MY Top 10 of ‘11

1. The people I have met in 2011 This should go without saying. I finally got the privilege to meet the folks behind the keyboards and @ signs that I have spoken to in 140 character blocks. It was worth being called an “ass” when I met Ted Setla, as much as it was worth watching @THEGrinderMedic order someone a drink called “uh…” in Vegas. Hope to meet more next year.

2. EMS Today 2011 Well, yeah, the first real conference I went to would make the #2 spot. It had its own set of adventures (to include a missed flight). When is the pre-party for next year’s at Pratt St.?

3. EMSWorld Expo 2011  Wow…the one thing I bitched the loudest about getting my travel approved for only made #3. The strip and the Las Vegas Convention Center will never be the same after the #CoEMS crew was done with it. Will NOLA be the same?

4. FDIC 2011 The biggest Fire Department conference of the year made the Number 4 spot on this year’s top 10. Finally meeting The Fire Critic, Capt. Willie Wines, and a few others.  Same place in 2012—the week before my 41st celebration of being alive.

5. My unit returning home from Iraq The 801st Combat Support Hospital (Detachment 10) was in Iraq for 10 months providing Detainee Health Care. All but two of my Soldiers are now home.

6. 21 seconds at FDIC The Globe Firefighter Challenge only took me 21 seconds to complete at FDIC in Indianapolis.  It would have been faster if I had known that the “rescue dummy” weighed about three pounds (I was expecting much heavier).

just crawl between the cones to take less time

7. Participating in #KiltedtoKickCancer The idea of a couple of friends not only increased awareness for the male specific cancers, but also ended up with a pretty penny being donated to LiveStrong and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. It also got the biggest reading from this headquarters while trying to make my kilt (which is now hanging in the closet and a 3rd one is being planned on for purchase eventually). I will say, though, that they’re nice in the summer…but one wintertime word:  SHRINKAGE. (Though they make life easier with the TSA)
 

8. Making the “Medic’s Mecca” The only reason this is not higher in the countdown is because 1) the LACoFD Museum was closed and 2) the crew from LACoFD Station 127 were out on a run when I arrived. It was still a nice retirement present from my unit given to me the day before Thanksgiving.
 

9. Attending the 9th Annual US Army EMS Conference I wasn’t expecting to go, but I got my first glimpse of the Alamo and Durty Nelly’s in San Antonio. This trip was much better than phase 2 of my BNCOC.
 

10. My Retirement Orders It took over a year to get them, and that included re-submitting the packet exactly one year after I first put it in. But getting them puts a chapter to a close that I am very thankful to have written in history. It had its high points and low points, and I actually got to see some beautiful parts of the country while I was in the Army Reserve, but now I get to watch the younger Soldiers fill in my place as I sit and watch from my rocking chair.

Police Shot My Dog

I figured I’d take a few moments to take a break from bitching about the Army, bitching about work, bitching about whether or not I’ll get my P to wish everyone a

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

from me and the @avatarpenguin

 

Now to return to the normal griping, already in progress—with the Highlights from this Headquarters in 2011 coming next week.

 

Until next time…

That time of year

This should say it all

Til next time…

Wednesday fun

The traffic going down there was all right. I had a mission to visit a few places.

The first location was closed and couldn't make it to the third, but #2 made me feel like a kid in a candy store.

I parked the rental car and walked onto the apron. It almost felt like I was visiting a normal firehouse until I looked down on the concrete next to the flagpole. In the right stall, the number was faded almost unreadable. The left's paint job was slightly better.

I was there. I had actually made the trip. I rang the doorbell and got no answer. I assume the crew had to be on a run, especially when I saw the ambulance turn the corner.

These 3 pics were not downloaded. They were taken with my cell phone camera.

Until next time…

Little White Crosses

I finally got out of LAX and flew in a puddle jumper to an airport that was small—and I do mean SMALL.

120 miles into my rental car journey to Ft. Irwin, I saw quite a few white crosses on the road going to post. Each had a date stenciled from a fatal accident involving a Soldier from Ft. Irwin. All the while I had the cruise control set at 55 watching traffic blast past me on the hilly road.

The sights were quite humbling. A reminder to pay attention to the road. No one wants another cross on that road with 21 NOV 11 stenciled on it.

Until next time…

Annual Training Adventures...the start

Even though I retire on New Year's Day, I still have one final annual training to do before I can switch my nice ID card for one of those fancy red ones that say RETIRED. Only one day in and it's one complete adventure already...

Leaving Peoria was ok, nothing major there.  Got to O'Hare and was real close to the small USO that was inside security. Actually, it was half of their employee lounge that was donated to the USO for Soldiers and their families. Watched some of the packers game and got on big plane going to LAX.

Got off the plane at LAX and was hit with my first WTF of my trip.  Why for they have VERY LARGE Christmas tree in concourse already decorated?  We happen to forget about a holiday there??  One involving a turkey and all the trimmings--one that cause a large nationwide triptophan OD??????

My connecting flight--on a completely different airline--was delayed. No problem, it's the nature of the beast sometimes.  Finally got on that little rubber band puddle jumper and started toward the final airport where my rental car was waiting for me.

SURPRISE

"This is your first officer, we're unable to land due to the weather and are turning around and heading back to LAX."

