ZeroTwoMike Soldier

UPDATE!

2007-01-15T15:51:00.000-05:00

I would like to announce the creation of a new site!

This new site will feature the same MN military-centered news and commentary, but also will branch out a little more...involve more people and discuss more topics.

There will be also available some of the old ZTMS posts that I particularly like.

The working title is 'More Perfect Union.' And is currently in the design stage. Check it out here.

If there are any ZTMS readers who may want to contribute, please contact me, and we can discuss what you would plan to bring to the table.

Thanks, and hope to all see you soon...

PVT RYAN

A goodbye of sorts...

2006-12-30T22:27:00.000-05:00

ZTMS is officially going into retirement.

The demands of my position in the MN-ARNG the last months have not left me anytime to write, and as a result, this blog has been neglected. I feel it's best to move on from here.

However, I would like to thank everyone for all the kind words, encouragement, and insight I have received in my time here.

I will be starting another site in the very near future, hopefully the help of a couple of other Soldiers who's opinions I have grown to respect a great deal. More on that very soon...

In closing.

If you take anything from ZTMS please, let it be these names.

SGT TURCOTTE
SGT MCDONOUGH
SGT RYSTAD
SSG HANSON
SGT MILLER
SGT KOCH
SSG DAY
SGT LHOTKA
1LT TIMMERMAN

The above are all MNARNG 34th Infantry Division Soldiers/Minnesotans, who have died in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Remember them and their families always.

Also, remember the 36 other service members and 3 civilians from Minnesota who have given their lives in support of OIF.

St. Louis Park police officer Paul Reuben is still missing and unaccounted for in Iraq as well.

Remember all the above mentioned men.

No matter your political orientation, honor these men and honor their sacrifice.

If you cannot see past your political partisanship to remember these men as the Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors, and civilian patriots that they are...you truly have given in to the cynicism, selfishness, and callousness of the times we live in.

Please remember, we are all Americans. This is a nation of people not political parties; scholarly debate not protest slogans and bumper stickers; law not mobs; logic not emotion; real individuals not fashionable non-conformists.

Continue the mission!

1/34th Loses It's First Soldier

2006-06-19T08:59:00.000-04:00

It's a kinda somber day here at the capital as we learn more about the death of SPC Koch.

You can read more about him here.

More to follow later today after work.

All state flags are being flown at half staff, so if you display a flag at home or at work, please join us in honor of SPC Koch.

231 Years Of Service

2006-06-15T09:19:00.000-04:00

The US Army is celebrating 231 years of service this year. I thought it might be interesting to share the message I received.

The United States Army was born out of the desire to defend liberty and proudly celebrates its 231st birthday on 14 June 2006.

Since 1775, millions have worn the uniform and lived the Warrior Ethos. Soldiers have always understood that the freedoms our nation guarantees are worth fighting for and America's decision to put 'boots on the ground' illustrates like no other action its continued commitment to these ideals.

Today, AmericaÂs Army is engaged in a global war on terrorism and has a presence in 120 countries. Soldiers have long sacrificed their personal comfort and safety to answer a higher calling. Despite hardships and dangers to life and limb, Soldiers have always answered the call and our nation has long relied on your courage, your sacrifice and your selfless service.

To our Soldiers around the world, our thoughts are with you and your families on this 231st Army Birthday. We are proud to serve with you, as you embody the Warrior Ethos. You have made our Army the most respected institution in the United States and the pre-eminent land power on Earth. We are humbled by your sacrifice and awed by your achievements.

And check out the interactive 'Call to Duty' presentation outlining the Army from the Soldier to the Modularity Concept.

June 6th

2006-06-06T18:19:00.000-04:00

While some choose to focus on a scary movie or the significance of the date 6/6/06...I, like many others, both Soldiers and civilian alike, am taking time to remember what was done on the beaches of Normandy.

