An Officer and a Nurse

A New Hobby

2012-01-26T07:36:00.001-08:00

While was at FOB Sharana, I spent a lot of my down time at work hanging out with 1SG Jovana Meyer. She is with one of the Apache Companies. She had ordered a mandolin and was learning how to play. She let me pick it up a little and learn a chord or two and I was hooked. So of course I ordered one for myself and had it shipped here to Camp Bastion.

My poor roommates!!!! Thankfully they are enjoying the four chords I can play!

Watching Team USA in AFG

2012-01-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

Got up a little earlier than usual to watch the US Women's National Soccer Team take on Mexico in the Olympic Qualifying CONCACAF tournament in Vancouver. Missed the end to go to work but enjoyed getting to watch what I could!

Rooting for the home team while away from home!!!

USA 4 : MEX 0 And a hat trick for Carli Lloyd! Well played!

A New Link

2012-01-23T12:17:00.000-08:00

I am humbled by the memory those that have made the ultimate sacrifice while deployed. I have chosen to honor those lost during my deployments in the past by listing their names on the bottom of my blog. Sadly, the list is growing too large. Instead of taking their names off completely, I have created a link to another blog where I will be posting their pictures and their names. Click this image to see the new link.

I choose not to forget.

I choose to honor their sacrifice.

Snow Angels

2012-01-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

Because we fly all over Afghanistan, we can see a lot of different weather in the same flight. Today's treat was snow! Usually when we land at our sites the runways have been cleared out along with the aircraft parking. The snow-covered mountains often make a beautiful image but the ability to play in fresh snow is often already gone. Not so today at one of our stops. I took advantage of the gloriousness of the clean fresh snow to make an Afghanistan Snow Angel!

Honoring the California Fallen

2012-01-21T22:14:00.000-08:00

Marine Corporal Christopher G. Singer, 23, of Temecula, CA, was assigned to 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. CPL Singer died in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

Rare Honesty

2012-01-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

A rare moment of honesty...

I don't publish what is really going on in my life. I can't. In part because of the permanent gag order that all US Service Members are placed under when we voluntarily join but also because what I see and do is painful. It hurts physically, mentally, and emotionally.

This month has been rough. There is a lot of suffering in Afghanistan and I have spent the last 7 months seeing it first hand. The realization that I may only get today to say "thank you" or "i love you" sinks in deeper and deeper with each passing day. Before going to bed every night I look at a website (http://www.militarytimes.com/valor/) that lists the names and pictures of our Fallen Heroes. I don't want to ever forget why I am here. I am here for them. I am here our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who risk their lives everyday to help free a people of land mines in their farm fields and improvised explosive devices in their roads. I am here to get our Service Members home. It can at times be a overwhelming responsibility.

Today, I had an opportunity to smile. My effort to encourage someone else has come back to encourage me. Before moving to Camp Bastion in the Helmand Province, I flew some flags while on mission with the 82nd Airborne's Dustoff to say thank you and to encourage. Pay it forward, see how it can make your day as well.

Click the picture to see where one of my flags ended up.

I Cannot, I Will Not

2012-01-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

Their uniform might not be the same as mine.

But there is a patch that places a U.S. just before their branch designation.

These are my brothers and sisters in arms.

I am here for them.

I am here for their families at home.

I am here to do everything I can to get them home to their families.

They have placed their trust in me.

I cannot, I will not fail them.

The Little Things

2012-01-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

It is the little things that can make your day!

I got a bear in my hot chocolate today!

Staying Warm

2012-01-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

CPT Kevin Copley, far left, is the other Critical Care Nurse here with me at Fever Medevac in the Helmand Province Afghanistan. Because our job is so amazingly draining on so many different levels, we have become pretty good at finding ways to let off some steam. Today while burning some of our trash we decided to take advantage of the warm of the fire as it has been pretty chilly here (okay, I know, AK is way colder) and share in some laughs. It really has become the little things that help us make it through the rough days.

Awe, the Food

2012-01-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

Maybe my sister is doing it right...

Read the label...

Explains why we have nights like this!

A Break In Flight

2012-01-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

A view from the back of the plane as we take a break in flight between patient transfers. When we launch on long flights (sometimes we are gone for 12+ hours) we have learned to take a break when we can.

Honoring the California Fallen

2012-01-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Chad R. Regelin, 24, of Cottonwood, CA, was assigned to Marine Special Operations Company Bravo and was stationed at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3, San Diego, CA. T1C Regelin died in the Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

Lesson Learned!

2011-12-31T13:02:00.000-08:00

We flew a fair amount today and since I have been battling the head cold from...well, you know, I thought it would be a good idea to stretch out during our last leg of the flight and get some sleep.

