A Voice Of Reason
The eloquence of Peggy Noonan never ceases to amaze

For those of you who may not be familiar with the Opinion Journal, Peggy Noonan is a former Reagan speech writer, and current contributing writer. Her insight and eloquence never ceases to amaze me both mentally and emotionally. I would recommend all of you to read her March 25th column regarding the recent 9/11 congressional investigation.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/

I could not expand upon, nor better express the perspective she presents.

-Pooh out.

A Computer Killed The Postman
So far away, yet so close to home

Howdy,

I had an epiphany. I no longer believe I have the privilege to complain about being away from home. I recently received an email from my Grandmother in which she expressed her amazement at how easy it was to communicate with me via the internet, as opposed to the days of WWII. The comment provoked internal contemplation at my own scenario. I had recently watched Band of Brother, which among other things, brings to life, for my generation, the true distance apart the world was in those trying times. Soldiers were displaced for years from home with only the occasional letter correspondence from family and loved ones. When waiting for a letter, days can easily turn into weeks or months, and all you are left with is your memories of better days and familiar faces.

The world has seen much change in the means of communication. Before this revelation, I often lamented as my inability to talk to my wife more than once a day, or that my emails would take hours for response, not because of distance, but due to time differential factors. Recently, my computer was out for the count, and the aggravation of disconnect, in retrospect, would be rather humorous to an older generation. Do not misunderstand. I am not advocating a return to the finer arts of letter writing, or of long anticipated correspondence, but I do envy those who, in days past, had the patience, loyalty, and conviction of commitment, to wait patiently and await the postman everyday. Today we have email, and chat rooms, and blogs. The soldiers whom we love and support have webpages and digital cameras providing instant communication to family and friends back home. We have reduced our distance away to mere moments of a satellite uplink. The only thing for which we have not found circumvention is the inability to reach out and hold the hand of those we love. To kiss those we cherish, and to see eye to eye, those whose words we hold so important. No satellite can provide us the personal company of each other.

The world is a much smaller place.

Pooh out.

What Rhymes With Finished?
Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty! I'm free at last!

The schedules are completed. Much to my disappointment, they are lacking in accuracy and information. So be it. We did the best darn job we could do in the short amount of time given. As you will remember also, my computer went down. All of these challenges were overcome, and the finished product was delivered to the Regional Manager last night at 02:00.

The aftermath to all of this is that I slept late this morning. I awoke, bathed, and generally took my time before wondering into the office this morning. I have had just enough time to check my email, send a few, run to lunch and the PX for some goodies. Life is good now. With any luck, the powers that be will be very satisfied with our initial scheduling results and we will receive praise and lavish gifts. More than likely though we will be again reduced to peon status and lost in the corporate machine that is KBR. Oh well, so be it. I have done my part. I have oiled the wheel, and it squeaks a little less now. What's next? We will see.

All of you keep plugging away, making small changes wherever you can. They add up, and change the world.

Pooh out.

Time Enough When I'm Dead
The sleepless days (and nights) in a world of schedules

It is zero hour and the schedules are due in a day. Challenge always presents itself when it is least desirable. As we approached our final days of scheduling updates the situation was made more exciting by a surprise from Houston. I fell victim to the Great Server Migration. This is a large organization and our computer accounts are controlled from lofty powers upon high, in places only the most distinguished of computer nerds may enter. While my information was success "moved" to the new server, my very existence in the computer server was not. This, ultimately, resulted in my inability to access my computer for an entire day, and why I cannot still access my company email account. This has proven most frustrating, to say the least. In the mean time, I have settled for conducting my business the old fashioned way. I've been hoofin' it. Yep, the site managers have seen more of me that they would have ever imagined.

Overall, it has been merely a hurdle to overcome. I will complete my schedules, and we will save the day. I am proving myself under duress. When it is all done you will be able to find me huddled under my desk in a fetal position talking to the voices in my head. Oh, I'll be drooling. I'm looking forward to it.

Pooh out.

