I took most of today here in the land of Oz, or Kabul as most of you know it.  This post is from my “memoirs” or writings when I started this life in Iraq.  Thus the Baghdad Bob moniker…  

Bob’s Iraq Adventure and Daily Diary

UPDATE: Bagram/Kabul Afghanistan-May 2005

Bob’s Iraq Adventure and Daily Diary

UPDATE: Bagram/Kabul Afghanistan-May 2005

 

This little escapade started in the middle of October 2003.  Funny, the day I left for Baghdad the Cubs lost the seventh game of the National League championship series.  Working as a screener at the airport was fine, but treated like a child and way below my skill level.  But, as I started this work I knew that I needed to get my life both financially and emotionally on track.  This did it.

 

After a few weeks I talked with Don Ritchie the Director of Security for the airport, I mentioned that I had PSD, (Protective Security Detail), experience.  Within a couple of days I was attending the Custer Battles three-day course.  I would really call it a familiarization to the area rather than a PSD course.  Afterwards, I was sent downtown to work the Bearing Point detail.  Most of the runs were inside the Baghdad City limits.  We escorted clients to Iraqi government ministries such as the Ministry of Oil, Finance, and the Central Bank of Iraq, to name a few.  The security was haphazard to say the least, with equipment lacking like vests with plates.  Well it did sort itself out but…Bearing Point brought in a security manager who did not believe the threat or environment we were working.  He had us ride alone with an Iraqi driver and up to five to six clients crammed into a suburban.  I have to say we were very lucky that nothing happened to the clients or us. 

 

Upon my return from vacation Bearing Point was over and I went to the long range PSD teams working on the WII electrical re-construction projects.  Also, I was on some runs for possible clients and short-term contracts.  Some clients were Parsons Construction, Vulcan Amps, and CoCo.  Custer Battles won the Parsons Construction contract but only for a Security Manager position.  Since the PSD work is directly from the DOD, thus the army.   What will happen after the hand over is unknown, but I did meet Jim one of the original clients and he is unhappy with the CPA provided security.  He stated that he is unhappy with the flexibility that the military will not provide versus a private security contractor.  As to CoCo, we did a great job on that project; Brian Perlis was the team leader for them.  But the cards were stacked against us since they had State Department security experts along for the ride.  I find it very interesting that the only projects we had after the end of Bearing Point PSD personnel landed. 

 

Right about this time, sometime around the middle of March Lee Fagg, myself, Scotty Stamper were discussing a project starting January 1, 2005.  The location of the project is French Guyana doing convoy security.  It is a multiple year deal with a government agency sending food somewhere in French Guyana.  This government agency will guarantee that the cargo is food.  The current company running this project has lost more than one truck and complete convoys.  Lee would have gotten this deal prior to coming to Custer Battles, but lost it to the current company.  But given the above facts, we will be taking over the contract at the beginning of the year. 

 

Vulcan Amps and the start-up manager/client JC Adams liked the work we did for him.  He also stated that he would go with us if we went on our own.  Vulcan Amps was using the Fluor security company until the 12^th of May.  At that time, Lee and Grumpy popped smoke with Custer Battles and started up Chameleon Security Services, Ltd.  The rest of the crew came over with Richard Graham and me on the 15^th of May the official start date of Chameleon.   

 

The start-up has had just about every problem that we can imagine and probably some we cannot.  The biggest issue is cash flow, jeez am I familiar with this problem.  I knew that we needed funds to get this off the ground and thus the problems we have had to date.  Payroll for May 30^th has not been paid yet, but damn if the guys are not sticking it out.  Yes they have a lot invested to date with time, but a good portion is the trust in the long-term prospects for Chameleon Security Services, Ltd. 

 

Friday, June 18, 2004

 

Finally heard from Lee today, he stated in the e-mail that he is expecting the funds due from Vulcan today.  If that is the case he will complete the payroll for May 30, 2004.  The balance left over will be sent to Baghdad and we will forward $27,000.00 to Charles Moray for the advisory fee.  Included with the advisory fee are the incorporation documents, bank accounts for the directors, and business bank account for Chameleon Security Services, Ltd.  The line of credit available is about 20 million US dollars.  We plan on drawing down about 1 million US dollars, thus pay all payrolls due through June 30^th.  After payroll we look to purchase vehicles, weapons, and communication equipment.  Lee’s e-mail also stated that he is programming the Motorola gear to the frequencies given to us by the Military/CPA, (Coalition Provisional Authority).  We have some outstanding debts to; Skylink for trailer rentals, $4,600.00, Abass for vehicles, $21,000.00, and Nate for weapons, magazines, and ammunition, about $8,000.00. 

 

Awaiting word from Frank Guffey from EGL, (Eagle Global Logistics) regarding a convoy security mission. They are looking for 4 personnel initially and maybe 4 more in a week or so.  From discussions a couple of days ago, all payments have been made and awaiting a schedule for movement.  The duration is approximately 45 to 60 days for a minimum with a payment schedule to us of one third up front then half-way through and the last third at completion.  We do need to iron out the details of payment, i.e., no half days and when and where payment begins.  I will formalize the agreement with what could be construed to be a contract with them.  

 

A new guy, Karl Johnson from a project in Jerusalem arrived today.  Has the police and PSD experience to be a valued member of our company.  Seems to be a nice guy and has the personality to fit in nicely. 

 

On a personal note, (thought), and boy could we use some luck!  Like Grumpy says, this will bust open all at once.  Some of the projects along with the convoy related to above are three more camps for Vulcan Amps, increasing the number of personnel at the camps from 4 to 6, and the water treatment facilities, (looking at 17 locations throughout Iraq).  J C Adams mentioned that they are looking at us for projects in Somalia and Afghanistan.  Vulcan is a smaller player in this field when compared to Parsons and Fluor, but we can grow with these guys.  We are their Security Company worldwide and if Grumpy, Alan, Richard, Lee, and I can help it we will make it permanent. 

 

According to JC Adams, he e-mailed Grumpy that the itinerary of the new arrival has changed to Sunday.  Which is contrary to the itinerary Doc brought with him yesterday?  Well, I did not charge Vulcan for the team stand-up yesterday, but will charge them for today.  I finished up the billing for this week to Vulcan.  We are looking at $94,000.00 for this week ending June 19, 2004 and $398,000 year-to-date.  But we must take note that this is for 35 days in business, ($11,372 billings per day).  This per day number will increase once the other camps and number of personnel per camp increase.  Hopefully, there will be no new changes to the billing process/procedures. 

 

Lee just called, no funds transferred yet.  Boy oh boy do we need a break.  Abass will probably show up tomorrow looking for the money we owe him for the vehicle rent.  As soon as Lee gets the money he will make the May 30^th payroll, send money to Charles Moray, and the balance to our bank The Exe in Baghdad.  Scotty and I both talked with Lee and gave him the update including this “iraqichameleon” persona.  Lee will forward the e-mails that were sent to me to our attorney in the U.S.  Custer Battles must stop the rumors and innuendos and spreading of lies about Chameleon Security.  Our philosophy is not to fight at their level; we will prevail because of higher integrity and business practices.

 

Saturday, June 19, 2004

 

Late last night received a call from Lee regarding the transfer of funds to Lee.  He will take care of the payroll and send funds to Moray for the line of credit.  Lee also stated that Richard told Ford Graham the President of Vulcan Amps that he should no longer talk to Lee.  This must stop immediately, we cannot have internal ownership issues discussed with clients or for that matter anyone outside the ownership circle.  Lee also mentioned that his attorney is talking with the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms bureau regarding stamps or other documentation to get our weapons and other gear in from Kuwait.  On that issue with “iraqichameleon”, Lee will have our attorney deal with this.  

 

Becky could be a problem.  She is hanging around Custer Battles too much and probably talking too much.  Malicious or not this must stop!  She takes off and we have no idea where she is going and who she is talking to.

 

Tracer, (Andy Lomax) and Stoney, (Micah Moore) are conducting training missions with the Ghurkas.  These Ghurkas were just Force Protection Officers at the airport and have had minimal to no PSD training or experience.  Some of the skill sets they are training on include; ambushes with IEDs, small arms fire, flat tire changing drills with practice on pulling 360-degree security.  Cross loading of personnel if a disabled vehicle occurs.

 

Scotty and Alan are heading up to Taiji to talk with JC Adams.  Scotty will drop off the invoices for this past week.  Alan will discuss the new mission of power line security.  Vulcan gave us this mission the other day, but not a lot of details.  They have told Doc that the length of line is 30 to 130 miles.  Unknown location of the line, will it be 24/7 security or just PSD escort during the daylight hours.  Vulcan Amps will pay for a recon of the line in question. 

 

Abass came by with Marcos for translation purposes.  No funds to pay him the truck rental fee, hoping to get funds into Lee’s account in the states.  Then we can pay Abass and hopefully dump his poor vehicles and go with Mohammed’s friend.  With Mohammed’s friend we can purchase 10 vehicles for $25,000 per month for six months.  Abass is playing us off with Custer Battles and EGL.  And it seems we are getting the short end of the stick with him.  These vehicles are the same terrible ones we used with the Bearing Point contract. 

 

On the geo-political front, they did kill the hostage in Saudi Arabia.  Which was no great surprise to us?  We as a company will not go out of our way to secure work in Saudi Arabia.  But it should get very interesting The Exe in Iraq.  The hand over of power is 10 days away.  A lot of questions are coming up, such as; do we stop for Iraqi Police checkpoints?  What about the US military and the Iraqi Defense forces?

 

Well the usual shitty luck towards Chameleon.  During a training exercise, a Ghurka lost control of his vehicle and hit the wall.  In so doing, Tara who god knows why she was that close was hit somehow.  According to Scotty and Doc probably no broken bones but some bruises. 

 

Lee called to check in.  We told him about the above incidents and how Scotty and I are feeling.  While checking my e-mail I saw a note from Jay Collins an investigator with the CPA.  Seems to have closed the case, but a lot of open questions.  All of which will be answered in civil court.  God damn it, it is not that we deserve good luck I just do not know what we did to deserve this entire negative bravo sierra!  I only hope that the money shows up in Lee’s account on Monday morning and he can do payroll.  I am tired and so is Scotty!

 

Sunday, June 20, 2004

 

Well it is father’s day and I feel a little down.  Checked e-mail and got some great photos of the kids along with e-mails.  Alex seems very down and according to The Ex cried while writing the e-mail to me.  He is a very emotional boy, and I will support him and most importantly understand what drives him.  I do miss them a lot, but I got to do this.  I never want money to be an issue with me ever again.  I have to keep up the positive front for the troops.  They have been great, going on 20 days past due for their May payroll.  Lee says that funds should hit his account Monday and he will do payroll and send the excess funds to us.  We need it bad!   

 

On the business front, we have two runs today, one for a Vulcan employee’s dental appointment.  Also, pick up a new employee flying in from Amman today and transport to Taiji.  The next day we will bring that same employee to Baiji to work with the WGI project up there. 

LT and Bryan Donaldson stopped by, both to check us out and Bryan to check up on his pay.  The funds need to hit tomorrow and pay these guys.  Also, I just want Custer Battles and all these other companies to see what we can do.  Helicopters and the gulfstream IV hit this place and we will take off.  The market is The Exe and the need is high.  Along with paying these guys, we need the bridge loan to cover June 30^th payroll.  The camps, increase in the number of people per camp, and convoy work we will be all out.  These guys need go be busy and see that this is a go!

 

A Sergeant Major from the Special Forces stopped by about the hole in the wall from the accident yesterday.  He threatened us with eviction if we did not fix his wall.  So we have to place a guard on the hole until we can have it repaired.  Doc will make up a schedule with one Ghurka and one American on duty for two-hour shifts.  We will also place a vehicle down there with water and MREs.  Just another expense that we cannot afford right now.  Damn, everyday another hit; I do not know how long I can take this?  But the lives and their families are in our hands.

 

Becky has been AWOL since about noon yesterday.  I saw her yesterday at the Bob Hope MWR facility using the Internet.  Since then nothing and it is about 5:20 pm now.  I did not want to hire her at this point in time, not enough work for her and Tara.  We need to have billable people, not overhead.  I can do the administrative work; I already do the payroll and other functions.

 

Monday, June 21, 2004

 

A huge vehicle issue, out of ten total vehicles we have only 4 up and running.  Also, two missions running today and no vehicles available for QRF or running of errands around camp.  Replacement of transmissions is an on-going problem, already changed three transmissions and looking to another one that is bad.  Mohammed will have to drive is own car to and from the camp. 

 

Big question is what the hell Custer Battles is trying to pull.  Speedbump shows up last night and says there is ammunition at the DHL terminal.  Is Custer Battles setting us up for a criminal action?  This coincides with a call Becky received stating there are packages of oil/fuel at a location in the Mansur district.  As to Becky she is still AWOL and has us wondering if she is the mole.  Grumpy and I believe that by the end of this month we should let her go. 

 

Had a good discussion with Sean McNally about his running off to the EGL’s house in the Mansur district.  He talked about his business partner and the problems with debts associated with that business.  He is not going to work for them or undercutting our opportunity with them.  Looks like the company transporting the Jersey barriers is changing the details daily.  Frank Guffey still wants to retain us for the convoy security for this convoy of Jersey barriers and other work that will come down the road later.  Another bomb just dropped is Andy Lomax re-enlisted into the Army and is looking to go back on active duty.  He needs to check his e-mail to confirm when and where he can take the oath of service. 

 

The teams are still out and have not heard anything from either.  Oh I almost forgot, When checking on the Ghurkas pulling security on the hole in the barrier wall, I noticed that some locals were working on the damaged portion.  They were clearing away the damaged sections and saving the best of the bricks.  Then about one hour later one of the Ghurkas and the Iraqi supervisor came to the camp and told me that the boss of the Iraqi worker called him and told them to cease working on the damaged wall.  He wanted my cell phone number, which I gave to him to contact me later.  Unknown as to why they started and why they stopped.  According to Andy there is a political battle between two officers and the barriers and camps. 

 

Lee wrote to Grumpy, Alan, and me regarding his position with the company.  He was talking about how he is the Chairman and only one person should be the point of contact with Vulcan.  Which I agree with, but he did “disappear” for almost five days.  And the $780k that we all were under the impression was coming to us.  He disagreed with “giving away” a percentage of the company without consultation of all the owners.  But at the time we were and are in a desperate position.  When all the owners are together it should be very interesting.  Lee and Richard have a lot to account for with there actions in the last month. 

 

1436 hours and the Taiji to Green Zone run are back at camp. 

 

1615 hours the Baiji run returned to camp.  Vehicle issues, the blue one had a fire start as a result of a bad alternator.  The brakes and power steering went out on the gold one along with a flat tire.  Jeez, it feels like it is falling apart all around us.  Vehicles, no money, have not paid the personnel yet and the end of June is closing in fast for that payroll.   

 

Tuesday, June 22, 2004

 

No funds hit the account of Lee in the states.  The transfer should hit our account this week, but damn we needed it to hit yesterday!  The grumbling is starting and is justified, but we will get through this.  Tracer will not do any runs because of pay and crappy vehicles.  It just might be better if half of the Americans did leave.  We work the runs and camps with Ghurkas and pay off all our debts.  Possibly after we work off the debts we pull out of Iraq.  We go to French Guyana and run that gig for the length of the contract and retire.

 

Interesting, if we get the line of credit and get the choppers in country we will take off.  There is no other company; either security or other has the capability for airlift of personnel.  Blackwater has them, but exclusively they use them.  We will offer medivac lift to all and ORF for companies interested in these services.  We are so close, and I am having a very tough time.  Emotions are down and feeling of defeat has started to come over me. 

 

Received a call from Ferguson, a friend of Richard’s asking about an update on the funds transfer.  Well obviously no news yet and I gave that to Ferguson to pass on to Richard.  So, just sitting around today with no runs and only the camp personnel providing cash flow.  Have heard Intel regarding the “shut down” of BIAP from the 25^th of June through the 5^th of July.  Along with that we have rumors about Flour only allowing flights out of Camp Anaconda to Kuwait. These stories will affect our personnel going on vacation and how clients come into and out of Iraq.  The road up to Camp Anaconda is not the best and dangerous, lot of IEDs and ambushes.  Alan Johnston will work on these rumors along with the convoy security work we have been waiting on for weeks.

 

Checked the Internet for news about the BIAP closing or other events that could effect our operations The Exe.  Nothing yet, but we are sending Tara over to talk with Frank Hatfield with the FAA about that very issue.  It seems that movement will be very minimal till the end of June.  This handover on July 1 has everyone spooked and rightfully so.  This is why the line of credit is mandatory.  With minimal movements and decisions on camps, staffing of the camps, and opening of new camps funds are needed to bridge us until those decisions are made.  In my humble opinion, these decisions will be made after the 1^st of July.  Questions on everyone’s mind are what are the bad guys going to do?  They obviously have an interest in chaos, which would bolster there position and show democracy will not work.  Also, surrounding countries that are not democratic would like to see this country fail.  If democracy works The Exe, it can work there and power will be taken from the few and given to the people.  Sort of a reverse spread of communism that we were fighting in the 50s and 60s.  This will be very interesting over the next few years, look to Beirut as an example.  Horrible place in the 80s and now a tourist spot and the place to visit in the Middle East.  On a personal note, I am not sure that I would want to be around after this summer and fall.  Unless some noteworthy things happen, Scotty and I are thinking of pulling up stakes and going to South America.  But time will tell.

 

The driving drills damaged this afternoon the guys re-built the wall that the other day.  The guys did a great job and topped off the wall about one and half hours ago.  All they have to do tomorrow is but the fascia of concrete over the bricks.  Now we do not have to place a guard there overnight.

 

Stoney talked with the Ghurkas regarding the loan of $27K for the advisory fee to Charles Moray.  But they have a legal issue of transfer of funds from Nepal to any country.  The guys want to help out and damn it just makes it that much more frustrating not getting the funds into our account and do payroll.  We are so close and yep I am hoping for a little luck.  After all the crappy luck and negative stuff happening and has happened to us, I want some pure unadulterated luck!

 

Wednesday, June 23, 2004

 

Received a phone call late last night from Lee.  He mentioned that he talked with Ford Graham the president of Vulcan Capital Management and the funds due will be sent this week.  We have been hearing that for the past three weeks.  Checked my e-mail this morning and got a message from the “iraqichameleon” stating that he/she would use there own e-mail address but worried about being “fragged” about the pay issue and will we pay his way home?  I would have responded, but being upset would accomplish nothing and I will send a reply this afternoon.  I will tell him/them to leave if they are dissatisfied, why are they staying? 

 

Abass stopped by for the money owed him.  Obviously we did not have the money so we borrowed funds from Jet and Bravo two Ghurkas who work for us.  This is the second time that we borrowed money from them.  Boy does not feel good, like a dog with his tail between his legs.  A very bad feeling, which I do not want to have anymore. 

 

Irish called stating the General Electric is pulling out of all their locations in Iraq.  The reasons given per Irish are General Electric’s dissatisfaction with DynCorp security.  We are standing up a relief force if this gets worse at Qudas and Taiji.  Right now Irish seems to be fine.  But funny thing is JC Adams knew about this pull out by General Electric a couple of days ago.  JC needs to communicate with us better.  This turmoil is also an opportunity for us, but we need to get cash into this company ASAP!  

 

Stoney and Ruben really on the snide comment warpath.  Along with the “iraqichameleon”, these guys have selective hearing, we did tell them that if they had a job offer to take it.  Scotty and I will work until we pay off the monies due to these guys.  Scotty and I are in this for the long haul, we both know this will work and are going through the tough times.  We both have agreed that we will get the money due us as soon as the line of credit hits.  All in all a tough day, hard to keep positive but got to!

 

Thursday, June 24, 2004

 

Lee called last night after being with his mother all day.  He did not talk to Ford Graham of Vulcan, thus no funds and probably no funds this week.  I figured this was going to happen, they would not pay until after 30 days as per the Notice to Proceed.  This is beyond serious, we even asked Tara to talk with The Ex grandfather and The Ex father.  But that was without success, since she has not talked with them prior to our asking.  Scotty wrote an update to Lee and let him have it with both barrels.  I agree without reservations with what was said.  I have been too nice to Lee, trying to paint a positive picture of the situation The Exe.  Thus, why Lee calls me and not Scotty.  Last night with him calling at 0222hours was the last straw for me.  I will much more direct with him.  He is getting a different picture than what Scotty and I are dealing with The Exe. 

 

Eddie Gutierrez has offered to ask his Grandfather for a loan of $28k.  Scotty and I told joker that we would pay back $38k after one month or so.  He wrote to his family that September 1^st would be the pay back date.  Further discussions about the loan would be between Joker’s family and me.  At this point even if Charles Moray walks away with our money it is not of concern to either Scotty or I.  We would payback those funds along with all other monies owed.  As they say in the World Series of Poker, “All in”.

 

Lee did not tell us about the invoice he gave to Vulcan for 6 AK 47s and 18 loaded magazines.  Another incidence of Lee holding the cards close to his vest and not telling us what he is doing or has done.  Scotty and I were not going to send any weapons up until Stoney told us that JC signed an invoice were he already was billed for the weapons and ammunition.  This is very embarrassing for Scotty and me.  Along with making another run during a very violent day here in Iraq, to deliver the weapons we have to pick up Eric Bee.  Who calls with no warning that he is flying out tomorrow morning!  All this while the insurgents has had three coordinated attacks throughout Iraq.  They hit the Iraqi Police stations in Mosul, Bagubah, and Ar Ramadi.  These attacks came with car bombs and then the insurgents assaulted the stations stealing weapons, uniforms and rifling through the files.  With these events Scotty and I are talking seriously about just running our current client, Vulcan Amps and maybe some short-term work like convoys.  Then popping smoke in the October, November time frame and heading to South America.  We will only do Vulcan Amps projects in other countries and Iraq if they give up front funds to get the project off the ground.   We will not out of pocket $500k or more to get other projects going again. 

 

Went to the MWR Internet facility on Camp Victory, great facility and fast connection for Iraq.  The reason for going is to write Dave Reed’s wife about the pay situation and the details of his pay.  He is trying to get a loan from his credit union to cover bills and other expenses until our paycheck hits his account.  He is in for the long haul but I do realize that if no money hits our account and then his he will have to go.  These guys are mercenaries and it is all about the money and being paid on time for the right amount.  As of 1854 hours today no word from Lee and he is probably with his mother.  It seems that his mother is very sick and possibly life threatening.  And we just heard about this yesterday.  He has to communicate with us better and not keep things so close to his vest.  Things The Exe will be very interesting when all the owners get together.

 

Friday, June 25, 2004

 

Scotty talked with Lee this morning and Lee was upset with the e-mail Scotty sent yesterday.  In my opinion, that is what Lee deserved and he will have to deal with it.  Lee mentioned that he was in the opinion that the 780k was coming and did not know that Vulcan backed out.  Also, it looks like Vulcan is paying 93k sometime in the next couple of days.  We will send 27k to Charles Moray to try for the line of credit and the rest will be used to pay some bills.  That includes $2,500.00 for a partial payment of May 31, 2004 payroll.  The directors will not be paid along with Mat Lehman.  We will catch up with all payrolls up to and including the June 30^th payroll.  After the partial payment we still need to pay around $600k to the guys.  We need to pay back both Bishnu and Jiwan the loan for paying Abass back for the truck rental fee.

 

Well out of the blue, Duke Whittington called from WII inquiring about the cost for three teams and when we can stand up those teams.  It would work to be approximately $20,400.00 per day.  That contract will be 30 day and possibly renewable for 30-day increments.  I sent off e-mail to Duke outlining the costs per person and vehicles and payment plans.  I would like to have he first 30-day payment up front, and then bill them within their system.  I do not want to go through the billing issues we had with Vulcan Amps.  Scotty and I look for this contract with WII to commence on the first of July.  But we did tell them that we are able to stand up the three teams first thing tomorrow morning. 

 

Saturday, June 26, 2004

 

Well damn it, no news on the approximately $93,000 transfer from Vulcan to the Baghdad bank account.  This does upset me, Lee should have had the funds still sent to him and done the payroll there in the states.  I now have to gear up a team and drive into the city to do the transfers. Along with the extra costs associated with using this bank.  But the way things are going this is usual for us.  I did get a response from Duke Whittington of WGI who stated that he will get back with us in a couple of days.  This is probably due to the current company working the contract and when that contract/extension runs out.  Grumpy and I both figure we have a very good chance to get the contract.  Also, we think that the start will be around the first of the month.  But hopefully, a lot sooner like maybe Sunday or Monday of this coming week. 

 

On the political front, the handover is only days away.  There have been a lot of explosions heard around our camp at the airport.  This will only get worse; we even have intelligence that there is serious threat to our camp area.  Grumpy has been putting together a defense plan, which is coordinated with local US Army units camped nearby.  We think that the threats will predominately be rocket and mortar attacks.  Dangerous yes but there is nothing you can do to defend yourself against mortars or rockets.  The situation The Exe is going to get very serious; Grumpy feels a civil war will break out.  There is breaking news on CNN; a car bomb just went off in Erbil the de-facto capital of Kurdistan.   

 

Received a call from Paul Furst with WII, (1406hours), who stated that they are taking us on as their security company.  A negative is the request that the vehicles used are up-armored.  Could be a huge issue.  But will go and check the e-mail and see what the scope of work will entail.  Just returned from checking e-mail, no word from Paul Furst.  Will head back sometime later this evening to see if anything is there?  Also, checked the CPA web site and noticed the contracts awarded to WII and Fluor.  The amounts total over 1 Billion US Dollars.  We are sitting in the right place and the right opportunity to do pretty good for ourselves.  The geo-political situation could be interesting and will determine how long we stay and how much money we put into this operation. 

 

Ruben and I went to meet Mike of WII and discuss the commencement of the contract with them.  The work/billing commences tomorrow the 27^th of June.  But the need to stand up three teams will begin on Monday the 28^th of June.  Mike knows that we have not gotten armored/up-armored SUVs and will work with us.  I will e-mail Paul Furst acknowledging the receipt of his note and mention that we would like to have the first month of billings up front.  If that does not work, the 93k we get from Vulcan will be used to immediately send 27k to Charles Moray for the advisory work and line of credit.  The e-mail that Paul Furst sent to me is a Notice to Proceed and he will forward a contract outlining the costs and other items in a few days. 

 

We have a run tomorrow for Vulcan bringing a guy down who quit and is flying out.  Also, sometime tomorrow afternoon Scotty and I along with the three-team leaders will meet with Mike at the WII camp.  We will go over his needs phone numbers and other essentials for running the contract. 

 

Sunday, June 27, 2004

 

Sent off the information to Charles Moray to keep him up to date as to our contracts and workload.  Also sent e-mail to Lee to forward insurance information to Paul Furst of WII per the contractual agreement.  I requested that WII pay the first month’s billings up front to cover start-up costs to meet the contract requirements.  Charles Moray also e-mailed me and is excited about working with us.  He actually wants to come The Exe to meet with us, but I prefer to go to him.  At the same time we will discuss banking relationships for the company and directors.  The purchase of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will be on the agenda.

 

Glen from Skylink was visiting the Minister of Transportation villa next door.  Well he mentioned that Frank Hatfield had no authority to give land and/or buildings to anybody.  Thus it looks like we will have to move and it looks like the only option is downtown.  That hotel we looked at originally is not a bad choice, separate rooms, kitchens, and an area for an operations cell.  Not a good alternative security wise but all will have their own rooms and some privacy.

 

Meeting with Mike Powell the security manager for WII electrical contract.  Attendees at the meeting were Grumpy, Ruben, Stoney, Doc, and I.  Discussions centered on time and place for the teams to stand up, who is the client.  Which is by the way, Mike Powell, he will make all movement decisions and coordinate all the personnel who work for WII.  I like Mike and he seems to be very easy going and will work with us.  We a group should be professional and have a professional bearing all the time.  The start up time tomorrow is 0800 hours with the billing starting yesterday. 

 

Checked e-mail and nothing from Paul Furst of WII.  But a situation report from Richard Graham.  He is under house arrest until he makes good the funds owed to the hotel.  Lee is his typical emotional self; with I took as a snide remark when I made myself the primary contact with Charles Moray.  I did not take it too well and wrote back telling him that I am the finance guy and all decisions will be put in front of the board.  But he better be on Ford Graham for the timing and amount of the transfer. 

 

We are very close and just getting some funds in The Exe to cover Moray’s fee is number one on the list.

 

 

 

Monday, June 28, 2004

 

Another day another set back, after finding out that we have to move then that our insurance for the guys be over July 1, 2004.  Could it get any worse, probably with our luck!  Scotty and I are really tired and in poor spirits.  We are ready to pull the plug and get out of here.  Personally, I feel that we might have to let people go, shrink and pay off our debts as they stand now.  Trying not to incur any more and pay us then leave Iraq for the French Guyana project. 

 

This is the first day of the WII project, but no contract from Paul Furst as of this morning.  Hoping that he comes through with the contract and the first month’s billings paid up front.  I do not have too much confidence in that, given how things have been going so far.  As long, as the guys are safe and get through the handover of power safely.   We can then make decisions as to the direction of the company.

 

About 90 minutes ago we had the formal hand over of power from the CPA, (Coalition Provisional Authority), to the interim Iraqi Government.  This was a good move to preempt any terrorist incident planned for the planned hand over date of July 1^st.  We still as of this writing are on a no movement order until July 5^th.   God was looking out for us, a no movement order and the stand-by teams still billing, helps the cash flow crunch we are under.  Also, received a call from LT giving me a heads up regarding the handover and movement orders he might have different from what we have heard.  In my humble opinion, the short-term situation will be very dangerous.  The insurgents will try harder to disrupt the process, with continued attacks against the infrastructure and anyone working with companies working on these projects.  As noted earlier, our clients are both on stand down orders until on or about the 5^th of July.  I speculate that those projects we have been promised to staff will break open.  If only the 3 other camps for Vulcan with 4 personnel would help the situation.  That would add $234,000 US dollars to our cash flow monthly.  And as a benefit that would be consistent cash flow, not dependent upon movement of personnel.  So, with WII kicking in $612,000 and the two camps and security manager consistent cash flow is about $700,000 to $750,000 monthly.  This would cover payroll and insurance cost.  PSD movements would be icing on the cake and used to pay down debts incurred in the start up phase. 

 

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

 

Lee called this morning and the funds are being sent tonight our time and should hit tomorrow morning at our bank in Baghdad.  No idea on the amount of funds being sent and we have a lot of bills accumulating.  Scotty and I have to decide how to spend the funds; the only definite is that Charles Moray will get his money. 

 

Did not get to the Internet this morning, I was not feeling well and sleep in a bit.  Feeling much better, but the stress of the money and paying these bills is trying Scotty and me.  Abass showed up looking for his money and looks like we will have to pay him almost $17,000 on the first month’s rent.  Going over the bills/invoices as I write this, they are bogus and he is nickel and dime us with these truck repair bills.  Every vehicle every day has something go wrong with it.  We must pay Abass off and get different contractor for vehicles and those vehicles must be newer and in better condition. 

 

Another one bits the dust; Alan Johnston sent e-mail to all the directors resigning his position effective the 1^st of July.  He will stay until the 7^th as a contractor and only asks for $5,000.00 to be on his way.  We do not have the funds and unsure as to how much is being transferred any day now.  We will pay him the salaried owed for the month, which is $10,000.00 as soon as our line of credit hits the account.  Now leaves only the four of us with Grumpy and I holding down the fort until Richard and Lee return to Baghdad.  Still positive about the long-term prospects for the company, the short-term is hairy as hell.

 

Wednesday, June 30, 2004

 

0505 hours today Lee called and it seems that Vulcan Amps wired the money to his account.  I gave him the wire information for Charles Moray and pay the rental fee for the trailers we used of Skylink.  If the wire amount is $93,000.00 then after paying the above two wires we should have about $60,000.00 left to wire The Exe.  We will use the funds to pay Abass a portion of the monies owed to him.  Then we will pay Nate and Frank Guffey for the weapons and vests we purchased from them. Then we will need more vests and maybe some hand guns and AK 47s.  Last but certainly not least we must pay back Bishnu and Jiwan the $2,000.00 we borrowed. 

 

Of note, Jesse Parker received a check from Custer Battles for approximately $1,500.00, unsure if this is correct and how that amount was determined.  Since we need some good luck it would be nice if all the guys got checks from Custer Battles.  Even if the amounts were incorrect they would get something.  That would buy us time to get the line of credit and pay the guys for May and June.  On a personal note, it would nice to get some money from them.  I would have my mom send a portion to the FAA account to build up the funds there for my trip home in July.   For that trip to Chicago, must coordinate with The Ex to meet with The Ex there and get the kids settled into the city.  All this depends upon the company’s situation financially.  I might have to go to London or Zurich before heading to Chicago. 

 

Mike Powell stopped by with Chuck Potter to see our camp on the way to there camp by Magic Mountain SF camp.  A little later Rick Graham called about the financial status; I gave him the run down of the hopeful transfer of funds from Vulcan.  I told him about the transfer to Charles Moray, payment to Skylink, and the rest of the funds sent to Baghdad.  Rick was told about the numerous cash payments we have to make The Exe and he is fine with it.  I hope to go to London to see Rick, meet Charles Moray, and purchase the helicopters.  All we have to do is wait for the confirmation e-mail from Lee later this evening.  

 

Money was wired to Moray and the others; Lee will forward the wire numbers and amounts as soon as he gets them.  Along with that news, George Palaima of EGL called and is looking for four guys for convoy runs.  The runs will be about 3-4 days every week and they pay in cash.  The stumbling block is the when and where the guys start on the clock so to speak.  The details will be discussed with George and Abe this weekend along with our paying them for the guns and vest they got for us.  Scotty and I will give them a break on the daily rate but if they take the guys for 30 to 60 days they pay for all those days.  The discount will be $100 off the daily rate or $1,000.00 per man per day.

 

Thursday, July 01, 2004

 

No wire numbers yet and Lee called while Scotty and I were at the Internet café.  He stated that he did not have the number for Skylink.  Well I know I did give him the numbers, but once I returned to the camp I called him and gave him the account numbers.  Damn it, we needed those numbers this morning, the banks The Exe might be open and we could have gotten the funds out, ($58,000.00 US dollars after Lee took out $3,400.00 for his use).  Scotty and I, although more Scotty, wants me to have control of the cash on hand which increase the controls on the funds.  The good news is that the funds were sent to Charles Moray and our bank in Baghdad.  I would just like to have the wire confirmation numbers to give the Moray and our bank The Exe a way to track the funds.

 

Abass stopped by for payment on lease agreement and repair bills.  When the banks open on Saturday, we will withdraw funds to pay the $17,000.00 due for the lease.  The repair bills will wait until I get an audit of the amounts spent on what vehicle.  I will not pay or have every vehicle go down on a daily basis.  With the age of the vehicles and mileage these breakdowns are expected.  But I never had a lease where I had to pay for the minor/major repairs on the trucks.  As soon as the funds arrive we will get at least 5 new trucks for our missions.

 

So it starts, Stoney is on “strike” until he finds out that we have insurance and/or he gets paid.  Valid yes, but this could snow ball and others go on strike and thus lose a contract.  In particular WII, which for the moment is our highest grossing contract.  Along with Abass earlier today it seems like every couple of hours something bad happens.  Lee better have sent the funds and got the insurance or this will implode upon us.    

 

Lee called and gave me the Federal Reserve wire reference number for the funds being transferred to the Credit Bank of Iraq.  The amount is $56,000.00, Moray got his money sometime today and the Skylink bill was paid today and they should have there account credited Friday in the states.  The Internet was down and we could not send this information to the bank or let Moray know that the money is available to him.  Will await Lee’s phone call for the wire confirmation of Moray’s funds transfer.

 

Friday, July 02, 2004

 

Received a call from Charles Moray, he has gotten notification that the funds have arrived in his account.  We discussed the incorporation of Chameleon, where to incorporate, and banking relationships.  I asked for $2,000,000.00 US Dollars as a line of credit.  Charles will need copies of our passports for the four (4) directors/shareholders to get that portion going.  I then phoned Richard to have him forward the copies of our passports to Charles.  We really need this loan or we are dead in the water, because we cannot even make payroll right now.  Payroll for the period of May and June is over $650,000.00 and these guys need their money along with us.  If the funds come through from Charles Moray, I will go to Switzerland take care of payroll and send about $500,000.00 to Baghdad for purchase of new vehicles, communication gear, and weapons.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed and see how this plays out. 

 

Answered inquiries from Charles Moray’s e-mails regarding contracts in place and the cash flow from those contracts.  He will incorporate us in the British Virgin Islands through an intermediary in Geneva Switzerland.  The Banking institution wills b a well-known international bank to facilitate either fax or e-mail instructions for payroll or other Ex bill payments.  I am having Richard give Charles copies of our passports for use in the incorporation documents.  Richard called me while at the Internet café, and was wondering where money is; I had to inform him that we could not send any funds to him yet.  We needed the money for bills incurred The Exe such as Abass, et al.  He obviously was disappointed, but Scotty and I had to make this tough decision.  Now is the time, if Moray comes through with the 2 million dollars short-term funding, we have made it.  The next 4-5 days will be crucial.

 

Hired a new guy, Everett Robinson from Custer Battles.  Seems like a nice guy and should fit in well.  We needed to put in place some new people for the 5-6 going on vacation within the next 2 weeks.

 

Saturday, July 03, 2004

 

Scotty and I went to the Internet café this morning, but it is down along with the café at the Bob Hope area.  Later that morning Scotty called Lee in the states and WII has sent him a contract number and value for that contract.  But, it seems that Custer Battles has been spreading lies and innuendos about us the company.  Lee has sent instructions to his attorney to address this problem.  We have to wait until around 9:30 am to call the bank and confirm the receipt of the transfer of funds from the states. 

 

This is unbelievable; the money is at the bank The Exe in Baghdad.  But they cannot release the funds until the “secret” code the National Bank of Kuwait and The Credit Bank of Iraq.  So to add to this misery, the National Bank of Kuwait is closed today.  I am hoping that the bank is open tomorrow so we can get our money.  Since this fiasco, Scotty took a team to drop off the invoices for Vulcan Amps.  He will also confirm the pick up of the personnel at Qudas on Monday. 

 

Finally checked e-mail and there were two from Paul Furst of WII.  One was regarding a letter sent by Custer Battles to WII stating that they were suing Lee and the US government was investigating us.  Both are false and Lee is having Taylor’s God Father Respond to both WII and Custer Battles.  The other e-mail from Paul was a draft of the contract between Chameleon Security and WII, also included was the contract between the Army Corps of Engineers and WII.  I could not open these files at the Internet café we used, but did forward these to Charles Moray. 

 

Also, good ole Stoney called the insurance company and found out that the insurance was cancelled on the 1^st of July.  But Lee has already got a rider from another firm in the US.  He should forward these to us and I will give that information to the guys. 

 

On a decent note, I hesitate to say well, Richard Graham sent an e-mail stating that Charles is working on our company information.  He should have the incorporation documents and banking information ready by Monday or Tuesday.  Now this would be just great, the $2 million line of credit should be available Thursday or Friday.  Could it be possible that something good is about to happen to us.  Somehow I am having a tough time being up/positive about this.   

 

Sunday, July 04, 2004

 

The funds were available so Scotty and I went downtown to withdraw the funds.   They did charge us $100.00 for the transfer that was a first.  Because they did not charge us anything the first time.  The amount was $56,590.00 and most of that will be parceled out to the likes of Abass, Abe with EGL, and Nate.  Those guys provided weapons and body armor along with EGL might use us to escort some convoys.  I will separate the funds into envelopes to the payees so I do not have to show all the funds out in the open.  I figure that we will have about $7,900.00 left over for other uses like tires and fixing the crappy vehicles we have.  We are using $10,000.00 to lease four “Gallopers”, which are SUVs manufactured by Nissan.  Although small, they have low mileage and we can use them as chase vehicles for the WII teams.  Another thought is to use those vehicles for the camps and bring the suburbans down here for our use.  So right now awaiting the arrival of Abass and Abe to pay them.

 

I am looking forward to seeing Abe, so we can nail down the details for the convoy escorts.  Scotty and I will not accept half-day pay, or the clock for pay does not start until they meet the convoy at the Syrian/Jordan border.  They did come back with a somewhat valid point of the feeding and housing of the guys, (they look to take on a minimum of four guys), for 30 or more days.  That is fine, we can lower the daily rate to $1,000.00 but no half days.  The positive for working with them is that they pay in cash. 

 

Monday, July 05, 2004

 

Wyatt Hollar has joined Stoney on-strike for lack of wages and insurance coverage.  Well, we will have a meeting with the guys tonight to cover the rumors, insurance, pay, and use of vehicles.  As Scotty and I have talked about, this goes on Lee with holding cards close to his chest and not putting out information.  This is going to be a very tough day, I feel like leaving.  But, cannot I am in too deep and do not want to be sued.  Scotty and I have an obligation to the guys and we intend to keep it. 

 

Scotty called Nate to let him know that we have the money we owe him.  He should stop by this afternoon to pick it up.  Will try to call Abe with EGL to let him know that we also have his money and discuss the possible convoy escort work.  We, that is Scotty and I feel strongly about paying our debts and not having a negative reputation out there.  The big one is payroll. 

 

We had a talk with Becky about the situation as we perceive it and as she perceives it.  Not a bad discussion and cleared the air on the working arrangements for The Ex and the owners.  She has a frustration level with the negative talk with the guys, who are justified with those feelings.  But we cannot have The Exe disappearing and running around late at night. 

 

Scotty and I went on a run to Taiji and Qudas to pick up two personnel and drop them off at BIAP.  One client did get out on a Military Air Lift Command plane to Kuwait.  The other will sleep there at our camp and go out at 0800 hours tomorrow on Royal Jordanian.  While at Taiji, we got a letter from Vulcan outlining that Fluor would no longer pay for the Static PSD at Taiji and Qudas.  Thus at 0800 hours tomorrow, July 6^th 2004 we will pick up our guys at the camps and return them The Exe.  It does hurt in the cash flow arena, about $18,200.00 per camp per week.  On the positive side, we do not have to worry about replacements for guys going on vacation.

 

We had a scheduled company meeting at 1900 hours, but the WII runs are still out.  I did talk with Lee about 30 minutes ago, and there was never a lapse in coverage.  All we did was change carriers and the final paperwork will be sent to me via e-mail.  Also, I stressed that we need to have WII sent the copy of the insurance rider.  Getting ready for the runs tomorrow and looks like Scotty and I will do the run tomorrow to shut down the two camps. 

 

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

 

Received and e-mail from Charles Moray stating a fee of $2,250.00 will be needed to open the bank account.  Also, the bank will need original passports for all the directors.  Since Richard is the only one available we will have him open the account until others and I can get to either Geneva or London.  I will check the e-mail later this afternoon and see if I can either use my credit card or wire funds from the Credit Bank of Iraq. 

 

Just returned from two runs to Taiji and Qudas to stand down the Static PSD personnel.  I charged them for two runs along with the drop off the Vulcan Amps personnel at BIAP.  Dave Reed informed us that Vulcan and Fluor are meeting to discuss the security situation.  Scotty and I believe that within one to two days the Static PSD will return to the camps.  So we will check the Internet later this afternoon to see if there is any decision on the camps.  Talking with the Vulcan employees at Qudas, they will probably leave and go home if no ex-pats are on site. 

 

Called Abe with EGL to purchase four level 4 vests for $600.00 each and to check the price of 10 plates.  We have five vests but no plates for those vests.  Hopefully we can discuss the Erbil convoy escort.  They want a convoy commander and escorts with 4-6 guys needed.   The convoy hopefully will kick off in the next 48 hours and last 17 to 20 days.   When they call, George Palaima and Abe, we will discuss the payment arrangements.  No half-day payments, and no down days.  Scotty will go to their house in the Mansur district to go over the details. 

 

Talked with Richard Graham and he are still under house arrest for non-payment of his hotel bill.  With that said, I will now have to go Geneva for opening of the bank account and start the work on the line of credit.  I will have Becky start the work on the plane tickets to Geneva, but the hardest part might be getting from The Exe to Amman.   My conversation with Richard, it looks like the funds for the line of credit will hit the account in seven days.  Thus, I will have to make two trips to Geneva.  The big issue is clothes for me to be presentable. 

 

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

 

Charles Moray called last night to discuss the Geneva trip.  I will probably not go, cost and ability to get out of Baghdad.  Both of which are important at this junction of our company’s life.  I do not want to spend the funds right now just to open a bank account.  I mentioned to Charles about the difficulty to fly out of Baghdad.  He stated that he could open the accounts and form the company himself.  Scotty and I agree that this should be the way to go.  He outlined that after opening the account it should take 7-10 days to “possibly” get the funding.  With this, I am very depressed today and “hit the wall” emotionally.  Scotty and I will have to get to the bank downtown and wire $2,250.00 to the fiduciary firm for formation of the company.  The company will be incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. 

