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Thanks, cupajo.
Posted by: Arkie John
Date: April 10, 2009 02:55PM
I could almost write a book on this mission, alone. But brevity is bliss, in this case.

aj

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Re: Thanks, cupajo.
Posted by: Cupajo
Date: April 10, 2009 04:13PM
Hey AJ,

You write em and I'll read em! Deal?

Good fun Friend,

Cupajo

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The California Mission - Part II
Posted by: Arkie John
Date: April 10, 2009 02:46PM
Part II

We arrived at Red River Army Depot with no problems. It was the easiest of the ten legs of the journey. It should have been since the convoy was on the most familiar roadsthus far.

The company set about encamping in a field that could accommodate all of our vehicles and personnel. I had in place, six sani-cans (who can fight a modern war without them, eh?) and they were the only creature comforts that evening. There were motels for some of the other legs but this was not one of them. The soldiers didnt care. They were on an adVENTURE.

As soon as we arrived, there was not a wasted moment. The loading of 120 APCs was paramount; eating and (of course) much needed rest for all. As with everything else at the juncture, the necessities were there but no luxuries. They all got the necessary sleep, but not enough by most peoples standards. There was work to be done. The dawn was greeted by men and women hustling around, striking (downing) tents, packing everything up to each vehiles load plan and further organizing for the days journey ahead. Did I mention they had a hot breakfast? Thanks to our versatile and talented cooks, everyone was full and got to take a sandwich with them for the lunch that day. We departed Red River at 0810 hours, heading west as fast as 45 mph could get us.

Each leg of the journey was accomplished with little concern. We did loose a vehicle or two to maintence issues. So, I borrowed three prime movers from Fort Carson and left our problem vehicles with them. We returned them as we came back and by then, Fort Carson folks had repaired our vehicles and delivered them to the convoy route in fine style.

The days passed and got longer and longer as we made our way through the southwest. At one point I had contracted a man to roast a whole hog in the ground, on the banks of the Colorado River! The soldiers really liked it because it was TRUE feast if I ever ate one! The vendor was more than happy to provide many uncontracted extras to the delight of the crew.

On the fifth leg of the mission, the convoy had fallen behind because of some maintenance issues that could not be helped. Our wreckers were towing three vehicles, along with their loads and it slowed thing dramatically for (especially) the third platoon and the recovery team. This in itself, was not a big deal. We just had to adjust eating and feeding schedules for this bunch. But what it DID do that we were not so ready for, was that it placed this part of the convoy going through Los Angelesright at rush houra Company Commanders nightmare! The traffic freaked out some of my young drivers. The freeways were eight and ten lanes across and the only thing that there was more of than lanes was signs pointing in every direction. Now, folks, this was BEFORE GPS etc and the only thing they had to rely upon was a strip map I had prepared that was very specific in nature. It covered only the convoy route itself.

The first two platoons arrived at San Luis Obisbo on time and in style. But the third platoon was scattered to the four winds. The platoon leader was (thus far) unable to gather his chickens north of LA. Even though we had CBs you all know how unreliable they are. But each driver and assistant KNEW what they had to do.

Five hours after platoons one and two had pulled in to the destination, Third Platoon and the recovery pulled inall except for three vehicles. These were extra support vehicles, 2 ½ tons to be specific. Although concerned, I was not worried. I let the First Sergeant and the Platoon Sergeant work out the details, the way a good Company Commander should. :D

By morning breakfast, the platoon leader was wild-eyed and approached me. We have a recovery issue, sir. So take care of it, Lieutenant. You know the routine, I barked. This isnt routine, sir. I contacted the motor sergeant and the motor officer and with all our input, we had decided that the drivers had, in the name of maintenance issues, taken a little breather and would be joining us on the second day. The second DAY??? When I got to the bottom of the issue, it seems that these country boys from Arkansas wanted to see for themselves this point of interest at San Luis Obisbo. Since they had gotten lost, they slept in their trucks awaiting sunrise, not knowing or not caring to get to the Army Depot! They awoke within eyesight of this point of interest and contacted their motor sergeant that they would be delayed, not being specific. I smelled a rat.

Leaving the company in capable hands, I kicked my driver out, and myself, Cpt Reggie and the First Sergeant mounted the SUV and decided we would make a little recovery of our OWN. You wont beLIEVE what we found.

Stay tuned for the finale.

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Re: The California Mission - Part II
Posted by: Cupajo
Date: April 10, 2009 04:11PM
Hey AJ,

Ya got me feelin like the kid that was promised a trip to Disneyland!! WOW!!

Hope I don't have to wait long for the rest!

Best to Ya Friend,

Cupajo

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Ya Big teaser!! :DN/T
Posted by: Ron J
Date: April 10, 2009 04:38PM

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Arkie... when you say the trip was divided into 'legs', just how long is a leg?? :): And you have really whetted my appetite for part three!! :):N/T
Posted by: Mikie
Date: April 10, 2009 05:58PM

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Nice AJ, now i gotta hang around and..........
Posted by: Wayne in BC
Date: April 10, 2009 07:12PM
can't wait!:lol:


A liar will assume you are lying

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Oh Great, Now I can't sleep waiting to see what they did.N/T
Posted by: George-CT
Date: April 11, 2009 09:03PM

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Nope, I would never do that, he'd put a knot on my head for sure! :look:N/T
Posted by: Sunny
Date: April 11, 2009 10:36PM

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Get your big brother azz over here and I'll whip it for you, THAT'S how I'll shut up....................:rofl:N/T
Posted by: Sunny
Date: April 11, 2009 10:37PM

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Fred, it's one of those stories that you have always had with you...
Posted by: Arkie John
Date: April 11, 2009 10:51PM
....but it was forgotten until something reminds you of it.

I should get around to finishing it up this next couple of days.

aj

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Arkie John, this story is getting better, looking forward to the next part. :)N/T
Posted by: Kelley (Texas)
Date: April 11, 2009 10:54PM

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A 'leg' is my term for however far one can drive in a day...
Posted by: Arkie John
Date: April 11, 2009 10:55PM
It's been so long ago, I can't remember all the details, but I DO remember we had five days out there and five days back. It was a long, grueling trip, but we all made the best of it.

aj

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Re: A 'leg' is my term for however far one can drive in a day...
Posted by: Cupajo
Date: April 12, 2009 05:43AM
Ya Know AJ,

Maybe ya should avoid all distractions like fishin til yer done with yer tale?

Ya shore know how ta make a reader suffer!:smile:

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Hummmm? Do they have nude beaches in California?:thumbup:
Posted by: Royal
Date: April 12, 2009 07:11AM
There just has to be much you left out about the trip across our great Southwest though. That is some beautiful country to travel through, especially for young men and women.

Interesting


http://royalottmar.blogspot.com/

INCREDIMAIL TECH SUPPORT SUCKS. IT IS TERRIBLE AND DO NOT SIGN UP FOR INCREDIMAIL!!

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