Dutch508

Was the week before Christmas...

2009-12-16T10:54:00.002-06:00

Almost Christmas time again! I've been busy at work and at home doing all sorts of stuff. Next year I will be even more busy.

On the workdesk/painting table are at least three different projects in three different scales. First up is the ongoing 25mm Napoleonic armies. I am working on the British Highland Brigade at the moment, with the 42nd Black Watch, the 71st Highland Light, 79th Camerons, and the 92nd Gordons. Each of these are based on six 45mm by 40 mm stands for 36 figures per battalion. The rules are In The Grand Manner. This will bring the British up to nine full battalions of infantry.

Second is an Army originally for DBM but can be used fo Fields of Glory or Warhammer historicals. They are 15mm European Crusaders. I am painting up 24 stands of Heavy cavalry, three figures per stand. There are four stands of Templars, four stands of Hospitallers, and the rest are Knights and Sergeants. Also included are six stands of light horse, and a bunch of dismounted knights, sergenats and cross-bows. This is the army of Richard I.

Third up is the 10mm French Napoleonics. I have two Chasseur regiments completed, three Infantry Brigades done, and one heavy 12lb arty battery and four 8 lbs batteries based, but not painted. Also there are three baggage wagons and six artillery limbers, three more brigades of infantry and four more cavalry regiments to go. Theya re representing Davout's III Corps in Russia.

I shall try to put up a picture soon.

Napoleonics, in two scales

2009-12-02T21:42:00.003-06:00

First up is 10mm Chasseurs a Cheval. These are based for Napoleon's Battles and represent the 3rd Regiment with scarlet collars and cuff. Beside them is the 5th Regiment with orange collar and cuff. Fugures from Old Glory.

The start of the 1st Division, 10mm Old Glory figures. Each stand is about a battalion's worth of troops. Light Infantry in front, Line Infantry to the rear. French troops circa 1809. The Division Commander is up front on a 1 inch by 1 inch base.

Now on to 25mm British troops. These are three seperate battalions based for In The Grand Manner. In the back is a Elite Minitatures Line battalion. The second is the 92nd Regiment, The Gordons. The center companies are Peter Guilders old figures, the light company (and the missing Grenadiers) are Vitrix. The front Battalion is the color party for the 79th Regiment, The Cameron Highlanders, figures by Vitrix.

A bad close up of the Vitrix Light company of the Gordons.

Cose up of the Comeron color group. Missing from this base is the piper and the commanding officer.

That's it for today. I'mm currently working on three different armies (er...four actually), British (anf French) in 25mm for ITGM, 10mm French for Napoleon's Battles, Klingons for Federation Commander, and Epic scale Space Marines.

Painting calms me.

Painting Klingons

2009-11-28T22:13:00.003-06:00

For Thanksgiving we had several people over for dinner, and then on Black Friday all the women went out at 0400 shopping. I spent the day working on five Klingon ships from Amerillo Design.
http://www.starfleetgames.com/federation/

The top photo is a C8, a dreadnaught class ship. The hull is painted gull grey, with a codex grey details. Red, brass, and blue have been used for detail work. The second picture is a D7, the standard Klingon ship from the Original Series. I am not happy with the symbol painted on the wing, and so I'll go over it again.

The set that I got had two D7s, one C6 (slightly bigger than the D7s, a C8, and a E4 (escort ship). All are painted the same way.

The five ships come with the stands seen and a small black and white sheet with very little info. I went to the web-site for the manufacturer and read through their painting suggestions and wasn't happy. Then a quick google search found me this:

http://www.sfbnexus.com/Gallery/Klingon_gallery.htm

I do prefer the painting style found on the TV show and so followed it as best I could.

I'll be taking more photos when I have them complete.

A Quarter Century Later: nothing but memories remain.

2009-10-25T13:34:00.004-05:00

The Barracks. This is from 1988. We were not allowed any walkmans, nor were we allowed any hair...
The Monkey Bars- you had to navigate through them, do 20 pushups, dips, and pull-ups prior to getting into the Mess Hall

Harmony Church- sometime in the mid 1990s after training there had moved to Sand Hill.

