said.

While on ship, Marines with Company L rehearsed their tactics as squads and fire teams, Nicks added. The Djiboutian training was a culmination of training aboard ship as an entire company.

During the six-day training evolution, Marines conducted squad and platoon-level events, including patrols through the rugged terrain and mountains, physical training, military classes, an obstacle course, and simulated mechanized raids with Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon.

The terrain and environment provided the Marines a realistic feel to a battlefield they might face in the future, added Nicks.

"The Djibouti training was a win-win for the company as we got some very valuable training time," Nicks said.

Corporal Tristan B. Pursley, a machine gunner with Company L who deployed to Afghanistan in Fall 2008, said the training was invaluable to the present deployment and future possible deployments.

"The mountainous terrain and heat were extremely similar to Afghanistan," said Pursley. "This training environment was the best we have had so far."

The last day of the training evolution Company L held a "beach bash" for the Marines and sailors as a chance to relax after intense training, said Nicks. The bash consisted of grilled hot dogs and a bonfire on the beach.

"During the bash we had a little warrior's class and had veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan talk about their experiences and how their training really benefitted them at specific times," Nicks said.

Their time in Djibouti was not only a successful training opportunity but also a memorable event for Marines with Company L, added Nicks.

"The Marines will always remember Djibouti," said Nicks. "I know I will."

http://www.usmc.mil/unit/26thmeu/Pages/26thMEUDjibouti.aspx

Food on Foot

2010-11-07T08:27:00.010-05:00

Greetings,

Some of the Carter Hall ladies decided to go on the Food on Foot tour

Virginia Beach Food On Foot Tours was established in 2010 to help visitors and local residents find the ultimate food and cultural experience "off the beaten path." We began our research enjoying the delicious foods and diverse atmospheres that existed within the beach.

Our experience has inspired us to create Virginia Beach's finest food tasting and walking tours at the ocean front. The tours begins along the longest pleasure beach in the world listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Virginia Beach Food On Foot Tours offers fun and fascinating walking, food tasting, and discovery tours to people from around the world. We highlight "off the beaten path" establishments that locals frequent and incorporate unique and delicious food tastings. Besides the great food, all attendees learn fun facts about our beach. Our goal at Virginia Beach Food On Foot Tours is for everyone to return to these establishments with confidence and take advantage of the wide range of food and experience that they offer.

The staff at Virginia Beach Food On Foot Tours is proud to share our knowledge and discoveries with you. Let us take you on a 2 1/2 to 3 hour journey that introduces you to the best of the best while opening up a whole new world just waiting to be explored.

http://virginiabeachfoodonfoottours.com/

We had a great time...

Blessings,

Messaging

2010-11-05T13:35:00.001-04:00

Greetings,

I received this message from Harry today...

"Do you want to chat on facebook?"

Coming from Harry this just sounds... well, so odd. I have never heard him use the word "chat".

And facebook is a new phenomenon for him...

But it is kinda sweet and cute... like a date or something.

A facebook chat date.

Out first chat date.

The joys of deployment!

Blessings,

United Through Reading

2010-11-04T23:40:00.003-04:00

Greetings,

Not sure if everyone knows about the United Through Reading Program....

Founded in 1989, United Through Reading is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) public benefit organization.

Our mission is to unite families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud together.

Our vision is that all children will feel the security of caring family relationships and develop a love of reading through the read-aloud experience.

The nationally-acclaimed programs developed by United Through Reading provide opportunities for emotional bonding that relieve the stress of separation and instill a love of reading by providing the opportunity for family members to read aloud to children on DVD. Our programs help bring far-away family members back home for a little while each day, and help turn what might otherwise be tentative, anxious family re-introductions into joyous reunions.

Separation from a parent is one of life’s most stressful events for children, affecting their sense of security, their relationships, and their ability to learn. More than one million American children are separated from one or both parents due to military deployment and nearly double that for children separated from their loved ones due to incarceration, drug treatment, or social services. Still others are separated from their grandparents, and therefore, from generational love and learning

So basically, the sailors make a recorded dvd of themselves reading to their children. Package the dvd and mail it home.

Harry has been coordinating the program for the ship... and the response has been amazing.

Some of the stories just make you want to cry... how some of our little toddlers will reach for the tv screen just to touch their mom or dad.

Harry has read to our niece and nephew... and he even made me one. It makes you want to cry, both happy and sad tears.

If you ever run across this organization or have the opportunity to become involved... I highly recommend it!

Blessings,

Gulf of Aden

2010-11-02T23:34:00.002-04:00

Greetings,

Just thought I would share....

GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 2, 2010) Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) approach the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) after amphibious training in Djibouti. Carter Hall is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristin L. Grover/Released)

Blessings,

Over dressed

2010-11-02T08:17:00.011-04:00

Greetings,

I have been to a few churches where I feel a little overdressed.... remember the Ninja turtle shirt wearing worship leader!

I do not have this problem ... I am currently attending church ....

in my pajama's.

Online LIVE with my home church.

And fluffy UGG slippers!

So I have changed my stance on church attire....

it all depends on the circumstance (and locale)!

Blessings,

Halloween

2010-10-31T08:28:00.014-04:00

Greetings,

Not sure if I have introduced you to our house guest....?

Robby, the Madhatter....

Robby was Harry's RP (religious specialist) in Souda Bay. He is currently in Norfolk processing out of the Navy... and our house guest for the past month and will be for another month. It's a good thing...I was beginning to scare myself with all that murder mystery television.

As for the Madhatter costume, we spent a few days sew and constructing. And whala... I think he looks pretty Mad alright.

Harry and I are not big on Halloween, except for fall festivals... so it was a nice change to get excited with designing and constructing a costume.

Happy Halloween,

Florida

2010-10-29T09:58:00.009-04:00

Greetings,

It's home!

FLORIDA: ü

Blessings,

Car problems

2010-10-28T08:28:00.036-04:00

Greetings,

So Harry's truck is about to get tossed into the nearest river.... so I can buy him / me the Porsche!

Every time I turn around there's something a miss with his truck.

