Segredo Family Blog

Going to the Chapel and we're.......

2007-09-10T12:19:00.000-04:00

Hello all. I am writing this on 10 September and I am thinking about tomorrow. While many people are disheartened remembering events 6 years ago, I am remembering joyful ones two years before. Tomorrow is 8 years since Heather and I were married. It is kind of hard for me to be able to describe to you how wonderful the last 8 years have been. We get told often that we act like kids sometimes, like newlyweds. Heather and I sometimes joke that it may be because, of those 8 years, only 4 1/2 have we actually been together. I think that has definitely helped her sanity, because dealing with me everyday can be trying for the heartiest of souls. But I know the reason is much deeper. Even out here in this barren land, I think about her smile and can feel her warmth from here. I was worried about going home on R&R because I knew we would eventually have to part again. But I have learned that our marriage, our love has stood true because of the little things we share. A grilled cheese sandwich when we've had a rough day. Celebrating together when we score a strike while bowling with friends. Laughing together at a funny movie or a silly moment. Walking together in Annapolis, enjoying the fresh breeze and remembering our sweet moments there. A squeeze from her hand in mine while we walk. A hug while sitting on the back patio in the company of good friends. A Rita's ice sitting on the tailgate of the truck during the cool evening breeze. All these sweet moments comprise a loving relationship unlike any I could have imagined in my younger days. I always know the day is good and everything is fine when her face lights up with a smile. She is my best friend and my favorite companion. I miss those moments when I am away and cherish each one when we are together because I know they are special because of her. I look forward to getting home and enjoying these moments and feeling her warmth. I know some people rarely get to feel these moments, either because they haven't found that special someone or because they are too caught up in life to take the time. I don't make that mistake because I know when your relationship is this good, nothing can be too bad. Every hurdle can be overcome as long as we're together. I remember a little magnet on our fridge that says things best "I miss you when we're apart, but I always know we're close at heart." I just wanted to convey how special this day is and how many are more to come. Because 8 years ago, she said "I Do", and every day has gotten better since. Happy Anniversary Darlin'. I love you more than these flimsy words can say, and I wanted to let you know.

Welcome Back, Your dreams were your ticket out....

2007-08-30T10:57:00.000-04:00

Hello all. It is hard to believe it has been over two months since I posted something and so much has happened. I will try to encapsulate everything in chronological order. I guess I should have called this blog "Going Back in Time.."
14 Jun: Right before Father's Day, my good friend Gadi and his lovely wife Jenna welcomed their daughter Lila Sivan Ben-Yehuda into the world. I had the opportunity to visit them during my recent R&R (comments later) and I must say Gadi, either that beautiful girl's looks come only from Jenna or you should check the milkman (ha, ha). I know, bad joke. Seriously though, she is a lovely girl and you all are great parents. I am very happy for them.
16 Jul: I turned 35 today. I am now older than Mozart. Last year I was older than Jesus. As Gadi said, my goal is to get older than Reagan. Well on my way. Here is a picture of my birthday cake. It was a brownie cake Heather sent to me.

04 Aug: I landed in Atlanta at 745AM and saw Heather for the first time since January 27th. A wonderful and awful day. Wonderful because I was seeing her, awful because she had to tell me my close friend Chris, who was like a brother to me, was dead. I will talk more about that later. I spent the next 18 days flying from Atlanta to Florida (to visit my parents and sister) to Maryland (home in my bed for one night) to Austin, TX (to bury my friend) back to Maryland for good. Along the way I saw old friends Dan Subia and Rudy Quiles whom I had not seen for many years (13 1/2 in Dan's case).

I had a nice cookout with good friends at home and enjoyed some good food, good wine and good company. In fact I saw Gadi's sisters who came to my party and I had not seen since 1988 (Tahl) and 1992 (Naomi). But best of all, I saw Heather. We saw a movie, had a Rita's on the tailgate, and just enjoyed each other's company. What could be better. As our good friend Heather Mackenzie would say, it didn't suck!!

