The buses rolled out of the Rosemount Armory with a police and fire department escort. Pretty quiet on the bus. Lots of thinking going on, not a lot of talking. Once at the airport, it was hurry up and get our bodies and duffle bags to get them checked onto the plane for our flight to SeaTac in Seattle. We made it onto the plane finally and settled in for the flight. Before we knew it, we had landed in Seattle.
Rainy, dreary Seattle. Just a glimpse of what the next few weeks would bring. After a 40 minute bus ride, we arrived at North Ft. Lewis. We made our way to our home for the next few weeks. WWII era barracks, still in pretty good repair, but not what most were accustomed to, as far as lodging was concerned. But I’ve been in worse before, so no need to complain. Not that it would do much good anyway!
Well if the first day at Ft. Lewis was any indication, it was going to be a long, cold and wet stay. For the most part that was exactly the type of weather we had while there. Out of the roughly 4 weeks at Ft. Lewis, we had (I think) 9 days without rain or snow. It wasn’t constantly raining, but at times just misty and annoying. Actually our first full day there, it was snowing at 5am.
Being the last group in to Ft. Lewis, we spent the first couple of days getting our training organized. Army training and musical training. Once the details were worked out, things ran pretty smooth. Mandatory briefs on culture, suicide, sexual harassment, weapons classes, driving class, etc. Also out into the field environment for more hands-on training. Things such as dismounted patrolling, convoy operations, IED (Improvised Explosive Device) recognition, rifle marksmanship. Not to mention going to the get the final issue of clothes and field equipment that we would need while in Iraq, from huge warehouses. (Do you remember the final scene in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”? All the boxes lining that huge warehouse? That’s kind of what the inside of these warehouses looked, at least to my imaginative mind.) Some of the best times were when we had a little down time, and were able to visit with our instructors; all who had served previously in Iraq. Their insight and stories were very helpful to set the tone for what we were preparing for.
Not every day was filled with basic Army training. We had opportunities for our MPT’s (Musical Performance Teams) to rehearse and keep an edge on musical skills. We were tasked by Chief to polish what we had worked on and to continue to build the repertoire of each group. This was the best part, give a musician the time to improve his/her skills, and lots of good things will happen. The “Red Bull Riders” took full advantage of this time. Not a lot of time, but very productive. I’m very proud of our progress as a musical group for only about 6-7 months of being together.
Well as time began to wind down, all of our groups spent a late afternoon and evening performing for the 34th Infantry Division soldiers and anyone else who happened to be in our AO (Area of Operations). Don’t you just love all the Army acronyms? It might be possible to say a whole sentence by just using Army acronyms (might have to try that sometime). Anyway, we were well received by all who attended. It’s amazing, the one thing that we as human beings all have in common, is our need for musical release. Either through performance or through listening. We all need it. It’s what makes us complete. To see people tapping their feet and smiles on their faces is our job. And we take that seriously.
Well it wasn’t all work and no play for us. We all had a four day pass to use while at Ft. Lewis. After talking with Karen, we decided that I would spend mine visit friends in the Northwest area and have some alone time. Alone time is something that there is very little of in the Army. When you get it, it’s very precious. So I kind of just bummed around Olympia and Seattle, taking in the sights. Nice and peaceful. Very refreshing. I took my pass earlier than the main body of people, so while they went on pass; I stayed at Ft. Lewis and guarded weapons, made airport runs, etc. Kind of like having a second pass! More peace and quiet. Get it while you can, because you don’t know when it’ll be there again!
Now our time was real short at Ft. Lewis. Instruments were packed away for shipment, and the wait to go to Kuwait began. Nothing worse than having nothing to do! Spent a lot of time on the internet and Facebook. Who knows how much time we’ll have once we get there? Always more questions to be answered.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The adventure begins: Rosemount, MN and Ft. Lewis, WA; Part 1
The journey to Iraq began on Wednesday, March 11th; with our initial muster at the Rosemount Armory. Everyone greeted each other happily, but there was the tension of not knowing what was really about to happen to us and what to expect for the upcoming few weeks. Of course we had heard through the rumor mill of this or that happening to those who had left Minnesota one month before us, but fact and fiction often are intertwined. Chief Skaar once again stated that we were to be the true professionals that we are and to face any and all adversity with a positive outlook. This being said we began the task of finishing the last minute packing of items and essentials that we would need for the next 4 -5 weeks.
