The Next Chapter...

It has been over six months since I have posted, and not for lack of anything to share, but when our USO Facebook page was created, I became the admin and was focused on keeping it updated. Unfortunately, my blog sat quietly waiting for me to return. So, here I am!

Flash back to early September... I was at a point in my USO career where I felt I needed to do more for our troops who were on the front lines and not just passing through going on or returning from R&R, so I applied for a transfer to the USO Center under construction in Kandahar, Afghanistan. In less than a day, I had an interview with HR and a week later was told my transfer was approved. Then, I received an email from my future boss... he wanted to interview me for the position. Yes, I was completely confused after receiving his email, but fortunately, after a 75-minute interview, I was hired and, if all went well, would be on a plane on October 16th.

Fast forward to mid-September... everything is finalized for my transfer and I am left with only a couple of weeks to prep for my new home in Kandahar because I was leaving on October 1st for vacation to Germany. After returning from my trip, I would be left with three days to finish packing, cleaning before catching my flight on Saturday.

It is always a bit overwhelming to me knowing I have X amount of days to complete each task on my list, but I managed to get everything done before leaving Kuwait... mostly due to my previous boss not scheduling me to work after returning from vacation. (Thank you Keon!) I even had time to have lunch at the mall in Kuwait City with a co-worker before leaving for Kandahar.

Saturday, October 16th... I met up with my boss in Dubai and we flew into Kandahar together. I was glad for that since it was a new experience for me flying directly onto a base airfield instead of an airport landing strip. The flight was supposed to be about 2 hours, but it felt considerably less... probably because my boss and I talked the entire time. lol

My first impression... a huge, dusty, noisy base! Major difference, in regards to accommodations, is I have 4 roommates... plus side is that they are the females who work for the USO. Erin, Joan, Sarah Y and Sarah K... ranging in ages from mid-thirties to mid-twenties. I feel like the mother here! lol

The USO Center is huge... reminds me of Camp Buehring in Kuwait, but the colors are brighter and it looks more like home. Larry, my new boss, didn't waste any time and scheduled me to work the next day. Love it! I was also happy to see Duane, my previous co-worker in Kuwait, and meet Owen and Pennington. My 12-month commitment with the USO will end in March 2011, but I am seeing myself here longer than 5 months!

Just for Mothers...

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought it be a great idea for troops to send handwritten cards to show love and appreciation for their mothers. So, I took some stationery we had on hand and wrote various Mother's Day phrases and poems on them.

This Marine was the first to participate... (don't you just LOVE his smile?)

Spoiled by Soldiers' Angels...

After I arrived in Kuwait, Sharon, the fearless leader of all the Angel Bakers, asked if there was anything she could do for me... I couldn't think of anything specifically just for me, and I wanted to give my baking team a chance to help support the troops I come in contact with every day, so... I suggested she add my name to April's list of baking assignments.


The treats have been pouring in and the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen have been enjoying everything I offer... from Rum Cake to Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies! Most have been a bit hesitant, but after telling them the story about Soldiers' Angels and the wonderful ladies on my baking team, they can not resist a treat... or two!

Farewell to "Doc"...

After arriving on base, I quickly became friends with a Navy Corpsman nick-named "Doc"... he would come by the USO every day during my shift. We talked about our families, jobs and goals, well... as you know I probably talked more. lol

Anyway, his tour was coming to an end here and he warned me about his redeployment date, and then... it was moved up a week. I have to admit it was not going to be easy saying goodbye to "Doc".

The night before he would leave, he told me that he wanted to warn me of the desert changing a person when we first met, but he held back because he realized I was the type of person that would be happy doing what I loved no matter where I was located. He also told me that being a personable person out here is a good thing because our men and women need to know someone cares about them and what they are doing over here.

We snapped a picture before saying goodbye, and he reminded me once more, "Don't change for anyone!"

Easter in the sandbox...

Thanks to friends in Illinois and Texas, I had plenty of Easter treats to share with our troops. So, when I arrived at the USO to start my shift... I made it a priority to add a little cheer! It took awhile to find the one soldier willing to model bunny ears AND pose for a picture, but I didn't give up.

This sweet Marine was such a good sport...
even enduring the laughter and comments from his buddies.

I even managed to get my favorite volunteer to participate.

Once our BBQ was in full swing, I headed outside to sample the food. There was chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and salmon. After eating, I offered Easter eggs to our troops from a camouflaged basket.

For some reason, it was easier convincing our military to pose with eggs!

As if BBQ and Easter eggs wasn't enough, there was "gourmet" ice cream served for dessert. I volunteered to be the mixing specialist! We had Reese's pieces, M&Ms, Whoppers, Oreo Cookies, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Snickers. Everyone enjoyed the sweet addition to the vanilla ice cream usually served in the DFAC.

After dessert, there were the traditional Easter games... egg hunt, egg toss and egg relay. The USO definitely brought a slice of home to me and our troops!

The Last 2-1/2 Weeks...

It has been a bit challenging to "catch up" on blogging... although I have tried my best, so... I'm going to recap the last 2-1/2 weeks in one post.