20 Aug: I said goodbye to Heather and started my journey back here which included numerous stops and 5 hours roasting in the cargo bay of a C-130. I got back to base late on 22 August and have been catching up ever since. I am now at 84 days and counting as of 30Aug.
Well that has caught you up on everything except for one thing, Chris. I remember emailing him before I came home telling him we needed to get together to talk. I write this finding it hard to believe he is gone. Even after crying by his graveside, I still expect a silly email or a phone call from him with his crazy laugh. Chris was a complex person. A writer, musician, historian, warrior. His life was always a challenge, whether he chased the challenge or it just fell on him. But he never backed away and he kept fighting, fighting to live life on his terms. I remember, at his funeral service, his eulogy, given by his close friend Tracy Green. He spoke about his relationship and how it was defined by a song. Heather astutely observed that all his relationships were defined by music, each person probably had a song that meant something special between them. I remember that he and I always talked about having "Tea in the Sahara" together. That was our song. Soulful, complex. That was Chris. I imagine him now, in Heaven, running around in white camouflage, sneaking up behind the angels and burping out loud "God Bless You". I miss him. I wish I could talk to him, about my adventures. I find it ironic that now I am the one and cammies and combat boots, and I wish I could tell him how much I respected what he did, that I understand it better now. God bless you Chris. I hope you are finally at peace.
Well that is all for now. I will try and update you more as things go on. Take care and I hope to see you all soon.

I'm lookin out for a hero....

2007-06-16T11:30:00.000-04:00

Hello again all. If you haven't noticed, I have been using music and movie quotes as titles, as I have found both have a certain emotional connection and common understanding. Forgive me for trying to wax eloquent, though I'm just a dumb old sailor. I received a letter (sent in February) from a soon to be father, my old friend Gadi Ben-Yehuda. He lives in D.C and we maintain a very strong friendship though years and miles have separated us. It seems that different paths have brought us to a similar place. Well Gadi is a poet, and after reading his letter, I felt inspired. His letter was written on an old typewriter, and his writing style and writing instrument have an old, poetic feel that feels as if he is telling a story and not just writing a letter. It reminds me that eloquence is not just for Homer and Shakespeare, but for common expression amongst uncommon friends.

Now you are trying to make a connection between the first paragraph and the title. The one word that links them both is this: father. It is Father's Day tomorrow, and we all remember that person, whether an uncle, a friend or an actual father, who was the hero in our life. Like mine. We always told other kids when we were children "My daddy can beat up your daddy" or something along those lines. I think it is because we didn't know how to say that our fathers were bigger heroes to us, larger than life in some way. Invincible. This brings me to my picture for this weeks blog:

This was drawn on the concrete wall near my trailer. It was done by a 20-year-old kid (I must be old, calling 20 years a kid). He was preparing to go home and wanted to leave his living area a better place. I asked him why this particular topic. He said it was to be a daily reminder to all those still here that we are heroes. Maybe without the fancy suits (though the uniforms are a little crazy) and without the superpowers (what, didn't Marvel or DC comics have a hero with "blogging" powers) but we are heroes nonetheless. To our families and friends and to the American people yes, but also to those silent majority who live in fear of the common villainy they see every day. To those who wish for a peaceful life and see only one group of people willing to fight for them, us.

I am also reminded of the fathers and sons here, one sergeant I met the other day. He was in the National Guard and had just participated in his son's re-enlistment, here in Q-West, because his son's unit is also here. Odd coincidences bring father and son together. I ask that as you read this, think about your father, that hero in your life who helped make you the person you are today. Call and say thanks. If you are a father, remember that you are the hero. Acts of superheroism are not required, but common acts of caring and example to your children are. For all those fathers, whether safely back home, or separated by miles of land and ocean, this is your day, a day to be thankful of your father, and to be thankful for your family. I salute you and wish you many more days of happiness. Take care and write soon all. God bless.

Oh it's Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

2007-05-26T12:24:00.000-04:00

Hello all. I haven't updated in a while because this place is like groundhog day. Same thing every day. There have been some happenings lately I thought I would write about. First of all it's getting hot. How hot you ask? Well, check this out:Yeah, that outside temp is 110 degrees, and that is in the shade. I am coping though. Drinking alot of water and staying hydrated. I am still doing alot of walking which will hopefully be good for the wasteline. I am sporting a new look too. Check it out:
The floppy hat helps with the heat. I am still working hard and trying to keep busy. It helps to know that what I do is appreciated by people back home. The following is an example of what I am talking about. A parent of one of Heather's students heard about my being out here and she had the students decorate some fabric panels. She then made a blanket to send to me. Take a look.
There is also an article online. The newspaper came by to see what the kids were doing. Read here. It is nice to know we have the support of the American people. As hard of a job as it is, it is easier when we don't have celebrities calling us terrorists. Something like this reminds me of why we do this job. Maybe one day the children here can enjoy a life like the one ours do. A good thought to remember on Memorial Day, that many servicemen sacrifice to make a better world for all, and many appreciate it. Well, that is all I have. I hope you all enjoy the pictures and are doing well. God Bless.

