Grandma's Half Marathon

June 16

Apparently in Minnesota, they have a big marathon this time of the year. But since our Minnesota Army National Guard is here instead of there, the boys in the guard decided to host their own marathon. Due to the size of the base, they had to cut it down to simply a half marathon which was approximately 13 miles vs. the normal 26 miles in Minnesota. Several of our medical staff are long distance runners who decided to step up to the challenge. The other medical staff who signed up didn't realize what they were getting into but thought "Hey, I get a t-shirt." I am proud to say everyone finished with no real injuries. A few were sore in the days that followed, but everyone felt a since of accomplishment.

The marathon gang are smiling now

(it's 0430, that's before the sun comes up for you non-military folk).

from L to R: Dave, Tom, Dave, Chris, Liz, Ken, Lora, Ricks

Chris and I came out to cheer the runners on. We are in uniform because (1) we are not running and (2) chow hall opens at 0500 (that's still before the sun comes up).

The last of our folks from medical come in strong and well ahead of many others. Way to go Ken and Dave!!

Chris and I have eaten and quickly changed into our cheerleading outfits to greet the runners at the finish line. Originally we were there to support our medical runners, but we were having so much fun we stayed until the last runner past the finish line. The Minnesota boys showed their appreciation for our talent by awarding us honorary t-shirts and pins.

Our first place medical runner HM1 Ricks!

Ricks ran the marathon with a stress fracture and came in 7th overall averaging a 7 minute mile pace. His orthopedist is going to have a fit.

A few of the boys at the finish line.

from L to R: Tom, Chris, Ken, and Dave.

Army Celebrate's 232nd Birthday

June 14

Since its birth on 14 June 1775—over a year before the Declaration of Independence—the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of our Nation. Soldiers have fought more than 10 wars, from the American Revolution through the Cold War, the Gulf War, to the current War on Terrorism. This 232nd Birthday is a recognition of The Army's history, traditions, and service to the Nation, a Call To Duty, 232 Years of Service to Our Nation.

The Galley made this huge cake in celebration of the Army birthday. I could barely get in all in.

My heart goes out to the Minnesota Army National Guard stationed here. They started out with one year deployment orders but only after attending almost 6 months of training away from their families. Three weeks before going home their families were told that their loved ones were being extended. However, the soldiers had not been told yet. Oooops. So after being seperated from family and friends for almost 2 years, these military members are finally heading home. God bless you all!! You've been great to work with.

NBA Stars Get Their Game On

June 11

More stars come to TQ in support of the troops. This time we had 3 previous NBA players come and challenge some of our guys to a little 3v3 in basketball. You may recognize the names: Thurl Bailey (6'11"), Greg Minor (6'6"), and Shawn Bradley (7'6"). I've included a little google data on each player at the end of this blog - in case you are like me and say who are these guys.

Kenny Anderson had a little passport problem and couldn't make it.

While walking around in the hot sun at 1500 (that's 3pm for you non-military folk), I happened to catch Greg Minor (who graciously stepped in for Kenny) while coming out of the head (once again that's military talk for bathroom). He kindly posed for a picture and introduced himself as "Greg". (Greg Whooo?) Not wanting to show my ignorance, I introduced myself as Beth (Neptune is on my uniform so I figured he might catch that part). Any way, he mentioned that he and his basketball playmates would be challenging military folk to little basketball game later that day. (1500 is way too hot for b-ball)

Cutting my aerobics class short that night, a few friends and I hi-jacked a vehicle and headed for the b-ball challenge. I gotta say, the military put up a fight but it was simply no contest with Shawn's height.

Next the military played a little "Around the World" for prizes. My friend Kim and I used this time to get to know the USO escort for these guys. He was a young Army gentleman who was open to discussing other star comings we have to look forward to. No, I am not going to tell you. You'll simply have to keep reading my blog to find out. But he took pity on Kim's and my height, and went to the prize box and got us each a ball cap. I got mine autographed and will send it to my son Heath to add to our game/sports room.

Shawn kindly fixes a net that has come loose. No step ladder needed.

Chris and Harlan look like 6th graders next to these guys.

Well then I guess Kim and I look like toddlers.

