Hello YMCA from Capt. Mike

Thanksgiving

It's been a little longer than I wanted it to be since I've last updated our blog.  I've been very busy working 7 days a week a minimum of 10 hours a day.  The good thing is that I am extremely busy and the time seems to go by very fast.  We are all doing well and there have been no serious incidents on our camp. 

I have been working as the Badge and Access Control Officer and get to work with Iraqis as well as people from all around the world.  There are a lot of language barriers that I run into working, but we all do our best to work through them.  I also teach an Escort Class once a week to both military and civilians on our camp.

The strangest thing to get use to is that there are no children or domestic pets around us.  I had a chance to visit the Iraqi side of our camp one day when we first got here.  I saw a small child riding with his father in a pick up truck; he gave us a thumbs up as they drove by.  It's the little things like that that really hit home.  That was the last child I've seen over 2 months ago.

A lot of the Iraqis are glad we are here and are afraid that we will leave before the work is done.  The people all have stories of life under Saddam and while things are beyond what we can ever image they say it is still better for them now.  The people talk about having peace and a government that can stand on it's own to help them.  Some people talk about loved ones and family members being tortured and executed for helping the Americans; but they believe that what they are doing will help make their country strong and give them a better life in the future.  It's very common for people to only have between 1 to 5 hours of electricity a day and drinkable water is almost unheard of.

It's easy to hear their stories and know what we are doing is right.  I have a chance to meet a lot of soldiers who are the real heroes.  Everyone misses their families and their homes, but I've yet to hear any of the soldiers say they want to leave. 

I get a chance to call home regularly and correspond by e-mail.  It's always great to hear the things family and friends are doing.  I look forward to getting back home and back to work once my job here is finished.

I'll try to keep up with the blog on a regular basis.  I look forward to hearing from everyone.

God Bless,

CPT Mike

The Move

We left North Ft. Hood approximately

7:15 p.m.

Saturday 15 September 2007

.  There was a thunder of cheers as we passed the gate on the cramped chartered bus loaded with troops and equipment.  I began to think of the 10 year wedding anniversary I had just missed and thought of the other birthdays and holidays I would miss in the coming year.  After a 10 hour ride, we arrived at

Ft. Riley

,

Kansas

and bedded down for the day.

Monday morning we woke early;

4:30 a.m.

and loaded our equipment on trucks as we linked up with a Sustainment Unit to manifest for our flight.  After a short prayer by the Army Chaplin we then boarded 4 charter buses to an airfield in

Topeka

,

Kansas

. 

Along the way we passed people on the interstate going about their daily lives; I thought back to a conversation I had a few weeks earlier with my children 6 year old Christian and 3 year old Madison.  They asked if I was going to

Iraq

.  When I said I was, their next question was why.  I tried to explain it in simple terms that they could understand and told them that the Army needed me to go.  Christian asked why I was in the Army; again I tried to explain that the country we live in provides so many freedoms and opportunity that I felt it was important to volunteer in the Army in order to give something back and that it’s not always easy to do what’s right, but it’s important that it’s done.  I’m not sure if a 6 year old was able to understand as there are adults who may have a hard time understanding as well; but I did the best I could.

Soon we were in

Topeka

,

Kansas

and boarded a chartered 767 for the flight.  We were then wheels up at

10:30 a.m.

  There were no politicians, dignitaries or guest giving speeches or any fanfare or flags waving along the street, only soldiers in uniform entering the plane with weapons in hand ready for a journey that so many have already taken. 

After looking around on the plane as we took off, I began to think of my feelings about what was ahead of me.  As many in my unit I felt anxious and ready.  I then realized that fear was not a part of my feelings as I am sure it wasn’t for the rest of the soldiers in my unit.  I realized that the strong leadership we have along with the discipline and confidence we had in ourselves from our training and experiences helped to shape us into professionals and we were ready for what we needed to do.

After 10 hours in the air and three in flight movies we landed in

Leipzig

,

Germany

at

8:00 p.m.

Central time.  It was

3:00 a.m.

Tuesday on a cool rainy morning in

Germany

.  After buying a $3.00 Coke and taking a much needed stretch I called home and talked to my wife as I heard Christian and

Madison

playing in the background – at times the sound can be intrusive and even maddening, but this time it was beautiful. 

We had a two hour layover in

Germany

then it was time to get back on the refueled 767.  The next leg of our flight was just shy of 5 hours.  Our route would take us over

Turkey

and

Iraq

into

Kuwait

.  We landed just after

12:00 p.m.

in

Kuwait

, when we landed the temperature was 104 degrees. 