Well, we're movin on up....

2007-04-21T02:57:00.000-04:00

Hello all. Not much new here, except my residence. I moved into a new trailer, due to the already present enhancements, and made some enhancements of my own. First of all, the already present enhancements, look at this:

Yes, it is a covered patio. Neat, huh. I figure, it'll protect from rain and, most importantly, excessive rays in the summer. Can't believe this CHU was left empty!!! So I took it. After moving in I realized I needed more storage. Well, scavenging is still an acceptable art, and I was looking into an abandoned building next to the maintenance facility I oversee. The building was condemned but only after they started renovating it. I found some nice shelving and, thanks to a little Velcro, I did some Trading Spaces action and:

Wallah, I now have a "kitchen area". Necessity is the mother of invention. I know, not alot of work stuff being talked about, not that I can talk about it here, but you do get insight into how we fill the rest of our time here.

One more thing, I think I figured out why they sent me here. Look:
A lake!!! Now all I need is a boat and I will be back in my element. It is not a big lake, but I AM only a LCDR. It's a water reservoir and isn't very deep, so I won't get a submarine. Oh well. I hope you are enjoying these updates and I will endeavor to update things more often. I hope you all are well and I will update again soon. Hasta luego!!

Happy Easter!!!

2007-04-07T11:02:00.000-04:00

Hello all. It is Easter and I find the theme of rebirth interesting as I am in the desert. Even here there is rebirth however. Check out these pictures:
It makes me wonder what this place may have looked at back in ancient Babylon. I don't usually quote the bible, but I found these excerpts interesing:
Psalm 137: By the Rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea we wept.
When we remembered Zion We hung our harps Upon the willows in the midst of it.
Revelation 18/2 :And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

Interesting huh? Well, I've waxed religious during a holy period. Well I hope all of you are well and have a Happy Easter and Passover. In the spirit of my current location, Salaam Alekhem.

Updates & Condolences

2007-03-28T14:42:00.000-04:00

Well folks, I was having some problems with the computers here, but I updated the pictures missing from the last blog. I will do my best to keep things updated.

Well not much new has happened here. I moved into a new room and the guy I relieved gave me a fridge and some nice furniture and another guy gave me a TV so I am enjoying some Armed Forces Network TV which includes news, sports, even American Idol occasionally. Trying to keep myself entertained during my down time. Here is my new place:

Otherwise just working hard. The weather is getting warmer and I am sure I will be sweating in no time. My accommodations are nice and the neighbors are all people I work with, so we have a little community in our section of the living pad. We even get together to cook out once a week. Here are some pictures:

Well, that is all for now. Before I go, I just want to let those of you Lakelanders know about the passing of an old friend. Wendi (Bloss) Mangold passed away on March 25th, finally succumbing to cancer. She fought the hard fight, but I guess God needed one of his angels back. Her husband Dave and children Davie, Charlie and Mary will be missing her I am sure, but I am sure God needed her too. My prayers go out to her family, with the knowledge she is looking down on us with her ever present smile. God Bless you all.

Take care to all and I will keep you all updated.

Lucy, I'm Hoooooome!!

2007-03-10T09:41:00.001-05:00

Well everyone, I finally made it, my new base for the next 9 months. The name of the place is Qayyarah West, or Q-West, and it is a FOB (Forward Operating Base) a little south of Mosul. At first I thought they said Key West and I was trying to get some Hawaiian shirts sent from home! I have my own room (it's a trailer but it works for me) and a place to actually work. I am working for the 45th Sustainment Brigade and it looks like a very good job. I even get my own HMMWV to drive around on base. That's on base only for those of you that are worry warts. Here are a few pictures of my current abode:
Sorry, that picture is sideways. I also have a picture of my mode of transportation, other than my feet:
I took some pictures of the Perfume Palace (or so I heard it was called) in Baghdad:

But last but not least, here is the crest of my current unit. They gave me a coin at the welcome party they had for new personnel the other day.

I hope you like those. Well that is all I have for now. Still finishing turnover and getting ready to get to work. Take care and check back soon.

I'm going down to Baghdad, Baghdad, Baghdad...