Stand By
Please be patient with my absence

Howdy,

This will be quick and dirty. I am begging for your patience and due diligence with these blog updates. I have become painfully busy, but it will not continue to consume my time beyond the end of this month. I will have a reprieve before long, at which time we will continue our journey into the adventure that is Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lovingly referred to as "OIF!" around here. Thank you for your patience and loyalty.

I best get to gettin'. Pooh out.

Same Song, Different Name
A brief description of Baghdad, Iraq

Howdy Ya'll,

I thought I would take some time to describe my perception of the city of Baghdad. My first reaction was one of surprise, but then I realized that it all made sense when one reflected on it. But I digress....

I have driven in and out of Baghdad several times now, and the only way to describe it is to reflect upon that ever familiar drive down into the Rio Grand Valley. I can't remember if it is southbound of 77 or 281, but as you will recall, once you pass through that empty void that is King Ranch and begin to approach the Valley, driving south on the highway, you begin to see palm trees lining the road. Soon you come across constant reminders of age with old dusty cross roads and old cars upon those roads. Some people are poor, some doing well, but in the eyes you see hope and longing. Some would assume leave that place forever and never return, while others feel at home and can only hope that prosperity will come their way. Let us also not forget the border patrol check which offers a sense of safety and security to some of us, while others only see it as a prison gate preventing them from the dreams of a different life. So you have Baghdad.

It is a city of poverty and foreign delegates. A home for coalition forces, Iraqi nationals, and visitors from around the world. Hope and disparity abound. People there understand the promise of a better tomorrow, but struggle with the necessary restriction upon them today. I have roamed through the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) base area, and the ruminants of our military might abound. The former Baath Party Headquarters is in ruin. A constant reminder to those who would impose a heavy hand on those they presume to rule. We, conversely, offer pride and prosperity. Those locals who have been given the opportunity to work on base are making more money than they had every previously seen in a lifetime.

In contrast to the poverty of the streets, Saddam's presidential palace is a thing of wonder. I have been told that he had employed 35,000 gardeners and grounds keepers to work throughout his many palaces in this country. The gardens are immaculate, even amidst the remains of war. Gold and marble adorn a palace paid for with blood, and foolish endeavors such as the "Oil for Food" program.

The only thing missing as I approached the city was that refreshing salt air aroma of the Gulf of Mexico. I do miss those brown waters. Oh well, I have found a small reminder of home in this foreign place. These things I cherish.

Viva la Rio Grande! Viva la Texas!

Pooh out.

Home Away
Wishing I was back there, doesn't help me much at all

Howdy.

I have discovered the drawback to professional contentment. Allow me the following stream of philosophic realization....

We are a society driven by a work ethic far above most others in the world. Along with our devotion to work, comes an every increasing expectation for what constitutes adequate and rewarding work. In return, we have sacrificed, reduced, and even abandoned time and devotion to family, loved ones and friends. I have been no exception to the rule. My lovely wife and I have traveled across the country and back in pursuit of my professional contentment, which has long eluded me. This pursuit has ultimately brought me across the globe, in what some would consider a rash, and eccentric endeavor. I am here to tell you that I have been rewarded with professional contentment, and I am now free to realize what I miss most.

As I sit here, happy as a lark with my work, I miss the warmth of my wife's arms. I miss the strength of my father's handshake, and the sincerity in my mother's love. I miss the devotion of my brother and sister, and the assurance of my friends. I miss home. Yes, I will be fine, as I am far from giving up, but home is my anchor. My wife, the wind in my sail. The Lord is my navigator, and my crew are those whom I have brought close to me in life. In this sea of uncertainty and doubt, I have my ship, and will sail, but home port will always be my final destination.

Pooh out.

Calming The Storm
Pooh eases fears and frustrations

Howdy Ya'll,

Okay, I have become very busy, so this will be brief. First and formost, I have received a lot of concern from everyone about my short tenure in Baghdad, as well as this new location. I can say with almost absolute assurance that I am perfectly safe. Yes, we all know of the risks, and yes the news reports the worst, but none of us are packing up and heading home in droves. We are hear to stay. Regardless of the liberal bias against Halliburton and KBR, we are here to do real and legitimate work. Good work.

