Stuff...

So another month has come and gone since my last post. I don't have any excuses to offer but I can certainly explain my absence. First, I want to thank all of you for your words of encouragement and your prayers for me and my team. Second, I think it's important to note that it hasn't been that I didn't have anything to post. Lots has happened this past month and, on most any given day I could have written about some little thing that happened here on FOB Lagman. But the reality is that I haven't had the desire to share the mundane, day to day things that we do here while waiting for bad things to happen. In fact, I've been wrestling with what this blog actually represents and which direction to take it from here forward. I'll try to explain...

After my last post, I got some heat from certain people over the contents of the blog. I was pretty sure I hadn't posted anything that was in violation of the rules that govern social media use by members of the military but, just to be safe, I ran the entire blog by the operational security officer for the FOB, the PAO for the FOB, and, ultimately, the PAO for all of RC South. In the end, I needed to remove about four lines of text from the entire blog. In and of itself, removing a few lines was no big deal but reading back through all my previous posts gave me pause.

As you all know, my blog is mostly light-hearted, hoo-yah, go Navy in nature with as much humor as I can muster thrown in to keep things positive. By and large, that's the kind of guy I am. I love life, I love to laugh, and despite the length of my indentured servitude to the USN I'm still grateful for all the opportunities the Navy has given me. But as I read through most of my posts, a feeling of shame came over me. I felt like, up until my last post, I was painting a Pollyanna picture of something much darker than most can imagine. Much of what I know (or think I know) about this war and the machine that powers it I can't post for fear of reprimand. Most of what I feel must similarly be put aside for private conversations best reserved for the time after I return home. As I re-read my posts outlining our time at Dix and most of our time here I realized that I may have been broadcasting the wrong message to you all and for that, I apologize.

So, faithful followers, before proceeding with any further posts, a disclaimer...

THIS BLOG IS NOT INTENDED TO, IN ANY WAY, GLORIFY, PROMOTE, OR ENCOURAGE CONTINUATION OF HOSTILITIES AGAINST ANY GOVERNMENT OR ENTITY. THE AUTHOR ONLY WISHES TO PORTRAY THE LIGHTER SIDE OF OUR CURRENT CONFLICT AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, KEEP THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE FOLLOWED THE ORDERS OF THOSE APPOINTED OVER THEM AND DEPLOYED IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM IN THE FOREFRONT OF THE PUBLIC MIND. THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE US NAVY, THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, OR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

If reading between the lines here changes your opinion of me or what I write then so be it. I just want to be sure that there is no misunderstanding about the serious nature of what is taking place here in the middle east. In other words... this isn't all fun and games...

Sorrow and Strength

So it's been a while since my last post. Honestly, I just haven't felt much like writing as it's been a rough few weeks here. It all started on Monday, the 16th, which is the only day I'll write about in this post. I was coming back from the gym when I got a page that there were inbound patients, but no further info. The ambulances rolled past me as I hurried to the FST. I could see that CPR was in progress as the first two patients were transferred from ambulance into our trauma center. I came in the back door and as I entered the trauma bay I could see that both of the patients were US forces. As events unfolded, two more patients came in and one of them was also coding. The fourth had obvious facial trauma but was still alert and talking. I took my turn performing chest compressions on two of the patients until the decision was made that nothing further could be done. I retreated toward the OR and found that a fifth patient had been snuck past us into the ICU and had yet to be assessed by a surgeon. As I took the lead on him, I discovered that he had a concussion with short-term memory loss but was otherwise OK... and today was his birthday... 21 years old...

Once I determined he was stable I stepped back into the trauma bay to this scene. (No, there was no puppy, but I was informed today that certain images are verboten on my blog. God forbid everyone at home remember that people are dying over here... )

Today was the first patrol for these boys from the a newly arrived unit and the final patrol for others from the outgoing unit. They were patrolling along highway A-1 when a command detonated IED blew their vehicle 30 meters up the road. Four of the six guys in the vehicle were dead.