The outside door handle on the driver's side will not open. Fortunately, I can hold down the unlock button on the key fob and the window will automatically lower... allowing me to crawl through the window and open the door from the inside.

That was until the window no longer works. So... I will must always have a fellow passenger (to open the door from the inside for me)... or climb in through the passengers side to open the drivers door or climb into the drivers seat from the passengers side.

Oh and least I not forget the pinkie finger size bolt protruding through the back drivers side tire.

In addition to the door handle problems and the tire... someone has slightly hit / brushed their BLUE vehicle on the back bumper and continues to brush the side of his truck.... little minor scratch but nonetheless damage

Lovely.

By the time Harry returns... there may not be much left in the way of his truck!

Blessings,

Mail Call

2010-10-26T09:27:00.002-04:00

Greetings,

Curious how excited the guys get when it's mail call....

So excited they snap a picture of its arrival...

And it's off loading...

And it's distribution...

And yes... there are several packages from me to Harry in this shipment. I am getting better at this whole military wife shipping packages to her husband on deployment!

Blessings,

Alabama

2010-10-25T09:49:00.009-04:00

Greetings,

Alabama introduced the Mardi Gras to the western world.
Alabama workers built the first rocket to put humans on the moon.
The world's first Electric Trolley System was introduced in Montgomery in 1886.
Montgomery is the capital and the birthplace of the Confederate States of America.
The Confederate flag was designed and first flown in Alabama in 1861.
The town of Enterprise houses the Boll Weevil Monument to acknowledge the role this destructive insect played in encouraging farmers to grow crops other than cotton.
Baseball player Henry Louis (Hank) Aaron was born in Mobile in 1934.
A skeleton of a pre-historic man was found in Russell Cave.
Huntsville is known as the rocket capital of the World.
In 1902 Dr. Luther Leonidas Hill performed the first open heart surgery in the Western Hemisphere by suturing a stab wound in a young boy's heart. The surgery occurred in Montgomery.
In 1995 Heather Whitestone serves as first Miss America chosen with a disability.
The United States Army Chemical Corps Museum in Fort McClellan contains over 4000 chemical warfare artifacts.
The pecan is the Alabama's official nut.
Singer and entertainer Nathaniel Adams (Nat King) Cole was known as the man with the velvet voice. He was born in Montgomery in 1919 and died in 1965.
At the Battle of Mobile Bay Admiral David Farragut issued his famous command, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead." The event occurred on August 5, 1864.

So many more states to go...

Blessings,

Emerging Church

2010-10-24T08:36:00.010-04:00

I am not this traditional, but with the lack of finding a Virginia church... I am taking my cattle and parking them in front of the computer....

Our church from home, Mount Paran Church of God not only has podcast of their sermons.... they now have Sunday morning services LIVE!

Not really the same as going to church, but flying to Atlanta every Sunday is just not possible (how would I herd all my cattle ... and the scrolls may have a problem in airport security)

Blessings,

Anniversary

2010-10-20T18:45:00.015-04:00

Happy Anniversary

I thought we were at the 10 year mark, but that's next year!

Happy 9th!

Love and Miss you!

Shrubs

2010-10-18T19:11:00.011-04:00

Greetings,

No fears... I scared a few people (Harry)... but I do have a few low maintenance plants to place in the now barren yard.

It's just... that I am in NO hurry to plant them.

Peabody does not mind the new landscaping....

I think she prefers the loose soil... it's easier to dig in.

Blessings,

Too busy

2010-10-17T19:13:00.001-04:00

Greetings,

How do you know when life has changed gears

and the pace seems to be speeding out of control....

...

and there's too much to do

...

and simply not enough time?

...

When your blogging is consistently 2 weeks behind.

I could promise that things will "get back to normal", but I am not so sure of that here lately.

Harry... I think it's time for you to come home now!

Blessings,

Change of Color

2010-10-16T18:52:00.015-04:00

Greetings,

With the change in temperature... working outside is somewhat pleasant.

For six months, the baby blue color has assaulted my sight every time I walk out the front door.

So I decided to go ahead and paint the front porch.

It took a while to clean all the dirt and grime...

Let's see what grey squirrel looks like...

This might take a little longer than what I thought!

Blessings,

No more weeds

2010-10-14T21:50:00.013-04:00

Greetings,

Have you ever used a weed eater to mow a small lawn?

Well, I have.

And I have to say.... I am not sure I will ever do it again. My arms felt like they were going to vibrate off once I finished with that silly machine. My hands ache. My back is sore. And I think I have the beginnings of a sinus infection.

My solution for never having to weed eat again....

That's right... it's all gone!

Bare... until I have a retaining wall built, top soil delivered, and low maintenance shrubs planted.

Blessings,

Hard at Work

2010-10-13T09:47:00.006-04:00

USS Carter Hall Sailors Participate In Bahrain Community Relations Projects

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) Sailors participated in three community relations (COMREL) projects between Oct. 3-8, while in Bahrain.

The Sailors performed the projects at the Regional Institute for Active Learning Centre, the Bahrain Mobility Institute and the American Cultural and Education Center.

The COMREL projects gave the Sailors the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the local culture while doing something beneficial for others.

"COMRELs give our Sailors a great opportunity to interact with the local population and learn something." said Lt. Harry Hansen, USS Carter Hall command chaplain. "At the same time, the experience of helping others allows them to grow as individuals."

Sailors worked with autistic children, painted walls, played wheelchair basketball and spoke about American culture during their visit to Bahrain.

Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Stephanie Madrigal said she enjoyed taking part in Carter Hall's COMREL projects during Operation Unified Response in Haiti earlier in the year, and was eager to volunteer again.

"It is such a valuable and eye opening experience for us and for the children," said Madrigal. "We get the chance to learn about each other and have fun at the same time. Through certain activities, like wheelchair basketball, we are able to communicate without even using words."

"These events promote a good name for the ship and Navy," said Hansen. "They enable us to show human kindness to our partner nations and develop the relationships necessary to work together in cooperation."

