On again...

I was just looking at my last post and if I realized that I need to do a better job updating this blog.



Let's see...In Feb. I went off to San Diego and joined up with EOD ESU1. A support unit that handles much of the logistical support for the EOD units on the west coast. I was scheduled to be there for only 45 days but due to manning issues, I ended up spending five months out there. And I had a great time. Unlike my deployment, this mobilization period allowed for me to see the amount of work that goes on to support the war effort, if only on a small scale. We were constantly moving equipment around from point A, B, C, D and so on and back to A again. Most of what we did involved training evolutions here in the states but we also got involved with prepping and delivering equipment and collateral for shipment to overseas locations. The amount of effort and funding that goes into supporting the war is mind boggling.

I was stationed Coronado, California. Not a bad place to spend five months.



The base is one of the busiest bases in terms of training members of the special warfare community for both the Navy and the Marines so when we weren't working on supporting the various missions we were working out. We worked out four days a week but I added a fifth and sometimes a sixth day of workouts. Chief Powell, after spending a long stretch attached to the Seal Teams, led our workouts. He, and Doc Long, another work out freak, came up with some crazy and grueling workouts, runs around Balboa Park, along the beaches in San Diego (If you have ever run along a beach, you know it is not the easiest thing to do...wet sand, dry sand, it's not easy. Along with 2-8 mile runs, they would mix in cross fit training as well. On Wednesdays, we would meet up at the local high school for water workouts. These workouts were not easy. I swear, there were days that I was sweating underwater. I have spent years weight training and they did all that they could to get me to stop depending on lifting weights to get in shape. It was hard to stop but I am glad that I did. While attached to ESU-1, I enjoyed (really) some of the toughest workout I have ever taken part in. When I reported for duty I was really out of shape. It hurt just to climb a couple flights of stairs. But thanks to the commitment and support of both Chief Powell and (new) Chief Long, and the other FEP members that worked out with us, I came home forty pounds lighter and feeling great. Since coming home, and by using many of the exercises that I picked up from the Chiefs, I have managed to lose a few more pounds and will continue to do.

Aside from the workouts, I miss the great people that I met and now call my friends. Chief Gofigan, KC, Stewie, David, Garner, Mo, Naugle, Ortiz, Jr., Jeff, Spanky, Sarge and so many more. But none more than getting a chance to work along side one of my closest friends, Marty Gill. I came back with so many great memories. I picked up golfing, again. It was a blast and hopefully, I'll be called up to do it again. To serve at this command and with people such as these guys would be an honor. (again!) My son, Marcelo, got a chance to spend two weeks out there with me. While he was there, I was tasked with painting a mural for the command. It was a memorial to members of the EOD community that paid the ultimate price. Marcelo was there to help me with the mural. The reaction that we got both while we were painting and then once it was completed, was overwhelming. As hard as it was on me to paint it, a part of me did not want to finish the piece. During Marcelos visit and while we were painting, he met all of these guys and he saw first hand the camaraderie that only men and women that serve this country can truely understand. And now he wants to be a part of it, and as a member of the special warfare community. It's hard for a parent to let their children join the military. Knowing that their is a strong possibility that they may be called to serve during war time is difficult. But for me, knowing that my son is beginning to understand the reasons why I served, and continue to serve, allows for me to come to terms with this goal that he has set for himself. All I can do now is to support him and push him to make an informed decision before he commits to serving either as an enlisted man or ideally, a commissioned officer.



Marcelo, I've always told you and your brother that you need to push yourselves to be better than me in everything that you do. The character and moral values that you showed me while you were with me in San Diego has proven to me and others, that you are on your way to living a life full of milestones, invaluable memories and lifelong friendships. Regardless where your life choices take you, your brother and sister, mom and I will be here, bursting with pride and more than likely, with tears in our eyes.



Sigue adelante.