These were the first US deaths we'd seen since arriving and the sight of those flag-draped bodies was more painful than I'd imagined they would be. That night, as we stood at attention at the flight line waiting for the helicopters to arrive and take these brave young men on the first leg of their journey back to US soil the silence was deafening. With tears in my eyes, I thought of the many thousands who have died in this war and in wars past to secure our freedom and the freedom of people the world over. I thought of the young man whose birthday would never be the same. Of the families who would soon be hearing that dreaded knock on the door announcing the arrival of a team of soldiers, there to inform them of the realization of the worst fear of every man, woman or child who has kissed a loved one goodbye as they left to do their sworn duty. As the heroes were loaded into the aircraft we rendered a final salute to our fallen brothers and then, in a cloud of dust, they were gone.

I walked home alone and climbed into bed and opened my Bible for my nightly read. I've been reading with the goal of making it through the entire Bible during the deployment and the next chapter in my reading was Psalm 23. I don't believe for a second that this was a coincidence. God provides strength in our times of sorrow.

Siete de Mayo...

What? What the heck is Siete de Mayo? Siete de Mayo is what happens if your Cinco de Mayo party gets ruined by an IED.

We've had a busy week here at the FST. Last Saturday we took care of 12 patients from a bus rollover. A true mass casualty, we had people from commands all over the FOB helping us manage so many patients. Sunday morning we figured we'd get a break but were awakened by a page that a Romanian MRAP had hit an IED. Sure enough, we took four patients, stabilized them, packaged them up, and sent them on to the next level of care. No sooner had we caught our breath than another page summoned us to take care of four locals who had been hit by an IED. So, back to the FST, evaluate, into the OR, stabilize, and call for MEDEVAC. It was a very busy weekend.

Monday morning brought news of UBL's death. Lot's of people back home have asked me what I thought about it so I'll give you the Reader's Digest condensed version...

Bin Laden was one man. Granted, he was an evil man responsible for the deaths of many innocent people, but he was still just one man. I don't believe for a second that his presence or absence in this world really amounts to much. I hope his death is the catalyst for Al Qaeda's downfall, but I doubt that will be the case. Nature abhors a vacuum, and there are plenty of bad guys over here who will fill the void and continue killing innocents in the name of their twisted religion. Until we no longer have guys getting blown up by IED's and spending months and years away from their families, I don't think a celebration is in order. In fact, the celebrations I saw on TV sickeningly reminded me of the screaming and dancing in Palestine when the towers fell. Truly sad. I will say "Bravo Zulu" to the guys from ST-6 who took him out, and thank God it didn't cost them any of their own!

Moving forward to the 5th. HM2 Medinareyes, who you met several posts ago, has been planning a Cinco de Mayo party from the day we arrived, and maybe even before that. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. A group of Romanians were out doing dismounted patrol, clearing IED's along A-1 (the main highway that runs from south to north through the country) when one of their soldiers stepped on an IED. An American medic from our combat engineers was the first responder. He placed tourniquets and started an IV as they rushed back here to try to save their wounded brother. Despite our best, most heroic efforts, this comrade in arms didn't make it. He was the first coalition soldier that we've lost during our time here and his death hit hard.

Friday they held a "Ramp Ceremony" at the flight line and we all attended. It was a somber event involving a solemn march of his flag draped body from the morgue to the waiting helicopter with a stop on the way for religious rites performed by a Romanian Orthodox Priest. Taking time to honor this man and his sacrifice made me proud of what we stand for as Americans and as a coalition. Please take time to pray not only for the Americans over here, but for our brothers in arms from around the world. We all share the danger and we all just want to make it home to those we love.

So that's how Cinco de Mayo became "Siete de Mayo"...

...and what a party it was!

We had all types of Spanish and Mexican food...

...and drank all kinds of Mexican drinks!

There were traditional (and not so traditional)hats and other adornments...

...pin the tail on the Burro

Smash the pinata...

...and even a dance party!

All in all, it was a great way to blow off some steam and forget some of the ugliness of the preceding week. A big thanks to Medinareyes for putting together such a fabulous event!

Surgical Techs!