Lt. Cmdr. Marc Massie, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command deputy chaplain, said people in the local area enjoy when Sailors volunteer to help out and look forward to their visits.

"We have had an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community," Massie said. "We try to do projects where Sailors can sit down and talk to the people, because our primary goal is building relationships."

Massie is in charge of scheduling COMREL projects for service members aboard U.S. Naval Activity Bahrain as well as for visiting ships.

"It's something that I really wish everyone would get involved in," Massie said. "Any time you build friendships and relationships there are benefits, but this is a long-term project. What you do now may just be a small thing, but down the road it can make things better for the future."

USS Carter Hall is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group which is deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristin L. Grover, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56556

10/10/10

2010-10-10T10:50:00.011-04:00

Greetings,

I thought that date looks kind of cool today

10 / 10 / 10.

So on 10 / 10 / 10... I am tackling the weed eater.

I have never used one before.... Harry always mows the lawn.

The lawn has become a thick jungle of weeds and shrubs. I feel like some female version of Indian Jones as I try to navigate the scary forest of bugs and mosquitoes.

Feels rewarding to be able to do something for the first time...

Although, I think Malaria has set in from all the mosquito bites and I am sure that I did not have this itchy rash before I started this little adventure....

I need to google poison ivy!

Hop you have a blessed 10 / 10 / 10,

GEORIGIA

2010-10-09T09:50:00.016-04:00

Greetings,

While passing through the great state of Georgia...

home of one of our mortgages (I love that house and want to move back almost daily)

and

Birthplace of Oliver!

Okefenokee Swamp encompasses over 400,000 acres of canals; moss draped cypress trees, and lily pad prairies providing sanctuaries for hundreds of species of birds and wildlife including several endangered species.

Historic Saint Marys Georgia is the second oldest city in the nation.

The City of Savanna was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic.
It sailed from Georgia.

The pirate Edward "Blackbeard" Teach made a home on Blackbeard Island. The United States Congress designated the Blackbeard Island Wilderness Area in 1975 and it now has a total of 3,000 acres.

On January 19, 1861, Georgia joined the Confederacy.

In Gainesville, the Chicken Capital of the World it is illegal to eat chicken with a fork.

Georgia was named for King George II of England.

Stone Mountain near Atlanta is one of the largest single masses of exposed granite in the world.

Georgia is the nations number one producer of the three Ps--peanuts, pecans, and peaches.

Each year Georgia serves as a host to the International Poultry Trade Show, the largest poultry convention in the world.

The oldest portable steam engine in the United States is on display at Historic Railroad Shops in Savannah.

Known as the sweetest onion in the world, the Vidalia onion can only be grown in the fields around Vidalia and Glennville

Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River.

Georgia's population in 1776 was around 40,000.

Cordele claims to be the watermelon capital of the world.

The annual Masters Golf Tournament is played at the Augusta National in Augusta every first week of April.

Georgia is often called the Empire State of the South and is also known as the Peach State and Cracker State.

In 1828 Auraria, near the city of Dahlongea, was the site of the first Gold Rush in America.

Coca-Cola was invented in May 1886 by Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia. The name "Coca-Cola" was suggested by Dr. Pemberton's bookkeeper, Frank Robinson. He penned the name Coca-Cola in the flowing script that is famous today. Coca-Cola was first sold at a soda fountain in Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta by Willis Venable.

Berry College in Rome has the world's largest college campus.

The Little White House in Warm Springs was the recuperative home of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In 1942 Jekyll Island was a private resort sold to the state by the owners, a group of millionaires.

The popular theme park - Six Flags Over Georgia, was actually named for six flags that flew over Georgia. England, Spain, Liberty, Georgia, Confederate States of America, and the United States.

Chickamuga National Park is the site of the bloodiest battle in American history.

Plains is the home of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President.

The figures of Stonewall Jackson, Jefferson Davis, and Robert E. Lee make up the world's largest sculpture. It is located on the face of Stone Mountain. Additionally Robert E. Lee's horse, Traveler, is also carved at the same place.

The world's largest Infantry training center is located at Fort Benning.

The largest Farmer's Market of its kind is located in Forest Park.

Wesleyan College in Macon was the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women.

Madison is known for its beautiful antebellum homes spared during Sherman's fiery march to the sea.

Athens is the location of the first university chartered and supported by state funds.

GEORGIA: ü

Birthday Boy

2010-10-07T08:05:00.009-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HARRY

We love and miss you!

Not really sure how to celebrate your birthday without you.... but we are going to try!

Another 2 inches....

2010-10-05T11:00:00.003-04:00

Greetings,

I have pumped and pumped nasty river water from the basement til I am sick of it...

Everyday the sump pump runs until almost all the water is gone....

then overnight.... the tide rolls in and when I wake...

there is another 2 inches in the basement.

We are going on 5 days of this now....

I am sick and tired of the house smelling like moldy, mildew, river rats.

Yuck!

Days like today... I REALLY wish Harry were here.

Blessings,

Fraidy cat

2010-10-03T08:35:00.009-04:00

Greetings,

Fraidy cat is a slang term for a person who is very skittish or fearful.

And that's me here lately.

I'm not sure if it's because Harry is deployed ... he has been gone before.

It could be the new house... it's old and a little scary.

Or possibly... it could be all the murder mystery shows I watch before bedtime.

Maybe, I should hold off on all the CSI, Law & Order, and Dexter until Harry gets back....?

Blessings,

Under water

2010-10-02T11:05:00.005-04:00

Greetings,

After 3 days of straight rain...

there's 6 inches of water in the basement.

Nothing like waking up to the musty smell of river water in your basement.

Time to get pumping!

TS Nicole

2010-10-01T08:03:00.003-04:00

It happened again.....

The East Coast is welcoming another tropical storm... Nicole.

Great, there goes our basement!

Blessings,

South Carolina

2010-09-30T13:44:00.006-04:00

Greetings,

On to South Carolina...

and the home of some of the best outlet malls along Interstate 85...

Campbell's Covered Bridge built in 1909, is the only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. Off Hwy 14 near Gowensville.