I was nicely stretched out when I was awoken by two straps being tightened over me. Yup, the two load masters thought it would be really fun to "secure me" to the plane, you know, just in case.

What started out as two straps, quickly became three straps. Oh, and then there was the taping of my forearms together and then taping them to the straps as well!

Yup, we had a fun flight.

Oh, right, and then there was the whole "plane on fire" thing...but whatever. It is a combat zone after all...and we all made it back to our base safely!

Happy New Year To Ya!

Hacky Sack or Flying Squirrel?

2011-12-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

So, we might have some free time in between our actual flight time...

We carry stuffed animals on board our aircraft to give to the kids we fly. Granted, we are not very good at hacky sack, but trying to play in flight is way harder than on solid ground. Just saying...

TURN YOUR SPEAKERS OFF TO PLAY VIDEO

I think it is safe to say that this particular beanie baby-type squirrel won't be making it to any kiddos. But don't worry, we have plenty more!

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-12-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

Army Sergeant Noah M. Korte, 29, of Lake Elsinore, CA, was assigned to 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, TX. SGT Korte died in the Paktya Province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.

Also killed were Army Spc. Kurt W. Kern and Army Pfc. Justin M. Whitmire.

My Holiday Message from Sharana, AFG

2011-12-25T04:22:00.000-08:00

Battle Rattle

2011-12-21T12:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry Mom! Maybe this new site isn't as safe as we thought....

The "voice in the sky" spoke to us tonight. It was a British voice that told all of us to put on our vests and our helmets. This is not something we hear often so we all quickly got to our gear and got "dressed". We later found out that of course this was all a precaution, but I can't complain. I would rather have my gear on an be prepared than be caught by surprise!

So here I am watching a Christmas Hallmark movie on AFN with my gear on. And yes, it is really cold here at night!

6-Months Done

2011-12-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

Today was a bittersweet day as it marks the end of the first half of my deployment but also it forces me to say farewell to friends that I have enjoyed working with.

I had the privilege of flying with Mike up to Bagram to drop him off as he starts his journey back to the States. He has spent the last 6 months doing the job I am taking over.

Safe travels to my fellow Army Flight Nurses! I have learned a lot from you and will miss you!!

My First Flight

2011-12-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

Today was my first flight with my new job. I know I said that this job was supposed to be safer...but...

These pictures were taken from the back of the plane while we were waiting for our patients to arrive via ambulance from the hospital.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-12-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

Army Sergeant Christopher L. Muniz, 24, of New Cuyama, CA, was assigned to 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI. SGT Muniz died in the Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.

Also killed was Spc. Ronald H. Wildrick Jr.

My New Room

2011-12-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

The Start of My Last Few Days in Sharana

2011-12-05T03:45:00.000-08:00

I have been very lucky to have been given some awesome friends on this deployment. I originally met fellow Flight Nurse CPT Camisha Boatwright at Walter Reed a year or so ago. We always seemed to work opposite shifts, but still had some good laughs. Jovana Meyer is the First Sergeant for A Co 1-227, it is an Apache helicopter Company. It has been a fun 6 months getting to hang out with these girls. When one of us was down, the other two were right there to help and encourage.

As I get ready to move to RC-S and CPT Boatwright gets ready to redeploy home, we thought it would be fun to take some pictures together....

The three amigas!

Just chilling on the HH-60M Blackhawk!

Riding the HH-60M Blackhawk like a buckin' bronco in our 1st CAV Stetsons!
Looking awesome in the 1st CAV Stetson!

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-12-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

Army Sergeant First Class Clark A. Corley, 35, of Oxnard, CA, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Bliss, TX. SFC Corley died in the Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-12-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

Army Specialist Thomas J. Mayberry, 21, of Springville, CA, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Bliss, TX. SPC Mayberry died in the Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-11-18T04:08:00.000-08:00

Marine Lance Corporal Joshua D. Corral, 19, of Danville, CA, was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. LCpl Corral died in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-11-16T04:05:00.000-08:00

Army Specialist Sean M. Walsh, 21, of San Jose, CA, was assigned to the 185th Military Police Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade, California National Guard, Pittsburg, CA. SPC Walsh died in the Khoswt province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during indirect fire.

Staying in Afghanistan

2011-11-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

So, things have changed here a little. What was originally a 6-month deployment to Afghanistan has turned into a full 12-months of deployment. Here is a little of the back story:

Before I had even left for Fort Benning for pre-deployment training, I was approached by my Clinical Nurse Officer in Command (my boss) asking if I would be willing to extend my deployment. At the time with the way the numbers were looking, there would be no one to replace me here in Afghanistan when I would be scheduled to return home. I did not say yes at that time but agree with my boss that I would spend a few months here before saying yes or no. At the end of August I again spoke with my bosses both back at home and here in Afghanistan and made the decision to submit the paperwork for the 6-month extension. A few weeks ago I was informed that the extension had been approved and that I would be staying.

