My last E-MAIL

o today I sent my last e-mail from my Eglin account and some of the people on that list are very special. Some of them are people who I have NEVER met in person but have come in contact with because when I was in Iraq they were GRACIOUS enough to send me care packages. Some of these wonderful people continue to do this for our troops. Over & Over again they send their HEARTS to our troops and sometimes they never know if their heart was received. I thought this excerpt from the e-mail would fit here perfectly.. This is posted on BOTH blogs.
So here it is !! I left the name out because I forgot to ask permission to republish..

Jason, Thank You for your emails and your blogs. I've written to and sent packages to probably 400-500 troops in the past 4 years, and it's dwindled down to you being the only one who's stayed in touch... and I do appreciate it. There's a unit of 80 soldiers in Iraq who I've sent at least 10 boxes stuffed with things they posted that they needed, and in the last 5 months since I started, I've heard from NO ONE. Makes me wonder if anyone received them or appreciated them - sort of like I sent them to a black hole. Just a simple note saying they were received would be appreciated.
Maybe I ask too much, maybe they're in a terrible combat condition and there's no time for a note. Maybe they don't have words to write on paper to a stranger. I'm not sure. It's been a struggle to know what to write in letters to them because I only have the name of a contact, and no interaction. He was able to post their needs on the Camp Doha website, so I'd think he or someone could write notes to people who care and wanted to help.
You were over there - am I asking too much? I can't seem to feel motivated anymore to send anything and think I'll look for another unit or individual soldiers. You always sent emails, notes, pictures, and that meant a lot. You're
an awesome guy, J T-hoe!

Best of luck to you. Just want to wish you a safe and speedy year, and
to offer my thoughts and prayers and any help you or Tammy need. Never
be afraid to ask. I'd write to Tammy, too, if she wouldn't mind...
whaddya think?

God Bless you, my friend,

Countdown removed

If any of you have looked at my Korea blog you will notice I have removed my countdown.. I can't look at it anymore..

Cool Gmail things

If you goto your SETTINGS and then goto WEB clips.. POST this address into the search box... You can then ADD it so you can get WEB clips JUST above your inbox when the BLOG is updated

http://bffproject.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

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enjoy
J

o.k after I posted the original post above, I started looking at the GOOGLE reader.. George, not sure if you told me about this before or not but HOLY crap, when is Google going to stop.. You can have the READER get all the NEW updates to what ever web sites you want, no more SEARCHING back and forth through the web to find all the updates... The BEST part is you can put the reader right into your GOOGLE homepage or (Igoogle). My Igoogle front page has links from my Mail, Calender, Reader and some other things, BUT EVERY Google application can be put right into you Google Homepage and TATA, WOW !!

T

Running Calendar

I know you got a couple Calendar request, but here is the web site with all the LOCAL races..

http://nwftc.com/racing/RaceCalendar.php

Where's Waldo

Remember that?? Well.. I got a call from our Waldo (aka John Pope) And he is in Shuaiba, Kuwait at Camp Spearhead. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/shuaiba.htm The guy is working overtime already, but says he is enjoying it! When there is something to do, everyone just does it. No complaining... just get the work done and move on to the next thing. He will be at that location for about a month getting passes, badges, clearances and so on. Living aint so rough... he had prime rib for dinner... and a 5 egg omelet for breakfast! If and when he calls again, I'll post something! G

Shrinkage

Had ya worried there for a second, huh?? Well, I was referring to our numbers... they are shrinking... but that's all good.. that was the intent of this blog, right? Thought I'd share a picture from the other day... G

Sickness

Ok so I know George got sick NUMEROUS time prior to his OFFICIAL day...Today I get in my blog CLICK HERE , I was posting a blog and looked to the left to see my countdown... I can NOT believe how LITTLE time I have left. 14 friggin days and I am off to Korea. 14 friggin days.. This is about the time that NAUSEA sets in!!!

Contact!

John made it to Kuwait! He called about 645 this am... it was 245 in the pm there... 8 hrs ahead of us here. Said his flight was great... it really hit him as they crossed into Iraq on the way into Kuwait... has some great stories or thoughts to share, I wont ruin that for him.
He can share with all!
The internet is down in the country today, he hopes it will be up tomorrow. So look for an update and pictures soon. He is working a 72 hours shift starting tomorrow, yup, overtime already! His first day off will be Tuesday. His accommodation's are nice, and he likes the scenery and the shopping!
First thing he told me... ITS HOT HERE! No, really, ITS HOT! Thats odd... didn't he just to go the Middle East? LoL! Anyway, he is there, and safe! So look for an email, or update to the BLOG soon!

Hey duuude!

I got smashed in the faceby my board today. Yo JP, I thought you took the hex off! What a freakin' bummer thanks Bro!

