CENTCOM Commander visit

General Mattis, the U.S. Central Command Commander, graced us with his presence this week.  He's a 42-year Marine Infantry officer who commands all US military operations in the Middle East from his HQ at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL.  Part of his brief talk with us was to generally outline and clarify the current conditions in his area of operations and validate our mission in Saudi Arabia.  As he pointed out, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya have experienced roughly the same uprising from their citizens over the last couple of months.  However, only two of those countries armies did not open fire on their citizens while the other did.   The one that did has had no military-to-military relationship with the US.  Egypt and Tunisia, however, have had such a relationship which gives reason to their humane response.  Therefore, it is vital that we continue our strong relationship with Saudi Arabia since the current unrest in the Middle East will only serve to elevate the importance and standing of this kingdom.

On an interesting note, the question was asked of Gen. Mattis - "Will we ever find Bin Laden?"  To which he replied, "We have the kind of people tracking him down that you don't ever want coming after you.  We're gonna find that sonofabitch and kill him.  Isolating him to the point that he cannot coordinate the efforts of his men will never be good enough."  When talking about his supervision of General Petraeus's efforts in Afghanistan he said he has one rule, to give him every thing he says he needs to accomplish the mission.

2-D Dad

  I Skyped with the family last night as we usually do every couple days.  Isabel was grumpy, Jackson was distracted and Paola was losing patience with the both of them.  I tried to infuse some paternal wisdom in conjunction with their mother's guidance, but once again I was reminded of one simple fact: being a 2-dimensional dad sucks. You're not nearly as imposing or viable when you fit on a 15 inch screen.  Sure, I can still send them to their room from thousands of miles away or have an earnest discussion with them about their behavior.  What I can't do is sit next to them, throw my arm around their shoulders and physically convey love and forgiveness.  I can't high five an accomplishment, hug away a disappointment or tickle-monster one of those perfect moments where a bout of silliness collides with a case of the giggles.
  Fortunately for me, my children have an absolutely amazing mother.  She has taken up the slack in everything that I can't be for the kids.  Needless to say, I have plenty to make up for once I return.  And I have more than plenty to be thankful for in the meantime.

Hash

     Below are some pics of the hash I went on yesterday (6 JAN 11).  Apparently, 'hashing' began in the 1920's with a bunch of Brits in Singapore who were avid runners bent on seeking and blazing new trails in the surrounding countryside as a way of physical fitness and social enjoyment.  At some point, possible on the very first hash, alcohol was introduced to this ritual.  Well, with that sort of foundation, it's little wonder that this 'social sport' has grown internationally.  One only has to Google in order to find their local hash club.  I'm told that most hash clubs are a rowdy group of drinkers with a running problem  (this is suggested as the international mantra as well).  But, lucky for me, in a land where alcohol is forbidden, ours is a group that soberly takes to the terrain as only those seeking great views and good company.  I was happy to find both in my first opportunity.

     Not really sure where we ended up in the desert.  I only know it to be about 45 minutes NW of Riyadh.   

 Thought this was a cool pic of a single tree amidst an arid landscape.

 There were three options during the hash to fit the fitness level or intention of all comers: the run, the long walk and the short walk.  Since it was my first, I went with the long walk which was led by a retired British army sergeant major in his 60's who was hell-bent on showcasing his elite condition to the chagrin of many.

 If you look down the ridge line, you'll get a feel for how strung out our group was only about 15 minutes into an hour long stroll.

Making our way back to the parking area seen in the distance.