I always watch Saving Private Ryan on this day, as a way to remember and memorialize what was lost and accomplished. While the movie has it's corny Hollywood moments; I think anyone who has watched the actual landing scene in the beginning of the movie will not forget the graphic and realistic attempt to portray what that day looked like to those who had fought it.

Just for an instant, try to imagine yourself as a Soldier on that beachhead, having lost some or possibly all of your friends, looking up your sector to the merciless German lines manned by an enemy that is fighting for their lives just as hard as you are fighting for yours. Would you get out from behind whatever cover you find and expose yourself to withering small arms and heavy machine gun fire; would you advance up that beach into the teeth of an enemy that had been preparing for your arrival? Would you have done your job? Would you accomplish your mission?

Of course, none of us would really know what we would do unless we were there.

Now, I am not going to try and write an eloquent memorial of the Soldiers actions, as I have stated before on this blog, there are much better writers than me for that.

I am just writing as an enlisted Soldier, here in 2006, who has always been proud, amazed, and inspired by what those who have came before me have accomplished and sacrificed.

I am in awe...and am humbled to wear the same flag on my uniform.

"This We'll Defend"
(US Army motto)

USMC Drill Team

2006-04-18T11:08:00.000-04:00

Go here for a video of the USMC Silent Drill team. I had the pleasure of seeing them perform at the Excell a couple of years ago. They are quite simply put, amazing!

precision drill with bayonets affixed to old school M1, WWII style rifles...it's an incredible thing to see.

Watch the above clip for a sample. The video frame rate cannot even keep up with a lot of the movements.

And remember...they are using real bayonets the whole time.

MN Army National Guard, 150 Years Of Service

2006-04-17T16:38:00.000-04:00

This is the announcement I recieved today.

GOVERNOR PAWLENTY PROCLAIMS MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD DAY

In honor of the Minnesota National Guard’s 150th anniversary, Governor Tim Pawlenty today proclaimed it to be Minnesota National Guard Day.

The following is the text of the Governor’s official proclamation:

Whereas: The Minnesota National Guard was formed as the Pioneer Guard on April 17, 1856, two years before Minnesota was granted statehood; and

Whereas: The First Minnesota Infantry was the first regiment offered to President Lincoln during the Civil War, fighting bravely at the battles of Bull Run, Antietam, and Gettysburg; and

Whereas: The First Minnesota Infantry was pivotal in the Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg; and

Whereas: Minnesota’s 175th Field Artillery, deployed with the 34th “Red Bull” Division, were among the first Americans to be dispatched to Europe in January of 1942; and

Whereas: Members of the Minnesota National Guard have served their country valiantly during the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; and

Whereas: Currently over 2,800 members of the Minnesota National Guard are deployed around the world.

Now, Therefore, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Monday, April 17, 2006, to be Minnesota National Guard Day in the State of Minnesota and ask every Minnesotan to find a way to support and assist our Guard members and their families.

Live 11

2006-04-11T22:47:00.000-04:00

Top of nine, Joe Nathan is going to try for the save.

The crowd is loud, and Natan retires the first batter.

Ellis is at the plate and has been about a week behind the first 2 pitches. AND THERE IS THE THIRD!!!!! Out-friggen-standing!!! Ellis goes 0-for the night.

Nathan keeps it rolling on Kotsav getting him to chase the first pitch. He has some nice looking breaking stuff for 2 balls. I wish the crowd would stop booing...the last 3 pitches were balls. Kotsav fouls one off.

The count is full...this could end here...and...a walk. And the crowd boos again.

Brings up Crosby, who homered earlier. One on base two down; let the drama begin.

Nathan keeps going up high, he's a little excited.

And the counts full.

AND TORI GRABS THE LINE DRIVE TO CENTERFIELD!!! LET THE BEER FLOW AND THE WARM WEATHER BEGIN!

And the Twins win the home opener. 2-5 on the year. My sixer of Grain Belt is depleted and bed time has arrived. Thanks for putting up with my little experiment. Not sure I am going to make a habit of live blogging, but hey gotta try everything once right?