I am at Fort Benning, Georgia for the next three weeks. I grew up here. I left home for the very first time, flew in an airplane for the very first time, and went to basic training here. Twenty-five years ago I was standing here, not far away from where I type these words, going to Airborne School.

Since then I have been back several times. It's a sad experience as everything from that time is gone now. Harmony Church is being gutted to build the new Armor School. I drove out there today and found where I spent Basic and AIT. All the buildings are long gone. They were gone sometine in the late 90s. Now, even the concrete pads are gone. The trees bullbozed down, and my company street will soon be not even a asphault trail.

Alpha Company, 9th Battalion, 2nd Infantry. Alpha 9/2. We were in fourth Platoon and my roster number was 412. The barracks were old WWII wooden two story jobs- old even 25 years ago.

Sometimes it seems just like yesterday we were all shamming on a Sunday afternoon in the barracks. I woul be laying under my bunk with my fingers slipped under the springs to hold them up. That way you could sleep and pretend to be tightening the blanket and sheets- you were not allowed on your bunk during the day.

None of us had cameras then. We got them at the end of AIT. I have one photo from that time, of three of my buddies.

I have found a few more photos from a guy who went through in 1988, and have them up above. So similar to my memories, yet jsut a bit different. E 2/2 would have been north up the road from us about a mile. Their area is already gone and new barracks are in their place.

It saddens me to see this change as it makes me feel so so old.

I'll go back out and take a picture of the old site tomorrow, as well as the OCS area.

until later...

Is Dutch really Lenin?

2009-08-05T16:08:00.003-05:00

This all started because Frank said I look like V. I. Lenin. Now...I don't see it. Above you see the doctored photo of me (on the right) and Vlad.

Now- here I am on the left. I've flopped the picture around so we are both sfacing inwards.

No, here I am with out the facial hair.

I just don't see it.

Flash Backs.

2009-07-28T21:36:00.002-05:00

God, I miss it.
The smell of the cordite in the darkness...
I miss the rush of combat.

it's like no rush I can explain...

Life is so boring

Birthday kilt.

2009-07-07T20:42:00.002-05:00

At the Birthday BBQ. It was a good day.

Napoleonics in 10mm

2009-07-07T20:28:00.003-05:00

The first picture is a Brigade of French Light Infantry, circa 1809 in 10mm. The second is a Brigade of French Line Infantry, same time period. The Rules are Napoleon's Battles III.

Out to the Ranch.

2009-07-07T20:20:00.002-05:00

Over the 4th I and the family went back home to western Nebraska. On Sunday we traveled out to the ranch, which has been in the family since 1886. They had gotten over 4 inches of rain in the last week. Pretty good for the Sandhills.

Victory.

2009-06-30T21:40:00.003-05:00

Today all US forces pulled out of Iraqi Cities and turned the running of their country back over to the Iraqis.

The war in Iraq, for all practical purposes is over. We have won.

U.S. Confirmed Deaths
Reported Deaths: 4321
Confirmed Deaths: 4317
Pending Confirmation: 4

The question everyone is going to ask is, "Was it worth it?

Time will tell.

2009-06-03T22:25:00.001-05:00

I've left a note for our Commander in Chief at the White House Web-site.

Sir,
I am a Solider serving my country as was shocked by the attack on our troops in little Rock. I have heard that you have issued a statement about this vicious murder but have not read it on this site. I would like to suggest that the two soldiers wounded in the attack be awarded the Purple Heart, since it is obvious they wounded in action.
By the wording of the regulations, the two men are deserving of the award. I ask that you think about what it would mean to the families of these two soldiers, and the image of support it would show to the rest of the Armed Forces, if you would present this award.

Per United States Army regulations, the Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died after being wounded. Specific examples of services which warrant the Purple Heart any action against an enemy of the United States; any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged; while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party; as a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces; or as the result of an act of any hostile foreign force. After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack. After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.

Thank you for your time.

Major Dutch
(Unit)

The Commander in Chief is Saddened.