The salamander was given the honor of official state amphibian.

The walls of the American fort on Sullivan Island, in Charleston Harbor, were made of spongy Palmetto logs. This was helpful in protecting the fort because the British cannonballs bounced off the logs.

The City of Myrtle Beach is in the center of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile crescent of beach on the South Carolina coast.

South Carolina entered the Union on May 23, 1788 and became the 8th state.

The state dance of South Carolina is the Shag!

The first battle of the Civil War took place at Fort Sumter.

South Carolina is the nation's leading peach producer and shipper east of the Mississippi River.

Sumter has the largest Gingko farm in the world.

The Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel was started in 1856 by a railroad company and is bored for more than a mile into the granite heart of fabled Stumphouse Mountain.

Tyler Brothers Work Shoe and Boot Company in Wagener produces 8 major brands of OSHA approved safety footwear, including such famous brands as Redwing, Georgia, Northlake, and Wolverine.

The first boll weevil found in South Carolina is on display at the Pendleton District Agricultural Museum.

The Lake City tobacco market was established in 1898, and has grown to become one of the two largest markets in South Carolina today.

Sweetgrass basket making has been a part of the Mount Pleasant community for more than 300 years. Basket making is a traditional art form that has been passed on from generation to generation.

Bomb Island on Lake Murray each spring and summer is the home of a very unusual event. Each year thousands of Purple Martins return to this island to roost for the summer. The island has been declared a bird sanctuary and it is quite a sight to watch these birds return to Bomb Island each day around sunset.

In February 1852 William Burkhalter Dorn discovered the second richest vein of gold in SC history on the site of the present town of McCormick.

The introduction of tobacco in 1894 rocketed Mullins into the Tobacco Capital of South Carolina. As many as 200 tobacco barns sprang up throughout the community. Warehouses were also constructed and the first tobacco sale took place on August 28, 1895.

Housed in a 100-year-old freight depot, the Cowpens museum is a showplace for relics belonging to the crew of the USS Cowpens, a famous World War II aircraft carrier.

On Nov 2, 1954 Strom Thurmond became the first US senator elected by write-in vote.

SOUTH CARLOINA: ü

3 states down... 47 to go!

Blessings,

Fall clothes

2010-09-29T08:06:00.005-04:00

Greetings,

It dawned on me as I was lugging down winter clothes from the attic...

1. I wish Harry were here ... he does all the heavy lifting and carrying.

2. Harry will not need fall clothes.

or winter clothes for that matter.

He's not coming back until it's warm and sunny again.

It may be a long cold winter!

Blessings,

North Carolina

2010-09-28T13:30:00.016-04:00

Greetings,

So a few interesting facts about North Carolina. I have highlighted my favorite or most bizarre trivia fact.

The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is the oldest State University in the United States.

In 1903 the Wright Brothers made the first successful powered flight by man at Kill Devil Hill near Kitty Hawk. The Wright Memorial at Kitty Hawks now commemorates their achievement.

High Point is known as the Furniture Capital of the World.

Known as "Fish Town" in the early 1700's when Blackbeard frequented the coast, "Beaufort Town" was established as a seaport with the right to collect customs, in 1722.

The Outer Banks of NC hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Whitewater Falls in Transylvania County is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States.

Cape Hatteras is the largest lighthouse ever to be moved due to erosion problems.

Havelock is home of Marine Base "Cherry Point." It is the largest air base in the Marine Corps.

North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the nation.

Mount Mitchell in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It towers 6,684 feet above sea level.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut was founded in Winston-Salem.

The Venus Fly-Trap is native to Hampstead.

The Biltmore Estate in Ashville is America's largest home, and includes a 255-room chateau, an award-winning winery and extensive gardens.

The first English child born in America was born in Roanoke in 1587. Her name was Virginia Dare.

Fontana Dam is the tallest dam in the Eastern United States, at 480 feet high.

Pepsi was invented and first served in New Bern in 1898.

Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in Fayetteville on March 7, 1914.

NORTH CARLOINA: ü

2 states down... 48 more to go.

Blessings,

Stocked Up...

2010-09-26T13:26:00.027-04:00

Greetings,

Just so you guys do not revoke my navy spouse status...

I did send with Harry (before deployment) an entire year's worth of supplies.

My thinking: easier and cheaper to send it all with him instead of mailing it to him along and along!

Enough toothpaste, deodorant, razor blades, and dental floss....

A small convenient store stocked with various snacks...

Enough t-shorts and boxers...

Enough contact solution, mouth wash, shaving cream...

Enough body wash, soap, and shampoo...

Enough snacks and candy to be a mini Costco...

enough... for the entire deployment.

That should count for something... right?

Blessings,

Mail Call

2010-09-24T11:04:00.017-04:00

Greetings,

Harry's ship had mail call for the first time.

And in his little mail bag....

was nothing.

Yes, I am a horrible Navy wife.

I have sent several letters and a small package, but nothing had arrived.

I did not know that I should have sent out packages ... like the first week of the deployment.

I just simple did not think!

So now I feel really bad....

and have bought several boxes of pure junk... just so my husband will have packages for mail call.

I feel horrible.

Blessings,

Pizza Friday

2010-09-22T08:23:00.003-04:00

Greetings,

The Wardroom made pizzas for the entire ship...

Harry never cooks like that home!

Blessings,

Wedding

2010-09-18T21:42:00.005-04:00

Greetings,

Here is a nice (except my mouth) shot of us ladies at the wedding.

It's me, my sister Kasey, my mom, and my grandmother. Not sure why we were all dressed in black for my aunt (mom's sister's) wedding...?

Congrats Rachel and Jim... we love you. And Harry is sorry he is deployed and cannot officiate the wedding.

Blessings,

Southeast State Mark-off

2010-09-17T21:40:00.006-04:00

Greetings,

From Virginia to North Carolina... made it without a speeding violation this time.

From North Carolina to South Carolina.... only a few bathroom stops for Miss Peabody.

Into South Carolina we had to stop a few times... those dreaded Outlet Malls.

