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9th ESB Family Fun Day

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Throughout the Marine Corps, or pretty much all the branches end up setting up a Familiy Fun day for the unit. It is coordinated by the Family Readiness Officer to get things set up. This isn't just for the Marines whom have families or spouses. This is for every Marine in that unit, it is more to have a sort of day off because this is mandatory but to also build unit cohesion. 

As for 9th Engineer Support Battalion, our family fun day was at Oura Wan Beach on Camp Schwab, Okinawa. Which is the Northern most base on Okianwa. The beach is not that bad when the sun is out. I did not go into the water myself because I did not bring anything to swim in since I was apart of the volunteer group but heard it was warm that day from the Marines. Anyways, these mandatory fun days is good to have because it keeps the Marines whom are stuck in the barracks to keep them sane. 

There was a bouncy course for the kids and some Marines whom want to race, Corn Holes, Horse Shoes, Volleyball and Football activities. I did part take in Volleyball, just because I was challenged by my fellow junior Marines in the security platoon. 

Yet, it maybe all fun and games but you need to be careful as well. Last year they had a Marine that was stung by a Box Jellyfish but it was nothing severe. The sand is mixed with coral and broken wood that was washed up from the ocean. So if your walking barefooted just take it slow and watch were your stepping. Also, those whom are too stubborn to put sunblock end up getting burned. Even if your in the water, or moving all the time playing Volleyball. You will get burned. 


Or you will end up glowing red. Haha! At least I have all weekend to recover but it still hurts. haha. I just hope I do not start peeling. Anyways, a unit family day can be fun but at the same times it doesn't happen without an incident. Overall due to the drinking restriction we are in. Each Marine was only allowed to have 2 cans of beer, so no one got messed up. I mean I never came across one who was plastered.



MOOD- Fun, Competitive & Burned
SONG PLAYING-Starships by Nicki Minaj
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Missing you (Poem)

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Missing You

Since I was sent out for training,
A lot of crap has been raining.
Confusion in this mess,
Igniting a lot of stress.

Every time the sun comes up,
It seems like everyone doesn't give a fuck.
But when the sun leaves,
And the moon shines down on this beast.

It calms my nerves,
it calms my temper.
A calmness I can't describe in words,
But I always remember.

That you are here with me,
Not in a human form but spiritually.
Nights seem so comfortable thinking of you,
Me missing you is what is pushing me through.

It has been rough,
and it has been tough.
Missing you does not put me down,
Missing you turns my worst days around. 


MOOD- Love, Missing & Poetic
SONG PLAYING-I Won't Let You Go by James Morrison
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An Insert from Marines.mil

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Things happen for a reason...

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Do you remember when you first heard the phrase, "Things happen for a reason?" And we look at them like they were crazy because we were either too young or stubborn to even care. As years, go by and decisions we make, sometimes have the tendency to make the wrong ones. Then the rarity of making the right choices comes along. Then your whole world is flipped, you stress out because you do not know where to start. You do not know where to begin because your too excited about it and you lost your train of focus. 


Overall, I am glad that two choices have finally caught up with me. Recruiting duty is not something I am looking forward to but I have to do what I have to do to pick up. As I was forced to go though the admin process. The first person told me that I could not because I did not have enough time in service but I was still required to finish the process. So then when speaking to the next level up in the process. They told me that I was not able to because I just recently got to the island but they will bring it up. Anyways, a couple of months later (today). I was told that the list came out and my name was on there. So, I had to talk to the jammer to figure things out. Hopefully they could change my class date till later. 

Second thing is that I was finally put on the list to deploy. After 8 freaking years and I was put on the last deployments of this unit. So, I was excited to go and say that I finally went. Anyways, I had 2 other chances of going but I lucked out on the first one and the second time my shop had a lack of responsibilities and forgotten me. 

Well today I have received one of those rare happenings. Already going onto dangerous places on deployment and then receiving something that could potentially boost my promotion but...but.. they may not let me do both. The chances are either taking me going on deployment or giving up my chances for my future in the Marines. 

Things happen for a reason and I believe things are going to smoothly and less stressful. I believe this year will be the milestone of change. So I am glad, my chances are at the front door and it's waiting for me to allow them in and watch the future unfold. Happier and relaxing days are near. 




MOOD-Happy, Kind of Successful & Patient
SONG PLAYING-Billionaire by Travie McCoy Feat. Bruno Mars
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St. Patrick's Day Engineer Meet!

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History of St. Patrick?

St. Patrick, as the patron saint of engineers, is credited with fostering the development of arts and crafts and introducing the knowledge of the use of lime as mortar in Ireland. He is also responsible for the initial construction of clay churches in Ireland in the 5th century A.D. Another of St. Patrick's achievements was teaching the Irish to build arches of lime mortar instead of dry masonry. These beginnings of ceramic work developed into organized crafts, and that's how St. Patrick became the patron saint of ceramic engineers.