2007-02-21T04:56:00.000-05:00

Well all I am here and have some interesting pictures to share. First, here is where I am living. Just kidding. That's just one of Saddam's minor palaces and another cool building I found inside the safe zone. Here are my actual quarters.
Same stuff as usual. The tall concrete walls surround all the buildings including the tents, and the bathroom and shower trailers. It's like a maze in there and I got lost my first night because it is an unlit area. Completely dark. Almost slept outside because I couldn't find my way back. I am now awaiting further training and transport. I am also trying to avoid the wild jackals running around. Haven't seen them around yet, but you never know. As I am in the Cradle of Civilization (civilization started but got stuck in gridlock and never moved on), Mesopotamia, things are very muddy. Really thick clay mud that sticks to your shoes and makes each feel like a twenty pound weight. Luckily things have dried out and it is easier moving around. We walk everywhere around here. It is amazing how much more loosely your pants fit when you are averaging at least 5 miles walking a day. All is normal. I have found out more about where I am going, but I will not post it until after I get there. Sounds nice. If there is such a thing as nice in Iraq. Anyways, I will try and keep you all updated. Take care and keep blogging.

It's gettin hot in here...

2007-02-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

Hello all. I am in lovely Kuwait and have some great photos for you. First of all, I am enjoying luxury accommodations. Here is my street and housing.
Luxury huh. Well, better than out at the Udairi range where we slept on the floor and had no showers for two days. I did have some neat training though. I got my HUMVEE operators license!!!!! If you thought I was dangerous before, watch out. We also got some weapons training and ran a simulated convoy, during which we were interrupted by a herd of wild camels. Check out these pictures.
All in all things have been OK. Rough living and waiting for transport. One thing though, the Dining Facility (or DFAC) is amazing. Main line, short order food line, salad bar, potato bar, sandwich bar and then a dessert bar with Baskin Robbins. EVIL!!! I am trying to keep from GAINING weight right now. The weather is nice though, daytime 70s, nighttime 50s. That is all for now. Gotta be careful not to post too much here. Security you know. Well, I will let you all know more as I know it. By the way, here is the address to the main unit I will be working for in Iraq. This unit will distribute us out to the army units, but I can get mail there and they send it on to me. It is called Joint Composite CREW Squadron-1 and the address is:

NMC-1/CJTF Troy/JCCS-1
Unit # 42007
APO AE 09342-1400

Well, that really is all for now. Take care and I will write again soon.

Bad Boys, Bad Boys, Whatcha gonna do!!!!

2007-02-08T21:27:00.000-05:00

Hello all. Here are some pictures of our teams kicking down doors and stuff. I know, I know, I said I wasn't going to do that and I am not. This is just general training they give everybody who goes over. Worst case scenario stuff.

You like. I have some others but I am trying not to smother the blog. This is fun, though tiring, training. Tomorrow it is over here and I head to Kuwait for some more training and then to Iraq. I will post information as I get access and let you all know what is going on. Sorry for the short post but I am fighting a cold. I will talk to you all again soon.

Army Training sir!!!

2007-02-02T20:30:00.000-05:00

Hello all. Just wanted to give you an update. I am finishing my first week of training at Fort Jackson, SC and I have a newfound respect for the Army Infantryman. After marching around with 100 extra pounds of weapons, body armor and other gear I realize how difficult it is. Here is a picture of me in full combat gear, or as the Drill Instructors (DIs) call it, "Full Battle Rattle". It is a sight to see. I have placed two pictures of me in shooting stances, prone and kneeling, and one with Seiko Okano. She went through Plebe summer at the USNA with me and is now going through this training, which sometimes feels like Plebe Summer all over again. I am making friends with all of us going to the same jobs so we have a good network. It is busy here with classroom training and weapons qualifications.
I am working hard and having as much fun as possible. I am trying to keep this updated as often as possible and hope to have some more good pictures for you. Well, that is all for now. I hope everyone is doing well and I hope to talk to some of you all before I go overseas. Take care.

And the world goes on.

2007-01-21T12:06:00.000-05:00

Well, my time off has come to an end and I am starting my training in Indian Head, MD. It has been a great couple of weeks finishing little projects around the house and now the training starts in earnest. I will be commuting back and forth to training and then depart for South Carolina on Saturday. I will be finishing packing and preparing stuff at home every evening and will be glad to talk to any and all. I will shout out to Brian Mutty, my old shipmate from COLE who is now coming back from his IA in Iraq. Congrats and welcome home. Well, Stage 2 begins, I will fill you in on anything interesting afterwards. I am also including pictures of the first snow of the year, which I was luckily here to see.

Take care and I will update you all soon.

The more things change.....