 

I will have to call Charles Moray at 11:00am my time to talk and coordinate the account opening procedures.  Tell him that I will or have already wired the funds to the fiduciary’s bank account.  Hopefully will have the wire confirmation number to e-mail him. 

 

Scotty, Ruben, Mac, and I went to our bank to do the transfer of funds for payment to the fiduciary for organization of our company in the British Virgin Islands.  The transfer went well and I will call the bank Saturday to confirm.  Traffic was horrible no matter which way we went.  Stopped by the Green Zone to view three houses for our use.  Not bad all for a total of $252,000.00 for six months.  One house will be specifically for the Ghurkas and the other two for the Americans/Brits.  While driving, Charles Moray called and stated I would have to be there in person to open the corporation.  But it will not hamper the opening of the bank accounts.  Looks like the bank we will be using are Barclays, but Charles will forward all the information to me.  I will then forward that bank routing information to WII and Vulcan Amps.  They will then send the funds their and I will only send money to Credit Bank of Iraq for cash withdrawals.  I have a good feeling about the line of credit and I can then do payroll. 

 

I will have to go to London next week for the corporate organization documents.  My plan is to leave Baghdad Tuesday morning or afternoon on Royal Jordanian.  Then the first available flight to London, which should be British Airways.  I think they leave very early in the morning on Wednesday.  Getting me to London that morning so I can meet with Charles and get settled into the hotel.  Thursday at 1230 hours we have a meeting with the fiduciary for the corporate organization work.  Also, I hope to work on the line of credit and do payroll either Thursday or Friday.  I look to return to Baghdad Saturday or Sunday.  But maybe I could just leave from London for Chicago and take a couple of weeks off.  Only if the payroll is done!

 

Lee called and I enquired about the past due invoices for Vulcan Amps. He will call the Accounts Payable department for the status on the invoices.  Lee was also in one of his moods, asking, “What am I going to do when I get back?”   Well for one, deal with all this shit we have been dealing with.  Like Abass, Mohammed, and the guys if the funds do not come through and they do not get paid.  He needs to get the insurance rider sent The Exe so that the guys know it is place and WII has it for their records. 

 

Thursday, July 08, 2004

 

Alan Johnston has left and is going to work for a fellow Shriner member.   I guess his bills such as the IRS are too much.  He has signed the termination agreement and I will pay him for June, $10,000.00 when funds are available.  He just packed as I write this and Mohammed and Ali will drive him to the Mansur district.  I wish him luck and hope everything works out for him. 

 

I purchased my ticket to Amman on Royal Jordanian for Tuesday morning and will check my itinerary later this afternoon for Amman to London.  Probably will be British Airways and departing sometime in the early morning hours.  Big meeting Thursday at 1230 hours with the fiduciary regarding forming of the company and incorporation documents. 

 

Worked up the contract for the 4 new trucks and paid half of the monthly rental charge, ($5,000.00).   The contract is month to month and has more detail on who is responsible for what in regards to the trucks.  Such as normal maintenance, damage, and mechanical breakdowns.  I am trying not to have the same problems we have with Abass and those continual vehicle repairs.  For instance the number 1 truck has a radiator leak and another gearing problem.  Damn, it is everyday one of the trucks has a problem.  And one of the trucks that came down from Taiji, an electrical/wiring defect.  The truck just cuts off completely while moving. 

 

Moray wrote and has the bank account open with Barclays plc in London.  As soon as the incorporation documents return from the British Virgin Islands the account will be open for use. 

 

We have another run for Vulcan Amps tomorrow, Taiji to Baiji taking a couple of guys up there.  That makes five runs for the week and hopefully tomorrow we can find out about the camps and other items.  Also, we found out that JC has three of our weapons and about two magazines.  

 

Tomorrow Scotty and I will also check on the status of the convoy run.  It has been 48 hours since we talked with George Palaima.  This would be very nice if that kicked off tomorrow or Saturday.  That is cash up front and could help with the small bills we still have.  I would like to purchase 4-6 more level 4 vests from EGL and some weapons from Nate, such as handguns and AK47s.

 

Friday, July 09, 2004

 

Charles wrote and sent the “Swift” code for our new bank in London.  This will assist with transfers from our clients to our bank.  It seems that our fiduciary will be able to handle my transfers and possibly payroll.   Charles will recommend a payroll service if that suits our needs at this time.  Most important right now is getting the line of credit if and when that hits we can move forward. 

 

Scotty and I along with Dave Reed, Ruben, Mac, and Irish picked up two personnel at the Taiji plant and moved them to Baiji.   Long trip and a dangerous road, but everything went well and the clients arrived safely and were happy with the drive.  We found out that we have to buy $400.00 worth of steaks and transport those to Taiji.   A full price PSD mission to deliver groceries this only happens in Iraq.  One of the owners of Vulcan will be arriving in Iraq tomorrow, time to be determined later via e-mail to Scotty.  We will drive him Taiji and then Sunday transports him to Baiji.  We look to have a four-car team for that run.  The team make-up will consist of a lead vehicle to clear the road, two normal PSD vehicles, and a trail CAT vehicle.  We will charge them for all the personnel involved and the vehicles used.  We should find out the details later when we check the e-mail.  

 

Saturday, July 10, 2004

 

A couple of things going on today, Lee should be in this morning or the latest this afternoon.  Scotty and I ran a team up to Taiji to deliver Steaks and chips to the Vulcan guys.  Discussed the security situation with JC Adams, who related that Ford Graham delivered an ultimatum to Fluor.  This was for payment of past due invoices and the security at the two locations.  The “drop dead” date is Wednesday of next week to pull the Vulcan Guys out.  Some though will be transferred to the Baiji plant, which is under the WGI contract.   JC also related that in three weeks or so, Vulcan would be working on a project with AIP, (American International Power).  Details are unknown at this time, maybe when the owner arrives tomorrow more information will be available. 

 

Lee just called and he will be in tomorrow morning on the Royal Jordanian flight.  He might be flying with the Vulcan Amps owner, I should have told him.  But, could not I will just let Scotty write an update for him tonight. 

 

Pretty quiet today, usual vehicle issues with Abass’s mechanic fixing the same problem with the trucks.  One of the trucks that came from the camps has an electrical problem and they claim to fix it.  But the same problem arises it cuts off while running.  Mohammed claims it is the fuel pump, wrong, that should not cut off the truck while moving down the road.  The only thing that shuts off the vehicle and nothing is operating is the electrical system.  They fiddle with the fuses and its runs for a while then stops.  We need the loan, get new trucks and hire a mechanic. 

 

Sunday, July 11, 2004

 

Scotty and I went on a run from the BIAP to Taiji.  The client was one of the owners of Vulcan Amps another Vulcan employee.  Lee did not show, but by checking e-mails this afternoon, Lee will be on the morning flight from Amman.  The run went smoothly; we were using four vehicles and 12 PSD.  This will be the same set up for tomorrow, since the run will be Taiji to Baiji a longer run.  Just as we were entering BIAP, the blue green truck seized up.  After investigating the cause, a hose running from the radiator to the engine broke.  The engine does not seem to be damaged, but ran hot for a while no ring damage or piston wear.  Mohammed had Abass’ mechanic pick up the truck at Checkpoint One, interesting to see what they find wrong and the cost to us. 

 

Our billings to date are over $900,000.00 year to date.  Not bad for our second month in existence.  From zero to almost one million dollars in receipts, but the lack of funds in hand is hurting.  This week’s trip to London should help and if the line of credit comes through things will look good for us. 

 

Monday, July 12, 2004

 

Scotty and I did the run from Taiji to Baiji.  Everything went well until right after entering the front gate of BIAP.  The right front tire went flat, that is two days in a row but God is looking out for us.  The issues are happening right after we get to a secure area. 

 

Lee has arrived and that is going well first meeting was good.  I leave tomorrow for Amman and then London.

 

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

 

Got lucky today, there was only one flight out of Baghdad and I got the last seat.  Does Royal Jordanian do this for laughs or what?

 

Saturday, July 17, 2004

 

Been a little busy, flight out of Amman on Wednesday was fine, even with the stop over in Beirut.  Business class in the only way to fly on British Airlines, their coach seats is not the best. 

 

Big wave of depression swept over me on Wednesday and continued on till Thursday morning.  Did call Charles Moray upon my arrival at the hotel, the Thistle Bloomsbury.  Not too bad a hotel, but no Internet connection, thus I had to walk around the neighborhood until I came across one.  The problem with that are the hours of operation and the time difference between London and Baghdad.  With that sorted out I called Scotty and Lee and gave an update.  Their update included a lot of departures of personnel due to lack of pay.  But that should be corrected The Exe shortly given my time with Charles and Richard Arnold.  On that note, recall I was talking about my depressed state, by the time my meeting was over and lunch with Fergus.  I felt a whole lot better.  The first meeting was with Richard Arnold at Charles Moray’s office in the City.  We went over the incorporation documents and signing of those.  Richard Graham arrived with his wife Kirsty, to sign the documents and open our bank accounts.  It was great seeing him and helps with the mood of the day.  Which was getting better as the day progressed?  We had lunch at a nice Italian place that Fergus knew and food was good.  Since I did not have a shirt and tie, I could not accompany them to the Carlton Club.  But I soon fixed that, Richard and I speed off to Spencer and Marks and got me outfitted head to toe in a dark blue three-button suit.  Included were shoes, tie, white shirt, and socks all for about 300 Pounds or $500.00.  That was money well spent the club, which is over 400 years old and the cream of British government and business belong.  A tremendous networking opportunity and has already opened doors for business.  Lloyds of London is looking for us to hostage rescue for their insurance clients taken in foreign lands.  And boy does this club fit all the stereotypes of the “British Gentlemen’s Club”.  Have only two rooms that women are allowed into, a bar and dinning room.  No cell phones or at least do not let them hear the phone ring.  It also has reciprocal agreements with clubs all over the world, some like in Chicago are know to me and very nice.  It has rooms to spend the night, but you must have a shirt and tie to be seen in the public spaces. 

 

Friday, I spent the morning with Charles giving him financial information to get on the line of credit.  Of which, when Charles met up with us later at the Carlton Club, he was very up beat which was out of character.  He wants to ask for $5 million versus the $2 million I was requesting.  He says it would be better to get it all in one shot versus coming back again later.  He also, is very high on the air assets and sees that they will pay for themselves immediately upon landing in Baghdad.  Charles is offering to loan Richard Graham money to put a down payment on a new construction home in Wales for him.  Why would Charles loan someone money who is over 3 months in arrears to a hotel he is staying.  Who he also had to pay 300 pounds for a courier to bring his passport to London and personally guarantee that passports return.  Charles further stated that he has three banks lined up for this credit facility.  The two in London looked ok, but the third in Zurich will “play ball” as Charles put it.  British Merchant bankers do not talk this way unless they have already researched us covered our backgrounds and checked the contracts that I forwarded.    His estimate of funding is 7 to 10 days but Richard and I think that is conservative and should be this coming week.  If so, I would fly to London or Geneva and do payroll and other transfers and give those documents to Richard Arnold for the following months and thus we can do via e-mails.  Then I would head off to Chicago and take 2 to 3 weeks off and get the kids settled.   

 

Monday, July 19, 2004

 

Arrived last night and Lee and Scotty picked me up at the airport.  Eric Bee was in Amman with me and he flew over to Baghdad with me.  He seems ok with the crappy situation about the pay and will work through out issues. 

 

Some good points while I was away, WII/WGI have put on the table 5 stand teams for the de-mobilization of Baiji 1 and 2.  That should last about 30 days and total value of the contract equals $1,002,000.00, the negative is that we have to hire about 30 guys to fulfill this contract.  There are another 5+ teams to stand up for about a year if not longer.  The value of that contract is about $18 million dollars.  The only issue would be the funds needed to get these teams up and running.  I.e., purchase of weapons, body armor, and other team items, and Lee did ask for half of the larger contract up front.  The 30-day contract I would like the whole amount up front but would settle for half. 

 

Newer vehicles have arrived and still the guys bitch about the trucks.  The reason for the new truck contract is Abass and Chameleon has had the fight we were expecting.   Abass has pulled his trucks and we worked out the final bill.   While working out the final bill, Abass and his cronies tried to tell us that we had to buy 10 spares.  And the vehicles did not have spares at all.  Well we checked the trucks and they had spares, and now they said the spares are bald!  Jeez, do they look for ways to make an extra buck somewhere. 

 

Today, we got an additional four trucks from Mohammed, they seem to be fine, but Lee has a contact that will provide 2003 and 2004 trucks for a decent price.  We are also looking for a lease buy option for these new trucks.  Oh I forgot, Ken Varando called and he offered us an eight-day contract to PSD mission.  Just a pick up at BIAP and to the Green Zone then to one of the ministries.  But, they do want to have armored or up-armored trucks, and Lee will use is contact to get a short-term use of those trucks.  Unknown the total value but my guess is the usual rates, ($6,800.00 per day per team), but I think the team make up is different.  The team make-up might be three trucks with three guys per truck. 

 

Well the Ken Varando deal fell threw.  He was looking for armored BMWs or Mercedes Benz’s.  They wanted to go low key, and we preferred a Suburban or like vehicle.  We do not agree with the decision, but no worries, if Titan calls us we are too busy and have almost 100% utilization of personnel.  Titan is looking for the moment static and roving guard for there camp The Exe at BIAP.  It would consist of 6 static guards and a roving patrol, thus about 8 guys total.  We are going to man this detail with 7 Ghurkas and 1 ex-pat.  The billing rate will be $10,200.00 per day for the team.  And at the moment a 2-week contract with extensions to be built in.  I asked for the first two weeks to pay up front and Titan did not disagree and even asked for our banking information.  That total would be about $143,000.00 for 14 days or $152,000.00 for fifteen days.  The owners are looking to use the funds to pay May’s payroll for those that have stuck it out and I figured that we could even pay ourselves and still have about 8 to 9 thousand left over.  Doc also informed us that our invoice to WII was incorrect.  I have a meeting with Brendan Doyle of WII tomorrow at 1300 hours tomorrow to go over the invoicing procedures.  The good news about this, we should expect our funds in our bank in two to three days.  That would be nice and we could use those funds to get June’s payroll started and cover other expenses we incurred recently. 

 

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

 

Not a bad day so far, Lee called Titan to give them an Intel updates.  But they wanted to see us for some information.  That information was banking information, how we wanted to be paid, and our corporate address.  We look to them to start the overnight security detail tomorrow night.  Their security manager took our information and e-mailed it to his corporate offices, thus a day before they kick this off.  All in all, when a company asks you how you want to be paid and where the deal is done.  All now is the kick off or start date of the job. 

 

At 1300 hours Scotty and I had a meeting with Mike Gavin, the director of Administration for WII.  He saw our invoice just sitting on a desk at their CPA headquarters and called us.  Great deal, since he says that when we do the billing correctly he will scan and e-mail and wire of funds will follow shortly.  So I bust my ass back to camp and ran copies of the daily log sheets, put the information on the sub-contractor invoice worksheet that WII provided.  I do need to have Mike Powell sign each daily log sheet before giving them to Mike Gavin.  Before we head to dinner tonight Scotty, Lee, and I will see Mike Powell hopefully and sign the log sheets. 

 

Took care of the signing of the invoices, he was perturbed about doing it.  But, I am better off doing more than necessary than less making it easier to get our money.  Doc will take care of handing the invoice off to Mike Gavin and the signing of the daily log sheet with Mike Powell. 

 

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

 

Jeez Louise, Lee received a call from Brendan Doyle of WII having us a stand up another team for them.  We will go from 3 teams to 4, or $27,200.00 per day or over $800,000 per month.  Along with that WII is looking for static security for the power line from Baiji to West Baghdad.  Add this to the 30-day contract for 5 teams and the one-year contract for 5 teams total revenues will be over 3-4 million per month.  Vulcan is still looking to have us handle the PSD for the API job, which will start sometime in August.  Titan will be coming over later today regarding the camp security and discuss the possibility of PSD movements for their personnel up to Balad.  The only good thing right now is that WII will give funds up front.  We will ask and get 50% of the total contract up front.  This quick estimate is about $8-10 million US.  The logistics will be a nightmare, but the money will make our efforts easier than what we been doing so far. 

 

I will need to update this information for Moray and look to open separate bank accounts for each job/project. 

 

Returned from the Internet and gave a business development update to Charles Moray and Richard Arnold.  Richard wrote back and requested the social security numbers for all of the Americans, Lee, Scotty, and myself.  Probably part of the formality of the background checks for opening the Barclays account.  Although all this new business is on the table we still, after almost 10 weeks have not paid the guys.  And on a personal note I have not had R&R.  Titan has not called yet and the upfront payment for the two weeks static guards is still on hold until they do.  Also feeling a little “boxed” in and will make a quick run to check on my laundry and maybe the Internet. 

 

Lee received e-mail from the POC for the Titan project.  It seems we have to complete a consulting agreement form outlining our work with Titan.  It is more of a cover your behind type of document.  We will deliver a hard copy and electronic version to the Titan camp tomorrow morning.  Hopefully shortly thereafter we can begin work and get our first two weeks billings in the bank.  Then it is off to London and May’s payroll and then on to the US for some R&R. 

 

Thursday, July 22, 2004

 

While on our way to breakfast Lee received a call from our contact in Florida.  This guy runs the PSD School in Deland Florida and wants to send his top graduates to Iraq and other locations we are working.  He mentioned that a company who purchased stakes in a couple of security equipment companies wants to invest up to $10 million US for a return that will be determined later.  

 

No word on the funds sent last Tuesday the 13^th of July, is it being held up by Homeland Security?  Why did Vulcan take this long and a small credit union in Appleton Wisconsin take only 24 hours?  This is ridiculous, and David our new corporate counsel had better get on this ASAP.  Samer our travel agent in Amman is looking for his money, about 12k US and damn if we better send him some money soon, especially if I need to go to Florida to finalize this deal for the cash infusion.  Although I have about 6k in my credit union account, I need to have money to purchase the plane ticket from Baghdad to Amman.  This is so close, but the usual kick in the ass is lack of funds to handle these bills that are again creeping up. 

 

Our corporate counsel made inquiries regarding the $41,600.00, those funds have been sent.  Since Friday is a holiday we hopefully should see the funds on Saturday at the worst on Sunday.  We will send 10K to Samer out travel agent in Amman, 2-3k to Nate for the ammunition he got for us.  Also I will bring a thousand dollars to give to Tarek to pay him for the work he has performed to date.  Most importantly we will send 10k to Richard Graham and help him with the ungodly situation he is in. 

 

Friday, July 23, 2004

 

We received the call from the states about the possibility of a cash investment, but the timetable this company is looking at is too far out.  They are looking for 3-4 weeks and they want to meet us in London, which does not fit any timetable we have.  Lee e-mailed Jeff back and told him that we need to see them Tuesday or Wednesday and must have a funding decision by the end of the month.  They are looking for a return, but no ownership or input on the management decisions.  We want a loan or line of credit up to $10 Million US Dollars.  The interest rate is not relevant at this time, because of the cash needed is of immediate importance.  Payroll at the end of July is over $1,100,000.00 and the capital investments are needed for the contracts that are on the table.  We still hope for up-front money from WII, but the line of credit is still needed for timing issues of funding which always seem to crop up for us.  Lee has written to them that we can meet in London to get this deal off the ground, but the clock is moving forward. 

 

Lee just called Duke Whittington of WII and they are working on the scope of work for the request for proposals for the 30-day deal and the one-year deals.  Up-front funds should total about $8-9 Million US Dollars.  This RFP should come to us in two days and I will give it a short turnaround back to WII. 

 

Saturday, July 24, 2004

 

Barclay’s compliance department has turned us down for opening an account with them because of doing business in Iraq.  Immediately called Richard Arnold and had him start researching opening an account with UBS in Geneva.  He stated that they understood where we do business and how our receipts arrive from the states.  I will head to Geneva on the way home for vacation in a couple of days.  In the mean time we have Samer our travel guy in Amman researching National Bank of Kuwait and Hong Kong Shanghai Bank in Amman.  How much we need to open an account and can we wire in, etc…  He should get back to us today or tomorrow at the latest. 

 

Lee and I will be heading to the Washington DC area for a meeting with NxGen a company who wants to invest funds with us as a way of marketing their products in the Middle East.  NxGen wants to see us this coming week, but the transfer has not hit our account The Exe in Baghdad so no money to buy tickets to Amman and funds to pay expenses while in the states.  Along with that we need to send money to Samer to pay for our tickets already bought and future purchases.  We hope to have funds available tomorrow and then leave for the states on Monday returning Friday.  The return date could be adjusted if we look at funding from NxGen hitting the account sometime Monday or Tuesday the following week.  I will immediately head to Amman and do payroll for May, June, and July then hopefully head home for a couple of weeks. 

 

Sunday, July 25, 2004

 

Called the bank and no money have arrived for our account.  Damn everyday something will and has gone wrong.  So it looks like we will not be heading out today for Amman and then the states.  Another day longer to “possibly” getting money from NxGen and the clock keeps ticking on the payroll.  We are up to over $1.1 Million dollars in arrears for our payroll. 

 

I received a call from Steven Graves of WGI, who is standing in for Paul Furst.  He mentioned that is completing the amendment for the WII contract to add the fourth team.  That team is starting Monday morning with Brian Perlis doing the same duties as Scotty did while he was with Custer Battles.   I forwarded the updated information to Moray, Richard Arnold and Jeff Banman in Florida.  Lee did inform me that NxGen would not fly us half way around the world if this were not a solid deal.  We will fly out of Baghdad on the Tuesday morning flight catching the early Wednesday morning flight to London then on to Dulles in the Washington DC area.  We will have our meetings there and more than likely spend the weekend, wait funding and I will do payroll Monday at the bank of NxGen.  Again that is if all goes according to plan, but we know how that has been going lately! 

 

I will not tell this document about the funding meeting Lee and I will go to in the Washington DC area. 

 

I am going to go right now and relax, hopefully I will write some very good things The Exe in the next couple of days.

 

Monday, July 26, 2004

 

Saturday, July 31, 2004

 

I know it has been a couple of days, but very busy.  Lee and I traveled to the DC area to meet with Jim Justice of the NxGen Corporation and Jeff Banman from the Florida school.  It seems that Jeff has not controlling interest in the school and is misrepresenting himself to NxGen and us.  Jim Justice seems very helpful but today he threw a big curve and forced Lee and I to walk out of the meeting this morning.  But low and behold, Jim calls me later and I laid it out for him.  We needed the funding right away and the contracts and pending work totaling by Jim’s estimate of over $70 million US Dollars is on the line.  Well Jim called back a couple of times and finally told Lee that we should come over and finalize this.  The deal will revolve around loaning us $5 Million US to be paid over 54 months with a simple interest rate of 10% and 25% of the profits starting July 30, 2004.  I will pay the guys and ourselves, interesting though I will pay us $200,000.00 each and $35,000.00 per month starting August 2004.  Lee and I signed the deal and we look to get the funds before Monday morning and I already had Jim line up the use of his bank to wire out the money to our guys. 

 

The breakout will be:  $1,790,000 for payroll

                                    $1,500,000 to Baghdad for cash in country housing, etc.

                                    $     50,000 to Samer in Amman for travels costs

                                    $1,000,000 put aside for August payroll

 

                                    $ 660,000 left for use to purchase helicopters/vehicles

 

The $1,660,000.00 which includes the August payroll and funds left over will be taken to Amman in the form of a cashier’s check to open an account in Amman and some funds taken with me to Geneva to open the UBS account with our fiduciary Richard Arnold. 

 

The funny thing, we told WII that we needed 50% up front and a minimum of 30 days notice to start the 5 team 180 day contract in K2.  But low and behold they will give us 13 days as of today and no funds up front.  The fifty percent of that contract will be about $5 Million US Dollars and that would pay back a good portion of the loan and solidify the purchase of the helicopters and lease that fixed wing aircraft.  Along with that “good news”, Vulcan informed us that the Brazil project is starting around the 1^st of September!  And if that was not good enough news I just e-mailed the 5 teams for 180 days to Duke Whittington, a $10 Million project and Lee just completed the contract for the static guards for the WII compounds in the International Zone, (the old Green Zone). 

 

After doing payroll, HOPEFULLY Monday, Lee and I will head back to Iraq and Lee is looking to extend our stay for another day.  I want to get back Tuesday night as planned and open an account with a bank.  I can make sure that billing is done for Vulcan, WII, and Titan.  Then off to Orlando and see the kids and see what it is like for The Ex and me, is the fire still there? 

 

Lee called and said that I had to complete the Base Bid for the RFP on the WII five team six-month contracts for PSD coverage in the Baghdad area.  The above that I mentioned for the five teams is the coverage based out of K2 in the Baiji area. 

 

I just sent off the RFP and a quick update to Scotty about the goings on today.  Boy, did it seem like a poker game today.  Back to the two RFPs, mine was worth about 11 million and Lee’s stands at 4.7 million US Dollars.  Sounds like we are a lock to get the $11 Million dollar one, PSD movements in the Baghdad area. And the static guards for their International Zone compounds are questionable. 

 

Saturday, July 31, 2004

 

Nothing going on today, weekend in the states and nobody works like we do in Iraq.  Should receive word on the funds Monday morning and take care of the guys.  Saw the Bourne Supremacy, great movie very entertaining and realistic fight scenes and driving scenes. 

 

Sunday, August 1, 2004

 

Just waiting until Monday morning and getting that check and paying the guys in Iraq.  Saw cat woman with Lee, terrible movie, Halle Berry cannot act The Ex way out of a paper bag.  Then just hung around the room and over ate and too much junk food.  Must work out tomorrow and eat better to loose the excess weight I acquired in the last couple of months.  All due to the stress of the business start up, but no excuse exercise including aerobics must be included in my work out plans. 

 

Monday, August 02, 2004

 

Tough day today, no funds hopefully tomorrow so we can take care of business.  Lee has been working another angle with Sean of Control response group, the school in Florida.   Sean’s contact is with DEH and competitor, but more in the electronics area.  They want to give us the funds and we have to use them for our logistics needs.  Good deal and maybe we can use a back up even if the money comes from NxGen.  We can then pay them off early and use the DEH funds for our operational needs. 

 

Talked with the kids and mom today.  Mom likes the idea of moving down to Florida to take care of the kids and be close to them.  I like the idea also, since I will be out of the country consistently for the next few years.  I do look to move the family to Salt Lake or Seattle within the next 4-6 months.  I think Salt Lake City would be good, the dry climate and desert climate although the Mormon religion and the kids might be an issue.  Not a deal killer, but the liberal bias of Seattle who knows…  Just sent $500.00 to The Ex for moving and extra funds until I get there sometime next week.  I hope to have a good deal of money on my account be then.  Purchase a used vehicle for The Ex and get myself set up financially.  Pay off bills for mom and myself.   Western Union just confirmed the transfer and The Ex could pick up the money anytime.

 

Thursday, August 05, 2004

 

What a goddamn fiasco, this idiot kept telling us “done deal”, but the attorneys are still looking at it.  What part of “done deal” is that?  I should have known, goes back to my consulting days and finding out that the decision maker is.  This guy was not the decision maker even though he told us that he had the checkbook and was ready to move.  He along with Jeff, who Shawn has fired, were both out for god knows what but wasting our money.  Right now I am at Dulles in the British Airways lounge waiting for our flight to Heathrow.  I just made the decision to go on vacation right after our meetings with Mike Seals of DEH.  Now this guy has signature authority on the account and the number two men at DEH.  The only guy above him is the Kuwaiti owner.  They seem to be looking for logistical work and not the security/PSD end.  I am very open to a strategic alliance with them, even to the point of all funds funnel through their bank accounts then to us.  Especially if they front about 1.5 to 2.0 million dollars.  If they go with the 1.5 million, I will pay our guys May to July or about 985k and then each of the owners about 75k for about a total of 1.3 million US dollars.  Keeping about $200k in reserve for other expenses.  But, as I was talking with Scotty on Yahoo messenger, the Ghurkas are going on strike tomorrow and that should kill our coverage for our current jobs.  My thoughts put out to Lee and the others are shut down Iraq, using billings outstanding to pay our guys and us.  Sell the generator and other assets such as weapons and vest to generate cash and pay off any outstanding bills besides payroll.  The generator will get us $40k at least and we as owners should pocket that for on-hand cash.  Payroll to the owners is about $40k each and that should hold us over until French Guyana kicks off in November.  Also, Lee told me that I could do investigations for him and maybe some low key Executive Protection for pocket change.  Oh before I forget, Lee asked Scotty to send $3k to Kuwait and we should split that and have it for expenses.

 

My funds now are as follows:  $600 in twenties- (in my ID card holder)

                                                 $ 3,000 in hundreds – (in my wallet)

                                                 $ 1,500 from the funds that Scotty will send to Kuwait City.   Thus giving me about $5k US on hand for my trip and incidentals.  Even if DEH does not pay us I am going on vacation to see the kids and my mom.  It has been a long time!

 

I plan to leave Kuwait City on Monday the 9^th of August and will stay in the US for about two weeks.  Longer if this DEH deal goes through, but I do need to get myself squared away for the future.  Even with Iraq going this way, Vulcan has notified us that Brazil will kick off September 1^st, 2004.  Our POC at Vulcan will give Lee the details this upcoming week.  We might have to go to Elizabethtown North Carolina to meet him and get more information.  Jeez that does not give us a whole hell of a lot of time to ramp up.  Again if the worse case scenario is in effect for Iraq, I will go back there to help Lee and Mac wind that operation down and cash out as much as we can.

 

Had an interesting time during this god-awful layover.  Lee had some interesting conversations with Scotty on line.  Looks like they have a BT hot zone for wireless Internet connections, costing 6 British Pounds.  Works great seems my laptop works better with the wireless card than the CAT 5 cable connection.  Worked the e-mails and sent some information home to the kids and mom that I might, although more than likely I will head home on Monday the 9^th of August.  I need the break no matter what happens with this funding meeting in Kuwait City.  Lee did have an interesting e-mail from JC Adams of Vulcan.  We are still their Security Company and the Brazil project is going forward in September around the first of the month.  Scotty averted the Ghurka revolt; it seems that the new guy we hired- (who could barely walk let alone work PSD)-was the driving force for all the shit talk.  Scotty is firing him and paying him off with the cash on-hand to alleviate any further issues.  I feel better about the future of this company and our direction; we just need to get over this short-term financial hurdle.  Going to log off and have a latte.

 

Saturday, August 07, 2004

 

Tired of all this, long flight and layover in London is kicking my behind.  Last night stayed up to almost 2:30 in the morning hashing out this deal.  I thought we came to an agreement for 2.2 Million US and giving up 20% to DEH and other conditions.  Such as our own liaison in the DEH offices in Kuwait, using 120 Ghurkas for our up-coming projects, buyout after one year of 2.2 Million or the value of the company at that time, and after 90 days we start putting $100k or more into an escrow account for the later buyout.  We also would not mind that Mo, the owner of DEH stayed with us for longer.  We can use his logistical company for our future projects both The Exe in Iraq and other countries. 

 

Monday, August 09, 2004

 

Well the deal went through; we give up 25% of the company to Mo the president/owner of DEH.  We retain 18, 75% each and DEH will give $250k right away for past due payroll and another $250k on the 21^st of August.  Then on the first of the month we will pay twice the guys’ payroll amounts until caught up.  We do retain the receivables totaling about $1 Million US for our uses to pay down past due payroll, in particular the guys that quit.  I did send the payroll out earlier today and should take about 48 hours, thus hitting our accounts around Tuesday/Wednesday in the states.  I like the deal the more I am involved with it.  Funny thing, they specifically asked that I relocate and remain in their offices for about the next 90 days.  Then we can hire someone else or I can stay.  The way I feel right now I would like to stay and be based out The Exe.  They have an apartment for my use and Mike Seals will give me his Pajero and he will get a new one.  This works for me, but I must hit Baghdad a couple of times, along with sending my stuff down The Exe to Kuwait.  As Mo stated I will “watch our interests” in the DEH corporate offices. 

 

The contracts are coming; the 5 teams for the K2 operation are ramping up within the next 10-14 days.  The 5 team Baghdad teams, the ones replacing the 4 currently on stand-by at Camp Victory and CPA will start on the 27^th.  That is the date of the 60-day contract expiration and thus we roll into this new one and add one team.  The K2 contract is for one year and renewable, the Baghdad team contract is 180 days or 6 months and renewable for 180 days thereafter.  These are just about 100% in our pocket; now the static guards for the two sites in the International Zone have been bid without any word yet.  API signed with Vulcan for power line construction from the Heditha Dam to the Syrian border and JC will brief Lee Wednesday on the scope of work.  This contract is ours and Vulcan will be the prime and they know to give up-front cash for ramping up.  Scotty notified us that we are bidding a static guard post job for the Special Forces located right behind our current location, Camp Red Sox.  That is a one year gig and 24 hours 7 days a week coverage.  Although we are bidding against three others I think we have a 50/50 chance or better of landing that one.

 

While talking with Lee, he informed Mike Seals and me about a job for Titan in the International Zone.  This would involve screening people coming into their headquarters in the International Zone during the day and roving and static positions for the overnight protection.  We have to have 12 hour shifts given the no travel policy we have, with those times being 0630 hours to 1830, then 1830 to 0630 hours.  With all of the above “almost guaranteed to get jobs” we are looking at 35 to 40 Million in PSD billings alone, never mind the logistical sign for Mo and DEH.  He made a great deal and we needed it and it was the best for the long term of what we will now call “Chameleon Group LLC”. 

 

I should be heading to Florida to see the kids Tuesday or Wednesday returning around the 21^st of August for completion of payroll.  I am excited to go along with getting some funds into my account to help my mom pay my and The Ex bills.  This so far is a big question mark since Samer has not forwarded our itineraries yet!  Hopefully tomorrow, and besides that we will call him and look to Tuesday to get to Amman and Wednesday to head to Orlando. 

 

Saturday, August 21, 2004

 

Sorry but have been a little busy, traveling, hurricane and visiting the kids.  The $9,000.00 I sent to mom’s Merrill account is still not there and lost in cyberspace.  Will try and fix that when I get back to Kuwait.  Currently in the British Airways lounge at O’Hare waiting for the flight to London awaiting the flight to London and that 12-hour layover. 

 

On the business side, it seems that low and behold, Vulcan has paid there past due invoices in full.  Using the funds to get a house in the Monsur district along with the house that DEH has there.  According to Lee a great place and puts the house that Custer Battles had to shame.  With those funds, Lee has sent each of the owners $50,000.00 and when WII funds come in which should be Monday of Tuesday of this coming week, we will send $300,000 to Kuwait for payroll and keep $300,000 their for bills.  Out of that $300,000 we will again send the owners $50,000.00 as a bonus for the great job we have done getting this company from zero to $30 Million US Dollars in annualized billings in less than 3 months in existence.  Which will increase, since Lee will be heading to North Carolina to meet with Vulcan regarding the project starting in Brazil, possibly talking about the others too?  I am thinking that I should be a part of those discussions since I am the Chief Financial Officer of Chameleon.  I will wait until I get settled in Kuwait, get the payroll out for the 23^rd and end of August periods.  Lee mentioned that his schedule time to go is about the 27^th of September, which fits my schedule also. 

 

My feelings about this new venture are that we will take over the security end of the business completely and leave the construction and logistics to DEH.  Seems that Mike Seals is having a go with the re-negotiations with their client for the security work.  I believe that he will ask for my help with those negotiations and might even make the trip to Baghdad with Mike.  That would work out, because I would like to see the new place and see the guys.  Scotty is due back around the 15^th of September and Richard should b back soon with the $50,000 US in his account.  That should clear up the hotel bill and get him settled into a new place. 

 

Got to go now and get ready for the flight, will log on in London and tell about the hurricane and the visit with the kids.

 

Sunday, September 05, 2004

 

Sorry about the delay, visit with the kids and the hurricane hitting Florida.  Alex and Alana had the whole week off which was great and visiting with The Ex was fine.  We do have work to do, old issues but hopefully she is on board.  I know I sound selfish but she has been self-centered about this and we could have worked things out if able to talk about them.  I do not understand The Ex thinking and will not try.  I must make the best decisions for myself, which in turn help out the kids. 

 

We were very lucky with Hurricane Charley, no loss of power and minimal damage.  Other parts were hit very hard and now another has just hit the Atlantic coast near West Palm Beach.  The eye of the hurricane will probably hit somewhere south of the Orlando area and leave Florida through Tampa Bay.  As of last night the kids and the Ex were looking for a shelter to stay.  I will wait for a while to check on them via text messenger on my cell phone.  The name of this one is Frances and another is brewing in the Atlantic named Ivan.  This should drive The Ex out of Florida for good two and possibly three hurricanes striking Florida within one month, too much for a lot of people. 

 

My mom is in the hospital with an infection in The Ex legs and is taking intravenous antibiotics.  Looks like she will need to take them for a couple of weeks, and will either is in the hospital for that time or a nursing home so Medicare can take care of the payments.  With all that and being The Exe in Kuwait alone has not been a good week or so.  I am feeling very lonely, nobody to talk to outside of the office.  But have started working out again and that should keep my focus.  I have been eating horribly and gained weight and looking flabby. 

 

On the business side, I got off the two payments to the guys and August month-end payroll.  Huge misunderstanding regarding the payment for the month end payroll, but got that worked out and cash flow through the end of the year will put us on the positive side.  Conservatively reaching $1 Million US Dollars in excess cash flow.  Our new partner has a somewhat different philosophy on paying himself; he prefers to take profits rather than monthly paycheck.  Which is fine, but given our financial status monthly paychecks work out for the owners much better.  We might want to consider lowering our monthly draw and pay out a quarterly bonus.  This is a topic of discussion when we all meet later this year. 

 

The payment we thought was from Vulcan was not; it was the first payment from WII.  The Vulcan funds along with the next WII funds transfer should be on or about the 9^th of September.  Which should total about $900,000.00 more than enough for September payroll and a cushion for the pay down of the loan for August month-end and back pay?  Conservatively we should be receiving around 1.5 Million with a payroll of about $800K, thus giving us the aforementioned free cash flow of $1 Million by year-end December 31, 2004.  As owners we will not take out a dividend from this and roll it into the next year’s operating capital. 

 

The guys have moved into a villa in the Mansur District and from the photos look very nice.  DEH has offered their villa, which is located close to ours, but someone changed the locks and are saying DEH does not have a lease on it any longer.  Mike Seals is working on getting that lease document and I will forward it to Lee.  Theirs is a 10-bedroom villa with furniture and is move in condition after a light clean up. 

 

My thoughts on the merger are mixed; I do not like having a stranger involved with our business dealings.  But, with that said, we were in serious cash binding and the only way out was to shut down operations, await payments from our clients and payoff the guys.  Taking whatever we could as owners out for ourselves, going home until the Guyana project opens up.  We would have left a lot of money on the table and that is proving to be the case.  K2 has currently one 10-man team, which is ramping up two more as I write this.  Also, another third ten-man team has been added.  We got a 60-day extension for the Baghdad stand-by teams, (four 6-man teams).  This is waiting signing of the Notice to Proceed for increasing the number of teams to five.  Chameleon also got the static guard contract for WII’s International Zone compounds.  The number of personnel will start at 16, adding 22 more for a total of 38 Ghurkas guards.  Our rate for this is $500 per day, not a bad return since the Ghurkas pay rate for this project is $4,000 per month.  The project manager for this is paid also; along with this job he will manage the Titan static project in the International Zone.  Only 6 to 8 personnel on a 24-hour static post but monthly will include a PSD team escort for a funds transfer.  Titan’s camp security is now with Global, with an obviously lower rate than the $1,100 per day per man we were charging.  But, with these static guard jobs and our moving to the Mansur district helps logistically.  It would have been very difficult to move guys between the airport and International Zone. 

 

Well, we did give up 25% of the company to Mo, but I would rather have 18.75% of this versus 25% of something a lot smaller.  This I believe is a win/win for both parties and Mo seems to hands off and will concentrate on his logistical and construction companies, we must just start showing some positive cash flow into Kuwait.

 

Some new projects on the horizon are Vulcan doing electrical re-construction in Afghanistan.  Lee will be heading to New York to talk with Ford Graham and getting more details and scope of work.  Lee is in agreement, with the issue that we will not start any new project without up-front costs taken care of.  Lee is looking at 35% of the contract value or first year’s billings.  Given this project should be well over $10 Million US Dollars.  This project will involve 100 PSD and 300 static postpositions, with and estimated billings approaching $100 Million Dollars.  Very large numbers and will look forward to Lee’s up-date after his meetings in New York, which will be on the 27^th of September. 

 

Scotty will head to North Carolina in the first week of November for meetings with Vulcan for a project in Brazil.  It holds true The Exe, funds up-front to cover the start up or no project.  The details for this one are unknown and the scope of work and number of personnel will have to wait until Scotty’s meetings with Vulcan.

 

Richard has gotten his paychecks and is ready to return to Baghdad.  He wants to get the aviation side of the house up, but financially we can and should wait for a capital expenditure.  I also counseled Rick to not personally take out the loan to purchase the two helicopters without any indication of interest for use.  There is interest for them in Iraq, but any clients will put out up-front costs to use them.  I look forward to Rick getting back into the fold and helping out.

 

Just had a meeting with Mike Seals regarding his possible accompanying Lee to New York to meet with Ford Graham of Vulcan.  This makes complete sense to me, another perspective and Mike will get a clear picture of the logistical needs for the start up of this project.  I will bounce this off of Lee today and coordinate his flight arrangements so Mike can travel with Lee.  This is such a large contract; another set of eyes and ears will help us so we do not forget anything and make a financial blunder.  If all goes well in New York, Lee and Mike will have to immediately set up and advance team to Afghanistan to check the sites and pre-set the logistical needs.  We need a minimum of 60 days advance plus up-front costs to make this a go.  We cannot afford late payments and out of pocket costs, too large of a project and could ruin the company with any misstep. 

 

Alana’s birthday is tomorrow and looks like the hurricane will ruin it for The Exe.  As long as they are safe is primary, but my little girl will not have The Ex party?  The speed of the movement of Frances will more than likely keep it over Florida another day.  Thus into Alana’s birthday and The Ex spending it in a shelter.  Given the time difference I will call them this afternoon to check on them.  I will do the same with my mom, who might be staying in St. Francis Hospital another week or so to take the medicine for The Ex condition. 

 

Just returned from lunch, I will stop the overeating and junk food.  Working too hard and sore from such a long lay-off does not make it worth my while to eat badly.  Found the Sultan Market in the Sharq mall; go there for fruits and cereal for breakfast.  Stop eating two meals per day and eat breakfast and a healthy snake in the afternoon.  So far the workouts seem fine, but will increase the aerobic activity for the heart and fat burning properties.  

 

Monday, September 06, 2004

 

Text message sent to The Ex asking how they are, now word from them in two days.  Also Alana’s 8^th birthday today terrible way to spend it, but as long as they are safe that is what’s important?  Another hurricane has developed off the coast of Africa, Ivan, and it is following the same path as Francis.  I hope to hear from the kids and The Ex soon. 

 

Talked with Lee today, everything going well there.  He got his usual attitude when I asked about Mike going with him to NYC for the meeting with Ford Graham.  I sent an e-mail showing my displeasure and while instant messaging him also expressed those same feelings.  He apologized and agreed with the assessment, having another set of eyes and ears will help.  This deal is very big, and one misstep and it could ruin the company.  Lee is also sick again, he has to exercise or eat better he is a serious medical problem waiting to happen.

 

Updated my system with the Microsoft Windows XP downloads.  The service pack and another .Net update which took over 1 hour to install and re-start my laptop.  Let’s see how these updates work, but typical of Microsoft, will have updates for those I just installed within the week. 

 

Finally got off the e-mail to Dave Weiss.  It has been a while and I think he wrote me off, no family picture updates and the like.  Also, on the agenda is a Baghdad Bob update, will work on that this afternoon also.

 

Tuesday, September 07, 2004

 

Started the second three-day set of my workouts, and am I sore.  I knew the legs would be this bad but got to do it.  I am fat and the jeans I bought with the 36-inch waist are tight.  I will continue with the two sets per exercise this cycle and increase to three on the next cycle.  This will continue for two cycles following then back to the heavy and light cycles and rotating an extra day off into the mix.  The base is there, but got to burn off the fat and get the heart working harder.  Will go shopping at the Sultan Center for cereal, I saw they sell “honey nut cheerios and skim milk”.  Great for dinner after the workout and got to keep the cholesterol levels low.  By keeping the aerobic activity up as I am starting to do, the idea of carbohydrates in the cereal do not concern me at this point.  I need the energy and will rotate in more protein during the lunchtime meal. 

 

Talked with Lee today, seems that we are in line for a 21 day PSD contract with GE.  BIAP to Baghdad hotel runs seems that GE is coming back to Iraq and in a big way.  21 days of shuttle runs from the airport to downtown, hopefully this will turn into something larger with us doing the security at their sites.  GE was at Taiji and Qudas prior to their pull out for security reasons; they just might be going back.