Player info:

Thurl Bailey (6'11") attended North Carolina State University and was a key player in the 'Wolfpacks' miracle run to the 1983 NCAA Championship. The Utah Jazz drafted Thurl in 1983 as the 7th pick of the draft. This was the beginning of 16 years of his playing professional basketball, 12 of those years were in the NBA.

Greg Minor (6'6"),the former Boston Celtic 1994 first-round NBA Draft pick and five-year NBA veteran suffered a serious hip injury that abruptly ended his rising professional basketball career and caused his untimely retirement at age 27.

Shawn Bradley(7'6") in the 1993 NBA Draft, he was the second pick overall. During his first years with the Philadelphia 76ers, Bradley established himself as a decent shot-blocker with limited offensive abilities, denying an average 3.5 shots per game. He had a tough time against the physical centers and forwards of his generation and had a reputation for being inconsistent and not aggressive when it came to defense. He was also known for getting posterized: at times, he averaged over 4 fouls per game at just under 30 minutes of playing time. After a couple of solid years with the Dallas Mavericks, Bradley developed knee problems. His production steadily declined, and after the Mavericks acquired Erick Dampier in 2004, Bradley found himself on the bench most of the time. He announced his retirement from professional basketball in June 2005.

In the poster, it shows Kenny Anderson was suppose to visit but like I mentioned he was having a little problem with his passport and couldn't make it. I was okay with that because I got the chance to meet and visit with Greg. (We're on a first name basis.)

Splash time

June 10

The children of one of surgeons, Erin Moore, were sad they would not be able to swim this summer with their daddy. So with that in mind, they sent him a blow up pool complete with pool toys. With a little help from his friends, we formed a bucket brigade from the shower and quickly filled up the pool. Unfortunately at 3pm even the cold water from the faucets has turned warm, but that didn't stop us from jumping in and getting wet.

Patrick, our Irish civilian friend who works at the car sale office, dumps water over me while Robyn and Stuart play with the water toys. Apparently I wasn't wet enough. Thanks, Pat!

"Okay Robyn, it's your turn."
"Patrick!!!!"
Stuart continues to play with the toys.

With my water wings and goggles, I go diving for rubber duckies.
Stuart continues to relax in the water.

Erin, Robyn and Stuart enjoy frozen pops in the pool.

Notice Stuart has not left his spot throughout all these pictures.

As we begin to dry off, Patrick, myself, Angie, and Christian enjoy frozen pops outside the pool.

Having the pool was great fun. We keep waiting for the word to come down from the chain of command reprimanding us, but so far all is quiet. Heh, heh, heh, wait til next time!

Volleyball and Pom-Poms

Several of the guys from Medical put together a Volleyball team for the base tournament. Not wanting them to be missed in the crowd, the ladies of Medical came out to cheer them on. Literally!! Chris and I spent the afternoon in her room making pom-poms. Lucky for me, her daughter is a cheerleader so I just followed her lead in making them. They turned out great!! The guys were amazed and impressed with our show of support.

The TQ Volleyball team a.k.a. "The Torques"

Who in the world came up with that name? It must have been a man.

TQ cheerleading squad:

(front row - PunChen, Lanou, Sharkey

back row - me, Chris, Valez)

"Put me in Coach, I'm ready to play...today"

The tournament started around 8:30pm after it had time to cool down some. A few lights strung on either side of the court allowed the tournament to be played after dark. Such dedication by all these teams. As you can see from this picture, dust has invaded my camera.

"Bump it, hit it, spike it...that's the way we like it!"

Well our team lost the tournament, but don't those cheerleaders look great!!

Anthrax Shots

It's official we have to have the dreaded anthrax shots. It was passed that the shot is not mandatory; however, those refusing will go to Captain's mass (or over here General's mass) and explain why you refused to get it to the big man. So with that in mind we put on our best face mask or tierra and went to get our shots.

Ooo-rah! We'll be first.

"C'mon Commander Neptune, it's just a little shot."

"Bah. Humbug."

"We'll protect you Ma'am."

"Oooo - I feel safe now. Does this tierra match my gun?"

"OW!! THAT HURTS!!"