The facilities we live in are fairly nice considering the situation.  Each tent has air conditioning.  Although, the temperature has averaged around 108 to 112 degrees, it’s a dry heat with no humidity which makes it extremely bearable – much like living in a dry sauna.  There is sand everywhere and reflects the sunlight so sunglasses have to be worn as well as to protect your eyes from the sand and wind burn.  The food is surprisingly good and there is a large variety to choose from. In addition, there are also fast food facilities that include KFC, Burger King, Pizza Inn and other small hot dog vendors.  There is also a Starbuck’s and Green Bean Coffee that are open 24 hours a day that I have found myself craving at odd times during the night.  The first two days it was very common to wake up at

2:00 a.m.

and meet up with other counterparts of my unit at the coffee shops.  It seems there is always a lot of activity going on from basketball games to watching movies to people just moving around at all hours of the day.  It almost has a carnival like atmosphere with the large number of people and locals selling in set up shops.  It’s a strange feeling to call home at 3:00 a.m. in the morning while it’s only

8:00 p.m.

the previous day.

Our training is complete in

Kuwait

as we wait to for our final move in the coming days.  For now we are all resting and rehearsing what we’ve learned over the past months in preparation for where we will call home for the next 10 months.  If I am able I plan to continue to place entries on our blog at least once a week.  I look forward to hearing from everyone and hope to speak to you soon.

God Bless,

CPT Mike

t

Thanks

My training at Ft. Hood is now complete and our validation is final.  We are planning to leave out sometime within the next few weeks to begin our journey overseas to our area of duty in Iraq.  It will be close to a month before I feel I will be able to get an up date to our blog; so I wanted to take the opportunity to say thanks to everyone who has given me and my family support and most important the prayers that everyone has given; they are felt and appreciated as well as very humbling.

Unfortunately, I have known soldiers who have deployed and served a year overseas who don't have the support I have received.  So many times it's easy for the fan-fair to take place at the departure and the redeployment ceremony of the troops.  The time in the middle is the most important and means the most.  Due to the support I have from my family, the YMCA and those close friends who continue to do so much; I have a great piece of mind as my focus begins to change to the task at hand. 

While I do sincerely thank everyone for the e-mails (I try to answer them as best I can); I don't think I can name everyone due to the long list of names and the embarrassment I would suffer at the thought of forgetting someone. You are all important not to mention you are always on my mind and in my thoughts and prayers.  I look forward to beginning my mission in hopes of completing it quickly and returning home to my family and my civilian life.

I look forward to continuing to hear from everyone during the coming year.  The e-mails do mean a lot as well as helping me feel that I am not so far away.  I enjoy hearing about the day to day events that are sometimes taken for granted or may seem unimportant.  Thanks again for all you do and the support you have given and continue to give me and my family throughout the coming year.

God Bless,

CPT Mike

Background

I wanted to give a brief background regarding my Military history to help see and understand the person behind the blog.

I am constantly reminded of my high school football years.  Not as glory days and how great we all were, but in the lessons I learned years later about myself.  I play for a 6-A team at Shades Valley as a 165 lbs. offensive lineman.  Our Coach, Robert Higginbotham who played under the legendary Coach Bear Bryant, had simple requirements - total perfection.

Not having much size or athletic ability I relied on persistence.  I started at left guard my Junior year '84-'85.  While playing against Robert E. Lee I injured my knee in the first quarter.  During the game I felt I had let my team down as well as myself.  I stayed in the game and didn't let anyone know I was hurt until the next day.  After physical therapy and a desire to improve, I returned my Senior year '85-'86 as the starting center.  I learned a lot about not giving up and being a part of a team under those hot August days on the practice field.

As a sophomore in college a fraternity brother in ROTC recommended that I take Military Science.  There was no obligation with the Military and it was a good way to help bring up my GPA.  The class instructor was CPT Hogg.  We learned basic map reading skills, how to write operations orders and basic Military history.

CPT Hogg spoke to me several times about the opportunities of being a member of the Guard.  The Cold War was over, the Iron Curtain was coming down and peace was breaking out all over the world.  I enlisted on 04 April 1990 as a 23 year old PFC (Private First Class) due to my college credits and was given an MOS (Military Occupational Skill) of 11B (Infantry).  I was then assigned to a Mortar Platoon in the 1-167 (IN).  Within months Iraq invaded Kuwait and everyone was being deployed. 

I went from a Sophomore to Senior in college within 3 months before leaving on 16 August 1990 for basic training at Ft. Benning.  I was with both National Guard and Active Duty components.  The training was challenging and the Drill Sargent's gave us a lot of corrective training in the form of push ups and flutter kicks.  It was a true sense of accomplishment completing  the training none of us were sure we could do. 

As a SPC in 1992 I was selected via board as the 31st Separate Armored Brigade "Soldier of the Year".  I attended PLDC (Primary Leadership Development Course) at Ft. Benning in March 1993 and soon entered the ranks as an NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer).

