From the Sand Trap

Well there have been quite a few changes here… Originally I was scheduled to already be in Kuwait as part of the advance party (ADVON). The ADVON is a group that precedes the main body to prepare the arrival, schedule additional training, secure billeting (rooms), and liason with the out-going unit. Well, our ADVON left on Tuesday and is already in Kuwait, I am here at Ft. Dix, NJ still waiting for our unit to leave sometime next week. Many of you that know me automatically figured I was fired, or was late for the plane.. both definitely viable guesses, but not the case this time.

I was on a 4 day pass in NYC with my parents, daughter, brother and his family, my best friend Paul, and girlfriend when I received a call from my battalion commander a lieutenant colonel. Again, those of you that know me understand my pucker factor, because I was sure I had screwed something up. The call came as I was at dinner, and the Commander asked if I would do him a favor, and take command of one of his 3 companies. This is a huge opportunity and compliment, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. I am due back from pass before mid-night on Sunday night, and due to leave for Kuwait on Tuesday. So in essance… take command of a company and meet the hundred or so soldiers that I’ll be leading into a war zone, do all the things necessary to clear post, get my NATO orders to fly, make sure things are set with the company in order for them to validate all training, then leave 24 hours later and not see them again until we’re in theatre. Probably not the picture perfect first few weeks of command. I was able to request that I be pulled off the ADVON, so I could get to know some of my soldiers and do the necessary things to help clear the unit and main body for our trip. Luckily my battalion commander agreed.

The funny thing is that 48 hours after I assumed command of the 320th PSYOP out of Portland, OR my entire company left for their 4 day pass. So I am here, without the rest of my company, trying to finish things here. I still haven’t had too much time with these new soldiers, but I have been very blessed with some incredible soldiers. These guys worked day and night while I was on pass, to do all the administrative paperwork required in a change of command, and to make sure that they set me up for success right from the start. When I say day and night, I’m not kidding. During those 48 hours from when I took command and they went on pass, I think that someone was in the office working for at least 45 of those hours. Needless to say, I’ve been very impressed by their work efforts and their pride in their work. I am quite certain that these guys (and guys is meant in a non gender specific way) are going to be a priviledge with which to serve.

I will be writing again very soon to let you know how Kuwait is, and to let you know when we FINALLY get in country. Thanks to all who left such nice messages on the blog, I miss Colorado Springs, my friends, the folks at Land Title, and going to CC Tigers hockey games desperately! So let me know how the Tigers are doing. I’ll be posting our mailing address soon, along with a wish list from the soldiers, in case anyone feels the need to send anyone anything (hint: I’m a big fan of oatmeal raisin or peanut butter cookies. Shameless, I know.)

Peace! Patrick

Patrick Dillon :: Oct.09.2008 :: Preparation :: 1 Comment »

Thanks to all those who left such nice comments. I hope my folks read ‘em, they’ll think I’m cool and people like me!

We’ve been training now for several weeks, making sure we are fully trained on the different vehicles, weapons systems, communications and information systems that we will use downrange. We have all been trained as Combat Lifesavers (great medical training everyone should receive), and we’ve received multiple briefs on counter-insurgency. We have another week or two of specific training prior to a Mission Readiness Exercise (MRX) that will be conducted just prior to our head out date. We are anxiously waiting our head out date… as odd as it might seem. We believe we are well trained in our jobs, and since we’re away from our families already, let’s get started.

Do you want to know what I’ve enjoyed the most so far during this deployment? The enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism of our younger troops has been downright inspiring to me. The vast majority of our junior enlisted soldiers have impressed me with their maturity and intelligence. These soldiers are motivated about what we are going to do. Now I’m not talking about the type of motivation or enthusiasm you expect from the typical 19 or 20 year old that’s ready for Homecoming. I’m talking about intelligent young men and women that are trained to help change the attitudes of people half way around the world. These soldiers know that what they are about to undertake has historic consequences globally, and not just in school history. I can honestly tell you that these young men and women remind me daily how old I am, but they are mature in so many ways. They inspire me everyday. I would bet that if you asked the senior leadership all around the military you’d get the same story.

 Now, that having been said… if you want the stories of those that have failed to inspire me with their actions, or the blunders that have occured… you’ll have to buy me a beer when I get back and I’ll be happy to share those too. Then again, if these soldiers continue to fail to inspire me, they might be the subject of a future posting. So continue to check. Peace!

Patrick Dillon :: Sep.08.2008 :: Preparation :: 5 Comments »

Training starts for the 315th Psychological Operations Company in Upland, CA. Soldiers of the 315th are preparing for deployment with medical readiness, family briefings, cultural and historical briefings and financial preparations. Soldiers need to make sure their families, or significant others have the ability to take care of the day to day needs of the family and household. The administrative process takes weeks to ensure soldiers have all the t’s crossed and i’s dotted prior to leaving.

The fun starts shortly when we get to begin the soldier readiness portion. This is where we all receive our battle issue of “cool guy” gear and weapons. During this time, soldiers still have the ability to communicate with family and friends. The training will be long and the hours long, but the soldiers preparedness will help instill additional confidence in their abilities.

Many of you know my daughter, Reagan. Reagan is heading back to New York to live with my sister and her family of 7 children. Reagan is looking forward to having playmates whenever she wants (and often when she doesn’t). The family support of soldiers is key to the mindset of troops. When everything is fine on the homefront, the soldier can concentrate on his/her job at hand. The things you do back here to support troops families is an invaluable support to our effort. There are several charity and governmental organizations set up to assist the families of soldiers, and I ask that if you’re looking for something to do to help out, find one of those organizations and donate your time or resources, the families can sure use the support.

This blog is something I will be updating as time and mission allow, so that my friends, family, and other interested parties can keep abreast of what I will be doing during my deployment to Iraq. Those interested can post replies, questions, or comments for the rest of the readers. I will answer whatever questions I can (without getting in trouble, hopefully) and post new updates whenever possible. The journey starts this week, so I’ll let you know how training is going, and share the more entertaining stories.

I’ll be taking my sand wedge with me, so don’t bet against me getting out of the bunker upon my return. Peace!

Patrick Dillon :: Aug.12.2008 :: Preparation :: 5 Comments »