WTF

So we turned around and headed back to LAX. We hit the ground and I got a phone call from a pretty well understanding OIC wondering where the hell I was at. When I told him that my plane had just returned to LAX from ALMOST landing in Inyokern, he asked "why the hell were you flying into Inyokern instead of Ontario?"

Shit, I don't know.  I'm just going by the itinerary that the fine travel folks had set for me.  Again, reaffirming my absolute LOVE for DTS .

I got off the plane and got my boarding pass for the RESCHEDULED flight that I am on. I was also offered a hotel coupon for a discounted stay. With traffic snarled and the express  lane backed up all the way to ground beef, I decided to use the map app on my phone and plotted a course to my final bed down place for the night.

I walked my tired little Soldiering for the last time ass to the the Bob Hope USO at LAX. Although, it had me going about four blocks up one street TURNING AROUND (as in Rear MARCH) and coming RIGHT BACK DOWN THE SAME STREET before turning and going about two more blocks to my destination.  I could have (and did) avoided that step and went the two blocks after the left turn and walked through the door.

I have to give props to these folks.  This USO facility is nicely laid out, comfortable, and the coffee was free flowing.  It is DECIDEDLY one of the better USO facilities that I have been in! I crashed out on one of the couches and was out cold until my first alarm went off at 4 (PST). I killed it, went for a smoke and crashed again until about 6:30.

While I'm thinking about it, there's a nice little link in the corner of my blog page. I normally don't ask for people to go out of their way to donate money or time, but these are some fine folks and what they do for Soldiers and their families is nothing short of outstanding.

Now to get my jacket and laptop bag and start back toward the terminal.  I should be through security by the final boarding call.

Until next time...

The OPORD that I can actually write

This past week, along with the new background for the blog, I received what could be the nicest piece of digital paper ever.  ALMOST better than the orders I got for EMSWorld Expo.

I received orders transferring me to the RETIRED RESERVE starting New Years Day.

With my unit celebrating the holidays next month, I figured out that my retirement party is going to be the Saturday night of drill this month.  So I pulled out my old “Sergeant Major Eats Sugar Cookies” format cheat sheet and began typing out the OPORD.

I never thought that I’d actually be attending (much less planning) MY OWN retirement party. I finally figured out that after 21 years, it’s time to give the reins over to the younger folks so they can try to be better than I was and not make the mistakes I had made over my career.

Also, for the simple reason of “because I can”, I’ll be bringing out the kilt for one more time this year.  It’s getting a little too cold to wear it.

From one to the other…

Last month, the inaugural Kilted to Kick Cancer went off pretty well. I’m not sure how much was raised, but just the support of those of us that wore our kilts throughout the month was cool in itself. If you remember, I sported a homemade (as in made all by my little self) BDU kilt. Then I bought one in the Army tartan and will be buying myself an ACU kilt soon to wear for my retirement ceremony.

a picture to bring flashbacks

Last weekend, although KTKC was officially over, I decided to wear my kilt to my boss’ retirement party.  Where the picture drew a collective “WTF” expression when shown to my unit, my new kilt brought chuckles from one of the nurses in my unit as I was walking from the building to my truck. Of course, I walked up to my CO and told him (with her sitting right there) “Not only do I have the balls to pull this off & look good (wearing my kilt) and get checked, I can actually form a synapse and write something” when I showed him my two books.

Now, the kilts are put away for the time being. Quite a few of us in the blogosphere are getting used to wearing pants again. Being October, it’s time to switch to another area of the anatomy…an area that is more prominent on one gender than on the other.

We ALL know that October is Breast Cancer Month. The NFL is wearing pink uniform parts. Various blogs (including 1-U-801) are turning pink. The “I <3 boobies” bracelets are coming around again (oh…I COULD say something, but I’m blogging not playing on twitter).

Guys, now it’s OUR TURN to tell the women in our lives to check themselves and get checked. My neighbor’s daughter found something wrong with hers and got checked.  Thankfully, it was just fatty tissue (if memory serves me right) and not CA.

We gotta make sure they SAVE SECOND BASE.

Now, we’ve gone from one side of the species to the other. We went from (a direct quote from our friend the @epijunky ) “SAVE THE BALLS” to “FEEL YOUR #BOOBS “.

Wonder what next month will bring—other than hopefully a new ACU background (and kilt).

Until next time…

No $#|+, there I was…

I remember what I was doing on that morning, ten years ago. Back then, I wasn’t the blogger and twitterholic we all know now. I was just your average US Army Reserve Recruiter wondering how I was going to make my quota for the month (yes, we had them despite what was heard). I was even one rank lower than the SSG I hold now (was a SGT back then).

I was driving east on I-474 heading towards my station in Bloomington after stopping at the Bartonville McDonald’s for a cup of coffee. It was an uneventful start, the morning DJs on the radio were yakking it up like normal.

By the time I came off I-55 turning on to Veteran’s Parkway in Normal, one of them said that news reports were coming in of a plane crashing into one of the World Trade Center towers. I wasn’t watching on television, so I thought it was a small plane…boy was I wrong.

I got into the station and was joking around with another recruiter about flying her remote control plane into a building when an applicant came in to get ready to go take the “written test”. He said that a second plane had crashed into the second tower of the WTC. The other recruiter that was in the office and I looked at each other with raised eyebrows. The kid said it was something big.

