The Adventure Begins!

Together at last--the way we like it! :)

Training at FHL

What Sean's been up to...


He's in one of those Humvees.

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT - Soldiers of the Sharpe Army Depot-based 2/360th Training Support Battalion (TSBN) "Sharpshooters" in Lathrop are currently at Fort Hunter Liggett.

They are supporting the training of more than 4,000 Army Reserve Soldiers at this year's 91st Division-directed Pacific Warrior Exercise 2008.

This exercise, designed to prepare Soldiers for the rigors of deployment in the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, is being conducted at Fort Hunter Liggett from June 7-27. More than 100 units from around the country are participating in this 91st Division directed warrior exercise.

This training exercise gives participating units an opportunity to rehearse military maneuvers and tactics such as base security, convoy operations and quick reaction drills during simulated enemy attacks. The exercise provides realistic training to units to successfully meet the challenges of an extended and integrated battlefield.

One of the methods to instruct soldiers is "lanes" training. Lanes are courses that simulate live action battlefield conditions; whether the soldiers are on foot or a truck convoy, they are sent into situations that prepare them for battle.

In the remote back country of Fort Hunter Liggett, Humvee convoys are taken through three training lanes. The first level has small arms fire and distracting techniques. The second level is more intense. By the time the troops reach the third level, they encounter a higher degree of difficulty, including improvised explosive devices.

"We're giving everybody a baseline that they can build on," said Master Sgt. Michael Bailey, non-commissioned officer in charge of the training that the 2/360th TSBN is providing.

"As part of the training we also assist commanders in assessing their unit. The most important measurement is if they can move and communicate."

After the troops experience each training lane, they conduct an after action review, where the instructors rate and evaluate the Soldiers. This training is vital to their success when they are deployed overseas.

"This in not a competition; self realization is a great training tool," Bailey said. "I hope self realization is as much a learning tool for these kids as it is for us." Lathrop-based soldiers supporting training of 4,000 Army Reservists, The Manteca Bulletin, 6/19/2008 2:51:00 AM

Fort Hunter Liggett Scout Reservation

Fort Hunter Liggett Scout Reservation Photos

Pacific Warrior 2008
(Click on the picture above)

Boys At Camp

Ok, so it's not camp really....it's training. Sean is quite busy, and working very hard training soldiers who are going over to the sandy spot. Sometimes his days are 12 hours or more.

As you may have heard, there are 500 fires burning in our state, and this air quality is pretty icky, not to mention the unbearable heat! But, all in all, though he's excited to be coming home this week, he's having a great time.

Can't wait for us all to be home together. Finally. :)

Where is Matt?

A delightful video--42 countries over 14 months. A tribute to our common humanity.

Graduation

Ok, so I finally dug up the camera...here are a few highlights. (Please email me if you'd like the link to see them all....)

The Graduate
We Couldn't Be Prouder of You!!!

James & His Favorite Teacher, Papa G.

Many Years of HOPE Grads
(You have to imagine Sean is there, too, but he's away playing soldier....)

A Blessing for Graduation Day
by Andrew Greeley

May this day be totally cool
As you look forward to life's next test
And give you thanks to those who did their best
To teach you something here in school.
May learning linger in your head
And perhaps a little wisdom too.
Be confident in all you do
And don't be afraid, laugh instead.
May you be wrapped in God's loving grace
As the moon in a misty cloud.
May you hear God's voice, clear and loud
In pilgrimage to his dwelling place.

And may God bless you
The Father who created you
The Son who teaches you
The Spirit who guides you through life.

Something Else I'm Appreciating...

Farm fresh fruits and vegetables....wow. About a mile from our house is a stand where they sell cherries, strawberries, avocados, onions, tomatoes, peaches, watermelon, cantaloupes, almonds, etc., etc. I even made blueberry pancakes this morning for James. I could get used to this....

The Country

I just realized something...when I wake up in our new home, I don't wake up to the sound of airplanes, traffic or construction, or that strange omnipresent dull roar of life in So. Cal. Not at all.

I now wake up to the sound of birds greeting the morning. That's all. And at night, I drift off to sleep in silence. It's quite lovely. I'm not in Kansas anymore, or Southern California, for that matter. Bliss....and now, for the husband to come home to share it with me! :)

Ah, Summer!

So, after 8th grade graduation on Tuesday, the last day of work on Wednesday, and moving day on Thursday, today was the first day of "Freshman Essentials" mini-courses at James' high school. And all I did today while he was at school was sit by the pool, listen to the wind in the trees and the birds singing and think about......absolutely nothing. I didn't even read! Allow me to recuperate from the school year....I'll be back soon--I have pictures from graduation to share.

L