Here at FST Lagman we perform lifesaving surgeries on US and coalition forces as well as Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, and other local Afghan nationals. While we, as surgeons, are holding the knife, we are being backed up by three of the finest surgical technicians the Navy has to offer. These three have a special place in my heart because they stand where I did over 20 years ago as I started this whole Navy odyssey. So without further ado... our surgical techs!

When we all first met in New jersey there was significant concern over the fact that, despite the FST being assigned three surgical techs, we only had one actually going through training with us. This was HM2 Galloway. During the Fort Dix "experience" there was much joking about securing Galloway in bubble wrap to prevent possible injury to our only surg tech. Fortunately, he made it here safely and leads our team of techs with a quiet, hardworking, "can-do" attitude.

SSSS: What’s your full name?

Terranthium Yeney Galloway

SSSS: Code name?

Gladiator

SSSS: Why that one?

Wickersham gave it to me

SSSS: Where were you born?

Hattiesburg, Mississippi but I grew up in Wiggins.

SSSS: Married or single?

Married

SSSS: Any kids?

Arionna 8, Darion 6, Jeremiah 10 months

SSSS: How long have you been in the military?

9 years now

SSSS: Any tattoos?

One. (Sharon Johnson. The good die young.)

SSSS: What’s food do you miss most being here on the FOB?

McDonalds double cheeseburgers

SSSS: What’s your favorite food that they serve here?

Ribeye steak

SSSS: Any food that you absolutely won’t eat?

Broccoli

SSSS: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Back to the Future

SSSS: Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Jacob I guess... I don't’ even know what you’re talking about.

SSSS: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars

SSSS: Mac or PC?

Mac

SSSS: Tupac or Biggie?

Tupac

SSSS: Astrological sign?

I don’t even know

SSSS: Briefs or boxers?

Boxers

SSSS: If you could teleport from here to anywhere in the world for 6 hours where would you go?

Back home

SSSS: Lowenbrau, Becks, St Pauli, or O’Douls?

O'Douls

SSSS: Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock-n-roll?

Rock and roll

SSSS: Did you get that last reference?

No

SSSS: What’s your favorite thing you’ve gotten in a care package?

Bracelet from bodybuilding.com... I order from them a lot...

SSSS: What message do you want to share with everyone reading?

Don’t take anything for granted!

By the time we arrived in Kandahar, a second tech had been identified who was going to be "loaned" to us until others arrived. HM2 Venegas was originally assigned to the role III hospital at Kandahar and was a somewhat familiar face as he'd been going through training with the large group that was a week ahead of us at Fort Dix. When we flew from Kandahar up to the FOB, he came with us and quickly became a valuable member of the team. He brings experience and a cool head to the OR and we quickly realized he was a "keeper". Consequently, we asked for, he agreed to, and the role III approved a permanent transfer to keep him with us for the entire deployment. Ladies and gentlemen... HM2 Venegas!

SSSS: What’s your full name?

Rigoberto Venegas

SSSS: Code name?

Rico

SSSS: Why that one?

It’s simple

SSSS: Where were you born?

Houston, TX

SSSS: Married or single?

Married. Married for two years in May.

SSSS: Any kids?

No

SSSS: How long have you been in the military?

5 and a half years

SSSS: Any tattoos?

One

SSSS: What’s food do you miss most being here on the FOB?

My wifes carne asada tacos

SSSS: What’s your favorite food that they serve here?

Crab legs and lobster tails

SSSS: Any food that you absolutely won’t eat?

I’m not really picky. I’ll eat anything actually.

SSSS: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Empire Strikes Back

SSSS: Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Team Edward. Just cause my wife. She’s even got a t-shirt.

SSSS: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars

SSSS: Mac or PC?

PC

SSSS: Tupac or Biggie?

Biggie. I like Biggies raps. More like a story

SSSS: Astrological sign?

Gemini

SSSS: Briefs or boxers?

Boxer-briefs

SSSS: If you could teleport from here to anywhere in the world for 6 hours where would you go?

Katy, TX. HOME

SSSS: Lowenbrau, Becks, St Pauli, or O’Douls?

I haven’t had any of them

SSSS: Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock-n-roll?

Rock-n -roll

SSSS: Did you get that last reference?