 

Mike had a discussion regarding a possible job with RMS, their current client in Taiji military base.  This RMS does not want to commingle with the other RMS project; they are doing the infrastructure improvements on the military base.  They are currently leveling a spot for their camp and want static security and PSD coverage while working on the base.  Runs will probably include off base to the International Zone and supply runs to BIAP and other locations.  Mike stated that they want to definitely stay separate from the other RMS job site for a number of reasons; number one being the POC at the site is not the brightest bulb and a jerk.  DEH will throw the security work our way and hopefully they will get the camp buildup and maintenance of the camp.  RMS manager for this project has seen and ate at the current set up and likes the work and living conditions. 

 

So will wait to hear from Lee about the GE project and Mike will forward information when known regarding RMS.  Lee just called regarding a couple of subjects seem the DEH PSD teams think that Mike Seals is running Chameleon and DEH.  I will talk with Mo regarding that, but am not worried about it; Lee gets touchy when it comes to being in charge.   Nothing changes that we own 18.75% of this company and that is growing in value daily.  The GE contract is for 21 days moving their personnel from the Baghdad Sheraton to sites within the Baghdad city limits.  The rate Lee quoted is for $7,000.00 per team for the usual two vehicles six men make up.  They will pay up front and I told Lee to take what he needed in country for cash on hand and forward the rest to our bank account The Exe in Kuwait. 

 

Saturday, September 11, 2004

 

It has been a couple of days and busy, frustrated, and angry, thus my lack of attention to this journal. 

 

I am not a fan of Kuwait, probably because I am lonely and not really a whole heck of a lot to do The Exe.  Getting the feeling that I am being treated as an employee and a low level employee at that.  I am an owner and will be damned if Mike Seals expects me to answer to him.  Even if Mo proxy’s his share to Mike still we own 75% of the company and can have a quorum without Mo’s attendance.  Had our first meeting Thursday afternoon with Lee and Richard on the phone from Baghdad.  Did not like the fact that Mo is lecturing me on cash flow, corporate organization, and other business matters.  I told them that I did not appreciate the way they were talking to me.  I will hold off until the face-to-face meeting we will have at the end of September in Amman.  Hopefully Scotty will be their and all five of us in attendance.  I will have an issue with Mike Seals in attendance; if I do not ask I am sure that one of the others will ask him to leave the room for the first part of the discussion.  Such as what did we get for the 25% of the company we gave up?  As it seems nothing, it is a loan and not evens a term loan with a rate and time schedule of payment.  At this point I think the wind down of the company back in early August would have been the best move, no outsiders and no questions.

 

The original four owners will keep Chameleon Security Services, Ltd alive for the French Guyana project and others.  Chameleon Group does not need to know this, ever!  Talking with Lee right now and told him about the scenarios I am playing out in my head.  Will cover the details when I get to Baghdad, that way three of us are face-to-face and only a phone call to Scotty.  We then can have the same game plan when we meet with Mo later this month in Amman.

 

Out of the $408k coming in from WII a lot of bills must be paid along with $50k sent to the owners.  I have to account for the $50k with a little creative accounting; this money is our little cash out, if one of the scenarios is to pack our shit and leave.  Buying Mo out is not an option at this time given the funds owed to him.  Also, having Giles the armorer from DEH look into getting me on the RAF flight from Kuwait to Baghdad and return.  I anticipate leaving Monday afternoon and returning Tuesday morning the following week.  It will be good to be with the guys; especially the other owners and I could get a feel for what is going on in Baghdad.  I really need to get away from The Exe or I will explode, and do not want to be unprofessional at this point.  We made this agreement, just need to iron out the details and come to an understanding or work on the options that would make for us. 

 

Look to get into the war-gaming site more when I return and heck while I am in Baghdad.  The guys seem good to go and will relieve some the stress about the money and business. 

 

Most important item is that I am back to the gym and working it hard.  Took yesterday off the aerobic side, but will hit it today.  Letting the body tell me how it is going, today I only have to do shoulders and arms, should do about ten minutes on the cross trainer.  Not a bad machine, have to stand and do a motion similar to cross country skiing great fat/cardio workout.  All of which I need and have not really hit that hard since coming the Middle East.  The body is gotten flabby and clothes are tight, still in 36 inch jeans though, just want them to be looser and maybe work to the 34 inch pants, which is my long-term goal.   Nice gym, good selection of weights and machines and not too crowded the times I go.  Also, bought cereal which for a couple of nights per week will eat for dinner since I have Showtime cable service, which gives me more “US” style television stations, like Fox News, and a nice selection of movies and Discovery, National Geographic stations. 

 

Sunday, September 19, 2004

 

Sorry for the delay, have been traveling between Kuwait and Baghdad to get up to speed on the goings on with the company.  Rick is in country now and a welcome addition to help us with management of the company.  The office seems to be in good hands, with Gina and Joy running the financials and administrative functions.  Gina is an experienced accountant and from what I have seen very well at the job.  Joy is handling the travel coordination, the villa management, and personnel files.  Tara Scott has returned today and Rick and I had as discussion with The Ex lowering The Ex pay from 100k to 36k per month.  In line with Joy and Gina and in my opinion she is not worth 100K per month. 

 

Boy oh boy, being out of country has put me behind the eight ball.  Completely out of the loop, but getting up to speed quickly.   The invoices from WII and the payments made reconciliation is a big accomplishment along with the Vulcan’s payment schedule.  Also what is happening with the teams and the projects? 

 

The Army has wound down the K2 project, and the one 10-man team came back today.   They will be absorbed into the Baghdad stand by teams, since WII wants to run 10 man teams down The Exe also.  The interesting this Duke does not want to pay for 4 fully staffed ten man teams right now.  Which is fine but they cannot expect to run more than 2 ten-man missions in one day.  WII will want the 5 teams under the RFP to be all ten-man teams with of course three vehicles.  This should kick off around the first of October coinciding with the government’s fiscal year.  Our RFP for the FPO guards for the three WII compounds in the international zone should hit the same time.  That is a phase in project with 12 Ghurkas now followed by 16 more for a total of 38 covering a 24-hour period.  The only way to cover that would be doing 12 hour shifts such as we are doing now with the 9 Ghurkas guards. 

 

Will cover more tomorrow, getting late and not writing my thoughts clearly.

 

Monday, September 20, 2004

 

Not feeling too well today, sleep about an hour this morning now not too bad.  Still waiting for the funds from WII who did relate that they did send the funds and should have hit our account by now.  We should be expecting $408,000 and $18,150 and later this month another $408,000 this should cover payroll.  But Vulcan is the key to this whole financial issue; they owe us over $550,000 and now past 60+ days due.  We are so close to bust out of the bind that Custer Battles has put us in.

 

Tomorrow Richard and I leave on the RAF flight for Kuwait.  Kirsty will arrive later that night and spend some time with Richard.  We will visit the DEH offices, but mostly relax and possibly head over to Dubai for a look.  Visit the real estate at the Arabian Ranches and other locations in Dubai. 

 

Had some interesting developments with the office staff.   Tara Scott returned from vacation yesterday and Richard and I talked with The Ex about lowering The Ex pay to $4,000 per month in line with Joy and Gina, who will be raised from $3,000 to $4,000 effective October 1, 2004.  She did not take it well and was very emotional, Richard talked with The Ex further and it seems that she will stay on for now.  My personal opinion of The Ex is what is The Ex skill set versus Joy and Gina?  And damn if we were paying The Ex $100,000 per year!  That has been adjusted and in all honestly was can she go for $4,000 per month in the United States. 

 

Quiet today and Richard and I will probably go out for some sun later this afternoon.  Also, since not really feeling well, relaxing is the best for now. 

 

Monday, October 11, 2004

 

A rather interesting time since I last wrote an update.  Richard and I met with Mike Seals and Mo and sorted out the ownership issues.  We all have 20% and today Mo and I are heading to Geneva to sort out the corporate documents to reflect the ownership percentages.

 

I will get back to this later today, probably in Amsterdam during our layover for the flight to Geneva.  Met with Richard Arnold at 1430 hours and went over the change of ownership percentages.  Mo had some questions, because of his not being familiar with offshore accounts.  Mo was satisfied and stated that we should use Richard for further business.  Richard completed the shares and delivered them to our hotel for signatures.  Since our banking will be done in Kuwait, Richard no longer needs to be listed as a director of Chameleon, thus he excused himself and his firm from that position. He did nominate his wife for custodian thus addressing the issue of impropriety. 

 

On a personal note, I love Geneva lovely old town with great character.  Mo and I enjoyed a beer at an outside café and I have to say the beer was good.  Afterwards we had a steak at a restaurant recommended by Richard and it was also very good.  Just a steak prepared to your specifications, French-fries a drink and dessert after dinner.  It was a short walk from the hotel we stayed, the Beau-Rivage my estimate that is was 5+ stars very quaint and right on the lake.  The rooms were expensive, but worth it.  After dinner I took a walk around the city and soaked in the atmosphere.  Geneva is a must visit city, not during the summer due to the high number of tourists, but winter, fall, spring is a must. 

 

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

 

Got up very early this morning for our flight to Paris and now waiting until our departure to Kuwait.  We arrive in Kuwait around 6pm this evening; I think I will head to the mall for a Starbucks frappacino, what else would I have? 

 

Ramadan is going to hit around the 14^th or 15^th of this month and I better get shopping for milk and other necessities to eat during the day.  This is due to the restaurants closed during the daylight hours for the Muslim holiday.  I think I will take a long weekend to Dubai, since my vacation was pushed back to early November.

 

Almost forgot, I have to get the corporate minutes completed and forwarded to the owners and Richard Arnold.  Mo did mention last night that WII did deposit $678,000.00 into our account in Kuwait.  With those funds, I will pay Samer in Amman and take some funds out for my use in Kuwait.  Personal note again, I am using my handy dandy new Sony PCG-TR5GP laptop computer, this thing is neat.  It has a built in web cam, camera, and motion picture camera.  The quality of the photos and web cam are outstanding and the camera rotates for shooting in multiple directions.  The system is more robust than the larger laptop I bought last year.  I think I will increase the RAM from its current 700+-mega bits to over 1 gig.  Oh, almost forgot it has a built in DVD/CDRW and wireless modem.

 

Thursday, October 14, 2004

 

Just received a response from Philip Goodmaker the accountant for John Blower since we are an offshore company he finds it difficult to work with us for the factoring of the Vulcan receivables.   He mentioned that if we re-incorporated on-shore it might be possible, but probably highly unlikely.  Thus we will have to pursue other avenues such as an attorney(s) in North Carolina and New York State.  Thus is looks like we will be waiting for payment from Vulcan for a very long time.  Legal action will be our only recourse, and I should be looking at interest charges for the outstanding invoices to add to the cost of this legal endeavor. 

 

Was thinking of going to Dubai for some fun and sun, but I have this guilty feeling regarding something like this with no work on the agenda right now.  I will work with Giles and Simon for jobs and get the other owners to send their feedback so we can hit the road running there with work.  Of note, according to Rick’s e-mail, WII should be paying us for all the outstanding invoices on Friday.  Which would be welcome since the aforementioned news about factoring the Vulcan invoices is not going to happen. 

 

With Ramadan starting tomorrow, I will have to adjust my schedule The Exe in the office and for eating.  Since most restaurants will be closed, I have to go shopping for milk and some other food for the apartment.  I will have to eat breakfast in the morning so I will be able to wait until nightfall to eat.  That along with starting the gym again will be tough but worth it.  I must not allow myself to get big again and not fit into the 36-34 jeans.  They are already getting tight and I am flabby around the mid-section.  Hit the weights and aerobic machine should do the trick along with eating better, I should be in good shape for my trip home this coming November.  Which by the way should be the first week of November around the 5^th and come back to Kuwait on or about the 25^th or 26^th, since that is the Thanksgiving weekend.   

 

Sunday, October 17, 2004

 

Got together with Giles and did the write up for his proposals for Africa and setting up anti-poaching units.  He should be heading to Nairobi within the next couple of days to get face-to-face introductions of Chameleon and our operational expertise in front of the decision makers.  There seems to be a lot of interest from various governments, and I have to agree with Giles that he must get down there to get the ball rolling.  That is because the movement on issues for African governments is even slower than the US government would be.  The countries he is looking at are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Congo, and Malawi.  All have serious poaching problems along with bandits and insurgents.  With the anti-poaching work, there is static security and PSD work with government and UN sponsored relief agencies working in the aforementioned countries. 

 

On a serious note, Rick is hot on the trail of missing funds.  He believes that 25K per month has gone missing.  His witness is Stoney, but I would have to take that with a grain of salt, because of his issues with Lee.  Although Lee did borrow 8k from Adam, 8.5k from another and 8k from the company for this trip.  And he is out of money already!  My hope is that Lee is just administratively challenged and cannot be around the funds.  If the worse is true then we as a group have to decide upon the course of action.  My response followed the course of Scotty’s; we paid out money for the generator, Abass for vehicle rentals, damaged vehicle that hit the wall during training, and other items.  The key issue is that we only got about 70K from Vulcan and paid that out.  Under Lee’s charge more funds came in and the accounting for it was lacking to say the least.  Oh most importantly, the receipts that Scotty and I kept went missing when the move to the house occurred.  That accounted for the monies that came in while we were there, and the worksheet I kept for the cash advances we gave the Ghurkas and some of the ex-pats.  I do still need to review the excel worksheet that they developed since my copy had a virus on it and hotmail would not open it.  But with my best guess that should cover the funds issue while Scotty and I were in charge in Baghdad. 

 

Sunday, October 31, 2004

 

I am currently in Boise Idaho meeting with WII regarding our past due invoices.  Dave Philips and another finance person met me Friday morning at their offices.  They are showing about $1 million plus which is about right since another $408k is still with the Baghdad office of WII is still working on.  Dave Philips is still insisting upon back up data before he can release payments, thus I called Adam and Rick in Baghdad regarding this back up.  They wrote back that Darin Jensen and Mike Gavin have sent all the information to Boise.  True they have sent the Excel worksheets, but the daily logs and other back up is not with Dave Philips The Exe in Boise.

 

Saturday afternoon I attempted to call Baghdad without success, I do not know if Rick and Adam are ignoring me or the phones really are not working well.  So I called Mo and had him contact Rick and pass along that the daily logs and other back up is still needed in Boise.  I am scheduled to meet with Dave Philips and Mike Carey at 8:00 am Monday morning to fix this situation.  My plan is to call Baghdad while meeting with them and coordinate the information flow and get those transfers sent either Monday or Tuesday.

 

 I will also call Jonathan Silvester the financial associate of John Blower, Rick’s referrals to get those Vulcan invoices factored.  I left an e-mail status check with Jonathan and still waiting for the bank to get back to him.  I will cut short my vacation to get this situation sorted out.  Along with the factoring I would like a line of credit and I will open a corporate banking relationship with this bank.  Personally, I will open an account for myself to protect my assets from the United States tax authorities.  The other directors will be offered accounts along with any of the guys that would like to protect their assets from the tax authorities.

 

On the bad side of this current company situation, it seems that Rick is on the warpath for corporate accountability.  Part of the e-mail he sent is true and needs to be addressed, but Rick does not think anything he does is wrong.  He will degrade others verbally, but low if you try to do that to him.  He cries professionalism and has no clue what the hell that is.  All his contacts, from Moray to Blower have little trust with him.  I have not told him that, but if pushed I will point this out face to face.  I responded out of fatigue and frustration with his tactics.  I will no longer respond or speak of this again with Rick.  I still own 20% of this company and I will collect my pay and all benefits associated with owning this company.  I will work hard to get this company back on track and make it the best security company.  To help with my focus, I went to the gym in the hotel and worked out, and yes it did help.  I have got to lose the gut I have put one, the upper body is looking good, arms also.  But the legs and gut are fat and have no tone. 

 

I have talked with Scotty, Mo, and Lee about this.  Lee will not respond to it, Scotty has and points out that we need to work together and get this company on track.  Mo wrote a very good e-mail also point out those pointing fingers is not the proper path to take and stressed that we should all meet very soon.  I agree completely and during my calls to Mo stressed that I will no longer respond as I have.  I passed onto Lee the need that all the owners should meet in Kuwait when vacations are complete, which should be sometime around the end of November. 

 

Lee showed me the web site and I do like it.  The flash intro is good, lots of storage, plenty of e-mail addresses and the monthly fee is reasonable.  We do have to address with Lee the hiring of the women he knows in Florida, the borrowing of funds from the employees and money accountability while he was in charge in Baghdad.  I still will give him the benefit of the doubt and believe that it is his sloppiness leads to missing documents/receipts not any malicious intent. 

 

I will and must sort out this issue with WII and get the approximately $1.4 million dollars that they owe us sent out as soon as possible.  Mo will then release the payroll, which is a contentious issue with me.  We have $680k and $41,800 in our account in Kuwait.  After sending out $50k to Samer our travel agent in Amman should still cover payroll for the month.    If I can get WII to send out the amount that the worksheet sent by Darin showing approximately $1.1 million I will be satisfied and probably go and start my vacation.  I would love to have this issue and the Vulcan issue rectified this month.  Given the amounts that totals almost $2 million dollars. 

 

I will enjoy myself during this vacation, along with house hunting for the kids down in Florida.  It seems that The Ex has found a house near there current one for $289k.  This house is for sale by owner and according to Val in perfect condition.  The house in Oviedo must still have assessment and that seems to be an issue.  They are working on that point now and this coming week should be finished.  I for what it is worth would prefer to live in the area the kids are in now; Oviedo is too far away and not comfortable with the area.  Although the kids like the area, I must do the right thing for the future and myself.  I though am making very good money right now, it is shaky until I can get other contracts signed and running.  The house in Weikiva is $30k cheaper than the house in Oviedo and right now that is an important issue.  I have a plane ticket purchased for the 11^th of November for Orlando from Chicago, after spending some good time with my mom.  And I find out that Lee will be in Chicago later next week for a trade fair at the McCormick Place.

 

My plan is to not let anything get to me and work to get this company back on track.  I will enjoy my time off and come back fresh and ready to address any issue that comes up. 

 

Monday, November 01, 2004

 

Not too bad of a day, went for a drive up Idaho 55, beautiful country.  When I got up to elevation, there was snow on the ground and also was snowing.  Watched a little football and over-ate too!  But I did hit the gym two times today, the second time I hit the Stairmaster for 20 minutes. 

 

I wrote to Rick and gave my best wishes for his wife Kirsty and The Ex upcoming operation.  Although still very upset with him, and from what Scotty told me his drinking is heavy and makes decisions while drinking.  Lee has issues with money; Rick’s is with drinking.  I will not let my emotions get the best of me again while with these partners. 

 

Talked with Mo today and gave an update.  I do agree with his not sending out payroll today.  We will get the money from WII, and I will do the best to get it wired Monday.  But, given my actions the last couple of days I really do need a vacation. 

 

My plan of attack is to lay out to WII that we do agree with the amount outstanding except for $68k.  This corresponds with the 15% hold back from one of there payments a few months ago.  I will accept what they show as outstanding, which is $1,281,000.00 and have them wire it as soon as possible.  I will not argue about the $68,000.00 and for payment Monday.  I will meet with Mike Carey a decision maker and the signer of the checks, I will absolutely insist upon payment within 48 hours at the latest.  I will also wait The Exe in Boise until I get the wire confirmations both by e-mail and hard copy. 

 

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

 

Sat around the lobby for over two hours waiting for David Philips and Mike Carey, when they finally showed up, it went well.  I downloaded all the information that Adam sent overnight.  We printed it and when completed David and I went to see Mike Carey, I laid it out that we agree to the amount of outstanding balances and if the only thing holding up the payment is an internal accounting issue, then why not pay us.  Mike agreed and told David to prepare the wire.  I was hoping it would get out today, but it seemed unlikely since Mike told me that funding for the wires is completed by 9am.  David did write back and state that the wire did not get out.  I will run over to the WII offices around 9am and check on the wire’s progress.  I will have David send an e-mail confirmation, along with a hard copy of the confirmation.  The amount after I confirmed it with checking that we agreed with the beginning balance and then deducting the wires sent by WII we came to the total of $1,281,000.00.

 

I have been talking with Lee, he is working on the web site and I think it looks good.  He is crying that he has no money; I really cannot figure that one out.  He borrowed money from Adam and others and never told me or the other owners.  He is terrible with money and accountability for that money.  Rick really thinks that he is responsible for about $250k of missing money.  Rick does state that he has evidence, but the only one is Stoney and he has an axe to grind with Lee.  But, Rick doesn’t have much more to be proud of.  It seems when either Lee or Rick is in charge in Iraq, people leave/fired and more complaints about the running of the company.  Rick it seems has a drinking problem and makes decisions while drinking.  I will be cognizant of that fact when dealing with him into the future. 

 

Thursday, November 11, 2004

 

It has been an interesting time; I went to Boise to secure payment for the outstanding invoices.  Which I did, but it seems that Mo has decided to pull the plug on his involvement with Chameleon.  He has taken that transfer and the other two that hit his account in Kuwait.  The total amount of stolen funds equal about $2,000,000.00, which leaves us without the ability to pay our guys and our outstanding bills.  I do not think that Lee stole any money from us, but was the cause for not paying the bills and lack of accountability for the funds.  I refuse to take the blame for this occurrence.  Discussions with Rick are just his usual incoherent ramblings of a drunk.  He has no concept of professionalism or tack.   He also states that he and Scotty now own 60% of the company this I do not understand and at this time I do not care. 

 

I tried to talk with Ford Graham of Vulcan and he gave the usual Fluor has not paid us thus we cannot pay you story.  I told him to include me on all correspondence with Fluor and give the status of the conference call he will have this coming week.  When I gave the update to the other owners Rick as usual gave an incoherent reply telling me not to talk with Vulcan and he has plans to take care of the situation.  Which I seem to doubt, and my last e-mail with Scotty whom states that he has no issue with me handling the situation.  I do not plan at this time plan on not going back to Iraq or Kuwait.  I will cash in my return ticket and take the funds.  I am hoping that Kuwait sends my gear back from their apartment, especially the laptop that I left behind.

 

Our only recourse for the stolen funds is to file a suit and criminal action against Mike Seals, Mo, and DEH.  This should begin the action for DEH losing those Air Force contracts that they have in Kuwait and Seals, if he ever returns to the US will have to answer for these actions.  He was party to this, it was planned for at least the last month or two thus showing criminal intent.  I will e-mail Lee with this information so he can have his attorney imitate action against the aforementioned parties.

 

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

 

Down in Orlando with the kids and it is good, along with the relationship with The Ex.  I cannot figure out what is going on other than The Ex wanting me to buy a house.  The house is about $315,000.00 and the loan is an 80/20 with the 20 percent being a second loan.  Although two loans it is about $200+ dollars less than the pure 100% loan.  I hope to get up some other jobs either with Lee or with the guys in the Middle East.  With that, I hope to get the second loan paid off and thus increase the equity in the home.  I saw the home by the way and I do like it, and they are selling this huge projection screen TV, because it is too large to move.  Not a bad price by the way since they only want $1,200 for the set and they usually run 4-5 thousand dollars. 

 

It has been interesting the last couple of weeks, Mo taking our money and not even paying the guys.  I plan on writing to the Department of the Air Force and the Attorney Generals office to register a complaint to hopefully have DEH become blacklisted on all current and future work for any US government agency.  Along with that I want Mo and Seals to be personally indicted for Fraud and theft of funds. 

 

My decision is whether to work with Scotty and continue on with Chameleon or go with Lee and the new venture.  I even have to look at working back in the consulting arena, especially the turn-around specialty.  I should look at law school either here in Florida or Chicago, will I practice not in the usual sense, but using that degree for further my career with the turn-around community.  Which involves lots of legal proceedings up to and including bankruptcy, receivership at the state level and all in between those extremes?

 

I have contacted both Harold Crosby and Alexander Schulman to keep those avenues open for future work.  I will make the security work number one because of the amount of money involved both personally and for the company.  But I have to rely on Lee and others to determine the work I have asked Lee about the Guyana project and the status of the Raytheon work in South America, but all he has said is that he has called without response from them.  Do I have my doubts, yes I do, and thus I will have to work the consulting angle.  I do enjoy all the work, both security and consulting, but I have to get an income coming in soon.  I figure by the end of the year I must have something lined up.  I do not want to eat into the little savings I have to fund my monthly expenses. 

 

I had to fire up Lee to get that one document to Sheldon for the possible closing this Thursday.  I think The Ex stated that the amount of money I will need to have is about $10,000.00, which will leave me $25,000.00 in the FAA account and $20,000.00 with my mom.  If I get some work overseas up and running I will have my mom pay the mortgage and other bills that I have.  If I can pay myself $20k to $25k per month again, I will forward my mom $10k per month for bills and savings.  I will have The Ex pay more than the amount listed on the mortgage to start paying into the principal and like I said earlier pay off that second mortgage first.  If The Ex does get work, and as history showed me, I will not rely upon The Ex working to meet my expenses.  Give my research into trading this past week; I will need a minimum of $100k to trade naked calls and puts, which will generate the best returns for me.  I also need to research other businesses I could invest in for more than one source of income.  This would be part time for starters and working towards full time going into the future.  Consider real estate as a business also, but is capital intensive and the use of leverage is necessary.  In a growing market not an issue and getting this house will help.  Using any equity built into the house will assist with investment real estate, which will require a minimum of 20% or more down payments to get a mortgage.  And as I should be aware, cash flow from the real estate is paramount with any purchase of investment property.  I would hope that any outside investments/business ventures should generate $6-8k per month free cash flow.  This is in addition to income from the primary business I will be involved with.  But the first steps are getting the house and work either in the consulting area or security. 

 

Saturday, November 27, 2004

 

It has been very interesting lately and kind of late right now.  So I promise that I will get back to writing on a more consistent basis very soon.

 

Saturday, December 04, 2004

 

Well I purchased the house, $315,000.00 with two mortgages one for $252k and the second for $63k.  I hope to get something up and running real soon with Lee or by my self.  My plan is to pay off the second as soon as possible regardless of the penalties.  I am going through the money fast, but have some with my mom and invested 10k in a mutual fund-S&P index fund through Merrill Lynch. 

 

Christ I just spent $381.00 on a facial on the ex-wife!  And she has issues with me!  Is she going to get a job?  What am I expected to pay for?  Well hell if nothing comes through for me in the next 3 months I will run out of money!  I will not pay for anything more, no more furniture or things for the house.  I will put funds into my business interests and myself.  This will be the best for the kids in the long-term.  I will look into the coin machines, although around $21k, I could look into financing a portion of the cost.  I have to see the financials and make a judgment as to the merits of this investment.  I will call them tomorrow if I can remember-or as soon as I remember to call.  I will have to pay the FedEx costs for overnight the package, but I have to see the financials.  I must have multiple sources of income from this time forward.  I cannot rely upon getting a job or landing a gig in our security company.  Oh ya, Lee and I have a security company called Strategic Protection, Inc., which we will incorporate in either Florida or Nevada.  I would like Nevada for the secrecy aspects and lack of corporate taxes.  We do have a couple of RFPs outstanding and Lee did call me today and stated that Raytheon called him.  They are looking for security work in Columbia and other parts of South America.  I am looking forward to Monday and what Raytheon is looking for.  Damn, that would be nice to get something signed sealed and delivered for a start date of around the first quarter of 2005. 

 

Just checked out our site and my information is listed, but I will have to have Lee put my cell phone down as a point of contact.  My e-mail for the new venture is: bob@strategicprotectioninc.com, this will automatically forward to my ammo_96@hotmail.com address which is fine, but will what my new ventures address to be used with Microsoft outlook. 

 

Started working out again at the local World Gym, sore right now but have to get back to the body type I had back in the early part of this year.  The mid-section is the bad part, but diet will take care of that, the strength will come.  I do like the look of my arms, and have to increase the size of my chest and shoulders.  This will offset the short waist body-type I have.  Heck Jean Claude Van Dam has this type and looks fine, so I just have to watch my diet and work hard in the gym.  In particular my aerobic activity, currently do 10 minutes after the weights and will increase to 15 then 20 as the conditioning comes on-line. 

 

I have to look for a place for me to settle down and put in roots.  I love Montana, but far from the kids, so I should look to southern Florida, like Miami/Fort Lauderdale or even Palm Beach areas.  This would depend upon what happens on the work front.  I must focus on the areas I address earlier in this posting, and make up a 1 and 5-year plan for myself.  I do this for companies and I must do this for me.  Keep focus and follow the plan. 

 

Monday, December 13, 2004

 

I am been looking for other opportunities along with Lee.  So about a week ago I logged onto the KBR/Halliburton web site.  I apply for jobs in most of the so-called garden spots of the world, Iraq, Afghanistan, and others.  Well, I got an e-mail from Chris with Halliburton in Bagram Air Force Base outside of Kabul Afghanistan.  He requested my phone number and time to call.  I did not expect them to call today or even this week, but low and behold he called around noon my time.  We talked about the position and he even said that my resume was one of the best he has ever seen.  He is looking for a Military Police background for investigative and operational experience.  He has a lot of Special Forces types for force protection and site surveys around the country.  But he needs a guy with investigations experience along with an operational background.  All of which I bring to the table. 

 

Chris also related that he needs someone immediately, since the last guy he hired a GS 12 type from the government lasted 3 days.  He knows that will not be an issue with me.  I will be working out of the Bagram Air Force Base in the same trailer as Chris.  Heck, as long as I got a place to sleep and free meals I am very happy.  I might even have my own room and bathroom!  I hope I have the position since we talked money and that the soonest he could get me to Houston or somewhere I will get in-processed in January 2, 2005.  I am looking at possibly an employee position versus independent contractor, since Chris outlined all the benefits.  Such as a 401K, health, dental, and other insurance benefits and the pay will be about 7-9 thousand per month and room for advancement.  It looks like a somewhat start-up type of operation.  And my pay will move to the 15 to 18 thousand per month range along with the added responsibility.  Yes, the job, interviews of locals for KBR jobs, background checks, and writing of standard operating procedures for security around Afghanistan.  The way it sounds I will be moving into Bagram via Tashkent Uzbekistan, which is the in-processing site for all operations in Afghanistan.  The next step is a call from the Human Resources person that Chris will forward my information to.  This I hope is a formality and all I will need to be show my passport and other paperwork for in-processing and an airline ticket to Houston for in-brief and get ready for movement to Afghanistan.

 

 

Friday, December 17, 2004

 

Update is that I found out that the TSA did not show that my secret clearance was up to date!  Thus pushing back my start time with KBR till the end of January 2005.  That I hope is the date given that I had to fill out the government SF86 form requesting a background check.  I did complete that today and e-mailed it to KBR along with faxing the supplemental background information.  I really need this job, and the positives of it are that I am an employee not a contractor!  It is funny that the base pay in $3,800.00 per month but given all the up-lifts for working overseas and in particular Afghanistan that pay grows to $9,700.00 per month.  This is with benefits such as stock options, 401K, medical and dental not a bad deal at all.  What I am waiting for right now from KBR is the fingerprint cards and I will go over to the Oviedo Police Department and have them complete the printing for me.  After that, I believe that is all that is expected from me and must wait for the background check.  Then plane ticket to Houston, medical check, urinalysis test, and paperwork to fill out. 

 

Monday the 20^th, I will head to Chicago to see my mom and visit for the holidays and The Ex birthday.  Then I will head back to Florida on the 27^th and wait The Exe for the results from KBR and use this as my base of operations while in Afghanistan.  I will have to get all the bills that are in my name to either my mom’s address or get them to be paid on-line through my FAA account.

 

Monday, December 20, 2004

 

 Traveled to Chicago today and it is cold.  Rented a car from The Hertz, the same kind I rented before the Ford Escape.  I like the truck, very nice for myself to tool around in and four-wheel drive for the bad weather that seems to have hit Chicago.  It will warm up tomorrow, but back to the highs in the 20s for Wednesday and Thursday.

 

Got a call from Lee and it seems that DynCorp has offered Lee and I about $20k per month to run a PSD team for the US embassy in Baghdad.  But the kicker is that we will have to pay our guys out of our $20k!  Not to sure that this is such a good deal, considering we must us Americans since it is the embassy and the US State Department we are dealing with.  They only require US personnel and they must have a secret clearance.  Right now I have the possibility of a $9,700 per month job with KBR as an employee and the benefits associated with that. 

 

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

 

Boy did I find the right time to come visit the windy city!  Although over 30 today the wind chill is near zero and the next couple of days will be high in the teens with wind chill of below zero.   I have to get around to getting something for my mom and then the kids.  But I will get them something when I return to Orlando.

 

Monday, January 24, 2005

 

It has been a long time since my last entry and a lot has happened.  I completed the SF86 for my security clearance and made the necessary corrections.  Those I completed last week and Lea called that it looked ok and will be sent to higher ups for review.  Then it is on to the Department of Defense for review and finalization of my Secret clearance.  At that point I should receive an overnight package from KBR with a hard copy of my SF86 to sign.  I will also have to get my fingerprints done at the Oviedo Police Department and send those along with my passport to KBR in Houston.  Lea did relate that my clearance should take about 4 to 6 weeks to complete because of the backlog.  This will hurt financially, but I did put it to The Ex to start looking for work to cover the bills.  Those in particular are the food, cable, electric, and water for example.  I will cover the mortgage payments, actually paying more than double the required amount for the second mortgage to pay that down then hit the first mortgage.  I plan on paying 1k to the 2^nd, which is twice the amount stated and 2k on the first with that payment being stated at 1890.00 per month. 

 

Lee is now working at DynCorp in Virginia.  He was trying to get on the PSD teams working the embassy contract in Baghdad but he failed to qualify with the SAW.  I personally think that the physical requirements hurt him also.  But they did offer him a supervisor position in the guard section of the embassy contract.  Money is less but still over $10,000.00 per month.  He did say he will forward my information to the decision makers for review but nothing yet.  So I will probably stick with the KBR gig being an employee is the bigger part of the decision for me.  I get benefits and those for the kids like health, dental, vision, and a 401k plan.  Boy, I hope that I get on a plane to Houston by the end of February and get a paycheck in the bank. 

 

 

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

 

Well long time for an up-date, but The Exe goes.  Got the call from KBR and went to Houston at the end of February, but a problem.  They did not send my SF86 to the DSS until the day I arrived in Houston.  I went through all the in processing and completed it.  Received my laptop and NBC gear and waited for about 3 weeks.  My recruiter Gabriella Hernandez was unavailable and soon quite KBR.  James Hull, The Exe replacement was better and told me that the security clearance will take another couple of weeks.  So I went home and waited for the call.  I got the call about a week ago but too later to fly that weekend.  But low and behold out of the blue I applied to Blackwater Security Consulting about a country coordinator position.  For which I got a call last Thursday.  It will be based in Moyock North Carolina, which is just south of the Virginia border near the Norfolk Naval Base.  It seems that Blackwater got the US State Department security contract for Iraq this past Friday and must ramp up by May 1^st.  Brian the recruiter with Blackwater stated that my resume was outstanding and requested that I postpone my trip to Houston, which I did, and now I am en route to Moyock for an interview. 

 

My feelings about the gig are this-I have to make enough to cover my bills which now will include a vehicle and housing and all those costs.  To cover these costs I have about $8,500 to $9,000 per month as a figure in mind.  Brian stated that he figures the position to be in the $70,000 per year range.  This is too low given taxes and all the costs of another household I have to keep.  I have adjusted my per month dollar figure for the lowest I will go and that is $8,000 per month.  Both opportunities are very good and the companies are leaders in their fields, but the advancement and overseas tax-free status make KBR the better gig.  I guess I am flying up there to let them meet me and put my name out with a leader in the private security field for future possibilities if they come up. 

 

I did get a call from KBR Human Resources yesterday to go over my personnel data sheet, but as of yet no call from travel.  I will give James Hull a call and follow up e-mail to remind him about travel for this coming Sunday.  This I could do on the way back to the Norfolk airport for my flight back to Orlando. 

 

I paid the 25 dollars to get on an earlier flight home and en-route now.  The interview was short and sweet and I believe that I accomplished my goals of showing them my worth.  How did I do that, because the Human Resources personnel made a strong point of stating the salary range of $60,000 to $70,000 per year and how the CEO only takes home a little more?  If the situation was different and home loans and other expenses that I would have to outlay, such as car and a second household on top of the Orlando one.  Blackwater would be someone I would like to work for.  But the reasons for my excitement about KBR are still valid.  A long-term contract with the Army, (LOGCAP III) and the very good possibility of LOGCAP IV.  The current contract has another six years to run and the follow on will be another ten-year operation.  Thus I could look at long-term employment overseas and stateside with KBR. 

 

With that, I called the travel person with KBR, Margaret who called right back and booked my flight for this coming Sunday, April 24^th.  The flight in 687 on Continental Air departing 3:10pm from Orlando which will get me into Houston around 4:30pm local time.  I believe that I do not have to go thru the medical since they are good for one year.  But other areas I might have to complete again.  I hope that my laptop is still with the reception desk at the Event Center; which reminds me that I have the person in charge of that area’s phone number.  I will give The Ex call tomorrow to double check on the NBC gear and laptop.  Either way I hope to be on my way by Monday-Wednesday of next week.  And since my pay is bi-weekly I should have a paycheck by the time the June mortgage payments are due.  I also would want to aggressively pay down the loan for Malkovich and the gym.  Stick to my financial plan and seek ways to maximize my net worth going forward.  Right now I will relax and enjoy my time at home with the kids and Malkovich.

 

Sunday, April 24, 2005

 

En-route to Houston for the KBR gig in Afghanistan, which is really what I want to do.  It also seems to have some room to grow and increase my income level.  I am wondering what I will have to go through in the processing at the Event Center, will it be a full blown replay of the first time or just pick up my stuff and do the drug screening? 

 

Another reason for not being too upset about the Blackwater gig not working out is that I really am looking forward to the new adventure of Afghanistan.    If it is half as good as I think it will be I should and want to be involved with KBR for a few years into the future.  These are the same reasons I jumped at the chance for the Custer Battles gig in October of 2003.  I go over there at $4,000 per month and end of doing well over $15,000 per month.  Now I am going over at a base of $3,800 per month with up lifts to about $8,500 per month gross.  Let’s see what happens after I get on the ground and work hard and show what I could do. 

 

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

 

I stated the new adventure with KBR yesterday, Houston time.  It is currently 1330 hours local time-Frankfort and has another 7+ hours for our connection to Tashkent.  I am traveling with a couple of people whom happen to be food service types.  One is going to Salerno and the other is coming to my location in Bagram. 

 

This adventure started with a few hiccups like my background with KBR expiring while waiting for my flight out.  The personnel at the Event Center helped out and got that sorted out in one day and that same day I got the call for my flight out on the 9^th of May.  So far things seem to be going smoothly, even with the 12-hour layover in Frankfort.  We are currently waiting at the gate area for the flight on Uzbekistan Airways.  I will give further updates when I arrive in Tashkent.

 

Sunday, May 22, 2005

 

I know it has been a long time, but The Exe it goes.  I am now working for KBR, that eveillll corporate giant in Afghanistan.  Bagram Air Force base to be exact.  Which is located about 30 miles northeast of Kabul and situated at the foot of the Hindu Kush.  We are really surrounded on three sides by the Hindu Kush, with mountain heights averaging 17,000 feet to over 20,000.  Most of the higher elevations still have snow, oh ya, the Afghans think we are blessed because since we liberated the country the drought has broken—(which lasted 10+ years), so in their minds we are a good omen.  Still kinda cold in the mornings and evenings, (altitude of about 5,000 feet), but the sun is warm and nice during the day.  I will get pics of the area out to you guys soon, some areas are off limits but you can still get an idea of the beauty of the area.

 

My living conditions are in what they call The Exe a “B” hut, fancy word for a plywood building of about 1,000 square feet that sleeps about8-10.  My area is about the size of a closet-about 6 feet by 6 feet, but it is home.  The bummer is the walk to the showers and bathroom, which are in another building maybe 150 yards from my hooch.  Get up at 3am to go with the wind out of the north, boy will that get ya going!  Heck my office is bigger.  Now about the job, what I can tell you without having to kill you, lol…  My title is Force Protection Screener, which was political corrected/changed form Counter Intelligence Screener.  We interview all Host Country Nationals, (i.e., Afghans), and all other non-coalition workers wanting to or already working on the base. Our process is to screen them and re-screen them periodically and forward to appropriate agencies for action if something out of the ordinary is found.  We screen them for possible connections to the bad guys, intelligence sources, and etc there frame of mind.  Or wise man says:  Your friend today is tomorrow’s terrorist.  The interesting thing of this position is the exposure to the people of Central Asia, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Pashtons, Pakistanis and how they interact and have interacted for centuries.  For example, the Pashtons, which was the primary make up of the Taliban hated the Uzbeks and Tajiks—basically told them they did no belong in Afghanistan, took there homes and threw them out.  During the Russian and Taliban time—most of the country left for either Pakistan or Iran.  Their destination depended upon their ethnicity.  Tajiks went to Pakistan, Uzbeks and Pashtons went to Iran.  The only issue we have with those travels was when they returned to Afghanistan.  I guess the job is more art than science and knowing the history, political make-up and interaction of all the different groups that make up this country.  Most of all do not listen to “mainstream press”, they what to just make a living and feed their families.  They do not give a rip about the gitmo Koran crap or the death of the detainee.  Heck most of them, like Iraqis know they are outsiders- (Iranians, Yemen, Jordan, or others who want to bring back the dark times of the Taliban).  Yes they are religious, but more secular versus the zeal of say Saudi Arabia.  To sum it up, the US is taking a country from the 12^th century to the 21^st virtually overnight.

 

So for my first week in Bagram not too bad, and as I said earlier I will forward pictures as soon as I can.

 

Take care everyone and keep in touch.

 

Bagram Bob

 

Thursday, May 26, 2005

 

Well the goddamn Cingular/AT&T cell phone merger is beginning to piss me off.  They say I owe them $350 or so and that it is past due.  The upsetting part is that I talked with them prior to leaving and they told me that I would get one bill.  Well they told Val that there would be two bills and they would be sending my over payment balance back to me!  I am about to cancel the phone(s) and pay the associated fee.  Other than that the problem of the deduction issue with my first paycheck was resolved quickly, and I should see the extra $500 on the next direct deposit.  Other than payroll in K2, IT and human resources there is not the best.  We still have not gotten our log on information for the NIPRS system and unknown as to when that will occur.

 

I have started working out at the local gyms and I do not feel at my best, probably a combination of altitude and travel.  Will work through it and keep walking with the flak vest on for aerobic conditioning along with the trainers they have at the gym.

 

Well guess what, just got off the phone with ITT technical support and got the log-on information for my laptop.  I will not log off of Goody’s until later this afternoon, maybe after lunch.  We shall see how that goes!

 

Saturday, August 20, 2005

 

I do not know where to start.  It has been a while, pretty busy The Exe.  Brian has left for Kabul and the management position there and I wish him luck.  Steve has returned and seems a little bummed.  Talking with Chris Brewer did not help, but seems to over it for now.  I like working with him and if he left I would have to re-think my position The Exe.  There would be no guarantee that I would get the manager slot and who would they bring in?  I do like the job, but really tired of the kids they have stuck us with.  Luis is lazy, really does not have the skills to do this job and I strongly believe that he is unethical.  Looking for jobs for the Uzbek girls he was dating/seeing while working at K2.  Having the power to give or take someone’s livelihood is a powerful thing and using it to find girlfriends is very wrong.  Now, Matt is supposedly an interrogator with the army but from I have seen he is nervous and unsure of himself during the interview.  Steve has mentioned that he is only an intelligence analyst not an interrogator as he has told us.  That I believe after sitting with him for the past three weeks.  I am tired with training people who should already have some skills and experience with this type of work.  One good point is that I probably will not be leaving The Exe since I am the most experienced.

 

I just talked with the kids; good talk but ran out of minutes.  I will send an e-mail reminding The Ex to ask Alana what she wants for The Ex birthday and I could either get it The Exe or wait until I get to Orlando. 

 

Well I guess I better talk about myself personal life!  It is a mess a usual, now the ex-wife wants to get back together and only because we have a history and time spent and the two kids.  I cannot go down that path again!  I had passion for The Ex and to some extent still do, but for my well being just being friends and loving The Ex as my children’s mother is enough. 

 

I have a crush or whatever a 48+-year-old man has towards a female.  Her name in Ziya and she works for the Army oversight office The Exe at the Badging office.  Just before The Ex trip home to Istanbul, she was talking with Steve stating how I aggravated The Ex.  I got upset and stopped talking to The Ex.  That lasted for the last couple of days prior to The Ex trip home.  But low and behold when she returns she talks with me and now I am The Ex trainer?  Well that lasted for a week until Major Beard, The Ex boss has joined our little workout group.  I cannot figure that one out; he seems to be a religious man but is there something there with Ziya?  She has broken up with a guy she was going to marry and maybe I should not be the one on the rebound.  I talked with The Ex and she did not say no to my advances- (all of which in the form of always being a gentleman).  But I am aggressive and do ask the question or as they say “go for it”.  I am upset today thinking about what I should do?  I am tired of being alone; I do have my mom and the kids but no one to share any intimacy with.  I guess I really miss that! 