However, I am not scheduled to stay in the same location. Currently I am working with rotary-wing MEDEVAC in Regional Command - East (RC-E). Sometime in December I should be moving to the South to work with the Air Force to complete the fixed-wing MEDEVAC. It is a move that I am looking forward to. While I have enjoyed working with the rotary-wing MEDEVAC, I am ready for a change. I will miss the friendships that I have made here but am excited at what lies ahead.

Since I am moving in December, Christmas is going to be very different this year. Last deployment we had a huge party for the entire Combat Support Hospital. I will not be stationed at a hospital, but I am confident the Air Force knows how to party!

Any packages that are being sent probably need to be done so by November 16 to my current address. As soon as I get a new address I will be sure to post it.

Thank you for your love and support. I miss you all!

2011-11-11T11:02:00.000-08:00

Hometown Salute

2011-11-08T21:01:00.001-08:00

A 23-year-old soldier who had planned to return home in time for his daughter’s birth was killed in an ambush in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Army Corporal Sean K. A. Langevin of Walnut Creek, CA was one of five soldiers who died November 9, 2007 when their patrol came under enemy fire in Aranus, according to the Department of Defense.
CPL Langevin was assigned to the Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based in Vicenza, Italy. He was originally scheduled to go to Iraq during the troop surge, but in May he was sent to Afghanistan instead.
Relatives remembered him as an adventurer who snowboarded, skated, bungee-jumped and tried tandem skydiving.
Langevin graduated from Ygnacio Valley High School in 2002 and met his wife Jessica when they both worked at a pizza parlor in Walnut Creek. They married in January 2006 and their first and only child was born in February 2008.
“You have your ‘shoulda, coulda, wouldas,’ ” said Jessica Langevin, who talked to her husband almost every day. “I don’t have those with Sean. I have no regrets. That’s where I find a little of my peace.”

Information from MilitaryTimes.com

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T01:43:00.000-07:00

Our Halloween Party was a success!!! A huge thank you to everyone that helped us pull this off! Everyone had a blast dressing up for pictures and playing games. The decorations helped completely transform our plywood-walled MWR into a ghoulishly wonderful Halloween room for a party.

Certified Emergency Nurse

2011-10-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

I seem to have a lot of down time while awaiting a call for MEDEVAC. So I decided to put some of my spare time to good use. Back in September I signed up to take the Certified Emergency Nurse Exam. A few years ago I got the Critical-Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification so I figured, why not get another certification.

The test was rather easy. Much easier than I had anticipated. Now that I have passed this one, I guess it is time to study for another one...

Guess grad school isn't as far away as I thought it would be...

Blast from the past

2011-10-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day! While visiting with the Docs and Nurses at the local Forward Surgical Team I ran into CPT Tanya Dickey. CPT Dickey is the pharmacist that I was deployed with at the 47th CSH in Iraq. I knew she was in Afghansitan, but had no idea she was on FOB Sharana for a visit and she had no idea I was on Sharana. We had a great time catching up over lunch! I don't think I had smiled that much in a while!

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-10-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

Army Sergeant Carlo F. Eugenio, 29, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, was assigned to the 756th Transportation Company, 224th Sustainment Brigade, California Army National Guard, Van Nuys, CA. SGT Eugenio died in the Kabul province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.

Also killed were Army Lieutenant Colonel David E. Cabrera, Army Staff Sergeant Crhistopher R. Newman, and Army Sergeant James M. Darrough.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-10-27T00:23:00.000-07:00

Marine Staff Sergeant Stephen J. Dunning, 31, of Milpitas, CA, was assigned to the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. SSG Dunning died in the Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

Awesome Crew Chiefs of 1st Platoon

2011-10-23T05:37:00.000-07:00

Not only do the Crew Chiefs of the 1st Platoon of C-3/82 keep the aircraft up and running, they keep all of us safe when we fly out to pick up our patients. An amazing group of guys that I have been very fortunate to get to work with.

Honoing the Calfornia Fallen

2011-10-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

Army Sergeant First Class Kristoffer B. Domeij, 29, of San Diego, CA, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. SFC Domeij died in the Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wound sustained suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Honoring the Califonria Fallen

2011-10-21T00:12:00.000-07:00

Army Private First Class Steven F. Shapiro, 29, of Hidden Valley Lake, CA, was assigned to teh 3rd Battalion 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX. PFC Shapiro died in Talil, Iraq.