Now I do because explained

SSSS: What’s your favorite thing you’ve gotten in a care package?

Sweet bread. Pan dulce.

SSSS: What message do you want to share with everyone reading?

May God bless everybody!

Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to introduce you to HM2 Buchner. Our most recent, and probably final, addition to the team. Ms. Buchner has been with us for nearly two weeks now and has integrated into the group well. She's a breath of fresh air in our male dominated OR and she keeps us all on our best behavior. Another experienced surgical tech who clearly knows her stuff, HM2 Buchner rounds out our crew of outstanding surgical techs!

SSSS: What’s your full name?

Morgan Justine Buchner

SSSS: Code name?

Jergan

SSSS: Why that one?

My boyfriend’s name is Jeremiah and mine is Morgan so it’s a merger of the two

SSSS: Where were you born?

Sacramento, CA

SSSS: Married or single?

Single

SSSS: Any kids?

No

SSSS: How long have you been in the military?

7 years this July

SSSS: Any tattoos?

Two. A tribal design on my lower back which is the same as my great grandfather had around his arm. He was in the Navy in WWII. He passed away when I was about 14 and I knew I would get that tattoo. I was naive when I got it and didn't realize tattoos in that location were called "tramp stamps"... And the turtle on my foot is for my brother. Mom picked an animal for each of us when we were little. She'd give us gifts with that particular animal theme. So my brother’s animal was a turtle. Mine was a monkey. My Mom's nickname for me was “Monkey Mo”!

SSSS: What’s food do you miss most being here on the FOB?

Chipotle. I eat it every other day back home.

SSSS: What’s your favorite food that they serve here?

Scrambled eggs with ham and cheese

SSSS: Any food that you absolutely won’t eat?

I don’t eat pork. … except the little bits or shredded ham in the scramble!

SSSS: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Sixteen Candles. I'm a big Molly Ringwald fan. Only her 80’s movies though.

SSSS: Team Edward or Team Jacob?

I have no idea. I’ve only seen the movie once. I don’t know the difference between the two.

SSSS: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Spaceballs. I’ve never watched Star Wars OR Star Trek!

SSSS: Mac or PC?

PC. But I’ve been told I should convert!

SSSS: Tupac or Biggie?

No idea.

SSSS: Astrological sign?

Cancer

SSSS: Briefs or boxers?

Boxers. I’ve had the same pair since eighth grade, Mom bought them for my brother and they were too small for him so I got them.

SSSS: If you could teleport from here to anywhere in the world for 6 hours where would you go?

Greece

SSSS: Lowenbrau, Becks, St Pauli, or O’Douls?

Lowenbrau

SSSS: Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock-n-roll?

Country

SSSS: Did you get that last reference?

No

SSSS: What’s your favorite thing you’ve gotten in a care package?

Haven’t gotten one yet. But when I was deployed to Kuwait my favorite was trail mix.

SSSS: What message do you want to share with everyone reading?

If you have a good team you can get through most things. We had a fun positive group in training and the transition to being here has been good because everyone here has been welcoming and nice!

A Major Award and Air Force Nurses

Wow! It's been like a week and a half since my last post! Nothing much has happened aside from a battle royale between my gut and some wayward virus that literally turned dreams to reality. Yeah. I'd been fighting this stomach bug for a day or so and then Monday night I had this crazy dream where someone shot me in the stomach. The pain was intense! At some point my brain took over and I realized I was dreaming so I shook myself awake expecting everything to be OK. Unfortunately the pain persisted! It actually took me a minute to realize, even in my waking state, that I had not actually been "gutshot". Yeah...

Anyway, onto more important matters.

This blog has been nominated for Best Navy Blog in the 2011 "Milbloggies"! Voting ends soon (like, today or tomorrow) so go to the website HERE and cast your vote! Thanks in advance for all your support and remember to vote early and vote often!

Today I'm going to introduce you to the remaining two Air Force nurses whom you have yet to meet. These ladies are both integral parts of our team whose leadership and clinical skills augment our Navy group beautifully. They were here to welcome us when we arrived and, unfortunately, will be departing two to three months before we do. We can only hope their replacements bring as much to the table as they have!