In 1995 I was slotted and began BNOC (Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course) Phase I.  As fate would have it I ran into MAJ Hogg from my Military Science class.  He was going to be an instructor at AMA (Alabama Military Academy) OCS (Officer Candidate School).  When he learned I was still in the Guard he told me "You're going to OCS."  The following Monday my packet had gone and I was now an Officer Candidate in AMA Class 40.

I met a lot of great people while at OCS.  Many of those in my class have served at least one tour over seas and more than a few have served two.  I am still fortunate to keep in touch with those who I was able to bond a friendship with.

After graduating OCS I went to IOBC (Infantry Officer Basic Course) at Ft. Benning from October to March 1997.  I was then assigned as the Mortar Platoon Leader and went back to the Infantry Battalion.  In May of 2001 as a 1LT, I decided it was time for me to step away from the Guard.  My family was changing and the health of my Mother was of concern.  Then, September 11, 2001 happened.  I watched horrified as the twin towers fell and the Pentagon was attacked while others were killed living their daily lives aboard an airplane in an open field.  With paperwork still pending regarding my discharge it was a no brainer that I had something more important to do.

I ended up being activated for a year on Home Land Security in Oxford.  I was an Active Duty 1LT Riffle Platoon Leader.  After spending 13 months on deployment it was time to come home.  I attended the Infantry Company Commander's Career Course at Ft. Benning in January 2003.  I was promoted to CPT in October 2003.

Over the years of experience and training I've been through and the people I've met I have been fortunate to meet some very smart and intelligent people with a vast understanding of Military doctrine.  Most of these people have forgotten more than I'll ever know.  Some people go for awards and some go for promotions.  I on the other hand have gone for either.  I feel I still have so much work to do in order to be considered for awards and quick promotions.  I don't have a charismatic personality, I'm not the smartest person in the room and I tend to try to listen more that talk; I say this only to the point of being extremely comfortable with who I am.

Looking back to my Senior year of football our team went 2 and 8.  Coach Higg said this was the worst year he ever had and years later I read that he had considered quiting after my Senior year.  The truth is, I learned more about myself by not winning than I could have by winning.  I learned to never give up or stop believing in myself and in those around me.  It's always easy to be a leader when everything is going your way, but it takes a really leader to handle things when they don't.  I've heard, and continue to hear the term "gut check" where you reach deep down inside to see what you're made of.  I realized, it doesn't take "guts" it takes "heart"; this is when you've done everything you can and you don't feel you can take another step, then someone in your group gives out a call or yell of reassurance that creates an extra burst of energy deep down inside that you didn't know what there, this comes from the heart. 

I have been able to learn over the years what the important things are to me.  Helping with the laundry, cooking supper, bathing the kids and doing the everyday mundane things around the house with my family are and have been the most important.  I've been a member of the National Guard for over 17 years; I've now been Federally Mobilized twice and deployed for 3 hurricanes.  I intend to reach 20 years of service and step aside for the younger and smarter men and women to do this job much better than me.

It's not always easy to do what's right, but it's important that the right thing is done regardless.

God Bless,

CPT Mike

Soldiers

First allow me to apologize for any grammatical errors on my last blog.  Due to time constraints I don't get a lot of time to re-read them for clarity.

I've heard people speak and make estimates that between 1% to 3% of the U.S. population serve the country by wearing a uniform of the armed services.  Considering this, I think of the challenge given to those who freely volunteer to do what they do.  Sometimes it's understanding why they do it.

I can't speak for everyone or even part of the people who serve, I can only speak for myself.  I think of the great opportunities I've been given and that God continues to answer my prayers while I serve our great nation.  I always pray that God will guide us in wisdom, give us strength physically, mentally and spiritually and always continue to watch over our loved ones we've left behind.  Faith is a corner stone to what we do.

The small group that I've been serving with is a diverse group with each member brining a unique part of their personality to our unit.  Me and those I am proud to serve with have done so voluntarily.  We make sacrifices through the training we go through that takes us away from our families and loved ones while putting restrictions on personal freedoms to an extent while training for missions we may see in the future.  We voluntarily make these sacrifices to help preserve and ensure that no one is forced to make sacrifices due to tyranny or as a result of terrorism.

The word "Hero" gets spread around a lot to those who serve in uniform.  I feel the training and future mission I am preparing for does not make me a hero - I could never consider or imagine this word describing me in any form.  I am extremely honored and humbled to be able to be part of a professional organization that is the United States Army.  I am but one mechanical part to hopefully support the true heroes of our country.  The great thing about the word "Hero" is that it isn't reserved or specific to any race, gender, religion or nationality.  For this I am proud to be a part of this family and brotherhood.  I know I would not have this basic opportunity to serve with the 1% or 3% of those who serve our country by wearing it's uniform without the sacrifice of the hero's of the past.  If you look you can find them without having to look very hard. 