Honoring the Paktika Province Loses

2011-10-19T04:54:00.000-07:00

Navy Chief Petty Officer Raymond J. Border, 31, of West Lafayette, OH, was assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 74 in Gulfport, Miss. CPO Border died while assessing a route in Paktika province, Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sergeant Jorge M. Oliveira, 33, of Newark, NJ, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, 50th Brigade Combat Team, Riverdale, NJ. SSG Oliveria died in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Camisha's Spur Ride

2011-10-19T02:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a fun night in our tent as we got Camisha (my fellow RN) ready for tomorrow's Spur Ride. Since the MEDEVAC unit here is under operational control of the 1-227 CAV, we are eligible to participate in their Spur Ride. Because of the nature of our job, only one of us can participate at a time. This month, it is all Camisha!

Historically, a new soldier assigned to a Calvary Regiment was given a horse that had a shaved tail and the soldier was not allowed to wear spurs. The new soldier went through extensive training on horsemanship and combat before being allowed to wear spurs while riding. Over time as the Cavalry "dismounted" for WW2 the tradition of earning of the spurs changed. Soldiers deployed with the Calvary Regiment can earn their spurs through deployment in a combat zone or by participating in a Spur Ride.

Camisha is getting to do hers this month and I am hoping to get to participate in a Spur Ride in December. It all depends on what the unit here is able to do, but the CAV leadership here really wants me to get to participate with them...I am hopeful

Deployed Birthdays

2011-10-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

In mid-September one of my roommates, CPL Sophia Hernandez celebrated a birthday. Unfortunately, I was at work and Camisha was in a different part of Afghanistan. While we were bummed to miss celebrating with her, we promised we would make it up to her.

In late-October, Camisha will celebrate her 21st (+9) birthday. For her birthday, she will be at work and I will be in a different part of Afghanistan.

So, we celebrated tonight! My mom had sent me some luau themed decorations and some food so we could make some Afghan stir fry! While the food was nothing remarkable, it sure was great to eat something that did not come from the dining facility (DFAC). Through our connections at the DFAC we were able to get a lemon cake for all to share. It was a great evening of fun and laughter!

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-10-10T00:07:00.000-07:00

Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 James B. Wilke, 38, of Ione, CA., was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Fort Bliss, TX. CWO3 Wilke died in Doha, Qatar, in a noncombat incident.

Allison and Ben's Wedding

2011-10-08T04:11:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Ben Tillman!!!
And welcome to the family Ben!!!

My cousin Allison got married today!!! There are not words to express how excited I am for her and Ben!

Since I am here in Afghanistan, I was unable to attend the event...well, okay, I sort of got to attend. I worked with my Mom and Dad to create a life-sized custom cardboard cutout of me so that I could "attend" the wedding. From the stories I have heard it sounds like I am quite the dancer!

I love you Allison! I am so excited for you and Ben!

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-10-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Army Specialist Ricardo Cerros Jr., 24, of Salinas, CA, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. SPC Cerros died in the Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by small-arms fire.

Wedding favors

2011-10-03T04:05:00.000-07:00

Today I got an awesome package from my family! My cousin Allison got married to a great guy named Ben a few days ago. I was super bummed not to be able to attend the wedding as I am here in Afghanistan, but my mom sent me some little gifts from their wedding. I got a copy of the wedding program, some bubbles in a little champagne bottle, a picture of Allison and Ben, and some bride and groom cookies.

Seriously, these care packages are getting better and better!

My Mornings

2011-10-01T01:24:00.000-07:00

Mornings at work have become very routine. Every morning the junior pilot and the crew chief complete a full inspection of the aircraft while the medic and the nurse inspect all the medical equipment inside the aircraft. The senior pilot is usually getting briefed on weather and other things while this is happening. Once the senior pilot arrives at the aircraft he briefs the crew on our mission for the day and reviews safety protocols. Once that is complete, the crew begins run-up. Run-up includes starting the engines and testing the different systems. We can go days without flying a mission, so it is important to check the aircraft every day.
Our crew chiefs are awesome at their job. They are responsible for the "well-being" of the aircraft. Because of the dusty and austere environment that we are in, there are always little things to be cleaned and fixed. I have really enjoyed working with the crew chiefs here in learning more about the aircraft. While I cannot fix anything major, there are a bunch of little things that the crew chiefs have taught me. We joke saying that the Camisha, the other nurse here with me, and I are going to be honorary crew chiefs before we leave here!

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-09-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

Army Specialist Garrett A. Fant, 21, of American Canyon, CA, was assigned to 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS. SPC Fant died in the Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-09-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

Army Sergeant Tyler N. Holtz, 22, of Dana Point, CA, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. SGT Holtz died in the Wardak province of wounds caused by small-arms fire.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-09-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

Army Private First Class Aparicio A. Carlos of San Bernadino, CA, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, LA. PFC Aparicio died in the Wardak province of injuries caused by an improvised explosive device.

Also killed was Sgt. Rafael E. Bigai Baez.

