Activating Cagey in Camp Fallujah, Iraq

kgFallujahsign
Originally uploaded by jjactive2.

On Sunday morning I got annoyed because it was kind of cold — about 25 °F with a strong northwesterly wind — during my long run at the park. I had to wear three shirts and a pullover jacket along with a stocking cap and two pairs of gloves, my face went completely numb, and the GUs I was carrying didn’t quite freeze but did turn crunchy.

On Tuesday morning I got annoyed because my bike tire flatted — downstairs on my trainer. How does that happen? So I cut short my planned one-and-a-half-hour indoor ride at 50 minutes and added a 40-minute run on the local streets, dodging moms in SUVs and school buses along the way.

The active lifestyle full of annoying obstacles to overcome, I thought.

Then Sergeant Kevin G. — we’re not sure if he wants us to use his full name, so better safe than sorry — of the United States Marine Corps blasted me with some reality when he sent Activeness this email from Iraq:

Greetings,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that I really enjoy reading your Activeness blog. I read several blogs each day and yours is constantly the first one I read; it is also one of my favorites. I especially enjoyed your “Game Recognize Game” posting on February 7. I’m sending it to friends who I think would appreciate it.

By the way, if you don’t mind I’d like to add a link to your blog on mine. The site is www.cageys.blogspot.com.

Semper Fi,
Sgt Kxxx Gxxx

The sergeant currently is deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On February 25 he’ll start his return to the U.S. and to his home in North Carolina.

Among the “annoying” obstacles the sergeant has been overcoming while living and training in one of the world’s most dangerous combat zones are explosions from incoming rounds, ground-shaking eruptions from outgoing artillery, 12-to-14-hour work days, spartan 'gyms' that basically are tents with dusty weights and some cardio equipment, extreme heat and dust, the current rainy season and ankle-deep mud, and delivery trucks driven by third-country nationals who see Marines running as fair game for road kill.

Read for yourself at Cagey's Thoughts on the Go.

Cagey, you have been Activated. We’re extremely fortunate to have courageous men and women like you serving our country. And we’re amazed that you’re continuing your training while in Iraq. So keep your head down and stay safe until you get back to a place where the biggest training hazard is that brutal North Carolina summer heat.

- John, Jan, Racer X