Live 11

2006-04-11T22:26:00.000-04:00

Top of 8. The A's have 6 outs left. Crain in on the hill.

And, Chavez hit's shot number 2. Bringing the A's within one. The game just got more interesting.

Looks like Rincon is next in line in the bullpen. Hopefully he won't be needed this inning.

Anyway, like I was saying earlier about getting the first run...well sometimes getting that first out is damn hard in the later innings especially in a 1 run game.

Crain puts Bradley down looking with a helluva pitch. But Payton takes Crain to the opposite field leaving 1 on base 2 dead.

We have a nice duel going between Crain and Kendall...BUT CASTRO MAKES A GREAT PLAY! He went deep in the pocket at short and came across his body to gun it over to first for the out.

AND NOW THE DQ COMMERCIAL FOR THE FOURTH TIME. Please Lord, make it stop.

Bottom of 8, we need a few runs, the Twins bats have been cooling down...but that is the ebb and flow of baseball.

But then Batista bounces one off the baggie in right field! He's had a helluva game.

Caldero takes Sarloos's space on the mound and ends the inning with 3 straight sliders.

End of 8, Twins by 1.

Anyone else think the information graphics 'sound effects' sound completely out of place and take away from the game? All the chirps and bleeps...sounds like a crappy Dr. Who soundtrack. T

Live 10

2006-04-11T22:11:00.000-04:00

The ad with the Twins mascot blasting a t-shirt through the fans living room ceiling with the shirt bazooka...friggen great!

And the denim shirts on the Chris and Jordanna spots for WFTC...man, they ain't been cool for at least a decade.

Radke is going to finish strong. He had one bad inning, but stayed composed and settled down. This next Grain Belt is for you Brad.

The seventh stretch is over, 'What a Wonderful World' has been sung. And the Twins are up.

Mauer is up again, and having a good game on both sides of the plate. Please Joe, get rid of the bellbottomed pants. I'm trying to improve my opinion of you brother...give me something to work with.

And in comes the relief for the A's. What can I say but, HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE! Although I am sure I will eat those words as the A's have a good club and are early favorites in the AL. Sarloos (sp?) is coming out gunning, and ends the inning quickly.

End of seven. Another quicke inning for the Twins and another cold bottle of Grain Belt goodness for me.

Live 9

2006-04-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

Radke is getting better as the game goes on here at the top of 6. The pitch selection is great, and he is letting the defense do thier job.

I just saw a dress my that my ex-girlfriend used to wear in a close up of the crowd on a Blyleven circle me bit. What a way to ruin a good ball game.

Again, Radke and the defense keep the A's at bay.

THERE IT IS!!!! THAT'S IT DAIRY QUEEN!! Y'alls done. Sebastian Joes...here I come.

Bottom of 6, Twins up by 3...my sixer of Primo down by 4.

Heron is keeping the Minnesota bats quiet. Although he will be gone soon.

End of 6, Twins starting to see daylight. The A's only have so many more oppertunities.

Live 8

2006-04-11T21:47:00.000-04:00

Twins in the top of 5 are maintaining.

Tori made a great stop in left-center to prevent the double. In one of the oh-so-important underappreciated type plays that never make the hilight reel.

Castillo ends the top of 5 with a great play at second. Again, the Twins D shuts the door on the A's and makes for a quick inning. I Love it!

So as long is it is a commercial break; does anyone else think that the way most players wear thier pants/stirrups looks like crap? I swear some of them have stirrups sewn on the bottoms of thier pant legs. In the extreme cases, like Bonds for instance, the pants are stretched to the bottom of his shoes. Sporty looking bellbottoms you jack ass.

Morneau lights the ball up!!!! Again, another ball to hold on to.

I have to wonder if Haren will make it through the rest of the inning. Although he just suckerd Batista down low for the K.

