Moving to myspace

Won't be using this site much- you can check me out on myspace-

http://www.myspace.com/127188724

Later

Ten Years

First went to Eastern Washington U. over by Spokane- had some good times, got a Degree in History and International Affairs, graduated from the US Army Airborne School and picked up an Army scholarship for Grad School at Boston University.

Boston, 2001, started two awesome years of studying international relations as well as the bar scene around town. Can't say enough good things about that city. Finished off the Master's Degree a little tired of academia and commissioned as an infantry lieutenant in '03.

Moved to Ft. Benning Georgia for infantry training- nice for a change from all the books. Started with basic officers course, moved onto a few months of hoo-ah at Ranger school, and prepared to move to Germany and my first posting.

Summer 04 marked my departure from the states, and the begining of 2 years as a Platoon Leader; met my future wife, Kathrin, and lived the dream over in Europa.

Fall 05 we deployed to Kuwait as the Theatre Reserve, and following the Samarra Mosque Bombing in March of 06 (and the rise of sectarian violence that followed) we were sent to Baghdad as the first, unofficial mini-surge (only one Brigade as opposed to the current numbers).

Returned to civilization this November, got married in February, and now Kathrin and I are looking foward to moving back to the states sometime this August.

Good times in Germany

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.
Sometime around Christmas this year.
Kiss before deployment.
At our legal wedding 2 weeks before the plane leaves for scenic Kuwait, Nov 05.

Some more trip photos

Dinner in Venice summer of 05.
Random picture from some canal in Venice.
Dresden, on R&R leave from the deployment.
Rafting in Switzerland August 05, the water is actually a melted glacier. Cold.
Under the Eiffel Tower.

Athens, Berlin, Prauge & Rome

Kathrin and I on the Acropolis.
By Brandenburg Gate, Berlin. Matt and I started making these goofy pictures, and they kind of became a tradition.
'Gladiators' at the Coloseum (they make you pay an euro or two for the picture)
Kathrin and I on our first trip to Prague, back around new years 05.
Yes, the pilgrimage to the birth place of democracy. I meditate upon this hallowed ground.

Prauge, Venice and Rome

Here are some travels in Europe- Prauge is my favorite place, Venice would be better if it wasn't so damn expensive; Rome is very impressive, but the scooter-people are something else.

Iraq/Kuwait

C Co's Leadership, I'm on the far right

My Platoon in Kuwait
Dave and I in Saydiyah, Baghdad
Reenlistment by the crossed sabres
Patroling section
Some Kids from Kurdistan

Here are some pictures from the deployment to Iraq (Nov05-Nov06). Easily the most frustrating and perception altering experience of my life. What you see here is the best I can say about that place. As an infantry platoon leader, I was fortunate in being given the oportunity to work with the most excellent men- the 'Infidels' of 1PLT, and my fellow platoon leaders, Dave and Grant.

ROTC

Here are some pictures from ROTC in Boston. That city is awesome. These are the people I trained with; the best group possible- everyone has been to Iraq at least once, and thankfully we have all returned.

Paris

Kathrin and I took a short trip to Paris earlier in March; felt good to finally see that place after living only 5 hours away! Gustav Eiffel was the best thing that happened to that city. We also enjoyed the Seine river and a good deal of wine.

Wedding

Our wedding definitely captures the most important recent event, which was this February. It was a great time! Mom, Dad and Matt were able to come over here to Germany- the first time I've seen them in about two years! After the long year waiting, everything met or exceeded our expectations. Also very relaxing because the Estrogen-wedding stress syndrome finally ended!

Hello- This is my first entry and I'll be adding some photos (already a bunch on myspace) as well as a brief history of whats happened in the past 10 years to get this thing rolling. Hope you're all doing well.

Mike