St. Patricks day! A day for engineers from different units and branches to come together and conduct a friendly competition. Today, we had USAF CEG and Redhorse, USN Seabee's, USMC MWSS-172, CAB and ourselves 9th ESB. All who competed in a friendly game of:

(Lumberjack Race)

(Tug of War)

(Sway Bar Toss)

(Dizzy Izzy)

(Chemical, Biological, Radiation & Nuclear *CBRN* Suit Race)

(Modified Iron Man Race)

(7ton Truck Pull)

But there were other events like Rock Toss, Bangalore Race, Chariot Race...

Today MWSS-172 took the win for this field meet but at least we were able to establish a competition between units and branches for the future. Winner just wins bragging rights but we all know that 9th ESB is the best engineer unit out here. Haha! Anyways, this is a great way of bringing all the Engineers of any unit or branch to get together and have fun. 

Chariot Races
(9th ESB)

(Navy Seabee's)

(CAB)

(CEG)

(MWSS-172)


Over all it was a good field meet and a lot of motivation. Friendly taunts but none is directed negatively bad. Good games. Until next year.. We will bring back the trophy. 



An Extra but not a part of the Events. Its just want Marines do on Fridays..  



MOOD- Motivation, Competitive & Proud
SONG PLAYING-Boondocks Saints Theme by The Boondocks Saints Soundtrack
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Where is the Motivational Cadences?

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(Movie: Full Metal Jacket)

From what it seems, that we have lost our motivational way in the Marines. I do not get how some Marines who have been in for a little while, do not know the simple basics that you are expected to learn. Such things as marching, cadences and hygiene. 

 If you were called out to lead the platoon in a cadence run, what do you expect yourself to do? Learn some cadence songs, so that you do not look like a fool later in a Battalion run. I remember, I was always motivated to go out and lead the platoon in a cadence run. This was when I was a Private First Class (E-2) in 2005. I am pretty amazed that there are some Marines that have been in for a while and do not know anything. Even the easy and repetitiveness, "Little Yellow Birdie," or, "C-130 rollin down the strip." C'mon now! Get your ass in the game and listen to some cadences because if your expected to lead them. Your expected to know the simplest shit! 
(Motivation! *not my battalion*)

 "Turn up the Volume!" because it is the only way we can determine how motivated you are! Even when you have 5 or 8 platoons trying to mute you with their high motivation. 




MOOD-Motivated, Dedicated & Disappointed
SONG PLAYING-Mama' Can't You See! by USMC Cadence
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Hanging on...

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(Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, CA)



Throughout life, we come across those times when we are all just hanging of the edge. Sometimes we all think that just letting go and giving up may seem to be the easy because there is no effort needed. Yet there are some folks who can pull themselves out off the cliff and try to make things right again. Then again it all depends on the situations as relationship, career, family or finance.

Giving up is not an option for me, I always will have to try to figure out what I can do to pull myself out of tough situations. Being a Marine is a battle to get promoted to the next rank, just because they are drawing down the military. So its tough right now and we have to do whatever it takes to be better then the others to get that next rank.  My marriage has been rough and I have always been hanging on but I will not let go. I fucked things up and I am going to do whatever it takes not to give up. It is worth every will to not let go because if you love someone or your career. It is worth fighting for or in other words... it's worth hanging on.

"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that!"

Can you guess who said that Quote?

Don't Give up!



MOOD-Strong, Perseverance and Loved
SONG PLAYING-Have Faith in Me by A Day to Remember
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Why I joined the Marines? (Answered 2004 and Now)

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(PVT Valladolid, *MCRD Recruit Graduate* 2005)

Describe in your own words "Why I Joined the Marines Corps?"

"The reason why is that I cannot be working at like Walmart for the rest of my life. I'm joining the Marines Corps is to build some skills I can use after the military. I (scribbled "I" out) Maybe check out what education opportunities it has. I just really want to take the challenge."

Signed by me on August 20,2004


WOW! Talk about Ghetto. HAHA!


(Sgt. Valladolid, Camp Hansen, Okinawa 2013)

Well if this question was asked to me again. I would say....

"The reason why I joined the Marines is because I needed to become better then the rest. Also, a ticket out of  Alaska permanently, a ticket to discover the world and at the same time, a ticket to a undiscovered self. To gain technical skills and to push my physical fitness to its limits, which in turn strengthens me mentally.  The Marines give me a pride of belonging, a pride of history that no other branch has ever cared for until recently. The traditions that the Marines withhold and which is practiced everyday. So, overall the reason why I joined the Marines. Is to be apart of the few and the proud."