God Bless,

CPT Mike

Departure

Now that I'm settled in and well within training I felt this would be a good start to keep everyone up to date with me.  Sunday July 8th my unit had a Departure Ceremony, it was a damp warm and over cast day.  The drill hall floor was filled with more than 150 visitors and guest to send us off on our journey.  In attendance was the Freedom Riders - a motorcycle club that goes to departure ceremonies and provide a motorcycle escort through the town. 

It was a very emotional time listening to the guest speakers while looking around the drill hall floor at the all the children and wives who were going to be without part of their family for a year while listening to the cry of a baby in the back.  The Freedom Riders formed their own formation across from us with about a dozen lining the wall facing us.  I noticed the majority of them were wearing sunglasses.  After the ceremony one of the members was asked about the wearing of the sunglasses this was a large man better than 6'3" with a hardened face as he lifted his sun glasses it was easy to see the trail of tears from his eyes.

After a lunch with families and deploying soldiers it was time for some personal time away from the Montgomery Armory.  My wife Sherry and I went out and purchased two stuffed puppies for Christian and Madison.  When it was time for them to head back to Birmingham - I gave the stuffed animals to them and told them to hug it when they miss me.  The realization began hitting home as Sherry loaded Christian and Madison in the car; they both seemed to look in amazement that I wasn't going with them.  Finally, Madison age 3 asked "why isn't daddy coming?".  The reality was now very real.

After spending over 15 hours on a bus to Ft. Hood Texas it was time to get work.  The facilities we are living in are good for what we are preparing for.  The good thing is they have air conditioning.  The food is good although sometimes it's more important to take in as much as you can to make the next training schedule than to taste what you're eating.  The training keeps us busy and very tired.  The equipment we wear is more than 52 lbs. including weapon and water.  With the Texas heat it makes for a very long day.  The good thing is that I haven't had any problems getting to sleep.

Some the of training keeps us out as late as 1:30 a.m. with average morning wake ups at 6:00 a.m. at the latest.  The thing is we always have something to do and somewhere to go 7 days a week.  We work to find a chance to get personal things done, like doing our laundry, reading, calling home and going to the MWR building and getting on the computer to send e-mails to friends and loved ones, this is feels like it's few and far between.

Before I get back to work I wanted to thank everyone for your e-mails; but more importantly I wanted to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers for me and my family.  Sherry, Christian and Madison are all doing well and staying busy.

I'll try to keep everyone up to date with how I'm doing in the coming weeks.  Hopefully, I'll get a better schedule and routine down - well, I guess I have one now - train a minimum of 12 hours per day 7 days a week.

God Bless,

Mike

A post on behalf of Capt. Mike.....Ft. Hood Arrival

Sunday we had an emotional departure ceremony with over 150 guest in attendance to send us off.  It was rainy and humid out which also helped cast a dark cloud over the day.  We left from

Montgomery

at midnight with an escort by The Freedom Riders motorcycle club. 

Our bus ride was right at 15 and a half hours with little sleep. 

Ft.

Hood

is a large place, so far the food is good and we are almost complete with our in processing - after that we will go right in to training and I know it will be long hours and very challenging both physically and mentally.  We've had a lot of long days so far and when training begins; I know it'll get more intense.

I'll try to get e-mails out as much as possible, but there are few computers and a lot of troops waiting to use them. 

I hope everyone is doing great.  I think about everyone often which is what helps keep me going.  I look forward to coming back and getting into a regular/normal routine. 

Thanks,

Mike

One Month

With only one month from today before I leave for Ft. Hood, Texas I wanted to try this out prior to leaving and getting in county.  I plan to up date this blog a minimum of once a week if allowed.  Currently I am in the process of getting ready for my future journey and train up to Iraq.  Words can't explain the feelings me and my family are experiencing.  The more information I receive the more it hits home how real and close this is. 

The out pouring of support by everyone at the YMCA has been incredible and nothing can express my appreciation to helping to make this as easy as possible.  I am already missing everyone. 

I will keep you up to date on my adventures in addition I plan to take my camera so I hope to be able to send some pictures back as well.  Your prayers and thoughts are felt.  I feel confident leaving the Trussville Branch in Wendy's hands - she is a true asset to our Association.

See You Soon,

CPT Mike

Godspeed from all of us Mike

Mike Tsimpides, Branch Executive Director for the Trussville YMCA, is preparing to serve in IRAQ.  Mike is a Captain with the 621st and will be deployed for 15-18 months.  Mike is a long time staff member with the Y and prior to that SportsFirst. He has held posts at the Mt. Brook, Vestavia and Trussville branches. Mike is married and has 2 small children. He will post entries in this weblog as he goes through training and service overseas.  Please feel free to respond to his updates.  We all pray for his safety and well-being.