2009-06-03T21:18:00.002-05:00

“I am deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence against two brave young soldiers who were doing their part to strengthen our armed forces and keep our country safe. I would like to wish Quinton Ezeagwula a speedy recovery, and to offer my condolences and prayers to William Long’s family as they mourn the loss of their son.”

Several days after the attack by an American Born islamic jahadist, the Commander in Chief finds time during his visit to the islamic world to issue a statement.

A few days ago, a doctor was murdered. The President of the United States issued a statement a few hours after the fact.

I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services this morning. However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence.

I find it hard to say exactly how I feel about this. I wonder if the president has any idea what it is that we do, or that for us, a lose of one in such a tragic way, is a blow to us all. His indifference to the murder of our bother simply shows his indifference to the military.

God rest you, brother. We'll be together soon enough.

Lay me doon in the caul caul groon

Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun

Lay me doon in the caul caul groon

Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun

When they come a wull staun ma groon

Staun ma groon al nae be afraid

Thoughts awe hame tak awa ma fear

Sweat an bluid hide ma veil awe tears

Ains a year say a prayer faur me

Close yir een an remember me

Nair mair shall a see the sun

For a fell tae a Germans gun

Lay me doon in the caul caul groon

Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun

Lay me doon in the caul caul groon

Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun

Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun

Lay me down in the cold cold ground

Where before many more have gone

Lay me down in the cold cold ground

Where before many more have gone

When they come I will stand my ground

Stand my ground I'll not be afraid

Thoughts of home take away my fear

Sweat and blood hide my veil of tears

Once a year say a prayer for me

Close your eyes and remember me

Never more shall I see the sun

For I fell to an enemy's gun

Lay me down in the cold cold ground

Where before many more have gone

Lay me down in the cold cold ground

Where before many more have gone

Where before many more have gone

Terrorist Attck on US Recruiting Station Leaves one Soldier KIA.

2009-06-02T11:49:00.003-05:00

The recent Islamic Terrorist Attack on a Recruiting Station by an American Citizen turned to Islam should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that this is anything but a Overseas Contingency Operation.
The loss of one of our soldiers and the wounding of another is nothing more than an Assault upon this country by an enemy who is driven to destroy us. Will this administration, now that a Terrorist Attack has happened on their watch, do anything other than blame disgruntled veterans and patriotic citizens?
The utter silence coming out of the West Wing is further proof that this president is more concerned with using strong armed Chicago gangland tactics to shut down debate against it’s leftist policies rather than the murder of one of this country’s armed forces.
At the very least, the president should condemn radical Islam and strive to shut down the centers of hate that recruited the attacker, led him to Yemen to lean to despise his own country, and took him down the path to murder in the name of his god.
The two soldiers should be recognised by the president and awarded both the Purple Heart for wounds received by an enemy, and the Bronze Star for the soldier who was killed in action.
I doubt we will see any such action from this administration, for it would force them to acknowledge that we are fighting a global war and not some limited police action.
The fact that the Commander in Chief has not made a statement, nor the Joint Chiefs, nor any Military command is glaring.
The media coverage is also telling-
More coverage is given to Dr. Tiller's murder than the assassination of a US Soldier on US Soil. While the MSM calls for investigations of anti-abortion groups and the crack down on 'right-wing' extremists- to include returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, very little is being said about the connection to Yemen and Somalia Islamic extremists. In fact, the media is downplaying the connection to radical Islamic jihad. Perhaps the president is more concerned with bad press on his handling of the overseas contingency operations than with a US Soldier in what I would call the first combat death against a hostile entity on American soil since the Civil War.
The two soldiers should be recognized by the president and awarded the Purple Heart. The soldier who is KIA should be awarded the Bronze Star as well. The President of the United States should attend the funeral and hand the folded flag to this soldiers family, and say what many of us have had to say in this war:

"On behalf of a grateful nation, I would like to present you with this small token of our appreciation for the outstanding service to this country of your son. He has not died in vain."

100 Days and counting...

2009-05-18T23:03:00.003-05:00

Not Obama, Shit I am tired of hearing about him. No, Something more important.

