This week a few of us are at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, helping our replacements with their training.  It is crazy to think it was not that long ago….ok it was a long time ago...we were here going through the same stuff, same scenarios and on and on.

Today we spent at the 2010 Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway time trials.  The noise, the fun and the atmosphere….pretty cool for a first time ever attending anything like this.

Well, in a couple of months this crew we are working with will be in Kosovo and taking over the mission as we get ready to head home.  The excitement builds.

Does not look like I will make it home in time to celebrate my birthday or my wife’s birthday.  Another item to the long list of things I have missed or we have missed celebrating together.

So as we near the final phase there is much to do but we know the end is near as KFOR 13 gets ready and will soon be saying to us…we got this – thanks and see ya!  I will be anxiously waiting to hear those words as well.

May 2^nd is a day we have been looking forward to since we started this deployment.  August 2009 there were 4 of us who started running some longer miles.  That group, LTC Ski, Col. C, Dodds and me, started talking about doing a marathon when we were in Kosovo.  I thought little about it until a couple months ago when LTC Ski said he had contacted the National Guard Bureau folks and nearly 70 Soldiers registered for a ½ and full marathon. 

We started training but not like we should have.  You see it is basketball, softball, weights and other stuff….we threw in a few longer miles and a run a couple weeks ago on 21 miles to get ready.  Bus sice this was the first for most of us we had no idea what to expect.

It was a beautiful day today, in the 70’s, sunny and we were off by 7 am.

I am so proud of Dodds, Simon and so many others who did such a great job today.

How awesome….not sure if I will do a full again, who knows, but I know I will run a number of ½ marathons, that is a good distance and not so hard on my knees and body.

Set a goal and go after it…I watched today as this unfolded time and time again!

Early this morning Dodds and I set off to get our last long run in prior to the May 2^nd National Guard marathon that we will run in Kosovo.  To date the longest run for both of us was 16 miles and we knew we needed to get a longer run before the marathon.  One step at a time we hit the trails at 5am and ran and ran, for nearly 3 ½ hours and just about 21 miles. 

If has been a week of personal bests, Monday I benched more than I have ever done in my life and Saturday the most miles at once I have ever done.  Pretty cool week.

Dodds and I had a great visit about all sorts of things…hey, what else you going to do for 3+ hours…next goal is May 2^nd, 26.2 miles. 

Some days I feel as if time is flying by, some say we are less than 100 days left of the Kosovo deployment, and some days it feels like time does not move at all.  This week has been one of those weeks that seem to last forever.

I have been running longer miles in prep for the May 2^nd marathon we are running at Camp Bondsteel, committing more time to the gym and spending more time at work.  The only thing I seem to be cutting lately is sleep.

The weather is getting nicer each day and I think summer is right around the corner…as soon as the rain stops.  Our softball team is supposed to play our first game this weekend, if the field is not a big sloppy mess.  Looking forward to some games in the sun.

The world of public affairs has been really busy recently.  We have a number of journalists coming to visit in the next few days.  Journalists form France, Germany and a crew from the Czech Republic just departed…it is a never ending cycle in the quest to tell the story of the great things happening in Kosovo, the stability and calm in the region.

In the coming weeks we will be traveling to help train our replacements, some have arrived at mobilization station in Camp Atterbury already.  Boy I remember those days when we arrived and stated the training process for Kosovo…in one breath it was yesterday and another it was sooo long ago.

Anyway, lots more to do here until we are ready to hand over responsibility to our replacements.

I know you have all had them, one of those weeks where no matter how much harder you try to make a difference – you just keep spinning your wheels, of for that matter travel in reverse.

My week started off ready to tackle a big media event we had planned for a couple of weeks.  I felt the event went well, the folks with me thought it went well…but what I could not control was the message after the event.  Out of dozens of media reports the message was accurately portrayed, but there were a couple who reported it close but not exact.  You know what, this happens through translation from English to Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serbian.  This started a snowball effect all week that I care not go into, but trust me it went from a flake to avalanche in no time at all.

Today was our first softball game but I was tied up with the newest emergency so I missed that…remember the avalanche, who knew it would last all week.

So next week I have committed to brush the snow off (bad analogy since the weather is awesome outside, sunny and at least 10 Celsius – double it and add 35 to get to Fahrenheit) and move on.   

Aside from the challenging week we celebrated Easter today and are hosting some of our replacements – that is exciting to see the Soldiers who will replace us, that means time is drawing near for us to close our mission and hand it off to the folks who will carry it on.

Hope you enjoyed some time with your family, looking to the day soon when I spend some time with mine.

Talk about March Madness….it has been wild around Kosovo the past couple of weeks…..what am I saying – wild since I got back from R&R….which by the way seems like years ago already!

