R&R Tale Days 1-4 (Time Flies)

News Type: Other — Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:05 AM EDT

world-news, iraq, middle-east, contractors, us-troops, rest, iraqdiary, recuperation

R&R, Rest and Recuperation Day 4. Well, considering where I have been the past 8 months. The camp I am doing R&R has been paradise. From day zero until now I have spent my time the best I could. From eating good chow to sleeping on a very comfortable bed to wearing civilian cloths every day. And although I would have appreciated a 15 day leave home. I can say this has been very worthwhile to me. And I actually can say I do feel a bit recharged. Here are a few interesting tidbits about R&R.

First, there are people from all over. Service members and contractors who serve in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. People from all branches and ranks, different all FOB's and camps. I, actually listening and talking to people here, found it mind boggling all the diverse collection of people who are here serving. One of the biggest things about the Guard is the people in my unit are all from same state. And although we are from different cities and have different jobs, we all basically share a lot of the same issues and beliefs. Where as on active duty you have a collection of people from all over US, and sometimes outside the US. This makes for a very diverse crowd. And do to the fact that I am from a National Guard unit I forget that there are so many different personalities. This trip actually helped me to remember this and I found it pretty refreshing.

Next, our living conditions here. We are in tents sitting inside warehouses. Now before you ask what is the point let me explain. I think they are set up that way so they can keep the different groups separated by days you arrive. This helps keep the staff from guessing where you are in case an emergency happens. Not to mention makes it easier to clean when we leave. Initially I was a little disappointed at this fact. But because there is a strict noise standard enforced inside each tent, I actually found it rather peaceful. And found the fact that the lack of explosions, gunfire and helicopter traffic helped me to enjoy some of the best sleep I have had in theater to date. I honestly have no complaints about the living conditions.

One of th choices we had to do while here was the R&R staff set up daily trips to the city, mall, and water park as well as a golf course. Also because it was Easter weekend some American families set up some dinners for troops on R&R with their families. So we where not confined to camp, we had the opportunity to leave. The only problem is you need to get there at a certain time (usually during my sleep schedule) to sign up. So I opted out of any of the scheduled trips. I was actually content with just sleeping and eating good chow.

Another good thing was the fact that there is a lot to do. With 4 "bars" (yes they served beer, but there was a strict 3 beer limit), a world class gym, a USO with multiple gaming systems, 2 very good internet cafe's, movie theaters, a pool, miniature golf course, bowling alley, phone banks you can talk as long as you want on with US phone card rates, spa's, and probably more I never even checked out. There was so much to do there where times I felt a bit overwhelmed at times.

Sadly, all good things must end and I have to fly back to Iraq sometime soon. But at least I had this chance to unwind and be "Rob" for a while. Sometimes while serving you forget about what it is like being a civilian. Things like laundry, (yes I washed my own cloths for the first time in almost a year, and I was excited to do it), seeing a small child, or just throwing back a couple cold beers while watching my favorite NCAA basketball teams get beat in the tourney, actually seem foreign to me. I realized that I am not only "Ballew", I am also "Rob" and even more important "Dad", and that some day soon I will be back to the life I miss so much. As always another day down, to bad it was a day I was not ready to let go.

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{"commentId":1642430,"authorDomain":"horsinaround"}

Cowgirl from AZ. and PAM (proud Army Mom)

I too, just found your column and it's been interesting. My son just had R&R a couple weeks ago,and is now back in Iraq. I wonder if you and he were in the same place? He really enjoyed his time resting and having some "down" time from the daily grind,sounds like you did as well! He will be home for his mid-tour leave this summer,and has lots of family and friends looking forward to that time.
Thanks for all your sacrifice and hard work for our country. I'm happy you will get to be back home with your loved-ones soon.

{"commentId":1642430,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"horsinaround"}

1 vote

#26 - Tue Apr 1, 2008 12:24 AM EDT

{"commentId":1642643,"authorDomain":"mguy-1972"}

michelle-261200

Thank you for your sevice. Stay safe. My best to everyone over seas and their families awaiting their return.

{"commentId":1642643,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"mguy-1972"}

1 vote

#27 - Tue Apr 1, 2008 2:44 AM EDT

{"commentId":1642717,"authorDomain":"notmary-ln"}

Lnin Cali

Hi, This is my first time seeing your column too. It was quite interesting. I just wanted to take a minute to say Thank You for your service and to all those serving with you. Will continue to lift you all in prayer.