Happy Grammie Day!!!

2011-09-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks Uncle Jim!!!

Honoring the California Fallen from the Paktika Province

2011-09-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

Army Staff Sergeant Daniel A. Quintana, 30, of Hunting Park, CA, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Schweinfurt, Germany. SSG Quintana died in the Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-09-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

Army Specialist Koran P. Contreras, 21, of Lawndale, CA and Army Private First Class Douglas J. Jeffries, 20, of Springville, CA were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY. SPC Contreras and PFC Jeffries died in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Forklift versus MedShed

2011-09-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

A little miscommunication today as a forklift "accidentally" moved our MedShed. Let's just say the shed was not moved smoothly...

And a view after we put it back together...it was really hot that day too...

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-08-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

Army Specialist Kevin R. Shumaker, 24, Livermore, CA, was assigned to Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY. SPC Shumaker died stateside of rabies believed to have been contracted while he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

My Boss and a Surprise Visit

2011-08-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

Camisha and I were at work today when we got a call that our boss was on our base. We thought it was our boss up at Bagram...nope, it was the Chief of the Army Nurse Corps, Major General Patricia Horoho. She is in Afghanistan for a while inspecting sites and learning more about the deployed setting. She was very interested in talking with us about the new flight nurse program. Oh, and she is our next Army Surgeon General...

Also on this trip was a long lost friend. MAJ Dennis Sarmiento is an Army Psychiatrist that I got to work with at Walter Reed for a few years. He has since moved to Ft Hood, TX and is deployed with the 1st Cavalry to Bagram. It was a wonderful surprise to see him!

Honoring the Paktika Province Loses

2011-08-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

The following individuals were assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade Grafenwoehr, Germany. They died in the Paktika Province, AFG, while conducting vehicle recovery operations and encountered a secondary explosion while dismounted.

Army Sergeant Matthew A. Harmon, 29, Bagley, MN.

Army Specialist Joseph A. VanDreumel, 32, of Grand Rapids, MI.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-08-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

Army Private First Class Rueben J. Lopez, 27, of Williams, CA was assigned to 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Ft Drum, NY. PFC Lopez died in Kandahar Province, AFG, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

Also killed were SGT Edward J. Frank II, SPC Jameel T. Freeman, SPC Patrick L. Lay II, and SPC Jordan M. Morris.

A Day in My Life

2011-08-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

My welcome home gift. It sucks living in the middle of no where!

One of our Flight Medics during our morning run-up.
With one of our Crew Chiefs while we get gas for the aircraft.

CPT Boatwright and I taking advantage of some down time at work to exercise.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-08-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

Marine Sergeant Adan Gonzales Jr., 28, from Bakersfield, CA, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. SGT Gonzales died in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan while conducting combat operations.

Also killed was Marine Sergeant Joshua J. Robinson.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-08-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

The following indivduals died on 06AUG2011 in the Wardak Province, AFG of wounds suffered with the CH-47 Chinook helicopter in which they were riding was shot down.

Navy Special Warfare Operator Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Louis Langlais, 44, of Santa Barbara, CA, was assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

Navy Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson, 28, of Angwin, CA, was assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

Navy Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jesse D. Pittman, 27, of Willits, CA, was assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew W. Harvell, 26, of Long Beach, CA, was assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, NC.

A Day in Flight

2011-08-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

All geared up and enroute

Our equipment Loading a patient
Monitoring a patient
So far so good

A little tender loving care

Celebration of another successful flight

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-08-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

Army Specialist Jinsu Lee, 34, of Chatsworth, CA, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI. SPC Lee died in the Kunar Province, AFG.

Honoring the Paktika Province Loses

2011-08-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

Army Captain Waid C. Ramsey, 41, of Red Bay, AL, was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Alabama National Guard, Birmingham, AL. CPT Ramsey died in Paktika Province of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with small arms fire.

My Daily Routine

2011-08-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the pics Hill, Kitchen, and Williams

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-07-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

Army Sergeant William B. GrossPaniagua, 28, of Daly City, CA, was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI. SGT GrossPaniagua died in the Kunar Province, AFG, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

What I Work With

2011-07-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

We had been waiting for almost 6 days for a mission. It is a good thing when the emergency medical services are not needed, however, it makes for a lot of down time that needs to be filled...

10th MTN Flight Medic and Crew Chief

2011-07-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

One of the Flight Medics documenting on his patient during flight

One of our Crew Chiefs awaiting our morning "spin-up"

The Clouds Rolling In

2011-07-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

I highly recommend turning your volume ALL THE WAY DOWN before playing this video. On a flight back to base after a medical flight the clouds started to roll in over some local mountains. There was a little turbulence so the video is a little shaky, but to see gorgeous white clouds against the brown mountains of AFG was pretty awesome! Oddly enough I am looking forward to the snow season...

