Who turned up the heat?

Its getting hot over here. The other day it topped out at 115 degrees. I cant really go anywhere without sweating profusely. Nice picture i know.

Finally, An Update

So i havent written on the blog in a long time. Theres really not too much to write, theres really not much new going on out here. Our squad just got off QRF (Quick Reaction Force) its basically where everyone in our squad waits around for something to happen around the Fallujah area and we react to it. Since theres things are pretty slow and boring around here we mostly just waited around. Ive been going to the gym alot lately, myself and Puente have been going to an abs class at the gym in attempt to sculpt that 6-pack. I dont know if it will work since theres so many delicious things to eat at the chow hall, its more just preventative maintenance. Since we're getting into the summer months its starting to heat up out here. At the hottest its been into the low 100s. Its not too bad, I've pretty much acclimatized to it. Its only going to get worse though. In July and August it gets up to 120s out here. In Kuwait it can get up to 140. Not really much else to write about. Ill try to post more often.

Memorial Day on Monday

Norman Rockwell's "Freedom From Fear"
Memorial Day commemorates those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country and died in battle. It is also a time for picnics barbecues, family gatherings and sporting events (Thank you Wikipedia). Its a good time to go out and enjoy the freedom that so many men and women have died for. I didnt realize how great we have it in the United States until I came to a country where they live in fear and only until recently have had an idea of what freedom is. We really are blessed to live in such an amazing country. Heres a quote from Ronald Reagan that i saw the other day:



"Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. Its not our by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes along only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again."

Heres Another Link For Our Company Website

http://www.mnfwest.usmc.mil/mnf/mnfw_public.nsf/unitSites/GuardianCo

Our company website has updates on what were doing out here and some helpful links. It also has some old photos of training we did when we were back in the states.

A Link for Some Pictures

http://www.mnfwest.usmc.mil/MNF/mnfw_IM.nsf/0/A72F1DF61F251CF34325743D002F3BA2/$File/mixpics.pdf

If you click this link you can see some photos of my squad doing some training with optics.

My Meritorious Mast

On Friday I recieved an award for some work done at the Pumphouse, its called a Meritorious Mast. This Pictures not the best but if you look close you can see me recieving the award from our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Wilson.
The Citation reads:
Lance Corporal Jansma was on the 28th day of April 2008 The subject of a Meritorious Mast conducted by the Commanding Officer of Guardian Company for outstanding service as follows: For Meritorious Performance of duty while serving as Assistant Team Leader, 4th Squad Mobile Assault Platoon Guardian Company, From 16-19 April 2008 in Camp Fallujah, Iraq. During this period Lance Corporal Jansma personally ensured the removal and return of all excess communication assets to the company and removal of 6000 pounds of unwanted material from Pumphouse Barney. Of his own inniciative Lance Corporal Jansma upon being relieved after standing watch for 8 hours in tower 1 continued the beautification of the pumphouse, working an additional 10 hours loading armor plates and other materials into a 7-ton. In doing so, his selfless attitude, and superior performance of duties during the clean up greatly enhanced the overall performance of the Pumphouse. Lance Corporal Jansma's performance goes above what is expected of a Lance Corporal and his willingness to work countless hours to ensure mission acomplishment is a testament to his hard work. Lance Corporal Jansma's initiative and dedication to duty have reftected credit upon him and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps.

Pumphouse Pictures

Mortars that somebody painted
Our awesome gym
The canal