I've been a Space Officer for over 100 days.

From now on about the only fun I am ever gonna have is shooting BB guns at Squirrels...

Heath wise- doing pretty good. The high Altitude agrees with me.

I am finishing up Space 200 classes. Yeah...the Army is turning me into a rocket scientist. (although a really dumb one) Orbital mechanics is kind of fun, but I keep thinking about Klingons and snickering during space based weapon's briefings.

Is that wrong of me?

dutch out.

New Year, new way of doing things

2009-01-22T12:48:00.002-06:00

Been a wild year, folks. The elections, the hype, the new President, etc. etc. etc.

Let's see, what is new?

OK, I am doing well health-wise. Still have 53% lung capacity but that's ok. No major flare ups or symptoms.

We moved over the Christmas Holidays to Colorado Springs, CO. Beautiful place. I can't talk about my job, but it is nice to be able to work inside during the cold weather. The wife is starting to look for a job, but not to seriously. All three of the boys are in school and liking it.

Boy#1 joined JROTC at his High School. Today was the first day he went in uniform. Proud day.

We now have two dogs, one of which is my Lab, the other is Mom's Schnabador. (don't even ask)

I normally don't talk politics. That being said, and with the new President being sworn in just this week, I think it is prudent to say a few things;

First off, what a wonderful country we live in. Our new President was elected by a slim majority of votes, his politics far from mine, and yet, it was a historical day in November. There are those who dislike President Obama simply because of his race. Yet, race played a small part of the election process. We were reminded of this almost daily, that race plays no part. The MSM kept telling us that Mr. Obama's background was not a factor in choosing him as a President.

I happen to agree. I disagree with the man's politics, not his skin tone. I've been in the Army for 23 years. Guess what, folks. We dumb knuckle-dragging types have all sorts of people of all skin-tones in every position including leadership. Now, one could argue that African Americans make up a small % of the military, and that is true. It is very close to the national %s of race in this country. AND yet, besides all the huff of Black vs White vs Yellow vs Red, we have our first African-American President. I am proud of this country for that fact.

Now, for the last eight years our President was hounded every day by the left. Some of the language used by the ultra-left is beyond vile. Why, just read some of the comments at Democratic Underground if you want to see what the left thought of G. W. Bush. Some people on the left now say it's time to heal this country and bring it back together.

I say, **** them. For eight years I've listened to the left bash the President I voted for. I've sat here and listened to the left call my fellow soldiers murderers and rapists. I've been told we've waged an illegal and immoral war.

**** them. The peace at any price crowd is now in charge. The current President has already enacted policies that I disagree with and I feel make this country less safe and I will not be quiet about those feelings. Fortunately, I work for the United States and not one man.

So, let's hope and pray our country remains safe. I hope all the best for President Obama and his family and congratulate him on his election. I do so honestly and with great pride in our country's ability to transfer power without bloodshed. I also hope that he will listen to his advisers in the military and not run up the white flag of surrender in Iraq and Afghanistan, and against the Islamic extremist across the world.

I would worry about the oath, Mr. President. **** happens, as we say in the Army.

And, to the leftist, socialists and DUmpmonkies; payback is a b*tch.

peace, out.

A Few Good Days (more)

2008-02-01T19:50:00.000-06:00

Monday I head back down to Knox to see if they are going to medically retire me.

I hate waiting.

On the good side, we got some hunting done over the Christmas holidays. It was boy #2s first kill!

Nothing like Nebraska Grouse.

2008-01-24T11:02:00.000-06:00

I had not posted a pic from my Promotion on 1 October 2007, so I will now.

COL C. Holden is giving me the oath of office. As a Major, I am now a Regular Army Officer rather than holding a Reserve Commission. Behind me is my family, Jake, Matt, and Mike (by size) and my wife Kate.

Spoke with Branch today, my orders are still a go for Riley, however if the profile stays then I will be deverted. Don't know where yet. Let you know when the time comes.

Cold and snowy here today.

