My Point Of View

Riders on the Storm

2009-03-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

"I want to go to Mars."-Arnold Schwarzenegger, Total Recall.

Yesterday Camp Liberty turned into the Red Planet. I'm sitting in my office editing away when I noticed an orange glow coming through the window. I stand up to peer through the window. I try to focus in on Z-Lake just across the road. But because of the gnarly dust storm that had blown in, I could not even see the road, much less the lake. I thought I'd let the storm blow over before I walked to chow. As my hopes faded with the dying daylight, in came the rain, pouring on the night. So, the thing to do? Remain seated at the editing bay and enjoy the ride. It worked out well as I finished 99% of my project. I walked back to my chu at about 2300. Settled in for my beauty rest when the rain kicked up a notch. Good deal, I thought, this will wash away all the dust in the air. Woke up and looked outside the door. Clear, cool, and sunny! I was thinking I'd have a nice.... walk to the MOC. MUD! Oh well, it will be really nice around here when daily temperatures are consistently over 110. Aloha

Riders on the

2009-03-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Unchained, yeah ya hit the ground runnin'

2009-02-18T05:21:00.002-08:00

Here we are in theater and it's busy time. I am honored to be the dvids guy for the unit. This means that every time we produce a news story, I call Atlanta. Then, via satellite, I transmit the news story to the states for distribution to civilian media outlets. You can check out this website: www.cavcountry.net Everyone is in full working mode and we are fully mission capable. Lots of exciting stuff going on. The 211th family is a cohesive machine. Looking forward to telling the soldiers story throughout 2009. If you have any questions or comments, post them to 1st Sergeant Anthony Martinez's blog. Feel free to comment on Specialist (promotable) Erik Fardette's blog as well.

Aloha

Super Sunday

2009-02-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

They keep telling me how my life is going to suck. But my life continues to not suck. As we mentally prepare ourselves for the big fly, I sustain a positive outlook. The timing of this deployment is actually pretty good. I attended my last stateside church service today. The message was all about not worrying. So, I'm not. I am the eternal optimist. Positve attitude.
And today is Super Bowl Sunday! Here at Ft. Dix, the Army has invited us to attend a party at a post gym. Food will be provided in the form of Olive Garden and Hooters. (no waitresses) And the big game will be shown on big screen t.v.'s. Not bad. And I am in good company with a great unit. Really looking forward to the experience overseas. All trained up and ready to go. So, here we go. I hope you'll all stay tuned to the blog and enjoy the year with us. R And R is only about six months away.
Aloha

Fardette Syndrome

2009-01-23T12:19:00.000-08:00

Not just "real soldiers" the 211th MPAD is also a band of mediasmiths. We have shown the world we mean business. Big business. Our growing crossover potential has developed a formidable cult of personality.
To magnify small wave moves and graft them onto the military's expansive peaks and walls. Through the years this has been the prized goal of progressive thinking Public Affairs soldiers. The 211th MPAD is doing it's part for this deployment, as we consistently break away from well worn lines and patterns, in favor of more current news and angles. We continue to have strong stories comming down the pike.
Keep your eyes on our unit website. And check out this site: www.dvidshub.net
What's your story?
And now for something completely different..... a man with three buttocks.
Next blog: Something that might make sense.
Aloha

Wish List

2008-12-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

A blog a day keeps the 1st Sergeant away.
Dear Santa, the following is a Christmas wish list for the 211th MPAD:

Major Daneker: At least one more football season with Brett Favre.
1st Sergeant Martinez: Accountability and cooperation from all his soldiers.
1st Lt. Sarratt: Promotion to Captain, "Captain Sarratt", I like the sound of that.
1st Lt. Almodovar: Grace and peace throughout the year.
2nd Lt. Douglas: A P.T. test each month.
SFC Quebec: One da kine li dat.
SFC Burke: At least 15 pounds.
SSG Burrell: Women plural, alot of women. (He really needs them)
SSG Ford: For everyone to stay out of his business.
SGT Zoeller: A break.
SGT Taylor: Women plural, alot of women. (He really needs them)
SGT Risner: Inspiration for many original songs.
SGT Heise: A lifetime supply of Diet Coke.
SPC Logue: Promotion to Sergeant.
SPC Anderson: A lifetime supply of pop-tarts.
SPC Soles: 5% minoxodil
SPC Alperin: Shave and a haircut, two bits.
PFC Johnson: A Rutgers victory in their bowl game.