Checks on items such as dog tags, copies of orders, personnel files, shot records, ID cards, etc.; all needed to be completed in the next three days. Luckily we had been prepped and remind numerous times of the importance these things prior to our activation. We completed some of our last minute briefings, checked our duffle bags (you can always fit at least one more item in!), loaded admin totes, etc. In true “Red Bull” Band tradition, our leaders had come up with ideas and plans to ensure our success. Sometimes it’s the little details that get lost in the shuffle, but I think we had it all pretty well under control.
After a long day of work, a number of us went down to the Rosemount Legion for some much needed fellowship. The folks at the Legion Club had kind of adopted us in the past year, and their kindness and generosity will always be remembered. Having been a Legion member for a number of years, it will be part of my commitment when I return home to be an active member of Post #228 in Waseca. It is time for me to give back to those who have given to me. That is my pledge.
Those of us who lived out of the Twin Cities area were allowed to go home on Thursday to be with our families one last time before we left. On Friday, we had a family day, time to be together and do things we wanted to do prior to leaving Minnesota. We chose to spend time at the Science Museum taking in the exhibits. Then back to the motel for a little swimming, relaxing, etc.
Saturday morning came all too early. We had a 6am formation, followed by coffee, juice, rolls and fellowship. Made small talk with friends and hung out with Karen, Jake and Kirsten. Then all too soon it was time to load the bus. Said my goodbyes to friends and family. One final roll call and out the door. Kind of an eerie feeling. The Patriot Guard was standing watch over us as we boarded the buses. Very quiet at this time, the only sound was our boots as we made our way to our buses. Sat down and looked out at all the people there to wish us well on our journey. A very humbling experience indeed. I didn’t know how tough it was going to be on Karen and the kids until I called to let them know I was in Seattle. That was the real eye opener for me. I guess none of us thought it would be as stressful as it was, maybe we were denying it deep down inside. We’ll all be stronger through enduring this entire process.
Not all of the Red Bull Band is making this journey to Iraq. We have what we call the “Home Team”, who will be responsible for musical support and performances back in Minnesota while we are away. I know they would like to be here with us, but circumstances dictate otherwise. A big thanks to Mary Emmen, Mel Snyder, Jen and Preston Duncan, Russ King and Katherine Gorr. You guys rock! Also, a huge thanks to Mrs. 1st SGT, Sue Clatt, our FRG (Family Readiness Group) Coordinator. She’s the link to keeping our families informed and gathering them together for fellowship and community. Thanks again guys!
Checks on items such as dog tags, copies of orders, personnel files, shot records, ID cards, etc.; all needed to be completed in the next three days. Luckily we had been prepped and remind numerous times of the importance these things prior to our activation. We completed some of our last minute briefings, checked our duffle bags (you can always fit at least one more item in!), loaded admin totes, etc. In true “Red Bull” Band tradition, our leaders had come up with ideas and plans to ensure our success. Sometimes it’s the little details that get lost in the shuffle, but I think we had it all pretty well under control.
After a long day of work, a number of us went down to the Rosemount Legion for some much needed fellowship. The folks at the Legion Club had kind of adopted us in the past year, and their kindness and generosity will always be remembered. Having been a Legion member for a number of years, it will be part of my commitment when I return home to be an active member of Post #228 in Waseca. It is time for me to give back to those who have given to me. That is my pledge.
Those of us who lived out of the Twin Cities area were allowed to go home on Thursday to be with our families one last time before we left. On Friday, we had a family day, time to be together and do things we wanted to do prior to leaving Minnesota. We chose to spend time at the Science Museum taking in the exhibits. Then back to the motel for a little swimming, relaxing, etc.
Saturday morning came all too early. We had a 6am formation, followed by coffee, juice, rolls and fellowship. Made small talk with friends and hung out with Karen, Jake and Kirsten. Then all too soon it was time to load the bus. Said my goodbyes to friends and family. One final roll call and out the door. Kind of an eerie feeling. The Patriot Guard was standing watch over us as we boarded the buses. Very quiet at this time, the only sound was our boots as we made our way to our buses. Sat down and looked out at all the people there to wish us well on our journey. A very humbling experience indeed. I didn’t know how tough it was going to be on Karen and the kids until I called to let them know I was in Seattle. That was the real eye opener for me. I guess none of us thought it would be as stressful as it was, maybe we were denying it deep down inside. We’ll all be stronger through enduring this entire process.
