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":1613585,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

RebelGirl

Glad you are having fun, its only a little while longer and you will be home with Liza and the kids, hang in there and enjoy it, you will miss it when its gone, as I will certainly miss reading about it when you are home.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, its amazing to be part of your daily life, keep up the good work.

Mel

{"commentId":1613585,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

8 votes

#1 - Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:16 AM EDT

{"commentId":1618708,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks, I am back now but it was an awesome trip and gave me some time away from Baghdad and the "guys". Although I must say I did miss them a little. I am glad to have this opportunity to write and express thing I might otherwise not get to talk about.

{"commentId":1618708,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

4 votes

#1.1 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 2:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":1613613,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

All in all my R&R has been totally better than expected. I do miss my guys (sort of). I feel rested and ready to finish up my tour. Sadly no pictures do to OPSEC, and a busted camera. But I hope my words helped others to understand a little about R&R. Thanks to all who read and stopped by.

{"commentId":1613613,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

9 votes

#2 - Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:23 AM EDT

{"commentId":1616586,"authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}

backroads

Rob, say hey to jnealis.

{"commentId":1616586,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}

2 votes

#2.1 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:10 AM EDT

{"commentId":1618722,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Hey roads, I haven't even seen Jnealis in over a week lol. He is doing a different mission at this time so I won't see him for a few more weeks. But I'll let him know.

{"commentId":1618722,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

3 votes

#2.2 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:01 PM EDT

{"commentId":1622081,"authorDomain":"wetsson"}

acanadian

about your r and r when you get back i think you should get into politics .and have them set up the phone company's so men and women oversees DO NOT pay for phone service
you are all over there serving your country and you have to pay for a phone card.shame on the military

{"commentId":1622081,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"wetsson"}

#2.3 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:54 PM EDT

{"commentId":1613618,"authorDomain":"seward"}

Sandie Seward

Rob, sounds like you really needed that sleep. Take care of yourself, Blessings Be!

{"commentId":1613618,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"seward"}

5 votes

#3 - Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:24 AM EDT

{"commentId":1618725,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

I had some GREAT sleep. Thanks so much for your comment.

{"commentId":1618725,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#3.1 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:02 PM EDT

{"commentId":1633911,"authorDomain":"jnask441"}

JA FROM NH

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. KEEP SAFE AND GOD BLESS YOU. JA

{"commentId":1633911,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"jnask441"}

#3.2 - Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":1613619,"authorDomain":"bigmomma"}

rottlady

It sounds like you had a good R&R. Thanks for the interesting descriptions of the things you could do, it sounds almost like a regular vacation! I'm glad to know it's almost time for you to come home....as I know you are too!

{"commentId":1613619,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"bigmomma"}

6 votes

#4 - Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:25 AM EDT

{"commentId":1618728,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Almost like a vacation, but like any vacation I had to come back to work. Thank goodness I have all my friends here a newsvine to keep me company. Thanks so much for your comment.

{"commentId":1618728,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

5 votes

#4.1 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:04 PM EDT

{"commentId":1613656,"authorDomain":"spookybf"}

Spooky Boyfriend

Rest and recoop man *one of those man hugs where you bump chest and slap the guys back as he slaps yours*

{"commentId":1613656,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"spookybf"}

4 votes

#5 - Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:34 AM EDT

{"commentId":1618731,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

LOL, yeah it was nice just too short. Thanks for stopping by

{"commentId":1618731,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#5.1 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:06 PM EDT

{"commentId":1613675,"authorDomain":"jnick"}

jnick

Understand the overwhelmed part, you go from nothing to choices. You have to do a quick mind shift to get in gear. Enjoy your last of R&R.

{"commentId":1613675,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"jnick"}

3 votes

#6 - Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:42 AM EDT

{"commentId":1618737,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

It was very overwhelming but in a good way. I am glad I had the chance to go. Thanks for your time and comment.

{"commentId":1618737,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#6.1 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":1613715,"authorDomain":"kmfay"}

HoosierGal

Glad R&R went well and you got some sleep. Thanks for all the great insight you provide for all of us back home. I have a cousin over there now. He was wounded in the Fall of last year (burned in tank by an IED) and after 5 mos recovery was literally pacing to get back to his "brothers". Was finally released to go back in Jan. and I don't think it was close to fast enough for him. I haven't heard anything on him lately so I hope he is safe.
Take care. My prayers are with all of you!!

{"commentId":1613715,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"kmfay"}

4 votes

#7 - Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:56 AM EDT

{"commentId":1618783,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

It is good he was able to come back. I understand when you wrote about his "brothers". There is a strong bond forged by those who serve together. I would not like to be away from my guys for long either. I am glad he made it back OK and hope he has a safe speedy return. Thanks for your comment. And I am glad you enjoy my articles.