 

Another point with Ziya, she has invited herself or me-still not sure to go on a trip with her to India.  Should I go, I really do not know?  When we talked yesterday afternoon I mentioned dating and getting to know The Ex and she was honest with The Ex answer.  She did not say no, but will wait until I get back from my trip to Orlando.  She must believe that I will re-marry The Ex and she wants to find out if that is true.  Ziya does remind me of The Ex in that she must make up The Ex mind.  Or in The Ex mind she makes the first move and does not respond well to an aggressive guy.  This will be easy for me; I will not mention anything about getting together with her, Ziya unless she makes talks about it first.  Maybe it should not go any further than working out with The Ex and Major Beard and I should leave it at that.  But damn I am lonely!  But with that being said, I should not go with anybody, they should be right for me and me for her.  I know I am not the best of guys, and have a lot of faults.  Maybe I should just wait until my kids get a little older, especially Alana.  I do not want to interject anyone new into their lives without discussing it with them. 

 

To address that maybe I will get the kids alone and talk with them.  Tell them how I feel; I just hope that is not selfish on my part.  I am there to visit them and not talk about how lonely I am.  I guess the best course of action is to keep it to myself.  Did have a little talk just now with Steve about the workout situation and he says that I should keep it to myself and that they will probably go there own way by the end of the week.  I hope he is right, I think working out by myself is good.  Blows off some steam, then a light meal, sit by the PX then watch a movie before bed.  I like routine and it will keep my mind off how lonely I am!

 

I also did some stupid things and joined a Columbian and Russian dating site.  Got some responses, but knowing that I am working in Afghanistan how can I start a relationship and sustain it while being The Exe?  That was an excellent question but to me by one of the Russian ladies I expressed interest in.  I did answer The Ex back and since then no response.  I also talked with one from Sofia, Bulgaria who asked that I should visit but the kids do come first.  And I did mention that I would like to visit The Ex in January and she stated that it was too far off.  I sent off an e-mail and since have not gotten any response along with a couple of others.  I do have the worst luck in regards to my personal life and when I do focus upon other things rather than looking for that special someone it does not rack my emotions, i.e., the lonely feelings or maybe better put this way-feeling sorry for myself. 

 

Boy oh Boy, I am feeling sorry for myself and low right now.  I interviewed two ladies from Kyrgyzstan who work for AAFES at the day spa.  I made them feel at ease and actually laugh.  How come I feel so pathetic, 48+ years old and thinking about them?  I know I have confidence in my abilities for work and other areas but emotionally I am crap!  I have to pull my self out of this funk.  Maybe working out this evening will do if for me?  I think it might be best if I do workout by my self, and Ziya and the Major stick together.  I hate feeling this way and I do need to move on with my emotions, I know I will not find it The Exe!  I must assess what I am looking for, is it right for me and whom ever that person is my kids will be first. 

 

So far the first part of today has been busy, which I do like and keeps my mind off the bravo sierra I have written about previously!  I do like the work and every day is different, Steve is great to work for.  He has even offered to give me time off.  But, why get any time off because I am feeling low.  That is not the way I should be, this is nothing and I should just grab my self and get over it!  Oh, I just interviewed the lady who does the cable/satellite Internet service for Afghanistan.  She is working with Goody on getting the cost down so we can install it in the hooch.  We are looking at about $5,000 US and about $800 to $900 per month for 1024kb download and 512kb upload.  Without the “Websense” blocking all the sites. 

 

Busy afternoon, Egyptians working for Contrack Int’l and some Indian nationals that are going to work for AMC/AECOM which are US Army commands staffed mainly by civilians The Exe on Bagram.  My state of mind is better, lunch helped and keeping busy also worked. 

 

What is it about this woman?  I am infatuated with The Ex!  I either have to break the spell or just move on and see what happens.  She is leaving The Exe in January and heading back to the US.  If I can hold on, then I should be ok.  She has stated that we will “date” or whatever that means The Exe in Bagram after I return from my leave.  Well let’s see what happens then and maybe just go with it.  I will remember to always be a gentleman and show and exude class at all times.  We will workout later this evening doing legs, which I actually enjoy doing!  Physically by the way, I am doing pretty well, strength up there and the weight I am pushing is going up. 

 

So it starts, she has negative energy and is not going to workout tonight.  You know maybe this is best for my psyche and long-term well-being.  But again why am I worried about it?  Boy, this has got to right itself, I cannot work like this.  I guess January will not come soon enough.  I will think about the positive and negatives of this or whatever the hell this is with Ziya.  Goddamn BOB—give it up, I can be so pathetic.  I should focus upon work, working out, and paying off bills and thinking about where I will go for vacation this coming January.  With that I will stop for now and take this up tomorrow.

 

Monday, August 22, 2005

 

What the hell am wrong with me am I falling hard for Ziya or what?  I cannot stop thinking about The Ex!  I think The Ex body is wonderful; looks great in a pair of pants, shorts are also wonderful to look at.  Oh heck why not just enjoys the ride and if it goes anywhere than so be it.  I will not fall; get upset, poopy face if nothing comes from this.   I wonder if the feelings are mutual.   She walks by my office and sneaks a look inside and sometimes signals are given.   She is not shy about putting The Ex head on my shoulder, touches while walking by and when talking and laughing about something or another.  For instance, she was very upset Saturday afternoon and left work early and did not work out with Major Beard and myself.  Ziya comes into work today seemingly in a better mood.  She makes conversation with me, I ask if she is doing better and she says I should have called.  I reply that I did not think it was appropriate but if ok with The Ex I will check on The Ex next time.  She said it was sweet and nice of me.  Well, that is the way I should be, class act and always the gentleman.  I have told The Ex how I feel about The Ex, not that I what I just wrote The Exe, but I like The Ex. 

 

On the workout front, doing ok, the weight I am pushing is getting higher.  Tonight will be chest and back.  I will look at doing 4 sets and maybe on the flat bench hit it with 2 45s on each side.  The incline I will stick with topping off with one 45 and one 25 on each side.  The back will have to increase with super-sets on the machine they have at the clamshell gym.  I should also add another chest exercise and back exercise to our routines. 

 

Busy afternoon, Steve just went to check to see if we are done for the day.  Steve and I are talking about his future boat and the trip planned from Panama to Tahiti.  This trip will come together around May of 2006, which I am looking forward to.  It should take us about 2-3 weeks to complete. 

 

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

 

This roller coaster of emotions has got to stop.  I am up and then down, and is it caused by my loneliness?  I would think so and maybe since she is right The Exe and working out with me.  With that I am thinking that she is interested?  I have told The Ex that I am interested in The Ex, she has not told me no!  Along with that she invited herself on a trip to India in January.  What is going in with The Ex and me?  Anything?  If there is something, is it something that I would want?  Oh I almost forgot she also wants me to buy The Ex makeup, obviously expensive stuff and bring it back with me.  Put those signals along with my feelings of being alone and that is a tough mix.  Funny thing it is not sexual I want an emotional tie.  Do not get me wrong, I miss the sex but if I could find an emotional tie someone who will love me and support me emotionally.  Damn I would crawl miles through a minefield for them.  Give them everything they could want, after my kids of course.  Damn I feel alone!  I will hit work again real hard today and work my legs hard and that will help. 

 

AMC a subcontractor for AECOM just had 50 Indian nationals come in last night.  They did not call us and brought 10 to be screened this morning.  Come to find out that some are not Urdu or Hindi speakers.  Steve had a little run in with the escorts; I did my best to calm the situation.  They are being hard heads and Steve has requested to see their boss who should stop by shortly.  Along with this last batch of 50 there is another group due in possibly next week.  This could be an issue since I will be leaving for R&R in two weeks.  Now, Ziya says she will do 10 in the morning and afternoon, but Steve and I but that idea to bed.  She will be burned out and ineffective after so many. 

 

Well she invited me over to talk while she smoked a cigarette.  I told The Ex how I feel and she is un-decided, or as she says, “fucked in the head”.  She is also thinking about leaving early, within the next month or so.  Maybe that would be best for my psyche and this might not be what I really want.  Could be my lonely feelings are getting the best of me.  Am I just settling for a pretty face and heck I do not know?  I am getting mixed feelings from The Ex.  Hell I told The Ex that I only buy cosmetics for my wife-if I have one, girlfriend, or daughter when she is old enough.  Ziya asks me which one is she, then quickly states that she will decide.  Maybe I do not need the drama; she has just broken up with a guy she was deeply in love with.  I probably will buy the damn cosmetics and hurt myself emotionally, but it would be my own fault.  She has been honest in telling me she is hurt emotionally, probably more than she is letting on.  I will and should back off for The Ex sake and yep I am being selfish, my emotional well being as well. 

 

Well Steve was copied on an e-mail from Ernie to Chris Brewer.  Chris Brewer’s management skills are lacking is an understatement.  This was regarding Tom Murphy who also agrees with Bryan’s and my assessment of his interview skills.  He is hard of hearing if not deaf and has trouble with the interview because of it.  But Chris is relating to Ernie that the supervisors should look at themselves first before such a decision.  We have and made that assessment and but forth a good effort to train him for the job.  Tom Murphy agrees that he is a liability to the section and wants to move.  At the moment it is a mute point since he left for R&R today and not returning for two weeks.  Steve is really not happy and it looks right now that he will leave in February.  Which his second year anniversary and probably not take leave until then.  Chris Brewer’s second year ends this coming October and I am hoping that he leaves at that time.  I would love to have Steve stay for a while, I like him and the working relationship is good. 

 

For the next two days I will be running the office since Steve will be in supervisor training.  I will do nothing different, just not a lot of walk ins and keep it simple for the group that I have.  We do have the AMC/AECOM personnel the next two days, with 5 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon.  Should not be an issue with Ziya and I already asked The Ex to help with any Dari speakers.  I will take the next couple of days off the gym for some needed R&R, but will watch the diet.  Kind of cheated last night with the ice cream, so I will make it up with a special leg workout tonight.

 

Thursday, August 25, 2005  

 

Off to the races, I am The Exe by my self with basically two new guys and Greg on leave.  I will not do any walk ins unless a lot of cancellations happen.  We did get a Dari speaker this morning from Worldwide Language Resources until Oref returns.  Oref should return on or about the 5^th of September.  Right now we are waiting for AMC/AECOM to come in with their 5 Indian nationals, hopefully they will be Urdu and/or Hindi speakers.  They are running almost 30 minutes late right now, but we cannot cancel them because they do live on base and we have to get them done as soon as possible. 

 

Completed the day without incident, Goody though is having trouble with his blood pressure and the medics held him for observation.  He came back into work, and I am trying to get him to go home.  But just like me I guess what the hell would you do in the hooch?  Not a busy day by our standards, but I did my usual numbers about 14 afghans and 7 Indian nationals from AECOM.  I worked with Ziya for most of the Indian nationals and that went well.  She did work Luis for one of the Indians and The Ex observations of his interview skills fall into line with mine, Bryan’s, and Steve’s.  Probably the biggest issue with Luis and Matt is the experience.  I think experience in life along with interview skills is paramount for being an effective screener. 

 

Friday, August 26, 2005

 

It seems to be a light day with Zafer canceling their appointment and a couple of others.  After all it is Friday and some of the scheduled ones might not show also.  We do have the Indian nationals this morning at 8 am and another sub contractor to AECOM this afternoon fitting 5 local nationals into that slot.  We will try to accommodate them as they only have 15 total.  They are scheduled for this afternoon, Saturday morning, and Monday morning.  That will finish them up, but it is unknown as to how many and when the rest of the Indian nationals will arrive.  They were supposed to have 39 shows up the other day and only 9 arrived.  A little conflict was avoided Thursday with a schedule for them of 5 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon until there situation is cleared. 

 

Finished with the morning appointments, the 5 Indian nationals and a5 mine tech employees.  All were prior military in Zimbabwe and now doing work de-mining Afghanistan.  Pretty easy interviews, not a threat to us at all.  Oh, had another one of those interview skill talks with Matt, same stuff mentioned last night as we have been saying for the past 3+ weeks.  But if Luis is moved on then we could push Matt along without the influence that Luis brings. 

 

Boy oh boy, Stella has got to stay in The Exe area of responsibility.  I almost got into a confrontation with Major Beard when she is just going outside of The Ex area.  And how many times have we told The Ex about it. 

 

Goody is not doing well at all, he took the nitro glycerin tablets and those are giving him a blinding headache.  I sent him home; Matt is doing well at the Biometric stuff and has done a couple of interviews.  Luis is being Luis and lazy is the only word I can put for him.  Not a busy day given the circumstances, we actually sneaked in four Turkish workers for Zafer construction. 

 

Saturday, August 27, 2005

 

Steve is back from his two day’s of management training and we are busy today.  All KBR new hires, I do about 10-11 guys this morning and it makes the day fly by.  Felt some interesting things on the way to work, thus hitting the interviews hard to not think about them.  The feelings for Ziya are hard to explain and I think about The Ex a lot right now.  And yes the signals from The Ex are mixed, during interviews with the Indians we throws out that we are going to India together while talking with the interviewee.  This comes up when asking where they are from.  Maybe when I go on leave she might get fed up with this place and leave early.  Without starting anything with Ziya I should not think about The Ex anymore since she will not be around.  While she was gone for most of July, I do not think I thought about The Ex at all!  A child like infatuation, yes, could it be more, maybe?  Only about 11 days until I go on R&R, so I will enjoy the kids, handle issues with The Ex, and try to have a good time.  Mostly just relax and hopefully not get fat!  I will make a point of hitting the gym while there, and maybe a little extra hard.  What happens when I get back The Exe will happen regardless.  It is funny in a way, maybe if Ziya left that would be best for me?  I do not need the drama I think would accompany The Ex and a relationship.

 

The total for interviews today was 49 with me doing 21 and Steve about 18 maybe 19, which leaves around 9 for Luis and Matt.  Matt at least worked on the Bio data and got the guys enrolled.  We had a guy The Exe from Salerno waiting to go on R&R and boy was he hit with the work.  We probably did more today then they do in a whole week there.   Steve was wondering if he will even show up tomorrow after this day. 

 

Stella’s husband showed up at the office, he is coming down to work The Exe from Kabul.  And also Stella and he will depart for leave on the Wednesday for a couple of weeks. 

 

On the “I have no idea will this will lead to” front!  I am minding my own business in the hall waiting for the guys to bio the KBR new hires.  And Ziya calls me over, and Christ she wants me to massage The Ex neck!  Which I do and actually make The Ex feel better, seems she had a slight muscle ache and I helped alleviate it.  Dear God, why not ask Steve, the Major, Goody, or anyone else.  Why me and in front of the major and everyone else!  I do need a vacation and if it gets real bad The Exe, she will leave and I should get over it.  Just like I wrote earlier, i.e., similar to July when she was gone.  I do not think I thought about The Ex at all until someone mentioned she should be returning soon.  I will hit the gym hard today and maybe I should not eat with them tonight? 

 

Sunday, August 28, 2005

 

Got to sleep in a little since it is the all hands meeting with KBR but Steve cut me loose to open the office.  Nothing new to put out there as Steve later informed me.  Looks like a typical day for the number of interviews scheduled.  Ziya and the Major are both out today, interesting to see if either shows up for the workout later.  The Major has said he might not make it, because he is going off post and might not return in time.  Ziya has the day off and seems like these days she will not come to the gym.  After the workout she did not eat dinner with us and I really should not read anything into that at all!

 

Slow day today, mostly day laborers and KBR staff.  AECOM brought by there locals this morning and all in all not a bad day.  You know it really is better not having The Ex The Exe, huge distraction for me.  I just do not know how I feel about The Ex and what do I want.  Do I want to have a relationship or is it just that I am very lonely?  I believe the big test for that is the trip home.  What will be The Ex reaction when I return?  What will I want when I return?  Heck, I should have fun with it and really work on the day-by-day attitude. 

 

Monday, August 29, 2005

 

Ziya and I are just, Christ how do I put it?  I do not think anything will go beyond what relationship we have at the office and working out.  She is looking for something I will not give to The Ex.  My kids will get most if not all my money and I do not need the drama and mental anguish that she will bring to the table.  She and I had a talk outside and she is really all about herself, which is fine.  She also mentioned how she is looking better and I told The Ex that she should make someone very happy.  Sexy, great figure, now the other stuff that is on him to find out, but I do not think any type of relationship with Ziya and I will ever evolve. 

 

Points taken and should be considered as to not moving forward with The Ex:  She is Muslim, Liberal viewpoints towards US politics, the same up and down personality that The Ex has.  I am too old to deal with it effectively and should not have to.  I will be nice, always a gentlemen regardless of any innuendos she might throw in my direction.  I will not ask for The Ex shopping list, if given, I will buy the stuff for The Ex.  I will also ask for money to purchase these items.  I do not expect any, and on second thought just buy the stuff and be done with it.  I think The Ex relationship with the British guy is still on and I am just a fall back.  Damn, I am not that bad looking and have a great personality and for 48 years old in pretty good shape.  I think some women would be lucky for my attention, now do not get me wrong I am certainly not god’s gift to women, but I have a lot to give.  That stuff I wrote in my profile in both the Colombian and Russian sites is true.  I am looking for someone to spoil and give all that I have emotionally. 

 

I really have to get over this child like behavior with this woman.  She is into some sort of game and I do not have the personality to play it.  I really hope she does not show tonight to the gym, even Major Beard not showing would be a good thing.  I really need to be alone, and the work out will get most of these horrible emotions out of me.  Christ getting a massage from Luis, someone she supposedly does not like.  I really do not have the personality or temperament for this. 

 

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

 

Well all showed up last night for the leg workout.  I started earlier and hit it pretty hard, with the effects being a little sore around the knees.  Also ran into the CID guys and they should stop by this morning and they are bring along there counterpart from the FBI.  They are picking up the BATS data on an “Abdullah” for some case they are working on.  Nice guys and a good contact for the future, and since we gave them this information we will look like a good source for them. 

 

Back to the workout, Ziya was moaning and groaning but this time I pushed The Ex and she finished the whole workout and even ate dinner with Major Beard and myself.  Interesting though, she did tell Steve what an ass-hole the Major was.  Boy, Steve will have to stay away that minefield.  And everyone The Exe thinks that the Major and Ziya have had or are having something between them.  It could be only in the Major’s mind, but Ziya does not seem to mind.  That could be the best for me given what I was feeling yesterday and how I should be handling this situation.  Even though the situation is only in my mind!  I do have to go on R&R and not think about The Ex and see what happens when I return.  Probably nothing and I should be careful about The Ex using me off the Major and maybe vice versa.  I will not play that game and I must keep a good working relationship with the Major. 

 

Well I did do something stupid and talked with Ziya about India.  And she said, “Patience, good things come to those who wait”.  I say to that is bull Shiite, I am tired of this and he playing off the Major or whoever is the guy close at hand.  I do not deserve it.  If she is not interested just say so!  I must tread carefully; I would like to severe the workout and just have them stick together.  I will be better off alone during this time and that would help blow off some steam.  I could hang in there until my R&R starts and figure that when I return they will work out together.  I know what I am feeling about The Ex and should get it out of my system when I leave.  Also a couple weeks away she will probably find someone else and this would all be moot.  But, will I be dumb if she pursues me?  I do not think that is going to happen, I really believe that she will keep the status quo.  That will be unacceptable and would just be like telling me she is not interested.  What is going on right now is what drives me nuts; I guess I am a black and white type of personality. 

 

Tough afternoon partly due to the fact that it was not very busy and I had too much time to think. 

 

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

 

Got an interesting e-mail from the ex-wife regarding finances and what she wants to do with herself and kids?  I feel that Chicago is the best for them, a mid-western up bring good schools and surrounded by motivated kids.  I do want them to be pushed by me but most important by there peers to succeed, want to be doctors, lawyers, or some other profession, not just boarders, or video gamers!  Sure I will sell the house, maybe even buy them a condo in the city.  They could get a nice three-bedroom downtown or near north side, even sub-let a condo for now.  What ever I clear from the house I would pay off the dog and credit card.  Probably the best time to do this if this is what she would do is the summer, after this school year.  We will see after I visit next week.

 

Not really a busy morning had the 5 Indian nationals from AECOM and I interviewed three of them with Ziya.  I did do a professional job and got interesting looks from The Ex.  She and others later on this morning gave me a hard time regarding Viagra, Ziya even called over to the administrative guy from Salerno to talk “Shiite” about me.  Again what is the deal and how am I to deal with it. 

 

Thursday, September 01, 2005

 

Did not work out last night, Steve was a little under the weather and I did not feel my best.  A little headache right now but I think I want to hit the weights this evening.  On top of Steve’s stomachache, the Major invited Ziya to a cookout with the UAE troops.  Ziya invited me and I am not too sure that the Major really wanted me along?  She did call me asking where I was and I declined the invitation.   She also called later in the evening checking on Steve.  My question is does she not have Steve’s phone number?  I think she does!  Then why is she calling me?  This goes back to my mental state and whatever this is between Ziya and my self.  I am not very good at playing these games, a little too black and white on some issues.  If she feels that a relationship with me is not in cards then so be it.  I will handle my self with dignity and professionalism while she remains The Exe at Bagram.  If patience is the key then why does she not call me and we can talk candidly about it.  Could be that she is not over the British guy who she planned on marrying?  Then tell me! 

 

I will try and work out today and watch what I eat for the rest of this week.  I am leaving this coming Wednesday or Thursday and I do not want to pack on extra weight.  Debating about taking Friday off if I start today, maybe I will bust through working out everyday until Tuesday. 

 

I guess the question of the purchase of those cosmetics is answered.  Tony Blackmon took the list from Ziya and will have them purchased by the flight attendants on the KBR shuttle.  I was jealous, and probably that was the intent of Ziya.  I will let it go and see what happens after my leave.  It should be that I am lonely and miss the company of a female.  I don’t mean it the physical sense, just someone from the opposite sex to talk to.  I do not think I would get that from Ziya and thus the writings The Exe stating that maybe anything more would not be best for me.  Go for the first female that calls me darling or sweetheart.  Funny though, she has not used those terms towards me!  Bob or Bobby is the way she addresses a more professional relationship, and I, which is best for the office.  Goody wants to invite The Ex to the office after hours to watch a movie and an excuse to talk.  I would love to just talk with The Ex alone and see what if anything could develop.  Even if just friends, at my current situation being friends with The Ex would do the office and us good.  Goody and Steve both say the same thing; the Major’s relationship with Ziya is puzzling.  He must be involved in everything she does.  I honestly think that Ziya and the Major did not have a relationship and that goes to the Major’s religious beliefs.  I know he could be a hypocrite but I am not sure.  Maybe he is not sure too.  Does he do that to protect The Ex?  On the Ziya note again, Lily the administrative assistant from our Kabul office is The Exe for a couple of days helping out.  She goes on leave in a few days.  She and some others have talked with people who knew Ziya from The Ex days in Guantanamo Bay and she has a reputation.  Do I take that with a grain of salt?  She did, using The Ex words chase down The Ex fiancé’ that is the British guy I talked about previously.  And she and I have had a long talk about The Ex and him.  Heck she even started to cry professing The Ex love for him.  I gave The Ex the advice that she should continue to pursue him and tell him how she feels.  But, when she got back from vacation it was over and that is when I told The Ex how I feel.  Maybe in retrospect that was a mistake?  Sometimes I could be so pathetic!  I should listen to others and how they feel about The Ex, both male and female. 

 

So ok, it is not The Ex feelings of loneliness will not alleviate.  A funny thought just went through my mind, “get a hobby”.  Heck that is what I did, working out and she invited herself and so did the Major! 

 

The writing The Exe has helped out immensely and the feelings expressed are genuine.  But what do I want?  Do I want a relationship?  Should I get involved emotionally with anyone?  Heck, would anyone want to get involved with me?  How come I feel it would not be the right thing to do?  Would my kids object?  Now I would not allow any relationship to interfere with my kids and I hope that special someone would understand that.  If not then I would move on.  How would I define a relationship?  Is it just friends with some intimacy?  Or a deeper one with the move towards a permanent relationship or heck call it for what it is marriage?  I should not worry about it and take it day by day, go on R&R and see what happens when I return. 

 

Friday, September 02, 2005

 

Workout was ok last night, kind of sluggish even Ziya was complaining.  The Major did not show and Ziya, who does not let some feelings out in front of me like she does others, was not that upset about that.  She stated that he would interrupt our timing and pace of the workout.  We also ate dinner together and that was pleasant as I was the gentleman.  She also wanted to take a short walk before retiring for the evening.  She is very unsure what to do, thus for my own sake, I will be the gentleman at all times!  Because if it is not to be than we will depart friends and the working relationship will be fine.  That is including the Major!  I will complement The Ex on The Ex looks and outfits.  I probably will work with The Ex today doing the last batch of the AECOM guys.

 

Since I am pathetic for lack of a better word when it comes to relationships, go the way of the gentleman.  Compliment; treat like a lady, and never fall into using or acknowledging innuendos that are put forth The Ex.  Even from Ziya herself!  My psychological well being will be better of and I will be able to maintain my dignity and as stated earlier the professional working relationship with the military over sight office. 

 

I will start clearing on Sunday and that should not take a long time.  I have been thinking about getting another allotment set up to my FAA account.  Only about $150.00 along with the monthly funds that my mom forwards, but nervous that they will cancel the other one and replace it with the new one.  No way to find out other than just getting it started.  I better do that when I get my clearance paperwork and R&R advance.  I think I will take out $750.00, using the cash for the hotel, incidentals, Lanibelle’s gift, and other outlays.  I do need to get the credit card down and the dog paid off! 

 

The two children who work The Exe are not in a good mood.  Matt wanted a man-to-man talk yesterday, which he got, and I told him some things about Luis and his habits.  I asked him if he could keep them in this room and not tell Luis.  But low and behold he told him!  Kids, just kids, one is 28 going 15 and the other is just a ghetto gangster who has not left that behind.   Steve did get him to remove the pictures of his interviewees or conquests from his office.  But today they have little attitudes and we will see how the day proceeds.  I already interviewed two AAFES personnel from Kyrgyzstan and they were nowhere to be found.  But no worries, I like being busy which will make the day move fast and thus quicker to my R&R.  All in all a busy morning, Steve was getting Lily’s security clearance paperwork completed and I did the AECOM guys with Ziya.  That went well; as I stated earlier I will be professional, mention nothing about travels with The Ex and/or relationship.  It is working on my psyche well and alleviates the ups and downs about The Ex that I have.   Yes, I already mentioned that it is childish and probably bore out loneliness. 

 

Went to lunch at the North DFAC and Ziya accompanied us.  She might even come to steak night with us after the gym, which would be nice.  This afternoon five more Indian nationals for screening and Steve will do those with Ziya.  He feels that he has not accomplished a lot since he was busy with Lily and The Ex clearance paperwork.  Almost forgot, Goody has his final clearance which is very good news. 

 

Saturday, September 03, 2005

 

I did the right thing yesterday afternoon and had a talk with Ziya.  She was great about it and the most important subject was my advances toward The Ex.   She is still dare I say in LOVE with the guy she was engaged to.  That puts a whole new light on the subject.  Funny, she says maybe not this deployment we can meet somewhere in the world, which is like saying we can be friends!  She still works out with me and just like nothing happens or will.  That now is what I need to find out or better figure out.  I now know that this R&R will be better for me in the psyche department.  Well The Exe it goes, I will move on!

 

Got another transient from Salerno and they dumped him on us.  Steve will put him to work today and hopefully he will hit the road soon.  I introduced myself and he copped a real attitude.  I will give him a break but just one.  The administrative guy is nice but could get on your nerves and he is starting to get on mine.  These other offices are just too laid back and feel that the threat is not real! 

 

On the R&R front, I will start clearing tomorrow and hopefully get out on Wednesday’s flight if not no worries because I will still have a day in Dubai by leaving on Thursday.   I do hope that the Sheraton has a room if I do get out a day early.  And yes, there is no itinerary as of last night! 

 

Good news is that both guys from Salerno did not show up today.  One was sick and the other, who knows and who cares!  Not too bad of a morning, AMC/AECOM was first thing and some locals, but the kicker was AAFES and the Indian nationals.  Who by the way have already been in country for over one month?  And who are carrying cell phones and complete access to the base.  Is to the point of why bother with the interview, just give them a badge when they get off the plane! 

 

Typical afternoon, Contrack International and AMC/AECOM brought in the usual personnel for screening with Steve handling the Indian nationals.  Until the next to last one, who upset Steve and whom Steve should have failed on the spot?  So I did the last one with Ziya and she played a little with me.  Also she says she wants to go to India to look for a husband from the Indian Army because they are supposedly handsome, tall, and young.  I said, “So I take you to India so you can find a husband?”  She says yes!  Great, just what I need!  Like I wrote earlier, just forget it and move on.  She is still in love with The Ex ex-fiancé and that I do not need.  Rebound relationship is too hard and heck why should I settle for someone who does not tell me straight out that she is not interested.  I deserve better and should not let loneliness force a hand I should not play.  Go on this trip, be a fun dad for the kids and enjoy all my time with them.  Heck, spoil them a little!  I do love them a lot.  I should talk with them about how they would feel if dad got into another serious relationship and it not the Ex.  I will not force that talk just see if that subject even comes up.  Lanibelle is too young to accept that right now.  I should wait.

 

Sunday, September 04, 2005

 

I just read an e-mail from Crosby, and his mother died a little while back and business is very slow.  I look forward to talking with him and Dave when I return.   With that news I really need to save money and look at the trading and real estate options for cash flow and asset accumulation.

 

Hit legs really hard yesterday evening and both of them showed up and on time.  Ziya called me a bastard because of my pushing The Ex through the workout.  But she understands that the results are coming and she is doing well.  I wonder if both of them will continue while I am gone on leave.  I look to me return for this supposed relationship Ziya and I have.  Again why do I talk about it?  Well last night just before doing our abdominal workout, I am looking for a mat to use and the Major and Ziya already have large blue ones.  Low and behold Ziya calls me over using the “bobby” phase to share the mat with The Ex!  I just have to shake my head at this.  She is torn on what to do, Luis with the massages, giving Tony the list of cosmetics to buy for her, and other things.  But let me just be a gentleman and professional in my dealings and she pulls out the “bobby” card and I have to be near The Ex!  My guess is she will have moved on by the time of my return emotionally and physically.  Also, she will leave in January never to cross paths again.  No matter what she says about “not this deployment but I will be somewhere in this world”, implying that I will search her out.  No I will not!  I am a not too bad looking man, in shape for almost 49 years old and successful.  I do deserve someone who will take me for what I am.  Be my friend, lover, and confidant.  As the one magazine I was looking at yesterday, one of the models said that she will not settle for just anyone!  Good advice! 

 

Except for payroll I am cleared and have all my items either signed for or turned in.  I also cleared finance and took an $800.00 travel advance.  Payroll will not be cleared until the day I fly prior to the shuttle to Dubai.  I will clear payroll Wednesday afternoon, Steve will sign the payroll time card and I will drop that off at 1800 hours Wednesday.  My flight is probably Thursday morning with a meeting at the travel office at 0330 hours.  But, still no itinerary as of this morning. 

 

Monday, September 05, 2005

 

Worked out last night, and yes I was sluggish given that no day off was taken.  But both the Major and Ziya showed up.  Ziya even stated that she pushed herself to show she can do it and did a good job pushing her through the workout. 

 

I cleared all the stations except the payroll, which I will do on the 8^th in the afternoon prior to the meeting and so Steve can sign it.  During dinner last night with the Major and Ziya the Major got a call from the Zafer POC that he needed assistance getting in the front gate.  He has three new hires, all of them are Turkish citizens and we will have to push them through before I go.  Ziya has no trouble with the translation duties; heck all she does is play solitaire anyways!  We should ask The Ex to help with Dari translations also when we get busy.  Oh, speaking of getting busy, someone cannot read the schedule and puts more than the 15 morning and afternoon appointments down.  As if by magic, and no one admits to writing in those appointments! 

 

Really slow morning; AMC/AECOM cancelled their appointment for this morning.  Zafer Construction did not show with their 3 Turkish nationals, trouble with their passports and visa, they will try to come in this afternoon for the scheduled appointment with three locals.  They will substitute the three Turkish nationals for the locals if they make it through the front gate. 

 

Damn it Bob!  Will you get over it!  Yep I see her talking with others and jokes with them I just do not know what she wants.  Tells me to “move my ass” yes joking when she says it but only to me does she use that type of humor.  There is nothing from her towards me; she has love for the other guy whom she was engaged to.  But damn if she will show up for her workouts, I guess those are for her.  Thus she will come because it is about her and hell that is what she is all about.  Push come to shove, tough times I am on my own! Of course my mom helped me immensely and got me back on my feet.  But, if I do not go out there and get the job done no one will do it for me.  This is not a wow is me talk, but reality.  No one lends me a hand; no one puts out the extra effort to help me.  I must and usually do it my self.   I do not need to put myself through this again!  Go on leave, enjoy the day in Dubai, shop for Lanibelle and have some adult fun.  Let whatever happens when I get back happen, probably nothing then it will be the holidays.  January will roll around and she will rotate out and I will never see The Ex again.  Now that is not being negative, during July when she was gone I never thought about The Ex.  My psyche was good, I worked out hard and worked hard at work and those times flew by.  Keep positive and let each day occur and do what I do best. 

 

Ok I did an interview with Ziya this afternoon.  Now why in god’s name does she have to keep telling me that Indian Army soldiers are all tall and good-looking?  Why in the hell should I care?  Why should she care that I know?  I am really tired of this stuff and after my R&R I will work out with Goody at the North side gym.  He says it is not very busy in the evening and I really need someone like Goody to push me to hit the weights in the shoulder and chest areas of my body. 

 

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

 

Hit the gym last night and gave them both a quick run through.  I hit The Ex pretty hard, I know sounds like jealousy, childish love sick behavior, and just cranky.  But, I have no idea what the hell is going on anymore!  She is hitting up Tony Blackmon pretty hard for a job and other things, some officers at the gym last night giving me a hard time with them and Oh heck with it.  

 

Now it seems I am in for a hard time with my mom and The Ex.  The Ex wants to leave while my mom is there and that is fine with me.  I will send The Ex anywhere so I do not have to put up with any shit from her and then from my mom.  I did call Lanibelle for her birthday and she is out with The Ex’s relatives at Disney and probably having a great time.  I will call tomorrow morning my time, should be nighttime there and still be her birthday.  Looks like I need to pick up a frog, because that is what she is into right now.  I will head to the gold souk and try and get a gold frog on a gold necklace chain for The Ex birthday. 

 

Back to my emotional mess!  Hit legs tonight with them and then off until I return.  I dropped hints about her finding another workout partner to no avail.  She states that I am somewhat “famous” The Ex since I am the trainer/workout partner for Ziya.  What the heck do I say to that?  Ziya even is talking on what she will do while I am gone to stay the course, man oh man can I get a break.  Would she just move on and leave me alone?  She is in love with that British loser and looking for a sugar daddy to take care of The Ex.  What the hell do I have that she wants?  Is that she thinks I am rich?  I really tried last night to be a hard ass, getting The Ex to call me a “bitch”, but that did not last.  I told The Ex how well she did and she took the workout well.  I did tell The Ex that I bet Wali that she would not say good night to me while waiting for the bus.  What did she do, grab my arm with both of hers, hug it and put her head on my shoulder, and yes it was in front of Major Beard.  Now I did nothing to respond to the touching I let The Ex touch me and release when she was ready.  The hold was for a while and again why does she want to workout with me, why does she actually show some affection, not the stuff she does to others, her actions towards me are a little longer and how can I say this?  I think it could be best said of a woman letting a man hold The Ex in a way that shows he will protect The Ex.  I have to keep telling my self that what she does and how she does it means nothing.  Her emotions towards me are unknown, she knows how I feel and as I told you earlier she has love and other strong feelings for her fiancé’.  I will go with the flow on this; it will be over in January with The Ex moving on to some other job somewhere else.  I left the ball in The Ex court with our talk and it is up to The Ex to follow through if she wants.  Also, it could be that this is something that I do not want?  Relax is what I should do, workout tonight, have dinner with them and get ready for my R&R.  Heck it might be fun to see how she reacts when I return! 

 

Low and behold Ziya makes a beeline to my office to get Day Spa free pass and gives me a shopping list for The Ex when I am on R&R.  Actually not that expense some Georgio Armani cosmetics creams, facial foundation, and facial tonic.  The cost will not be as high as I once thought but in the range of $200.00 dollars.  She did offer to pay me up front, but I will just get the money when I return.  I hope I am handling this the right way?  She talks and just lays her hand on my leg and keeps it they’re looking at me then laughing?  I just look at The Ex when she talks. 

 

Low and behold I go to pick up the truck for the office, stop in the travel office and they have my itinerary!  I fly Delta all the way except for the leg to and from Dubai to Paris, which is on Air France.  But all the miles, about 15,000 will count towards my Delta Sky Miles account.  I already picked my seat for the Paris to JFK to Orlando legs to and from the Delta Air Lines site, but was unable to pick up the seats on the Air France legs.  When I check in for the 0105 hours departure on Saturday the 10^th I will get to the airport early and get an aisle or exit row seat.  Maybe see if I can upgrade one of my legs?  I most certainly will try to get into the Crown Room or business class lounge for the 6-hour layover I have at Charles DeGaulle airport.   

 

Not too bad of an afternoon, busy enough to make the day go by.  After I leave The Ex will head to the gym for legs and the last of the workouts until my return later this month.  I will work out in the states and somewhat heavy as a matter of fact.  The strength is there and feeling pretty strong even without a day off.  I had mentioned to Ziya about the north gym and she is agreeable to try it out when I return.  I would also like Goody to hit it with us to push me in the amount of weight I push out, in particular the chest and upper body exercises. 

 

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

 

Major Beard again brought up the issue of us using Ziya for interpreting.  This I do not understand?  Steve used The Ex once the other day for Farsi and the Major mentioned it to me to talk with Steve, which I did.  Yesterday we did not use The Ex at all even though we had Pakistani workers for Afghan wireless!  I think it might be from The Ex through the Major or some sort of power trip by him.  Steve wants to talk with Ziya today to see if we are over using her.  The interesting point to this whole mess is that she does not do anything!  She plays solitaire on The Ex laptop all day.  The issue I brought up with the CI guys using our interpreters was kind of shot down by the Major.  Who stated that they have access to Ziya first, which is false because they always come to us for interpreters?  Steve and I always thought Ziya has trouble with the CI guys and she would rather work with us.  That military side has too many issues and is becoming a hindrance to us performing our mission.  They have trouble just signing the forms for issuance of the badges and are making deals behind our backs, which we assist with but nothing comes from them to assist us.  That is going to stop today!  Any third country nationals coming for interviews, unless they speak Farsi or Pashto will not be helped!  Zafer construction with all the Turkish workers will have to find locals instead.  Oh yes the Major makes no mention of us using Dino for Contrack International and all the Egyptians they hire!  If Ziya is behind this I am through with The Ex!  No more kidding, any thought of a relationship, and hell will freeze over before I buy those cosmetics! 

 

Steve had the talk with Ziya regarding the situation of using The Ex for interpreter duties.  Steve’s door is still shut so I will wait until he comes out and find out the results of his talk.  Because our relationship with the military and Ziya will change dramatically given how that talk transpired. 

 

It seems that all this is coming from the Major because Ziya would have come directly to Steve and I if she had a problem.  The motivation behind this from the Major is interesting and unknown.  What is he trying to accomplish?  What about the good working relationship between KBR and his office?  I cannot wait to get back and find out what has transpired and how the office looks when I return.  I will stick to the plan of working out in the north gym with Goody and if the Major and Ziya want to continue it will be up to them.  I have a meeting at 1800 hours local for the flight tomorrow then dinner with the guys and pack for the trip.  All of which should not take long.  I must remember to re-set my alarm on the phone for the time needed to show up at travel tomorrow morning. 

 

Sunday, September 11, 2005

 

On the plane to Orlando, seems like carrying my luggage was not too bad.  I jumped on an earlier flight out of Charles DeGaulle airport in Paris to JFK and the flight from JFK to Orlando is almost empty.  But with my cell phone down I could not get a hold of the kids to pick me up early.  I will try when I get to Orlando.  The adventure began with the meeting on Thursday night and continued Friday morning.  The charter left Bagram around 1:30pm arriving in Dubai around 3:30pm.  We finally got to the Millennium hotel around 15 minutes to 5 and wasted about one hour until travel there got us our tickets.  I then rushed over to the City Center Mall to shop for Lanibelle, got The Ex a card, gold frog earrings, and gold necklace and twin dolphins charm.  I hope she likes it?  I do miss having the opportunity to have a little fun in Dubai but for the short time they’re James from the HVAC department and I had a few drinks and talked.  I liked it and I look forward to maybe traveling to India with him in January.  Speaking of January, guess who called me later Thursday evening?  Ziya telling me she was sorry for not saying good-bye, but she covered it up with reminding me to get those cosmetics for The Ex.  I told The Ex we would work out payment when I got back, she understood and kind of blew it off.  She is undecided how she wants to pursue me and I will just let it flow whichever way it flows. 

 

The flight from Dubai was ok, sleeps very little and arrived in Paris a little early.  And as I stated earlier I jumped on the 10:15 am departure to JFK.  Met a guy who works for NASA and travels to France extensively and had a good time talking with him in between our trying to get a little sleep.  Got to JFK early too, and cleared passport control and customs easily, even though I was randomly selected for further screening by customs.  Talked with the customs agent and got through that painlessly. 

 

I will make a conscious effort to relax and enjoy the kids and not let my mother and The Ex get to me.  It will be only for two weeks and then I will not see them for a minimum of six months given my plans to travel to India in January and possibly Eastern Europe the following May.  I think the plan will be to travel to the kids every September unless I move them overseas.  That I guess will be some of the discussion while I am with the kids.  I would prefer them to move to Chicago with the ease of travel to O’Hare and obviously the better schools for the kids. 

 

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

 

Just got into Bagram yesterday morning and slept away the day.  Given a meeting at 2300hours in Dubai and 0200hours flight The Exe, I was up for over 24 hours.  That kind of wrecked the sleep for last night but I should be ok after this evening.

 

The trip was good, considering reconciliation with The Ex; hell bought a used Hummer H2 for about 35,000 dollars.  I am kind of worried about it, but will re-finance the house and pull some cash out for that bill along with my credit card, The Ex’s back child support, the dog and enough left over for other opportunities and cash reserves. 

 

I had fun with the kids, they are good but giving The Ex trouble and I have to be the bad guy.  Not to worry, I think they just want me to be around which I do not blame them, as I would like to be there too.  But this job will afford opportunities otherwise unavailable to them or me.  I would consider moving them to Dubai for one year possibly more if this thing with The Ex moves forward.  I will see how she does on some issues and then make the final commitment.  I have nothing to lose The Exe, she has to prove to me, and Christ Rob keeps showing up, that along with the other ex-husbands I refuse at this point in my life to compromise.  If I am alone for the rest of my life so be it.  I will put everything into providing for the kids.

 

Now the Ziya thing, she made such a point of telling me that she is working out and hard while I was gone.  Hell she even showed me The Ex stomach!  In the hallway of the office she asked me about my kids and then my ex-wife, I replied that she is still my ex-wife and left it at that.  Soon afterwards I left for the day and got a haircut and then went to bed.  I did crawl out of bed at 4:30pm and went to the PX and took a walk up to the North DFAC for dinner.  Stayed up until about 10pm talking with the guys and Steve about the goings on of the office while I was gone.  We got a new guy instead of the women who works at the North DFAC, which was disturbing.  Oh, it seems that Steve will be going on leave the end of October for a couple of weeks and by his talking he will probably be hanging around for a while.  That is good, I could use the promotion but just doing the job is fine for right now.  It is hard to find a job paying about $10k per month either here or in the states.  I would consider moving back to Iraq for a security coordinator position or something paying about the same amount but more would be better. 

 

I am asking my self what I am going to do.  Reconcile with The Ex because of our history? Or move on, possibly Ziya?  That is up to her as it is with The Ex; The Ex must prove some things to me, like responsibility, getting a job, sending stuff when I ask accomplishing tasks that are given to her.  Ziya will have to make up The Ex mind; she must still be in love with the British guy she met in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, if so god love The Ex.  I almost forgot to write this, and I am proud of myself for it, I did give The Ex the bill for the cosmetics I bought and she did pay for most of it, still owing me about $60.00.  Let’s see how the next couple of months go.  She still wants to work out with me, and it seems that the Major has slacked off.  Which I attribute to that I was not there thus he did not need to be there.  As to the workouts, I think I will go to a 5-day cycle with each major body part on one day with a two-day rest cycle.  This will go from Saturday through Wednesday with Thursday and Friday’s being our rest days. 