Where I Live

2011-07-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

As the Dustoff Medevac is oncall 24/7 we spend about two thirds of our time at work. Currently we work 62 hours on and have 34 hours off. We have a room (about the size of most of your kitchens) broken up into to 9 sleeping areas. Each sub-room is separated by plywood from the neighboring sub-room. We don't have doors on the sub-rooms so we have hung a blanket at each little entrance to try to keep any extra light out of it. We usually keep the lights turned off and the main door closed to let people sleep whenever they need to. We each try to get a nap during the day as we never know if there will be a call in the middle of the night and how long we will be out on that call. Here is a glimpse of the sleeping room that I share with the other nurse CPT Boatwright.

When I am not on duty, I have another room a little but bigger back in our LSA. It too is separated from my neighbor with plywood and the exterior walls, well, it is a huge tent. Thankfully it is air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter. We don't use the main lights here either in case someone is sleeping, so we each have a reading light that actually works pretty well. Don't you love my comforter?!? I am only here for 6 months so I thought I would find something super random (and on sale). My alarm clock is even Disney Princess!

I know, I am adorable~

Honoring the Paktika Province Loses

2011-07-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Army Master Sergeant Benjamin Stevenson, 36, of Canyon Lake, TX, was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC. MSG Stevenson died in the Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small-arms fire.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-07-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Army Staff Sergeant James M. Christen, 29, of Loomis, CA, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI. SSG Christen died in the Kunar Province of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

Also killed was Army Sergeant Jacob Molina.

Women's World Cup: Team USA

2011-07-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Team USA v Team Japan in the Championship game

Team USA 2 : Team Japan 2

Penalty Kick Shootout to decide the game

Team USA 1 : Team Japan 3

Congratulations to Team Japan on their first World Championship!

Everyone has their favorite teams. Whether it is baseball, football, hockey, basketball, golf (is golf a sport?), everyone seems to have that one team they root for. Since 1994 I have followed the US Women's' National Soccer Team. Ask my mom about the posters that covered my closet doors, you couldn't even see the doors themselves.

From Michelle Akers to Mia Hamm to Abby Wambach and Ali Krieger, I can tell you all about their game.

This time I watched the World Cup via the internet. While at work (I work 62 hour shifts) I don't have access to AFN (Armed Forces Network) and our internet is shut down after unfortunate events that occur locally. I was able to watch the USA v Brazil game while at the gym. (Who knew I could run for that long?!?) What an amazing game!!! I was bummed to miss the Championship game but read all about it as soon as our internet came up about 18 hours later. While I was bummed that the US did not win I was super stoked that they were in the Championship game. They had not made it to the level of the World Cup since they won in 1999 at the Rose Bowl.

Well played Team USA!!! I am excited to see what happens in London in 2012!

Honoring Paktika Province Losses

2011-07-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Army Sergeant Jeremy R Summers, 27, of Mount Olivet, KY, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. SGT Summers died in the Paktika province after enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire.

Night Vision Goggle Training

2011-07-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

Getting fitted with my flight helmet

With SSG Marcel

A view of one of our Medevac's

Women's World Cup: Team USA

2011-07-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

Team USA beat Brazil

USA 2 : Brazil 2

Penalty Kick Shootout USA 5 : Brazil 4

If you could only watch one game of this tournament THIS WAS THE ONE!!!

Well played TEAM USA!!!

And thanks for giving me something to look forward!

Honoring Paktika Province Loses

2011-07-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Army Specialist Rafael A. Nieves Jr, 22, of Albany, NY, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 506th Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY. SPC Nieves died in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires.

Random Pictures

2011-07-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

My medic and Crew Chief during our morning "spin-up"

The 10th Mountain Aviation Charlie Company's Second Platoon getting addicted to The Big Bang Theory. And, you're welcome!

A community high up in the montains of Afghanistan

Our water is bottled here by Coca-Cola?!? They are everywhere!

Women's World Cup: Team USA

2011-07-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

Team USA lost to Sweden

USA 1 : Sweden 2

Team USA will move on to the quarterfinals and face Brazil on 10JUL.

FOB Sharana

2011-07-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

I flew into FOB Sharana today. Some one forgot to reserve us seats to fly fixed wing so since I work for a rotor wing Medevac crew they just flew us down. First class travel!!!

Will get some pics up soon.

Flying to FOB Sharana

2011-07-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

We have completed our training here at Bargram Army Airfield. And today we are being sent to our duty locations. CPT Camisha Boatwright and flew to FOB Sharana today. We had thought we would be flying in a C-130 (fixed wing) but instead went as passengers via rotor wing on a tail to tail (patient transfer from a Forward Surgical Team site to a Combat Support Hospital)

And a view out the window of my ride...