Captain Trogdon brings many years experience to the table in both nursing and leadership. She's a quiet one who, when not busy managing our pharmaceuticals or directing her team, can be found soaking up some rays in the alley or sweating it out to P90X DVDs. We rely on her in so many ways to keep us pointed in the right direction. So without further ado... Ms. Wendy Trogdon!

SSSS: What’s your full name?

Wendy Jo Trogdon

SSSS: Code name?

None

SSSS: Where were you born?

Greensboro, NC

SSSS: Married or single?

Single

SSSS: How long have you been in the military?

17 years. Enlisted for seven, as a medic. Then ten as an officer.

SSSS: Any tattoos?

Yes. Patriotic hearts on my shoulder!

SSSS: What’s food do you miss most being here on the FOB?

Chick-fil-a

SSSS: What’s your favorite food that they serve here?

Ice cream

SSSS: Any food that you absolutely won’t eat?

Liver or brussel sprouts

SSSS: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

A Walk to Remember… It’s between that and Silence of the Lambs.

SSSS: Wow! What a difference!

That just shows my diversity in taste... "diversity in taste" sounds better than crazy!

SSSS: Team Edward or Team Jacob?

What?

SSSS: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars. First time I saw it was at a drive in. I was like 12.

SSSS: Mac or PC?

PC

SSSS: Tupac or Biggie?

Aren’t both of ‘em dead now?

SSSS: Astrological sign?

Libra

SSSS: Briefs or boxers?

On me or them? Depends on the mood. Both will work!

SSSS: If you could teleport from here to anywhere in the world for 6 hours where would you go?

Probably go home for my niece's 21^st (birthday) so I could drink a beer with her.

SSSS: Lowenbrau, Becks, St Pauli, or O’Douls?

Don’t drink it

SSSS: Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock-n-roll?

A mixture of both

SSSS: Did you get that last reference?

Yeah

SSSS: What’s your favorite thing you’ve gotten in a care package?

A stuffed monkey

SSSS: What message do you want to share with everyone reading?

It’s been a good experience but tough. Definitely worthwhile being here. We’re doing a lot of good. Helping a lot of good people and worked with a lot of good people.

Major Jones is our most senior Air Force nurse here at the FST. She works hard to ensure that everyone is properly trained in all their duties as well as cross-trained to do other jobs. With as small a group as we are, her efforts to ensure that every position on every team has at least one, and usually multiple, backups is extremely important. Her quiet, calm manner makes her a very pleasant person to be around and her experience as a senior nurse brings so much to the team! Quite simply, Major Jones is a "Major" asset!

SSSS: What’s your full name?

Gloria Greene Jones

SSSS: Code name?

Wonder Woman

SSSS: Why that one?

She was my childhood hero. I liked the live action show with Linda Carter. I watched it diligently!

SSSS: Where were you born?

Seoul Korea. My father was in the Army. I was actually Army Guard before joining the Air Force

SSSS: Married or single?

Married. My husband was in the Army. He's retired now and works for FEMA.

SSSS: Any kids?

A three year old daughter. This is the second deployment she's had to go through.

SSSS: How long have you been in the military?

Since 1988

SSSS: Any tattoos?

No

SSSS: What’s food do you miss most being here on the FOB?

Seafood and Korean food.

SSSS: What’s your favorite food that they serve here?

Chicken curry.

SSSS: Any food that you absolutely won’t eat?

Asparagus or Okra

SSSS: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Growing up it was Sparkle. That was one about a girl who grew up in a bad neighborhood but then made it out!

SSSS: Team Edward or Team Jacob?

I don’t watch Twilight. I don't like scary movies. I get nightmares!

SSSS: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars

SSSS: Mac or PC?

For music… Mac. But otherwise I’d say PC

SSSS: Tupac or Biggie?

Biggie

SSSS: Astrological sign?

LIbra

SSSS: Briefs or boxers?

Depends on the persons physique...

SSSS: If you could teleport from here to anywhere in the world for 6 hours where would you go?

Heaven

SSSS: Lowenbrau, Becks, St Pauli, or O’Douls?