Feb 2013


 I know that may have sounded like an answer for a recruiting commercial. It is really how I feel right now. As you can see, I have fulfilled my first reason why I joined and now. I might have not been deployed but I have been to several places and maybe one place that some Marines may not have. Overall a Marine is a Marine no matter what.



MOOD-Reminisce, Proud & Strong
SONG PLAYING-Children of the Sun by Deep Foundation
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Typhoon Alley

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(Typhoon Jelawat 2012 *Blue arrow is pointed at Okinawa*)


What is a Typhoon?

 A typhoon is a violent cyclone that occurs in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Typhoons feature heavy rains and winds that maintain speeds equal to or greater than 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour. Similar storms that occur in the other parts of the world are called tropical cyclones or hurricanes. The word typhoon comes from the Chinese term tai-fung, meaning great wind. 

(One of my Marines car that is flipped)

Typhoon season begins around June - November and during these times, it seems like every weekend has a typhoon hitting Okinawa. Well it is because this island is in the typhoon alley. Typhoons usually roars over us and ends at Guam, South Korea or Mainland Japan. It is said that this year 2013 is going to have some worse typhoons this season but we are ready.

 So far since April 2012, we have been hit by at least 3 typhoons. Typhoon Jelawat being the worst typhoon we been in. When it hit, the power was out for at least 12 hours but there were power outages out in town that lasted longer than that. The video up top was one of the vehicles that was blown away by typhoon Jelawat and below would be another one. It's just crazy that not all these cars are blown away. Most of these tiny japanese cars are light weight and boxy. 
(Car blown away, Camp Kinser)

Typhoons are kept a close eye on, just like the hurricanes back in states. It's not like these typhoons hit randomly, so there isn't an excuse for people not being ready. So prepare your SHIT! 

 (2 typhoons lurking around Okinawa *Red arrow is pointed at Okinawa*)

As you can see from the photo above, we are located in the smack dab in the middle of typhoon alley. Yes, it's awesome that we get to get off work but the bad thing is, if we were hit. We do not know if our water and rations will last if stores were shut down but I think we are ready for this year's typhoon season.  Below is the chart that we use to keep track of how close and strong the typhoon that's coming. 



Current Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness Chart


TCCOR 4: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 72 hours. TCCOR 4 will be continuously in effect as a minimum condition of readiness from 1 June to 30 November annually.
Now is the time to stock-up on food and Typhoon Supplies.
TCCOR 3: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 48 hours.
Initiate a general cleanup around homes and office.
TCCOR 2: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 24 hours.
Remove or secure all outside items.
TCCOR 1: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours. 
No school for DoDDS students. Staff and teachers will work normal hours, unless changed by DoDDS superintendent. Fill any containers you can use for water storage. If you live in low lying quarters, make arrangements to stay with a friend. Make final check of food and other supplies.
TCCOR 1 Caution: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours. Actual winds are 34-49 knots.
All nonessential personnel will be released to their quarters at this time. DoDDS schools will close at this time. Staff and teachers return home or remain home. Base exchange, shops, Commissary, Shoppettes, Gas Station, Services facilities, Clubs, Restaurants, Recreational Facilities and Post Office will close. Movement about the base should be kept to a minimum. SFS will enforce "essential vehicles only"policy.(Reference Base O-Plan 32-1 "Base Disaster Operations Plan)
TCCOR 1 Emergency: Actual winds of 50 knots or greater.
All outside activity is prohibited.
TCCOR 1 Recovery: Destructive winds of 50 knots are no longer occurring. Actual winds are 34-49 knots. 
Nonessential functions remain closed unless directed by the commander. All but emergency essential personnel remain in their quarters.
Storm Watch: The typhoon is moving away but the base is still feeling some effects. Hazardous conditions may exist due to storm damage. In some cases the storm could return to Okinawa , so stay alert. 
All military and civilian personnel will return to work within 2 hours or at normal duty hours unless otherwise instructed by their commander. The Commissary and BX will resume operations, unless directed otherwise by the installation commander.
All Clear: Hazardous conditions and winds are no longer present. Return to normal duties. All Clear is announced when all hazards have been cleared.
DoDDS teachers, staff and students will return to school during normal hours. From June 1st to November 30th Okinawa will return to TCCOR 4.
NOTE: The wind speeds shown above for each TCCOR serve as a guide for decision making. The final decision on TCCOR declaration rests with the Commander, 18th Wing based on wind speed, weather forecast, safety and operational and mission concerns.
Source: USFJ 10-4001 and 18th Wing Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 10-2
BE READY FOR IT!!!
(Typhoon Bolaven 2012 *Blue arrow is Okinawa & Red arrow is the direction.*)



MOOD- Prepared, Wary & Ready
SONG PLAYING-We Are Young by FUN
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Going back to the basics

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(Tie up your laces and lets get back to the basics)

A lot has changed throughout my time in the Marines. Many junior Marines and newly promoted Corporals never grasp the concept of cutting that connection from their friends and that play time is over. You cannot move forward in this career if you keep that mentality. If you want to succeed you are going to have to make sacrifices, just like the sacrifice you made by joining the Marines. 