I love you all, and your care and concern means more to me than anything, but I am the one to worry about gray hairs out here, not you. Just sit back, smile, and enjoy the stories. Good times will be had soon enough.

Now, if you will all excuse me, I am finally working on legitimate projects, so I best be gettin' back to gettin'.

Pooh out.

Pooh In Flight - Part IV
Vindication and Cathartic Moments

Howdy!

Okay, let me just say, "WOW!" I had the thrill ride of my life on Monday. The vindication of my delay came in the form of a 35 minute "drive" into Baghdad, from Anaconda. We managed to get into a convoy with the KBR security detail, who had arrived in Anaconda with a VIP for a meeting day trip. I drove vehicle number 3 of 4 in the convoy. Leading the group was an armored SUV, followed by our two civilian vehicles. The tail was covered by the gunner vehicle. It was in charge of blocking and assault prevention. The average speed was 85 mph weaving through traffic and on highway. The Iraqi countryside is only a passing blur in my memory as my focus was on the Tahoe in front of me which I was required to proceed at no further a distance than 10 meters. I was white knuckled the entire time, gripping the wheel with everything I had. As most of you know, I am a casual driver, but I proved all of you wrong in your criticisms. It was awesome.

Even more stressful than the journey, though, was the arrival. We were greeted with little fanfare, as would be expected, and immediately proceeded to the security office for our badges. After an ordeal, we were cleared around base. Billeting was our next stop, in order to process us into housing. I am currently staying in converted barracks. Before my night was over though, the next surprise arrived. I was able to be assigned into the room of my good friend Dan "Old Man" Williams. We have been re-united and have had a good time catching up with our respective experiences in Iraq thus far.

It was a rollercoaster ride, but I have arrived safely in Baghdad. Since then, I have begun training for my new scheduling assignment at Camp Victory, to which I will be relocating tomorrow. It is located in western Baghdad, and is only a bus ride away.

But I digress.....

I experienced catharsis last night under the stars amidst the grandeur of a presidential palace. The former Iraq Presidential Palace is, of course, located in Baghdad, and on base. Last night Dan and I walked over to the rear of the palace, where the pool is located. Last night, with moonlight shimmering on the glass-like water surface, under cover of the palace pool house, I watched and listened as Americans came together and commenced a jam session of bluegrass at the former home of a now defunct dictatorship. I realized true comfort and hope in our presence here. The spirit of freedom rang true in the music that night, and carried across the Iraqi countryside. Freedom has arrived in this country. Liberty and justice will prevail for the innocence of Iraq. As for me, I just sat and smiled. It felt like home.

Before the night was over someone suggested they play "This Land Is Your Land."
Everyone sang.

Good night and God bless,
Pooh out.

Patience is a Virtue
Coming up in the next exciting episode......

Action, adventure, romance, and drama! See Pooh racing acrossing the Iraqi countryside! Live the adventures at breakneck speed! Laugh and cry with our hero as he is reunited with long lost friends, and struggle with our brave protagonist as he fights to retreive his possessions!

All this and more in the next exciting installment of the continuing "Pooh in Flight" series. Until then, faithful readers, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the wind be always at your back.

Pooh out.

Bear In Flight - Part III
Hurry Up And Wait

Howdy,

My patience is worn thin, and I am tired, so this will be brief. We waited for 5 hours with hope of a convoy materializing. Such was not to be the case, and we have returned to our offices, bruised and beaten down, patiently awaiting the next window of opportunity. The skies of Baghdad will wait another day I suppose. Until then, be patient, pray the prayers of loved ones and longing, and wait for the sun to rise again.

I'm okay, I'm alright, I'll carry on.

Pooh out.

Bear In Flight - Part II
Pooh Bear Gets Grounded

Howdy.

Well folks, I told you to stay tuned for adventures to come, and sure enough, here they are. Unfortunately the biggest adventure has been figuring out what the heck I am doing tonight. But I digress....

Following our last discussion, I proceeded to Roadrunner to finalize the travel arrangements where I was informed that the chinook ride scheduled for 20:30 hours would not arrive in Baghdad until 02:30. A six hour flight into a base that is locked down at night is not my idea of great times. Instead I chose to hop a ride with the mail run convoy being conducted tomorrow at 12:00.

