Just received two (huge) care packages from the EDSS department!  Filled with really great, useful, and creative items - brownies, trail mix, water mixers, fruit roll-ups, rice krispie treats, chapstick, jerky, body wash, a RUBIKS cube (which I hope won't take me until the end of deployment to solve...ha!), sunblock, sheet music for guitar, and so much more!  I absolutely love everything and already started eating the brownies...YUM. You guys are awesome and continue to blow me away with the care packages.  I spread the wealth to the Soldiers here and they enjoy it as well - thank you all so much!

 
The countdown is around 4.5 months!  I'm trying to stay positive and busy.  I'll be finishing up my first couple classes of grad school shortly and I've been training for a 1/2 marathon while I've been here.  I also just started Crossfit and I think I'm addicted...

Thank you again to my EDSS friends back home, can't wait to see you all again soon!

Organized a morale flight for several of my squared-away Soldiers

Traveled to Camp Arifjan for the ARCENT CoC run.  Pictured here with Soldiers from the 449th ASB with Lt. General Brooks.  Note: I loved that there were trees at Camp Arifjan!

SPC Garcia is just a little terrified...

Promoting one of Charlie Company's NCOs to SSG.

My little niece received her stuffed camel from Kuwait!

Over 6,600 lights were spread across the desert of Camp Buehring in Kuwait Memorial Day evening representing all those that were killed in action since 9/11.

This is how I travel.

The USO brought us McDonalds!  Of course I was one of the first in line...

I am not exaggerating when I say that I work with the most amazing people at the best company!  I received TWO care packages from the EDSS department and am so excited!! :)  I really can't tell you how much it means to me that my coworkers would take the time to send a card and pack boxes full of much-needed items!  Thank you all somuch for all the support and well-wishes!  You guys are awesome!



So many goodies!!!

I LOVE BROWNIES



With all of my care package items!  I'm not that short, the wall is just tall.

 



Oh my gosh, STARBUCKS!  I couldn't wait to brew it...



Representing the best company in the world!

I moved into my permanent CHU (combat housing unit).


Here are some pics of the lovely place. Not very spacious but this is where being tiny comes in handy in the Army.


We have been here for about a couple weeks now and are getting into the rhythm of things. Currently the Soldiers are operating the equipment as part of the the Brigade COMMEX (communication exercise). The exercise is meant to ensure the equipment is functioning to standard. We are testing both the NIPR (non secure) and SIPR (secure, this is what we use 'call for fire' over) functionality. A high level description of what the Company does is create an entire network infrastructure for the Brigade users. We take a shot from a Satellite in space, route that into various network cases, and then run the cable for Internet, VOIP phones, and video teleconferencing operations.

As far as morale - as a whole we are doing well. Some of the Soldiers have already received some mail from home and I was lucky enough to get a box of homemade cookies! Several of us are also participating in a volleyball tournament next week...there are courts everywhere because there is sand everywhere. Haha. It is vital in a place like this to keep busy, focus, and to set goals. My PSG and I reiterate to the Soldiers often that though they are far from home, family, and friends - it is a perfect time to focus on themselves and the objectives they want to achieve. It is best to see this as an opportunity to come back better than when we left - physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger.

Below is the setting outside of my CHU and the sun set here at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

Boots on ground

After about 24hours of travel, I have finally arrived at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Been here a few days now and am still adjusting to the time change.  The best description is that it is a large and giant sandbox. Saw a few herds of camels roaming around the desert which was neat to see.  The sun rises here at about 0430 and the day heats up from there.  Today it feels like Texas in the summer so I am pretty used to that.  Can't even imagine what the Kuwait summer has in store for us.  Living conditions are not too bad, we are in a tent for the next week or so.  There is a Taco Bell and a Panda Oriental (knock off of Panda Express) and I'm pretty sure they both use camel meat but that's just my opinion. Haha. The chow hall is over half a mile away so that has been a pain to walk to with the sun blaring down and the sand blowing in your eyes.  The food isn't too bad but they aren't too clean here so the flies land all over the food - have to get into the right mindset to eat after seeing that haha. The MWR and USO are awesome!  They offer tons of TVs, video games, a music room, and even free phone calls.  I'll be taking some pictures to upload in the next few days. I know some of my friends at work were asking for my address and I typed that below. If you all do want to send anything as a morale booster it would be extremely appreciated!  Also, if anyone wants me to send them anything from here, just let me know!  

1LT Rachel Rinaldi 

C Co 449ASB

Camp Buehring, Kuwait

APO AE 09330

Oh, great.

It has been awhile since I've been able to write an entry on here!  I blame it on horrible cell phone service and my busy schedule.  Most of my Soldiers have just left for their pass and will be here after Easter (hmm..I have some downtime and my Soldiers are not here...coincidence?)  I ended up having to take my pass earlier in the month since I am the UMO and the equipment needs to leave during the Easter weekend.  The realization that I'll be away for 9 months finally hit when I had to say goodbye to my little sister and parents after the end of my four-day pass :(  I am definitely looking forward to visiting them in Germany though!

I spent all of yesterday and a majority of today at the ADAC/G for final equipment prep.  Most of my equipment is rolling stock and the rest is "palletized."  Below is a picture of one of my Unit's pallets which will eventually be loaded into a military aircraft and shipped to meet us in-country.  Being the UMO for my Company was very eye opening, I have a much greater appreciation for those in the Logistical branch of the Army.  It took months of planning which included load exercises, gathering height and weight metrics, drafting pallet load diagrams, organizing ground equipment movement, and conducting inspections.  Although I enjoyed the UMO work, I am glad it will soon be over!

 





  I'll update this blog with some more pictures once I get in-country.  I hope you all have a great Easter!