I don’t drink near beer

SSSS: Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock-n-roll?

Probably more country

SSSS: Did you get that last reference?

No

SSSS: What’s your favorite thing you’ve gotten in a care package?

For sweets there are these resealable packages of Chips Ahoy. Besides that I like the beef jerky.

SSSS: What message do you want to share with everyone reading?

Tomorrow is never promised so enjoy today! Tell your loved ones that you love them!

Spa Day!?!?!

Yes. Those are my toes. The colors on the right are for the US and the colors on the left are for Afghanistan. Soooo... why in the world are they painted? Is it because of the repeal of "Don't ask don't tell"? Definitely not. I suppose the main reason could be chalked up to boredom. Boredom here is actually a good thing. Boredom means that kids aren't picking up Soviet era ordnance or running out in front of heavy vehicles. It means that US forces and our allies aren't getting blown up by IED's or shot by the Taliban. And it means that I went to the spa for a little "me time" today.

The barbershop and spa are run by AAFES and provide almost all the same services you can get at your typical spa back home.

The big differences are the prices...

The presence of automatic weapons...

...and the fact that afterwards you can't go home, sit in the hot tub, and enjoy a glass of Seasmoke. Now, aside from the occasional massage, I'm not a big patron of spas so I can't tell you whether this is a good spa or not, but the ladies are very nice and it killed almost half a day so it was definitely worth it.

We started with the manicure and pedicure or "Mani-Pedi" as my lovely wife and daughter refer to it. They clipped my nails and cleaned all the gunk from around and under them and then buffed and polished! Pretty sweet, I guess... But not all that relaxing except for the foot massage part which, truth be told, didn't last very long. That said, I suppose I should be grateful for the fact that the pedicurist would even touch my gnarly dead left big toenail which has been an abomination for years thanks to too much time in climbing shoes and multiple full toenail losses from rugby mishaps.

We then moved on to the massage and facial portion of the treatment. The massage was definitely one of the best I've had and included the use of knees as well as actual walking on my back! An outstanding job and, considering the the price, I'll certainly be back for more! When I rolled onto my back for the second half of the massage they started the facial as well. I have no idea what all the different lotions, creams, and masks were that they used but the facial was, without a doubt, as relaxing as the massage.

I know. I'm in a war zone getting "pampered" at the salon. What the heck? It certainly is in stark contrast to the way the people we're helping here live and reminds me of how very blessed we all are to live in the United States where such things are taken for granted as normal. Every day, as I look across the valley at goat herders, mud huts and dirt roads I am reminded of how lucky I am. Every night I thank God for the fact that I'm an American and that He has blessed me so richly. What started as just a day at the spa has ended up being yet another reminder of how good I really have it.

Navy Nurses!

Today I'm showcasing two of Navy Nursing's finest! LCDR Mike Finckbone and LCDR (sel) Malissa Wickersham are two more incredible members of the team. They've been with us since day one at Dix and both have managed to maintain sanity while helping the rest of us to maintain our own!

Malissa is our emergency care nurse but is also a nurse practitioner! Her abilities in both capacities are a huge bonus, especially in those situations where we become nearly overwhelmed with multiple casualties. She is a great mentor to the corpsmen and also serves as our morale officer organizing auctions for dog attacks, St. Patty's day parties, and Friday movie nights as well as personally baking birthday cakes whenever someone's big day comes up. It's a pleasure to introduce you to a woman who brings much to the table but asks for nothing in return!

SSSS: What’s your full name?

Malissa Dawn Wickersham

SSSS: Code name?

Domina

SSSS: Why that one?

Because I’m dominant! Ask my husband. It’s true! He’s not afraid of a strong woman.

SSSS: Where were you born?

Rapid City, SD

SSSS: Married or single?

Married

SSSS: Any kids?

Two kids. A son who’s 18 and a daughter who will be 16 next month.

SSSS: How long have you been in the military?

10 years

SSSS: Do you have any tattoos?

I do. I have a tramp stamp!

SSSS: What’s food do you miss most being here on the FOB?

Crab stuffed shells that I make with with sautéed spinach and alfredo sauce

SSSS: What’s your favorite food that they serve here?