Our basketball team made the local tournament here, but it was one game and done…not that we were expecting to move onto the second round – UNLIKE Notre Dame and Georgetown, who really messed up my MARCH MADNESS tournament picks.  Ardi, our linguist who knows WAY more about soccer than American basketball…is doing better with his picks, and is quick to point it out as wellJ

So…since it may have been noted I was less than pleased with the quality of referring for our tournament -- I picked up a whistle…and out of retirement I came to referee a number of games and will ref the remainder of the semi and finals.  I must be a glutton for abuse…but I have had a number of Soldiers thank me for volunteering to ref…it goes something like “well you are not any worse than the other guys, and at least you know the rules”, ha, rules is what separates my calling and theirs. 

I did tell my buddy the other night, who I usually ref with but in this case I called his game, it is funny how out of practice one can get.  It has been a few years since I have officiated high school games in ND – and my eyes are not getting any sharper…that is why I was able to see the three fouls on my buddy whose game I called.  Even the obvious offensive foul for pushing off – I told him that was an easy one because he does it to me all the time in pick-up gamesJ

And work…there is never a dull moment in the world of Public Affairs.  Rat (Dave Dodds) has been keeping tabs on all the things we have been doing since we arrived in Kosovo and he sent me the excel sheet the other day.  I was amazed, I knew we have been busy but oh-my, we have done a lot and it is not done yet.

I think Rat sent this to me because he departs for R&R in a couple of days and the next three weeks we have so many activities from hosting media from France, Chez Republic, US, Serbia….and facilitating media events all over Kosovo inviting Kosovo Serbian and Kosovo Albanian media to all the operations and exercises….boy am I going to miss you the next couple of weeks Rat – you could not have picked a better time to ‘leave me in the trenches taking grenades for you’!!!..but I am so excited for you to see your family.

Flooding…that is what is taking place in ND.  I remember it like yesterday the chaos last year, it was 30 straight days that all meshed together making it seem much like what I expect Rat left me to take care of here for the next 15+++ days!

The Public Affairs crew of the ND National Guard is doing an excellent job of ‘telling the Guard story’...and as was the case last year, and this year, telling that story to the world of all taking place regarding the flood.  I am so proud of them…and for the sake of bragging…read below -

*** The North Dakota Army National Guard <http://www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil/>  received more print media awards than any other state in the 2009 National Guard Bureau Media Contest <http://www.ng.mil/features/MediaAwards/entries.aspx> . Winners were announced today and Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl, contest administrator, said North Dakota took the lead with eight awards. The North Dakota Air National Guard <http://www.119wg.ang.af.mil/>  excelled in the Air Force photography categories, coming out with four awards.***

Not only did the NDNG and KFOR PA/116^th PAD win at the National Guard level but the social/new media category competed at the Dept. of Defense level against all …. And our social/new media effort took 1^st place…out of everyone….and to brag a little about the person who is really the driving force…Amy Willson, I caught a bit today on CNN where CNN was quoting  her tweets from twitter regarding the flooding going on in ND.  Now that is AWESOME, great efforts are made to communicate what is going on…and it matters!

That is plenty for this long update….

Think spring and pray for all involved in fighting the rising levels of water!

Have been back in Kosovo for a few days and just getting caught up with things here.  After going through nearly 1000 e-mails and doing the best to respond I think I finally have seen daylight again.

Today we held our third Press Coffee with Brig. Gen. Dohrmann and the Press Club in Gjilane, Kosovo.  A very good event and as always.

Things are virtually back to normal but all said; I wish I was back home with my family watching their events...but as it appears, I have another calling at this time!

Anyway, best to you all, thanks for the cards and prayers - they are much appreciated!

Murph

Exciting News from Our Military Kids!!!

Our Military Kids has some exciting news to share with you, and we need your help to get the word out.  Our organization applied for a grant from the Pepsi Corporation called “Refresh Everything”.  In 2010, Pepsi will give millions of dollars to fund good ideas that make the world a better place.  Our Military Kids applied for a $50,000 grant award to provide grants to cover fees for enrichment activities for children of members of the Armed Forces who have died while serving our nation.  Our Military Kids receives many requests from the families of these fallen service members, but to-date, our organization does not have the funding to award grants to these children who so richly deserve our support.  The good news is that the Our Military Kids’ idea for a grant to fund this new project has been accepted by Pepsi. 

Now Our Military Kids needs your help in order to receive the grant.  Starting on March 1 (at 12:01 a.m.!) you can go to the www.refresheverything.com site and vote for the Our Military Kids project to support the children of fallen service members.  Click on the “Health” category and then the $50,000 grant level. You will find the Our Military Kids’ logo, a picture of one of our grant recipients, a You Tube Video about Our Military Kids, and a description of our proposal which begins with,  “I want to help children of fallen soldiers deal with the loss of their parent.”  All projects will be eligible for a public vote and the projects that receive the most votes will be awarded grants from the Pepsi Corporation.  Please vote for our project and vote often.  You can vote once a day in the month of March.  You can help us even more by telling your friends, family and colleagues about our proposal.  Please send out an email blast, post a message on Facebook, Tweet about it, or put up a flyer to encourage others to vote for our proposal as well.  The children of fallen service members who died while serving our country definitely deserve our thanks and acknowledgement for their sacrifice.  Our Military Kids can fund a new experience that will offer them excitement and joy. It may not take the pain of losing a loved one away, but it will assist children through the healing process.  With your help we’ll be able to show them how much our nation appreciates them.