End of 5. Twins in charge. The D is kicking ass.

Live 7

2006-04-11T21:35:00.000-04:00

Radke and the defense is looking tough at the top of 4; we have to keep the train running. Radke and the right side of the infield have made a great play for out 2. The Twins defense has always outplayed the offense...one of the things I love about the team.

And Cuddy comes up huge with the diving catch in right field to end the inning!!!

SGT G, are you going nuts right now?

AND THERE IS THE DAMN DQ COMMERCIAL! WHY GOD WHY do you include a labor scene for an ice cream commercial? If I see that spot one more time, I will eat all my summer ice cream at Sebastian Joes in protest.

Bottom of 4, and it looks like that batting practice the Twins had in the third may be over as Heron puts 2 down back to back. The danger right now is to try and force hits by swinging at too much crap trying to spark another ass whupping.

But Mauer shows discipline and waits for a pitch and again shows off the speed as he slides into 2nd for a double.

The inning ends with a short fly ball into center.

End of 4. Twins in control. Keep up the D boys. And nickel and dime the A's to death with the bats.

How much have you missed baseball this year?

Live 6

2006-04-11T21:08:00.000-04:00

Cuddy is due...we need to turn 2 errors at shot into at least 1 run.

We are getting to Haren...but have not been able to get any mileage outta it yet.

And Cuddy goes down. 0-8 this season.

A sergeant I work with is convinced she is going to marry Cuddy. She must be in tears after that called 3rd strike.

End of the 2nd. Twins not in control.

The start of the 3rd...Radke gets tacked yard to left field. And we are not throwing the ball back. Jeez...throw it back. Stick up for your team will ya? Radke needs all the help he can get now that the good guys are down by 4.

But really, what fan does not throw the ball back? Whatta ya gonna do, sell it on eBay? Nobody wants that. Are you going to put it on your desk at work? Nobody wants to see a home run ball from the other team...they wanna see a Hunter or Mauer ball. I'm glad the fan was booed.

Anyway, the bottom of 3 is off to a good start. Back to back hits...we need to start some movement...some momentum. The first run, is often times the hardest one to get.

Mauer is at bat, which is good...I like a lefty in this position.

AND HE GOES OPPOSITE FIELD! 2 runs score! That is 3 decent shots to left field.

White bloops one to center and Mauer is showing that catchers have wheels too as he legs it out from 1st to 3rd.

Tori bangs in a run, it's now a 1 run game with 2 on the bags and 1 dead.

Like I said earlier, momentum. Most team sports are about momentum and what team has it. The second time through the line up and the Twins are on hop of Haren.

BATISTA!!! Blasts a 3 run shot! Welcome to 2006 Twins offense! Now there is a home run ball to hold on to people.

End of 3. Twins respond in kind with a 6 run inning. Radke has had some time to rest and hopefully will go into the 4th with a renewed confidence.

Live 5

2006-04-11T20:56:00.000-04:00

Bases juiced, and a line shot up the 1st baseline and leave us down by 3 with 2 on base and 1 dead.

Radke is not being helped with the umpire who is not giving an inside corner.

The Twinks gotta settle, especially Radke.

A dribbler to 2nd and a pop out to Stweart end the top of 2.

Dows anyone else notice the how weird the DQ commercial is? With the man and pregnant switching roles where the man is giving birth screaming 'you did this to me' at his wife? Gimme a friggen break. I get it, childbirth hurts. But come on...it's not something males 'do to' you. Don't wanna experience the pain of child birth? Don't have a kid. Or drug yourself up during labor.

Live 4

2006-04-11T20:49:00.000-04:00

Well...I was an inning late on the 1 run prediction. Radke got lit up. And Tori almost pulled an old Puck move in center. He was damn close too.

Crippled Frank Thomas just walked (questionably,) leaving 2 on the bags 1 out.