Chocolate cheesecake

SSSS: Any food that you absolutely won’t eat?

Ice cream. Just not an ice cream person. It's not that I WON'T eat it... I just usually don't.

SSSS: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

The Wizard of Oz. I always wanted to be the good witch. I’ve got the witch part down, it’s the "good" I’m working on!

SSSS: Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Team Jacob. He’s hot. I actually have a cardboard cutout of him at home!

SSSS: Star Wars or Star Trek?

The original Star Trek. It was something me and my Dad watched together. That and boxing!

SSSS: Mac or PC?

I own PC’s but people are trying to convince me to convert to Mac. I’m thinking about converting.

SSSS: Tupac or Biggie?

Neither. I’m a country girl. I’ll take Shania Twain. When I was real little I was in love with Mac Davis!

SSSS: Astrological sign?

Virgo. And when I go home I WILL be a reborn virgin!

SSSS: Briefs or boxers?

Commando

SSSS: If you could teleport from here to anywhere in the world for 6 hours where would you go?

My bedroom...

SSSS: Lowenbrau, Becks, St Pauli, or O’Douls?

St Pauli

SSSS: Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock-n-roll?

Country

SSSS: Did you get that last reference?

Yeah. I do. I can’t remember exactly who said it though.

SSSS: What’s your favorite thing you’ve gotten in a care package?

A sexy letter from my husband.

SSSS: What message do you want to share with everyone reading?

Drink more wine. It makes people happy and there will be less war!

Wow! Alot of info from "Wick", as we like to call her! Now to move on to our Operating Room nurse extraordinaire, Mike Finckbone. Mike is a former Marine who went and got edu-ma-cated and joined the Navy. He cracks the whip on both our enlisted OR techs and all of us surgeons to keep things in the OR organized and efficient. His wisdom and vast experience are invaluable in this setting. He knows how to make things happen and always has an alternate solution to a problem if supplies or experience threaten to limit our capability. A true example or the "Semper Gumby" (Always Flexible) attitude needed to practice good medicine in bad places, Mike is an ever present ally to us all.

SSSS: What’s your full name?

Mike Todd Finckbone

SSSS: Code name?

Lunista

SSSS: Why that one?

He was a trainer and purveyor of gladiators

SSSS: Where were you born?

Centralia, IL

SSSS: Married or single?

Married

SSSS: Any kids?

Three; Lindsay 20, Sean 15, London 12

SSSS: How long have you been in the military?

20 years military. 8 in the USMC, 12 in the Navy

SSSS: Any tattoos?

One. 8^th Counter Intelligence Unit. They paid for it! I was drunk! Always said if I get another it’d be a biohazard symbol on my backside!

SSSS: What’s food do you miss most being here on the FOB?

Fresh grilled grouper. I miss fresh fish!

SSSS: What’s your favorite food that they serve here?

Eggplant parmesan.

SSSS: Any food that you absolutely won’t eat?

Jello. I refuse to eat Jello. I’m a grown man and my Mom can’t make me. Kool-aid too!

SSSS: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Good question... Clockwork Orange.

SSSS: Team Edward or Team Jacob?

I have to go with Jacob because Edward looks feminine and constipated. I don’t trust him.

SSSS: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Trek. The old one. I wanted to be Kirk because he always got the blue chicks!

SSSS: Mac or PC?

Once you go Mac, you’ll never go back!

SSSS: Tupac or Biggie?

Who?

SSSS: Astrological sign?

Aries

SSSS: Briefs or boxers?

Boxers

SSSS: If you could teleport from here to anywhere in the world for 6 hours where would you go?

Angelina Jolie’s house. I have a hall pass for Angelina or Madonna.

SSSS: Lowenbrau, Becks, St Pauli, or O’Douls?

Lowenbrau

SSSS: Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock-n-roll?

Rock-n roll

SSSS: Did you get that last reference?

Yeah

SSSS: What’s your favorite thing you’ve gotten in a care package?

My fast hikers. So I can hike the perimeter. They’re sweet!

SSSS: What message do you want to share with everyone reading?