{"commentId":1642717,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"notmary-ln"}

#28 - Tue Apr 1, 2008 4:01 AM EDT

{"commentId":1642788,"authorDomain":"medievalcajun"}

Krystle

Hi Rob! I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed reading your post. My boyfriend recently had his R&R and his reaction was similar to yours. At one point during our time together we were walking down the street and he abruptly kneeled to touch the grass. He said, "I haven't seen grass in 7 months. I forgot how much I love it!" He said he felt sort of like a foreigner as well, but that the down time was crucial in recharging him. I also wanted to thank you for your service to our country. I always thought I understood the sacrifice involved in military duty, but it's only since I met my boyfriend that I've come close to realizing what you all go through. Since I am not in your position, of course I can never truly know, but I can however tell you that I really appreciate all that you do and pray that you get home safely to your family before you know it! Take care!

{"commentId":1642788,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"medievalcajun"}

#29 - Tue Apr 1, 2008 5:06 AM EDT

{"commentId":1644438,"authorDomain":"ham420"}

hamdog00

Glad to hear they treat you ok, and that you do get some R&R. Lookin foward to the time when we bring all our boys home. Thanks for your dedication and bravery!! God's speed soldier.

{"commentId":1644438,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ham420"}

#30 - Tue Apr 1, 2008 2:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":1645248,"authorDomain":"GreenEyes1968"}

GreenEyes.68

Thank you for serving this country. It means the world to all of us. You and all your fellow troups are soooo appreciated. Dont forget that.

:) I served during Desert Storm in 91'.

{"commentId":1645248,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"GreenEyes1968"}

1 vote

#31 - Tue Apr 1, 2008 6:27 PM EDT

{"commentId":1646165,"authorDomain":"firecat-martinez"}

Firecat

Hi Rob!
Well, I like some of the others just stumbled in here today. I sat and read your article & I found it very interesting as I too have wondered what and how our military men & women are cared for? I only imagined the worst, but at least now I know you have some favorable options. It is still very scary as you are all in danger on a daily basis, God bless you all, stay safe & Thank you for all you & all your brothers have done for our country. P.S.
Glad you got your rest & enjoyed your time home...
God Bless :)

{"commentId":1646165,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"firecat-martinez"}

1 vote

#32 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 12:21 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647997,"authorDomain":"mamonks"}

martin monks

Please what propgada...

{"commentId":1647997,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"mamonks"}

#33 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 1:30 PM EDT

{"commentId":1648974,"authorDomain":"mousi"}

Mary-262011

My hubby is serving in the desert right now and I am very inhterested in any and all articles so I can better understand where he is and what is going on! Thanks for an interesting and infrmative read and thank you too for serving day in day out - we appreciate what you and your family sacrifice :)

{"commentId":1648974,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"mousi"}

1 vote

#34 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 5:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":1650396,"authorDomain":"meee"}

Me-262218

hi i was wondering since you are where you are, if you are there with Wheeler? if so and you see him could you tell him hi Gaybie from all of us!!

Thank you!

{"commentId":1650396,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"meee"}

1 vote

#35 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 5:53 AM EDT

{"commentId":1651878,"authorDomain":"lastdaywatchers"}

LastdaywatchersDeleted

{"commentId":1651903,"authorDomain":"lastdaywatchers"}

LastdaywatchersDeleted

{"commentId":1651986,"authorDomain":"brat-with-wings23"}

brat23

I have to say I have been reading your blogs for awhile now and they are so awesome. I have a few friends over in Iraq and Afghanistan and I pray for you guys every day. Sometimes I'm lucky and get to talk with them on the phone, and sometimes its just offlines but I'm happy for evey time I hear from them. Know that you all are loved and missed and appreciated for what you do and the sacrifices you make every day. Glad you got some good R&R..keep writing its good to hear the soliders side and not just what the news tells us...God Bless you and your guys and may you all come home safely soon.

{"commentId":1651986,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"brat-with-wings23"}

#38 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 2:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":1661541,"authorDomain":"emuhlee"}

em*uh*lee

I just found your blog and I have to say it's refreshing. I wanted to start a blog when I got here but too often I can't figure out how to put a lot of the things I feel into words. The fears about going home and being a single momma again, having "real world" responsibilites and wondering how I'm going to deal with everything I've experienced. So, yeah, just wanted to say thanks for the blog. Oh and I went on a 4 day pass a few months ago. I have to say that ice skating in the middle east was pretty fun and I got to smoke hookah and drink chi while looking out over the sea...gorgeous! Well, take care over here.

{"commentId":1661541,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"emuhlee"}

#39 - Sun Apr 6, 2008 4:09 PM EDT

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ROB BALLEW

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R&R Tale Days 1-4 (Time Flies)

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