AHHHH // July 14, 2005

Ok, I think you need the whole story. I was in the company area and I ran into the Bravo company commander and he asked me if I wanted to go on a mission. I, of course, said yes – anytime I get to go to the field to see soldiers is a good day. I now go at least twice a week, sometimes more. Its great ministry. Something about seeing a soldier’s face light up when I come around I worth it weight in gold. I have almost tripled my counseling load just by gaining exposure to soldiers in the field. In fact, every time I go, I see soldiers that I have never met before. Its crazy.

So I’m like, “yeah, I totally want to go, just let me grab my stuff and I’ll meet you at your Brad.” I head out to my HMMV and start it up. SPC Scott (the 648th 56M that is attached to me) was sitting the vehicle with me. I back up a little and attempt to pull out. Thing is, there were these cement overhangs that I drove under and I kind forgot that I am driving a up armored HMMV that has a turret on the top. This means that my vehicle is actually about three feet higher than it normally is. I mean, not everybody has a armored car that has a gunner’s turret on the top. Its several hundred pounds of steel just sitting up on top.
Are you getting the picture?
Yup, I totally did – There was a loud, BAM, and suddenly, I had a skylight in my vehicle and this huge piece of armor is sitting out inform of my HMMV. I had to laugh. I mean – hey – whatareyagonnado?

A couple of really helpful guys came over and helped me put it on top of the hood and we dumped it in the motor pool. The Chief Mechanic just laughed. I said, “Chief. You’d never believe what just happened! The turret just came off my vehicle! It was the durdnest thing!” He shook his head and said, “I don’t even want to know chap – just fill out the form and we’ll fix it….”

Live and learn. Live and learn. Such is the Army life!

Blessings!