Won't make Speed Week this year

[smitty2]

 I won't make Speed Week even as a spectator this year. Hoped to have Roadster done, but the "Extra" job I took to pay for my addiction has finally come back to haunt me. I did get a new ride tho... It's called an "M998" AKA.... Humvee. I thought I was to old for this !#$%^&*. I will try to keep up to date on the website, and will give you guys update from the sand as I can. Anyway... These Humvee critters will hit 60 mph in some of the roughest terrain you can imagine! The picture I'm try to post is of the "Fire Truck" version... Mine has antennas all over it, but for some reason I can't show you a picture of it??? 

 Have a good one!  Lt. Col. Smith 442 Engineering Battalion. ORANG    ... AKA...  Smitty

[Freud]

There are plenty of roads behind the salt flats that you could explore with your new "fire hose."
Come on Down !!
FREUD

[smitty2]

 I am going to send one of these home in the mail... Piece by piece like Radar did on MASH.
 I will try to post the sign that is over my office.. I don't think it's going to fit on the plane tho...

[smitty2]

PS...  Jon you might be interested in this. We have some Special Force guys running arount the training area riding Kawasakies that run on JP-8, or Diesel! I've  not had a chance to check them out, but it really opens up some thought about a diesel class for motor cycles! I will try to learn more about these beasties when I can, but maybe you have more info on them than I do. Think about it... Fastest Diesel

Smitty

[landracing]

Ha, I used to work on those M998's in the army for 8 years... We figured a way to get them up to 80 mph, but it was the only one... I happened to be our humvee for the maint shop I was in... They were alot of fun. Had some good four wheeling in those... Even funner with the deep water kit installed...

They were a very high maint item... We had 16 of them in our group... Seals were a big problem leaking...

I had a brief 4 week stint at Aviano Air Base in Italy, we were helping shutting down a maint group there... They had all the humvee's stored off base, they had one stolen every couple of months. Since they didn't need a key to start, when you turned a vehicle in you had to disconnect the battery and bring the cable into the shop to turn in the humvee to the dispatcher, a pad log and chain were used to "Secure" the vehicle.

Take car Smitty, and post when you can, pictures too it you can....

Jon

[1212FBGS]

smitty
well we both have somethin' it common... we both have one thing on our "to do list" we cant do this year... you wont be able to go to b/ville, and i wont be able to shoot a taliban! I guess we'll have to do it for each other. good luck and keep your frickin' head down..
kent

[Harold Bettes]

Smitty,

Keep aware. 360 aware. Don't trust nuthin' to be what it seems. Remember the old rock and roll lyrics of "smiling faces" and you will do well.

Taking care of the troops and leading from the front will make everything workout OK.

You take care and try your best to stay in touch with us. We appreciate your service.

Regards,
HB2

[Speed Limit 1000]

I was in Saudi for the first war, it was a nice place to visit, but you always had to watch your Acura and look out for your friends. The USAF is a little safer than the Army and the other ground forces. We just sent the B52's to do the job. Be as safe as you can and I hope to see you at the salt next year.

Msgt. Ret. USAF
John
 

[smitty2]

 I was in the Gulf area during the early 80's.. Escorting oil tankers through the Straights of Hormuz. Then I was Navy, and a Non Com Crew Chief on H-53 Sea Stallions. Iran was using oil platforms as launchers for SilkWorm anti shipping missles. We got to light up a few of these platforms
 Got out of the Navy, and used GI Bill to go back to college. Moved back North after school, and took commission in the Army Guard. It was a nice way to pay for a vacation every year. As a plus, all the cool toys!
 We are an Engineering outfit. Mostly road builders, and construction people. Our task for this deployment will be to setup waste water treatment systems, and road building. Sounds easy but there is always someone trying to throw a "wrench in the works" so it will be an interesting time I think.
 We will be deploying sometime in July, and won't know where we are going till the very last minute. I will try to keep everyone informed as to how things are going, plus some pictures if I can. All of the people I've talked to that have just come back inform me that the Iraqi people are glad we are there, but the few that are causing all of the trouble are from elsewhere... not locals. Hope that's the right story
 Since the people of the United States paid for my education I figure it's time I pay them back before I get too old ( Don't let anyone tell you this is a young persons war. My Command Master Sergeant is 58 years old, and won't stop calling me "kid".). Kind of gives new meaning to "The Walker Brigade". We are the only unit to be outfitted with Rascal motorized chairs! The CO is trying to get us billited next to the chow hall so we can get there for the early bird specials.

Smitty

 

[bak189]

Best of luck, Smitty.......and stay safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. And THANKS!!!!..........................................

[4-barrel Mike]

Smitty:

   Wishing you a quiet, safe, and uneventful tour.

Michael J. Kelly
Chief Petty Officer (Naval Air Crew), USN, Retired

[836dstr]

Smitty,

Thanks for serving our Country.

Gives new meaning to "SAVE THE SALT" (and our way of life).

Best wishes !!!!!!!!!!!

Tom

P.S. Someday wish to shake your hand on the SALT.

[Freud]

There is a standing offer for You and Colleen. Free registration  for the Bonneville NW Banquet when u return.
It's dudes like you that make it possible for us to celebrate in safety.
As I recall, your birthday was Banquet day in 2006. We'll have a round for you.
FREUD

[smitty2]

 That was a real barn burner of a briefing! Right Top? Top?

[smitty2]

  Thanks Freud! we'll be sure to be there! I really don't mind paying for a great time, and besides... it goes to a good cause

  Smitty