The applicant and I got into my G-ride (Government car) and started toward Decatur so he could take his written exam. Needless to say it was a long hour drive while listening to the events unfold on the news station out of Bloomington. We had heard the the first tower fell, along with reports that a plane had crashed into the Pentagon. When we got to the Marine Corps Reserve Center in Decatur (yes, we use all 4 services), we were told that the testing was cancelled and folks were moving any and all Government vehicles away from the building.

Yep, this was beginning to be something big.

The crash of Flight 93 and the confirmation of the plane hitting the Pentagon came over the news reports while we were on our way back to Bloomington. That and the almost crying reports of the WTC towers falling, one at a time. Neither one of us could believe it as I parked my G-ride close to the street instead of near the doors like I normally do.

It was time, so I walked over to the neighboring pool hall to have my lunch. I watched on their big screen TV the events as I slowly ate my burger and fries. The color left me as I was watching the sickening events being replayed. I had just lost 343 brothers in the WTC. I don’t remember how many of my comrades in arms I lost in the Pentagon, but the 343 brothers that I lost will be eternally burned into my mind.

I went back to my station and went over to the American flag that was between the row of desks. I picked it up along with its base and took them both outside. I proudly posted the Colors in between the Army and Navy recruiting stations and saluted before going back inside to my desk.

Later in the afternoon, I was instructed to go get some paperwork to a prior service applicant in El Paso, about 45 minutes away from the station. Thankfully, the G-ride had a full tank of gas because I saw the prices jump from the $1.75 (remember THAT?) a gallon up to $5.25 in one spot, $4.45 in others (almost what we’re paying NOW). A few choice words came out of my mouth as I saw that. The news on the radio was still giving play-by-play of the day’s goings.

I was en route back to the station when I happened to look up and saw the only three planes in the skies since the events started unfolding: Air Force One and her two fighter escorts.

I arrived back at the station and picked up one of the many binders of high school juniors and seniors and placed it on my desk. I opened it up and lifted the receiver on the phone. I looked at the phone and then at the lead list. I put the receiver back in its cradle and looked at my boss. “Today, it just wouldn’t be right.” I told my boss.

Thankfully, he agreed as we grabbed our coffee and looked at the crane at the grocery store across the street hoisting up a giant American flag. All of the recruiters in my station spent the last several hours in quiet reflection. It was the only time I didn’t get yelled at for not doing my job.

I made the trek back to Bartonville and went home to my (at the time) wife and (then) 3-year old daughter. It was hard not to cry as I watched everything on TV again as I was pressing my uniform shirt for the next day.

There’s my war story. One from when I was a newly minted EMT-B at the state level and just becoming a combat medic before I went to become an Army “salesman”.

Now, I’m single, with not only a @lilssgjbroyles, but a now 13-year old, mobilized twice, and close to retiring from the Army. Occasionally, I will pour out a little bit of coffee onto the ground while stating “One for the brothers”, so that I’ll never forget.

The Fourth Badge

On the wall in my bedroom, there is a nail between my desk and my closet. On that nail hang four items composed of paper, plastic, cloth, and a clip. Each with its own story to tell.

The first one is from a weekend in March that started with some real strange foursquare check ins. It built up to meeting a BEAUTIFUL blonde lady and culminated with one check in asking “Where’s the Party?”.

I walked into the exhibit hall and ended up meeting friends, old and young; Happy, and those that seemed to have a permanent scowl on their faces. Friends that live both under lights and under sea level. All kinds on medics under the same roof. Some social, some talking out of their garage, and even an ambulance driver or two.

I was even able to get myself a nice toy or two.

Of course, with every badge, there’s an adventure that goes with it.  Especially when you miss your flight home and have to spend the night in the airport USO

The second badge, encased in it’s black pouch comes from a much closer locale later in March. The aforementioned beauty told me that she was going to spend that weekend living “vicariously through me” while I was traveling on the expressway in my pick up.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised when she came knocking on my room door with the TALL red that I had met just a couple of weeks before. I’m not sure if it was the fact that we were together again or that I had a face covered in shaving cream, but neither mattered.

The meet up that we went to had more friends. Some made of iron, some that ran to the curb a lot, some that were critical, almost daily, reaching out on the radio.

On that HUGE floor, I saw an old geezer that definitely kept the coffee going. I also ran into a medic that captured this…

All 21 seconds of hustle

It was a long drive back to Peoria.

The third badge, encased in its own cloth and plastic holder, is an anomaly. It’s one that shouldn’t be there really. I have no clue how lucky I was to be able to go to San Antonio for the US Army EMS Conference—if you really want to call it a conference. No one was allowed in the exhibit hall unless they were on break or at lunch time. A shocking thing, is that the booths weren’t all that big…especially ones with BIG NAMES.

The fourth badge, in it’s plastic holder with blue ribbon, reminds me of meeting more friends, young and old. Some rallying for a cause and some looking for the latest toys. Most all came to network, enjoying the fellowship of their fellow providers these birds of a feather. Generations of us, with many braving the elements to get there, all coming together for the same purpose.

I look at those four badges hanging on that nail and contemplate the spring and summer’s events. It also makes me wonder…

Where am I going to hang the 5th one?

