Well we have been here almost a month now and things are beginning to settle into a routine. The days are long and construction efforts are numerous. You might say that this is an engineers paradise if it weren't for the extreme temperatures, bugs and dust in the air. However, in typical Gumby fashion we make the best of it and will accomplish a lot over the next 6 months. What makes this mission so interesting is we get a chance to improve the quality of living for all the soldiers here, including the coalition troops. We work regularly with Korean construction troops as well as the Italians. There are numerous other coalition troops here all doing there part in building a better Iraq and in time we will have a chance to work with them as well! Construction efforts also include getting out into the communities and towns and helping the population rebuild their schools, hospitals and improve their overall community infrastructure. Our role in these type of projects is to lend our design capability to some of the more challenging jobs. This is something we really enjoy because of the direct contact with the Iraqi people. One of the pictures I have included in this posting is our involvement with the water pumping stations that resides just off the post. It is amazing how they have managed to keep the darn pumps operating and serves as a testimony to the creative genius of the Iraqi's.
The days are never dull around here and it is amazing how quickly the time has gone so far! We usually start the day at 0730 and call it quits around 1800hrs. Since we are Air Force troops working for the Army we normally walk over from Air Force tent city to work on the Army side of the post. The food here is pretty good all considering, off duty activities include a gym facility, movie theatre, library and computer room. Laundry is taken care of by local contract which is a good thing because we spend a lot of time of the various construction sites and that means we cycle through our DCU's pretty regularly.
One of the other opportunities we have is socializing with the coalition troops. Just the other night I attended a going away for the Army installation commander hosted by the Korean delegation. The photo attached is a photo of myself along with the Army command leadership and Korean compound commander. Major Ray also attended and we both got introduced to a traditional (hot and spicy) Korean meal. Not to be out done I was also asked to participate in meeting with a congressional delegation over here checking on the progress of efforts and keenly interested in the well being of the troops! This was a pleasure to see; the interaction of the congressman with the troops. There was no fan fare, just straight talk about family and hometown! We did have a chance to quickly get the delegation out to the Ziggurat which is actually very close by. I have been out their twice now, and I can't imagine myself every getting board of visiting this sight. It is truly impressive and from the top of the temple structure you get a fantastic view of the area! I have enclosed a photo of myself and others with the four congressman.
So I guess I will leave it at that for now and will make an effort to post more information on the sight. With our computers plugged into the base IT system we are becoming dangerously productive, and hopefully by the end of the month we will move into our newly renovated office. It is still austere by western standards but it provides us more room for the team, which is currently working out of closet size space.
To all our friends and family know that we are doing well and are safe! This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity; one that we all know we will remember with many stories to share when we all return towards the end of the summer.
Click HERE to see photo's
Cheers for now
Colonel Kevin Fischer
300 ASG/DPW
Man, you guys are great!!! That Al Moore guy sounds really REALLY cool!!!
Posted by: Uh, Joe...Joe Smith | March 08, 2004 at 06:19 AM
Greetings from the 231st CEF S-team. Nice site. Good to see some info on what to expect during the 231st's rotation.
Posted by: Cpt Fabian Grabski | March 15, 2004 at 09:53 AM
Hi Kev,
This is a test message - did I do this correctly? I don't know what my URL is. If you do receive this message, glad to hear things are going well. This is a great website. Send more pictures and emails. Is there anything from home you miss that we could send you? Magazines? Books? Snack food?
Love, Ria, Steve, Galen and Grace
Posted by: Maria Fischer Leaf | March 16, 2004 at 08:50 PM
Hi Everyone!!!
Many thanks for the great website.
What a trip down memory lane...
300th ASG returned home 08 JAN05 from out processing at Fort Eustis, VA near Langley AFB.
We're glad to be home and grateful for some decompression time.
We'll always remember the countless contributions you made and what it took to make them.
Your unparalleled expertise, talent, and professionalism are beyond compare.
Fighting Gumbies of the 235 CEF are absolutely the best!
For your wit, wisdom, humor, and outstanding service,
you have our boundless gratitude for making the world a better place.
All the best to you and yours,
COL Pam Adams, US Army
300th Area Support Group
Commander
Posted by: COL Pam Adams | January 09, 2005 at 02:27 PM
Hi To all the Fighting Gumbies
I am trying to get Maj. Ray Email address or phone # thanks.
MSG Nichols
Posted by: John Nichols | February 15, 2005 at 06:07 PM