CPT G has gotten a little bit of publicity today. A local paper in Reno ran a profile on CPT G as someone from Reno serving in Iraq. The focus of the article was on CPT G and his decision to join the military. There was, of course, a lot written on his blog and what has happened to it in the last few months. Though extremely well written, the newspaper does not have much of a readership outside of the 775 area code. It did make the front page, though, picture and all.
A second article was written in the Washington Post and made the front page of the Style section. This article definitely focused more on the blog and the spiral effect that has occurred since it got shut down. Even before I woke up there were emails to Kaboom from people who had seen the article. It seems the reporter was a big fan of the blog before it got shut down and was sort of ticked off that he couldn't read it anymore. His solution: write about. Sounds like something CPT G would do.
I am not putting up links for either, but I know how crafty you readers can be. I am sure within a few hours most of you will have read and forwarded the articles to everyone you know. Most of you have already found archived posts from the original Kaboom.
Thank you Kaboom readers. Had you not made such a fuss about its termination, I do not think there would have been such an interest in CPT G and his writing in the news. We shall see what comes of all of this. Good or bad, CPT G has gotten his name out there. Who knows, maybe there will be a write-up in Newsweek in the coming months. Hey, a girl can dream, right?
Thursday, 24 July 2008
All is Well in Anu al-Verona
I guess I should start by apologizing. I really am not good at this blogging thing. In my defense, however, I am not where all of the action is, experiencing the things you want to hear about. I just get quick email blurbs about them. Let me tell you, it was far more exciting to hear about CPT G’s missions when they were written about on Kaboom. I guess emails do not inspire the same thoughts and language as an e-journal read by thousands of people.
I guess I should start with what everyone is wondering: CPT G and the Gravediggers are just fine. Things have been fairly normal in Anu al-Verona. They recently caught some local bad guy. I cannot give you more details, mostly because I do not know them, but let’s say he was sneaking around for a while and deserved what he got. A lot of what goes on reminds me of the mafia, specifically this incident. I am of course not referring to the Italian mafia, but naturally the Irish mafia (I have been watching a lot of The Black Donnellys thanks to CPT G. Check it out if you have Irish roots or if you have a strong sense of loyalty). It should be noted that the Iraqi mob is nearly as cool as either the Irish or Italian mafia.
PV2 Hotwheels is still in Texas and making progress. As his mother chronicles, each day is a challenge in itself. There are huge improvements and then set backs. Keep thinking of him and his family.
July 22nd marked the halfway point for the Gravediggers. 7 ½ months and they will be safe at home. I do not think they celebrated much, but all of us at home are glad that we are over the hump and on the downward slope. Here’s to the second half.
I guess I should start with what everyone is wondering: CPT G and the Gravediggers are just fine. Things have been fairly normal in Anu al-Verona. They recently caught some local bad guy. I cannot give you more details, mostly because I do not know them, but let’s say he was sneaking around for a while and deserved what he got. A lot of what goes on reminds me of the mafia, specifically this incident. I am of course not referring to the Italian mafia, but naturally the Irish mafia (I have been watching a lot of The Black Donnellys thanks to CPT G. Check it out if you have Irish roots or if you have a strong sense of loyalty). It should be noted that the Iraqi mob is nearly as cool as either the Irish or Italian mafia.
PV2 Hotwheels is still in Texas and making progress. As his mother chronicles, each day is a challenge in itself. There are huge improvements and then set backs. Keep thinking of him and his family.
July 22nd marked the halfway point for the Gravediggers. 7 ½ months and they will be safe at home. I do not think they celebrated much, but all of us at home are glad that we are over the hump and on the downward slope. Here’s to the second half.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Calling All Kaboom Readers...
Those of you who have been following LT G from the beginning know that the Gravediggers have been very fortunate with regards to physical danger. There have been a few close calls and definitely situations that will have a lasting impact on the men for the rest of their lives. All things considered, they have been pretty lucky.