Til next time…

EMSWorld Expo 2011 Day 3 Recap

It’s all over but the shouting…

Taking a break from packing to return home from a whirlwind three days of EMSWorld Expo to give a recap of today’s highlights…

After I got my orders signed, I started my day with the Zoll sponsored CPR Guidelines Breakfast & Learn. The speaker told us how the new guidelines increased the “go home” percentage in Arizona.

Met up with our friend Kelly Grayson as we made our way through the exhibit hall…after waiting about 5 extra minutes to get inside the darn thing. Kelly, TC_Lifesaver,and myself stopped by the Sin City Medic booth and perused their selection of SOL stickers. Co-located with them were the guys from The Paramedic Chronicles. The Paramedic Chronicles is a comedy about “Life in the world of private EMS.” The episode they were showing for us featured Dr. Bledsoe as the MEDCOM doc.

We made our way to the Social Media Lounge sponsored by PhysioControl, but the stay was only brief due to the desire to have a nicotine bolus. On my way outside, I was given one of the cameras that Sam Bradley was carrying and told to guard with my life.

I kept the words “muzzle awareness” close to my heart as I went outside of the convention center for my cigarette. I had just finished when I was paged to the Zoll booth. Upon arrival, I ran into Ted Setla,Chris Eldridge, Justin Schorr,and Kelly. They were getting ready to film something about Kilted To Kick Cancer and launch a jab at one of the local morning news anchors about not being kilted up himself. I also handed over the camera because I knew it would be safer with Ted than it would be with me.

After getting my $4.00 worth of salad for lunch (salad bar with small bowl of salad for 4 bucks…stacked about 4 inches over the top), I accompanied Dave Konig on our excursion to visit the folks at Klenz. They make a pre-moistened wipe that is the size of a beach towel. It was originally made for our Soldiers over in the Middle East. They also make a 10 inch by 12 inch version that’s available in packs of 10. They’re fragrance free, so you don’t smell like a baby’s butt when you use them.

Then we went upstairs for Justin’s class “How a Blog Saved My Life.”  Justin shared with us (the entire EMS 2.0 crew that was on hand and a few other folks) his autobiography starting with an on the job accident in 2007 that nearly ended his career and how creating his blog started a snowball that brought not only Chronicles of EMS, but the beginnings of EMS 2.0.

He also shared a “primer” on using Social Media. It was a very informative class.

After all was said and done, a couple of our friends got married this afternoon. 1-U-801 HQ would like to wish @leatherheadff and @schoolgirl101 who asked us to join them in Vegas as the two started a new chapter of their lives.

Now, the kilt is put in the duffel bag and I have to get a nap before putting on my uniform.  Until next time…

EMSWorld Expo Day 2 wrap up

And now, the story continues…

Morning started with a class on Unraveling Tachycardia by Kelly Grayson which turned out to be very informative and humorous.

Then the day in the exhibit hall (why do I even bother scheduling myself for classes?).

Started off getting caught by one of the ladies from the Zoll booth who spotted me in my kilt. Picture was taken and tweeted really quick (wow).

Once I got inside, I remembered a shortage of gloves in my Blackhawk bag, so I hit the first glove distributor I found and got myself about six or seven sample packs with various sizes in them.

The Laderal Sim Lab was my next destination. I looked at various items, and met up with some folks that I talked to in San Antonio back in May…visited 4 stations and got a t-shirt.

The fine folks at Rural/Metro Ambulance had a VERY stunning T-shirt on display at their booth. They asked me if I wanted one. Who am I to decline a freebie?

(Score for the week:  5 T-shirts)

I was looking for the National EMS Academy’s booth when one of the folks from VeinLite caught up with me. Evidentally, while they were at the EMS Conference in San Antonio, I referred enough Soldiers to them that they actually GAVE me one of these SWEET lights.

What the VeinLite does is illuminates the area that an IV is going to be stuck so the medic can actually SEE THEIR TARGET. No more poke and hope, as long as the AA batteries don’t go dead during the shift.

After a nice, long recharge in the Physio Control/ProMed Social Media Lounge, the big event of the evening (other than another kilted group picture in front of the Hilton’s Elvis statue)…Hollywood Nights.

The event was at the Planet Hollywood Restaurant on the strip. This party included a LIVE TWITTER FEED the entire time, and yes, I had my share of tweets on there.

Myself, Justin Schorr,and Kelly Grayson. Ain’t we just a PRODIGIOUS group?

The wrap up of the wrap up tomorrow

Take care, Stay Safe.

