THE OATS

Favre

2009-11-23T03:53:00.002+03:00

I came across this story on another blog.....these guys are characters...

BAGHDAD - It seems that the Brett Favre-Green Bay Packers saga is such a worldwide phenomenon that it's being used by detainees in American military camps.

According to a military official, detainees at a Wisconsin National Guard camp in Iraq are using Brett Favre as a manner of getting at the guard troops there.

"They know Favre by name," said First Lieutenant Tim Boehnen, who is from New Richmond, Wis.

"One of the big words they know now is shenanigan. They'll constantly talk about 'Favre shenanigans,' 'He's so good for the Vikings,' and 'The Packers have got to really feel bad about that one.' "

According to Boehnen, it started when troops there started decorating their camp in Packers colors.

"We try to allow our troops to have as much fun in the compound as they can while still maintaining our professional manner," explained Boehnen.

"We spend a lot of time painting and making our compound our own and representing us. Obviously, wherever Wisconsinites go, we bring the Packers with us."

Once the decoration job happened, detainees became curious.

"They obviously then started up the conversations, and started talking about Brett Favre. They soon learned about Favre going to the Vikings, and things just started going downhill from there."

Walken Poker Face

2009-11-21T05:09:00.001+03:00

Roadtrip

2009-11-20T07:36:00.003+03:00

Here are some pictures from our recent roadtrip from TX to WA. It took us 6 days, but we made some detours along the way. We had fun and enjoyed the sights, but both agreed we would not want to make the trip again. Most of the shots are the standard tourist-type pitures. I'm sure Joats will bring back some more unique perspectives on the grand Canyon. Enjoy.

Grand Canyon

Self- Explanatory - postcard type shot notice the river at the bottom of the canyon

This is the back side of the Hoover Dam that you rarely see.

Construction underway on a new bridge over the Hoover Dam

As you can see, the water level was very low

Oyster

2009-07-30T05:31:00.000+03:00

Would anyone like to compete in this race? Check out the video. Lindsay and I need a teamate or two....Nashville 24 OCT:

http://www.oysterracingseries.com/Nashville/Home.aspx

Mother's Day

2009-05-07T06:18:00.003+03:00

Mom (and other Moms out there), here is a shout out for Mother's Day. This is obviously one of the classic videos of all time.

Please feel free to send this video to your Mother's this Sunday as a substitute for flowers or anything else.

The Best Game Ever

2009-05-01T07:39:00.002+03:00

This is probably the best graffiti I have ever seen. I am obsessed with Monopoly by the way. I have the Classic monopoly App for my phone and I play it at least twice a day. I am thinking about starting an Internet gambling site that allows users to play Monopoly for real money. Who would not be in for that?

Guest hits the deck

2009-04-14T02:04:00.002+03:00

I had to share this clip from the Glen Beck show today. This guest passes out hard after repeatedly saying, "I'm gonna pass out." You have to watch a few times before you can really appreciate it.

Lone Survivor

2009-04-13T05:10:00.002+03:00

This is a great story about Marcus Luttrell. This guy is a warrior and I really doubt these kids knew who they were messing with. Check out his book, Lone Survivor. I read this book while in Iraq and it was one of the most thrilling and inspirational reads I have ever experienced.

Latest

2009-04-12T02:47:00.003+03:00

Obviously I have returned from Iraq. I have been off blogger for awhile because of my crazy schedule. While in Iraq, i realized that most of the experiences that I had could not be broadcast on this site because they were sensitive in nature. As a result, you probably noticed that I rarely posted anything. However, I plan to periodically update this page with random stuff. So feel free to check back whenever you are so inclined. Also, you can check out http://twitter.com/greyola. Thanks for all of your support while I was in Iraq. The outpouring of letters, supplies, snacks, and prayers was more than I ever expected.

THUG LIFE

2008-09-17T06:56:00.004+03:00

This video was taken during a patrol somewhere over here and it circulated pretty quick. Whoever edited it could not have picked a better song...except maybe BIG Poppa. This kid might be the next Saddam.

CLASSIC VIDEO

2008-09-12T00:49:00.000+03:00

Flags

2008-09-07T15:19:00.002+03:00

Check out this article about the flags supposedly discarded by OBAMA and saved by McCain. I like McCain, but I think they are trying a little too hard here. This is pretty funny though.

Thanks

2008-08-25T04:56:00.005+03:00

Once again, another significant break between posts. I finally have internet in my room so I no longer have an excuse not to write regularly. Things have been pretty calm over here for the past few weeks. I've been busy, but that never seems to change. I'm really enjoying my new job...it is fun and challenging. Basically we hunt the enemy at night and sleep during the day. This schedule is nice because it is similar to the sleep cycle that you all are on in the US. I don't have to wake up at 3AM to call my family. Also, success in this mission lends itself to a high level of satisfaction and achievement, which is always nice. We have really forced these clowns way back on their heels. Click on the title of this post to read an article about a big capture one of my buddies was involved in.