Not all of the Red Bull Band is making this journey to Iraq. We have what we call the “Home Team”, who will be responsible for musical support and performances back in Minnesota while we are away. I know they would like to be here with us, but circumstances dictate otherwise. A big thanks to Mary Emmen, Mel Snyder, Jen and Preston Duncan, Russ King and Katherine Gorr. You guys rock! Also, a huge thanks to Mrs. 1st SGT, Sue Clatt, our FRG (Family Readiness Group) Coordinator. She’s the link to keeping our families informed and gathering them together for fellowship and community. Thanks again guys!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
In the beginning.............
This is the story of me, Craig Brenden, as I make way for my departure to serve with the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band on a year long tour of duty in Iraq. This whole journey began in February of 2008 with a phone call from our commander, Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) Trygve Skaar. Chief called to let us know that we were to prepare to deploy to Iraq for a time of not less than one year. What a bombshell! Here after 27 years of military service, I was actually looking at the possibility of entering an area of armed aggression. I viewed it as an honor to serve my country and fellow soldiers. Being told that our main mission was to be supporting the troops with music was definately comforting to me (not as much to my wife, Karen, since I would be leaving home for an extended period of time). We would be able to put to test our skills as professional musicians to bring a piece of home to those serving daily in harm's way.
After discussing this whole deal with Karen, she understood my commitment to serve my fellow soldiers. This has not been an easy thing for her, but she has stood by my side the whole way. What a woman! She has known of my intense love of music (of course we met at North Dakota State University), as music majors, ("Go Bison" - that 's for you Hughy) and of my need to serve others. All of this has put things into a faster spin for me at home with Karen, and our kids, Jake and Kirsten. What to do next, what needs to be done now, etc., etc. Well we kind of felt our way through the whole process. Lots of questions, a few problems solved, a lot of things to figure out as we go forward with this adventure. But it all seems to be working out the way we thought it would so far. There's always another question, soon to be followed by some sort of answer.
Of course it wasn't just my family that was affected by this whole deployment thing. It also played out into my civilian job. I'm lucky to work in the Waseca Public School system. From the beginning, my principal, Bill Bunkers, has been a huge supporter of what I'm doing. He continually asked me what I needed to help ease some of the transition issues of this whole ordeal. And I'm deeply thankful for that. Also a huge thanks to John Rokke, our superintendent, for his help in making sure that things are getting done. Of course the entire staff at Waseca Junior High, you guys are the best! Always supportive and helping to keep me on an even keel this past year. The music department also, you've all become treasured friends in my short time in Waseca. But my biggest admiration goes out to the music students at Waseca High School and Waseca Junior High. You all work so hard to present a positive musical experience for the school, community and each other. I am truly blessed to work with you and learn from you. You guys are the greatest in the world! And remember, Mr. Jimmerson keeps sending videos to me through Karen, so I'm watching and listening.
As a band, we started to put into place the pieces of the puzzle. I'm the NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge) of the Red Bull Riders, we play both kinds of music; country and western, with a little old time R&R for good measure. We have a good mix of people in our group that work hard to improve every time we get together. It's fun sharing music and growing together from individuals into a group. Quite an adventure. We've had a few personnel changes since our inception and are starting to develop an identity all our own. And putting out a pretty good product for only functioning as an ensemble since this last August.
Well we started to train in earnest this past summer and fall with three separate 7 day training assemblies to refresh our minds (not to mention our bodies) on our basic soldierly tasks. Things like convoy training, weapons, shoot and move tactics, first aid, communications, etc. Tasks that I haven't used in a long time. With some new ideas thrown into the mix. We made it through all of that pretty well. Everyone's attitude was the key to success in this endeavor. Physically and mentally tasking, but very rewarding.
Of course we still had to do our musical mission at the same time. Chief Skaar kept us focused on our main mission, music. It was up to each group to determine what music to play and he gave us complete autonomy to go forward. Wasn't always the smoothest, but we keep ironing out the wrinkles as we go. Every month at our regularly scheduled drill weekends, we kept pounding out ideas and perfecting our craft. It's a lot of fun to work with folks who have common bond and common goal.