After nearly seven months in Iraq, the Gravediggers’ luck had a momentary lapse. I regret to inform you that one of the Gravediggers is in dire need of prayers, thoughts, and support. On June 22, PV2 Hotwheels had an accident. The Gravediggers had returned from a mission and PV2 Hotwheels was refueling a generator. A fire ignited and he was engulfed in flames. Thankfully, two fellow Gravediggers and a terp came to PV2 Hotwheels’ rescue, putting out the flames as quickly as possible. It should be noted that PV2 Hotwheels followed the appropriate safety precautions and had on the necessary protection. The accident was a fluke.
Within a couple of days, PV2 Hotwheels was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, which has an extremely reputable burn unit. Doctors immediately started to treat him for smoke inhalation, in addition to the second and third degree burns over 60% of his body. He had a successful skin graft and was recovering from the surgery when he began to have gastro-intestinal issues. The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of doctors and surgeries for PV2 Hotwheels, all with his family close at this side. The latest update I have received is that PV2 Hotwheels is medically sedated and doctors are fighting off the infections that caused the gastro-intestinal issues.
I have not had the pleasure to meet PV2 Hotwheels personally, but based on the affect his accident has had on the Gravediggers I can tell what a vital part of the platoon he was and still is. He pulled security for CPT G and Biggie often, something he took very seriously. When I asked CPT G for a fond memory of PV2 Hotwheels, he replied by saying, “He was part of the good ole boy contingency of the platoon; young Southern kids that liked teasing their city-boy LT and promised to take me opossum-hunting when we got back to the States.” I know that he is greatly missed by all of the men.
PV2 Hotwheels’ mother has been in contact with both myself and CPT G and she has asked for prayers from all over to help her son get through this difficult time. She has set up a website (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewwheeler) that she updates a few times a day to let everyone know how her son’s recovery is going. I emplore you to visit it. Once you read through the journal she has kept, as well as the guestbook that family and friends have signed, you will see how much your thoughts and prayers mean to this family.
PV2 Hotwheels has a long way to a full recovery. May this time be shorter than expected. Keep PV2 Hotwheels, his family, and all of the Gravediggers in your thoughts during the rest of the deployment. Something like this could happen to any one of them. Let us pray that it does not.
After nearly seven months in Iraq, the Gravediggers’ luck had a momentary lapse. I regret to inform you that one of the Gravediggers is in dire need of prayers, thoughts, and support. On June 22, PV2 Hotwheels had an accident. The Gravediggers had returned from a mission and PV2 Hotwheels was refueling a generator. A fire ignited and he was engulfed in flames. Thankfully, two fellow Gravediggers and a terp came to PV2 Hotwheels’ rescue, putting out the flames as quickly as possible. It should be noted that PV2 Hotwheels followed the appropriate safety precautions and had on the necessary protection. The accident was a fluke.
Within a couple of days, PV2 Hotwheels was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, which has an extremely reputable burn unit. Doctors immediately started to treat him for smoke inhalation, in addition to the second and third degree burns over 60% of his body. He had a successful skin graft and was recovering from the surgery when he began to have gastro-intestinal issues. The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of doctors and surgeries for PV2 Hotwheels, all with his family close at this side. The latest update I have received is that PV2 Hotwheels is medically sedated and doctors are fighting off the infections that caused the gastro-intestinal issues.
I have not had the pleasure to meet PV2 Hotwheels personally, but based on the affect his accident has had on the Gravediggers I can tell what a vital part of the platoon he was and still is. He pulled security for CPT G and Biggie often, something he took very seriously. When I asked CPT G for a fond memory of PV2 Hotwheels, he replied by saying, “He was part of the good ole boy contingency of the platoon; young Southern kids that liked teasing their city-boy LT and promised to take me opossum-hunting when we got back to the States.” I know that he is greatly missed by all of the men.
PV2 Hotwheels’ mother has been in contact with both myself and CPT G and she has asked for prayers from all over to help her son get through this difficult time. She has set up a website (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewwheeler) that she updates a few times a day to let everyone know how her son’s recovery is going. I emplore you to visit it. Once you read through the journal she has kept, as well as the guestbook that family and friends have signed, you will see how much your thoughts and prayers mean to this family.