Updates

2008-01-20T10:49:00.000-06:00

Well,

I did come down on orders to Iraq, to haed back as an Advisor. I was torn because leaving Indianapolis and my family was going to be harder this time. However, once I started going through the SRP at Fort Knox, the Docs took one look at my medical records and said, "Oh, Hell no!"

The gave me a temp profile of 3 in Pulminary and 2 in hearing. This is a temporary until they get a new CT and then will probably become a permiment profile.

For an active duty officer it is the kiss of death to have a PULHES of less the 1s. I will no doubt go up before a Medical Board for Medical retirement in the near future, unless they just let me retire.

Either way, I will not be heading back to Iraq, or Afghanistan, or anywhere else.

You'd have to be in my position to understand how this makes me feel.

I am sad. I am dissapointed. I am at a loss as to what I will be doing with my life.

I am also happy.

Major Pain!

2007-10-24T18:43:00.000-05:00

Well, well, well...either the casualty rates are getting too high or Hell froze over because I am now a field grade officer. Of the 16,000 or so I was no. 2 on the list. Yup, some other poor smuck had been a Captian longer than I had been! Ten years and three days after my last promotion I was promoted to Major, US Army.

The wife and kids were there and it was a nice sunny day. I pointed out the two reasons I had made it this far, my family; Mom and Dad for teaching me right and wrong, and to never quiet; The wife for teaching me control. The second reason was all the NCOs I have had the honor of serving with...As a private they taught me, as a Sergeant they helped me and stood beside me, and as an officer they once again taught me about how to be an officer.

It's been a good long time since my last update, mostly because I have been busy being home and having work to do, but also because of the crackdown on military doing blogs. If I am not going to be able to talk about the military then I've found I haven't got a lot to talk about! Go figure.

Doing pretty good health wise. My last check-up was about a month ago- Still doing the purple in-hailer...but off the 'roids, for now. Still have pain in my right side and ear. I've started doing Tae Kwon Do again, three days a week. Well...two days...

Looks like my next gig will be coming up in the spring. Still no word as to where, but almost for sure back across to the box. I am in truth looking forward to it. There is no way to explain what it is like or how it feels, but it can't be replicated on this side of the wall...

The family worries, of course. They don't understand it. How can anyone who has not been there understand it?

Good news from Hef. Omar, our translator, has made it safe to the US and is living just a few hours south of me! Not so good news, the Duck caught one on his last trip over. He's alive but out of the fight from now on.

Big Mike came home safe from his second tour. He, his wife, me and mine went to the season opener at Green Bay! 12th row, on the 30 yard line. It was just too cool.

I'll close with that image in my mind.

GO PACK GO!

Updates

2007-02-24T08:46:00.000-06:00

Well, another month has gone by. My health is still going pretty good. I have some breathing problems and some chest pains once in a while, but I am doing ok.

I haven't been in to see anyone about stress or anger management. I suppose I should at some point. Talking to the other guys on my team, nine out of the ten have been to the sand box, we all suffer some aspects of post tramatic stress. I have yet to see a real doctor since coming home. All I've seen is the specialists.

The upcoming major's board in April should be fun. They are projecting something like 98% promotion. So, I have little doubt I will make Major by next Christmas. Still torn by that. Not that I think I wouldn't do well, but what am I going to be doing this time next year. I like it here and was hoping to retire. Now it looks like I may be in the Army for another three or four years.

That means at least one more deployment to the ME, depending on the ongoing political crap.

Like most of us who've been there, I want to go back, and yet...I don't.

The boys were happy with the snow we've had, playing outside until they were blue. It's cool to see them having so much fun.

Well, that's it for now.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2006-12-29T10:06:00.000-06:00

Well, the year is almost over and I've been home almost a year (Jan 12th to be exact). What a year.

Those of you who read this poor excuse for a blog know we've moved, I've been sick, and the dogs are gay.

Farve has still been playing below par, Battlestar Galactica (the new series) is still going strong, and BB-guns for x-mas presents are still frowned apon by Moms everywhere.