Let's continue with the madness. Upon arriving back at my tent, I discovered that my cot had been claimed by a new arrival due to the fact that I had piled all of my belongings by the tent entrance, packed and ready to go.

Okay, let us recap. I have not bathed since Tuesday, and I am riding a convoy to Baghdad. I have no place to sleep tonight, and everything is packed up anyway, so who cares. To top it all off, I am sure that there will be some sort of problem with the convoy's departure time. So it goes....

Pooh out...of patience...

Bear in Flight - Part 1

Howdy Ya'll

This is just a prelude for the fun to come. Tonight ol' Pooh Bear will be a wingin' it to Baghdad. I think I am hoppin' a chinook flight, so I will fill you in following the experience. I suppose I am ready to leave Anaconda behind me. It has been fun the last few weeks, though they feel like a lifetime. Friends made, stories lived. Yep, I got the checklist marked off, and it is time for something new.

Though I may be someplace new, you will still be able to tune in to the continued thrilling adventures at this very same online location! Log on, tune in, and matriculate. Until we speak again, consider a good read - "The Tao of Pooh"

For you philosophers out there, it is a thought provoking journey into Taoism as expressed through the world of A.A. Milne. As for the rest of you, well, it has Winnie the Pooh, and Eyore too, so just be glad you are reading.

Flybear Pooh, out.

The Sweet Smell of Impatience

Howdy.

Some may call me young and impatient, but I would much rather that then old and acquiescent. Others are content around here just taking up space and being pushed aside by management, but not I. I have taken my fate into my own hands, and to little surprise, I have made progress. I will be transferring from the estimating department, over to Project Controls and Scheduling. I have been informed that I will soon be moving down to Baghdad for some preliminary training following which I will be assigned to a specific site to take over those responsibilities. Now, I have no idea of the timetable, or any details, so please don't ask. I only know what I have relayed. I have settled into Anaconda rather well, but this change will by most efficacious professionally.

I have far too many latent abilities to sit around here hoping that something more would come my way. Let this be a word of advice to so many of you of whom complacency has taken advantage. Do not tolerate less than you are worth. Do not acquiesce to those who would keep you under thumb. Never let others tell you that you should settle for what you have, when you are capable of so much more.

Wisdom and experience do not come with age. They are found and discovered by those willing to search. Likewise, respect is not merited simply by seniority. Rather, it is commanded by your actions, and demeanor. Show respect toward others and they will respect you. Command respect from your subordinates by your actions, do not demand it with words. Unearned respect is merely lipservice given to those for whom we pity. Of course, as always, the greatest wisdom and command for respect can be found in the words of God. Learn.

For those of you out there already taking the world by the lead, hats off to you. As for the rest of you, well, it is never too late. If you live your whole life upon a shelf, you've got no one to blame but your own damn self.

Good night, God bless Texas, and may he bless you as well. Cheers to you and to all. Carry on.

Texas On My Mind

Howdy,

I woke up this morning, Texas on my mind. Thinking 'bout my friends their and the girl I left behind.

Maybe Pat Green speaks for all of us who, for some reason or another, are living outside of the Lone Star. I have purchased the album, Three Days, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Pat Green has been a staple in my music collection for many years now, and perhaps that is why I am a happier person than most of you. Well, for all of you back home in the Republic, my hat's off to you.

We've moved offices today. Construction is swift on site these days. We have a secondary administration building now, to which many departments have relocated. We are in the original building, but occupy three offices rather than two. It was a fun morning of moving furniture and breaking down computers. Perhaps KBR enjoys paying us large sums of money to push desks. So be it. Of course Project Controls has more room now, so that has been positive. Now, with any luck, we can get back to some semblence of routine. Other than that, nothing is new. Day after day, we are KBR employee, faithful.

I've my frustrations, and I have my misgivings, but instead, I shall leave you with lyrics. I've got half a mind to call her, half a mind to go, jump a big airliner, and go wing it on my way back home.

Thanks Pat. You speak for us all.