Navy's Newest "Weapon System"

A big "thank you" goes out to my co-workers at Park Supply for the package full of squirt guns! We all truly appreciate the support you guys and gals have sent our way!

Thanks Again!

Zimm

WHAT??????

I'm not a doctor, but I don't really think she should worry about the jackhammers!!??

Zimm, Don't You Work?

A lot of people are e-mailing me to ask if I do any work out here. I have to say, that is a fair question! In fact, I DO work. The deal is, I have an agreement with the Navy that says I can keep my blog up as long as I don't talk about our day to day operations. Hence, all I write about is the fun stuff! For some pictures of us at work, click the "Navy Customs Battalion Sierra" link to the left. Kip is one of the guys who has permission to post work stuff!

Now, how about some news?

The thermometer by the admin tent shows 118 degrees

The weather has FINALLY cooled off! We have been averaging 120 degrees during the day, which is still hot, but the evenings are getting into the mid 90's, which almost feels chilly!

Noel, Elton, Dup, and I pose for a picture with O.A.R.

We recently had the band O.A.R come to Camp Arifjan. They are an alternative rock band, and put on a great show! 4 of us from Customs Battalion worked the security detail for the show (oops, talked about work!). The up side of security detail is the chance to spend a little extra time talking to the band, and getting a group picture!

The "Ziggy Stardust's"

Despite the fact my team, The "Ziggy Stardust's" (I did not pick the dorky name!), was eliminated after only two games and I nearly broke my foot in the process, the unit dodge ball tournament was a blast once again! We had six teams play, and the "Shake-n-bakes" took out the "Officers and Chiefs" for the title. We are looking forward to playing again in a week or so. We have formed 2 Minnesota Mafia teams for that one........I can't wait! Dave's once in a million shot!

We have also been playing a unit dart league. Now, I suck at darts, but since Park Supply sent us this dart board, I have decided to play. My record, 1 win and 6 losses....hey, I told you I sucked! The once in a million shot, above, was thrown by Dave. If you look closely, he threw one dart into the other. Nice shot, Dave!

Well, I guess that's it for now!

Till next time,

Zimm

Random Picture

While I was on R&R we had a Grill-n-chill out on the dhow.

Kuwait Critter - Part 2

Well, I am a forgetful person, and I forgot the most creepy Kuwait critter of them all. We had a Camel Spider come by our quarters. Camel Spiders are fairly uncommon this far south, but they are here. This "little fella" was about 3-4 inches across (note the 2x4 board and boot toe in the pictures). How's that for creepy, Mel?

Nice Teeth!

Nancy, Dup, and I goof off in the admin tent.

Kuwait Critters!

With Kuwait being so hot and dry, I never thought that much wildlife would be found here. The truth is, the desert is a critter hot spot!

Here are just a few of the critters I've seen running around Camp Arifjan.

Desert foxes are seen on camp every now and again. They are generally seen roaming around alone, but a fellow customs sailor captured this truly rare image of a mother and her pups eating a lizard near our admin tent, what a great shot!

There are lizards aplenty around these parts. Here is a lizard that was basking on a rock at the Retrograde Yard right outside of the customs shack.

Scorpions are also pretty common in Kuwait. One day, this normally nocturnal scorpion payed us a surprise day time visit!

I'm all for wildlife stopping in for visits, but this Sand Viper was an unwelcome guest to our admin tent! Sand Vipers are very aggressive, are known to strike a single victim several times, and have very potent venom! One of our sailors CAREFULLY herded this stray bandit into an office trash can until the camp animal control dude could get him out of the area. The good news, no anti-venom was needed!

Prior Lake Fire News.

The Prior Lake Fire Department has been a busy place. I just wish I could be there to see all of the changes in person. Last week, city council members and firefighters came together for a ground breaking ceremony officially starting the construction of our second fire station. Fire station number 2 will be located on County Road 21 at Fountain Hills Drive. Station number 2 is scheduled to open in the spring of 2008. For more info, visit:

http://www.cityofpriorlake.com/FireStationNo.2Project.shtml

PLFD recently took delivery on 2 new fire trucks as well.