I have a second CT scan on Thursday to check on my lungs. Still having problems breathing sometimes and still don't feel 100%. Have put on weight with the steroids-I'll never get intot eh Hall of Fame...Me and Berry can just hang out drinking scotch and cokes I suppose.

I may retire next year- or not. Have to see what the Army says.

Other than that, MRS Dutch wants the computer and so I'll log off for now.

Have a great rest of the year.

5 Years...

2006-09-10T20:33:00.000-05:00

September 1st

2006-09-01T16:16:00.000-05:00

Symptoms for today.

Woke up with a headache and sore throat. Didn’t sleep very well last night, went to bed about mid-night and mostly tossed and turned.
Feel weak. Obviously tired, but can’t sleep. Ate a bit and felt nauseous, not vomiting nauseous, but just like it was bad food. A little trouble breathing- mostly deep breaths cause me to cough. No phlegm.
Pain under my right arm continues, about the fifth rib down. No swelling I can feel. This causes my lower right arm on the outside from the elbow to the end of my pinky finger to feel numb. Not sure where this fits into it all.
Eyes feel ‘stuffy’, like hey fever I guess. Some problems with focusing.
Generally feel bla.

weight: 217 lbs

The tests are in...

2006-08-29T16:34:00.000-05:00

I have Sarcoidosis.

What the f*ck is that? Let me link you to WEB MD: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/7/1680_53907.htm

A few quotes:

Sarcoidosis is a chronic disease that affects multiple systems in the body. It is characterized by the buildup of immune-system cells in organs. These cells form small groups called granulomas, which lead to inflammation of the involved tissues.

No one knows what causes sarcoidosis. Researchers believe the disease is associated with an abnormal immune-system response, but what triggers this response is not known. In addition, it isn't clear how sarcoidosis spreads from one part of the body to another. Nor do doctors know whether heredity, environment, or lifestyle affects the development, severity, or length of the disease. These are questions that researchers are trying to answer.

There is no cure, they don't even know what causes it, or if it will stay around, or fade, or what.

I can't catch a normal desease.

What did they say is for sure?

2006-08-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

So I am sitting here not sleeping, which is what I do now for about half the time it seems, thinking about dying.

Morbid little twit, ain't I?

The reason I am in such a state of flux is that for the last few months, since I've gotten back from Iraq, I have not been feeling too well. It started out just after the move here to Indianapolis and the new job. I was feeling down and tired all the time. I thought it was because of Post-combat stress bullshit, mostly. I would get tired just walking up the stairs sometimes...sometimes not, though.

At night I would walk up in a sweat. Not every night, but quite afew. i thoguht that it was just my wife, who likes the house warmer than I do, and thought nothing of it.

I have lost a few pounds, but I was trying to. Not many. Just a few.

Then in July I got a cold. I had a cough and ran a fever on a few days. I took stuff and I felt better. Still tired all the time. Tired enough I talked to my wife about it. And my Senior Sergeant.

Nerves, probably, we all thought. Being home and all, new job, home...

But the cough wouldn't go away, and finally when we brought our last unit out of the training FOB on Atterburry I went in to see the medics. I thought a lung infection or some such trivial thing.

That was ten days ago. They found something not right in my chest x-rays. My lymph-nodes were swollen in my chest.

I was sent down to Knox for a full CT scan. Sent to a pulminary specialist in Indy. I had blood work done. More x-rays, breathing tests...

All the easy stuff that it could have been isn't. The antibiotics are not working. I have lost fifteen pounds in ten days. My cough is dry, and consistant. The lymph nodes in the chest and right arm are swollen.

I had a full set of biopsies done last thursday. We should here about the results by next monday or so.

I find myself not scared at what it may be but annoyed because I have so many things I want to do...and now I don't know what is going to happen.

I am just tired all the time. My wife wants to do everything for me. God that pisses me off. I don;t even know what is wrong yet and people are treating me like I am...well...dying. I don;t even want to be around people until I know what is going on.

When we have results then I'll know what is to be done...until then...it's like waiting for the green light to jump into a hot LZ. You just want it to be over.

fuck. I hate waiting.