bdogg39 0 #1 March 30, 2004 Hello, I just got my A license back in December. As luck would have it, I got deployed to Iraq three weeks later, but at least I got it! I can't wait to get back and start jumping again and looking for a rig of my own. Just wanted to say hello to everyone out there. Take it easy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nbblood 0 #2 March 30, 2004 Welcome and congrats on your Beer....er....A license. You'll find there's quite a few of us in the military or retired military here. I'm personally in Korea right now and have the same no-jumping problem. Of course, now you can save up all that tax free income for a new rig. Come back safe, and once again, welcome. Blues, NathanBlues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
damion75 0 #3 March 30, 2004 Dude - welcome to the forums, my only link with the skydiving world. They rock and help me stay sane. I am in Baghdad at the moment and I know EXACTLY how you feel...! You will be amazed how much you will find out about the sport on here - techniques, equipment, safety etc. And all the time in the world to absorb it over the next few months... Frank.*************** Not one shred of evidence supports the theory that life is serious - look at the platypus. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #4 March 30, 2004 Hey, welcome aboard. Are you in contact with iraqi civilians? If so, what is your impression of them?Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #5 March 30, 2004 Welcome to the forums! When will you get to come home?She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflynate 0 #6 March 30, 2004 Hey, sorry to hear that you are deployed. Glad to hear about the A license. I hope all is going well over there. When do you get to head back to the states? You dont need a parachute to skydive, but you will need one to skydive twice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
streaker 0 #7 March 30, 2004 Congrats on the A license! Stay as safe as you can...come back soon! Beautiful Landings StreakerHave a yippee ki ya day! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bdogg39 0 #8 March 30, 2004 Yeah I see or talk to haji pretty much every day. I'm in a rural area south of baghdad and the people around are pretty supportive of Americans. Most of them wave at us, honk their horns, and flash their lights and hazards when we drive by. I went to Afghanistan too and from my experiences I would say that Iraq has a good chance of success. The Stan was just a complete mess. Don't believe all the crap you see on CNN, its not as crazy as they make it look. Thanks for all your doing as a firefighter, I was looking at it as a possible career when I get out of the Army. Take it easy and make a jump or two for me. -Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bdogg39 0 #9 March 30, 2004 Yeah I love DZ.com. I stumbled on to it when I was looking at preyorpins.com, they have DZ.com necklace, so I checked out the site. I shouldn't be here much longer, we're supposed to be out of here in less than 30 days. I'll be back in the skies soon! -Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billymotox 0 #10 March 30, 2004 Welcome! Congrats on getting your A, and thank you for serving. Take care of each other over there. billy d------------------------- "Escape may be checked by water and land, but the air and the sky are free." (from the story of Daedalus and Icarus) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #11 March 30, 2004 I wanted to know how much does the average Iraqi buy into the islam/jihad thing? My impression is that they aren't that far from the western way of thinking because as bad as Saddam was, he was largely secular and the culture was as decadent as the west, maybe even more so. Also, how does the religion/culture thing compare from the stan? If you want to get in the Fire Dept., I can tell you the best way to go (at least for Baltimore County, MD). Get your MOS as a firefighter in the active or guard. After that, maintain a firefighter position in the guard. Those in the military have the national ratings and career experience that local gov'ts are looking for. Also, in Baltimore County, guard and reserves are given hiring preference. If you can stand riding a medic unit and have an EMT card, you can pretty much be guaranteed a slot in whatever class you put in for. Good Luck.Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bdogg39 0 #12 March 31, 2004 Well, we're really not supposed to talk to the locals about religion but they are not as fanatical as the stan and they are more open minded (most of them) to other religions. In fact, the haji barber that cuts our hair is a Christian. Another fun fact, prostitution is legal here. Making porn is illegal but selling imported porn is legal. This is definitely not an islamic state. The stan was very isolated, it was like going back in time, but even the smallest village had a speaker that played music at prayer time, 5 times a day, but I haven't heard it here once. And there aren't any women here that where burqas (sp). So, you're pretty much right on, other than being a little poorer (for now) than the US, we have a lot in common with these guys where as the Stan, well, its about time to just turn that place into glass. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maxmadmax 8 #13 April 4, 2004 a mighty big salute to You! If and when we ever meet....then the first jump is on me and then the first case of beer is also. Thanks for doing a great job in a shitty place. Don't go away mad....just go away! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlvaroCarvalho 0 #14 April 4, 2004 Hello! Be safe! I was wondering...how many skydivers are deployed overseas... I'm working as UN Police Officer here in East Timor for 9 months now. I'll get back to my country on may. Blue skies! Hey...ho...let's go! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katiebear21 0 #15 April 6, 2004 Glad you found our little cyber home... it will keep you sane while you're deployed! I had 100 jumps when I deployed and found the forums a great way to stay fresh and current! Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lfhower 0 #16 April 7, 2004 Welcome from an old vet. Proud to have you on board and thanks to you and all the others who are serving our country at this trying time........Lee Always remember, when you get where you're going, there you are! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