 

This whole issue with Ziya will possibly impact my R&R plans for January.  I will not go to Thailand for what that offers, I want to see things that I might not ever have the chance to see.  India is a strong possibly and that I have to thank Ziya who invited The Ex self with me, if I pay.  Which I will do if things look like moving forward of which I think our first workout together should tell the tale.  Also, I am very curious if the Major will re-start his workouts since I am back.  Am I competition?  Did they or are they having something going on between them?  I do believe that she is still in love with The Ex old fiancé and she is not sure what to do.  She makes a point of looking into my office when I am there, lets out comments like the one yesterday about my ex-wife and does not kid out loud about that subject with me.  That subject being sexual in nature, she will do this with others but not with me.  I do something for The Ex and she is scared and confused about what to do.  If she does nothing by the time I leave for my next R&R, which coincides with The Exe contract end, then that will end that subject once and for all.  I will not search out the world for The Ex, if she is interested then tell me and we can work it out.  A trip together will certainly see if we are compatible. 

 

Thursday, September 29, 2005

 

Boy oh boy still tired and probably need to get back to the gym.  Woke up at 3:20am and tossed and turned for the hour until my alarm went off.  But I want to start the new 5-day cycle with each major body part on a separate day.  Such as chest day 1, back day 2, etc…I will do this workout for about six weeks then cycle in another maybe the old one or something new.  I do want to integrate some more aerobics into the sets for fat loss. 

 

The Ex is up to the usual bravo sierra, worrying about what I am doing in Dubai.  All the time she got re-married, Rob still stopping by and all the stuff with her with the other ex in California.  I do not need this shit and maybe I should be by myself for the kid’s sake and not bother with all the emotional crap of a relationship.  Such as this Ziya stuff, where in the hell is her head and what is she going to do?  I do not need it nor want it.  The Ziya issue will resolve itself in January when The Ex contract is over.  She will move on and I will not want nor care where she goes.  The ball is in The Ex court if she wants to pursue a relationship she will make the next move. 

 

Got done with scanning the Florida driver’s license for Sheldon to get the re-financing for the house done.  I am hoping that funding will happen within the next 7 days.  Prior to next month’s mortgage payments and other bills, which are due right about the beginning of the month?  I am hoping to draw out about $75,000 dollars of which I will pay off the truck, the credit card, and the dog’s bills.  That should leave cash left over and I think I will seriously look at the purchase of one of those condos The Ex forwarded to me yesterday. 

 

I am feeling like working out should be a private thing for me.  I do not want Ziya and in particular the Major involved anymore.  I do not want to deal with their issues and I want to bust it hard and see where I can go.  Ziya was working out by The Ex self while I was gone, thus she could workout with the Major or whoever is available at the “clamshell gym”.  I should go a little later anyways, I have been putting Steve on the spot asking to leave at 6 everyday.  Also, it is out of sight and out of mind for Ziya in my book.  I really hope January comes quickly and she leaves and I never see The Ex again.  This is the way I feel right now and funny, it is how I felt while she was gone in July.  I did not even miss The Ex! 

 

Looks like Luis is a possibility to go to Kabul since there is an opening for a screener there.  He would be fine there and separate him and Matt so Steve and I can re-train Matt. 

 

For crying out loud, I drop off the resume on The Ex desk and she brings it back and I do not have the balls to tell The Ex to have the Major or some else finish the resume.  I went ahead and did it, since I did tell The Ex I would but I do have to tell The Ex to move on.  The first step is the workout schedule and that she should workout with the Major.

 

Friday, September 30, 2005

 

Still tired and maybe a little under the weather even though I went to bed early last night.  I am hoping that one more night of rest will do the trick.  I really want to start working out Saturday night and begin the new routine and see the results.  I think I will treat myself to the Bazaar today and see if tithe Exe are any movies worth getting.  Boy, I got a response and thank you from Ziya a little out of character for her.  I have to think of a nice way to tell her to work out with the Major or herself and leave me to hit the weights alone. 

 

It seems that Ziya has got a new job with a company in Miami, Florida, in the area of work she was seeking, Language consultant/interpreter.  The pay is not too shabby but it is stationed in the US thus taxable at the Federal level.  They will help her out with rent and a company vehicle.  The job I believe starts this coming October on or about the 22^nd.  Given my notes of the previous days that would be best for me and I can focus upon my goals I have set.  She assumed that I was going to purchase her cosmetics for her, but no way was I going to out of pocket $200.00 for someone who will not give me the time of day and is still in love with someone else!  She seemed generally upset about that too, one heck of an assumption on her part.  I might like her and would not mind pursuing a relationship with her, but I will not beg, borrow, or pay for the “maybe” privilege of her company or possible affections. 

 

Now the important issue for me is to wait for tomorrow.  I plan on not discussing when and where I will work out.  I will leave the office about 6:00pm and head to the gym.  My new work out will be Saturday through Wednesday with Chest, Back, Shoulders, Arms, and Legs being the rotation.  I have to include more aerobics into the mix along with a strict diet.  I was doing fine during July and August, and then fell off during my leave and subsequent return.  I surely do hope they, that is Ziya and the Major kind of forget that we are working out and head to the gym on tithe Exe own. 

 

It seems that AMC/AECOM is hiring about 50 more Indian nationals with 18 already in country.  And we have to figure a way of working them into our schedule.  More than likely they will not speak any language that we have interpreters for.  Should be an interesting month of October and November, also included in the mix is the R&R Steve starts on the 29^th of October along with Craig.  I should have a lot of fun for those couple of weeks. 

 

Steve and I put togetThe Ex a desk for the hooch and it really looks good even has a piece of Plexiglas as a desktop.  I will re-arrange some things in the drawers for convenience like the bedding stuff and the items on the shelves. 

 

Saturday, October 01, 2005

 

Feeling a little under the weather but will still try and hit the gym later.  I will have to take some of my nighttime medicine and muddle through this.  I kind of felt this coming since my appetite was up there and I have not worked out for the past week.  The last time was Friday morning in the states.  The chest feels like it has a little congestion in it, I am not wheezing but I feel something there. 

 

Very interesting day, Ziya has lost control today.  The guys are kidding The Ex and The Ex saying that she works hard and we are saying that she does not work hard.  She took it personally but I say to that maybe the truth hurts.  The Ex not working, supposedly sleeping with Major Beard, and other things.  She is now going to have coffee with Goody at the north Green Bean Café to cool off.  She is the little princess The Exe and if it does not revolve around The Ex then she has issues.  Way too much drama for this place, it would be the best for all The Exe if she got another job and left Bagram.  I talked with The Ex earlier about the job in Miami and she is wavering on it.  I informed The Ex that the DIA is part of the Department of Defense and all that entails.  I have no idea what the means and why she brought it up but maybe that is a reason for The Ex to not take the position.  Right now the best thing is for The Ex to go and the sooner the better.  I as of right now will go back to late June and not talk to The Ex anymore unless absolutely necessary. 

 

The Major is even wondering what the heck is going on with The Ex.  Also discussing this incident with Steve and the others in the office we will not speak to The Ex unless absolutely necessary.  She has won the battle and effectively ostracized herself from everyone in the office.  I have not talked with Goody on how the coffee run with Ziya went and should get the run down later this evening back at the hooch. 

 

Sunday, October 02, 2005

 

Hit the gym last night for the first of five workouts on the new system, not too bad.  Felt a little weak but that goes to the week off, the acclimating to the altitude, and feeling under the weather.  Tonight is back and let’s see how that goes. 

 

Back to the melt down of Ziya, it seems that the Major is wondering what the heck is going on with The Ex also.  That is from Steve who went straight into the Major to find out how he felt about it and how our side of the office was going to deal with The Ex in the future. 

 

Steve took the morning off and probably will be gone the rest of the day.  Busy since Luis left for the medics with chest pains.  And it looks like we are going to be very busy for the rest of the month and into November with Luis, Steve, and Matt going on leave in that month.  Jose came into my office and told me of 40 new hires that needed badges and another 95 who will get there TB tests and then will need interviews.  This on top of the usual suspects such as Zafer, Contrack, Day Laborers, and KBR at least the next few weeks will go by quickly. 

 

Monday, October 03, 2005

 

Not too bad of a workout last night, but still weaker than when I left.  I should get back to form by the end of my next cycle.  Yesterday at work was pretty good even though Luis left early because of the medication he took for the chest pains he was complaining about.  No Major and most importantly no Ziya!  Nice and quiet and busy enough to make the day go by quickly. 

 

Well the morning was interesting.  We did not use Ziya for any of the interviews for AMC/AECOM since one only spoke Malayam and the others’ English skills were enough to complete the interview process.  Although with them we only recorded the findings and did not make a go or no-go decision, letting the Major make the final call for allowing access to the base.  The Major did sense this or Ziya was wondering why she was not asked to do any of the interpreting for those candidates.  Because the Major did stop by Steve’s office to tell us that we can use Ziya for interviews, but we will do our best not to talk or interact with The Ex anymore. 

 

Pretty good day, the afternoon was busy but went by well.  Waiting until 6pm for Tony to give us a security brief on the handling of classified information.  After that I will head to the gym for my shoulder workout, and my back is feeling it today.  I will give this one a day per body part cycle about one month to see how it goes and how I look.  Then maybe go back to my 3-day cycle. 

 

On the melt down front, it seems that Ziya will not talk to me at all, which is fine, and she is talking with others in the office.  I really hope she takes that job she was talking about in Miami that would make life here so much better.  Also, I personally do not need the drama and that melt down showed what she is made of.  She has issues and why do I need to deal with them. 

 

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

 

Shoulder workout last night was pretty good, a little weak in some areas but overall it was good.  Tonight I work on arms so let’s see how it goes.  Oh, last night I went through a small monsoon to get to the gym so my motivation is there, but looking at my self I do need to watch the diet.  And with no donuts coming in the morning lately that should not be a problem. 

 

Looks like I am the only one Ziya is not talking to.  She will even go into Luis’ room to talk.  I should feel lucky and it makes the decision on what to do that much easier.  As I said earlier, I hope she takes that job and leaves The Exe later this month.

 

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

 

My arms workout was good and I felt strong and actually did more weight on the barbell curl than I have in a very long time.  Triceps and forearms were good also, but I should start watching my diet.  I woke up this morning with a bad headache, which is still with me as I write this even after two aspirin and some coffee. 

 

Well the Major has gone to Steve and told him that I should hold down the rhetoric of the failing Muslims before the interview process.  Again that is just like when he went to me regarding the use of Ziya for Dari interpretation duties.  Why does he not go directly to the party involved?  I almost can understand going to Steve about the issue with me, but coming to me the subordinate about the manager?  That is not called and for and shows that he is unprofessional.  The silence from that office is deafening and welcome, the office with Ziya and the Major is the cause of all the drama in the badge office and once Ziya leaves it will greatly improve. 

 

Afternoon went by quickly and without incident and it seems the Major is speaking to me at least when Steve is around.  Luis did a heck of a thing and gave the interpreters each a plaque of appreciation.  That is to include Dino with one exception the aforementioned female in the Major’s office.  This will be interesting when Dino mentions it to The Ex and shows The Ex the plaque. 

 

Thursday, October 06, 2005

 

Worked out legs last night and felt pretty well, strength was there and reps and number of sets were right on.  I have to watch what I eat or at least cut back on the snacking in the office.  Fat loss should be my goal for this quarter.  I see the shop selling North Face has gotten a shipment of winter clothes in and I am going to stop in and look at the jackets, for $50 they are good enough for this place. 

 

I am planning my next R&R and thinking of Colombia, South East Asia, or even the Caribbean.  This trip is for me, since my first trip from Custer Battles was to the states, I then started Chameleon and that first trip was to the states and now this one.  No complaints since I do need to see my kids, especially Alex.  He had a rough time when I left, as did I.  I do have to provide the very best for them and also my self since that will ensure they get the best.  This past trip has cost me money and the lack of payment for R&R time has hurt.  But if the re-financing of the house goes through, I can pay off the Hummer, credit cards, the dog, and but some cash away for emergencies.  The Ex did send me some information on condos in the area and maybe that will be another investment vehicle for me to explore. 

 

Busy morning and got another contractor that needs about 140 Turks and 200 local nationals screened so they can start their project.  The contractor I believe is Flour Construction and the Turks are a sub-contractor of there’s.  They are building barracks The Exe on Bagram and other projects.  Steve in trying to plan is asking us to work and get paid for about 4 hours overtime to meet those requirements and the November 12 drop-dead date for yellow badge holders.  That should be ok since I need to catch up with the loss of cash flow from the R&R I just returned from and the next R&R I am planning.  I am leaning towards Colombia, Cartagena in particular and then maybe get a visa and head down to Rio to cap off the R&R.  Also a consideration is South East Asia with Manila the starting off point and probably stays in country and head to Angeles City and maybe Cebu. 

 

I really need to have that Internet up at the hooch so I can research the travel destinations.  I keep going back and forth between Colombia and the Philippines.  It has been a while since I was in the PI and never have been to Colombia.  By going to Colombia I could easily get a visa for a visit to Rio then.  I will take 14 days again but watch the costs, given that the re-financing of the house mortgage goes through.  Even if does not, my feelings are that it will because of my credit and value of the house, I will adjust my travel plans.  If it falls through I will head to Manila mainly because of the airfare costs and jet lag issues.  Either way I will have some fun without worries and take care of me for once! 

 

Friday, October 07, 2005

 

Day off yesterday and today, legs do feel it a little, but I do have to consider a diet and watch the junk I eat at the office.  Also the inclusion of aerobics into the workout is a must after this feeling of slight chest congestion goes away. 

 

This morning going pretty good with Steve getting the weekly report out and all of the Indian nationals able to speak English well enough to conduct interviews.  The one I did was a Sunni Muslim from southern India near Bhopal and has worked overseas for most of the past 10 years from Dubai, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar before landing The Exe in Bagram Afghanistan.  With the English skills of these guys we did not have to use Ziya, which was the aim of this exercise, and thus leave Steve to finish the report.  No one The Exe wants to work with The Ex, I will because I must and when Steve is gone that will be the only alternative.  We were not too busy from a numbers standpoint, but we had 85 no-shows for their appointments, which means that we would have had almost 290 interviews for the week.  Even with only 202 conducted us still do almost twice the amount of all other offices combined with just about the same number of personnel.  Julio who has come down from K2 will probably stay with us through the middle of November to help out since we have 150 new hires for KBR along with 300+ from Fluer Corp who won the contract for construction of new barracks on Bagram.  Those 500 new hires are in addition to the regular scheduled appointments, re-screens, and day laborers we do on a regular basis.  Should be an interesting time during October and November which includes Luis going on leave, Steve, and Matt all going from the end of October through early December. 

 

The petty stuff is getting even better.  The Major has gone to Steve about our picture of the interpreters getting their plaques from Luis.  We also put up the shirt we received from Worldwide Language Resources under the picture and are hoping the interpreters will bring a hat to add to the wall.  The wall on our side of the building is looking good with a couple of companies providing shirts and hats to place on the wall along with our pictures of the guys.  We even have a picture of the older crew from about 18 months ago hung on the wall.  At least Steve is not going to remove the picture or shirt since the Major will move his office to where the CI guys used to be.  Oh by the way, they did move out to new B-Hut and the Major has put down a new floor and I sure hope he moves over there quick.  It also has a second door so we do not have to have him or The Ex move through our hallway in and out of the building. 

 

Saturday, October 08, 2005

 

The situation The Exe has finally hit the fan, and Steve last night was upset enough to go to Tony.  Tony sent the Major an e-mail regarding his role and KBR’s role in the screening process.  Also, Tony included that if Ziya refuses to work with anyone he will send a letter to Worldwide Language Resources to have The Ex replaced.  It should have never gotten to this point and the Major pushed it and thus the consequences.  Today should be very interesting!

 

Regarding this issue, we as KBR have done above and beyond with adjusting the schedule, taking last minute appointments, and any special deals the Major or military throws at us.  I do not know what the Major is trying to accomplish, but if he just sat back and let us do our job he will reap all the benefits without a lot of effort on his part. 

 

Steve is feeling better, the weekly report shows that we have done twice the numbers of any other office, heck our no shows out number the weekly interviews of the other offices.  Also, the commentary that Steve wrote was kept in the report word for word.  This surprised him but I was not.  We must make the Army and the command structure aware of the November 12^th drop dead date for the yellow badges carried by Host country and third country nationals that will go red if no certified background check is complete.  That along with the usual amount of work and the new contractors trying to get their personnel badge will make for a very busy month.  We are looking at 2 or more hours of daily overtime to accomplish the mission and KBR management has approved that. 

 

I was in the break room and all of a sudden I felt light headed and dizzy, comes to an earthquake hit!  I am still feeling a bit dizzy and stood outside to get some air and I should get something to eat soon. 

 

Sunday, October 09, 2005

 

For a Saturday we had a busy day and with only two interpreters made it seem busier than it should.  We did about 44 interviews, but as I mentioned it seemed like more and that includes ten walk ins, which off set the 13 no-shows.  Steve went to the Major to have the interpreter that used to work with the CI guys come in on the weekends and I hope to take over for Ali who leaves on the 7^th of November.  His language skills include Farsi, Pashto, Hindi, and Urdu.  Which fill a need and lessens the need for the use of Ziya and all that drama?  In regards to that, they moved over to old CI office and thus more out of site and a back door so we do not have to have them running through the hallways.  It should be interesting when Steve leaves for R&R and they have to deal with me.

 

I talked with the kids and Mom today, my mom is worried about the money and The Ex getting a job and I am too.  She also sent me some notes that I will not read and upset myself.  The kids are doing ok, with Alex probably having the toughest time and I have to deal with that.  But the money and ability to give them all they want, and I do not mean material things, I mean a top-notch education and a kick-start for their adult life.  I want to give them the options of any top-flight university without worrying about the cost.  I also have to think about what I am going to do about The Ex, she wants to get back together with me and I am not sure that is the best thing to do.  I do love my kids and Lanibelle would be very happy and could not stand for me to marry another women.  I will just work hard; take a vacation for me in January, probably to the Philippines.  I will get out of Manila and see maybe Cebu, Angeles City, and maybe Singapore? 

 

Monday, October 10, 2005

 

Not a bad afternoon, but probably still did about 40 people yesterday.  The Major had the longest conversation with me yesterday in the last two weeks, should not be the same today since the “woman” is back.  But we are going to be busy and have overtime for the next 6 days due to Contrack Int’l of about 2 hours and that makes for one extra days pay for this week.  We are still waiting on Fleur Corp. and there personnel and that should make overtime about 4 hours and help the pocket book that got slammed during this past R&R.

 

Speaking of R&R, I will probably go to Manila stay there for a couple of days then head out to Angeles City and along with the usual entertainment I will definitely play some golf and look for real estate.  After reading some of the boards, I think I will take a flight from Angeles City to Singapore to check it out.  Air Asia has direct flights and the cost would only be about $200.00 and I could just use the travel agents there for these last minute fares. 

 

We are looking at 2 hours overtime for the next 6 days, which is very nice, and just like another days pay.  Since I took an advance for $350 that should cover the advance in the paycheck coming on the 21^st of October.  Tonight and tomorrow will be Zimbabwe personnel all of whom are re-screens with six tonight and six-tomorrow night.  We are also adding 20 Egyptians to the schedule for tomorrow and the next 4 days for a total of 86 re-screens.  Then after the two nights of overtime we will be doing local nationals for Contrack International for the next 4 nights.  We are still waiting on Fleur Corp. and their 140 Turkish nationals and 200+ local nationals.  We figure we will get about 24 hours notice if we are lucky.  Tony and the upper management of KBR are aware of the November 12^th drop dead date and are pushing the Army from there level. 

 

Well damn it all, the Mine tech guys only brought in 2 guys out of the six scheduled.  I jumped in their ass and told them to bring in the 4 from today plus the six scheduled.  We will only get the one-hour overtime tonight and hopefully 2 tomorrow and maybe a little more, like half an hour?  We will see, but this is better than nothing and helps with the bills coming in this month. 

 

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

 

Not too bad of a day so far, did the 5 Egyptians and had a lot of no-shows and replaced them with Day Labor walk ins.  I am not sure how many we did but should be a high number of screenings. 

 

My workout last night was pretty good, since I had to share the shoulder machine with another so we pushed each other through about 4 sets and I did a burn set for my fifth.  Good weight on the upright rows and added weight to the shoulder shrugs.  I do need to hit the abs a lot harder and aerobics once this November 12^th date passes.  I tried to do dumbbell presses but without the back support they were not to be.  Not doing to bad with the diet since I am laying off the snacks while working. 

 

Go figure, I look for Wali earlier and Ziya jumps up and works as interpreter with me.  It went ok, with The Ex having a little attitude but nothing that would force me to play a very bad card for The Ex.  And since Wali was doing something for The Ex, she then would do something other than sit in The Ex office. 

 

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

 

My arm workout last night was very good, heavy weights and good reps. 

 

Yesterday afternoon and evening went well with us doing 65 screenings after the Zimbabwe guys were done.  That also takes into consideration that they brought only 4 guys, thus our losing one hour of overtime.  Still this evening we are looking at 10 local nationals and that for the next 3 to 4 days. 

 

Boy oh Boy, the Major did do what I was preaching to Steve what he would do, stab the office in the back.  Steve is ready to quit and probably will leave when this years tour is over in February 2006.  The Army is complaining that we are not doing work, have too much free time, and do not let them know when appointments do not show up or cancel.  All a bunch of bravo sierra and this will come to bite the Major in the backside down the road.  They did pull out the “minimum” word as to 800 interviews per month, which we exceed.  Using that to say we are not at critical mass as to interviews and the number this office can do.  Army Personnel who have no idea how long or what is involved with an interview are attempting to make policy and they will fail as these moves up the chain of both KBR and the Army.  With this e-mail that Steve got this morning the overtime is not warranted and thus we will not only work 0700 hours to 1900 hours no more no less as stated in the “Statement of Work”.  Steve has come up with I think is a good idea and sent an e-mail to Tony asking that the Army handle scheduling for the office.  We will then just do what they place on the schedule for that day and at 1900 hours we are finished for the day.  I do hate being right, I did warn Steve of this “plot” by the Major to undermine our office.  Which I find funny since we re-built the building and increased work efficiency for the Army side of the house and ours and funding coming from our pockets to get these projects completed. 

 

Well bully for Steve!  He went to Tony and he will forward to the Military oversight that they should take over scheduling and adjust our work schedules to what the LTC wanted, 0900 hours to 2100 hours.  Also the Major will control access to the building and all issues except for badge production and interviews will fall under his purview.  This should make the next couple of days very interesting! 

 

Another bully for Steve!  He did not do the Turkish nationals when Zafer brought them in.  He gave them off to Julio with Luis sitting in and Ziya will have to work with them or we will go World Wide Language resources to have The Ex removed.  The negative is the guy that spoke Turkish that I used when she was on leave has left and I do not know if there is another one in country?  That will definitely be the problem of the Military to provide since Zafer has a lot and so does Contrack Int’l.  KBR is only contracted to provide Dari and Pashto speakers for our work. 

 

Oh boy and The Exe it goes, I just saw an e-mail from Tony to Chris Brewer about the issue that Steve brought up earlier.  The change in hours, the Major handling all scheduling, and controlling access to the building.  Those hours will be 0900 to 2100 hours and the Major or his representative must be present to sign badges and keep the building open.  Of note, with the 65 we did yesterday we did 64 today and will probably be close to that number today.  And that number for today is without AECOM and there personnel tonight who were cancelled due to the Military are declining the use of overtime.  AECOM was re-scheduled for 0730 hours later this week and if the above occurs then they must be scheduled again to avoid conflict with overtime and the new office hours.  I am going to enjoy this show! 

 

Thursday, October 13, 2005

 

Left the office a little late after a meeting with Steve and the others.  Ate first then headed out to the gym for a leg workout.  It was not too bad since I ate and am feeling like a cold is coming on.  The weight pushed was right on and the number of reps was there also.  I slept well, but woke up at 3:30am and tossed and turned until the alarm went off, so I think this morning a nap is in order, but must no forget to get my malaria pills. 

 

Very quiet day today, since the Major was out most of the morning and have not seen him this afternoon.  Zafer Construction has brought in 2 Turkish nationals and Matt Green has pulled the assignment for interviewing them with Ziya.  This should be interesting! 

 

Well according to Green the interviews went professionally and without incident.  Still she must be steaming and the Major will hear about it later today.  I cannot wait for him to come to us and mention it.

 

Steve just came back from the meeting, which was held earlier in the day and they could not get a hold of Steve to tell him.  But the ACO or Army Contracting Officer will be going to the base commander to give them the option of either taking over scheduling completely or stay out of it.  I am looking forward to tomorrow and what fireworks it will bring.  I do not mean that there will be issues The Exe but I am sure the Major will be heading over to the Base Commander’s office sometime tomorrow to address this whole situation.  Steve just stopped by and told me the numbers for the week and we did 312 screenings with 57 that did not show up.  Although that is with 40 additional Egyptian nationals for Contrack added to the schedule, even with that the number would be over 250! 

 

Friday, October 14, 2005

 

I was getting a little nervous about this re-financing given that I just bought a $34k truck and cash flow is tight without any reserves.  But news today is that Sheldon has contacted someone in Houston with KBR to explain the pay.  Also the house has been appraised at $400k, which is $85 over the purchase price that I paid last November.  Even if I did not pay into the principle I will have enough to draw out $75 for bill payment and cash reserves to facilitate the move, which now seems to be to the DC area.  Which is fine, great schools from elementary to University, Lacrosse for Alex and all in all a positive environment for the kids. 

 

This morning is going well and I am waiting for the Major to get word on the meeting between the Base Commander and ACO.  I do hope they shift scheduling over to the Army side of the house.  I am definitely not averse to working and doing 300 per week would be just fine.  I am feeling a little under the weather, took some nighttime cold medicine which helped and Steve gave me some daytime medicine, but it is making me sleepy. 

 

Steve and the Major had a little meeting with the Major making a veil threat about one of them having to go.  If anybody it would be him, because if we, i.e., Steve were in the wrong then Steve would be gone.  The management at KBR is seeing a problem with the Major and his handling of the situation and will force change(s).  It should hit the fan I guess around 2 pm this afternoon, that is if the meeting between the Base Commander and the ACO is this morning.  I cannot wait! 

 

Go figure, Steve just showed me an e-mail from Brewer responding to Tony about the November 12 drop dead date for background checks on all TCNs.  It sure surprised Steve and myself with the wording and impact it should receive from higher management of the client and KBR. 

 

Picked up a little this afternoon and most if not all the appointments showed up on time.  I think we might do a little over 30 today and that is not too bad for a Friday.  Still nothing from the military side of the house and I have not seen Major Beard since he came back from lunch with Ziya.  He could be at the Base Commander’s office getting the low down of The Ex meeting with the ACO.  We shall see. 

 

Had an interesting talk with Amir Ali, a World Wide interpreter who basically told us there are interpreters who really do not care for the job only the money.  Which makes me ask, are they telling us exactly what the person is saying or what we want to hear and that scares me?  This is not the first time we have had issues with interpreters, Oref was relieved from duty with us and another sent home.  I would love to learn the language, Persian Afghan Farsi and then Pashto to get an idea what the interviewee is saying and also how they are saying it.  An example is the interview that I just completed; Ali told me he was lying because his jesters and language show that he was in Iran or around Iranians, or people who spent a lot of time there.  Something this guy claims he never left the Parwan Province!  Great pick up by Ali and we then interviewed the kid who came with him and he did know the leader of his village, Ghulam Ali.  Something that everyone The Exe would know and does know. 

 

Saturday, October 15, 2005

 

Talked with my mom today, she is upset and will not send The Ex any more money for food or incidentals.  I not too sure if I blame The Ex, my last two paychecks have been small and I still have not gotten my vacation pay.  This coming check will be a regular one but if no re-finance package most of it will go to the mortgages.  I did write The Ex to tell The Ex she needs to get something to bring in cash and I am getting upset too.  I bought that truck without the spare cash to afford it!  Heck I am even looking for another job, but that job has to have benefits and at least what I am making The Exe!  I will have no problem going to Iraq especially if the pay for this same type of work is $20k to $30k+ more per year and benefits.  I should stick around here with KBR for the next few months and take my next leave, then look to move.  By then I will on the downward leg of my contract and moving will fine.  I will and must not make a move out of desperation; I have good cash flow to pay my bills. 

 

AECOM pulled another one, they told us that the appointments we set up for them were for Local Nationals, but were in fact Pakistanis.  Luis today promptly failed the 4 and CI concurred with 3 of them.  They knew what nationality they were bringing The Exe and the kicker is they have been working on base for the past month on “escort” badges given to them by Major Beard!  That guy is a danger to this base and everyone on it.  I strongly believe that he has over stepped his authority on this issue.  Of which, Steve upon finding this information out fired off an e-mail to Tony and Chris outlining the points I mentioned The here.  Other than that issue, we will do over 50 interviews today with about 10-14 no-shows. 

 

Sunday, October 16, 2005

 

I was not feeling like hitting the gym last night so I went to eat with the guys.  But, I did go to the gym close to Viper DFAC and did what I could for my chest workout.  I did free weights for the chest not doing to well, so I called it a light day trying to do 4 sets per exercise.  I will hit the clamshell tonight for my back workout and hopefully that will go better.  I started taking HGHR a supplement for human growth hormones; this will help kick start the development of growth hormones naturally increasing strength, stamina, and loss of body fat.  With this feeling of being run down and fighting a cold I do need the help along with my vitamins.  I got to watch the amount of junk food I am taking in and eat better. 

 

Steve had his nightly talk with Tony and told him the conversation he had with the Major the other day about one of them has to go and that he, the Major is highly regarded with his chain of command.  Now this made Tony upset and instructed Steve to write a statement out lining the conversation to use in some action against the Major.  The Major has played his cards and he honestly thinks he has come out on top with this.  He, I believe is in for a rude surprise! 

 

Not a bad morning, I am feeling run down and do not know why?  I have to get on the diet and more aerobics once I start feeling better. 

 

This afternoon went by well and we had over 10 no-shows and interviewed about 40 personnel.  The army is still not given any guidance regarding the November 12^th deadline and our office will have to adjust. 

 

I am debating again about whether to go to the gym, but I should go and hit the back workout and that would make the evening go by better and help with my sleep.  I am getting fat and I cannot let that happen.  I will wait for everyone and go to dinner with them and see how I feel afterwards.  I should go or at least take a long walk.  Next cycle I will start hitting the aerobics and knock off some of this body fat that I have accumulated over R&R and the junk food I am eating at the office.  I started taking the Human Growth Hormones tablets and will see how those work over the next couple. 

 

Monday, October 17, 2005

 

Stayed and went to dinner with the guys last night and hit the Viper gym for my back workout.  Hit it pretty hard but feeling the effects today, still do not know if I have the flu or some cold coming on.  The second day of the growth hormones out of 5, which I will take along with my workout cycle of 5 days on with 2 days off.  Tonight I have to head out to the clamshell gym for shoulders because what I have seen at the Viper gym does not have the shoulder press machine I like to use and the crowd and size make it hard. 

 

We are going to have problems between Goody and Jason.  Jason for one is talking with the Korean girl- (Kyrgyzstan citizen) from the day spa and the same one Goody is talking to also.  Thus a fight for The Ex along with the ego of Goody and a bit of sarcastic attitude from Jason and thus one will have to go.  I sure do not want to deal with that problem when Steve and Craig are gone.  It looks like we will be sending Julio down to Kabul and getting the new guy that is en-route sometime in November.  Julio seems ok but I cannot figure him out. 

 

This morning had about 9 no-shows and with Wali down with a toothache we have only the two interpreters and it makes it seem busier.  I figure we will do about 40 interviews today, which are about normal, but less hectic if we had the three interpreters.  So far pretty busy and Steve and I are doing all the KBR new hires to get them done before Green gets to them and takes his usual 45 minutes per interview. 

 

This afternoon, I am feeling strange, not sick but headache and very slight nausea.  I have to get better and start aerobics along with the weights.  This evening I will head out a little early to hit the clamshell gym for my shoulder workout.  My head is really killing me and a little nauseous I am strongly thinking of not working out tonight and going to bed early. 

 

Well every night it seems we have music night like “One night in Bangkok” and other 80s music.  Morale in the office is very good and we are somewhat brutal on the jumping on each other.  But it is all in good fun and no one seems to take it seriously. 

 

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

 

Horrible headache yesterday so I took the day off the gym and even forgot to take a shower!  I did not take one this morning but since it was so cold I do not feel so bad.  I will probably take off this evening and hit the bed early.  The jury is still out and let’s sees how the day goes; I could hit it later and do shoulders and arms together.  Boy was it cold this morning!  I even dug out my sweatshirt to layer up for the morning walk in.  It had to be below 40 degrees this morning.  

 

Busy and fast moving morning with 31 interviews done and some no-shows but unknown how many there were.  We will probably do about the same number this afternoon, which will be fine and make the day fly by.  I found out the growth hormone tablets will give me a headache for the first couple of days until I get used to them and they work there way through my system. 

 

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

 

We did 54 interviews yesterday and I believe over 10 no-shows, so the numbers are way up there in relation to previous managers and what are minimum requirements as outlined in the Statement of Work.  With 5 screeners and 3 interpreters the workload is not excessive and we could do more if we had more interpreters.  Only one more would make the day go by and we could increase the workload at the office.  The issue is the non-Afghan nationals that these contractors are hiring.  We then have to find the appropriate interpreter and then one screener is down until those languages are finished.    Still not a problem if we could get one extra interpreter.  Ali has turned into one of the best ones; he will explain issues that I never knew before such as language differences even within the Pashto culture.  For example Pashto spoken in Afghanistan is “pure” versus the one spoken by Pakistani Afghans, which include English and Urdu words, mixed into them.  Fascinating and I love the new information all of which I could use in the job. 

 

I am taking the rest of this cycle off for rest and kick this virus that I have.  I also will take the hormone pills when I start up this coming Saturday with the new cycle.  Included with this new cycle will be more aerobics even if it is just walking more.  I do have to burn more fat and lower my intake of it also. 

 

A little busy this morning but done around quarter to 11 and now waiting for lunch.  We did have some Turkish nationals and Steve did them again with the princess. 

 

Crazy afternoon seemed busier but we did do 42 interviews and are at 267 for the week and given the last two weeks we are over 800 minimum requirements for the Statement of Work.  Steve and I are both burnt right now and wondering what is the magic number, how much is enough?  Is the Army going to do the scheduling or have they bitten off more than they can chew?  I know it will be a headache for them and if they do take it we will do heavy numbers. 

 

Thursday, October 20, 2005

 

Still no workout and I do feel sluggish and tired when I get up.  The temperature in the morning is in the lower 30’s and the walk into work is very cold.  But funny thing is by lunchtime the temperature is in the high 60’s to lower 70’s and very pleasant.  But with this virus I have it makes everything worse than it is. 

 

I must forever watch what I spend, AMEX is still showing on my credit report and I put them into the bankruptcy years ago.  I worked hard to get to this point and I must focus upon the goal.  I did buy that truck, so I will refinance the house, which I hope, goes through soon and pay it off and those other bills.  Next week I will be able to draw out some more money, which I will keep in cash The Exe with me for emergencies and incidentals.  Given my R&R will be sometime around the 10^th of January that should give me some money for that and plenty left over.  I should get a small safe for the hooch to place this badge holder with my passport and other documents and get another badge holder for my DOD card.  My hooch and office are coming together; I got my television and vcr/dvd player a desk for the computer and new drawers for my stuff.  We should start on my office in a couple of days so I could bring my laptop The Exe to work on and watch some movies.  Also looking at getting a couch for the office for style and comfort since I am spending at a minimum 13 to 14 hours The Exe so why not be comfortable. 

 

This morning went well with about 22 interviews and looks like we will break the 300-interview threshold for the second week in a row.  The 800 minimum requirements as stated in the Statement of Work will be met today also.  I am still tired and sluggish and have to be due to the canker sore and coming cold.  I am fighting it as best I could with Vitamin C and E and plenty of fluids and rest.  But I got to get back to the gym and workout, I am also feeling very fat and my eating habits have not been the best.  This re-financing deal is getting to me, I would just love to sell the house and get rid of the truck and other bills that I have now. 

 

This internet at the office is horrendous; if this was a private company in the states the administrator would be fired.  The bandwidth is worse than dial up and too many errors and timeouts for the pay we giving these people. 

 

Our numbers this week are 315 interviews with 82 no shows.  Another good week and breaks our record set only last week.  Looks though we are going to lose Julio to the Kabul office, which will make our office very short, handed come the end of October.  We might even have a couple of days were Matt and I are the only two screeners! 

 

Friday, October 21, 2005

 

Looks like the re-financing will go through with the second only being done.  The loan amount will be $150,000 and I should net the following:

                       

 

 

The proceeds assume a loan of $150,000 less payment for second mortgage of $65,000 and thus with the above bills I should get back the aforementioned amount.  Those amounts are on the high side and especially the payment for other bills and my mom of about $5,000.00 even with that I should invest the remaining funds somewhere to gain some return before purchasing another home.  I also need to get cash available for any thing out of the ordinary that might happen.  For example the bi-weekly cash withdrawals of $350.00 most of which I should just pocket and hold.  Also my mom will send to the FAA account about $500.00, which should be saved.  I do need to put together a cash flow for the next couple of months starting November 1, 2005 and see where I should be and how much is available when I get there. 

 

Not a very busy Friday with 22 interviews in the morning and looks like the afternoon will be quiet.  Steve is looking to expand the office in the waiting area because of Jose, his two local nationals and Jason all work in an area smaller than my office.  It would help with filing cabinet situation; we need to bring a couple of more in since the current ones are filled. 

 

Saturday, October 22, 2005

 

Sheldon wrote me this morning and the loan should be done by early next week.  My goal now is to hoard cash and not do any unnecessary purchases.  This is like the 70s with inflation and commodity prices rising, I have to take advantage of this and secure my future.  I think trading and real estate investments are the path so I must keep abreast of the markets and study. 

 

I hit the Bowflex today for chest and it does give you continuous tension on the body part you are working.  For example I did incline chest press and with some muscle tension at the top I can really feel it hitting the muscle group.  I will hit that every day at lunch and then work it tonight at the clamshell.  I will see how the growth hormones work this week and most importantly I will make sure water intake is high to alleviate the issue of headaches.  Back to the Bowflex, I hit the incline press with the 50-pound bars then increased to 60 and then 65 pounds, that is 65 pounds on each side.  I like the feeling and will definitely continue with the lunchtime workouts. 

 

Not a busy morning and since they were mostly all local nationals it went by quickly and this afternoon looks the same.  At this time I do not know the numbers but look to be what a normal day is for this office. 

 

Quick and hectic afternoon but do not know the final numbers for the day.  Steve and I tried to finish the front reception area but the plywood is of different thickness and looks horrible.  Along with the warped plywood and the uneven floors and walls makes for a frustrating project.  We will let Contrack International finish it up for us to include the desk and work area.  Should turn out ok. 

 

Sunday, October 23, 2005

 

Good work out last night, but could not do a rep with two 45s on each side on the flat bench.  But did hit incline hard including dumbbell incline presses with 45-pound dumbbells.  Then hit Viper gym for decline machine with 4 sets of 10+ reps with two 45s on each side to finish off the work out.  Tonight is back and I will do what I started yesterday with the Bowflex hitting wide grip pull downs 3 sets each and super setting with reverse grip pull downs.  Keep an eye on my diet and include more walking and start aerobics at the clamshell. 

 

Craig is really getting to be an issue, if he does not like it The Exe than leave.  My gosh I understand how to handle customers, but we are not that busy and still doing more numbers than this office has ever done.  The days move by fast and thus sooner to our R&R.  I just do not get it; they have the attitude that they are so qualified and have all these skills but will not work for it.  They want high pay and little work!  Definitely a Union and Government worker mentality just do the bare minimum and want high pay to do it.  I hope he does move on soon or does not come back The Exe from his leave.  Speaking of, he and Goody both take emergency leave then less than a month later take another leave.  Craig, since I have been The Exe, has taken four leaves!  Why is Steve approving them and if he is, then let’s get someone who will be for more than six weeks without taking two weeks off. 

 

It is bad to say but if both of the “brothers” left, it would not be a bad thing.  I like both of them but they have that union mentality and are so full of themselves.  A little tiring with the non-work issues that invade the office, phone calls, internet, and whatever during in-processing interviewees. 

 

Monday, October 24, 2005

 

Nice back work out last night and slept well waking up when Goody’s alarm went off.  I think the after lunch Bowflex is the way to go.  It keeps my energy level up for the afternoon and a nice variation for that day’s body part. 

 

Finished building the desk portion of the new addition to the reception area and it looks ok for using the local plywood, now we are waiting for Contrack to build the door and counter top to finish it off.  We will then sand it down and probably paint it.  It adds a lot of extra space and will allow us to move a couple of more filing cabinets into the front office where Jose works.  Jason will move along with Sadat to the front area freeing up the extra space.  When Steve gets back we will build the desks for that office, which will be a counter top hugging the walls, with one wall of just filing cabinets.   

 

She started The Ex shit again, stating that Jason was “yelling” at Turk the representative for Zafer Construction.  Which after talking with both was not true, and I must give credit to Steve for talking with the Major about The Ex.  She does not need to come into our area and claim these issues, bring them up to the Major and leave it; she is just an interpreter nothing more. 

 

Another afternoon of Jose’s crew of about 15 local nationals that was hired by KBR, also in is some day laborers.  Fawad will be back this afternoon with the carpenter to finish up the front reception area with the countertop and door.  He will also bring some white paint for the finish to the desk area. 

 

Nice and busy afternoon with the bazaar vendors and Jose’s crew and we are looking at Contrack International at 4 pm.  Should break 40 interviews for the day and on our way to maybe 250 for the week.   The final numbers for today are 48 screenings with 8 no-shows.

 

Chris Brewer stopped by with the new Security Coordinator for the Kabul area to show him around the office.  Chris did stop by to re-iterate our discussions of last year about my role with KBR, he still has me slotted for an Operations slot and will work on moving me there once staffing is complete.  He stated I was not moved because I am one of the best screeners The Exe and could not leave Steve in a hole.  He plans on over hiring in the screener position and moving personnel from this office to an Operations Cell they are working on.  I am excited for this and will continue the hard work and quality of work to make that new position happen.  I would assume, and I will ask that more money is involved with this possible move.

 

Now, back to the fun, a local national was brought The Exe by two KBR employees for stealing some multi-tools from the Class IV yard The Exe on Bagram.  During the interview he narc’d out others he works with as to giving him the tools for selling off base for cash and using that cash to purchase Hashish.  The Hashish has been brought in using the pressure cookers the locals use for their lunches.  Included in the “ring” is a KBR employee and US national.  I finished the interview with Steve and wrote up a report to forward to Chris Brewer for KBR Security to act upon.  The local national was warned not to talk to anyone this evening and return to the front gate tomorrow morning at 0745 hours to be escorted to the badge office.  Unknown at this time what further investigations will be happening but I am sure that if any do occur I will involved.  Actually looking forward to tomorrow. 

 

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

 

Decent work out last night, hitting the shoulders hard and strength was there and now feeling a little sore.  Hit the arms tonight with 4 sets of bicep and triceps work on the Bowflex after lunch.  That seems to be working out well keeps the energy level up and I do not feel so tired and drained by the early afternoon. 

Today we will be busy with 6 coming in at 7:30am some re-schedules from yesterday afternoon and the usual appointments.   Jose’s crew will be The Exe along with the bazaar vendors.  I guess about 50+ for today but we should have the usual no-shows and this week will probably hit well over 250 interviews. 

 

Chris Brewer came into the office today to interview the kid that was caught with the Leatherman’s.  He was ratting on all his buddies and giving information regarding how they smuggle the booze and drugs onto the base.  He was referred to CI, but they said that was outside of their jurisdiction and called the Military Police who responded and took the kid away. 

 

This morning flew by along with the afternoon so far.  We have completed all of Jose’s crew and are starting on the Mine-Tech guys early just to finish up the day.  A couple of KBR employees walked in around 5:30pm and we will do the interviews and are final tally is 51-53 interviews for the week.

 

Julio, who turns out to be Luis’ cousin is having marital problems.  He seems to have fallen for an Uzbek girl and fallen hard.  He even took The Ex to Thailand before his wife got there and guess what the wife found out about it through reading his e-mails.  I am betting that he will go home and not return, but what he should do is not go home and move on and make a life for himself.

 

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

 

My arm work out last night was good felt strong and along with the Bowflex afternoon work out adds a lot of strain to the muscles.  I am sleeping well and feeling tired but I have to attribute that to the air in the office. 

 

We had over 50 interviews yesterday and look to do the same for today and tomorrow.  With Steve leaving Saturday it is going to be tough The Exe until after the November 12^th deadline.  It looks as though most of the contractors on base are complying with the background checks except for AAFES and they are actually bring a suit to delay or roll back the need for background checks for all third country nationals.