Then into Georgia... think we are staying the night here, dropping off the cat, and hopefully getting a much needed hair cut!

Off again tomorrow... Alabama and Florida here we come.

Blessings,

Road trip

2010-09-16T11:03:00.018-04:00

Greetings,

We... Miss Peabody, Oliver the cat and I, are packed, but not so ready for the 14+ hour ride to Florida.

It will Miss Peabody's first road trip and I am not sure if she is going to like it very much....?

For Oliver... the answer is an emphatic: NO.

As for me... these are the days when I miss ol' Harry. The 6 or 7 trips to the car with all our luggage and necessities. The wrangling of pets to situate them comfortably in the car. And of course the numerous hours behind the wheel with only the cat and dog to talk to.

Although, I am sure I will make better timing without his never ceasing coffee/ then bathroom breaks... and I guess I really cannot complain about my own driving either.

Not sure if i am looking forward to this road trip or not..?

We will see...
At least I can mark off a few states!

Blessings,

tv

2010-09-15T09:03:00.020-04:00

Greetings,

Remember this television the Greek movers packed in a cardboard box instead of crating in a wood box.

Well, ever since we unpacked the television it has been making this odd humming noise.

It hums all the time... even when the t.v. is off.

Well, that annoying humming sound is no longer getting on my nerves.

Because the t.v. just died.

It does not hum.
It does not power on.

It just stares at me blankly.

Just Great.

It's our bedroom t.v. and although it is suggested that televisions in the bedroom are hazardous to relationships... I am a t.v. sleeper. I need the constant white noise to sleep. I need the light. I am a fraidie cat and need the t.v. for a peaceful sleep. Yelp, I know it's odd.

SO I am a little frustrated ....

Do you repair t.v.'s anymore... or just buy a new one?

Blessings,

Washington D.C.

2010-09-14T10:08:00.025-04:00

Greetings,

Why not start my 50 State deployment goal off with the Capital right...?

Technically Washington DC is not a state... (I know this)

but it is the capital ... and one of my favorite places stateside.

Just some FYI:

Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed the city of Washington, D.C. in 1791 - the first American city to be planned. It is also known as District of Columbia.

Virginia and Maryland donated some part of their land to Washington, D.C. Later, the Virginian portion of the land was given back to Virginia.

The city of Washington, D.C. was named after George Washington and the District was named in memory of Christopher Columbus.

George Washington laid the first cornerstone of the Capitol building in 1793.

The design of the national flag of US was copied from George Washington’s family coat of arms. … I did not know they had their own flag…?

In 1800, the Government Headquarters of the USA is shifted to Washington, D.C. The Congress grants the first municipal charter of the City of Washington in 1802.

On March 29, 1961, residents of Washington were given the right to vote in presidential elections.

In 1992, the House of Representatives approved the statehood of Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON DC: ü

1 State and the Capital down....

49 more to go.

Blessings,

Time Management Issues

2010-09-13T21:43:00.002-04:00

Greetings,

I have been a little behind....

with guests and a pending road trip....

Time management and I have not seen eye-to-eye.

I will get back on track.

I promise!

While I am stressing....

Harry looks as if he is having too good of a time to be on deployment:

Blessings,

Sleeping accommodation

2010-09-12T14:48:00.002-04:00

Greetings,

Just thought I would share Harry's new sleeping accommodations....

a little different from our last cruise...

Hope you have a good night's rest Harry.

Blessings,

They Have each Other

2010-09-11T14:42:00.010-04:00

Greetings,

Oliver the independent cat...

that NEVER likes the dog....

was found sleeping beside her on HER sofa sleeping spot.

Seriously, they were touching.

The closet contact Oliver gives Miss Peabody is when he is smacking her with his paw (claw-less paw).

I guess these guys are missing Harry too.

Blessings,

The Good-byes

2010-09-09T10:51:00.009-04:00

Greetings,

Here are a few pictures from Deployment day...

At this point..... it got sad!

And then there was none...

I have so much to say, but it may take a while.

I think I am still processing the good-byes.

If I stay busy... just enough... maybe I will not notive that my husband is gone...?

Blessings,

Deployment diet

2010-09-07T08:03:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

Just a quick question....

What are your eating habits while your spouse is away...?

Mine consist of pop-tarts, popcorn, and cereal.

For breakfast.... with a cold glass of Diet Mountain Dew

For lunch..... followed by a cold can of Diet Mountain Dew

Then for my just before bed meal....

Seeings how, after the bowl of cereal I want to go to bed... I refrain from the Diet Mountain Dew...

I have a Diet Coke instead.

Not sure what my dietary nutritional daily intake is... or what I am lacking.

But for now.... it works! And this diet does not require a lot of dish washing!

Blessings,

DC visit

2010-09-04T11:24:00.011-04:00

Greetings,

Although Washington DC is not a state, but it is the capital of our country... The Barker's and I decided to evacuate from the hurricane (not really, it just sounded cool) and head North.

My blogging has been a little behind...

so I will have to post DC pictures later this week!

Blessings,

I think we had a hurricane...?

2010-09-03T10:01:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

Earl is headed our way...

I think...?

It's a good thing we are evacuating to Washington D.C.

Blessings,

The Map

2010-08-30T12:18:00.023-04:00

Greetings,

So I have decided on one of my deployment ideas / goals...

I want to visit all 50 states while Harry is deployed.

All 50.

Let the state hopping begin...

VIRGINIA: ü

1 Down... 49 to go.

Blessings,

The Barkers

2010-08-29T23:15:00.001-04:00

Greetings,

Even though it seems I have been MIA since Harry went away... I have been here.

With The Barker's!

The Barker's do not always dress like this... only at last year's Fall Festival in Greece. But it would be funny if they did!

So The Barker's came to visit The Hansen's, but now it's minus Harry.... so we are going to have a great time (with or without Harry) he keeps calling to see if we are having fun without him.

And we are!

On the schedule... Virginia entertainment with a road trip to DC.

Whooah!

I love me some DC.

So do not fret... I am here... not pouting in my room. Or sulking in front of the t.v.. I am being comforted by my Grecian visitors and lots of shopping.