EMSWorld Expo 2011 Day 1 wrap up

Where to start where to start…
Let’s go with the events of just prior to the publisher of EMSWorld magazine. The Clark County FD Honor Guard presented the colors with the pipes. It brought tears to my eyes.
Then open the flood gates and let everyone on to the exhibit hall floor.  Ho-ly CRAP. That. Thing. Is. HUGE!!
Start off with a visit to the Zoll booth. REALLY LIT UP in pale blue lights—sort of like the background to this page. Our mission, collect the puzzle pieces and get a prize. The prize I ended up getting for that was…

My new Zoll portable monitor (good as long as I don’t hit a bump). I also took the CPR Challenge and received a relay tweet to get back to the Zoll booth. I hastily finished my cigarette and made my way back to the booth to find out that I was the hourly winner of a Zoll Pocket CPR. It’s an ingenious device that ensures proper CPR rate and depth. A nice new toy.
(couldn’t get the damn thing to rotate)
While I was at the Zoll both, I ran into the FRN (First Responders Network). I ended up getting half of my “uniform” to kick of Kilted to Kick Cancer tomorrow. I will post a picture tomorrow night with a couple of people getting a “very limited sneak preview”.
Today’s activities also included a visit to the EMS1.com booth and a visit with Kris Kaull. Ended up getting my badge scanned for a T-shirt and downloading an app for my phone.
Other cool visits today included:
Visiting the fine folks at The Barf Bib and getting a sample to go with the HURL-E that I have in my bag at home. The Barf Bib is made of a different material that is resistant to tearing off by a patient. We’ll have to see how well it works.
5.11 Tactical the fine folks there are giving out some nice pink trimmed ball caps as bling as well as giving us a chance to enter to win a very nice jacket. It’s reversible
Of course, the wonderful folks at MagnumBoots USA are giving away KTKC T-shirts. You just have to make a donation, which 100% will go to.
American Heart Association in Booth 2207 were expecting me (surprise) and I got a beautiful patch from them.  The patch is on their Facebook page (hint: click the link)
Ended up getting a nice looking patch from the folks at Tactical Tailor.com that I wish I could wear on my uniform for more than 20 seconds.
In the hall this afternoon, I got stopped by a gentleman from Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education at Miami State University. He gave me a deck of playing cards and told me that he gives them to all the Soldiers in uniform that came by. The deck has cardiac arrhythmias with the answers on the jokers. I wonder if that will help me in Kelly Grayson's tachycardia class tomorrow.
I also spent a good deal of time in the Social Media Lounge sponsored by the fine folks at Physio Control. They’re the ones that make our FAVORITE monitors, the LP 10. Of course, #MyPerfectMonitor would have a Keurig built in to it.
And I got a pair of nice challenge coins from MTM Recognition. One has a roulette wheel on one side and the LV sign on the other. The second coin is a St. Florian coin.
Not putting together a who’s who list yet…I’m still running into folks that I am meeting for the first time in person (Refer to my Baltimore post).
Until the Day 2 recap tomorrow…

Cool to wear…but I damn sure ain’t making another one

Let me start off by saying that I am NOTHING CLOSE to a tailor. I can barely sew patches onto my uniforms. On top of that, only one set of Battle Dress Uniform (BDUs) was completely obliterated in this project.

At least 5 days after I started, I for the most part have myself a kilt.

“OH, Dad, you’re making a MANSKIRT!!!” My darling daughter announced to the whole damn house as soon as I laid out everything on my bedroom floor. She has been corrected several times, and she still calls it that.  Damn kids.

I’m not sure what the ruling is at my job about wearing one. I’m quite sure that after I get asked the standard question of “what is on under that?”, I’ll be told to go put on some pants (don’t want the nice darling hooligans learning about male specific cancers, now).

Now, when I get asked (and I’m quite sure I will), I’ll not only reply with “nothing’s WORN under my kilt—everything is in perfect working order”, but I will also steal @theHappyMedic’s line and follow up quickly with a 1 in 6 chance of a disease that will kill over 33,000 men in a year.

With this knowledge, a couple of heavy hitters in the blogosphere, the aforementioned Happy Medic and his soul crushing friend @motorcop came up with an idea to raise awareness of the male related cancers during September…#kiltedtokickcancer. (By the way, September is actually prostate cancer awareness month…perfect timing.) They took their idea to the fine folks at Magnum Boots and alt.kilt, which was replied with a resounding “Boo-to-da-yeah”.

When they announced it, I said that someone from THIS HQ was going to also sport a kilt, but an ACU kilt at EMS World Expo. That idea was shot down after I started slicing and dicing an old set of BDUs for the project.

Considering that just some little old lady from Pokipsee reads my blog, if by chance some guys my age (30 1/2 + a couple) happens to read this scrawling, do yourself (and your family) a favor…get you ass to the doctor and get checked. Remember that 1 in 6 chance? Yeah, that should be enough motivation right there.

I know when we’re in the station, the barracks, the PX, the ambo, we make jokes about it, calling it “ass cancer” or “ball cancer”. This is no laughing matter.

Guys, if you don’t have the balls to sport a kilt for the month (whether it’s one that you bought or a home made one like mine (and mine’s UGLY)), do yourself the favor, all right?

I’ll post pictures as I get a few taken…right now, I have some hemming and trimming to do.

How long until I get my retirement orders?

“Welcome all to the A co, 801st Combat Support Hospital
keep this professional”

That’s the statement that welcomes the handful of folks that belong to the group for my unit’s Emergency Room EMT section on Facebook.

This statement was made by a nurse that is running the show since “Mom” got mobilized.

It’s a page for a unit, I get that. Normally when it comes to something like this, I’m completely professional—especially since I became the senior medic for the entire company until either some folks come back home or until I retire, whichever comes first.

Don’t worry, kids, my retirement will be AFTER Expo.