Notice the huge weapon for safety...

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-07-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

Army Sergeant Nicanor Amper IV, 36, of San Jose CA, was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, KY. SGT Amper IV died in Kwost, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with a rocket propelled grenade.

Dustoff Training

2011-07-03T01:52:00.000-07:00

As we get ready to head out to our different FOBs (Foward Operating Bases) the Dustoff Medevac unit we are with is helping us out with some final safety and scenario training. This morning we spent time in one of the Blackhawks learning about emergency evacuation. One part of the training is learning how to evacuate the pilots from their seats. Most of us just went through the motions until the it was Jason's turn. Since he was the last one to train our instructor had him actually pull me off the seat. I am sure hoping that NONE OF US will ever have to actually utilize any of the emergency training we practiced.

Once the sun went down we worked through some scenarios with our pilots, crew chiefs, and flight medics. The pilots spun up the aircraft so we could safely practice "hot loading" the patients with all the monitoring equipment. The crew chiefs and medics helped direct us through some final safety measures while we discussed treatments for our scenarios. Today's training was probably the most helpful so far.

In Memoriam

2011-07-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today the world lost an amazing woman and heaven gained a super star.
Carol Ruth (Johnson) Gosline born on 11FEB1959 in Redwood City, CA. The summer after graduating high school in 1977 Carol was crowned Miss Redwood City and Miss Congeniality. Married in 1981 she had two children Kyle and Paige. After suffering a divorce and living two years as a single mom Carol met and married Carl Gosline in 2002. In 2006 Carol was diagnosed with a rare cancer. She fought valiantly for 2.5 years before losing her battle on 3JUL2009. Carol is survived by her husband Carl, children Kyle and Paige, step-children Josh and Brittany, her mother Marilyn, and her brother Stan and his family.
Carol was one of the women I am blessed to call "my other mom". She watched me and mentored me through my last year of high school and my first few years of college. She held my hand and walked me through learning to grow up and was at times my biggest cheerleader.
I am so lucky to have had you not only in my life but also showing me how to live life. I am a far better person for having known you. Thank you for all you did for me. I hope I can continue to make you proud. I love you!

Women's World Cup: Team USA

2011-07-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

Team USA beat Colombia

USA 3 : Colombia 0

Training in Bagram

2011-07-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

With CPT Jamie Rodriguez testing the communication system in our helmets

Learning to trust the rescue system in our safety vests
(And auditioning for Disneyland's TinkerBell)

Egressing the vehicle during "rollover" training

CPT Rodriguez buckling up in prepatation for "rollover" training

Women's World Cup: Team USA

2011-06-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

Team USA beat the People's Republic of Korea!

USA 2 : PRK 0

Bagram, Afghanistan

2011-06-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

I landed in AFG in the wee-hours of the morning.

Rode up in the cockpit of the C-17 (yup, I am awesome!)

As soon as I get better internet and easier phone access I will try to call home.

Should find out in the next few days where I will be stationed for the next 6 months.

Kuwait

2011-06-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Wow! I forgot how hot it is here! And it seems like we can't really catch a break.

It was super hot when we:
-arrived just after dinner
-unloaded and moved our bags
-walked over to the 24-hour Subway for dinner
-went to and from the showers
-woke up the next morning for breakfast
-moved out of our tent
-hauled our bags to the PAX terminal
-loaded our bags on to pallets
-stood in formation for the aircraft boarding brief
-got on board the C-17 to fly us into AFG

...as evidenced by CPT Rodriquez's t-shirt when we finally got out of the heat.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-06-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

Army Staff Sergeant Russell J. Proctor, 25, of Oroville, CA, was assigned to 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX. SSG Proctor died in Diyala province, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Army Specialist Kevin J. Hilaman, 28, of Albany, CA, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI. SPC Hilaman died in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small-arms fire.

FIFA Women's World Cup

2011-06-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

I have followed the United States Women's National Soccer Team since the mid-90's. As a kid I played soccer in the local community leagues and a little in high school. My closet doors were covered with posters and magazine articles about this team. I even have a lunch box of the team that I use everyday when I go to work. (I get a lot of fun comments on my lunch box)

This year the World Cup is being played in Germany. When a good friend from Walter Reed AMC CPT Katie Casper moved to Landstuhl, Germany a year ago we began to plan a 2011 summer vacation in Europe. The first week for me would be spent at soccer games and events while she still worked. The second week would be spent touring around. Plans changed a little (okay, a lot) when Katie received her orders to deploy to Afghanistan with the 115th Combat Support Hospital. I was still planning to head over to Germany for the 2 weeks of fun this summer until I received word of my deployment.