Blessings,

And so it begins

2010-08-28T08:22:00.002-04:00

So it has begun...

D E P L O Y M E N T

Day 1.

Blessings,

MilSpouse #10 Fill-in

2010-08-27T14:25:00.000-04:00

· What secret indulgence do you act on while your spouse is away? (from Devil Dog Darling)

I do not clean or do laundry on a daily basis… only when people are coming over … then I run around like crazy trying to clean up everything. I only do laundry when I need clean clothes, which is not often (I have a lot of clothes)

· If you were a spice, what would you be? (from New Girl On Post)

coriander, cumin, fenugreek and turmeric = CURRY

· Where do you go for support when your significant other is deployed? (from T exas Meets Washington)

I choose to stay at home it’s where I am most comfortable.

· What is the oldest thing you own? (from A Troop’s Girl)

Our “new” house… it’s almost 100 years old

· How did you vision your future pre-military? (from Daddy’s Duty)

Never really thought about it…. And no need to now!

This morning I waved good-bye to Harry's deploying ship.... so keep the USS Carter Hall in your thoughts and prayers as we figure out life without our significant others for the next 9 + months.

Blessings,

Fair Winds and Followings Seas

2010-08-27T12:13:00.008-04:00

The traditional farewell (or toast) of a mariner is wishing a friend "fair winds and following seas." The full version is "Fair winds and following seas and long may your big jib draw!" "We bid shipmates farewell with this naval blessing because it represents the ideal underway conditions for which Sailors yearn."

'Following sea' refers to a sea swell that doesn't overtake the ship. It is very difficult to control any boat or ship when the swell overtakes it and shoves it forward, causing the boat to skew broadside-on to the wind and swell. Boats often capsize under such conditions.

The phrase may also be considered a Naval blessing as the person, group, or thing to which it is said departs on a voyage in life. It is often used at a "beginning" ceremony such as a commissioning ceremony of a ship or people, as well as in retirement, change of command, or farewell ceremonies.

And they're off... for a very long time! My thoughts are kinda jumbled right now... so I will post more about the Big D (deployment) when the realization of Harry being gone over 9 months sets in...

Blessings,

Deployment ideas

2010-08-24T08:14:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

Okay...

I need some ideas as to what I am going to do while he is away!

So let the ideas flow...

Please remember who you are addressing..

i.e....

I will NEVER run a marathon!

I will NEVER even attempt to train for a marathon... not even the slightest possibility!

I need normal ideas...

like

Take a class... (in what)

Lose 10 pounds (as if)

and that's where I draw a blank! I thought I had another moth to figure out what I wanted to do while Harry is away.

I need ideas / goals that I can actually attain...

So send them my way!

Blessings,

Award

2010-08-22T08:55:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

Here's Harry receiving his AirForce Achievement Medal.

It may seem strange for a Navy guy to recieve an Airforce medal... in Greece, Harry was the Chaplain for a few Airforce folks at a base in Northern Greece.

Congrats Harry!

Blessings,

And he's home again

2010-08-21T22:06:00.001-04:00

Greetings,

Harry made it back today, but this is it.... his last few days at home!

We headed to the movies... Inception.

I guess if we carry on as usual it does not feel so real that in a few days he will be gone!

Or maybe this is all a dream (Inception joke)

Blessings,

Friday Fill-in

2010-08-20T07:01:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

This week I have decided to participate in the military spouse Friday Fill-in

So here are this weeks questions ...

· If you could be a fugitive from the law for whatever reason, what would your crime be?

Obviously, from my crimes earlier this week… Hit and Run

· How long do you think you will be a military family?

Until Harry retires or I get him fired!

· What’s your favorite recipe?

Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies.

· What would you want your last five words to be when you leave this life?

Should have washed my hair?

· Where do you hope to retire?

Sunny Florida

Look forward to next Fridays Fill-In

Blessings,

A Minor accident

2010-08-18T21:35:00.031-04:00

Greetings,

"They" say everything goes wrong when the "men" leave.... well

During an unexpected torrential rainfall that flooded the streets of Norfolk, I had a little accident.

A guy was running through the crosswalk, there were moving trucks obstructing my sight line...

so as I slowed to make a right hand turn... out of the corner of my eye I spot the guy for the first time....he had his head lowered against the wind and rain and I assume never saw me.

I slammed on the brakes... slide up to the intersection...

and WHAM!

I hit him...

I hit him in the front of the truck and it rolled him up onto the hood. (Oddly, just like in the movies... it was surreal)

Before I knew it... he was plastered on the hood of Harry's truck.

I was in shock!

I just sat there in the middle of the intersection!

And the crazy thing is....

the guy rolled off and ran away.

Without ever looking back at me.

He just kept running...

I pulled over and tried to figure out what to do next.... call the cops ... try to find the guy..?

I was in shock!

I think I am still in shock.

I hope and pray the guy is okay. I wish he would have at least stopped running so that I could see if there was anything hurt or broken with him .

I have never ran over some one before... and I hope I never do it again!

The craziest things happen to us... who hits someone then has that someone just run away. It felt like it was all a dream or something...

Support for Pakistan

2010-08-18T18:16:00.002-04:00

26th MEU to support Pakistan relief efforts

More than 2,000 Marines and sailors from Camp Lejeune’s 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit received orders to deploy a month ahead of schedule this week in order to bring aid to the monsoon-flooded nation of Pakistan.

Late Thursday night, unit officials announced that the MEU would deploy with the three ships of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group later this month to bring humanitarian aid and assistance to Pakistan.

Monsoon rains at the beginning of this month brought rising floodwaters that have killed more than 1,600 and threatened tens of thousands more with waterborne disease. In addition to $71 million pledged in emergency assistance, the United States has so far provided aid in the form of elements of Camp Pendleton’s 15th MEU, including CH-53E Super Stallion and CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters.

The 26th MEU, which returned from its most recent deployment last March, was scheduled to deploy at the end of September, unit spokesman Capt. Richard Ulsh said. On Wednesday, Marines and their family members were informed about the change in schedule.