Now, being the senior medic (along with the trainer), one of the things I need to know is whether or not the certifications for my folks is up to date. That’s sort of an important thing. Ranks right up there with eating, sleeping, and coffee…just has to be done. I don’t use any spreadsheets or fancy programs to do it, but I make sure it gets done.

That brings us to last night…

Well, I'm asking everyone in the EMT section to bring some documents to drill, including a copy of their certifications relevant to their job, and a copy of their license, and a copy of the MEDPROS

John Broyles DET has documentation c “DAD”

I let the nurse know that my detachment has their documentation with our “Dad” (also known as the full time Training NCO).

Now this brought a reply stating that my Detachment’s information is outdated. I know better because I take care of my 30 medics.

Then this came along…

Bring it or I'll have <”Mom”> take you out on the range

That followed by a “LOL”.

I saw that and just sat in my seat, blood beginning to well up to shoot from my eye sockets. I had (in my opinion) just been threatened by a nurse.

My only reply was: “ o_o “

I ask any of the fine folks on the po-po side of the equation (read @motorcop1 ) was I right to perceive this as a threat or was she “joking”.

Remember what the opening statement of this entry (and the particular facebook page) said…”keep this professional”.

Um, yeah, it’s looking anything but that.

My retirement orders can’t get here fast enough.

Happy Independence Day

From 1-U-801 HQ

A message from the Army Reserve…

Two hundred thirty-five years ago one of history's greatest adventures began when a small band of patriots in Philadelphia resolved to stake their all--their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor--for freedom and independence. On that day America was born and our country has been an inspiration for free men and women around the world ever since.

Today we remember not only the day our country was born, but we also remember the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible. We remember how a small band of patriots declared independence from a powerful empire; and formed, in the new world, what the old world had never known-a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

It is that unyielding spirit which defined us then and continues to define us now. It is what led generations of pioneers to blaze a westward trail and extend the American experience; to persevere through internal strife and form a perfect union; to face an economic depression with vim and emerge victoriously; and to triumph in the face of tyranny from evil doers who attempt to suppress the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness from a sovereign populace. It, too, is what has always led us, as a people, not to wilt or cower at a difficult moment, but to face down any trial and rise to any challenge.

Across America as Family and friends gather to celebrate the freedoms we all enjoy, remember those, some far from home, who make this patriotic holiday possible. This is our opportunity to focus on our Families and appreciate their sacrifices and contributions to the liberties we hold so dear.

For those of you who are deployed and who continue to take the fight to the enemy in the high plains of Afghanistan or the deserts of Iraq, know that what you are doing in defense of this great Nation is in keeping with the spirit of Independence Day and America's military services. For those who are on the home front, your vigilance, courage and sacrifice provide us the opportunity to live in a free society and serve notice to terrorists and those who threaten the vision of our Nation's founders.

So, on this special day, the birthday of our country, in the midst of all the joyous celebrations, let us take a moment to remember the debt of thanks we owe to those who came before us and to the spirit of faith and patriotism which still makes America "the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Thank you, God bless you, and may God always bless America.

Thank you 1SG Willie J. Moss (1942 (?)-1992)

Hey, Top

It’s been a great number of years since I saw you last. I think I was TDY at Anniston Army Depot in AL the last time our paths crossed. I never got the chance now that I’m an NCO to really thank you for what you taught me without even knowing it.

I remember there have been a few times that we’ve talked face to face (with your desk separating us) with not really the best of circumstances causing the meeting. I guess that was part of you teaching me that I am human and I am going to make mistakes—some of pretty good magnitude (I honestly didn’t know that was your truck, 1SG).

I remember the afternoon when you had all of the platoon sergeants down in the leaning rest in front of your office. While chewing them a good one you caught me watching and asking what the hell I was doing. I still remember my answer. “I’m learning that if you’re going to have a bunch of us junior enlisted (we were called lower back then) in the front leaning rest for screwing up, I know now that you’re going to do the same to senior NCOs.”

I also learned that there’s a time to pop the stripes off the collar and just enjoy yourself. I’ve seen it quite a few times at the Gasthaus at Ft. Eustis, and do it a bit myself.

Top, you were the one that basically inspired me to try to get that diamond. It took me 2 OCONUS deployments and a couple of CONUS mobilizations, and if it wasn’t for that damn PT test, I’d probably be running my own ambulance company right now.

I’ve grown a little, Top. I went from being the best forklift operator that the 119th ever had (that kid only beat me by 6 seconds on the course) to being a damn fine medic—with a little bit of grease monkey and recruiter thrown in for good measure.

I ended up being a platoon sergeant for about 3 years right after my 1st Reserve mobilization. I enjoyed it but ex-wife #2 hated the fact that even in the Reserve, it’s a 24/7/365 job. After the 2nd, I ended up being the lead trainer for my unit.

I know that in the time since we last crossed paths and I rendered you your final salute, there has been a “Yoda” to fill in the “Obi-Wan” role you took. Now, I look forward to retirement and hoping that I trained my replacement to take what he was taught and run with it.

Good talking to you again, 1SG

BUSTIN’ LOOSE

The Top 10 things I’d rather do than…

Situation:  Daughter asked me to take her bra shopping.