Mele Kalikimaka to all,
Aloha

Fardette Strikes

2008-12-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

My soul is full of longing for the secret of the sea. And the heart of the great ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me. -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
While I do miss the surf, the 211th MPAD and all its character and characters is an ample substitute.
The "Specialist Mafia" continues to operate incognito and subversively underground. The league of the ShamShield is an everpresent force. Watch your back!
The NCO core has its place here too. The Sergeants are truely the keepers of their brothers and the finders of lost souls. And they will strike down upon thee with great vengance and furious anger those who attempt to destroy their brothers. And you will know that they are the keepers and protectors of their brothers when they lay their their vengance upon you. Be afraid, be very afraid.
The Officers. I absolutely believe they have all of our best interests at heart. Proactive and genuinely concerned, they'll make your dreams come true. It takes a special person to be an Officer in the 211th. And our officers are special people. Just ask any one of them, they'll tell you.
The 211th MPAD is great.
The 211th MPAD is fun.
The 211th MPAD should be experienced by everyone.
Be cool, take care, brush your teeth and comb your hair.
Aloha

Time for a rhyme. SPC Fardette

2008-12-08T05:48:00.000-08:00

My name's Fardette and I'm a Romeo
I'm required to blog , so here I go.
On Saturday we trained on the Sked
And yesterday everyone bled.
Now the 211th is CLS certified
If I say it was easy, you'd know I lied.
Army training, preparing for Iraq
That's all for now, but I'll hit you back.

The Fardette Slant

2008-12-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

Top 10 reasons Bryan/College Station is a great place to be:

10: G.C.B.G. The fabulous food at the Golden Corral Buffet and Grill
9: E-Z: The outstanding accomadations at the E-Z Travel Inn
8: NORTHGATE: The hopping and happening clubs and bars next to the Texas A&M campus.
7. AGGIES: What the *!#%@? is an Aggie?
6. THE WEATHER: It's a balmy tropical paradise.
5. THE SCENERY: No beaches, no mountains, no trees, no rivers, no lakes. It's absolutely gorgeous.
4. SHOPPING: K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Target- The possibilities are are unlimited.
3. ENTERTAINMENT: Broadway quality plays, Parades that rival the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Concerts, and a world class golf course are just a few of the entertainment values.
2. THE PEOPLE: Just ask any local resident- they will tell you, "Texas is the best country on earth." Good old fashioned southern hospitality.
1. Hands down the number 1 reason this is a great place to be: The 211th MPAD

The Fardette Slant

2008-12-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

Characters of the 211th

1. Major Daneker- Whenever responding to our commander, remember this: There are many wrong answers. But there is always a correct answer. That correct answer is: Brett Favre

2. 1st Sgt. Martinez- A man of wisdom who once said, "When you make the right decions for the right reasons, things usually work out."

3. 1st Lt. Sarratt- "A combat veteran."

4. 1st Lt. Almodovar- Our humble, quiet, yet effective team leader of 1st squad.

5. 2nd Lt. Douglas- P.T. Warrior

6. SFC Quebec- "It is incumbent upon youuuu" to listen to SFC Quebec.

7. SFC Burke- Will provide the 211th with a nutritional breakfast which consitsts of...... doughnuts.

8. SSG Burrell- Enjoys a night on the town. Just ask the ladies (and gentlemen) of College Station.

9. SSG Ford- Staff Sergeant Ford is as cool as the other side of the pillow.

10. Sgt. Taylor- Has no skeletons in his closet. Possibly fritos in his molars.

11. Sgt. Zoeller- A good man to have on your side. He'll make sure you get paid.

12. Sgt. Risner- Crazy magazine head guy is actually crazy guitar hand guy. He's got a guitar stuck in his hands and he takes requests.

13. Sgt. Heise- Doesn't have a bad bone in her body. But, she does have a Diet Coke in her hand.

14. SPC Logue- Likes the San Antonio Spurs, but understands the Los Angeles Lakers are better.

15. SPC Alperin- There is not enough space on this blog (or adjectives in the dictionary) to give Specialist Alperin the attention he deserves.

16. SPC Anderson- Her hand is up, and she has a question or a comment.

17. SPC Mitchell- He will carry the guide on, just don't let him take off his boots.

18. PFC Johnson- Jersey Girl

Testing, is this thing on?

2008-11-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hello!