It’s not good to be a land-locked sailor! I miss the water!

Thanks for reading, everyone! See you next time!

Nikki Tucker and Tucking Into Steaks!

Today I'd like to introduce you to Captain Nikki Tucker, United States Air Force! Nikki is one of our nurses here at FOB Lagman. She hails from Oklahoma and uses her Oklahoma attitude to help keep us all in line! She works on a trauma team here and aside from providing outstanding care for all our patients, she has a great sense of humor and a quick wit about her. She even came up with the winning slogan for our command coin! Captain Tucker is an integral part of our team and I couldn't be happier to be able to introduce you to her!

SSSS: What’s your full name?

Nikki Michelle Tucker

SSSS: Code name?

Snowflake

SSSS: Why that one?

Well, I could say it’s because I’m kinda pale with dark hair. The other reason is that the former team said some of the Army girls were going make me their girlfriend so it was like a prison name!

SSSS: Where were you born?

Oklahoma City

SSSS: Married or single?

Married

SSSS: Any kids?

A 2 year old son named Seth

SSSS: How long have you been in the military?

9 years in July

SSSS: Any tattoos?

No. I think I'm one of the few people on the FOB without one!

SSSS: What’s food do you miss most being here on the FOB?

Pizza... Real pizza.... Old Chicago Pizza!

SSSS: What’s your favorite food that they serve here?

I guess the Omelets are pretty good...

SSSS: Any food that you absolutely won’t eat?

I'm very picky so I won’t eat most of it.

SSSS: Picky Nikki?

Yeah... I guess!

SSSS: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

No idea. There are so many I can’t pick one.

SSSS: Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Well... I read all the books so, even though I know Bella ends up with Edward and everything I still like Jacob better!

SSSS: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars

SSSS: Mac or PC?

What’s the difference?

SSSS: Tupac or Biggie?

Biggie

SSSS: Astrological sign?

Aries

SSSS: Briefs or boxers?

Boxer-briefs!

SSSS: If you could teleport from here to anywhere in the world for 6 hours where would go?

An island in the Carribean.

SSSS: Lowenbrau, Becks, St Pauli, or O’Douls?

St. Pauli

SSSS: Are you a little bit country or a little bit rock-n-roll?

Both

SSSS: Did you get that last reference?

Yeah. It’s those brother and sister group people… I forgot their names

SSSS: What’s your favorite thing you’ve gotten in a care package?

Pictures of my son.

SSSS: Is that really your favorite or just the only one you're willing to tell me about?

The only one I'm willing to tell you about!

SSSS: What message do you want to share with everyone reading?

It’s been exciting to be here! I'm glad I came but am so ready to come home!

So now that you have gotten to meet Nikki I wanted to tell you about an AMAZING lady who, along with her husband, runs a family farm in Virginia. First, the background...

Getting good, properly cooked, fresh meat out here is extremely difficult. The DFAC does the best they can but it's pretty much impossible to cook for 500 people plus and get it perfect. A few weeks ago, Christian began researching places that might ship fresh meat, packed in dry ice, to APO addresses. It turns out that very few companies are willing. Ultimately, he was able to contact Robin Rider of Rider's Backfield Farm, in Etlan, VA and, after some discussion about the logistics, she agreed to help us out!

Sunday afternoon at mail call our dreams of fresh beef came true! Two T-bones, two Porterhouse, two Ribeyes and two Sirloins in addition to 6 pounds of ground beef, four pounds of sausages, and a "goodie box" full of jams, jellies, and homemade soap arrived! The meat was all still cold and some was still frozen! Needless to say, we immediately fired up the barbecue and went to work!

The result was amazing! The grassfed beef from Rider's, rubbed with a little olive oil and seasoned with just salt and pepper came off the grill sizzling and juicy! The first bite was like heaven and the beef just melted in our mouths! We were two VERY happy surgeons by the time we put down our forks, gnawed on the bones, and licked the juice off the plates! A HUGE THANKS to Robin and her husband Jimmy there at Backfield! You are the best! Anyone looking for top quality grass fed beef please contact Jimmy and Robin at the link above. You won't be disappointed!