PV2 Hotwheels has a long way to a full recovery. May this time be shorter than expected. Keep PV2 Hotwheels, his family, and all of the Gravediggers in your thoughts during the rest of the deployment. Something like this could happen to any one of them. Let us pray that it does not.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Important Name Change
I had hoped to break this news sooner, but it seems certain readers have spoiled the surprise in their comments. LT G is no longer a lieutenant. On July 1, he was promoted to the rank of captain. Yes, despite the drama with the blog and his turning down the XO position, LT G is now CPT G. I suppose his pseudonym is sort of useless now, huh?
The ceremony honored multiple members of the Gravediggers, as the entire platoon received awards for actioning into a firefight (I was unaware that actioning was a real word, but I am only passing on what CPT G told me). The cavalry guys received Combat Action Badges, while the infantry guys received Combat Infantry Badges. Same award, just different names for different branches. Either way, the Gravediggers were told they were awesome, something we all already know.
The ceremony also marked CPT Whiteback’s change-of-command with CPT Ten Bears. The Gravediggers will be under new command for the rest of their deployment. On behalf of Kaboom, welcome CPT Ten Bears and thank you CPT Whiteback for your service thus far.
I had not intended this to turn into a newspaper article, but I guess it’s inevitable when reporting the facts. The only comment I could get from CPT G was that the party was “fun.” Profound.
Congratulations to everyone! I am proud of you all. Keep fighting hard.
The ceremony honored multiple members of the Gravediggers, as the entire platoon received awards for actioning into a firefight (I was unaware that actioning was a real word, but I am only passing on what CPT G told me). The cavalry guys received Combat Action Badges, while the infantry guys received Combat Infantry Badges. Same award, just different names for different branches. Either way, the Gravediggers were told they were awesome, something we all already know.
The ceremony also marked CPT Whiteback’s change-of-command with CPT Ten Bears. The Gravediggers will be under new command for the rest of their deployment. On behalf of Kaboom, welcome CPT Ten Bears and thank you CPT Whiteback for your service thus far.
I had not intended this to turn into a newspaper article, but I guess it’s inevitable when reporting the facts. The only comment I could get from CPT G was that the party was “fun.” Profound.
Congratulations to everyone! I am proud of you all. Keep fighting hard.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Welcome to the new Kaboom
Welcome! I am sure many of you came to this link hoping to reread some of LT G's old blogs or in hopes that he was able to post something new. As a result of recent posts, LT G was ordered to shut down the blog. He has been told stop posting and delete all of his posts. I know that over the last seven months he has amassed quite a following and the events of the last few weeks have greatly upset readers. Due to the overwhelming response of readers, I registered this domain in my name to try to keep everyone informed as to what is going on with him and the Gravediggers. I must warn you, however, that I am no LT G and do not claim to be such. I will post as frequently as possible with as much information as I can. This might be every few days or it might be every few weeks. I will try my hardest to make it as often as I can. Bare with me as I work out the logistics of becoming a blogger.
I speak on behalf of LT G when I say thank you for the continued support of the Gravediggers and their work in Anu al-Verona. They need everyone's thoughts and prayers for the next eight months. The dedication demonstrated by the readers of this blog has been tremendous. Just by reading this post, you are showing the men and women serving in Iraq that you care and want to be informed. Hopefully I will be able to provide what it is you are looking for.
With deep gratitude and respect,
CityGirl
(LT G's fiancee)
I speak on behalf of LT G when I say thank you for the continued support of the Gravediggers and their work in Anu al-Verona. They need everyone's thoughts and prayers for the next eight months. The dedication demonstrated by the readers of this blog has been tremendous. Just by reading this post, you are showing the men and women serving in Iraq that you care and want to be informed. Hopefully I will be able to provide what it is you are looking for.
With deep gratitude and respect,
CityGirl
(LT G's fiancee)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