 

Well it looks like the loan is falling apart, yep due to my work history and type of work.  Custer Battles is out of business and Sheldon cannot verify employment with them and Lee Fagg’s wife is being a pain and will not talk to Sheldon regarding my time with the fiasco, Chameleon Security Services, Ltd.  I should not have bought that damn truck without the money already secured!  I can make the payments but will have to adjust my other payments to cover those expenses.  According to my mom I have to outlay about $5,900.00 per month for the mortgage and other bills.  My take home bi-weekly from KBR is about $3,300 or $6,600 per month.  I can adjust funds to my credit card, FAA, and second mortgage to cover the $825.00 monthly loan for the Hummer. 

 

The morning flew by with our last appointment coming in early and we are done by1015 hours.  We did about 21 interviews this morning and with another 40+ day today and tomorrow we will go over 300 again this week. 

 

The major is up to his dealings again making little innuendos regarding this office unknown as to why and what he hopes to accomplish.  The office is in good spirits and only the Major and his “girlfriend” is the issue!  They cause all the problems and create issues where they are none. 

 

We did 53 interviews today for a total for the week of 273 with one more day left to go, so with another day like today we will set a new record. 

 

Thursday, October 27, 2005

 

I was wore out mentally yesterday and was not sure how the legwork out would go.  Boy was I wrong; I hit it hard yesterday and felt very good.  The negative is that I over ate and included some ice cream in the mix.  I do have to work in some aerobics and diet into the regimen now, have to start burning more fat.  I will walk tonight and tomorrow and start with a short aerobic work out after hitting the weights, and that will be at Viper’s gym when doing back and chest and the clamshell for the other days.  Start out with 10-12 minutes and increase as my conditioning improves. 

 

I have been looking at this mountaineering company based out of the UK and they have beginner classes for Alpine training through advance level courses plus trips.  I would like to try some of the classes and definitely a trip and maybe get to try the seven summits before I am too old.  Of course this coincides with my workouts and in particular aerobic conditioning. 

 

Today was rather slow and maybe breaking the 300 barrier might not happen but still we had a very busy week.  Interesting things everyday and each day is not the same as the last.  I had a bazaar vendor just make the wrong mistakes today and I had to fail him, arrogance and since he has been The Ex at the PX and Friday bazaar he thought this was just a formality, wrong answer.  Also these CAT 2 interpreters who get a clearance and a DOD card just because of the language need, that I hope stops.

 

Friday, October 28, 2005

 

I have to remember not to take my growth hormones tomorrow also.  Today we have a light day along with the easy day yesterday is just what we needed.  Although we did not get to 300, we still did 297 with still only doing 24 yesterday!  This is Steve’s last day before leaving tomorrow on leave until about the 17^th of November and yes I get to be The Exe for the November 12^th drop dead date for the yellow badges and background checks and still no guidance from the Military side of the house. 

 

After lunch I went to the Bazaar with Steve and low and behold they had a large selection of James Bond movies and other old ones.  I did buy some Roger Moore Bond movies along with others.  Got the new “Doom” movie with the Rock, supposed to be based upon the game but will see.  So I am set for the next couple of days until the next Bazaar. 

 

Boy oh boy, that Military Oversight Office is going to kill us with their incompetence!  Ziya has referred a friend of a friend from downtown Kabul to Specialist Parra of Civil Affairs for working at the Bazaar selling Jewelry.   Now this guy not only has a business in Kabul unrelated to the jewelry business he has never worked in the business before!  He was also an office in the Afghanistan Military during the time of the Russian occupation as an intelligence officer.  And according to Ali he was a member of the Haut a group run by the KGB and responsible for killing scores of innocent Afghans during the Russian occupation.  He has a partner who I hope is outside right now and can be brought in for an interview today.  I referred the guy to CI and I hope they see the urgency/issue with this guy as Steve and I do. 

 

I also interviewed his partner who was waiting for him at the gate.  He seems to a useful idiot for Lal Mohammed the ex-agent from the Russian occupation. 

 

Well it seems are agent is the relative of Ziya’s roommate who is also a CAT 2 or 3 interpreter with Worldwide Language resources.  This information was unknown to me at the time of the interview and when known, the Major brought it to the attention of the CI team.  It is unbelievable that they gave Secret and Top Secret Clearances to anyone who spoke the language needed.  Heck I would just take some locals until final clearance were performed. 

 

Saturday, October 29, 2005

 

Steve is off today and I got his radio and keys to his office.  I have to remember to sign the timesheets and go to the weekly meeting.  The morning went by quick with no hassles and one exit interview and everyone seems to be working together well.  Must remember to sign everyone’s time sheets and take them with me tomorrow to the all hands meeting.

 

Slow so far this afternoon and I gave Ali the afternoon off.  I am hoping we do as close to 40 as possible but does not look like it.  Zafer has only three background checks missing from out files and I gave those to the Major to search his area for them.  That would finish them for the November 12^th deadline.  The no-shows are what are killing us and we are taking in all the walk-ins as possible. 

 

Zafer had two new hires scheduled and we are also taking three walk-ins all Turkish speakers.  Ziya and I finished these guys a little while ago and the interviews went well without incident.  AECOM, Zafer, and Ronco are done except for one or two awaiting their backgrounds, Jason will now begin working on Contrack Int’l.  AAFES is still not moved on the November 12^th deadline and we will have to adjust as to how we will handle that organization. 

 

Sunday, October 30, 2005

 

Sunday morning all hands meeting went well but I will not put up with Luis and Jason not showing up because they do not feel like it.  If Luis wants to push it and do what he thinks he wants then fine, Salerno is screaming for screeners? 

 

We did 20 this morning and still had 5 no-shows so I am hoping to hit the 40+ mark today but probably not.  I am feeling pretty good and hit the Bowflex for my back workout and that was good and even added rows to the mix.  I will still hit the weights this evening and I have to start hitting the aerobic machines.  I should wait until after Steve gets back so we are covered and I can leave at 1800 hours without regret.  My diet is going fair, slight cheating and no junk during the day since Steve is gone and not buying that stuff.  

 

The bazaar vendors cancelled this afternoon, but we did take in three extra Zafer local nationals.   Going smoothly and we even have the BATS representative The Exe and that is two days in a row, Virgil that is.  But he drops a printer on my desk and off he goes after he finishes. 

 

Luis is not a happy camper and seems to be packing.  Those were the observations of Goody and Nawid, one of our interpreters.  I talked with him and he sure does have an attitude, well so what.  He can move to Salerno or Kabul for all I care.  Same thing with Matt, nice kid but stresses too much and takes too long with the interviews, they are just screenings not interrogations. 

 

Virgil completed the install of the badge printer in Steve’s office and is now finishing up in Matt’s.  This will help when we need to knock out the badges for the November 12^th deadline.  Jason is going to start on Contrack Int’l tonight and except for AAFES we should have all the major contractors on Bagram completed by weeks end.  Goody does not see an issue with printing out the badges and he seems like he can handle it but we are now ready to assist if needed. 

The final numbers today are 33 interviews with 11 no-shows and we were only able to take in 1 walk-in.  That gives us 40 no-shows for the week and we are only 3 days into it.  We have 89 screenings, which is low, but the regular workweek starts tomorrow and we should that number up. 

 

Monday, October 31, 2005

 

I will go get some money today for my cash stash and emergencies.  After seeing the pictures of the living conditions of the KBR personnel in Iraq I might just want to go. 

 

Today I am hoping to be a busy day compared to the last three days with over 40 on the schedule but the way the no-shows are running that is no where near a lock.  We will take as many walk-ins as possible to alleviate the no-shows but we might be on the way to 80+ with 40 already after three days. 

 

Slow day today although I was busy with the Turkish nationals for Zafer Construction.  It worked out ok with Ziya who during the interview kind of spaces out and stares at the desk and shakes The Ex leg in a nervous habit.  Kind of fun to watch and see The Ex reactions to certain things, but all in all she is “messed up in the head” as she puts it. 

 

We actually had the Major bring in 5 day laborers as walk ins for today, but no sooner than I did that Fawad shows up with 5 local nationals for his 3:30pm appointment, no worries and we knock them all out with our total today being 44 The Exe at the office, 4 Matt did at the Maintenance facility for KBR, 14 walk-ins, and 21 no-shows.  Our no-show total for 4 days so far is 61, and our walk in total to date is 30. 

 

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

 

Good work out last night along with the Bowflex at lunchtime made my shoulders sore, but a good sore.  Arms tonight and will hit the triceps hard on the Bowflex and a set for the biceps. 

 

Yesterday was a good day with Contrack Int’l showing up along with the 5-day laborers as walk-ins?  I hope to do about the same numbers for the rest of the week and then have a slow weekend to rest prior to the November 12^th date.  Looks like today we will have Turkish and maybe Nepalese nationals and Ziya should be very busy today.  I guess I will work with The Ex but if others want to that is fine.

 

Our appointment we made with the bazaar vendors for this morning already cancelled and we are getting more day laborers from the front gate to interview.  I am striving to keep the numbers up given we are really getting hit hard with the no-shows. 

 

I hit the Major up to bring some day laborers this afternoon since we had a cancellation by a company and some did not show up the allotted number for there time slot.  But I am trying to keep us busy and still satisfy our requirements.  I hit the Bowflex for biceps and triceps and used the 30lb. dumbbells for my forearms and lower biceps—hammer curls. 

 

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

 

Great arm work out last night and felt great when done.  After a shower the usual hit the bed and watch a James Bond flick.  Slept well and hit the office early for the pain in the ass e-mails regarding the re-financing.  I will just let them send me the documents and sign them The Exe and send out from The Exe.

 

Today I hit the ground hard and took in extra day laborers from this deal the Major is running to get the numbers up.  The number of no-shows as of yesterday is at 86 and we will just get higher because of the end of Ramadan and the funeral for the War Lord’s relative yesterday.  Our walk ins totaled only 39 and we are taking everyone that shows up at the door.  The badge turnover for the November 12^th deadline is going well with all major contractors either done or almost except for AAFES.  But they have only 12 people with background checks and they should be complete within the next couple of days. 

 

This afternoon took off the same way with our scheduled appointment showing up early and 4-day laborers from the Major’s list.  Five showed up and another five to pick up their badges from interviews in the previous days. 

 

The final tally for the day was 42 interviews with 19 no-shows and we offset those with 19 walk ins.  This gives us a total for the week with one-day left of 210 interviews so not too bad of a week and we are getting to the AAFES issue with badge exchanges prior to the November 12^th deadline. 

 

Thursday, November 03, 2005

 

Hit the gym with Goody yesterday to do legs and that was motivating.  I did have to stop at 800+ pounds with the leg press though with pain in the hip and knees.  I still hit the leg extensions and curls hard and used more weight on the calf raises.  I will need these two days off.  I must start this coming cycle to hit the cardio machines, but as I think about it I cannot be off that much when I am in charge.  I can wait for Steve to get back and then hit it.  Protein shakes with Goody will help and proper diet without Steve The Exe will help a lot!   

 

Now the best is just happened my replacement interpreter for Ali just informed me that he is taking today and tomorrow off to see his family.  I am obviously upset and he acts as though how dare I talk to him like that.  Well why did he or anyone at World Wide Language resources let me know he wanted the day off?  This is unacceptable and I will not let him back into my office again.  Just talked with someone at the office for World Wide and he or she will be sending a replacement for the interpreter.

 

The interpreter issue was straightened out and I guess I over stepped my bounds but hell with it I got another interpreter and actually has some great language skills, Dari, Pashto, Urdu, and Punjabi all with very good skills.  Tony stopped by for an update and see how things are going.  He asked about Jason and whether he can hack it as a screener and whether Craig can also do the job.  I gave him a positive response for Jason and Craig I had to say no, that I would not work with him, union mentality is too much. 

 

I got the End of Week report done without too much trouble and I hope I listed all the issues that were of importance for the Badge office. 

 

Friday, November 04, 2005

 

Quiet day today and I guess I was the busiest doing the five Turkish nationals with Ziya this morning and having around 4 to 7 this afternoon.  I brought in 8 of the Major’s day laborer list and will not do the same this afternoon since I let one of the interpreters go.  Tomorrow will be more of the same; I will keep it slow and relaxed until Monday and then hit it hard through Thursday.  We did 248 for the week and taking the AECOM guys out had 90+ no-shows but offset that with 83 walk-in appointments.  Not too bad and the days flew by and still had our down time. 

 

Today was very slow but what I and the others needed.  Although I did all the Turkish nationals with Ziya whom worked out fine that it seems needs the attention and it is getting a little lonely back they’re with the Major.  Our total for today was 30 interviews with only 3 no shows and 8 walk in appointments.  The TFI Turkish nationals were some of the no-shows but their passports were not with them so we re-scheduled them for tomorrow at 8 am.  I will take it slow tomorrow also and then hit it hard on Monday. 

 

Saturday, November 05, 2005

 

A quiet night and looks to be a busy morning and I will keep it busy for the morning and slow it down for the afternoon.  I will hit the Bowflex at lunchtime and finish up my chest work out tonight at the gym.  Do not forget to pick up my laundry and hit Viper gym for the lower chest machine to round out the work out.  I do have to start aerobics but I think I will wait until Steve returns so I can leave at 6 pm and not worry too much about what the Major might say or do.  I have a lot of Indian nationals and Turkish nationals this morning so Ziya and I will hit it hard today and round it off this afternoon at 4pm with the last crew from TFI who is bring in Turkish nationals. 

 

I brought in 6 day laborers but one only had a copy of his Tazkara so we sent him on his way, leaving five to offset the AECOM Nepalese personnel that have not arrived but whom we had spots for on the schedule.  The afternoon went well although very busy right around 3 pm when TFI and 10 local nationals showed up.  All were completed and badges produced and sent on their way. 

 

Sunday, November 06, 2005

 

Worked out with Goody last night and that was great in the respect that he pushed me which I needed.  Tonight if he is up to it we will hit our back, I will continue to use the Bowflex since that keeps the blood flowing and I will not be tired during the day. 

 

Had a good talk with Tony about the issues in the Badge Office and how to deal with Goody and Craig.  “Statement of Derogatory Information”, wow a catchall and will jeopardize their jobs, yes even extra martial affairs are covered in that.  I will have a talk with both, Craig in the office and Goody off-site and off the record.  I know the response that Craig will give and must be prepared for it.  Goody I am not too sure of, but must walk a tighter line. 

 

Slow day today and I like it that way, I did take in 5 local nationals from the Major’s list to make up for the Titan linguistics no-shows but this afternoon I let Wali go so no extra.  TFI did have appointments for 6 Russian speakers but no assistance from the Military since their linguists are on leave for 20 days.  I will hit it hard tomorrow and the rest of the week to keep the numbers up and keep the guys busy.  So far not too bad on the work front, a little incident with the smart mouth of Jason and the elitist attitude of Matt so I had to settle them down.  I will not jeopardize my job for those two kids, especially after I give the ok to Tony for hiring Jason as a screener. 

 

Monday, November 07, 2005

 

Good workout last night being pushed by Goody, but when Steve gets back I got to hit the aerobics hard.  Heavy weight that I have not used before and good strong sets along with the Bowflex earlier in the day knocked me out. 

 

Yesterday was very slow with only 25 interviews and only 4 walk –ins coupled with 13 no-shows made for a quiet day.  Today and through Thursday will be busy and I will have Dino bring in extra guys, and emphasize that they must be prior badge holders.  Today’s schedule has 20 in the morning and 20 in the afternoon, so I will hit the day laborer hard today especially if we have no-shows. 

 

Well the Major is at it again, accusing Jason of unprofessional behavior towards one of the contractors.  When I talked with him, the Flour country manager he was just confused the situation has been straightened out and we will continue to accomplish the mission.  We almost have AAFES completed and they might be done tonight along with all the other contractors who have been handled with all the professionalism of this office.  I am very tired right now with him and this petty bullshit and being pushed by his lackey the Turkish female.  These false accusations must stop and I will go to Tony tonight to talk to him about it.  During this episode after clearing this up with the Flour country manager in front of the Major I dragged the Major into my office to discuss the matter.  I was upset but I believe that I held my professionalism and told him in no un-certain terms that all these issues must be brought to me.  If there are complaints about screeners then they must be brought to me and give me specifics not innuendos or other subjective issues. 

 

The afternoon went by quickly and without incident.  The day spa came in and that was nice to see the pretty girls and mess around with them.  Boy though, the one I interviewed a couple of days ago is very interested in me coming to get my haircut.  And if it does not conflict with my clearance I would pursue The Ex a lot more but that is for another day. 

 

The final numbers for the day are 39 interviews with 10 no shows and 11 walk in appointments thus we are on track for a normal week even with the looming November 12^th cut off date.  I will do strictly walk ins for the 9^th and 10^th as the week winds down. 

 

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

 

Doing upright rows last night I think I pulled something in my left shoulder chest area.  Does not hurt but is sore and lets me know something is not right. 

 

I went to Tony last night to moan and complain about the incident with the Major.  Now I did not want it to go that far, but Tony is upset about it and has given him enough chances to back off and enjoy the ride.  He will be sending an e-mail to the Major requesting a meeting with him, the Major, the Army Contracting Office representative and a representative from the Contract Management Office.  Asking why he is interfering with the management of the contract by the contractor.  And from what I am getting The Exe is that the only function of the Major’s office is to sign the badges and nothing else. 

 

Another day in the books and went well with all the guys working hard and getting the mission accomplished.  But the best part of the day just happened; Major Beard comes in to say that Ziya was not feeling well and that she went to The Ex hooch.  But then he closes the door and asks me if I talked with Tony?  I lied and said no and he proceeds to tell me that the office is running so much more smoothly with me The Exe and not Steve and   I handle stress better.  That e-mail from Tony must have been a something! 

 

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

 

I am sore and tired today, did arms with Goody last night and I do not like the number of sets we do for biceps.  It is too small a muscle and easily overworked, we should have hit triceps harder and lucky for me that I hit the Bowflex earlier in the day.  We finish off the week with legs tonight and I do need the two days off to recover. 

 

Luis has gone to the medics this morning, probably because of the lack of his blood pressure medicine.  And he needs a referral to the hospital for getting more of his medicine until he goes on leave. 

 

Slow day today and going smoothly some new contractors entering the base waiting for appointments for their personnel, such as Baker company with Turkish nationals as sub-contractors.  AECOM will have there Nepalese in any day now along with the start of the personnel for Flour Corporation.

 

I think I might have it figured out for my January leave, Prague first then head to Frankfurt for a week and back to Prague.  The cost is not high and I still get the Delta miles from a SkyTeam partner Czech Airlines. 

 

The badge change over is going well again today, as I am scheduling people for the 10^th through this coming weekend.  The Major and his girl seem low-keyed and rightly so because their jobs are on the line.  If anything happens to mess with the guys or this operation I will jump and land right on both of them.  The Captain and Sgt. Black want to meet every so often to coordinate efforts, such as temporary badges and other matters where our jobs over lap.  Good idea and as a start I am having Jason copy the appointment schedule and give one copy to the Captain.  

 

Thursday, November 10, 2005

 

Nice leg work out last night and hit the bed early.  Raining today making it a very lazy feeling and with the schedule empty because of the 12^th of November deadline allows for walk-ins and last minute appointments. 

 

The day is going well and rather subdued which is what we need going into this November 12^th date.  We will hit about 220 interviews for the week with about 70 no shows and off set with walk in appointments totaling about 55.  Not to bad for having yesterday, today, and tomorrow blocked off for printing badges.  I made the decision to cut yellow badges for all personnel who claim that they gave there background checks to the military or us and also if Jason saw that they had them.  I am not going to keep going to the military asking for background checks when they will say they gave them to us and blame us for losing them.  We can sort this out later and if they did not have background checks then I will pull the badge and give them a red one. 

 

I will have to jump on the End of Week report and e-mail it to Tony.  I got a head start on it and after running the numbers there is not much more to go over. 

 

Friday, November 11, 2005

 

I got the End of Week report out and then headed out to get my haircut.  She did a great job and also a shave too.  I paid only $5.00, but gave The Ex $10.00 for the great service.  Nice girl and if I did not have a clearance and like the work that I am doing I would pursue The Ex or someone else overseas.  Today looks to be slow and with today and tomorrow the last ones before the deadline we are looking in great shape.  The guys did a great job with this and Steve and Craig gone helped out a lot. 

 

The Afghan mentality, give me give me but do not ask them for help a complete “union” mentality.  They want time off; I am going to Kabul, or whatever their excuses is except to work.  Who ever gave them the day of and started that trend was wrong and then some; they are beginning to tire me with this. 

 

Very slow day today and coming to the end of this ordeal of the badge changeover.  Tomorrow is the end of this and boy not too soon.  Our numbers are very low today but with almost a hundred badges to AAFES today it still was a very productive day. 

 

Ziya, I cannot figure The Ex out and what she is thinking.  She is in my office with our interview and looking on my desk and finds my cards, takes a couple and then offers one of hers.  And low and behold later today when I go to The Ex office to talk with the Major she thrusts a card into my hand.  I will be very interested in what she will want when she is ready to leave.  If nothing so be it, I do not think I could deal with The Ex issues; Christ The Ex has plenty of The Ex own why jump to another one!  I will respond to positive input from The Ex and see what happens; I think she is interested in me and she is fighting it hard. 

 

Saturday, November 12, 2005

 

Well the day is finally The Exe and we look to be busy with a lot of walk in appointments I set up earlier in the week.  And I come to find out that I missed the weekly all hands meeting which I was not informed of.  AAFES is scheduled to come in this morning and afternoon to finish them up and we are done with all the badge change over.  On top of this being the final day, I got Goody and Luis complaining about being sick.  Both did show up for work but Craig has misplaced the van keys and he now is nowhere to be found along with Phyllis.   I really got to take a deep breath about this and let it go, I am only the caretaker for another 4-5 days then it is Steve’s problem. 

 

Tony and Ernie stopped by and gave me the heads up on the visit to Bagram of senior management from KBR.  The schedule will include this office and the front gate operations.  I should get their schedule sometime today via e-mail from Tony.  Hopefully just a quick dog and pony show and they will be on their way. 

 

NIPR just went done and am trying to re-boot the system to get it up and running.  Going to check it right now. 

 

Finished for the day!  The 12^th is The Exe and gone and we are done with the badge changeover, I am having Jason lock the front door and we are calling it a night. 

 

Sunday, November 13, 2005

 

The “date” has come and gone and still the attitudes between people, the interpreters are bitching about time off, Craig stating bravo sierra about why he comes in late and holds the van for 30-40 minutes, and the whole “union mentality”.  We can do the work The Exe and still have time off during the workday for other things.  If Craig left tomorrow it would not be too soon.  I am really tired of these guys bitching about the front office and cannot wait until they switch. 

 

Chris Brewer just called and said that the upper management types should be at our office around 1430 hours for a walk through.  I should also be prepared to give them a 5-minute orientation and stand someone out as doing an exceptional job.  I think two should come to mind those are Goody and Jason for the badge changeover. 

 

The big wigs were a no show and they might stop by tomorrow or the day after, Chris will give me a heads up as to there arrival. 

 

Craig is being a pain and hiding behind the “hater” and oppressed crap.  Goody is to put him up front tomorrow and I will see what happens there.  Goody tried to take him to Human Resources earlier but Steve said he will handle it him self.  I know Steve he did not want to upset anyone and keep everyone happy.  Since Craig’s return it has been more difficult to get things done, he is on the phone or e-mail all day, which is fine but we have folders ready for screening on the desk and those come first.  Accomplish the mission and then go to your personal stuff.  I talked with Goody if Craig puts up any attitude or refuses to go up there to work then I will take him to Tony and let the chips fall where they may.  He does need to move on.  Heck we did not do that many interviews today and it seemed like we were busy!  We did twice the work with less people and got all the badges turned over and still did regularly scheduled interviews. 

 

Monday, November 14, 2005

 

I hit the gym and did ok with the weight used but did not do the extension to Viper for the lower back.  I hit the Bowflex hard at lunch and that worn me out and I will be looking forward to the two days off this coming Thursday and Friday.  The next cycle I will hit the aerobic machines hard along with the weights for some fat loss and watch that blood pressure.  I did go get some more malaria pills yesterday morning and now they take your blood pressure and mine was 137 over 87.  That was after walking from the office to the village and back to the medics.  Diet and exercise with an increase of my aerobic activity will keep that in check and I will be able to enjoy my trip the Philippines this coming January 2006. 

 

Goody’s blood pressure is very high today so after going to get his advance he will head to the medics to have it checked.  Boy oh boy, I hope that I do not have something lingering in my system because for 48+ years old I am not doing too badly, just watch the diet and exercise like I have and I should be ok.  These guys, Goody and Luis including Steve who is only 4 months older than me all have high blood pressure and are on numerous medications, I should feel lucky and thank God, which I should do more often. 

 

On the last legs of this temporary gig of working for Steve, Wali is given quarters for a couple of days.  And the new guy Mohammed does not speak Farsi and thus that leaves us with only one Farsi speaker.  I had to go ask the Major to use Ziya if the situation becomes backlogged but I will try not to do it.  The look from him was enough to warrant that decision and he just coddles The Ex so much kind of makes me a little sick.  Christ all she is doing is playing solitaire on The Ex laptop all day.  She only did 5 Turkish nationals this afternoon and that is it!  She leaves in a couple of months right around the time I go on leave and when I get back she will be gone.  I kidded with her a little during those interviews but she will go and I will not see her again, which should be good for all involved. 

 

Just found out that Jose will be going to Kabul to help them with the PPD testing later this week.  He will be gone around 4-5 days and should lessen the amount of people up-front and get him away from Jason since the kid aggravates him.  With Luis leaving Wednesday and Goody gone tomorrow we will be hurting for about the next 3-4 days and I am tired.  It just hit me the effects of the work for the past 2 and half weeks and getting all those badges done and keeping up with the usual screenings we have to do. 

 

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

 

Goody is off on leave and he is another one, an emergency leave a couple of weeks ago and now again.  Craig I believe will wait until Steve gets back to put in his leave form for the end of this month, but Goody says he went to talk to the head of HR The Exe and they will deny it since he has used “emergency” leaves for personal and just to get out of The Exe.  I am debating on whether to send Tony an e-mail regarding Craig or wait until Steve gets back.  I do not think Steve will do anything, but hopefully he will and with that I am really tired of the “I hope they fire me”, comments.  If it is that bad then quit and move on or transfer to another location or job.  I like it The Exe and would like to stay and if KBR takes over the front gate and those other locations open up that Operations job looks like it will open up.  Of course I will want more pay at least the equivalent to Screening Cell Manager if not Security Coordinator. 

 

Not a bad morning but was slow with about 7-9 no shows for there appointments.  AECOM should be coming in with their Indian and Nepalese nationals tomorrow and through the next couple of days.  That is where Mohammed will come in handy with Punjabi and Hindi language skills.  I am looking at 11 Bazaar Vendors for this afternoon, but I will have to send back most of them if Titan shows up, and rounding out the afternoon is Zafer with 5 Turkish nationals. 

 

The interviews with Ziya went well, thank god, she just spaces out while waiting for me to ask a question.  Then I ask what the hell she is thinking about she tells me a naked man, The Ex fiancé’, well Christ almighty I wish she would just run off to him.  And that is the advice I gave The Ex, when contract is up, to run off to him wherever he is.  She just says that she is screwing with his head saying she wants to marry him in January.  She needs to leave so I can get The Ex out of my mind, because she is flirtatious towards me and cannot figure what to do.  Like she said the other day I make her nervous.  I do not think that I was the one she was thinking about, oh hell no!  No matter she is leaving shortly and also Steve will be back soon and will do all the Turkish nationals or Hindi speakers with The Ex and I will use Mohammed for Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.  With this talk about Ziya, The Ex comes to mind and that got me to thinking.  She did get re-married and what if that did work out?  I would still be single and taking care of the kids as I am now and doing my own thing.  Am I to be a second fiddle to others, Ziya’s love of her life or her, as she said; “I might as well marry you since we been together so long already!”  Well hell no to both!  I would rather be alone and just worry about working for the kids and getting them settled into a good school and the rest for my later years and me. 

 

Damn, am I getting into a self-pity mode The Exe?  I hope not, I should just work hard, workout, and watch my movies.  And look forward to my next leave. 

 

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

 

Well last night got interesting quick, with Ziya coming out to the front to find me and wanting to talk.  Well she starts to tell me about Wali and his two days quarters and how he is probably not really sick at all.  Confirmed by Dino who joined the conversation and said he could go to sick call and get himself two days quarters if he asked for it.  This all started when I was asked by the Major to eye scan 19 local nationals to see if any might be on the banned list or some other issue within BATS.  So I go to the Major and ask if I could use Ziya to help translate for me, asking the locals to keep there eyes open, etc.  Well she gets upset that there are Dari translators working for World Wide who just sit around all day and do nothing.  So I walk out and shortly thereafter is when Ziya comes to find me.  By the way she kept touching my leg while talking and was starting to get worked up, i.e. possible cry.  I also believe that the Major understood my look as I was leaving and he was scared I was going to World Wide about The Ex, I was not but I would have killed that mission if Wali was not The Exe.  I will see if Wali comes in today and how he and Nawid work and operate.  Of note, it seems every time Craig talks with them he incites them to ask questions, more like argue about how the schedule is done and how this office is operating. 

 

Oh boy what a morning, just about everyone showed up, we had Egyptians, Turks, Uzbeks, and local nationals.  And only Green and myself to do them all and now a little respite until the afternoon rush starts. 

 

Well those guys and hitting on the Day Spa girls has finally hit home and I warned them!  Green looks like he is in trouble for relations with one of the girls who now claims she is being watched by people in the Kabul office.  Tony is on this along with Bryan who called me to inform me of the issue.  This should be very interesting in the next coming days.

 

This afternoon is going slow to start with Titan Linguistics on time for there appointment.  DHL just showed up along with the hapa holi girl from the laundry, she is really a pain in the ass and the serious attitude. 

 

Seems like the afternoon kind of slacked off a bit with mostly locals and five more Turkish nationals, I did the Turkish nationals with Ziya and that went well.  I also had an exit interview with a KBR employee who is making false accusations against KBR personnel and has been given another chance prior to this incident.             

 

Out of the blue, Ziya goes and tells me that I look great for someone my age.  Where in the hell did that come from?  Is she interested in me?  I really need for The Ex to go so I do not have to deal with this and The Ex too.  She is in love with the British guy she has been engaged to for the past year and that is what she should do, best for all concerned.  But I will be damned if I will settle and re-marry The Ex, Christ what do I owe The Ex?  Nothing, she re-married then divorced him, always had Joe hanging on, ZERO support from The Ex during my tough times.  But that I should not complain about, sounds like I am whining and no way should I ever do that?  It is just an excuse, move on and figure the problem out and do what is best for me. 

 

But damn it why is Ziya, telling me that I look good for my age and not to stop trying?  Am I, as usual with me, the other guy in the equation?  Probably am so try to let each day go by, have fun with it and soon it will be all over and Ziya will rotate out of The Exe.  Never to be seen again.  With this said and feeling a little run down, I have to hit the gym tonight for the leg workout.  That should top off a good week and keep my mind off Ziya and what she is thinking or doing.  As I write this I am thinking she is deeply in love with this British guy or thinks she is, but I am The Exe.  Now do not get me wrong I really do not think this way about myself, but she cannot stop thinking about me?  Did I really say that?  Heck that makes me laugh!  Bob, just hit the gym, get something to eat, shower, and watch a John Wayne movie tonight!  Damn, get over yourself!  I am actually laughing right now as I write this! 

 

Thursday, November 17, 2005

 

Nice leg work out, little sore with the first set but that is just getting warmed up.  Strength was there and should hit more weight very soon.  Next week I start with some aerobics and that should burn this fat and work the heart, since I am concerned about the blood pressure, although last time it was checked when getting my malaria pills it was not too bad.  But I want to keep the second number down, this last time it was 87.  I sure do not want to be like Steve, Luis, and Goody, taking all that blood pressure medicine and getting headaches and other ailments.  I have not used the spray in over four months and do not look too soon.  I believe it is the dry air The Exe and diet and exercise regime I am on. 

 

Boy oh boy, another busy day, 44 interviews today and 45 yesterday for 223 total for the week with only three screeners and two for the final two days.  And one of them is Matt Green.  The end of week report is sent out and hopefully they will understand the issues with this office and how well I am dealing with the adversity.  Yes, I know these guys were The Exe by themselves for a couple of weeks, well one was not Matt and they did not have the multitude of new companies that are now awarded contracts and need there people screened.  We have Fluor, TFI International, and Faysel all bringing on personnel and all not the usual languages we are prepared for.  On top of that AECOM still has 30 personnel running around base with visitor badges. 

 

I forgot to mention it yesterday, but Bryan Wilson called yesterday regarding a female AAFES employee who has some sort of relationship with Matt Green.  I checked to see who last interviewed her, it was McCormick, and she is stating that Matt told someone down there to keep an eye on her?  I told him and Luis they are playing with fire, they interview these females and their jobs are determined by our interviews.  We have a lot of control over their future and job.  Unknown where this is headed but it could not be good. 

 

Just a few minutes ago, Ziya was hitting me up for information on bidding on contracts and she said that she wants to work with me?  Boy she is confused and cannot let go, I know she thinks of the finance a lot but am I the “Bob” who she was talking about to Steve a little while ago?  The “Bob” who she cannot get out of The Ex mind, and does not think about the “only guy she ever loved”, The Ex finance?  A little of my ego says yes, but I cannot really think that!  I told The Ex I was busy and to have The Ex call me to talk about it over coffee some time before she leaves in January.  I am wondering if she will just leave or invite me to Istanbul to see The Ex.  There I go again flaunting my ego again.  This is what will happen, she will leave and I will never see The Ex again and soon to forget The Ex also. 

 

Friday, November 18, 2005

 

Boy am I tired, took a lot to get out of bed today.  I will see how today goes and how I feel in the morning to determine if I will take off the gym tomorrow.  But I do have to watch the diet, cheated a little yesterday with the ice cream and maybe some tonight with Steak and Lobster.  Steve is still not back and wondering what is the hold up.  I do not think he blew off returning.  If so I will be in some trouble, with Matt Green leaving on R&R this coming week.  Finished off the week with two hard days doing almost 90 interviews the main reason is the addition of TFI, Fluor, and Faysel all starting construction projects on base.  The military is determining who has priority between Faysel and TFI and I hope that goes well.  I talked with Tony last night and he agreed that the new coordinator should be the point of contact with Rick’s boss and not me.  Rick has the dates and times to be The Exe so I hope that goes well because the military’s interpreters are not up to speed. 

 

We got the military to use Sonja from the Day Spa to interpret for the Uzbek Russian speakers for the balance of the guys still needing to be screened.  Rick from KBR is running himself ragged because a couple of guys have gone to sick call and could be out another day if not more.  But as usual for the last couple of weeks we will somehow make due and accomplish the mission. 

 

Matt just left my office wondering whether he should quit/resign prior to KBR pulling his clearance for his now admitted relationship with a worker at the day spa The Exe on Bagram.  I tried to talk him out of it and he wants to now talk to Tony regarding this matter and I too think that is a mistake.  But I did tell him 3 months ago that he and Luis are playing with fire by trying to build a relationship with these girls.  We as screeners are responsible for them working or not working on this installation.  That is a lot of power to have and too easy to abuse.  As I write this I am thinking that it might be best for him to resign to save his career because the day spa worker is upset and could start making all sorts of claims against Matt and this office.  Jeez, as I write this I would not mind him leaving if his actions and Luis’ bring anything negative to this office and thus me. 

 

Steve sent me an e-mail he is in Dubai and will probably be The Exe tomorrow morning.  And given the issue(s) with Green it will not be too soon.  We have a lot to talk about and I hope he is in agreement to the changes that I believe need to be made The Exe, Craig, Green, Luis, and now Jason. 

 

Boy oh boy, the Major and Ziya have it in for the Jason.  But I now have to somewhat agree with them because the kid can be short and give the impression of being rude.  I will want specifics from the Major and Ziya regarding this issue from now on.  And when Steve returns tomorrow I will talk with him more.  I just left their office and told them to bring me specifics regarding Jason and the way he handles the front office.  I do think it would be best for him to move to Kandahar or Salerno as a screener and move one of there screeners up There. 

 

Saturday, November 19, 2005

 

The shit has officially hit the fan.   Matt Green is leaving and will lose his clearance according to the conversation I had last night with Tony.  Green is leaving Bagram in a day or so and it looks like Luis will be right behind him.  I also talked about Craig, Jason, and Goody.  Jason will get the position of FP Screener but will move to Kandahar.  Craig is on the way out, either by his own decision or the KBR’s.  Luis will be leaving for the same issues that Green is leaving, fraternization with girls from the former Soviet Union.  Luis and maybe Jason are involved and both risk the same adverse action.  The harsh thing and rightfully so for adults and Intelligence operatives is the pulling of there Clearances and effectively kills any chance of there getting a similar position ever again.

 

The interesting side note to this is that I had this conversation with Matt a couple of months ago and told him exactly what is going to happen.  I will have a talk with the guys today and Jason one on one regarding what happened.  But I will not tell him that he will probably be moved to Kandahar, which for all concerned is a good thing.  I will mention something to the Major regarding that move so he backs off. 

 

Steve should be on the shuttle today, I will brief him later and if he arrives at the office I will send him home.  He will need a full nights rest since it should be only him and me for the next couple of weeks or longer.  Until another screener comes down the road to replace Green and Jason. 

 

Jose is going down to Kabul for a couple of days to get the Human Resources department that is attached to the Badge Office squared away along with doing the medical testing.  I guess they are not done with that The Exe yet and that should continue for the next couple of days. 

 

Tony is down The Exe right now doing interviews with Craig and Jason and would hit the other guys but they are on leave.  Goody and Luis are in this up to there eye balls.  Tony, who just finished interviewing Jason and who now is writing a statement, is interviewing Craig right now.  Craig will be writing a statement right after this, but given the mood Craig is in he will more than likely quit.  It would not surprise me that he did quit but if he stayed he will falsify his statement because he is seeing another woman and is married.  For Christ sakes he has The Ex as a screen saver on his laptop. 

 

Well the interviews with Jason and Craig are over and they have to produce statements attesting to the facts, as they know them.  Steve and I will have to produce statements also and they will state that we told those guys not to mess with the day spa girls and stay out of there.  I will do my statement later today and give it to Steve so he can forward to Tony for the record.

 

Monday, November 21, 2005

 

I missed a day due to Steve and I am the only screeners on duty.  Matt Green is leaving and should fly tomorrow morning.  I have not worked out for the past couple days at the gym but did hit the Bowflex yesterday and today for shoulders, back, and chest.  I will hit the gym for arms and legs tomorrow and the next day.  I am feeling a little worn out and tired and need some rest. 

 

I have worked with Ziya for the past couple of days on the Turkish nationals with Zafer Construction and that has gone well.  I have given The Ex compliments about The Ex dress, and dress is the operative word, hell we are in a war zone and she is wearing a short skirt and boots!  Who is she trying to impress?  And how people get caught, Steve and I stopped for some Diary Queen yesterday and were walking back to the village when I noticed the Major walking towards us and they were pretty close to us.  And funny thing is that I did not even notice Ziya walking with him until she blurts out “High Bobby!”  That is making me wonder what she wants and whom she wants.  Our discussions last night in the hooch centered upon the Major and his relationship with Ziya.  I came to the conclusion that it is a dominant submissive relationship and the Major has slept with The Ex once maybe twice and still dominants The Ex psychologically.  Thus the blow up a couple of weeks ago with Ziya blurting out that she is not sleeping with the Major.  For whose benefit was that statement, ours or there’s?  I think she would love to have a relationship with me and cannot figure out how to do it.  The Exe in Bagram it will not happen, thus The Ex taking my card and wanting a number in the US to call me.  Well that is a dead issue, once she leaves, IF she leaves there will be no contact with The Ex ever again.  She has talked about a business relationship and I sent an e-mail outlining some issues and she has not responded to it.  The Major is there and she will not talk or write me outside of work while there relationship exists.  It also could be she wants it to continue and by blurting out my name the other day is making him jealous or whatever is running through her mind by talking to me in such a manner.  Could be a simple as keeping me on the hook for later, well unless she comes out and says that she would like to pursue a relationship then nothing will ever happen.

 

Now to the ex-wife whom I am almost thinking that I should get back together with.  I do have feelings for her, but will she cut and run when or if times get tough?  That is what is at the back of my mind.  Yes, she writes that I pushed her away and did not pay attention to her, absolutely!  But I had the impression that she would cut and run when the times got rough and that is what happened.  She always ran to Joe and had him send money and he was always butting in.  That will stop and hell even Rob was and maybe still dropping by the house to visit and other excuses to see her and my kids.  Taking my son to a basketball game while I am in town what did The Ex think I was going to do?  Well until I get over that I am better off alone!  Do I need The Ex?  Ziya, how does she fit into the picture if there is even a picture!  Where am I getting that impression about Ziya and myself?  Maybe The Ex telling me not to give up, she likes my aggressiveness towards a relationship with The Ex, she always looking into my office when she walks by, even when we are not talking.  Am I reading this right?  Who could I talk to?  Should I make another push, not kidding like I do when we interview people but a talk about what she wants and what I want?  Lately I tell The Ex to get on a plane and go to The Ex fiancé and take him.  She makes some rebuttal that he should come to The Ex.  That tells me that I am what I am, which is a loner and should concentrate on work and making a great life for my kids.  Oh by the way, on the phone last night with The Ex I did ask The Ex to come to Europe, Italy to be exact alone for a trip.  Was that wise?  Am I destined to make another mistake with her?  I do not want to re-marry because of Lanibelle and how she would take it.  My little girl wants daddy back with mommy just like any 9-year-old little girl does.  Alexander misses me and I do miss him.  Thus look at my pictures on the wall and keep them as the focus and let Ziya take off never to be seen again.  Damn Bob let it go already, I am acting foolish. 

 

I do have a crush on The Ex and as long as she is The Exe I will feel this way.  I must remember when she was gone for most of July and I did not think of The Ex until The Ex return.  And prior to her departure she and I did not speak, another of her now famous meltdowns was to blame.  I will now keep that in mind for the next 5-6 weeks, which is the length of time she has left on The Ex contract.  Interesting though, Sgt. Black and I were talking about the Bears this morning and he brought up that he was leaving in March, his end of tour.  And that the Major is in the same unit but he might stay on longer.  Interesting, and how does that effect Ziya?  Will she get a new deal from Worldwide?  Will she stay because the Major is staying?  That relationship is very strange, the Major feels he has to protect The Ex and she has to have him around constantly, why?  Why is she now walking for exercise and he has to go with The Ex?  How do I fit into this?  And she is telling me not to quit trying?  I am confused and need for the next couple of weeks to fly by and The Ex to hopefully leave.  That would be best for me.  I have to say this, notice how I seem to come to the conclusion that she should go and more than likely I will forget about The Ex.  Thus I know it is an infatuation with The Ex and nothing more. 

 

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

 

Well looks like the loan package got finished.  But with my goofy work history made the process very complicated.  Those funds should pay off the truck, credit card, and other bills that are lingering.  I will pay off The Ex’s back child support and keep the rest as a cash reserve for future investments or home purchase. 

 

I have to get back to the other female in my life, Ziya.  Boy oh boy, I just go to the North DFAC for dinner with Steve and the others and I am minding my own business and there she is eating, still wearing an outfit more fitting for a date back in New York than a war zone.  I really need to let The Ex go and hope she leaves The Exe very soon. 

 

Just had a new screener show up about 20 minutes ago who was prior military an administrative type and then CID.  This should be fun since he is black but not a brother like Craig so I am looking forward to this.  Craig just asked Steve to talk so I am wondering if that is for his leave request or he might be leaving KBR.  It looks like the new guy will be scheduled to go to Kabul for that mobile screening team Chris Brewer told me about.  And with Jason leaving for Kandahar Steve has no idea who will be his replacement?  We are hoping it would be Tracy Spencer, but that might throw a wrench into the works with R&R timing.  Since Tracy and I got The Exe the same time we might be requesting the same time so one of us might have to adjust our schedules. 

 

Busy today, again for the time being Steve and I are the only screeners with Luis due back in about 2 weeks.  Pierre is not a screener but an administrative specialist and jumping right into the mix up front. 

 

I am really having some fun with Ziya asking The Ex when we are getting married etc.  But it is all in good fun as the thoughts for the past few months ring true.  She is having some relationship with the Major, still in love with The Ex British fiancé, and what ever else she has on The Ex mind.  I do still believe that she would like to go further with me but the above ring too loud.  She is with the Major constantly and I find them together all the time, dinner last night and walking north on Disney the other night.  I have to keep working on getting over my infatuation with Ziya, and running to The Ex is not the answer.  I will go to The Ex when and if I believe it is the best thing for me to do.  I have to be selfish about that but I want to be happy.  Right now I am feeling very lonely and thinking about Ziya and when I think she is going to or with someone else then I think about The Ex.  What do I do?  Jeez I am lonely right now and in need of some female companionship.  Not in the physical sense although I would welcome and like that, but also spiritually and psychologically. 