Thanks to everyone that has sent mail or packages...we all really appreciate your support. Please don't send anything more...you have done too much already.

Boston.com

2008-07-10T10:32:00.002+03:00

Despite the liberal tilt, this article offers a somewhat fair assessment of the situation over here right now. Maliki is turining into a hardliner and really starting to garner the respect of the people. The establishment of a "conditions-based" timetable is neccesary but should never be made public. Click on the title to read.

Gear

2008-07-09T19:08:00.002+03:00

This is what I wear everyday. In total, my gear weighs around 60 lbs --which is not too bad considering. I carry two radios, several optics, ammo, aid pouch, smoke, a KA-BAR, and some other stuff I can't mention. You get used to the weight, but it is hard to get used to the heat. Everytime I take my gear off it is soaked on the inside....and it has begun to smell pretty wretch. I'll get around to cleaning it here at some point.

air

2008-07-02T06:50:00.003+03:00

This is a good compilation of air weapons in action. Almost everytime we get to use these guys, I wish I had become an apache pilot. Next time I'll try to get a video from my truck.

Coke!

2008-07-01T15:55:00.002+03:00

I tried to send these home but got denied because of the whole ban on liquids. I'm going to try again at some point because these are great souvenirs. I have tried several Iraqi sodas and they are all pretty wretched. There is one that tastes like ketchup...Pretty disgusting.

2008-07-01T15:45:00.002+03:00

Wow...I know it has been awhile since I have posted anything and I apologize. I have realized (and I'm sure you have too)that it is impossible for me to update this blog as much as I would like.

Anyway, I'm pretty busy over here. This is a picture of me with my new interpreter talking to some Iraqi Security Forces during a patrol. We try to coach them as much as possible when we are operating together. These guys are starting to execute pretty well. They have come a long way even in the four months we have been here. They'll be able to take this country over soon.

Kids

2008-05-20T14:06:00.007+03:00

We got to take a break from the kinetic stuff for a little while to make some friends. The kids love when we come by....our visit is seriously equivalent to Christmas morning for them...even though we usually only give them a small beanie baby or something. This place really forces you to put things into perspective.

Look Out!

2008-04-27T04:08:00.002+03:00

It's about 0430 and I'm relaxing here a bit, enjoying the internet and television for a few minutes. Don't ask why I am up at this time....I'm not sure. We are all experiencing a minor lull in action, which is good. It's been pretty hot over here.(I'm not talking temperature)
The "Armed forces Network" is showing the NFL Draft and I've been watching that with our interpreters. We have two younger guys who are really cool. They risk their lives for $70 a month in salary...crazy. They are all banking on this job getting them a visa someday. They deserve it.
Also, I came across this footage that is pretty extreme... Look out, Buddy!

Oil Dance

2008-04-19T23:41:00.004+03:00

I put this clip in as a test because this liveleak site has alot of good stuff. You should probably get an account because I will probably post more from the site to give everyone a better idea of what I'm experiencing over here. These guys love oil. "The Black Blood of Allah"

Latest

2008-04-16T19:41:00.004+03:00

This is a picture of some of my guys in Kuwait doing some training before we headed North. We really have a great platoon and we're doing well over here. We have long days and little free time but the people keep us motivated. The Iraqi people are great and they continue to stress how much they need us here to help them. Many of them dream of moving to the US someday. I tell them that I hope I can return to Iraq for a vacation in 10 years...hahaha but I really do hope that this place improves.

Roast

2008-04-11T20:58:00.002+03:00

I've been blacked out for a while now so I havn't been able to write anything at all. Hopefully I'll be able to get back into it now. Once again, I dont have time now but I'll continue to try. Click on this title to see a rediculous clip my Mom sent. from the following link: http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/2008/03/semper-fi-berserkely

Statement

2008-03-31T09:21:00.003+03:00

I hope everyone is doing well at home. I found the translated text of Sadr's statement yesterday which makes 9 demands to Maliki’s government. Maliki welcomed the demands so we'll see what happens. I attached a link to the site if you want to read further.

Rancid

2008-03-28T23:16:00.005+03:00

I finally have internet in my room and it is about as slow as my first ever dial-up connection...no joke. I'll actually be surprised if this posts. It is better than nothing though so i'll take it. I also caved in and bought a phone over here so if you email me, I'll give you my number. I would love to hear from you all but I wouldn't reccomend calling often because it will really rocket up your bill. I am really surprised that no US phone companies have moved in over here yet. This place would be a gold mine for Verizon or AT&T...a true opportunity gap. Maybe thay are waiting out the war.
The last week has been exciting. If you have been following the news, you probably noticed that there has been an uptick in activity over here. I can't really give any details on the blog because it is likely monitored by the enemy. But I'm doing well over here...we all are. The worst part is probably the smell...it is wretched--a combination of burning rubber, fuel, and shit...like nothing you have really ever experienced before. The Iraqi people are generally very friendly and about 50% of them speak some English. I'm working on my Arabic but it is not easy.