{"commentId":1618783,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#7.1 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:19 PM EDT

{"commentId":1613887,"authorDomain":"mmc0713"}

Michelle Connolly

I am happy to hear you were able to get some much needed rest. Be safe and I look forward to reading more articles. They are really helping me understand what is actually going on over there.

{"commentId":1613887,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"mmc0713"}

3 votes

#8 - Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:44 AM EDT

{"commentId":1618792,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks for your comment and stopping by. And even if I can help one person get an idea of what is going on here I am happy I wrote this.

{"commentId":1618792,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#8.1 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:21 PM EDT

{"commentId":1618951,"authorDomain":"mmc0713"}

Michelle Connolly

Well you have definitely helped me. By the way, I know you mentioned you are in the army, what unit are you in? I think it's great that you are due to come home soon. I am sure your family misses you a lot.

{"commentId":1618951,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"mmc0713"}

2 votes

#8.2 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:54 PM EDT

{"commentId":1613965,"authorDomain":"ghostwomanwhowatches"}

ghostwomanwhowatches

Well I am glad someone actually took my advice and got some sleep. Now if I could only get my bunch to listen. Glad you had a good time. You will be home with your family safe and sound soon.
Take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ghost

{"commentId":1613965,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ghostwomanwhowatches"}

5 votes

#9 - Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:08 PM EDT

{"commentId":1618801,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks for the comment and your advice the rest was NICE.

You will be home with your family safe and sound soon.

I can't wait for that day. Thanks again for stopping by.

{"commentId":1618801,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#9.1 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:23 PM EDT

{"commentId":1615515,"authorDomain":"jimdent"}

Jim Dent

With 4 "bars" (yes they served beer, but there was a strict 3 beer limit)

Each bar? If so, that's a twelve pack my friend... Enjoy your down time!

{"commentId":1615515,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"jimdent"}

3 votes

#10 - Mon Mar 24, 2008 6:28 PM EDT

{"commentId":1618824,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Jim come on now you have served in the Army you know it isn't that easy. Although I did have my ways of getting by though. Actually they had a way to scan our ID's and lat 4 and it in a computer system so no matter what bar we went to they knew how many. The military is getting smarter.

Thanks for the comment and truthfully 3 had me feeling pretty good.

{"commentId":1618824,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

3 votes

#10.1 - Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:28 PM EDT

{"commentId":1620963,"authorDomain":"johnbo"}

John-258561

We did it in reverse as my wife got activated and I stayed with the 4 kids. She got her 2 weeks here in Tx, but I can say she was overwhelmed at first. Her constaint worry about her "guys" out running convoys was frustrating at first, but I came to understand why. It was hard to watch her get on the plane, but she was recharged and ready for the last 4 months. Oh yeah, the drink hit her pretty quick too!!

{"commentId":1620963,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"johnbo"}

2 votes

#11 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:22 AM EDT

{"commentId":1620969,"authorDomain":"johnbo"}

John-258561

{"commentId":1620969,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"johnbo"}

1 vote

#12 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:23 AM EDT

{"commentId":1624191,"authorDomain":"thegoldenpear"}

thegoldenpear

Rest is good, keeps your mind clear. Thankyou for keeping in touch with all of us here at home. I believe my son is on the same base you are on. He is also in the National Guard. Shortly he will be home, Thank God. He doesen't have a chance to call much. I love your column, It makes me feel more in touch with the life of a soldier. Please keep wrighting. My prayers are with all of you. Thanks again!

{"commentId":1624191,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"thegoldenpear"}

2 votes

#13 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:42 PM EDT

{"commentId":1624250,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thank you for the comment, I'll be home soon also. Am pretty excited but a little scared at the same time. Wish your son well and thanks for stopping by. I am glad you enjoy my column.

{"commentId":1624250,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#13.1 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:00 PM EDT

{"commentId":1624749,"authorDomain":"phred8877"}

Don Bee

Enjoyed reading your report. I suppose what country the RnR was in w/b verboten to mention. As well as which state or town ur from. Maybe it is for me to you, also. But! I am in IA. I also get the feeling that you can't talk about the wisdom or lack of same of some of the strategic or tactical planning. What I don't understand is why our sattelites can't pick up convoy traffic on roads coming out of Iran w/ supplies at night. There can't be that many main roads coming out of Iran. I would also like to see a couple of B-2s do their thing at night on Iranian insurgent training camps. I wish I could get the truth about the tactics and strategies being used there. I sure as hell don't believe a word I believe if the source is AP. And that is about all the DM Register prints.

I am older and have been proud to see and hear some of your younger soldiers brothers talk when they have been home on RnR or for rotation. The media dulls the patriotism of many gullible American citizens. I do thank you and all your comrades for your service. I wonder what would happen if the Services had a program to attract people over 50. As long as we could pass a physical before coming in.