The Kearsarge ARG includes the U.S.S. Kearsarge, U.S.S. Carter Hall, and U.S.S. Ponce. Elements of the MEU include Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Combat Logistics Battalion 26 and an Osprey squadron, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (reinforced).

Lejeune’s 24th MEU, which returned home from a seven-month deployment this week, were the first to use Ospreys in a humanitarian mission in February when it deployed to Haiti in the wake of a devastating earthquake.

Ulsh said that there were no current plans to bring additional equipment or troops to assist with flooding relief.

This won’t be the first time that the MEU has come to the aid of flood victims. In June 2008, while completing an urban training exercise in Indiana, troops from the unit rushed to the aid of local rescue workers when parts of the state flooded with up to 11 inches of water, providing Sea Knight helicopters for equipment evacuation and documenting the storm damage.

“The 26th MEU is anxious to provide the much needed assistance to the government of Pakistan,” Ulsh said. “More importantly, we know we can bring some reprieve to the Pakistani people and look forward to doing that as soon as possible.”

With a quarter of the country affected by the flooding, Pakistani and UN officials fear the toll that waterborne diseases, including acute diarrhea, malaria and skin ailments, may take on the population.

The MEU’s commanding officer, Col. Mark Desens, said that the unit was up to the task.

“This is an opportunity for 26th MEU Marines and sailors to help a key partner nation,” he said. “We have a versatile and flexible force that we will use to alleviate suffering of the Pakistani citizens affected by this disaster.”

A spokesman for Headquarters Marine Corps told The Daily News he was not aware of current plans to send additional Marine units to the country.

http://www.jdnews.com/news/26th-81507-support-efforts.html

It's officially out...

2010-08-17T10:55:00.002-04:00

From the Department of Defense

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense announced Aug. 13 the deployment of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSG ARG) and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU).

The combined Navy and Marine Corps team will leave later this month to bring significant heavy- and medium-lift aircraft and other assets to support flood relief efforts in Pakistan. The Kearsarge ARG/26th MEU's capabilities will allow sailors and Marines to provide food, water, transportation, and other support, in partnership with their military, to those in need.

The KSG ARG is comprised of commander, Amphibious Squadron FOUR (CPR-4), the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall and the amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce.

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=55326

We were gearing for a late September early October deployment.... needless to say Harry will be leaving a lot sooner!

Please keep these guys and gals in your prayers as they prepare to leave!

Blessings,

Where's Waldo...

2010-08-16T21:34:00.001-04:00

Greetings,

That's how I feel with Harry right now...

He's here.. then he's gone.

Then the ship roles back in and with a sea of people... I must find him again.

Then he leaves... again.

Then unexpectedly... he returns and I must find Waldo again.

Only my Waldo wears the same exact attire as a few 100 other folks, which makes it a little difficult to spot him in the crowd.

Maybe if he dressed a little more like the Real Waldo.... I could find him easier!

Blessings,

Not so Fast...

2010-08-16T15:37:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

Well...

he's gone again!

And I am not sure when he is coming back...?

Just keep us in your prayers as we navigate the waters of uncertainty... and a rapidly approaching (as in way sooner than expected) deployment!

Blessings,

Scheduling

2010-08-15T16:28:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

Not sure what kind of schedule we are on but...

He's back...

for now.

Blessings,

All is cool again

2010-08-13T06:04:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

Finally...

air conditioning again!

I can deflate the air mattress and move back upstairs to the bedroom. At least we had downstairs air conditioning. By the time the technician came the upstairs thermostat read 91 degrees.

It has been unbearably hot!

Blessings,

Ah, sneaky sneaky...

2010-08-13T00:08:00.000-04:00

Ah Navy....

you sneaky sneaky bugger you....

More to come when OPSEC allows.

For now... just know the Hansen Household just got turned upside down!

Blessings,

Deployment etiquette

2010-08-12T10:06:00.007-04:00

Greetings,

TO ALL Military Spouses...

I have a few questions...

Is there some form of military deployment etiquette?

For example:

While on deployment:

1. Is it bad form to put away (store for the several months) your husband giant / in the way / takes up too much counter space / messy coffee pot?

2. Toss out his new tooth brush because by the time he returns it will be old?

3. Change his preset radio settings to yours?

4. Cancel the Golf channel on the cable line up?

5. Remove his Favorites bar on the computer? Again with the golf ... and Bloomberg ticker!

6. Rummage through his old clothing and toss out the "out of date" stuff?

7. Take the closet space for yourself now that there's more room?

and last but not least...

8. Sell his truck and buy a Porsche?

Just wondering if there is a proper etiquette for handling such matters?

Blessings,

Check

2010-08-11T09:14:00.005-04:00

For deploying families....

Are you're affairs in order?

Deployment Checklist

General

Attend mobilization meetings and take notes
Know the exact name of unit
Know the names and ranks of chain of command
Have a copy of your service member's orders
Know service member's travel itinerary
Know service member's full name, social security number, and complete military address
Have emergency plans in place

Your Finances

Plan ahead
Discuss what and when bills are due, where receipts are kept, etc.
Have enough saved
Create family budget

Around the House

Extra set of car keys
List of repair persons to call
Location of utility (water/electricity/gas) shut off valves
Know your neighbors

Family Matters

Child care plan
Elder care plan
Emergency plan for pets

Legal Affairs

Have Will
Have Power of Attorney
Have Military I.D.

Communications

Pre-addressed, stamped post cards, pens
Seek counseling if necessary

Red Cross

Know how to contact your local American Red Cross
Know name of local Red Cross
Know address of local Red Cross
Know telephone numbers

Duty hours
After-duty hours

Please note...

the check marks are not things I have accomplished, but marks that came with the form.

My list is less than 25% completed. I am such a role model...

Blessings,

Record Heat

2010-08-10T09:49:00.008-04:00

Greetings,

Sunday 7pm EDT

Record highs fell again on Sunday afternoon. Some of the cities setting records include: Washington (Dulles) 98, Richmond 105, Norfolk 105 (ties yesterday's all-time record!), Charlotte 101, Raleigh 102, and Atlantic City 99.