Leadership

Fellas

As some of us move on, some of us move up and some of us have to wait for the next plane we have to look at what each other has given us.. I will never claim to be the best leader or supervisor. I never grew up with the confidence to do much, it usually takes me a LOOONG time to become comfortable and confident BUT I usually know where I can go to get help.. Obviously you ALL are the first STEP.. "What can my friends, wingmen & mentors give me?" for advice.. The second step is PROFESSIONAL. No I am not looking for a shrink, but as I get ready to leave I would like to leave SOMETHING with you...

This guy has written a couple books. I have read one and am getting the other one for my 14 hour plane trip, but this link below has a couple excerpts from his books/seminars.. He is not just ANOTHER person writing about leadership but he is MILITARY.. (retired like SOME people).. He writes about "HIS SHIP" and a lot of his experience will carry over to "YOUR SHIP", "YOUR SHIFT" or "YOUR TRUCK".
Enjoy, listen and if you have a couple bucks buy a used copy and READ...
CLICK HERE <--

His books
1- It's your ship
2- Get your ship together

T-hoe

Flyn' Today

Talked to John last night... he got plane tickets and is on his way! He will be flying from Houston to Amsterdam, then straight to Kuwait. John, in A-dam... hope he makes it to Kuwait! Anyway, John- we all wish you well and hope to see some pictures from your trip!

Thanks for everything!

"Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you."
- Elbert Hubard

Not sure where to begin. I have so many things to thank each of you for. I guess the best way to say it all is thanks for the friendship. Having great friends makes everything else so much easier. I really wanted to retire last year when I got back from Korea, but something told me to stay a bit, and I am so thankful that I did!

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
- Bible: Ecclesiastes

"I get by with a little help from my friends."
- John Lennon

"The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them."
- John 15:13

Retirement Videos

All the technology out there... we just couldn't get the live link to work, so next best thing... YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=firefightergeo
Thanks for the use of the use of the camera Jeremy! I will get it back before your 15 days expire! The Artist formerly know as Sgt D!

New Album

Just made another album, check it out!

Albums open !!

Ok.. Lisa started an Album for today and I made one for Saturday's pictures.. If you have any photos from either event please add them to the the folders..

 
enjoy
J

Pics from today!!!!

One from tonight...

Some lasting words from the FISH

I thought now that everyone and anyone that had anything to do with this is probably gone, it would look good right here..


ENJOY....

P.s. I still won't tell !!

This sign marks the spot where an attempt to raise morale and show a human side was once thwarted before a smile could be seen, a heart could be lightened or some stress could be relieved.
To you who tried, we salute you! Thank You fish, for trying to bring a ray of hope into our kitchen, and our lives.
You will be missed, by most

The ARK

Here you go !!! Hope you don't need it..

Bring me Noahs Ark

Ok now its looking like i'm really stuck. Woke up this morning and it's literally flooding. If the other storm comes behind this one next week and i don't get out of here Sun or Mon, I am gonna be needing Noahs Ark...

Stuck in Houston

Well I am still here...When i got here they were like 700 or more people behind flying out. I have been done since Saturday. It is looking like Friday I should get my CAC and then fly either Sunday or Monday. Hey G, Mike Carver is one of the A/C s I worked for when I was at the Bay. I can't believe He is still there. The Training A/C when I was there was Tony Vaughn. My Mom went to school with him. Be safe with the aprroachin storm in the Atlantic...and Hick I am putting a WAMI on the surf, ah what the Heck your in training now no surf for you either.
be safe Gentlemen!Holla Johnny P

Road Trip

Took a road trip to check on a possible job... It's just a li'l north of Jacksonville. The position is A/C for Training & might be a good fit -heck ya even get a company car!

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Kingsbay/index.htm

www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/kings_bay.htm

The U.S. Navy Honors U.S. Naval Submarine Base King's Bay Fire Department

The VT Griffin operated fire department at U.S. Naval Submarine Base King's Bay has been named the U.S. Navy Fire Department of the Year - Small Category for 2006 and Assistant Chief Michael Carver selected as 2006 U.S. Navy Civilian Fire Officer of the Year for the Southeast Division. The fire department will now go up against other branches of the Department of Defense for the title of DoD Small Fire Department of the Year to be awarded in August.

The award is part of the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Awards Program held annually and administered by The Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health) on behalf of the Secretary of Defense. Areas scored in the selection process include customer service; department awards, accreditation, certifications and other recognition; innovativeness; quality management principles and initiatives and quality of life initiatives.