So instead of taking 2 weeks in Germany to watch some soccer, I am watching the US Women's Team play on AFN (Armed Forces Network) while in uniform and a loaded M9 on my hip. Just a little different than what I had planned.

The World Cup started the same day I officially deployed. Even though my adventure is a little different, I still got to start at the same time...

Good Luck Team USA!!!

Follow their blog HERE

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-06-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

Army Staff Sergeant Nigel D. Kelly, 26, of Menifee, CA, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI. SSG Kelly died in the Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire.

The Flight Over

2011-06-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

After an amazingly long flight (Ft Benning to Europe to Kuwait City, Kuwait) I have arrived safely and am at Ali Asalem. I will be here for a day or so while waiting for a flight into Afghanistan.

The flight itself I tried very hard to not be awake for. I was able to sleep a little on the first leg but had little to no success on the second leg. The third leg and longest leg of the flight I was able to get about 6-7 hours of good sleep. The plane was huge so many of us were able to have a seat left empty between soldiers allowing for a little more elbow room. Favorite quote of the flight was the lead Flight Attendant requesting that all soldiers with an M9 (handgun) not place them in the seatback pocket. I had to laugh a little as this is not something I am used to hearing.

It is amazingly hot here in Kuwait yet again. Thankfully there is very little humidity this time. There are 9 of us here from the Enroute Critical Care Nurse team and we are having a little too much fun getting to know each other.

I have a few more flights and moves ahead of me so I will try to keep you as updated as I can.

Who Do You Mourn Today?

2011-06-25T05:00:00.002-07:00

On 25 June 2009 1st Lt. Brian Bradshaw was killed in action in Kheyl, Afghanistan. He died from wounds sustained when in improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

1LT Bradshaw was 24 years old from Steilacoom, WA. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

1LT Brian Bradshaw is survived by parents, Paul and Mary (Gillis) Bradshaw; his brother, Robert Bradshaw; his grandmothers, Nancy Gillis of Hudson, Massachusetts, and Virginia Bradshaw of Parsons, Kansas; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by his grandfathers, Charles Bradshaw and John Gillis, and his aunt, Cathy Gillis and uncle, John Bradshaw.

Who do you mourn today? The King of Pop? Farrah Fawcett? Or do you mourn a March of Dimes participant who volunteered with the Pierce County Search and Rescue before joining the United States Army after ROTC. This former leader and counselor at CYO camps was ignored and forgotten by THIS nation when he lost his life fighting with OUR nation's military.

This soldier will never forget you 1LT Brian Bradshaw.
(8 OCT 1984 - 25 JUN 2009)

Army Spc. Joshua L. Hazlewood died June 25, 2009 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom 22, of Manvel, Texas; assigned to the 614th Automated Cargo Documentation Detachment; died June 25 in Arifjan, Kuwait, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-06-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

Marine Corporal Gurpreet Singh, 21, of Antelope, CA, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA. CPL Singh died in the Helmand province, Afghanistan, from wounds received while conducting combat operations.

Honoring the California Fallen

2011-06-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

Marine Lance Corporal Jared C. Verbeek, 22, of Visalia, CA, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA. Lance Corporal Verbeek died from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Ft Benning, GA

2011-06-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

Safe in GA. Of course DELTA "misplaced" one of my bags and it arrived a day late, but what can you expect from DELTA?!?

I will spend this week getting to know the team I will be working with and completing some mandatory training.

Honoring the Califonia Fallen

2011-06-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

Marine Lance Corporal Jason D. Hill, 20, of Poway, CA, was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. LCpl Hill died in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

Happy Birthday

2011-06-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

The big THREE - O this year!

Hanging with Alyson

2011-06-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

If today was any indication of what summers are like here in Seattle, then this place is awesome!!!

My little cousin Alyson is a student at the University of Washington. Okay, okay...she is not my little cousin anymore. She is one of the first cousins I can remember holding as baby, so she will always have a soft spot in my heart. Alyson and I went to the Mariner's game this afternoon. Sure, they lost, but we had a blast sitting just behind homeplate! And who doesn't love a hot dog at a baseball game?!?

After the game she took me to Gas Works Parks. It was the perfect day to walk around the park! There were families everywhere and a handful of kites in the air. If I can spend my final few days of freedom before deployment like I did today, then this is going to be an awesome few days!

Medal of Honor Recipient

2011-06-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

Army Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry to be awarded the Medal of Honor on 12JUL2011 by President Barrack Obama. You will be able to watch the ceremony at whitehouse.gov

Click on his picture so read about his heroic actions that saved his fellow soldiers.picture from: http://www.shadowspear.com/special-operations-news/105694-army-ranger-leroy-petry-medal-of-honor.html

He is why I do my job.

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-30T16:58:00.000-07:00