Poo Pond, Camel Spiders, and Drop Bears

Not only do we have to worry about the bad dudes shooting rockets at us, we have to worry about "MCPP" (microscopic contaminated poo particles), camel spiders, and drop bears!

Kandahar Air Base is home to the legendary "Poo Pond". You can judge your direction in relation to the smell. It actually helped me find my way around the base the first few days. Here's an article in the NY Times...
http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/the-poo-pond/. The smell isn't quite as bad early in the mornings, so I've opted to 0500 runs to give my lungs a break from the stench. Maybe I should try to peppermint oil under the nose? Isn't that what morticians use? Anywho, it is a horrific smell!

My next big concern are the camel spiders... more like my biggest fear! Since I've been in the Army I've been worried that I would some day come in contact with one of these legendary creatures. I think my days are numbered before that happens. We've already had a sighting around the barracks. He was up under a second story window the other night (thank goodness I was safe inside). The girls thought he was about the size of a kitten. They said he shot off quickly after a mouse before they could confirm his size. Then last night, I think I saw some camel spider movement by the barracks next to ours. I was waiting outside for someone and heard this chirping sound, so I looked over... and saw a leg and some movement! Suddenly I broke out in a sweat. I was standing out by the road by this time, far from those sandbags! I know it's inevitable, but I am taking every precaution to stay away from possible hiding spots and shady areas. Camel spiders like shade, and apparently the smell of poo. I've been told, from first-hand experienced folks, that they will wait for you outside the porta-johns because they are attracted to the smell of poo! They will stand up begging for a scoobie poo snack or something. So you know what that means? I cannot poo in a port-john without a spidee guard. They will also chase you if you run. I know someone that ran with one! They seek shade, so this one was running behind him to catch his shadow. This is real stuff friends! I am in great danger.

The last threat I want to tell you about is the drop bear. It is actually a lot more scary than the camel spider... but I am still more terrified of the gigantic domestic animal-sized spider. Anyway. The war in Afghanistan is a Coalition fight, so we have forces from all over the world here. Well apparently the Aussies have brought this little lively weapon over to fight... unfortunately it cannot be tamed and a danger to all! They drop down on you from low-hanging trees and ferociously attack! So now I have to stay away from shady areas, unguarded porta-johns, and trees. (Luckily I haven't seen any trees here.)


Okay, maybe the drop bears aren't real. But the first two dangers are real!

Military Care Package Kit

Good day friends!

The USPS offers Military Care Packages to help families and friends send care packages to us while we're deployed overseas. This is only for when we're overseas at an APO/FPO address. These kits have 2 priority mail boxes, 6 priority mail flat rate boxes, 8 priority labels, one roll of priority tape, and 8 customs forms with envelopes. You can call 800-610-8734 and ask for the FREE military care kit. (Or visit http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/welcome.htm). We were told that shipping is only $11.50 for the large flat rate box up to 70 lbs.

I don't need anything right now, but I am sure there will be something sometime soon. Once our teams leave for their respective regions, us ladies will need a few essential items that we may have trouble getting. = \ We have everything we need right now, but the party has just began.

I'm sitting outside in a dust storm. It's already very hot here, and very very dusty! I have to keep wiping off my computer. I'm off now to learn about project funding. Take care all!

New address

Here's my new address....

Kitty Powell (name only, no rank)
A/431st CA BN
1-502 2 BCT 101 ABN DIV
FOB Wilson
APO, AE 09355

So far, it doesn't look like I will have much access to internet. But I will write when I can!

Lost in transit

Well now we're at our transit base before we move to our final destination. It's great to have internet.... however my computer is about to die because none of the power outlets work. Can't have it all! We've been up a long time, probably over 36 hrs, I'm not sure anymore. All the flight and time zone changes confuse me. The flights were crazy. 3 flights to get here... 8 hrs, 4 hrs, 4 hrs, or something like that. I got stuck in a center row, center seat on the first two flights. Not a happy camper! I sure do love the window seat. Luckily there was an empty seat by the window by my Commander on the last flight.... how nice it was! Anyway, us girls are all wide awake and don't want to sleep. We're gonna try to tough it out so we can sleep good tonight. We're in lovely tents made to house at least 200 people. Not the last tent we'll see unfortunately. Might be the nicest for awhile though.

On the sunny side, there is the mess hall. First of all, it's all free and open 24 hrs. And there is everything! I can be in a horrible mood, then someone feeds me and I'm all better. I'm such a simple girl. ; ) I really did just have the best apricot yogurt ever!

Nothing more to say right now... my 'puter is about to cu put. Have a great day everyone!

'Bout that time....

After a spectacular long weekend in NYC, it's almost time for us to leave on our way to our final destination. I hear we'll have good internet when we get to our 'transition' country... cross your fingers!! (You'd think I would've had good internet in NJ too, but not. I'm just saying.)

There was a short, little ceremony for us today where the post hangs a little flag with our unit's name on it while we're deployed. When we return, they take it down and give to our Commander. It was pretty lame actually, but something said sticks in my head.... "Freedom isn't free." Many don't understand that, and many more don't appreciate it. So while I'm on this sappy roll, I want to share the Soldier's Creed that we recited today.

I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.

For my friends who have served, thank you so much for your understanding, advise, concern, and support. I know you understand how important the Creed is for a Soldier. For the rest of my friends, thank you too for all your concern and support. It means so much to me. I'm sorry I haven't wrote much as I'm getting ready to leave. It's just easier for me that way, easier to just move on and not talk about it. Those of you that have known me for a long time should be used to that. ; ) Continue to keep us all in your prayers. Pray for the Lord's guidance and strength when we will need it most. And please pray for my Daddy as his lil' girl goes off to war while he waits for me to come home.

I will write as soon as I can. Much love and a big hug!

Redneck woman....

Thanks for the slideshow Alex!!!

Albert in the Turret

Albert joined us for training today. He spent some time in the gunner's turret, then supervised a little weapons' cleaning.

All I can say about today's range is my Gunner rocked it on the M2 .50 cal.... she is one little BA!