PLFD 9222

They took delivery of truck number 9222, a new pumper built by Custom Fire Apparatus in Osceola, WI. 9222 features a 2006 Peterbilt 335 chassis, seating for 6 firefighters, a 750 gallon water tank, 1750 gallon per minute pump, and enclosed pump panel. The truck was delivered in July of 2007. 9222 is an addition to the PLFD fleet in preparation for fire station number 2.

PLFD 9280

PLFD also took delivery of truck number 9280, a new areal platform built by E-One in Ocala, FL. 9280 features a 2007 E-One Cyclone II chassis and a 100' Bronto-Lift articulated areal platform. 9280 replaces our old ladder truck, a 1985 American LaFrance with a 75' areal ladder.

Weird Grey Things!

Hello All,

Well, we awoke to a weird site this morning. At 5AM, the sky was covered with this weird grey substance! After checking air quality and ensuring it was not a biological attack, we concluded that the sky was simply overcast. This was the first occurrence of clouds since late April, and we had simply forgotten what they were. No worries, though, the intense Kuwait summer sun won the battle and the clouds were gone by 8 0clock!

In other news.....
The heat is definitely on! The airport (70 kilometers north of here) has been reporting 120-125 degrees for the past week. The troop medical clinic, here on base, reported 129 degrees a week ago....yes, it was inner gates of hell type of hot! In fact, I'm pretty sure I saw Satin himself sunbathing by the base pool! I guess it could have been a really ugly and sunburned Army dude.........who knows?
Our company is starting up another dodge ball league (as if the first go around was not punishing enough). We had so much fun with the base league, that we are starting one of our own! We are also looking forward to Navy Customs Battalion's second Texas Hold-em tournament, the last one was a blast!
Well, that's all I have to report, what can I say, my life is lacking on great human interest stories.

Till next time,
Zimm

PLEASE PRAY!!!!

Please join me in praying for the victims of the bridge collapse! Please also pray for the safety of the fire and rescue personel working the scene.

Thank you!
Zimm

Random Picture

I can still find the time to clown around!
(No, I did not take up smoking, and it is not lit.....I just could not pass up the photo opportunity!)

What I Am Reading.

A group of guys and I are currently working through this really cool bible study.

Thank You Shipmates!

A special thank you to my shipmates from the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Minneapolis. They took time from their busy schedules to help Holly out by painting the shed and doing a little yard work.

LCDR Greg Gallman and "Holly's picture perfect husband"

The crew got some help from (L to R) Eryn, Lizzy, and Zach

The crew did a great job, and even let Zach, Eryn, and Lizzy do a little painting too.

The Crew from NOSC Minneapolis with Ziggy and "Holly's picture perfect husband"

Thank you for your help and living up to the Navy Core Values of honor, courage, and commitment. You folks are the best, and I look forward to working with you all to return the favor to another shipmate!

GO NAVY!

Zimm

Josh Gracin Visits Camp Arifjan, Kuwait!

On July 1st (OK, I'm a little slow at posting this!) Josh Gracin payed a visit to Camp Arifjan. Josh Gracin, for those who are not familiar with him, is a former U.S. Marine, finished fourth place on American Idol 2, and is a nationally known country music artist.

USO poster announcing Josh Gracin's Visit

Josh Gracin (black shirt)takes the stage during sound checks

Mr Gracin took to the stage at 7pm and rocked the house! Despite the hot evening (it was still 112 degrees at show time) he put on a great show lasting nearly 2 hours. After the show, he spent nearly 3 hours keeping his promise to "meet and give an autograph to everyone that wanted one". Mr Gracin was a class act and put on a great show! Thank you for coming, Josh Gracin!

For more pictures from the concert, visit: http://kipandmichele.com/CustomsJuly1Concert.html

More Familiar American Companies in Kuwait

McDonald's

Starbucks Coffee

FedEx (Just for you, Ytt.)

Fellow sailors hang out at Caribou coffee