Naval Station Kings Bay Fire Chief Dan Vogel said of the department "In my short tenure as Kings Bay Fire Chief, I continue to be impressed with the ability, dedication, hard work and professionalism the fire fighters demonstrate day in and day out. This award is a testament to their achievements over the past year in their vital mission to protect lives and property for the Kings Bay community". He adds "I am simply fortunate to be a member of the team".

Assistant Fire Chief Michael Carver credits the department's success to "team work and taking care of the customer" and "training, training, training", he added. "We train to the point that everyone feels comfortable about what they do".

In his leadership role, Assistant Chief Carver served as Incident Commander when a blazing liquid propane tank threatened a $638K Military Family Housing Unit. His unit's aggressive fire attack limited loss to outside siding. He developed a high angle rescue program for the department that was put into action when 12 injured and ill sailors had to be removed from the below-deck area of the submarine dry dock area.

Assistant Chief Carver has been with the Naval Station Kings Bay Fire Department since 1979. In addition to his duties at Kings Bay, he also serves as the Brantly County, Georgia Fire Training Officer in which he oversees seven volunteer fire departments. He is also an active member of the local community.

The winners for DoD level will be announced at the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Training Conference on August 24th.

VT Griffin has been the Base Operating Support Services contractor at U.S. Naval Submarine Base King Bay since 1996. Fire and emergency services includes two fully staffed fire stations on base.

Korean Post Box

YEA YEA.. Like anyone going to use it because we have e-mail / blogger / and what ever else we can find but for your records here it is.. TWENTY FOUR days !!!!!

Jason Theriault
8CES
PSC2 Box 266
APO AP 96264-0003

Have you guys been watching the weather?

Tropical Depression#4 "Dean"
Surfs Up!

Last Shift: Peace out

Well, yesterday was my last shift. Guess it really hasn't sunk in that I'm not on Ops anymore. I just have this thought that keeps running through myhead "Okay what's next?" Kinda like I've finished one task and ready for the next.
It sounds like my shift is going....excuse me. My first workday at Training on Wednesday maybe a long one. I still have to be at an ADAPT Team meeting in the morning. Attend the color guard practice during lunch. Between which get spun up on Training and maybe sit in on the Guardian excercise post briefings. Then assist with the nights live fire training. Just my pace...busy.
There is a little part of me wishes I could remain on shift. Especially with the inbounds coming in from tech school. I feel like we need to step it up a couple of notches with getting them started out right. Especially with how the last FNG turned out. Guess the majority of it is up to you Jeremy.

How Things Work in Real Life

I saw this a loooong time ago and someone just sent to me again.. After re-reading it it really reminds me of a place we all know !!!

How Things Work in Real Life

Start with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a set of stairs under it. Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and start to climb towards the banana. As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all of the other monkeys with cold water.
After a while, another monkey makes an attempt with the same result, and all the other monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, when another monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to prevent it.
Now, put away the cold water. Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys attack him. After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.
Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with a new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm! Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth.
Every time the newest monkey takes to the stairs, he is attacked. Most of the monkeys that are beating him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey. After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs to try for the banana.

Why not? Because as far as they know that's the way it's always been done around here.

And that, my friends, is how policy begins.
Don’t fall in love with the maze … get the damned cheese. Besides, it’s fun being An Idiot Monkey.

Cant you spot the Bully?

What do you say guys... One more time?

Click Here <--

Loop The Lake is sponsored by Working Together for a Better Community. Come out to historic Lake DeFuniak to Loop the Lake and support the American Heart Association. Date: Saturday, September 8, 2007 Time: Registration begins 7:00 a.m. Race begins 8:00 a.m. Entry Fees: Entry Fee $20 (Race Day) Early Bird Entry Fee $15 (by August 31) Click here to download entry form Refreshments, awards, t-shirts, door prizes & music provided by DJ Gary Hulion Location: Circle Drive around Lake DeFuniak in Historic DeFuniak Springs FL Parking: Available at First Baptist Church on Live Oak Avenue, 2 blocks off Hwy 90 E Course: The course is mostly flat, concrete and asphalt road. Click here for a course map

Da duh Da!

... and finally Hick decides to share his pics with the rest of the world! You ask for the best? Well you got the best. May I present the Bushwacker 2007 photos!

Okay maybe it's not really that big of a deal. I just have to admit I was being lazy about posting to the site.

The race was a little harder than I thought it was going to be. Who decided to include a bridge in the race anyways. They diserve to be shot. This was the first race I actually stopped running to rest. I stopped twice on the bridge, what a bummer. There was no way I could have kept up with Jeremy(you freak of nature). John I wish you were here. You're a little more my speed.

Thanks to the BFF Jr's for running with us again. Jeremy and I will be giving you all aring for the next race.