Live 3

2006-04-11T20:32:00.000-04:00

Radke is looking pretty good, pitching-wise that is. His face is a little more grizzled than I remember. And that is good, pitchers need to be ugly.

He's racked up 2 K's in the first inning...outstanding. Unlike Haren of the A's who walked Castillo.

Mauer has been looking good this season. I must admit, I never liked the kid (him being from the hated Cretin ball team.) I have always respected his skills, but I have always like the way AJ used to play the plate and the additude he brought to the game. Although, I am starting to come around on him...maybe if he was in one of the funny Twins commercials.

...

We have a runner in scoring position, with white at bat. He just went after a crap pitch that went low...and the inning is now over...thanks to his dribbler to short.

Inning over; Twins looking better than the A's thus far. And so the battle between 2 of the worst named teams in the leauge begins. Although the Twins will always be my team.

Live 2

2006-04-11T20:29:00.000-04:00

Great now, that all the pre-game fluff is outta the way, let's get the game rolling.

I am betting 1 run in the first inning for Radke.

Here's to me being wrong.

Home Opener Live Blogging

2006-04-11T20:22:00.000-04:00

The first Twins home game for the new season...my first live blogging session.

As far as the opening ceremonies...
Was it just me or did the UPN pre-game seem tacked on as all hell? They pimped the new luxury seats, the writing/script (or possible ad-libbing) by the intrepid WFTC team was corny, and they stayed way too long with the fans on camera outside the dome. Then again, maybe I am totally jealous that I have to be at work at 630 and I wish I had an obscene amount of Gain Belt in me and were there myself?

More Camp Shelby Pics

2006-03-30T12:22:00.000-05:00

A couple more pics of the 1/34 BCT deployment ceremony.

Center of the mass formation. This is where the BCTs colors and guidons are posted at attention...along with the senior leadership of the brigade.

The 34th Infantry Divison Band stands at attention waiting for review/inspection by Governor Pawlenty and the XO of the 1/34 BCT COL Elicerio.

Live From Kuwait

2006-03-29T13:14:00.000-05:00

This Thursday the 30th tune into the local news to get caught up with your 1/34th Brigade Combat Team as they arrive in Kuwait. There will be interviews with COL David Elicerio, Commander of the 1/34 BCT.

Here are the stations and times...
0540-0600 FOX Channel 9
0600-0615 WCCO Channel 4
0615-0630 KSTP Channel 5
0630-0645 KARE Channel 11

Tune in, and keep up to date with YOUR soldiers Minnesota.

Rubbing Elbows With The Politicians Underneath The Capital

2006-03-23T13:53:00.000-05:00

Hello all, it’s been an insane week here at JFHQ.

Most times, I feel like I am still in basic training. Between trying to park my car, navigate the tunnels underneath the capital, and learn my new position…i’ve been pretty stressed.

That being said, I think I am going to like it here. I get to serve my country in a new way, and I could not be prouder.

Well Duh...

2006-03-22T18:57:00.000-05:00

File this report in the 'no Sh_t' catagory.

Camp Shelby Deployment

2006-03-19T13:56:00.000-05:00

Here are some Camp Shelby pics.

It was a pretty amazing time. I have never been part of the Pass in Review ceremony before.

The ceremony itself ws pretty amazing. Close to 4000 soldiers were lined up in formation in the cold drizzly Mississippi rain. Governor Pawlenty was among the speakers, and gave a pretty good speech. Although I think he may have had a cold; either that or he was trying out his 'tough guy' voice.

A shot of the barracks we were billeted in.

A grainy and rainy shot of the main formation.

A post ceremony shot of me and the boys. (I am second on the left.)

Horrible Album Art Part 2

2006-03-19T13:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I googled Mr. Freddie Gage. Turns out he is a Baptist minister. And the album in question is in fact a sermon of his. Check out the good ministers web site.

Turns out I am not the only blogger who was curious after checking out the "All My Friends Are Dead" album cover.