 

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

 

The loan documents came through and it looks like all the bills, the Hummer, credit card, and the Malkovich will be paid off and leaves a balance of about $33,000.00.  I will look to have my mom send me $15,000.00 to pay off The Ex’s back child support and have a cash reserve and leave my mom with money for any emergencies she might have.  I signed and sent off the Good Faith Estimate a little while ago and that should get there in about 8-9 days.  Then Sheldon will forward me the actual loan documents for my signature and notary seal.  Then I have to get to FedEx to expedite them back to Sheldon. 

 

This will come in handy and even with the increased payment amounts I should even out on a monthly basis.  $2,200.00 for the first mortgage and $1,600.00 for the second and no other bills to pay off making my monthly outlay less than what I am doing at the moment. 

 

Worked the final Turkish national with Ziya and had a little conversation with The Ex regarding what she will do when she leaves The Exe January 31, 2006.  Looks like a 2^nd or 3^rd cousin is a successful businessman from Turkey and he wants The Ex to run his operations in the US.  She seems to be leaning towards living in Phoenix Arizona, but I find it interesting that The Ex business acumen is very limited but being a relative to this guy she has a trust that he must be seeking.  She tells me that the current US partner is possibly doing something shady but only conjecture at the moment.  The Ex leaving could not come soon enough. 

 

The sooner she leaves then I will get over these childish infatuation feelings I have for The Ex.  It will be very similar to the time she left in July, I forgot about The Ex until she came up to me to ask me to work out together and those feelings for her came over me.  But it is nothing more than infatuation and that will pass. 

 

I will go to the gym tonight to hit legs with that I will not miss a cycle with my leg workout and save myself the soreness.  I will see how I feel with the weights and just let my body tell me how to take the workout.  The next cycle I will hit aerobics along with the weights and take the evening meal very light, no pasta or carbohydrates and only some protein or just a salad.  I do feel bloated and fat and I have to work on that! 

 

Thursday, November 24, 2005

 

Happy Thanksgiving!  I did hit the gym last night and worked on legs and did pretty good and thus slept like a log.  Woke up and headed to work to find the closing documents in my Halliburton e-mail account.  Lucky the internet works a little faster The Exe in the morning and got them downloaded.  I will have to head off to the JAG office to print them out and have a notary sign the documents with me and then ship out via FedEx. 

 

I will have to get into my personal life The Exe sometime today and figure out what to do. 

 

I took all morning but I got the documents out to FedEx, but darn if I just missed the plane that left today.  The next plane leaves Sunday and the documents should be there Tuesday or the latest Wednesday.  I hope funding will happen shortly thereafter including the payoff for the truck, credit card, and the dog.  With that I should be looking at $33,000.00 left over and I will have my mom send me $15,000.00 and I will payoff The Ex’s back child support which should total a little over $6,000.00 leaving my mom with $18,000 and my paycheck.  I must look at aggressively investing these monies and the real estate market in Florida should be slow through the holidays and pick up again in February 2006.  Which should not be an issue since I must hold the house given the pre-payment penalties for the new second mortgage?  Which is fine I must make sure The Ex gets the kids tested for Lake Highland and get them in next year? 

 

Went out with the office to North DFAC for a thanksgiving meal and it was not too bad.  I over ate but more due to the shrimp I ate with desert.  I will hit the aerobics big when the cycle starts this coming Saturday.  With the Bowflex and evening weights I get in a pretty good workout and along with the aerobics should burn some of the fat I have accumulated?  I am wondering if the fat is because of the growth hormones I am taking along with the rather poor diet.  Although not eating a lot of junk food, the evening meal when working out should be protein and salad only or even salad only since I go right to bed after my shower. 

 

Friday, November 25, 2005

 

Nice dinner with the guys at the north DFAC and returned to the office to hang around for a while.  Steve finished his office and looks to move into it today and we will keep the office he is vacating as a storage area until more screeners show up.  It looks to be Steve and me until at least the 4-7^th of December, which is the anticipated return date of Luis.  If Luis comes back, since I will bet that Matt e-mailed him regarding his situation and Luis will and should take that to heart. 

 

I am putting in my leave form and will be heading back to see the kids.  At worse I see them and fly a delta partner and hit almost 100,000 miles and by this time next year I will be a minimum of gold status on the way to platinum.  I do need to see the guys and see what is up with The Ex and how we could move forward.  I am not sure yet and will take some time to figure that one out. 

 

Busy day today with TFI, Bazaar Vendors, and Zafer Construction all having appointments on or about 1300 to 1330 hours.  Steve got a little excited but damn if we did them and are just about done for the day and right now it is 3:22pm local time!  Jesus if I hear something about please fire me from Steve I might just tell him “why don’t you just quit!”  But I will hold my tongue and just wait out the operations position that should be opening up soon or a screening manager position.  I just found out that they make $4,500 base, which equates to about $149,000 per year. 

 

Saturday, November 26, 2005

 

Rainy day today and should be a quiet day since the schedule is not overloaded with personnel.  We are looking at Zafer with five in the morning and five in the afternoon and all Turkish nationals.  I believe that we have scheduled 16 in the morning and 16 in the afternoon and about the same for tomorrow. 

 

I will re-start my workouts today with the inclusion of aerobics, which I should do at the Clam Shell Gym and still hit the Viper Gym for the one lower chest machine to finalize the chest workout.  I do not think that I need to hit it for back since I work three different exercises for back on the Bowflex.  But the aerobics is the key, hit that for five days along with the weights and take those two days off with keeping a good on eye on my diet I should be good. 

 

We did 30 today and overall a decent day busy enough to make the day go by fast, but with enough down time.  Craig leaves Sunday for a short R&R and the way he is talking will not be back or should come back and then leave within 30 days.  That should be fine since his mind is elsewhere and the “union mentality” is just too much. 

 

Sunday, November 27, 2005

 

Nice workout last night and I hit the aerobics for 17 minutes and then off to Viper Gym to hit the lower chest machine.  Nice weight but the incline press last night was weak with only 45-pound plates used for all sets and barely able to hit 7-8 repetitions.  The aerobic workout was good and will hit that again tonight.  Dinner was some meatballs, no sauce and a salad with non-fat dressing which was perfect.  I have 7 weeks until my vacation and let’s see how well I do with this work out regimen.  I understand that the gym I went to in Oviedo is now shut down so I either will forgo my workouts or find another place to hit the gym. 

 

Tomorrow is cash advance day and I think I will take out $500.00 dollars then and each time they have cash draws.  And I will keep those funds The Exe and I will take out $1,000.00 for the R&R draw and only take those funds with me keeping whatever money I have The Exe in Bagram.  Right now I have about $1,550.00 and should hit over $2,000.00 by the time of my R&R. 

 

Very slow day but all appointments except for AAFES showed up and on time.  We are expecting Mine-Tech in about 10 minutes and they usually show up on time and with the number they have scheduled.  For a rainy and dark day just what the doctor ordered.

 

The afternoon went by ok and was slow, but it looks like the next couple of days we will be very busy.  And still have to plan for the 100+ Turkish nationals along with the usual companies and their new hires and KBR re-screenings.  All in all the month of December will fly by and then I am off on R&R on the 11^th of January home to see the kids. 

 

Monday, November 28, 2005

 

Jesus was it cold in the hooch this morning.  I do not know if someone turned off the heater unit but for the first time I was cold while in the bunk.

 

Workout last night was good, but the weight used on the machine in the Clamshell Gym was not up to standards.  But I did the aerobics, feeling good when done and still hit the Viper Gym for the lower rowing machine with more than adequate weight.  I must continue the diet and aerobics until my R&R; I think losing a couple of inches would be a good thing. 

 

This morning just flew by with just about all the appointments showing up and on time.  I am unsure of the numbers but we might just hit 40 interviews for the day.  I walked to lunch and earlier I hit the finance department for the cash advance and I took out $500.00 versus my usual $350.00.  I am thinking that the re-financing went through so I will have a cash balance both in my mom’s and my accounts I could now build up a cash balance on hand The Exe in Bagram.  Right now I have about $2,000.00 in cash and given my recent history I want to have cash available for any eventuality. 

 

This afternoon looks like the same but more local nationals and I think a couple of Russian speakers and maybe one Turkish national.  Busy is fine because the days will fly by and December as a month looks to be busy so my R&R will be The Exe soon. 

 

Our final numbers for the day will be between 40-42 interviews not bad for two guys and doing the bio data input also.  Tomorrow will be busy with 20 KBR new hires in the morning and afternoon with a couple of interviews sprinkled in later in the morning and afternoon. 

 

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

 

Nice shoulder workout but doing the Bowflex does cut down on the weight used on the evening sessions.  But the aerobic work is continuing and doing well, hitting about 17 minutes on level 3 and should increase both time and level on the next cycle.  At a minimum the time should kick up to over 20 minutes along with extra walking and diet. 

 

It is getting very cold in the evening and mornings now will have to wear a t-shirt under my sweatshirt at night and wear a jacket to the restroom at night.  I also have to look at buying something warm for the feet when walking to and from the washroom and shower facilities my feet are getting cold.  

 

Jesus already with the bitching and moaning from Steve, so what KBR gave us lanyards to carry our badges in?  In the greater scheme of things how bad is this!  Steve should just quit and I take his job and the $4,500.00 per month base, which would equate to a $30,000.00 per year raise for me.  For what moaning about KBR and there childish stuff and also that the tax payers are paying for the lanyards and hats, if true show me the billing to the government.  If not shut up about it already, and I should hold my tongue but it is getting annoying with all the complaining.  I guess I am really an optimist by nature and this stuff gets me down. 

 

We did 58 people today!  And we never stopped for at least 3.5 hours in the morning and the same in the afternoon.  This includes a couple of last minute add ins by Steve and one walk in.  What made the numbers larger was the fact that KBR/Jose brought in more than the allotted 20 for the morning and afternoon.  The schedule for tomorrow is a little over 40 and hopefully some will not show up. 

 

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

 

Nice workout last night and this would be the last of the cycle and looking forward to the couple of days off.  With the amount of work The Exe and nightly workouts I have to be careful about getting too run down and thus sick. 

 

 

I have to watch my mouth around Steve he is getting on my nerves about the KBR this and that and wishing he would be fired.  All this negative stuff is aggravating along with his yelling at the front office which leads me to think he might not be up to this over a long stretch of time.  I just might go to Chris Brewer or Tony about applying for a Security Coordinator position The Exe, given the quality of personnel they have hired it is nothing I cannot handle.  And maybe the petty stuff that Steve gets all worked up about will push him to leave and I will take his job, I hope!  I can see now why Chris had some doubts regarding Steve and giving him the job to begin with.  I just hope it is busy today and I do not have to deal with that negative attitude any more.  And yes it does come from the fact that he did take R&R during the November 12^th deadline and no it was not mostly complete at the time and still have other companies starting up such as TFI International and Faysel Construction.  I did about 40 Turkish nationals along with the usual Local Nationals and other re-screens. 

 

The morning session was almost 30 personnel interviewed and we have at least 20 on the schedule for this afternoon.  Another banging day at the badge office, but what the heck they fly by and thus quicker to my R&R and back to see Alex.  This afternoon I will hit the Egyptians with Dino who should be The Exe around 1:00pm to get the afternoon off to a quick start. 

 

Ended the day with 39 interviews after a very busy morning and still have over 1,000 interviews for month.  We are looking at a busy Thursday and hopefully an uneventful weekend.  But Specialist Parra dropped by to tell us the Commanding General has the need for 40 local nationals to do a project on post for about 40 days and it starts tomorrow.  Steve told him to go to the Major to figure out who will cancel and insert these new local nationals.  We cannot just do these guys along with the schedule we currently have. 

 

Thursday, December 01, 2005

 

Good workout last night and the last one with aerobics included in the routine.  I will begin to increase the level and duration of the aerobics along with more concentration upon the weight used and form.  I could and will go heavier with the leg press next week and not increase the number of sets and pyramiding down is good for the stretch of the legs and lessens the soreness. 

 

This morning is going ok with all showing up for their appointments and still does not feel very busy.  Only one Egyptian showed up out of the four scheduled but had all five show up for the TFI appointments.  This afternoon has only a couple of non-local nationals Russian speakers and a couple of Nepalese.  Should be a good day for the number of interviews but not very busy. 

 

This afternoon flew by but really not sure what the final number will be.  During lunch I picked up my itinerary for January 11^th R&R and coming back the times are very tight but no worries, the outgoing times look good.  The only trouble spot could be the Atlanta to Orlando flight, but if I miss that I should be able to hop on a later flight.  I might have to catch an earlier flight from Orlando to Atlanta on the way back because I only have an hour and 35 minutes, which should be ok, but given the size of Atlanta’s airport and distance between terminals it could take a while to get to the flight.  I will check on-line tomorrow to see if my flights are on delta.com and book my seats on the Delta operated legs.  I could do the Air France legs when I get to the airport in Dubai and when coming home I could do the outbound leg from Paris to Dubai. 

 

Friday, December 02, 2005

 

Today looks to be a decent day with about 17 in the morning and about 15 in the afternoon and time to hit the bazaar for some movies.  Last night was good, nice dinner and talk with The Ex to tell The Ex that I will be coming home to see the kids in January.  I got an e-mail from The Ex stating that the kids are already involved with the opposite sex and Christ Alex is talking with 8^th graders!  Alana I have to watch and Alex so they do not do anything stupid, thus private schools for the both of them.  The Ex wants to look at Boston or the DC area, then why the hell not Chicago?  I will be ok with the DC area but Boston is a pit and way too much of the typical Northeastern mentality.  Well if no Chicago then for me to head back to the states to live anytime soon is a pipedream.  I will have to work overseas to make the income for the things that my kids need and the top of that list is education.  And a push towards excellence, a drive to get a good education from a top notch school to set themselves up for success in there adult lives. 

 

This morning seemed to start off with a bang with five Turkish nationals and then Contrack Int’l with two Pakistani nationals but it slowed quickly as we are waiting for 5 new hires from another company who is late by about 10 minutes.  We will probably still do them but late is late and there are only the two of us.  I keep thinking about what Steve said and did during the November drop dead date, “we are half done and the rest should be easy”.  Well yes it was easy because I ran the show and made decisions and moved everything along.  Good work by Goody and Jason was largely due with the success of the venture but Steve is so negative, but lately he will keep it to himself, since I tore into that talk.  Which I am tired of the negative crap, it is hard getting up and coming here tired and knowing that there are only two of us and the numbers will be the same if not higher.  Of note, we did do 268 interviews last week! 

 

This afternoon going be well all is it a little slow.  The one vendor who was a no show at 10 am is also a no show for their afternoon appointment.  After a heavy week last week we do need a little respite before this week begins to go full swing. 

 

We only did 21 interviews today but did have 11 no shows and given it was a Friday that is to be expected.  Local nationals observe there holy day today similar to Christians and Sunday.  Tomorrow and the rest of the week will be the usual amount of personnel so we should be back to normal very fast.  Bryan Wilson should be coming through The Exe in a day or so to go on his end of tour R&R so it will good to see him.  He might even work a day or so on the way out which would help out a lot. 

 

Saturday, December 03, 2005

 

I feel like I am coming down with a cold, little tickle in the throat and wheezing a bit.  We shall see how the day progresses.  I do want to start up again on the workouts, and will have to wait to see how I am feeling later today. 

 

Zafer cancelled their morning and afternoon appointments making the morning very relaxed.  We filled in the holes with some walk in appointments and are doing the same for this afternoon.  I will have some lunch and see how I feel, but will hit the gym later today and still do the aerobics. 

 

Nice lunch and feel better after eating and drinking then went to hit the Bowflex for the chest routing and that was fine.  I will try to hit the gym later this evening and of course aerobics.  But watch the dinner, salad and some protein and fruit.  I will not try to max out the weight but enough to get a good burn and work the muscle group hard. 

 

Another day in the books and not too bad but not very busy as we took walk-ins and a couple who were more than one hour late.  This new security coordinator Pat Bauer is an unknown factor and I will have to keep my distance and just be professional with him.  He seems to want to take over the badge office as he will supposedly take over the front gate operations.  By talking with Jason regarding his attitude without going to Steve was wrong and he, as an officer in the military should respect the chain of command.  Steve is saying he can’t take it any more and it is too much, etc., well I am not going to say anything his negativity will not impact me.  If he moves on then I take over and get the pay he has which would be great, if not then I wish he would just not talk. 

 

Sunday, December 04, 2005

 

Work out was pretty good for someone that is fighting a cold.  Hit the chest pretty hard but the clincher was the lower chest machine at the Viper Gym.  I hit two sets with 3 45-pound plates on each side and for reps!  Not too bad, tonight is back and will hit the Bowflex at lunch and see how the routine goes at the Clamshell.  Of note too is the fact that I hit the aerobic machine hard and will increase resistance and time this coming cycle.  I will have to hit Viper for the lower back row machine and max out the weight if up for it. 

 

Had a good talk with Steve regarding the issues of the office and it is confirmed that Chris Brewer is leaving on the 20^th of December and his replacement will be Tony.  Steve also mentioned in a off the cuff way about the manager’s slot in Kandahar, but for me to move down there I want Steve’s pay or $4,500.00 base per month.  I do wonder if the operations section or cell is still a go and am I in the plans to go into that section?  I did mention to Steve that I would rather stay here for a Senior Screener position with a bump in base since I am pretty comfortable where I am.  So it will be very interesting over the next month and that is what I like. 

 

Made a protein shake and had some cookies and water and feel a little better.  I should be fine by tomorrow and we will see what’s up after a little lunch and maybe the Bowflex.  This morning is going slow since TFI Int’l brought 5 Uzbekistan nationals and we not expecting them and thus no Russian interpreter available.  So it should be a calm day and I could rest a bit and get ready to hit the ground running tomorrow. 

 

Lunch helped me feel better and some fruit for later I should do ok for the rest of the afternoon.  I also hit the Bowflex and that was good, weight and reps were up to par so I will see how I feel for the gym this evening.  I will close my eyes for a little while before the afternoon appointments start rolling in. 

 

Slow day today but tomorrow we have over 60 scheduled with Contrack Int’l bringing in 15 new hire local nationals.  The only other languages out of the ordinary are five Turkish nationals and five Uzbekistan Russian speakers for TFI Int’l.  Steve and I discussed the movement of personnel such as promoting Craig to Screener and moving him to Kandahar and keeping Jason The Exe for a screener.  We do not anticipate Luis coming back and if he does he will be very short since his year-end is the end January.  But with the Matt Green issue he might not come back.  Goody is lucky that Tony is on leave and the Matt issue will probably not affect him and it will pass if Goody lets it pass and keeps his mouth shut.  We will move Pierre to another office soon, probably when Tony returns from R&R. 

 

Monday, December 05, 2005

 

Took the day off from the gym and a good thing, this cold and all the associated junk that goes with it have settled in my chest a good thing is that I am coughing up the phlegm.  I will hit the Bowflex this afternoon for the shoulder workout and maybe the gym tonight although another day off would probably be best.  Today holds about 60 interviews scheduled and most will show up so it will make the day fly by. 

 

I do have to take this memory stick home and update the laptop and stand alone hard drive.  Especially the resume and this work since I will be bringing the laptop home with me to see the kids.  I have to be careful not to over write something there that is more up to date than what is on this stick.  The only item I could be sure of is this work, so I can over write that to the laptop and then to the back up hard drive. 

 

Lunch was pretty good, just some salad with pasta salad and a couple of pears for desert.  I hit the Bowflex after lunch for shoulders and that went well with good form and 4 sets of each exercise.  I will not hit the gym tonight and just take a shower, get laundry ready, and hit the bed early.  This afternoon should be fast and furious with mostly re-screens so it will go quickly.  And as I stated earlier, this month will fly by with the new-hires for the contractors and re-screen my R&R will be just around the corner. 

 

This afternoon is going well albeit rather slow; TFI International looks to be running late.  But KBR with their re-screens should fill the afternoon and we will do a decent number of interviews for the day. 

 

Our final total for the day was about 44 interviews with about 10 no-shows.  I told Steve to load the schedule for the Monday to Thursday workdays and we can then do around 30 per day for the Friday through Sunday weekend.  Actually if we only took Friday as the light day we can still schedule more on Saturday and Sunday since we have Amir Ali back with his language skills of Farsi and Pashto along with the others.  It seems that Pierre will need to go because of his attitude towards anyone who tries to tell him something or train him.  Steve mentioned that he will assign Goody to train him, since we are expecting Goody back tomorrow.  That should make this very interesting. 

 

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

 

Really feel the cold has settled into my chest and I do feel lousy.  I will tough it out again today and just maybe hit the Bowflex at lunchtime and see how I feel then.  I will take some protein later this morning along with breakfast and that should help. 

 

This afternoon went by quickly and we should hit about 40 interviews for the day.  Jason’s promotion formally came through and he is now signing his new documents and we will utilize him as a screener first thing tomorrow.  Still feeling lousy, but had a decent lunch and hit the Bowflex for my arm workout.  I am hoping to feel better tomorrow so I can hit legs and not miss a cycle with that body part. 

 

I started to move into the larger office across the hall.  The primary reason is that the desk is finished and I like the natural light.  It is a little dark in this office and during the summer the prevailing winds come from the side of the building my current office is on. 

 

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

 

I went to bed early last night and boy did I wake up all stuffed up and coughing and hacking all sorts of gunk.  I am hoping this would be the last of the cold so I can go back to the gym and hit the aerobics and lose some of this weight I got from fighting this cold. 

 

I got an e-mail from The Ex regarding another fight between The Ex and my mom.  I just cannot deal with that issue.  My mom is upset with The Ex for whatever reasons and just will not settle down.  The Ex is just blind to The Ex issues and bringing them up will not help at all and in between are the kids and me.  Good news is that the check arrived and hopefully the bills were paid and as soon as she gets the check to my mom I will pay off The Ex child support and I am paid in full for anything I might have done to wreck this relationship. 

 

Bryan Wilson stopped by on his way to R&R, he did not get a chance to help out since he just arrived this afternoon and leaves tomorrow morning.  Good to see him and he seems to being doing well in Kabul. 

 

Jason was working as a screener for the first time today and did well and he will be on his own tomorrow.  Of note, it seems that the 140 plus Turkish nationals will arrive on Bagram Sunday night and we will begin screening them Tuesday through next week Wednesday.  We scheduled five at 8am, 10am, 1pm, and 3 pm respectively which should clear all personnel by the date noted previously.

 

Thursday, December 08, 2005

 

 Feeling a little better today, although stuffed up and a slight headache but will get better as the day goes forward.  We should have a busy day today but with Jason now working full time, as a screener will take some of the pressure off of us. 

 

The Ex just has a way of pissing me off; first off instead of mailing the check to my mom she is going to deposit it directly.  Not that it is a good idea it is just she makes these decision unilaterally.  She also was not clear on which account, my own which is closed or the joint one with my mom?  Well if she would be clear my problem would not surface. 

 

But the positive view of all this bills from the truck, the dog, and credit card will be paid off.  I will keep the Chase Master Card since the kid’s school lunch and toll roads are paid through there.  I just do not need the aggravation of money right now.  I now will invest the funds wisely and build up a portfolio for the future.  I must not make an impulse purchase while I am visiting the kids.  Focus upon the future and those cars and things will have to wait if I keep the goal in mind. 

 

We did 39 interviews today and should be an average week for totals.  The following weeks will be very busy with 150 Turkish nationals in for Fluor.  Next week we should see only 20 and the following week the balance will arrive on Bagram.  With Jason The Exe it will be fine and Steve and I are hoping that we can just keep him The Exe.  Regarding the Turkish nationals, Ziya walks down the hallway, which over the last couple of weeks hardly ever happened.  I guess she was looking for me?  But she did not see me in my old office and suddenly stopped and said hi to Phyllis and then about faced and saw me sitting in my new office.  She could have just walked by, but stopped and talked about mindless stuff and I was not interested and really looking forward to The Ex leaving.  And I am showing no interest in The Ex or what she has to say.  This last month or so will be very interesting with The Ex. 

 

Friday, December 09, 2005

 

Should be a good day with most of the appointments being re-screens and has started off with AECOM bring five local nationals.  Most of the new hires will not show up due to the Friday holiday in the Islamic World. 

 

The check was deposited into my mom’s account this evening my time or about 11:30am East Coast time.  And with a five-day hold I should get funds to my FAA account sometime late next week.  I also will probably get back funds from the Dog’s account and the property taxes, which should be around $3,000.00, which could be put to good use when I am home on vacation. 

 

Jesus these young girls got some serious attitude.  Both are from K2 base and moved down The Exe when K2 closed and they just put you off.  I completed the fingerprints for the KBR direct hire interpreter.  I think he will work out well, even though his primary language is Dari and has no other language skills.  The positives are that he will work seven days a week like us and we will always have three interpreters available for our use. 

 

Have not heard from either Ex Luis or Craig and I am wondering if either are going to return to Bagram Luis did call operations claiming that his passport was stolen when he was mugged.  Nothing from Craig and he should have been back in the last couple of days.  We just heard that we will have to train another administrative person from the security office who will not stay here but head to Kabul.  We do need to get Pierre to Kabul or wherever as long as it is not here. 

 

Saturday, December 10, 2005

 

Day started off well with the arrival of four Egyptian nationals, I finished them with Jason sitting in.  We also are training a new administrative specialist for Kabul but we would like to keep him.  It is only 9:20am and most of the morning is finished and this afternoon looks to be mostly re-screens, which should make the day go by quickly.  For the week we did 234 interviews with Kabul doing around 90, Salerno doing 49, and Kandahar doing 39 and we thought this week was not that busy. 

 

The day is going well with Contrack Int’l bringing their five re-screenings and now waiting for KBR to come for their appointments, which are staggered throughout the afternoon.  For a Saturday we should do about 40 interviews, which is not a bad day for only two interpreters.  The new guy from security seems to be working out well too bad he really wants to go to Kabul to work we would like to keep him The Exe. 

 

We had a very interesting one with an Afghan born individual carrying a French Passport trying to gain unescorted access to Bagram.  I did not buy his story of traveling via Tajikistan to Moscow then onto Strasburg France during the Taliban time and gaining French citizenship and having a background check!  For one he does not have a contract for access to the base, using a local national friend, a Titan interpreter to get an appointment for screening with the blessing of Major Beard.  CI concurred with the failure that I recommended and also to ban the individual from Bagram AF.  Major Beard concurred with the banning of the individual and he was escorted off base. 

 

Pierre is a piece of work and will not listen to anyone.  He is in with Steve discussing my and Goody’s corrective action regarding talking with the individual(s) who are being screened.  All actions The Exe are of an intelligence matter, all discussions and paperwork have intelligence value and should be handled so.  Now waiting to see what will be the result of the talk between Steve and Pierre, it should be interesting. 

 

Sunday, December 11, 2005

 

Craig returned to work today giving us five administrative personnel with only one scheduled to leave for Kabul when he returns from R&R at the end of the month.  I just wonder how long Craig is staying The Exe.  He was ready to leave when he departed for R&R and I do not think anything changed for him since then.  Of another note, the military intelligence radar tree outside of our office is being moved within the next day or so.  That gives us room outside for a couple of b-huts and another office inside the building for screenings. 

 

This afternoon going by quickly with a steady flow of re-screens for KBR and Contrack Int’l and we should do about 40 for the day given the schedule.  Still no word from Luis and his status, probably by the end of this week if still a no show he will not be coming back.  I hit the Bowflex this morning for the back workout and that was good so I should hit the gym this evening for the rest of my workout.  I must hit chest and aerobics given my week off for this cold.  I will have to watch myself so I do not get a relapse from this thing. 

 

I have to focus upon my long-range goals, what do I want to do in five years and ten years?  Where do I want to be?  I know I am doing this for the kids but they do need me around to take care of them especially Alexander, he needs a dad.  Career is not really an issue; I can do this overseas work for a minimum of five years and save as much money as possible.  Then the one area I keep going back to is trading and consulting.  I can trade full time and consult with Crosby on a need basis.  The trading will involve all commodities and other investment vehicles, such as stocks, bonds, real estate and other hard assets.  While working over The Exe I should begin as soon as possible getting cash together for real estate purchase(s), raw land for future development, and a cash pool for my trading company.  I really believe this is the start of a commodity cycle on the up swing, similar to the 70s and trend following is the basis, although there are some that are severely over priced and will correct to the downside over the next 12 months, i.e., gold and crude oil.  I will start studying these markets while on vacation with the kids and possibly finish my MBA with Keller Graduate School while The Exe, for the only reason that I should finish it like I did my undergraduate degree. 

 

Monday, December 12, 2005

 

Started the day off well I got a payroll advance of $500.00, Contrack Int’l brought in five re-screens, and we even took in two walk in appointments for Zafer Construction. Goody just installed a Halliburton laptop for the Hallnet system I have in my office.  They are now attempting to install HP printer software to that laptop remotely.  The way it looks now is Hallnet is a lot faster than NIPR. 

 

Of all people to come into my office was Ziya with a video camera and she shot a few minutes of video of the office and me.  I have no idea why she still talks to me?  I wished The Ex luck and take care and she lied as usual and said she would keep in touch.  We shall see, once she is gone we will never see or hear from The Ex again. 

 

Had a venting session with Steve regarding the running of the office, including the senior administrative person and his lack of performance.  We have 4 administrative personnel and the work is not getting done on a timely basis and actually worse than with fewer personnel.  Also that Steve has no say in the hiring or firing of his personnel even though he is held responsible for the office and it meeting its goals. 

 

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

 

Luis is back got in yesterday morning and stopped by the office in the afternoon for dinner.  He says that his house was broken into and they stole his briefcase with his passport in it. 

 

I still have not hit the gym because this cold is still lingering and I will be damn if I will get sick again.  I have hit the Bowflex in the afternoon and will do so again today for my arm workout.  On another note, the Halnet is up and we got messenger for both msn and yahoo which makes it nice to be able to talk and I do have a couple of new friends to talk to. 

 

This afternoon went by quickly with Turkish nationals and all appointments showing up with there paperwork and on time.  I am not sure of the numbers but it was a full day with the four of three interpreters and us.  I am having a little trouble with my Hallnet but I am hoping that it is the cable, which I just changed so let’s see if that is the problem.  The issue is that I keep getting no response from internet explorer; it is loading up now so hopefully that is the problem and it is solved. 

 

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

 

Damn The Ex calls me at midnight last night to tell me she is depositing $3,000.00 into my mom’s Merrill account which along with the $42,000.00 now there will make the balance somewhere around $45,000.00 and when my mom sends me $15,000.00 to the FAA account I can then pay off The Ex’s back child support and be done with it and any obligations that she has with me and anyone else.

 

Staying late tonight for interviews of local nationals who work for KBR at the class 1 yard and allegations of abuse and misbehavior and we are expecting them any time now.  There will be five individuals and Steve and I will interview them with Ali and the new guy Pasha.  Today went by quickly but do not know how many interviews we did today but it was a busy day. 

 

Chris Brewer stopped by with the security coordinator from Kabul to oversee the handover of the front gate to KBR security I just hope he does not get involved with this office the two operations are separate and distinct.   But the official handover is January 17^th 2006 and they are currently working the gate now to get ready for the changeover. 

 

Thursday, December 15, 2005

 

I talked with my mom this morning she is doing ok, but The Ex and The Ex are just not getting along.  I am trying to get the financials in order and have The Ex tell The Ex what was paid and how much.  Since some of them my mom prepaid by a couple of months and we should get some money back.  I am most interested in the credit card and that $6,000.00 balance being paid off.  And damn it all if The Ex will put more money on it by going to see The Ex daughter Collette in Minnesota over the holidays.  That is going to cost me $600.00 in airfare plus car rental and hotels.  Christ already with the money, she needs a job and I am tired of this outlay of cash for The Ex trips.  I have no problem with money for the kids but I do not need to fund The Ex escapades to The Ex kids from prior relationships. 

 

On the financial front, I will have my mom send $17,000.00 to the FAA account so I can pay off The Ex’s back child support and then I am through.  I will use the other funds to begin trading, which I will need to begin studying the markets again to get the feel for trading, especially commodities. 

 

Steve had a meeting with Chris Brewer and actually had some good news.  Pierre and Craig will be offered screener positions but one will move to Salerno and the other will move to Kandahar.  Craig will move to Kandahar and Pierre to Salerno and that solves two of our largest problems in this office.  Jason will be staying The Exe and Tracy will move to Kabul as just a screener and I am looking at a senior screener position with a raise of $400.00 per month. 

 

Friday, December 16, 2005

 

Slow day so far and I am feeling good and ready to hit the gym.  I will do some shoulder and arm work on the Bowflex this afternoon to keep loose, and then full on with the gym. 

 

I did hit the Bowflex for shoulder and arm work and am feeling good.  With tonight off I should be ready for full on workouts at the gym Saturday night.

 

Saturday, December 17, 2005

 

This morning flew by with ten Contrack Int’l re-screens and issues with The Ex’s trip to see The Ex kid.  So I called my mom and sent The Ex $1,000.00 for the trip and rental cars.  I am planning to hit the Bowflex this afternoon for chest and then this evening for the rest of the workout and aerobics.  Steve and I discussed sitting in with Craig and Pierre for screenings to get them up to speed before going to other sites.  I will sit with Craig this afternoon with the other ten Contrack Int’l re-screens. 

 

I am really interested in starting a Yahoo 360 web site and will research that this afternoon.  A great place to put my Iraq photos and this write up and let all my friends and family to see. 

 

Busy day for me with over 20 Egyptian nationals in for re-screens but as usual made the day go by faster.  We will do about 44 interviews today, and also I had Pierre and Craig sits in and does a couple of interviews this afternoon.  Those went well, but they have there way versus mine.

 

Sunday, December 18, 2005

 

Last night I got an envelope and box from my mom.  Full of candy, breath strips, and gum along with all my magazines good stuff!  I opened the candy and gave it to the office to eat and they seemed to enjoy it.  But I was just thinking that I need to get Captain Moore his secret Santa Gift before next Sunday.  I will get him something about golf, magazine, balls, or something similar.  Photography is a must do for me; I am seriously looking at a new camera along with an Apple PowerBook with Adobe Photoshop software installed.  I do need a hobby along with working out, and I should get on-line for my Masters and possibly my Doctorate.  This goes with the finish what I start mode that will focus me upon the goals that I have set for myself. 

 

Pilipino I interviewed a couple of months ago was interviewed by the CI team and found to be deceptive and she is banned.  This all came about by her sending Goody a picture of The herself with the caption Abu Sayif, the Al Qaeda terrorist group in the Philippines.  I took the badge and banned The Ex per the Military oversight, Captain Moore.

 

Today went by quickly with a lot of local nationals on the schedule but that was due to Contrack Int’l not bringing in Egyptians but new hire local nationals, so we did a little above the normal Sunday schedule today. 

 

Monday, December 19, 2005

 

Very slow day today, Vice President Dick Cheney is coming to Bagram this afternoon after visiting Iraq yesterday.  With this, he effectively has shut down the base for local nationals and third country nationals coming in for appointments.  We did maybe 10 interviews this morning and probably less this afternoon since Cheney’s arrival should be around 1400 hours local time. 

 

Well I begun to make up my own page on Yahoo 360 and post this and my photos from The Exe and Iraq and of course the kids.  I will throw Malkovich on there also. 

 

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

 

I talked with the kids last night and they seem to be doing well, Alana has gotten all A’s on The Ex report card and Alex is fine.  I do not think he is happy being the center on the football team but I told him it should be ok.  But the crappy news is that The Ex sold the dog!  Damn it, I know I did not tell The Ex to do it!  She got $1,500.00 for him along with the $1,000.00 she has plenty of money for the trip and Christmas.  I am working on the Yahoo 360 page and that is fun, but without the Hallnet and being kicked off periodically would make the process go faster.  I will catalog my photos on the Sony laptop and then up load them to the site along with this journal.  I just wish I could do it in one shot versus having to do only a couple of days at a time.  I will work on it again this afternoon before hitting the gym.

 

 

Goody hit the gym with me and that is good, because he does push me.  I also hit the aerobics hard, 20 minutes yesterday and the day before, I cannot wait until Thursday and Friday so I can rest. 

 

This morning went by fast with Ziya and I doing 3 Turkish nationals for Fluor/ZMD Ltd., one was giving us a little problem but after all he was more upset with ZMD Ltd. than with us.  Along with the usual local nationals, some of which will be working with CJ3 Psyops as journalist of all things, like we need more journalists?  After the last appointment I hit the Bowflex for my arm workout which was good, I did tell Goody that will not hit biceps with 10 different sets and exercises.  He agreed we will only do preacher curls and then hit triceps hard. 

 

This afternoon went slowly with very few interviews from what I understand the base was under attack but hell if I heard or saw anything.  But with that the day’s interviews were held down because of the gate and access to the base was limited.  The event of the afternoon was an AECOM local national coming in to beg for his job.  He was interviewed by me about 6 months ago and stated one thing and had a completely different story the next time we interviewed him.  He was interviewed by Ali and Jason and given every opportunity to straighten out his story and he got tied up in his deception and thus failed.  Also, I think, failed by Military CI when passed over to them for re-interview. 

 

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

 

Today is going ok with a fair number of appointments and Zafer Construction bringing five Turkish nationals for interview.  I worked with Ziya and completed them, she is such an interesting personality, someone who by The Ex own words, “I am fucked in the head” and she might just be.  I still think, (there goes my ego again!!!), she wants to pursue something with me, but fights it.  She has stated that she wants to quit and just sit around The Ex hooch until the end of the January.  The end of January is the drop-dead date for The Ex and The Ex rotation out of Bagram and back to the states.  I should miss most of the drama in January because of my R&R and visiting the kids. 

 

I got to go buy Captain Moore his secret Santa gift and then get it wrapped.  I hope they have something regarding golf at the PX. 

 

The workout last night was ok, Goody and I did arms and not too hard I may add.  My bicep tie in to the forearm is sore and I had to be careful with bicep work.  We did hit the triceps hard at the pushdown machine doing four heavy sets.  I am really glad that I hit the Bowflex in the afternoon to get a good burn.  With that and the heavy work with Goody I should be pretty tight by the time my R&R rolls around.  And yes I hit the aerobics for 20 minutes and at a higher resistance level, and that was for the past two days.  Tonight is our leg workout, and I think we will do high reps depending upon how I feel because if I feel good I will hit it hard as usual for my leg workout. 

 

Steve and I sealed my floor to the office to prep it for laminate wood flooring that Steve had sent to the office.  It really looks good and I think the office will really look great with the flooring and also be easier to take care of. 

 

Thursday, December 22, 2005

 

Damn it if Steve still did the floor and I will be damned if does not look good.  We will finish it tonight before I have to go shopping for my secret Santa gift.  I sure hope they have something to do with golf at the PX? 

 

My 360 site is becoming a lot of fun and I will finish some of the other parts when I am on R&R.  Politics, sports, and my “humble opinion” of course will be included.  Also not too bad a response to my requests for friend’s only one rejection.  I sent out holiday greetings to all who responded and will finish with the rest this morning. 

 

This morning went by slow with only five Turkish nationals to interview, which I did with Ziya.  The fun really started when through the walls, I heard Ziya, Major Beard, and Dino talking very loud until Ziya lost it and stormed out.  Most of The Ex complaints were directed to Dino but earlier on she did have some words for the Major, which included phone calls at 9:30pm or something in that order. 

 

The reason for the slow morning was the front gate was closed to all local nationals because of the Donald Rumsfeld visit to the base.  He did leave because later this morning local nationals were entering the base for work.  So this afternoon should be a full schedule with some walk ins. 

 

This afternoon went well with Zafer Construction bringing in two Turkish nationals and as usual I interviewed them with Ziya.  She seemed pissed off and no wonder given the vocal show I was given earlier in the day.  Dino will not speak to The Ex anymore and has told The Ex to go through the Major if she needs anything from him.  He speculates that she will extend and come back I do not see that.  Ziya has pretty much burned all her bridges here and no one will talk with her other than Major Beard and a few other people.  I am the only one who will work with The Ex, Steve also but only if I do not feel like it that day. 

 

Finished the floor and it turned pretty good with a couple of amateurs doing the work.  I do have to give Steve some money for the flooring and the effort.  It was a great deal he did for me and it shows; now we have to see where we can put the extra flooring.  Heck I am thinking the hooch.  

 

Friday, December 23, 2005

 

Found out last night that Tony Blackmon is leaving the company.  The questions are now, who will replace him and what will happen with Ernie.  Ernie and Tony were tight and both would probably go another company together.  Tony from what I understand is not going for money but for the ability to bring his wife along.  He is trying to save his marriage, the big downside for this work-damaged relationships. 

 

Had five Turkish nationals this morning and interviewed them with Ziya.  She is really in the dumps, and it is all her own doing.  This is what makes me think about The Ex, I go outside the building to get some air and a short walk to clear the head.  And out of the blue I hear Ziya’s voice and she is looking right at me so she must have called out to me.  I go over and talk with her, seems she is waiting for a ride or the bus to the DFAC to eat.  I tell her that I have to stay and I will give her a ride anytime when we have the truck here.  Damn me and my feelings for her!!!  I have to let these next couple of weeks go by fast so by the time I get back from R&R she will be gone and out of sight and mind.  But while talking with her she keeps getting closer and looking, a different hard to explain look, my only wish is she would state what she wants.  How do I come to this conclusion?  She again asked me how long I was to be here in Bagram.  Why does she care, and when I tell her I might head back to Iraq, she stated that she might head in that direction also.  Does she want to keep me close until her other options either work out or fall apart then she can call on me.  By the way the usual way things work for me!  Damn tired of it also, Christ I would rather be alone and know that Alexander and Alana, my kids love me and heck isn’t that enough?  A side note to this, when I was going to pick up my lunch from the guys who ran to the DFAC, I notice out of the corner of my eye Major Beard staring at me!  Jealous, WHY, he is married and seriously jeopardizing his career by even the thought of a relationship with Ziya.  So I just told Ziya I would see The Ex later and get me the translations of the Turkish nationals background checks.  And go figure, I am in my office and the Major walks in with them and a shit eating grin on his face.  This last month or so should be interesting.  A side bet for all you reading this, the odds of Ziya ever contacting me after she leaves The Exe are 5% and more closely to 0%.

 

This afternoon went by quickly but not with a lot of interviews conducted.  I just finished my last one a few minutes ago as a favor for the Major.  Again we do a favor for that knucklehead and all we get in return is attempts at trying to put us in a bad light with his senior officers and our management, and damn if he has not failed every time he has tried it! 

 

Saturday, December 24, 2005

 

Well I slept in this morning and that was just what the doctor ordered.  I went for breakfast then on into work.  Should be a slow day, but Steve pulled in some day laborers that we turned away a day or so ago.  Along with some regular appointments it will still be a light day. 

 

Hit the Bowflex after a light lunch and felt pretty well, then this afternoon will hit the clamshell for our chest workout with Goody.  I do like the Bowflex as an augment to the free weights it gives a good stretch to the muscle(s) group you are working. 

 

This afternoon was slow; heck I hit a couple of golf balls over the barriers and outside the front gate.  First couple were pretty bad then I redeemed myself with a 250+ yard shot with a 2 iron over ECP 1A. 

 

I cannot believe it I am actually getting responses from my invites for friends on my 360 page.  Great place and I will get all the pictures I have from Iraq, Afghanistan, and my kids all sorted and put into my page.  I think I will upload a couple of days at a time from this journal to my blog section that way I can edit and add to it as the day evolves. 

 

Sunday, December 25, 2005

 

I got the following e-mail from a good friend in So Cal, Croz regarding a returning Marine and his assessment of the situation and other intelligence from Iraq, such as weapons, tactics, etc… Great read!

 

Information you will not read in the press.

I got this from a friend of mine in California-- it's very interesting- the
very end comments about the press I find most interesting. A hot wash from a young Marine just in from the combat zone...

Got this from a former Marine first sergeant - thought you might be
interested in his son's assessment of weapons and enemy tactics in Iraq
(the boy is home from his first tour, going back in early 2006, and
early re-enlisted for another 4 years.)

Hello to all my fellow gunners, military buffs, veterans and interested
guys. A couple of weekends ago I got to spend time with my son Jordan,
who was on his first leave since returning from Iraq. He is well (a
little thin), and already bored. He will be returning to Iraq for a
second tour in early ’06 and has already re-enlisted early for 4 more
years. He loves the Marine Corps and is actually looking forward to
returning to Iraq.