{"commentId":1624749,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"phred8877"}

2 votes

#14 - Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:11 AM EDT

{"commentId":1626565,"authorDomain":"steve-stgermain"}

St. Germain

Thanks for the story to read, it was well written, and structured. I spent 4 years in the Army as a 13f10 (Forward Observer for Artillary and Infantry mortars), and I was in the field twice as much being every time the Artillary went out I went also, and when the Infantry went out I went out. So, I spent about 9 months a year in the field, and never were we given a R&R anywhere near what you described. All I can say is EXCELLENT///.

{"commentId":1626565,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"steve-stgermain"}

#15 - Thu Mar 27, 2008 1:57 PM EDT

{"commentId":1627348,"authorDomain":"msharing"}

BGPTech

Thanks for the perspective. Pay attention, be safe and finish your work. It is important and much appreciated.

{"commentId":1627348,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"msharing"}

1 vote

#16 - Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:39 PM EDT

{"commentId":1629107,"authorDomain":"anniezachery"}

FreeKySpirit

Just stumbled into your column, and reading it gave me a longing to really leave a comment, but my attitudes and opinions would not be appreciated by most of your readers and probably by you, because you see, you would think I am just another American who doesn't understand what is really going on over there. My husband served in a previous war, so yes I do support the military guys, I just don't support the politics behind our men being in countries all over the world when our own nation is left basically unprotected. My kids and yours are here, and vulnerable. You are such a great person, but I feel from these few readings, that there is really more you would like to say, but protocol and politics won't allow you or the other men doing this job to speak the truth.

When you come home and I hope it is as fast as possible, you will only want to push away the real feelings that you will want to express, but fear of speaking the truth about what is really happening there in Iraq will probably go unspoken by most of the men who return and just want to get on with their life.

I wish you the very best protection and peace God can give you, young man, and hope you never have to really cross that line you make in your mind. God Speed.

Annie Z

{"commentId":1629107,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"anniezachery"}

#17 - Fri Mar 28, 2008 5:03 AM EDT

{"commentId":1631858,"authorDomain":"paragonteam"}

DietrickDeleted

{"commentId":1632132,"authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}

OKrahoma

Hi Rob! Glad you got some well-deserved rest, peace, & calmness. Nobody deserves it more than you guys...wish it could have been longer for you, but guess that would just make it harder to go back? Stay safe, sending good thoughts your way, & to all of you there.

{"commentId":1632132,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}

1 vote

#19 - Fri Mar 28, 2008 9:33 PM EDT

{"commentId":1635795,"authorDomain":"k2rob50"}

Keith-260256

Hi!
I stumbled onto this site and read your e-mails, I just want to say to you and to all our service men & women over there Thank You! for your sacrifices on behalf of the people here in the USA!
May God bless each and every one of you and keep you safe til you are back home!

{"commentId":1635795,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"k2rob50"}

1 vote

#20 - Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:51 AM EDT

{"commentId":1635797,"authorDomain":"k2rob50"}

Keith-260256

{"commentId":1635797,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"k2rob50"}

1 vote

#21 - Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:53 AM EDT

{"commentId":1636832,"authorDomain":"thegoldenpear"}

thegoldenpear

Just wanted to say, that the news has been saying that things are heating up there. Please stay safe! I have been spending extra time with God praying for you and your mens safety. This country Loves all our men and women in harms way,and sends our love and prayers continually. My son is going to look up your column, maybe you'll hear from him.

{"commentId":1636832,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"thegoldenpear"}

1 vote

#22 - Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:23 PM EDT

{"commentId":1637642,"authorDomain":"wgranny"}

W. Granny

Hi soldier, lots of folks are thinking of you and wishing you a great holiday. Hey, good job over there! We're so proud of our soldiers and stand behind them 100%. God Bless and enjoy your R & R!

{"commentId":1637642,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"wgranny"}

#23 - Sun Mar 30, 2008 4:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":1639031,"authorDomain":"cpf55"}

cpf55

Rob

Tell all the guys god bless and thank you from all of us.

{"commentId":1639031,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"cpf55"}

#24 - Mon Mar 31, 2008 5:27 AM EDT

{"commentId":1639793,"authorDomain":"Budigen"}

4/7 Cav Budigen

Wow, reminded me of the R&R cruise boat they had for us in DS. Was lucky to get on it twice, once with my unit 4/7 Cav 3AD out of Budigen, second time on rear d while load equipment. It was total paradise compared to living in bradleys for Months. Sound like they have awesome set up for you guys and thats awesome. Glad to hear you got to enjoy it, thats for sharing.

{"commentId":1639793,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"Budigen"}

1 vote

#25 - Mon Mar 31, 2008 11:31 AM EDT

{"commentId":1641880,"authorDomain":"sfgreen"}

sfgreen

Remined me of the story my own son told a couple of months ago.God's speed home.

{"commentId":1641880,"threadId":"239216","contentId":"1386597","authorDomain":"sfgreen"}

1 vote

#26 - Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:02 PM EDT

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ROB BALLEW

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

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