For the past 10 months and change, this blog was a lot like the old TV series “Outer Limits” — we (the Soldiers of the 314th PAOC) have controlled the vertical and horizontal, etc. Well, that has all changed — at least for the next few days.
Until Friday, our faithful blog readers are going to be in control. You tell us what you want to see (I’ve got my point-and-shoot camera ready to snap) or what you want to read (got the pen and paper ready, too).
Send your requests to this blog entry as a comment, and we will do our best as long as it does not violate the four forbidden government topics — security (can’t violate national security concerns), accuracy (has to be truthful), propriety (can’t be inappropriate), and policy (can’t go against government rules).
This might be your last chance, so go on….make your request!
Monday, 19. October 2009
A really good group picture.
Monday, 19. October 2009
What about a “day in the life of” slide show? I have been curious about the things that some may take for granted….Where do our soldiers eat? Where do they work out? Any place special to get together and hang out? In addition to a really good group picture of course!
Tuesday, 20. October 2009
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 10/20/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
Tuesday, 20. October 2009
I would like to see a list of what the soldiers in the unit are most looking forward to when they get back home
Tuesday, 20. October 2009
I would also like to read a “day in the life” type entry (words and pics) - the day to day realities of your lives, and things you hope your families/spouses understand about the realities you have been living with for however long (maybe that is two separate posts)
Tuesday, 20. October 2009
I would like to see a picture of and read a humorous commentary about your favorite dish at the DFAC. I too will take requests, if you feel so inclined.
Tuesday, 20. October 2009
I’d love to see some every day stuff - like the bunks - laundry - mess - where you shave - that sort of thing. Or maybe the coffee shrine, err pot(s), etc. Thanks for the offer!
Tuesday, 20. October 2009
Ally — a few months ago I did two blogs like that….showed some of the places we work, as well as a “tour” of my 12×12 living space! Check it out. However, there are some pictures on their way of a few other locations….
Tuesday, 20. October 2009
Great…..that request allows me to taste test EVERYTHING in the DFAC!
Tuesday, 20. October 2009
…can’t tell you how many times I began to fill up this reply block only to erase it - feel like a kid given 1 golden wish by a genie… okay.. here…
if I wanted to make more of a difference even after you all have come back, what would you and your “people in the field” say? What’s the first thing that jumps out of soldiers’ lips when you ask them that? More air-conditioning? Top Chef should revamp the food? Kathy Griffin? What? What worked over there?…
….geesh!…OKAY!… Fine. I’ll settle for a chocolate bar and a pic of you stepping off the plane.
Stay lite ‘n frosty, dude! Finding this site by accident already has changed my life. I hope I can pass it forward a little more.
Wednesday, 21. October 2009
A group picture would be nice to see and it would be nice to have for the memory book.
Wednesday, 21. October 2009
How about a sunset picture? new spin on the old cheese factor.
Wednesday, 21. October 2009
I found your blog today through milblogging on Twitter. So far, I love it.
Could you please talk about the friendships and the closeness between the people in your unit. Serving for such a long time in one place and on one mission, how hard will it be to come home and be separated from them?
Thank you. Please stay safe.
Thursday, 22. October 2009
Pics of the group and/or individuals enjoying the lighter side and or relaxing.
Thursday, 22. October 2009
Janice — that is an interesting subject. There are many books, films, studies and research journal articles that have explored the bonds that Soldiers develop in a combat environment. Although our unit was never in a battle, we exhibited some of the same things that those type of units develop. For instance, I could see bonding among Soldiers, and also the development of group norms. Individuals who did not follow those norms may have sometimes felt they were “outsiders.” As the senior NCO in the unit, I can tell you that I felt it myself, so I suppose that means that no one was immune to it. And what did I do? In one instance, I went directly to a younger soldier to ask for assistance, and this caused some havoc because her first-line leader had assigned her a different mission at the same time. When I realized what I had done, I apologized to the leader and told him it was a good lesson to be reminded of — the chain of command is an important structure in a military unit and it goes both up and down.
Along with norm development, I also saw Soldiers taking on roles as caregivers to others. When a Soldier was alone, got bad news from back home, feeling ill, or in a funk, it seemed that there was always someone there to lend an ear or a helping hand. As we prepare for going home to who knows what kind of economy and job market, I have tried to do my part to help my Soldiers by encouraging them to do things to protect themselves financially (filling out job applications, looking for military tours in the United States, beefing up their resumes, etc.).
I hope that answered some of your request.