Jordan spent 7 months at "Camp Blue Diamond" in Ramadi. Aka: Fort
Apache. He saw and did a lot and the following is what he told me about
weapons, equipment, tactics and other miscellaneous info which may be of
interest to you. Nothing is by any means classified. No politics The Exe,
just a Marine with a bird's eye view's opinions:

1) The M-16 rifle: Thumbs down. Chronic jamming problems with the
talcum powder like sand over there. The sand is everywhere. Jordan
says you feel filthy 2 minutes after coming out of the shower. The M-4
carbine version is more popular because it's lighter and shorter, but it
has jamming problems also. They like the ability to mount the various
optical gun sights and weapons lights on the picattiny rails, but the
weapon itself is not great in a desert environment. They all hate the
5.56mm (.223) round. Poor penetration on the cinderblock structure
common over there and even
torso hits can’t be reliably counted on to put the enemy down. Fun
fact: Random autopsies on dead insurgents show a high level of opiate use.

2) The M243 SAW (squad assault weapon): 223 cal. Drum fed light
machine gun. Big thumbs down. Universally considered a piece of shit.
Chronic jamming problems, most of which require partial disassembly.
(That’s fun in the middle of a firefight).

3) The M9 Beretta 9mm:  Mixed bag. Good gun performs well in desert
environment; but they all hate the 9mm cartridge. The use of handguns
for self-defense is actually fairly common. Same old story on the 9mm:
Bad guys hit multiple times and still in the fight.

4) Mossberg 12ga. Military shotgun: Works well, used frequently for
clearing houses to good effect.

5) The M240 Machine Gun: 7.62 Nat (.308) cal. belt fed machine gun,
developed to replace the old M-60 (what a beautiful weapon that was!!).
Thumbs up. Accurate, reliable, and the 7.62 round puts 'me down.
Originally developed as a vehicle mounted weapon, more and more are
being dismounted and taken into the field by infantry.  The 7.62 round
chews up the structure over there.

6) The M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun: Thumbs way, way up. "Ma deuce"
is still worth The Ex considerable weight in gold. The ultimate fight
stopper puts their dicks in the dirt every time. The most coveted
weapon in-theater.

7) The .45 pistol: Thumbs up. Still the best pistol round out there.
Everybody authorized to carry a sidearm is trying to get their hands on
one. With few exceptions, can reliably be expected to put 'me down with
a torso hit. The special ops guys (who are doing most of the pistol
work) use the HK military model and supposedly love it. The old
government model .45's are being re-issued en masse.

The M-14: Thumbs up. They are being re-issued in bulk, mostly in a
modified version to special ops guys. Modifications include lightweight
Kevlar stocks and low power red dot or ACOG sights. Very reliable in
the sandy environment, and they love the 7.62 round.

9) The Barrett .50 cal sniper rifle: Thumbs way up. Spectacular range
and accuracy and hits like a freight train. Used frequently to take out
vehicle suicide bombers (we actually stop a lot of them) and barricaded
enemy. Definitely The Exe to stay.

10) The M24 sniper rifle: Thumbs up. Mostly in .308 but some in 300
win mag. Heavily modified Remington 700's. Great performance. Snipers
have been used heavily to great effect. Rumor has it that a marine
sniper on his third tour in Anbar province has actually exceeded Carlos
Hathcock's record for confirmed kills with OVER 100.

11) The new body armor:  Thumbs up. Relatively light at approx. 6 lbs.
and can reliably be expected to soak up small shrapnel and even will
stop an AK-47 round. The bad news: Hot as shit to wear, almost
unbearable in the summer heat (which averages over 120 degrees). Also,
the enemy now goes for head shots whenever possible. All the bullshit
about the "old" body armor making our guys vulnerable to the Ides’ was a
non-starter. The IED explosions are enormous and body armor doesn't
make any difference at all in most cases.

12) Night Vision and Infrared Equipment:  Thumbs way up. Spectacular
performance. Our guys see in the dark and own the night, period. Very
little enemy action after evening prayers.  More and more enemy being
whacked at night during movement by our hunter-killer teams. We've all
seen the videos.

13) Lights:  Thumbs up. Most of the weapon mounted and personal lights
are Surfire’s, and the troops love 'em. Invaluable for night urban
operations. Jordan carried a $34 Surefire G2 on a neck lanyard and loved
it.
I can’t help but notice that most of the good fighting weapons and
ordnance are 50 or more years old!!!!!!!!! With all our technology,
it's the WWII and Vietnam era weapons that everybody wants!!!! The infantry
fighting is frequent, up close and brutal. No quarter is given or shown.

Bad guy weapons:

1) Mostly AK47's The entire country is an arsenal. Works better in
the desert than the M16 and the .308 Russian rounds kills reliably. PKM
belt fed light machine guns are also common and effective. Luckily, the
enemy mostly shoots like shit. Undisciplined "spray and pray" type
fire. However, they are seeing more and more precision weapons,
especially sniper rifles. (Iran, again) Fun fact: Captured enemy have
apparently marveled at
the marksmanship of our guys and how hard they fight. They are
apparently told in Jihad school that the Americans rely solely on
technology, and can be easily beaten in close quarters combat for their
lack of toughness. Let's just say they know better now.

2) The RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade): Probably the infantry weapon most
feared by our guys.
Simple, reliable and as common as dogshit. The enemy responded to our
up-armored humvees by aiming at the windshields, often at point blank
range. Still killing a lot of our guys.

3) The IED: The biggest killer of all. Can be anything from old
Soviet anti-armor mines to jury-rigged artillery shells. A lot found in
Jordan's area were in abandoned cars. The enemy would take 2 or 3 155mm
artillery shells and wire them together. Most were detonated by cell
phone, and the explosions are enormous. You're not safe in any vehicle,
even an M1 tank. Driving is by far the most dangerous thing our guys do
over there. Lately, they are much more sophisticated  "shape charges"
(Iranian) specifically designed to penetrate armor.  Fact: Most of the
ready-made IED's are supplied by Iran, who is also providing terrorists
(Hezbollah types) to train the insurgents in their use and tactics.
That's why the attacks have been so deadly lately. Their concealment
methods are ingenious, the latest being shape charges in Styrofoam
containers spray painted to look like the cinderblocks that litter all
Iraqi roads. We find about 40% before they detonate, and the bomb
disposal guys are unsung The heroes of this war.

4) Mortars and rockets: Very prevalent. The soviet era 122mm rockets
(with an 18km range) are becoming more prevalent. One of Jordan’s NCO's
lost a leg to one. These weapons cause a lot of damage  "inside the
wire". Jordan's base was hit almost daily his entire time there by
mortar and rocket fire, often at night to disrupt sleep patterns and
cause fatigue (It did). More of a psychological weapon than anything
else. The enemy mortar teams would jump out of vehicles, fire a few
rounds, and then haul ass in a matter of seconds.

5) Bad guy technology: Simple yet effective. Most communication is by
cell and satellite phones, and also by email on laptops. They use
handheld GPS units for navigation and "Google earth" for overhead views
of our positions. Their weapons are good, if not fancy, and prevalent.
Their explosives and bomb technology is TOP OF THE LINE.  Night vision
is rare. They are very careless with their equipment and the captured
GPS units and laptops are treasure troves of Intel when captured.

Who are the bad guys?

Most of the carnage is  caused by the Zarqawi Al Qaeda group. They
operate mostly in Anbar province (Fallujah and Ramadi). These are
mostly "foreigners", non-Iraqi Sunni Arab Judaists from all over the
Muslim world (and Europe). Most enter Iraq through Syria (with, of
course, the knowledge and complicity of the Syrian govt.), and then
travel down the "rat line" which is the trail of towns along the
Euphrates River that we’ve been hitting hard for the last few months.
Some are virtually untrained young Jihadists that often end up as
suicide bombers or in  "sacrifice squads". Most, however, are hard-core
terrorists from all the usual suspects (Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, etc.)
These are the guys running around murdering civilians en masse and
cutting heads off. The Chechens (many of whom are Caucasian) are
supposedly the most ruthless and the best fighters. (They have been
fighting the Russians for years). In the Baghdad area and south, most
of the insurgents are Iranian inspired (and led) Iraqi Shiites. The
Iranian Shia has been very adept at infiltrating the Iraqi local
govt., the police forces and the Army. The have had a massive spy and
agitator network there since the Iran-Iraq war in the early 80's.  Most of
the Saddam loyalists were killed captured or gave up long ago.

Bad Guy Tactics:

When they are engaged on an infantry level they get their asses kicked
every time. Brave, but stupid.  Suicidal Banzai-type charges were very
common earlier in the war and still occur. They will literally
sacrifice 8-10 man teams in suicide squads by sending them screaming and
firing Ak's and RPG's directly at our bases just to probe the defenses.
They get mowed down like grass every time. (See the M2 and M240
above). Jordan's base was hit like this often. When engaged, they have
a tendency to flee to the same building, probably for what they think
will be a glorious last stand.  Instead, we call in air and that's the
end of that more often than not. These hole-ups are referred to as Alpha
Whiskey Romeo's (Allah’s Waiting Room). We have the laser guided
ground-air thing down to a science. The fast mover's, mostly Marine
F-18's, are taking an ever-increasing toll on the enemy. When caught
out in the open, the helicopter gunship and AC-130 Specter gunship cut
them to ribbons with cannon and rocket fire, especially at night.
Interestingly, artillery is hardly used at all. Fun fact: The enemy
death toll is supposedly between 45-50 thousand. That is why we're
seeing less and less infantry attacks and more IED, suicide bomber shit.
The new strategy is simple: attrition.

The insurgent tactic most frustrating is their use of civilian
non-combatants as cover. They know we do all we can to avoid civilian
casualties and therefore schools, hospitals and (especially) Mosques are
locations where they meet, stage for attacks, cache weapons and ammo and
flee to when engaged. They have absolutely no regard whatsoever for
civilian casualties. They will terrorize locals and murder without
hesitation anyone believed to be sympathetic to the Americans or the new
Iraqi govt. Kidnapping of family members (especially children) is
common to influence people they are trying to influence but cant reach,
such as local govt. officials, clerics, tribal leaders, etc.).

The first thing our guys are told is "don't get captured". They know
that if captured they will be tortured and beheaded on the internet.
Zarqawi openly offers bounties for anyone who brings him a live American
serviceman. This motivates the criminal element that otherwise doesn’t give
a shit about the war. A lot of the beheading victims were actually
kidnapped by common criminals and sold to Zarqawi. As such, for our
guys, every fight is to the death. Surrender is not an option.

The Iraqi's are a mixed bag. Some fight well, others aren't worth a
shit. Most do okay with American support. Finding leaders is hard, but
they are getting better. It is widely viewed that Zarqawi’s use of
suicide bombers, en masse, against the civilian population was a serious
tactical mistake. Many Iraqi's were galvanized and the caliber of
recruits in the Army and the police forces went up, along with their
motivation. It also led to an exponential increase in good intelligence
because the Iraqi's are sick of the insurgent attacks against civilians.
The Kurds are solidly pro-American and fearless fighters.

According to Jordan, morale among our guys is very high. They not only
believe they are winning, but that they are winning decisively.  They
are stunned and dismayed by what they see in the American press, whom
they almost universally view as against them. The embedded reporters
are despised and distrusted. They are inflicting casualties at a rate
of 20-1 and then see shit like "Are we losing in Iraq" on TV and the
print media. For the most part, they are satisfied with their equipment,
food and leadership. Bottom line though, and they all say this, there
are not enough guys there to drive the final stake through the heart of
the insurgency, primarily because there aren't enough troops in-theater
to shut down the borders with Iran and Syria. The Iranians and the
Syrians just can’t stand the thought of Iraq being an American ally
(with, of course, permanent US bases there).

That's it, hope you found it interesting, I sure did.

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE 

 

Addendum:

 

We all opened our “Secret Santa” gifts and I got an “Under Armor” shirt, which is exactly what I needed.  Found out that I got it from Jason and funny thing is he got the very same thing!  Jose bought the badge office twister, which he promptly named “naked” twister!  Great stuff and a fun way to start off Christmas in Bagram!  I got some great shots from Luis of the guys opening up our gifts and when I get to it I will post those to the 360 site. 

 

This afternoon was dead and rightly so since it is Christmas and we did not have any appointments scheduled, but the rest of the week will be a killer.  And I am down to about two weeks before I fly on R&R! 

 

Monday, December 26, 2005

 

I had a little fun with the Army oversight guys regarding the Bears and there win last night.  But what the heck they finally beat the Packers, hell swept the Packers for the first time since 1991.  They get a first round bye and maybe one game at home during the playoffs.  I should be in the states for a couple of the games.

 

If my new friends are wondering why the name change on my 360 page, “Hustler” was my call sign while in Iraq… 

 

Today was pretty quiet with only ZMD Ltd. bringing in five Turkish nationals and Contrack Int’l with four Egyptian nationals for screening.  Worked ok with Ziya and got through the interviews fine.  Dino and the Egyptians went well as usual because Dino I believe really wants to work and is bored doing the escort badges all day. 

 

Steve got some more plywood in and we will start to build Luis’ desk tomorrow.  I am not sure if I am up to the task.  Kind of tired of the whole woodworking thing right now, I guess that means I am ready to get out of The Exe for leave.  At least the wood looks a lot better than the Pakistani product we have been getting lately. 

 

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

 

Ziya just pissed me off and then cried to the Major so Pat Bauer had to come down here to talk with me.  Pat was not upset and told me to forget about it.  Ziya has got to go!  She is not doing The Ex job as an interpreter and stating, “she is comfortable with the subject!”  She does not have the right to say that The Ex only function is to repeat what we say.  What started the issue was one of the Turkish nationals was not waiting in the room but outside smoking.  He has no badge, does not know his way around The Exe, and could get hurt.  I told him to remain in the waiting room and “used expletives” to get my point across.  Well come to pass Ziya said I was going to blow his head off!  A lie, as usual and the Major will back The Ex, and that relationship is another issue that dove tails into this.  We in the KBR side of the house have bent over backwards to appease the Major and his “mistress” Ziya.  Taken on extra interviews, run badges through early, and any other thing that the Major has come to Steve or me we did!  I have to think clearly and figure out how to handle this. 

 

I am feeling very tired right now, wondering if I will go to the gym tonight.  I hope I am not coming down with something; I just got rid of a nasty cold a week ago.  And boy am aches, worn out feeling and I feeling the effects right now.  I will not hit the gym tonight, I do need to hit the shower though and clean off and then take some medicine and hit the bed early. 

 

Dino came into my office to talk about the “Ziya” incident.  And as I expected he only heard one side of the story.  I told Dino about the interviews that lead up to the closure of the interviews by me and as noted the Major has blinders on in regards to The Ex.  That is very inappropriate behavior for a Field Grade Officer, and his relationship with The Ex will get him in trouble.  Good news I hope is that Ziya is requesting a transfer out of the office which would serve all our needs better. 

 

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

 

Slept in a little this morning to help get over this cold but could not sleep given the guy next to me talking on the radio and moving around.  A new screener and our KBR interpreter hit the ground today and I am doing the training, which helps me focus upon the job and not wander mentally. 

 

The drama from the Military side is unbelievable!  Doors slamming “stink eye”-(dirty look for those that have not lived in Hawaii), from the princess Ziya towards me and expecting what in return I have no idea?  And the new KBR interpreter was there to witness it and pat Bauer is on site to witness all and I hope he is taking notes.  She only has two weeks left and I for one cannot wait for The Exe to leave.  Shortly after that the Major is on his way out the door with his unit rotating out around the end of February or early March. 

 

Took some medicine and this cold still is hurting a little but I have to hit the gym for my leg workout so I am not so sore the next time.  I am training the new guy and doing the assessment for Steve on the interpreter and new screener.  The new guy was in the Army and a retired police officer from the Rock Island area of Illinois.  Today I am just having him sit in and observe the interview process and probably tomorrow he will do the interviews. 

 

Thursday, December 29, 2005

 

Really feeling the effects of this cold/flu right now but I did hit the gym last night for my leg workout and actually did 21 minutes of aerobics.  Freaking neighbor in the hooch is one noisy bastard cannot wait until he leaves!  Which I hope is the end of the week, none to soon.  Today should be busy with Zafer bringing in ten Turkish nationals, which Steve will handle with Ziya, let’s see how this goes. 

 

Pat Bauer was The Exe this morning and he mediated a session in Major Beard’s office to put to rest the issues that Ziya had with me.  Because damn if there was anything from my side on this!  Well I played the professional and let it all pass even The Ex little white lies regarding the whole episode.  I just do not give a damn anymore.  As she stated, she has only 3 maybe 4 weeks left The Exe and I sure hope they go by quick.  Funny though, she said more than once what a great screener I was and how she liked working with me.  She is one episode from a complete breakdown!  And I will miss it since I leave on R&R in about 10 days. 

 

Saturday, December 31, 2005

This damn cold/flu has got to go!  I am missing my workouts and cannot even taste the food I am eating.  Should be a slow day with only Zafer Construction bringing in five Turkish nationals, which Steve will do with Ziya.  I cannot handle The Ex right now, patience is lacking along with the aches and pains of this flu bug.

Sunday, January 01, 2006

Feel a lot better today, went to bed early last night and slept right through the night for the first time in a couple of days.  I will rest again tonight and hit the gym Monday for a full cycle then it is off to R&R.  I will hit most of the places to clear today especially R&R advance, property, and medical. 

Monday, January 02, 2006

Slow day today, hardly had any appointments should be slow given the holiday and troop movements.  I was sleepy this morning but got up and walked to the DFAC for lunch and then hit the Bowflex for my chest workout.  I feel good but still congested, but must hit the gym tonight and get in a complete cycle prior to departing for my R&R. 

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Nothing really going on today, not a lot of appointments but all scheduled seemed to have shown up.  Pat and Steve had a meeting this morning and it looks like the Senior FP Screener position is on the ROM and should have final approval in a month or so.  That should involve a raise and kind of cement my position The Exe as the number two guy behind Steve.  It looks like to be $400.00 per month increase which including the uplifts for overseas and hazardous duty should be a few thousand dollars on top of what I make now.  Off the top of my head it should maybe equate to $12,000.00 per year or $1,000.00 per month increase not bad whichever way you look at it. 

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Steve did something that I am very proud of him doing, questioning the wisdom of forcing us to stay at the Millennium Hotel in Dubai or risk being fired.  From a security stand point this is ludicrous, all the KBR employees from both Iraq and Afghanistan staying at the same location.  Everyone knows when our shuttle arrives, where it arrives, and that we all stay at that hotel.  The lesson of Amman Jordan should ring loudly in the security officers of this organization.  I for one am very tired of being treated like a child; I know how to get to and from the airport and when to be there for my flight.  I also would like my own room, even if I have to pay for it.  I am very curious on the outcome of his complaint and I will follow up with my own when I am on leave. 

 

Thursday, January 05, 2006

The ex-wife is going to be the death of me!  Sells my dog, spends my money using my credit card for a trip to Minnesota to visit her daughter and on top of that has to buy another plane ticket from Chicago to Minneapolis because my mother does not have to room to entertain them.  Thus I figure about $5,000.00 when all said and done, like I can afford this, well yes for now but from now on it will be tight and I will not be funding these expeditions, it is not my fault that she cannot get a credit card or other issues.  I was done with those five years ago!  I paid back everything I owed and in spades, hell I just wrote a check for 6,000.00 for THE EX back child support!  I am sure she will justify all this and make it my fault.  Well no more!

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Good article written by German national in there largest magazine regarding the issues that face America, Europe, and the rest of the free world.

Complete lack of backbone. Surprised? NOT.

 The French in World War II. How about the Netherlands? Let’s roll over and hide.

Then, they have the gall to try to re-write history.

Enjoy the following. There is a link of interest at the end: 

Matthias Dapfner, Chief Executive of the huge German publisher Axel Springer AG, has written a blistering attack in DIE WELT, Germany’s largest daily newspaper, against the timid reaction of Europe in the face of the Islamic threat.   This is a must-read by all Americans. History will certify its correctness. (George Reppas) EUROPE – THY NAME IS COWARDICE (Commentary by Mathias Dapfner CEO, Axel Springer, AG) A few days ago Henry Broder wrote in Welt am Sonntag, “Europe your family name is appeasement.”  It’s a phrase you can’t get out of your head because it’s so terribly true. Appeasement cost millions of Jews and non-Jews their lives as England and France, allies at the time, negotiated and hesitated too long before they noticed that Hitler had to be fought, not bound to toothless agreements. Appeasement legitimized and stabilized Communism in the Soviet Union, then East Germany, then all the rest of Eastern Europe where for decades, inhuman, oppressive, and murderous governments were glorified as the ideologically correct alternative to all other possibilities. Appeasement crippled Europe when genocide ran rampant in Kosovo, and even though we had absolute proof of ongoing mass-murder, we Europeans debated and debated and debated, and were still debating when finally the Americans had to come from halfway around the world, into Europe yet again, and do our work for us. Rather than protecting democracy in the Middle East, European appeasement, camouflaged behind the fuzzy word “equidistance,” now countenances suicide bombings in Israel by fundamentalist Palestinians. Appeasement generates a mentality that allows Europe to ignore nearly 500,000 victims of Saddam’s torture and murder machinery and, motivated by the self-righteousness of the peace-movement, has the gall to issue bad grades to George Bush… Even as it is uncovered that the loudest critics of the American action in Iraq made illicit billions, no, TENS of billions, in the corrupt U.N. Oil-for-Food program. And now we are faced with a particularly grotesque form of appeasement… How is Germany reacting to the escalating violence by Islamic fundamentalists in Holland and elsewhere? By suggesting that we really should have a “Muslim Holiday” in Germany. I wish I were joking, but I am not. A substantial fraction of our  (German) government, and if the polls are to be believed, the German people, actually believe that creating an Official State “Muslim Holiday” will somehow spare us from the wrath of the fanatical Islamists. One cannot help but recall Britain’s Neville Chamberlain waving the laughable treaty signed by Adolf Hitler, and declaring European “Peace in our time.” What else has to happen before the European public and its political leadership get it? There is a sort of crusade underway, an especially perfidious crusade consisting of systematic attacks by fanatic Muslims, focused on civilians, directed against our free, open Western societies, and intent upon Western Civilization’s utter destruction.  It is a conflict that will most likely last longer than any of the great military conflicts of the last century – a conflict conducted by an enemy that cannot be tamed by tolerance” and accommodation” but is actually spurred on by such gestures, which have proven to be, and will always be taken by the Islamists for signs of weakness. Only two recent American Presidents had the courage needed for anti-appeasement: Reagan and Bush. His American critics may quibble over the details, but we Europeans know the truth. We saw it first hand:  Ronald Reagan ended the Cold War, freeing half of the German people from nearly 50 years of terror and virtual slavery. And Bush, supported only by the Social Democrat Blair, acting on moral conviction, recognized the danger in the Islamic War against democracy. His place in history will have to be evaluated after a number of years have passed.  In the meantime, Europe sits back with charismatic self-confidence in the multicultural corner, instead of defending liberal society’s values and being an attractive center of power on the same playing field as the true great powers, America and China. On the contrary – we Europeans present ourselves, in contrast to those “arrogant Americans“, as the World Champions of “tolerance”, which even (Germany’s Interior Minister) Otto Schily justifiably criticizes. Why? Because we’re so moral? I fear it’s more because we’re so materialistic, so devoid of a moral compass. For his policies, Bush risks the fall of the dollar, huge amounts of additional national debt, and a massive and persistent burden on the American economy – because unlike almost all of Europe, Bush realizes what is at stake – literally everything. While we criticize the “capitalistic robber barons” of America because they seem too sure of their priorities, we timidly defend our Social Welfare systems. Stay out of it! It could get expensive! We’d rather discuss reducing our 35-hour workweek or our dental coverage, or our 4 weeks of paid vacation… Or listen to TV pastors preach about the need to “reach out to terrorists. To understand and forgive.” These days, Europe reminds me of an old woman who, with shaking hands, frantically hides The Ex last pieces of jewelry when she notices a robber breaking into a neighbor’s house. Appeasement? Europe!! Thy name is Cowardice!!

Monday, January 30, 2006

Visiting with my kids and had a great time.  Also indoor plumbing does wonders to kick the virus I was carry for the past month! 

The trip out was uneventful and time with the kids was great, did not do a lot but being with them was worth it.  I got rid of my H2 for a Ford Expedition, tired of the EX-WIFE complaining about the gas mileage, etc…The kids hated getting rid of it too but more room for there friends, but I did promise my son Alexander to buy a Porsche when I head back there in September.

The trip back was uneventful up to Dubai, which if you have not visited there it is a must to see.  Building all over the place and it looks like it will not stop any time soon!  They have an indoor ski hill and plans on building a bigger one!  They will be the first to have an underwater hotel with development plans already in the works and construction to start this year.  The Palms, which are housing and recreational developments are being built on re-claimed land in the Gulf along with “The World”, which is a map of the world in the gulf on re-claimed land! 

Now the trip on our wonderful shuttle!  First off the pilot who was probably drunk, understand this shuttle is operated by old Russian airlines and old eastern bloc countries and the standards are no where near as tough as the in Europe or the US.  Well, he missed the runway and had to make a correction- (yes I am being nice)-to get out of the military traffic at the Kandahar airfield our first stop.  When we finally landed, the weather in Bagram was bad so we had to deplane there and spend the night at the base in Kandahar.  Not too bad, but dusty, it is a climate similar to Iraq, cold nights in the winter and shirt sleeve weather during the day.  Well the next day we lifted off for Bagram, but funny as we were getting closer to Bagram the ground cover/weather was getting worse.  As we descended down through the clouds it was getting worse!  When we were able to see the ground the airplane was not lined up with the runway!  So he jerked the plane left then hard right, and people on the right side of the plane said the wing tip was VERY close to the ground.  I guess it was not our day to die!

Something for us to consider:

The PERFECT Plan:

 What we need now is for our UN Ambassador to stand up and repeat this message.  “I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace.  So, here’s one plan.”

1) “The US will apologize to the world for our “interference” in their affairs, past &present.  You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein, and the rest of those “good ole boys”, we will never “interfere” again.

2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea, the Middle East, and the Philippines.  They don’t want us there.  We would station troops at our borders.  No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence.

3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We’ll give them a free trip home.  After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are.  They’re illegal!!!  France will welcome them.

4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!!!  No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in.  If you don’t like it there, change it yourself and don’t hide here.  Asylum would never be available to anyone.  We don’t need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.

5) No foreign “students” over age 21.  The older ones are the bombers.  If they don’t attend classes, they get a “D” and it’s back home baby.

6) The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise.  This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness.  The caribou will have to cope for a while.

7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil.  If they don’t like it, we go someplace else.  They can go somewhere else to sell their production.  (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)

If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not “interfere.”  They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need.  Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army.  The people who need it most get very little, if anything.

9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island someplace.  We don’t need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.

10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school.  That way, no one can call us “Ugly Americans” any longer.  The Language we speak is ENGLISH…learn it…or LEAVE…Now, isn’t that a winner of a plan? 

“The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.”  She’s got a baseball bat and she’s yelling, ‘you want a piece of me?’

This is a great piece sent to me by a good friend regarding the Bush administration and the careerist at the State Department, in my humble opinion close to undermining this campaign for our future as the enemy and it is nothing new and that is from personal experience!

CONDI’S REVOLUTION

By RALPH PETERS

RICE REFORMS FOR STATE DEPT:

OSAMA’S latest plea for attention suckered the media into blowing last week’s real story: Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice’s declaration of war on The Ex dysfunctional department.

In a speech at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where students are deformed into diplomats, Condi cancelled the tea party. The Ex message was revolutionary and essential. As a result, she may go down in history as the SecState most hated by Foggy Bottom bureaucrats.

The Exe’s what “Killjoy Condi” had to say:

* Diplomats can no longer build careers by hiding behind desks in comfy capitals. They’ll have to accept dangerous assignments and serve in hardship posts; develop regional expertise in at least two areas; and speak at least two relevant foreign languages (French waiters need not apply). That isn’t going to make Rice popular with diplos accustomed to rotating between Rome and Northwest D.C. on their way to ambassadorships. Yet, it’s vital if we’re going to convert our failed, 19th-century- model State Department into a useful tool for the 21st century.

* Ouch! Condi really put Paris and Berlin in their places — pointedly noting “we have nearly the same number of State Department personnel in Germany, a country of 82 million people that we have in India, a country of 1 billion people.” Cancel that order for the big schnitzel, Mr. Ambassador. You’re going to be eating some development vindaloo. (Delicious, too, that la Rice smacked down Old Europe just as Jacques Chirac threatened to hurl nukes at terrorists to prove that France remains relevant.)

* Crucially, Condi named China, India, South Africa and Brazil as countries of the future while declaring that an initial 100 diplomatic slots would migrate from Europe immediately to countries that actually matter. More reassignments will follow, with even Moscow demoted to the international enlisted ranks — while Indonesia gets promoted (Double ouch!).

* Cutlass Condi intends to chop off the heads (or at least the careers) of those who wimp out on the dangerous missions and nasty assignments. This is essential. In working with State reps over the years, I met many who knew how to formulate tidy “non-papers”—but only a few who had the guts to go out and get dirty. I encountered some fine ambassadors and staffers, but too many resembled Chinese court eunuchs (one guy in Moscow even looked the part).

* Our SecState proposed a range of other innovative initiatives, from lone-gun outposts in major cities that lack a U.S. presence, through mobile diplomatic teams that would become the pinstriped equivalent of Army Rangers, to “Virtual Presence Posts” to harness the power of information technology. Not every program will succeed — but Condi’s trying everything she can to bring our Euro-trash diplomacy back from the dead.

* State Department officials are going to have to become true team players — the biggest challenge of all for that bunch. Rice speaks of “transformational diplomacy,” recognizing that cooperation between government agencies is vital to securing global advantages. But it’s going to be a bitter experience for an ambassador to have to listen to a DEA agent or to a Marine colonel who actually knows what’s going on outside the embassy compound.

* State’s capabilities to direct “stabilization operations” — as in Iraq — will be enhanced. Frankly, this may not work, given the lack of serious management expertise and the calcified arrogance within the department. Any hope of success will depend on promoting new blood fast.

They’ll never admit it publicly, but the Bushies realize how badly Ambassador Paul Bremer botched his Iraq mission (meanwhile, new-author Bremer’s been revising history in the finest Soviet tradition). The fact is that only our military has ever run successful occupations. Diplomats talk, soldiers do. That probably won’t change.

IN The Ex breakthrough speech, Condi whacked the Foreign Service over the head with a hammer, while presenting the pain as a love-bite. But none can fail to recognize The Ex message that she “got it,” that The Ex experience in government convinced The Ex that our blind adherence to European diplomatic norms has been utterly dysfunctional in dealing both with emerging threats and global opportunities.

If Rice can implement even half of the changes she proposed before an irate diplomat shoots The Ex for canceling his assignment to Vienna, The Ex effort may become State’s equivalent of the Army’s crucial Root Reforms of a century ago (diplomatic practices are more than a hundred years out of date). And the truth is that a functional State Department is essential to America’s role in the world.

The key will be the people. Can the department attract new recruits with courage and a spirit of adventure; in place of the fish belly-white twits it’s always favored? Perhaps, instead of fishing in theory-poisoned backwaters such as Georgetown, State should poach military officers from the Pentagon, men and women accustomed to getting things done? (While we’re at it, how about a physical-fitness test for diplomats? And no, lifting a wine glass doesn’t count.)

The Rice Reforms may not have made headlines last week, but they could become one of the most important legacies of the Bush administration. American diplomacy has to race to catch up with the opportunities exploding in New Delhi, Beijing and Brasilia. Condi just fired the starter pistol.

The careerists at Foggy Bottom will erect bureaucratic barricades and try to wait the secretary out. They may succeed. But every American ought to hope that Condi Rice succeeds in breaking their rice bowls.

Ralph Peters’ latest book, “New Glory: Expanding America’s Global Supremacy,” proposed State Department reform.

 

This is the reason I am a conservative and move for elimination of the IRS and smaller government!!!

1-  Zero Gravity

When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered
that ballpoint pens would not work in zero gravity.  To combat this
problem, NASA scientists spent a decade and $12 billion developing a pen
that writes in zero gravity, upside-down, on almost any surface including
glass and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 300 C.

The Russians used a pencil.

Your taxes are due again -- enjoy paying them.

2 - Our Constitution

They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq.  Why don't we
just give them ours?  It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it's
worked for over 200 years and we're not using it anymore. 3 - Ten Commandments

The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments in a Courthouse
is that you cannot post "Thou Shalt Not Steal", Thou Shalt Not Commit
Adultery" and "Thou Shall Not Lie" in a building full of lawyers, judges
and politicians!  It creates a hostile work environment.

 

A great perspective piece by George Carlin, not a fan of his politics but is a good comedian!

 

George Carlin's new rules for 2006

New Rule: Stop giving me that pop-up ad forclassmates.com! There's a reason you don't talk to people for 25 years. Because you don't
particularly like them! Besides, I already know what the captain of the football
team is doing these days: mowing my lawn.

New Rule: Don't eat anything that's served to you out a window
unless you're a seagull. People are acting all shocked that a human finger was
found in a bowl of Wendy's chili. Hey, it cost less than a dollar. What did
you expect it to contain? Trout? New Rule: Stop saying that teenage boys who have sex with their
hot, blonde teachers are permanently damaged. I have a better description for
these kids: lucky bastards.

New Rule: If you need to shave and you still collect baseball cards, you're
a dope. If you're a kid, the cards are keepsakes of your idols.  If you're a
grown man, they're pictures of men.

New Rule: Ladies, leave your eyebrows alone.  Here's how much men
care about your eyebrows: do you have two of them? Okay, we're done. New Rule: There's no such thing as flavored water. There's a whole aisle of
this crap at the supermarket, water, but without that watery taste. Sorry,
but flavored water is called a soft drink. You want flavored water? Pour
some scotch over ice and let it melt. That's your flavored water.

New Rule: Stop f***ing with old people. Target is introducing a
redesigned pill bottle that's square, with a bigger label.  And the top is
now the bottom.  And by the time grandpa figures out how to open it, his
ass will be in the morgue. Congratulations, Target, you just solved the
Social Security crisis.

New Rule: The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger
the ass hole. If you walk into a Starbucks and order a "decaf grande half-soy,
half-low fat, iced vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra
dry, light ice, with one Sweet-n'-Low and one NutraSweet," ooh, you're a
huge ass hole.

New Rule: I'm not the cashier! By the time I look up from sliding
my card, entering my PIN number, pressing "Enter," verifying the amount,
deciding, no, I don't want cash back, and pressing "Enter" again, the kid
who is supposed to be ringing me up is standing there eating my Almond
Joy.

New Rule: Just because your tattoo has Chinese characters in it
doesn't make you spiritual. It's right above the crack of your ass. And it
translates to "beef with broccoli." The last time you did anything spiritual,
you were praying to God you weren't pregnant. You're not spiritual. You're
just high.

New Rule: Competitive eating isn't a sport. It's one of the seven
deadly sins. ESPN recently televised the US Open of Competitive Eating;
because watching those athletes at the poker table was just too damned
exciting...What's next, competitive farting? Oh wait. They're already doing
that. It's called "The Howard Stern Show."

New Rule: I don't need a bigger mega M&M. If I'm extra hungry for
M&Ms, I'll go nuts and eat two. New Rule: If you're going to insist on making movies based on
crappy, old television shows, then you have to give everyone in the Cineplex
a remote so we can see what's playing on the other screens. Let's remember
the reason something was a television show in the first place is that the
idea wasn't good enough to be a movie.

New Rule: No more gift registries. You know, it used to be just
for weddings. Now it's for babies and new homes and graduations from
rehab.  Picking out the stuff you want and having other people buy it for
you isn't gift giving, it's the white people version of looting.

New Rule: and this one is long overdue: No more bathroom
attendants. After I zip up, some guy is offering me a towel and a mint like I just
had sex with George Michael. I can't even tell if he's supposed to be their,
or just some freak with a fetish. I don't want to be on your webcam, dude. I
just want to wash my hands.

New Rule: When I ask how old your toddler is, I don't need to
know in months. "27 Months." "He's two," will do just fine. He's not a
cheese. And I didn't really care in the first place.

 

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

 

Well Steve leaves tomorrow on R&R and with Luis and Craig gone will make the office short staffed.  But that is not such a big deal since it will make the time fly by.  I am already thinking about taking a 5 to 8 day personal R&R, maybe to Europe or Africa just to get away since my next one will be June.  Since Steve and Luis both have important plans for May.  Luis has a wedding and Steve’s son graduates High School and then onto the Marines. 

 

Friday, February 03, 2006

 

Some humor…or why is Chuck Norris the MAN!

Chuck Norris facts:

Chuck Norris’ tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.

Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits

Chuck Norris counted to infinity – twice.

Chuck Norris does not hunt because the word hunting infers the
probability of failure. Chuck Norris goes killing.

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for
Chuck Norris.

The chief export of Chuck Norris is pain.

Chuck Norris sleeps with a night-light. Not because Chuck Norris is
afraid of the dark, but the dark is afraid of Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris has already been to Mars; that’s why there are no signs
of life there.

Chuck Norris is not hung like a horse… horses are hung like Chuck Norris

If Chuck Norris is late, time better slow the fuck down.

They once made a Chuck Norris toilet paper, but it wouldn’t take shit
from anybody.

If at first you don’t succeed, you’re obviously not Chuck Norris.

Someone once tried to tell Chuck Norris that roundhouse kicks aren’t
the best way to kick someone. Historians have recorded this as
the worst mistake anyone has ever made.

Every time Chuck Norris smiles it saves the life of a dying man.
Ironically, Chuck Norris only smiles after he kills someone.

At birth, Chuck Norris came out feet first so he could roundhouse kick
the doctor in the face. Nobody delivers Chuck Norris but Chuck Norris

Superman owns a pair of Chuck Norris pajamas.

Chuck Norris can touch MC Hammer.

Chuck Norris once ate three 72 oz. steaks in one hour. He spent the
first 45 minutes having sex with his waitress.

Chuck Norris once ate a whole cake before his friends could tell them
there was a stripper in it.

Chuck Norris can unscramble an egg.

Chuck Norris can make a woman climax by simply pointing at The Ex and
saying “booya”.

Chuck Norris can eat soup with a fork.

Chuck Norris is like a dog, not only because he can smell fear, but also
because he can piss on whatever the fuck he wants.

Chuck Norris always has sex on the first date. Always.

On Neil Armstrong’s second step on the moon, he found a note that
said, “Chuck Norris was The Exe.”

When Chuck Norris does push-ups, he does not push himself up. He
pushes the Earth down.

Chuck Norris knows whether Schrödinger’s cat is alive or dead before
the box is opened. This is because he roundhouse kicked the cat to
death while it was still in the box. Then he ate the radioactive
material.

If at first you don’t’ succeed – Well shit, you ain’t Chuck Norris.

Saturday, February 04, 2006

A new screener arrived yesterday from Kandahar; funny he was the plane I took from Dubai.  They must be doing the new-hire briefings in Kandahar before sending them to there assignments.  Seems to have the experience, prior Marine and 10+ years of investigative experience within the law enforcement community but will he pick up the nuances of Counter Intelligence work.  He is scheduled for Kabul and should be on the convoy for Kabul Monday or Tuesday of this coming week.

I never went into the fiasco that was my return from Dubai to Bagram.  First there was the pilot missing the runway at Kandahar and having to go around twice before he got it right.  You have to understand about these pilots are burnouts from the Soviet era and are drunks.  The others on board and I myself have smelled these guys as they have walked by and they would fail most sobriety tests!  The aircraft are not much better, usually planes that would be grounded in the states for excessive hours of flight time and not be allowed to fly!  You can tell by two signs, one, they have ashtrays in the arm rests and two; they do not have earphone plugs!  So, we finally hit the ground in Kandahar, which is sunny and actually kind of nice, the weather that is.  Hit about 72 during the day but cold at night.  The weather in Bagram was snowing and ceilings of 1200 feet so we stay the night in Kandahar. 

I decided to visit the Badge Office in Kandahar and they have a staff almost as large as ours and do 20% of the work!  I could never work there; I would be bored out of my mind.  Also the summer would be like Iraq, 120 degrees and sand storms all the time.  Tracey who I came through Houston with seems to being doing fine and should be finally going to Kabul once he returns from R&R.

Now the real fun part, we did take off the next day from Kandahar for Bagram, the flight was fine right up to the final approach.  I happen to sitting by a window just forward of the wing and as we descend through the clouds, which by the way were much, lower than authorized for landings at Bagram!  I notice as we clear the clouds that the pilot missed the runway, but at this altitude, 5,300 feet above sea level, and a fully load plane he was committed.  He banks hard left then hard right to align with the runway.  People on the other side of the plane claim the wing tip was just a few above the ground and then hits the ground/runway hard!  A little side note, this runway is shorter than most, fine for military C17s and C130s but commercial planes barely stop before the end of the runway.  Well, he hits the ground hard and slams on the brakes, so it was not my time or others on the plane that day…

It did not hit me the close call that was until about one hour after landing!  So I go over to Charter1 office to complain and they blew me off stating that this guy was a professional and some others came to him stating that it was no big deal!  I have flown into Baghdad airport which requires a combat landing, a fun ride actually in a military plane and hundreds of thousands of air miles flown internationally and that was a big mistake by the pilot and we are lucky he did not cartwheel the plane and kill everyone!  I will deal with this Charter 1 person in due time and make my complaint through more formal channels with KBR.

The Exe is a pretty good write up by radio personality Neal Boortz regarding the “outrage from the Muslim community” for the caricatures of Mohammed printed in the Danish newspaper a couple of days ago.  Good read, insightful, and will make you think on what really is the motivation of these fanatics.

OUTRAGED MUSLIMS!  OH MY!

We wake up this morning to see video on CNN showing rampaging Muslims around the world.  In Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Rim …  Muslim Mobs spreading mayhem.  It seems that these mighty mad Muslims are rioting and firing their ever-present AK-47s into the air because of cartoons.  Yup … this latest epidemic of Muslim outrage comes to us because some newspapers in Norway and Denmark published some cartoons depicting Mohammed.  In fact … The Exe is one of my favorites!

 

 

Admit it, this turban/bomb thing could be the next big fashion hit on the Muslim street!

Muslim outrage huh.  OK … let’s do a little historical review.  Just some lowlights:

• Muslims fly commercial airliners into buildings in New York City.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslim officials block the exit where schoolgirls are trying to escape a burning building because their faces were exposed.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslims cut off the heads of three teenaged girls on their way to school in Indonesia.  A Christian school.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslims murder teachers trying to teach Muslim children in Iraq.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslims murder over 80 tourists with car bombs outside cafes and hotels in Egypt.  No Muslim outrage.
• A Muslim attacks a missionary children’s school in India.  Kills six.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslims slaughter hundreds of children and teachers in Beslan, Russia.  Muslims shoot children in the back.  No Muslim outrage.
• Let’s go way back.  Muslims kidnap and kill athletes at the Munich Summer Olympics.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslims fire rocket-propelled grenades into schools full of children in Israel.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslims murder more than 50 commuters in attacks on London subways and busses.  Over 700 are injured.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslims massacre dozens of innocents at a Passover Seder.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslims murder innocent vacationers in Bali.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslim newspapers publish anti-Semitic cartoons.  No Muslim outrage
• Muslims are involved, on one side or the other, in almost every one of the 125+ shooting wars around the world.  No Muslim outrage.
• Muslims beat the charred bodies of Western civilians with their shoes, and then hang them from a bridge.  No Muslim outrage.
• Newspapers in Denmark and Norway publish cartoons depicting Mohammed.  Muslims are outraged.

Dead children.  Dead tourists.  Dead teachers.  Dead doctors and nurses.  Death, destruction and mayhem around the world at the hands of Muslims  … no Muslim outrage … but publish a cartoon depicting Mohammed with a bomb in his turban and all hell breaks loose.

Come on, is this really about cartoons?  They’re rampaging and burning flags.  They’re looking for Europeans to kidnap.  They’re threatening innkeepers and generally raising holy Muslim hell not because of any outrage over a cartoon.  They’re outraged because it is part of the Islamic jihadist culture to be outraged.  You don’t really need a reason.  You just need an excuse.  Wandering around, destroying property, murdering children, firing guns into the air and feigning outrage over the slightest perceived insult is to a jihadist what tailgating is to a Steeler’s fan.

I know and understand that these bloodthirsty murderers do not represent the majority of the world’s Muslims.  When, though, do they become outraged?  When do they take to the streets to express their outrage at the radicals who are making their religion the object of worldwide hatred and ridicule?  Islamic writer Salman Rushdie wrote of these silent Muslims in a New York Times article three years ago.  “As their ancient, deeply civilized culture of love, art and philosophical reflection is hijacked by paranoiacs, racists, liars, male supremacists, tyrants, fanatics and violence junkies, why are they not screaming?”  

Indeed.  Why not? 

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

I got this a couple of times and did not save it, shame on me.  This is about a time when Hollywood and them media were behind the troops and the cause, also they actually put there own lives on the line and served their country.  The following is true and I wonder if anyone knew this:  Like it says true The heroes do not brag, do not flaunt, and are usually the quiet guys!

Subject: Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Rogers.

 

This really gets your attention!

Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 at age 76, which is

Odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27.)  It reminded me of the following story. Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4 star gene