JUNE 08 UPDATE FROM MAJ DENNIS MCCOOL:
Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 12:07 PM
by BlogMasters
I wanted to give everyone an update on what is going on with me. Many of you know that I have been talking to Army Personnel since returning from Iraq, about going back on active duty after the Resolve to Win March was completed. On 15 June I returned to active duty, assigned to US ARCEN (formerly 3rd ARMY HQ). ARCENT is the Army Headquarters responsible for the Middle East Theater of Operation, falling directly under CENTCOM which is the Joint Service Command for Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
Being assigned to ARCENT, I expected a future deployment to the Middle East since most of the organization is deployed down-range. When I arrived at ARCENT I was notified that I would be immediately deployed to Kuwait for 6 months. After the initial shock wore off, I decided that the job they have me assigned to (Director of Installation Services, Camp Arifjan) is a very good job, as Army jobs go in the Middle East. It should be a great job with a lot to do and very important for all the troops passing through Camp Arifjan. So the time should move along and I expect to have a high level of job satisfaction. I have had the last six months to recharge my batteries so now is just as good as later. It would have been nice to have known in advance so that I could have visited more family and I would not have bought a new car last month, but it is what it is.
I have spent the past two weeks frantically processing into Ft McPherson and ARCENT HQ and simultaneously processing out on Temporary Change of Station orders for Kuwait. Even though I just returned from Iraq last December, most for the preparatory training for deployment has to be re-certified very 12 months, so I am doing it all again. I am currently home for a few days getting my affairs in order for deployment, since I was not prepared for an immediate deployment when I returned to active duty.
I expect to be in Kuwait by mid July. It should only be about 125 degrees, since mid August is really the HOT time of year. J
I hope you will all follow the Resolve to Win site as I hope to provide weekly BLOGS after I am settled in at Camp Arifjan.
Also, I hope that you stay in touch. My AKO address is dennis.l.mccool@us.army.mil , but remember that you can NOT send any FORWARDED EMAILS to a NIPR AKO address. I will still be able to access my civilian email at dmccool@cfl.rr.com .
Best regards to all of you,
Dennis McCool
3 Comments | Post Comment | Email This
Saturday, June 28, 2008 - Hey
The best of luck to you and look forward to reading your updates. Let us know how we can assist.Cheerily
IJK
Posted by Anonymous
Friday, July 4, 2008 - Resolve at it's best!
Dennis, You are, without a doubt, one of the most dedicated/partiotic people I've ever been privileged to meet! May God bless you, keep you and return you safely to us. John and I look forward to receiving your updates. Always, Louise & John DoddPosted by Anonymous
Saturday, July 5, 2008 - new car
Best of Luck! Are you selling your car?Posted by Anonymous