Tuesday, March 16th... After spending half a day at Camp Arifjan completing my in-processing and obtaining my Military ID, I finally made it to Ali Al Salem, Camp LSA! It was dark when I arrived, but thanks to my boss, I quickly learned where the important things were. We went to Billeting to get my housing assignment and stopped at the USO for a quick tour. Duane showed me around so I would be prepared for my first shift tomorrow. On the way "home", my boss took me to the PX to pick up a few necessities... sheets, blanket, pillow, etc. After settling in, I found it a bit difficult to sleep, but I know it'll take time to adjust to my new surroundings. By the way, while I was at Arifjan today, I was hoping to meet a couple of Majors I know via Soldiers Angels... one is my "official" adoption and the other an Angel Bakers Team assignment from November 2007. David was busy with meetings, but Gary was able to meet me and snap a quick picture.


Wednesday, March 17th... I was surprised with a phone call from my Airman stating he was on my side of the base and anxious to see me... if that was okay. Duh! It was more than okay! We spent a few hours together before my shift began at 4pm. No... I didn't take a picture. Guess I was too busy looking at him!
Anyway, I made it to work on time and jumped right in... having a year's worth of volunteer experience in Los Angeles really helped me. I made lots of temporary friends on my first day at the USO and one that I will remember always. SGT Foard was a comedian the moment I met him... we spent lots of time chit-chatting at the counter, eating a few meals together and even watching karaoke the night before he left.


Saturday, March 20th... The soldiers at Camp LSA were treated to a performance by country singer Whitney Duncan. I managed to take a couple of shots and a quick video during her warm-up. I enjoyed the concert as well, but probably because my Airman was sitting next to me.

Sunday, March 21st... Another concert tonight, but this time it was an Army rock band. Again, I was fortunate to watch the show with my Airman by my side. They played a variety of songs and the crowd loved them!

Thursday, March 25... I attended my first meeting as the JEC (Junior Enlistment Council) liason. My role with the JEC is to coordinate and execute their monthly birthday celebrations. The first party will be held on April 1st at the USO.

Wednesday, March 31st... The USO hosted a meet/greet with the new Command Cell here at Camp LSA. We expected about 20 people, but twice as many showed up! Good thing we ordered extra food and drink. It was nice to mingle with the Commanders in a non-working environment and I quickly learned that the LTC and CSM are two of the funniest guys on post! Pictures to follow...

Thursday, April 1st... Our first JEC Birthday Celebration for April was held tonight in our theater. We had chips and dip, tropical sparkling punch and cake and ice cream! There was music and dancing as well! Everyone enjoyed the party and I received many positive comments.

My Birthday in Kuwait

Before I left CA, I told family and friends that I would hope to be on base before my birthday. The thought of spending my day alone was not appealing to me...

Despite the fact that I was still in the hotel on my birthday, I couldn't have asked for a better day!

It started with breakfast when I was wished "Happy Birthday" while ordering room service. Also, I was told that the hotel had a little something for me and it would be brought to my room. To my surprise, I received a birthday card and a chocolate mousse cake. Yum!

Next, I received the sweetest birthday email from my Airman... any communication from him always puts a smile on my face!

I also had a chance to video chat on Skype with my daughter and grandson... Heather wished me "Happy Birthday" and RJ actually sang it to me! I felt so close to both of them even though I was about 8,000 miles away.

Around 8pm I was picked up by my coworkers for a team-building dinner in Kuwait City at a restaurant called 7 Bars. We sat outside on the rooftop and enjoyed a night of good food and conversation.

As we were leaving, the hostess was kind enough to take a group photo of us... 1st Row, L to R: Keon, Me and Dan. 2nd Row, L to R: Thomas, Duane and Joe.

Still waiting...

Last word was I would be on base by Friday, March 12th, well... that didn't happen. Apparently the Army ID personnel didn't get to my paperwork before the end of their workday and since they don't work on the weekends and Mondays due to maintenance, it'd be Tuesday, the 16th before I could finish my in-processing.

By the way, my coworker's paperwork was completed and he was taken to the base on Saturday, the 13th.

Hard Rock Cafe in Kuwait City

Before I left CA, I found the Hard Rock Cafe in Kuwait City on the internet. After seeing pictures and with my goal of visiting the HRC in every place I visit, I convinced Thomas to take a taxi ride with me to the city.

After finding out the exchange rate and the approximate cost of a taxi ride, I handed over 20 US dollars and received about 7 KD.

The taxi driver greeted us and we were on our way. By the way, there are no traffic laws in Kuwait and everyone drives really fast. As many of you know, I don't have a problem with driving fast, but there are no crosswalks and people will walk in front of your moving car in the middle of the street. Also, I don't remember seeing any street lights, only stop signs and cars rarely stop.

Thankfully, we arrived safely. As we were exiting the taxi, the driver asked if we would need him to return for us in a couple of hours. Thomas and I both told him, "Yes", but he continued to ask until, only, Thomas answered him. (Yes, I know... I'm not in CA anymore. lol) Anyway, I gave Thomas the fare (2.5 KD) and headed towards the HRC.

It was about 3pm and the cafe was pretty empty so we had our choice of seating locations and settled on a booth with a view of the gulf.

FYI: Kuwait is a dry country and you cannot (legally) buy alcohol in any restaurant. Knowing this, Thomas decided to order a "drink" anyway... a margarita without tequila.

After spending a couple of hours eating and talking, we walked around outside of the cafe and took a few pictures. At this point, we saw a taxi waiting for us. It was a different driver and he didn't have a problem with me speaking to him... especially after he realized I was holding the KD. lol