 During my time through the Marine Corps, I have seen a lot change and new changes. Yes, we are Marines and we do adapt and overcome every obstacle that is in front of us, but there are a lot of things that cannot be changed and yet we are slowly veering away from being Marines. 

 I know a lot of Marines are proud because they have served a tour in Iraq or Afghanistan and may have lost close comrades. As for me, I would not know that feeling because I have never been deployed, nor have I lost anyone close. I pretty much missed out on 2 deployments and 1 deployment because they were activated when I have PCS'd. Some say, "I'm a dodger," family says that, "I'm lucky," and I say, "it wasnt my time yet." But I can tell you now though, times are slowing down and the military is slowly pulling back. The Marine Corps' eyes are now focused on garrison productivity and it's units. 

 We have recently passed a FASMO inspection and now we are preparing for an inspection lead by a General. So now wrench turning, paper pushing and marching has come into effect. I have spoken to new Marines with no basic mentality of what it is to be a Marine. And some Marines who have been in the platoon for quite some time now are not even back to the basics, their mentality is still deployed. Negative! THINGS WILL HAVE TO CHANGE.

 New join Marines come into the fleet and expect to learn from the senior Marines and NCO's but end up not learning anything because we keep veering away from the basic lifestyles of the Marine Corps. Like having respect for the senior Marines. Going to parade rest when you're being spoken to, or speaking to a Marine that is in a higher grade, even marching from here and there as we switch Marines to control the formation. It can help improve them and set them up for promotion.

 As simple as a "Good Morning Sergeant" or "Aye Aye Corporal" can get us back to the basics. I hate the fact that we are not exercising that and leading the junior Marines to failure. We have lost our ways and yes, I can agree that I fail some days but I do come back with the correct way and put them back on track. We need to stop acting like kids in a playground, treat them like how you want to be treated and correct Marines when a correction is needed. 

 From what I think, Marines are afraid to correct their own. Why? Because their own are their friends. I know I may sound like a tool but in order for the Marines to effectively complete "The Mission" and win battles with less casualties, Marines have to learn and show obedience to their chain of command and in return their chain will set them up for success. 

 All I am saying is that we all need to be slapped into realty and figure out what we can do to better ourselves and lead our Marines for success. Lets get back to the basics and the routine of a Garrison Marine. 
(Even as simple as completing clean up)


"You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong." - President Abraham Lincoln

"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." -  President Theodore Roosevelt




(Lets not let the Backbone grow weak)
MOOD- Motivated, Dedicated and Oorah!
SONG PLAYING-The Marines' Hymn by United States Marine Corps
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Back on the road

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(HWY 329 to Camp Hansen)

 It has been almost a year since my wife and I landed on Okinawa, Japan. So, far it has been a great experience. Since this is my 2nd tour to this good ole island but this time it's a lot better because I get to share it with my wife. Next challenge for our relationship is getting back into the fleet mentality. Prior to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) we were stationed with 6th Engineer Support Battalion in Eugene/Springfield, Oregon. Serving as an active component in a reserve unit. Times there were rough and a lot of struggles and I am glad that place is behind us. 

Being Stationed in 9th Engineer Support Battalion, Camp Hansen, Okinawa would be a wary one.  Just because most of the unit was still deployed in Afghanistan. Knowing their outstanding reputations as the ESB of the year. So, during the 3 months as a Remain Behind Element (RBE), I was just trying to loosen up the rusty areas as a Fleet Marine. Getting back into the routine, it was non stop inventories, correcting the junior Marines and standing at parade rest. Just the daily life as a Fleet Marine. 

 Throughout this year, I can say that our road was not always smooth. Yes, there are times where we hit bumps, make U turns or take the wrong roads but at the end we always tend to find a way to get back on track. This is how unique our relationship is and there are none like it. When it's rough, it's rough and when things are smooth, it's the best. 

 Overall living in Okinawa has been great. Sharing my wife the places I have been and ate at. While at the same time, she shows me these places she's found and knows that I would like it. 

(Irinoazana, Shuri Castle, Okinawa, Japan)
[Mood : Strong & Focused ] [Song Playing : Both Of US by B.o.B Feat Taylor Swift]
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