Just kidding. We actually had to get a series of shots one every 2 weeks for a max of 3 shots. Approx. 30 seconds after receiving the first one, the burning hit. Man, I have never had a shot do that before. However, that was the worse of it for me. Many folks developed knots, redness, and alot of itching at the injections site. I had some of that after the 2nd and 3rd one but no more burning. It really seems pointless for many of us here because we will be getting out or retiring before finishing the series (the next ones are months later).

Teenager? Mutant Ninja Turtles say, "We're no wimps. We got our anthrax shot and kept from going to mass."

"O" Club

Well it is finally open. Our latest and greatest hang out - the "O" Club (O is for officer, the enlisted have an "E" Club"). With the weather getting hotter and hotter, socializing outside in full uniform has become almost non-existent. So thanks to one dedicated doctor, we now have a comfortable airconditioned building to watch movies, play cards, and just socialize. In July, the females have claimed a day for ladies day. It should be a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures of the inside.

THE Poker table. Used every Saturday night and a few week nights. This is why the ladies had to reserve the building in advance. Sorry guys.

We have a refrigerator and coffee pot as well as a few goodies and snacks sent by loved ones.

As you can see we have a tv and dvd player for movie days - usually Sunday afternoons but occasionally during the week as well. Most of our movies were sent by loved ones again and donated to the club.

Here's Harlan testing out the lounge chairs and patiently waiting for me to finish taking pictures so we can get to the movie.

Chris gave up on me and the movie and decided to take a nap. These are pretty comfortable chairs!

Well the room is in desperate need of my decorating touch but with limited resources it is proven quite the challenge. However, I am confident in the weeks to come it will have a women's touch added to it.

Happy Birthday, Rees!

May 29

Today my second son, Rees, turned 9 years old! Happy Birthday, sweetheart! He celebrated by attending the first day of Cub Scout Day Camp. I set my alarm for 3am on May 30th so I could catch him after camp. We are 8 hours ahead so if that's not motherly love then I don't know what is. Over the phone, he told me he shared cupcakes with the boys at camp while they sang Happy Birthday. After camp, his father and brothers took Rees to his favorite restaurant for dinner. This weekend, he will have a pool party at the house with his friends.

Memorial Day

May 28

Well we didn't get a 3 day weekend to barbeque with family and friends, swim in the family pool, or walk the beach. However, we didn't get any patients this day either. So all in all I consider it a great holiday. Of course I have to have some sort of pictures to show you to commemorate my holiday.

Table decoration at the chow hall

Cake at the chow hall

Awesome food displays. Too pretty to eat.

Statue of Liberty

(No, she is not made of butter)

Run for the Warriors

May 19

"The Run For The Warriors™ - Iraq
On May 19, 2007, at Camp Taqaddum over 650 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers participated in the 1st Run For The Warriors™ - Iraq as part of the Run For The Warriors™ race series. WHile thr racers numbered in the 600, registrants numbered over 1000. This event raised over $27,000 in registration fees and donations. We are pleased to announce that the units came out in force to support their brothers and sisters who have returned home wounded. 2d Maintenance Bn had the strongest presence and was awarded the Iraq Spirit Award. " (copied from http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/therace.html)

Many of the Marine Corps bases in the states held their 2nd annual Wounded Warrior Run, and we in Al Taqaddum, Iraq ran with them. Originally scheduled to start at 4pm to commenserate with the start in the states, it was realized that with our heated afternoons starting that late may not be such a great idea. So at 7am on Saturday morning our medical crew along with 600 other navy, marines, army, Ugandans, and civilians ran (or in my case walked) 5k.

Here I am making memories of the run. Smile everyone!

Here is my friend Harlan making memories of me making memories. Smile Beth!

Last but not least here is my walking club taking up the rear. I ran ahead to take the picture. Noticed the long line of patient drivers behind us.

Valerie and I cross the finish line.

Valerie and Chris each earned medals in their age class. (Psss... they were the only two women in that age class.) You did great ladies!!!

"Courage is not defined by those who fought and did not fall, but by those who fought, fell and rose again”.- Author Unknown

If you would like to read more about this great cause or donate please click on the site below.
https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/onlineDonate.cfm