Riders on the Storm

"I want to go to Mars."-Arnold Schwarzenegger, Total Recall.

  Yesterday Camp Liberty turned into the Red Planet.  I'm sitting in my office editing away when I noticed an orange glow coming through the window.  I stand up to peer through the window.  I try to focus in on Z-Lake just across the road.  But because of the gnarly dust storm that had blown in, I could not even see the road, much less the lake.  I thought I'd let the storm blow over before I walked to chow.  As my hopes faded with the dying daylight, in came the rain, pouring on the night.  So, the thing to do?  Remain seated at the editing bay and enjoy the ride.  It worked out well as I finished 99% of my project.  I walked back to my chu at about 2300.  Settled in for my beauty rest when the rain kicked up a notch.  Good deal, I thought, this will wash away all the dust in the air.  Woke up and looked outside the door.  Clear, cool, and sunny!  I was thinking I'd have a nice.... walk  to the MOC.  MUD!  Oh well, it will be really nice around here when daily temperatures are consistently over 110.     Aloha

Riders on the

Unchained, yeah ya hit the ground runnin'

Here we are in theater and it's busy time.  I am honored to be the dvids guy for the unit.  This means that every time we produce a news story, I call Atlanta.  Then, via satellite, I transmit the news story to the states for distribution to civilian media outlets.  You can check out this website:  www.cavcountry.net   Everyone is in full working mode and we are fully mission capable.  Lots of exciting stuff going on.  The 211th family is a cohesive machine.  Looking forward to telling the soldiers story throughout 2009.  If you have any questions or comments, post them to 1st Sergeant Anthony Martinez's blog.  Feel free to comment on Specialist (promotable) Erik Fardette's blog as well.  

Aloha 

Super Sunday

They keep telling me how my life is going to suck. But my life continues to not suck. As we mentally prepare ourselves for the big fly, I sustain a positive outlook. The timing of this deployment is actually pretty good. I attended my last stateside church service today. The message was all about not worrying. So, I'm not. I am the eternal optimist. Positve attitude.
And today is Super Bowl Sunday! Here at Ft. Dix, the Army has invited us to attend a party at a post gym. Food will be provided in the form of Olive Garden and Hooters. (no waitresses) And the big game will be shown on big screen t.v.'s. Not bad. And I am in good company with a great unit. Really looking forward to the experience overseas. All trained up and ready to go. So, here we go. I hope you'll all stay tuned to the blog and enjoy the year with us. R And R is only about six months away.
Aloha

Fardette Syndrome

Not just "real soldiers" the 211th MPAD is also a band of mediasmiths. We have shown the world we mean business. Big business. Our growing crossover potential has developed a formidable cult of personality.
To magnify small wave moves and graft them onto the military's expansive peaks and walls. Through the years this has been the prized goal of progressive thinking Public Affairs soldiers. The 211th MPAD is doing it's part for this deployment, as we consistently break away from well worn lines and patterns, in favor of more current news and angles. We continue to have strong stories comming down the pike.
Keep your eyes on our unit website. And check out this site: www.dvidshub.net
What's your story?
And now for something completely different..... a man with three buttocks.
Next blog: Something that might make sense.
Aloha

Wish List

A blog a day keeps the 1st Sergeant away.
Dear Santa, the following is a Christmas wish list for the 211th MPAD:

Major Daneker: At least one more football season with Brett Favre.
1st Sergeant Martinez: Accountability and cooperation from all his soldiers.
1st Lt. Sarratt: Promotion to Captain, "Captain Sarratt", I like the sound of that.
1st Lt. Almodovar: Grace and peace throughout the year.
2nd Lt. Douglas: A P.T. test each month.
SFC Quebec: One da kine li dat.
SFC Burke: At least 15 pounds.
SSG Burrell: Women plural, alot of women. (He really needs them)
SSG Ford: For everyone to stay out of his business.
SGT Zoeller: A break.
SGT Taylor: Women plural, alot of women. (He really needs them)
SGT Risner: Inspiration for many original songs.
SGT Heise: A lifetime supply of Diet Coke.
SPC Logue: Promotion to Sergeant.
SPC Anderson: A lifetime supply of pop-tarts.
SPC Soles: 5% minoxodil
SPC Alperin: Shave and a haircut, two bits.
PFC Johnson: A Rutgers victory in their bowl game.

Mele Kalikimaka to all,
Aloha

Fardette Strikes

My soul is full of longing for the secret of the sea. And the heart of the great ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me. -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
While I do miss the surf, the 211th MPAD and all its character and characters is an ample substitute.
The "Specialist Mafia" continues to operate incognito and subversively underground. The league of the ShamShield is an everpresent force. Watch your back!
The NCO core has its place here too. The Sergeants are truely the keepers of their brothers and the finders of lost souls. And they will strike down upon thee with great vengance and furious anger those who attempt to destroy their brothers. And you will know that they are the keepers and protectors of their brothers when they lay their their vengance upon you. Be afraid, be very afraid.
The Officers. I absolutely believe they have all of our best interests at heart. Proactive and genuinely concerned, they'll make your dreams come true. It takes a special person to be an Officer in the 211th. And our officers are special people. Just ask any one of them, they'll tell you.
The 211th MPAD is great.
The 211th MPAD is fun.
The 211th MPAD should be experienced by everyone.
Be cool, take care, brush your teeth and comb your hair.
Aloha