In addition, Norfolk, VA tied its all-time record high (105) Saturday, set back in August 7, 1918. In Richmond, Saturday was their hottest day in 33 years, tying their all-time July record high.

Major heat will continue its grip on portions of the South, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic States.

High temperatures are running 5 to 15 degrees above average, which during the middle of summer puts the heat into the dangerous category.

AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED TO US....

Saturday night... our upstairs air conditioning unit died!

It's always something! I am told everything happens when the guys are deployed!

And in the Hansen household... I would expect no different!

Blessings,

Jealousy has set in...

2010-08-10T09:12:00.005-04:00

Greetings,

I am a tiny bit envious of Harry's view...

I think it's time for a vacation...

in the form of a cruise!

Blessings,

And They're gone again

2010-08-09T08:12:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

During work ups... it does not take long...

before the are gone again!

What to do now...?

Blessings,

Don't drink the water

2010-08-07T09:49:00.029-04:00

Greetings,

Remember the Koi fish pond ... and how Harry killed all the fish but two

and

the loud noisy frogs that took up residence in the same said pond.

Well... for months now I was hoping / praying the 2 remaining fish would unfortunately take a turn for the worse and take up residence in the big "ocean" up in the sky.

No can do... they have hung on...

And the frogs... well I let the cat out for a bit... hoping to scare off any strays that have taken up residence around the pond. Oliver pulled through for me.... he had successfully rid the pond of those slimy, loud, inappropriate behavior frogs!

Today, I decided to do a little pruning....

and find this:

the ugliest Koi pond ever...

VERY healthy Koi

and to my astonishment...

I found this:

A baby...

and then these little buggers came swimming by...

2 more bigger babies swimming by....

ARGH... they are multiplying!

Just when I thought it could not get any worse....

upon further examination...

Can you see them?

baby tadpoles!

Hundreds of them!

Everywhere!

ARGH!

We have a very fertile Koi pond....

Blessings,

MilSpouse Fridays

2010-08-06T08:10:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

I am participating in MilSpouse Friday fill-ins...

This week’s questions are:

1. What is something you wished you’d learned to do earlier in life?

Any and every thing domesticated… life would have been a little easier and cheaper if I had learned to cook , launder clothing properly, automotive maintenance, lawn care. Trying to teach this ole dog new tricks at 30+ is downright discouraging!

2. What is your biggest pet peeve with the military?

Tri-Care… and it’s intricate weaving of information … one must don the hat and whip of Indiana Jones to navigate and complete a simple task

3. What tourist attraction near you have you never seen?

All of them… I keep saying we are “new” to the area, but we have been here over 4 months now. Home improvements have been on the forefront and do not leave much time or resources for gallivanting around town.

**I am so ready to gallivant around town again!**

4. What are you avoiding doing right now?

Finishing my last semester of a Master’s… urgh.

Home improvements…. Too many.

Yard work…. Overgrown jungle outside.

Unpacking the remaining boxes from our Greece shipment… almost time to pack out again!

5. Wine, beer or liquor?

Most Chaplains and their wives do not drink… depending on their denomination

however, for this milspouse blog post I will participate…

#1 requires a various partaking of all three libations…

cooking: wine

laundering: wine

lawn care: cold beer

#2 tri-care navigating starts with a mellowing glass of wine and by the end leads to a highball glass full of hard liquor

#3 none… need to be completely sober when working on the house… nothing worse than a paint job from an unsteady hand!

#4 requires all… not at the same time, but definitely consecutively!

It’s been fun … look forward to seeing you next week!

Blessings,

Showers

2010-08-03T11:01:00.002-04:00

Greetings,

And I am not referring to the constant everyday summer rain shower we have been getting (which I love).

But I am hosting 2 showers this month....

a wedding shower in Florida

and a baby shower in North Carolina

So I need your help / advice...

Do people play those game thingys at showers nowadays?

I was never one to want to play games... and I have been out of the loop/ country ... so I am a little behind.

If games are still "in".... what games?

Please help...

FRG

2010-08-01T09:35:00.002-04:00

Greetings,

I have started working with the USS Carter Hall's FRG... so for those non-military folks I wanted to let you know what the FRG is...

Family Readiness Groups (formerly family support or spouse support groups) are command sponsored organizations that consist of volunteers such as spouses of service members. The purpose of an FRG is to plan and conduct social, informational, and morale building activities to enhance family readiness and enable the Navy family to meet the challenges of the military lifestyle.

There are so many acronyms for the military! Every time I think I know a few... we change locations or departments.

Blessings,

Hello Carter Hall

2010-07-30T07:45:00.005-04:00

Greetings,

They are back...

A little early.

Hard to see them with the fence... and sign, but they are back...

for a little while at least!

For a very short while...

Blessings,

Gas Fire

2010-07-28T07:23:00.012-04:00

Greetings,

Just giving you an update....

Remember the lightening strike I was talking about...

Well, it struck less than 2 BLOCKS from where we were walking...

LESS THAN 2 BLOCKS!

NORFOLK

A tree caught fire in the block of Mayflower Road during a thunderstorm Sunday, and a ruptured gas line fed the blaze.

Thunder rattled the Colonial Place neighborhood shortly after 11 p.m., and soon after the fire sparked, the smell of gas was prevalent. Battalion Chief Harry Worley said it appeared the storm was to blame for the fire and underground gas line rupture.

Norfolk Fire-Rescue evacuated residents in two homes and protected someone in a third home while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

Firefighters weren’t going to extinguish the flames until the gas line could be safely turned off by Virginia Natural Gas, Worley said.

A representative from Virginia Natural Gas was on the scene by about 12:30 a.m., but Norfolk crews had to continue to contain the blaze until more gas line workers could get to the neighborhood to dig around the broken gas line and pinch it off.

The fire was called under control at 1:24 a.m.

Crews continued to work at the scene, and the evacuated residents were allowed back in their homes.

Gas company crews returned to the scene this morning.

We almost died!

Blessings,