Answered by saying I’d rather…

10. Walk through Osama’s front door wearing a suicide vest

9. Go into a working house fire wearing a pair of tight bikini briefs ONLY

8. Work in front of the berm at a hot rifle range.

7. Tap dance on a landmine

6. Be the stuntman on the Mayhem commercials.

5. Breakdance on the autobahn

4. Be kicked in the nuts by all 32 starting punters in the NFL

3. Run face first into the spinning tail rotor of a Blackhawk.

2. Go sliding down a sliding board of nothing but double edged razor blades and land in a vat of rubbing ETOH.

1. Stand in the middle USASOC graduation ceremony and call Rangers, Airborne, and SF Soldiers “pussies”.

Yep…that about sums it up

USA EMS Conference part i

Here again, one of the many "part 1" posts I've made here...

So far it's been a great conference here in San Antonio.  I officially consider this my "train up" for EMS Expo in August, especially after having to jump few a few hoops just to get orders to go.


Arrived on Monday afternoon and visited the Alamo--hard to believe that I'm in the HOME of COMBAT MEDIC TRAINING and I have never visited the Alamo (or the Riverwalk) until Monday afternoon.  Although Durty Nelly's provided an evening of entertainment.


Tuesday officially started the conference out with some mandatory classes (I think the folks that put this on have never been to a REAL EMS conference). The only time we could go through the exhibit hall was during lunch and the breaks...but the whole sit and listen to blah blah blah was worth 6 CEUs.


Also found out that if we visit ALL the folks in the exhibit hall that we'd get 2 additional CEUs for the conference (that's 8 so far).  Finished that out today.


Today I went to only one class and finished out the exhibit hall.  I basically got a partial restock for my aid bag just by visiting the exhibitors (very jealous of one of my counterparts who got a CRIC kit--but then again I got a free pelican case yesterday).


Tomorrow I have a light class schedule as I am in full conference mode now.  I might make a trip to the "Tower of the Americas" just to scope it out.




This definitely is NOTHING LIKE EMS Today, FDIC, or (I hope) EMS Expo.

Mutual Aid Requested...

Here's what's giving me the headache...

All ya gotta do is click on the link, and read it.

THEN, let me know which scene would be a better opening scene 1 or 2...it's that easy

Leave a comment, or a msg on facebook, or a @reply on the twitter

FDIC 2011—as traveled by me

Ahhhhh….returned home last night from another whirlwind weekend…and had no orders attached to the end of it like my trip to Baltimore.

Me and “the Deer Slayer” (aka “the Green Machine”, “WTF is that?”, and “Rescue 4”) made our way eastward on 74 at a good rate of putter.  The entire time knowing I had a goal of being there around 1400 EDT (Thanks, Boss, for not shoving me out and letting us shoot the wind). By the time I reached and crossed the IL/IN border, I had a few inquisitive tweets and texts as to my whereabouts. One was a Beautiful maiden telling me that she was going to be “living vicariously thru u this weekend”.

After a couple of missed turns (and too late to hit the convention center (especially after I was told it was $45 to get in per day)), I ended at my hotel.

I figured since I had time before the meet up, I figured I’d take care of about 5 days of weeds on my face before I went. I no sooner had my lower jaw covered with shaving cream when another text came in “We’re here…surprise.”

I made my way to the door and had to crane my neck when I opened it and saw gingermedic and the before mentioned beauty.  Needless to say, my jaw hit the concrete.  Here I was, shaving cream on my face, one path of a razor down my neck, and two beautiful women come to my door.

I let the ladies in and return to finish the removal of the beard from my face (Damn, a lot of grey hair shows in my beard when I don’t shave). We then draft some kind of game plan for the night.

While all the thinking was going on (explains the HA I had), @Ckemtp comes a pounding on my door.  Three medics and a basic 28 days out of the month (only a combat medic on reserve weekends) planning to invade a fire party.  This is gonna be fun.

When we finally found a place to park and got there we were greeted by @FireCritic and made our way to get a soda and a glass of water. was actually surprised he could stay out as late as he did

And of course Dave Statter already knew about the blog post before I even composed it.

Was a shock to have the publisher of EMS World sit and talk to us for a little bit.  Was also “very cool” to meet Tiger Schmittendorf, the host of “Firefighter Storytellers” on Firefighter Netcast.

We ended up going back to the room early and becoming pretty much asystolic.  Saturday’s events (to include my 21 second obstacle course time) in the next.

RED Fridays [Sometimes it isn’t the thought that counts]

A young lady that I know on twitter posted this and I told her I would repost in my blog.

Our guest blogger:  @medic61

There has been a campaign that has recently resurfaced to have US citizens wear red shirts on Fridays to “Remember Everyone Deployed.” But what does wearing a red shirt mean to our soldiers who are actually deployed? No one deployed is going to be able to look and see that his or her loved ones are wearing red in support. But what members of our armed forces CAN do is hold a letter in their hands, excitedly open a care package, or read an encouraging email.

It would be so much more helpful and meaningful to write a letter or send a package to our deployed military service members. Even if you don’t know someone who is deployed, there are tons of organizations that can help you get in touch. You can even talk to your friends and see if they have deployed loved ones that could use support.