In early February 2009, the "Red Bull Riders" had their big debut and the send-off for all the troops at the Roy Wilkens Auditorium in St. Paul. Quite an event! Thousands of people, family and friends, wishing us Godspeed in our journey. For me, it was an honor to have Mom and Dad, my brother, my sister and her family; and of course Karen, Jake and Kirsten there to share in this major milestone in my life. A very pleasant surprise, was to see my principal, Bill Bunkers there to be a part of the event. Thanks so much Bill.
Well, that's probably enough for now. Don't think I've sat down and kicked out my thoughts in this fashion in year. Kind of refreshing to do. My goal is to work to keep a weekly blog going, or more often as the case my dictate. Up next our stay at Ft. Lewis, Washington and the preparations at MOB (mobilization) station. So stay tuned for the next installment.
After discussing this whole deal with Karen, she understood my commitment to serve my fellow soldiers. This has not been an easy thing for her, but she has stood by my side the whole way. What a woman! She has known of my intense love of music (of course we met at North Dakota State University), as music majors, ("Go Bison" - that 's for you Hughy) and of my need to serve others. All of this has put things into a faster spin for me at home with Karen, and our kids, Jake and Kirsten. What to do next, what needs to be done now, etc., etc. Well we kind of felt our way through the whole process. Lots of questions, a few problems solved, a lot of things to figure out as we go forward with this adventure. But it all seems to be working out the way we thought it would so far. There's always another question, soon to be followed by some sort of answer.
Of course it wasn't just my family that was affected by this whole deployment thing. It also played out into my civilian job. I'm lucky to work in the Waseca Public School system. From the beginning, my principal, Bill Bunkers, has been a huge supporter of what I'm doing. He continually asked me what I needed to help ease some of the transition issues of this whole ordeal. And I'm deeply thankful for that. Also a huge thanks to John Rokke, our superintendent, for his help in making sure that things are getting done. Of course the entire staff at Waseca Junior High, you guys are the best! Always supportive and helping to keep me on an even keel this past year. The music department also, you've all become treasured friends in my short time in Waseca. But my biggest admiration goes out to the music students at Waseca High School and Waseca Junior High. You all work so hard to present a positive musical experience for the school, community and each other. I am truly blessed to work with you and learn from you. You guys are the greatest in the world! And remember, Mr. Jimmerson keeps sending videos to me through Karen, so I'm watching and listening.
As a band, we started to put into place the pieces of the puzzle. I'm the NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge) of the Red Bull Riders, we play both kinds of music; country and western, with a little old time R&R for good measure. We have a good mix of people in our group that work hard to improve every time we get together. It's fun sharing music and growing together from individuals into a group. Quite an adventure. We've had a few personnel changes since our inception and are starting to develop an identity all our own. And putting out a pretty good product for only functioning as an ensemble since this last August.
Well we started to train in earnest this past summer and fall with three separate 7 day training assemblies to refresh our minds (not to mention our bodies) on our basic soldierly tasks. Things like convoy training, weapons, shoot and move tactics, first aid, communications, etc. Tasks that I haven't used in a long time. With some new ideas thrown into the mix. We made it through all of that pretty well. Everyone's attitude was the key to success in this endeavor. Physically and mentally tasking, but very rewarding.
Of course we still had to do our musical mission at the same time. Chief Skaar kept us focused on our main mission, music. It was up to each group to determine what music to play and he gave us complete autonomy to go forward. Wasn't always the smoothest, but we keep ironing out the wrinkles as we go. Every month at our regularly scheduled drill weekends, we kept pounding out ideas and perfecting our craft. It's a lot of fun to work with folks who have common bond and common goal.
In early February 2009, the "Red Bull Riders" had their big debut and the send-off for all the troops at the Roy Wilkens Auditorium in St. Paul. Quite an event! Thousands of people, family and friends, wishing us Godspeed in our journey. For me, it was an honor to have Mom and Dad, my brother, my sister and her family; and of course Karen, Jake and Kirsten there to share in this major milestone in my life. A very pleasant surprise, was to see my principal, Bill Bunkers there to be a part of the event. Thanks so much Bill.
Well, that's probably enough for now. Don't think I've sat down and kicked out my thoughts in this fashion in year. Kind of refreshing to do. My goal is to work to keep a weekly blog going, or more often as the case my dictate. Up next our stay at Ft. Lewis, Washington and the preparations at MOB (mobilization) station. So stay tuned for the next installment.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)