Thank you for your support of the Our Military Kids program and the children of our fallen service members.

I know it has been a few days since my last blog post and for a very good reason.  You see for the past 10 glorious days I have been on leave in ND with my family.

We spent weekends going to basketball tournaments; weeknights watching my son finish out his 8^th grade basketball season, undefeated and #1 in the tournament.  We spent time watching the Olympics, snuggling with my little girl and spending time with my best friend in the world….my lovely wife.  Now we did not go on any glamorous vacation, we did what we do best and that is enjoying the heck out of life and each other.

As I was getting ready to fly out this morning, knowing it will likely be early 60 hours of travel time from the time I left Bismarck until the time I arrive back in Kosovo, I reflected on what was taking place.  I was saying good-bye to my family…once again…to go join my military family for a few more months.  I went to tell my son I was leaving, to give him a huge hug and let him know how much I loved him and how proud I was of him for really taking on so many additional responsibilities while I am away.  Of course I took a moment to challenge him to continue to be a great kid, keep doing well in school, listen to his mom and work hard in the track season and this summer getting ready for weights and football.  I did smile when I was packing up I was looking for some football cleats to take back with me to Kosovo as softball season will be starting soon.  Then I thought to ask Blake…because I knew he would not fit into last-years shoes, his feet have outgrown mine and he is smiling on the day he passes me in height…which I suspect will not be long!  What a great son, I am very proud of the man you are becoming.

Then my little princess, my little charmer.  I had the opportunity to go to parent – teacher’s conf with her to hear about how well she is doing both as a student and as a leader and helper in the classroom.  I am not making this up, her teacher said during conferences that her eyes welled with tears thinking of what a great kid my daughter is and how she is so helpful and a leader in the classroom….I laughed, busting with pride, looked at Sydney and said…her mom and I aver very proud of the young lady she is…very proud. 

I went to give Syd a hug good-bye this morning and she woke, hugged me hard around the neck like little girls do to their dads and said…dad, I had so much fun with you the past 10 days, hurry home so we can do it again.  I know, melted my heart as well…that kid really knows her dads soft spots.  We will have fun again soon Syd, I promise!

Then off to the airport my wife and I drove, making small talk as this journey has become all too familiar for us.  You see my wife is my best friend in the world and I love her more that I can say….so it breaks my heart each time I have to say ‘see you later’ to her.  So we talk little knowing the dance we must do, drop me off, hug, tell each other how much we love each other, make each promise to take care while away and then part ways for more months of separation and Skype.  I hate it and don’t care to do it again anytime soon after I get back home for good.

So now I sit on the plane, Bismarck to Minneapolis, Minneapolis to Dallas, Dallas to Germany, Germany to Kosovo….all in a mere 60 hours (I think cause I am typing this while on the 10 hr German flight) and wonder how my family is doing and I know they wonder how dad is doing.

Couple last things I need to address.  First – THANK YOU to all who are supporting my family….Laura’s running crew, Sara with the meals, Dave and family clearing snow in the early morning hours and the pizza and checking in…..there are others as well but THANKS for taking care of my family while I am away.  Love you for all the support!

Lastly…there is a need out there for support…not just for military families but friends, neighbors - anyone….take a minute to let someone know you care and demonstrate that care and support.  Many times it is the simplest things we do that have the greatest impact…so don’t let an opportunity pass by, trust your heart!

God Bless!!!!

Murph

Well one thing I have learned in Kosovo….if it snows, it will soon be gone.  The other day we received 3-4 inches of snow…in the afternoon it was already melting away and in a day it was all gone…left for cold temps and ice everywhere.

So why do I have snow and ice on my mind…because in just a few days I will depart for my rest and relaxation, R&R, leave.  I am as excited as a 5^th grader on the last day of school…just can’t wait for the bell to ring, or in my case the plane to take off.

It takes two days to get home and three days to get back because of the 7 hour time difference….but who cares.  The last time I went home for R&R, a little over two years ago,  I recall how fast the trip when going home.  Crammed into a plane, luggage under my feet…did not care because I was heading home to see my family.  Coming back is a different story.  My roommate told me he figured he traveled for nearly 60 hours, including waiting for transportation, coming home…and he said he only got a few winks of sleep.  I can sleep standing up so I am not sweating the sloop part much.  My clock will be all off anyway because of the change in time.

When I deployed I figured I would not have a chance to see any of my kids play in their sports seasons.  Well with some lucky timing I was able to see my son play football and will make it home now in time to see both my son and daughter play a few basketball games.  I am excited about that.

Soooo, if I do not post to my blog or FaceBook for a few days, couple of weeks, please forgive me as I am basking in the sun and fun of ND and spending time with my wife and kids.

So bring on the snow in Kosovo…..I am out!