As some of you may know, one of my closest friends who has been a constant source of strength and support in my life for many years has just come back from Afghanistan.  We spent a year writing letters, sending packages, having short phone calls and skype conversations, and now he is finally back in the US.  The picture posted with this rant note is of him holding his half of our mizpah coin (we aren’t religious people, but just appreciate the sentiment of the necklace) while on mission somewhere in Afghanistan.  I don’t think knowing I was wearing red would have helped him feel any less lonely/homesick/tired of being in Afghanistan, but maybe holding that necklace, reading my letters, or getting my packages did.

So I guess what I’m saying here is: instead of being passively supportive, make an active difference!

If you want more information, here are some websites you can check out:

http://www.anysoldier.com/
http://www.letterstosoldiers.org/
http://www.uso.org/
http://www.amillionthanks.org/
http://troopssupport.com/
http://soldiersangels.com

Also, if you want more information you can always contact me personally. 

Please, don’t get me wrong; I love that people are thinking of our deployed men and women and want to show their support.  I’m not trying to dissuade you from wearing red on Fridays at all!  What I am doing, however, is urging you to let our service members know how much you really care through other (more direct) avenues as well, because sometimes it isn’t just the thought that counts.  For instance, you and your friends could participate in RED Friday and send a letter to a deployed soldier along with a picture of you all.  That way, they can actually see the solidarity and unity being displayed back home.  Be creative, get involved, and let those who are risking their lives that we appreciate them.

Feel free to reblog; I’d love to get the word out to as many people as possible about how they can get involved if they’re interested!

note to medic61:  I did.  Just now.

The Baltimore Surprise

Folks have no clue how hard it was to keep it quiet...

It was next to impossible, but I did with limited personnel knowing what was going on.

Friday afternoon, I finally let the cat out of the bag with the tweet of "WHERE'S THE PARTY?" when I checked in on foursquare.

The "other medic dressed in green" had arrived at EMS Today, and my head is STILL reeling from all that happened.

I arrived at the convention center and made my way down to the exhibit hall floor.  I made that right turn and proceeded to the Zoll both. When I got there, the first two folks I met were @Ckemtp and @NJDiveMedic. Of course, I was easily recognizable wearing my issue fleece jacket with my rank and name on it. Then we looked over and saw "The 'mother' of EMS 2.0 and Chronicles", Sam Bradley. Little did I know that I would be signing a copy of my book when I met her.

Then (as soon as he stopped flapping his gums) I met @theHappyMedic and the awe-struck and shell shock was starting to hit.

After about 2/3 of a lap around the hall, we stopped at the podcast booth where I met @MsParamedic, one of the two SMOKIN' #HAWTIES from GenMed, also meeting up with @gingermedic and Dave Konig. I also got the chance to call @gfreise a "cheddarhead" and offer him a chance to root for a real football team, but I didn't capitalize on it--still very much awestruck.

I sent a text to @shell1972 with the exact words "OMFG my head is REELING", to which she replied that she knew the feeling and agreed that these are some awesome folks...WOW is the only word I can think of.

While going out to have a smoke, I ended up meeting @SES4EMS, and little did I know that it was far from over.

Later on Friday evening, I met the one person that, after I sent his picture to shell, I got called an asshole by her.  I met the man himself, @setla. He told me that he was honored to finally meet me.  Honestly, the pleasure of meet him was truly mine.

After the crew busted out of the Pratt St. Ale House, going to another bar in a more historic area of Baltimore, I was again awestruck as I met @geekymedic, the @podmedic, and also got to meet the other GenMed SMOKIN #HAWTIE, @medic61, along with @DrAnonymous.



Damn, this is the most blue I've seen on one blog post that I have written ever...

Saturday morning and early afternoon were equally awe inspiring as I met the @AmboDriver himself, Mr. Kelly Grayson along with the half of Firefighter Netcast that lives in an area PRETENDING to be part of Illinois, John Mitchell. (DON'T FORGET MY COFFEE CUP AT FDIC)

I know that there's QUITE A FEW  MANY that I'm forgetting right now...I just might have to make a part 2 to this post.

Most of all, I want to thank a beautiful lady for accompanying me this weekend.  I had a WONDERFUL time with @wvmedicgirl that I won't forget anytime soon.

Now, I will say that this ended up having one of the usual @ssgjbroyles induced boo-boos that I am known to have.  Let me just say, when the notice on my phone goes off...GET TO THE AIRPORT--yep, I screwed myself up again...more on that later.

I need to have a couple more cups of coffee to decompress.

Man, these folks can PARTY

Who Knew…

I remember the day that @shell1972 and I were sitting in front in our room, watching the events in SF unfold. We were also patiently waiting for a “new reality series” to premiere on our interwebs machines.  We were putting faces to the names we’ve seen all over twitter.
A couple of weeks before that, I saw #CoEMS being hashtagged quite often and asked about it.  I was pointed in the direction and was amazed to the point of re-thinking about going for my EMT-P (route I’m ending up taking means I get my I first).
I just wanted to take a couple minutes to wish a VERY happy anniversary to the Chronicles of EMS team and to the “3 wise men” that got everything going (Justin Schorr, Mark Glencorse, and Ted Setla). 

1 Year Ago Tonight…

One year ago tonight a wide-eyed boy from Virginia and Someone from a state claiming to be part of Illinois put their creative minds together and put together a little web show…

 

No one has been the same since.

Happy Anniversary Firefighter Netcast!

 

Hope to be listening for many more years to come.