I wish we could have all hung out longer on the boardwalk. The atmosphere was perfect and I could have stayed all day. I would be nice to go there again just to kick it with the BFF crew. High-5 Hooah!

Re: Fwd: New Picasa Web Albums Activity

Hey I can't find the email that has the passwords to log on on the BFF site. Can on of Y'all send it so I can share my photos? That Sergeant George guy has been hounding me!

Oh yeah, Andrea washed my phone in the laundry. A few days ago I asked her if there was a hat in the dryer because it was making a loud noise. She checked and it was my phone...that's right it made it all the way to the dryer. Needless to say I am phoneless, at least until payday. Thanks to technology all the numbers I had were conviently stored in the phone. I have no idea how to get a hold of anyone since I don't know any numbers. I guess I'll actually have to start checking my emails. I'll probably start up a G-mail account soon since I get so much spam on Yahoo.

GodBless,

Hick

I'm done!

Fellas,
That's that I guess. Time went by so quickly... Jason and I ran our first 5k in May, and we haven't looked back yet. Wanna know how all this started? Well, we kept talking crap to each other about tunning, getting in shape and whatever else (you know how we do). And then we did it... one morning, we got off work, met at the ACC track/path thing and we ran. About 100 yards! Then we were winded and tried t run/walk a bit more. We only went 1.5 miles that day. But we NEVER looked back. We tried to add a lil more from time to time, and then BAM! We ran in that first 5k and it's been on! We ran that damn race in one cold Saturday morning... and in the time it took the two of us to run, Chief C ran 10k! Now that just might have discouraged some folks, but we had not learned our lesson yet!
Not only was our running getting to be fun, heck, it helped us look and feel better! We both started to drop weight and wow! What a change! Along with that, we had plenty of time to vent to each other... but as I recall, Jay was busy trying to run on his tippy toes, and I was busy running my mouth!
Well sometime went by and we kept it up! We started running what is now know as the Cuppy's run... but we would go back to the house, get the truck and drive back! So that's how the Cuppy's coffee thing started! We would go fro a drink, then we'd chat a bit... and then we found out there was an inside to Cuppy's! HA
I think the Ranger Camp run was next, and that's when Jonnie joined in! Man that was tough! You know when the organizers tell you to watch out for alligators and bears.. that's a rough race! We lived to tell about it, and I guess that's when Hick and Phillips joined in! Glad you guys came along, cause no one would have believed the stories coming from the old guys! But damn have we had some fun!
I know things are changing, and it's gonna be different, but we will all still be together... in one way or another!
I want to thank you all for the good times, the fun times and for putting up with me when I wasn't having either! There were some rough times that I know I would not have made it thru had it not been for you knuckle heads! THANKS :-)
Alright... you know where to find me! And I can't ait to see you all on the 18th and 20th! Peace!

Happiness

Know that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination. Ron M. Goodman

Houston

WELL FELLAS IS SURE MISS YOU GUYS AND THE JR BFFS. HOUSTON IS DEF. INTERESTING TO SAY THE LEAST. THE FIRST DAY I HAD TO GET UP AT 4AM CATCH A BUS AND START TO IN PROCESS. THE SECOND DAY WAS EVEN BETTER WITH A 3AM WAKE UP CALL AND A 0330 BUS RIDE TO A PHYSICAL THAT LASTED UNTIL 1430...EVERYTHING IS KOSHER SO FAR. I WANT TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID FOR ME TO HELP ME GET OUT OF THERE. YOU GUYS AND LIL GUYS ROCK. THE PICS FROM THE BUSHWACKER RUN KINDA MADE ME SAD, ONE THING WAS MISSING...ME! I'LL KEEP YOU ALL INFORMED AND THANKS AGAIN. JOHN

WOW

I saw this somewhere today and thought it would look good here..Jeremy, don't tell Lisa I HIJACKED it from Tiffany's myspace  LOL.. I am going to CHANGE the title bar on the BLOG..

Thanks Tiffany !!

"Most people come into our lives and quickly leave. It is the special few that come in and leave a footprint in our hearts, and we are forever changed!"

The Rest of the pics.. for now!

If you wanna see some of the pics, check here... http://picasaweb.google.com/BFF.Project/Bushwacker5k2007 Now someday in the near future... not so sure how near - Hick might be so good as to share the ones he took with the rest of us?!?!

Bushwacker pictures - more on picasa later

Well that's it

Well I guess that's it.. James, Jeremy are going to have to start recruiting. Keep Ty, Zach & G on speed dial.. I will be looking at the races to and letting them know to register if you are all going to run.. It's too bad we couldn't find the trophies and take ONE LAST team photo.

It's been fun and I will be sure to keep posting my times from Korea.. You all do the same !!

Stay safe..Keep running..

BFF - T-hoe