2007-01-07T09:57:00.000-05:00

Hello all. It is me again documenting the trials and tribulations of a Naval Officer preparing for a tour on Individual Augmentation orders. After a trying week of in-processing at Naval Mobilization Processing Station (NMPS), Norfolk, VA, my orders have changed slightly. Instead of going to Arizona for 3 weeks, I am now going home for two weeks and then to Indian Head, MD (1 hour from home) for 1 week before going to Ft Jackson near Columbia, SC for two weeks of Combat Skills Training. I am not complaining, because home for three weeks is nice, and home for Heather's Birthday even better, but the change came in at 630 PM on Friday. After working until 830 PM, calling everyone whose orders had changed, I went to bed and came home the following morning. Again, very wacky. That's all the changes for now. I have been issued my first set of uniforms and, hopefully, will post a picture of me in the new Army camouflage Uniform (ACU). Take care and Happy New Year to all.

Moving on without Moving Out Part Deux!!!

2006-12-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone. Well as usual, there is something new going on at the Segredo household. I have recently received orders to go to Iraq and support the Global War on Terrorism. I will depart on 02Jan07 for about 45 days of training and then off to the Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq to work as an Army Battalion Staff officer supporting the troops on the ground. It looks like I will be gone for a total of 325 days and will be back on Thanksgiving, 22Nov07. I wish I had more information, but I haven't even started my training. Once I go through schools in Norfolk, VA, Fort Huachuca, AZ, and Ft Jackson, SC, I will know more. Until then just keep up with email and this page and I will try and keep you all informed. Right now we are just focusing on enjoying the holidays and thinking about the next ones to follow. Well that is all for now, keep in touch and we hope you all have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year!!!

Moving on without moving out!

2006-02-15T16:36:00.000-05:00

Hello all, I am posting some more news to keep you all informed of our goings on. I have recently transferred from the Pentagon and am currently on transfer leave. I am working on some projects around the house and taking on the housewife duties. Heather is still working at Greenbelt Elementary and doing a fabulous job. We recently "survived" a snowstorm that dropped 8" on us and knocked out the power from 9:18 AM Sunday, February 12th until 5:00 PM Monday, February 13th. We survived the cold with the fireplace going and everything has since returned to normal. I report to My next job in early March. I will be Executive Assistant to the Director of Professional Development. I will get to teach Strategy and Tactics and work with the Drum and Bugle Corps during the year and also get to sail during the summer . It is a really exciting time. Well that is all for now. I hope this post finds you well and Heather and I hope to hear from you through email. Take care, George.

Happy New Year!!!

2006-01-01T10:12:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and take a moment to tell everyone things that have been going on with George and I in 2005. Well the year started with George throwing me an awesome 32nd birthday. We did some minor home improvements in our house like replacing a couple of toilets and sinks and of course some light fixtures. I painted our guest bathroom, and I really dig the orange. Buying all of these tools for George has really paid off :) I was teaching third grade until June and then had an involuntary transfer and am now teaching first grade. George's sister and family came to visit in June. George got a baby and is very proud of it. Of course I am referring to his new truck. That truck came in really handy when it came to moving all of my school stuff from one school to another. I felt it was a great purchase then :) It was tough to say good bye to Jiggy, but we sold it to a friend which made it easier. We went to Florida to celebrate George's birthday, we took our friends Heather and Doug with us. My mom came to visit in October and it was great to have her see all the improvements we made in the house. We threw a couple of awesome cookouts, one in June the other in November. If you were unable to attend please make sure you try to make one in 2006, that could be a resolution :) We got to see Navy win their homecoming game and George is getting back with the Navy Drum and Bugle Corps. George is now starting to wrap up being at the Pentagon and he starts working at the Naval Academy in March, and he is very excited. As for me, who knows what PG county will do with me this coming year, I hope that I am not taking a teaching tour of this whole county. The best part of 2005 was spending time with new and old friends. We hope that everyone has had a good 2005 and hope that you have an even better 2006!!!!

Seasons Greetings

2005-12-12T12:49:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone. Thought this would be a good time to update everyone on the Segredo happenings. Heather is doing Great things at Greenbelt Elementary school, teaching First grade. She was recently interviewed for the Greenbelt newspaper and was on the Front Page!!!!!!!!!! She may have copies left and when I get a chance I will scan it in and post here. As for me, I am preparing to finish up my tour as part of the Navy's Quadrennial Defense Review staff. We are finishing up around the 13th of February and I will move on to my next post as EA to the Director of Professional Development, US Naval Academy. I am excited about my opportunity and can't wait.

I am currently still performing with the Baywinds Community Band and have a Christmas concert on 13DEC at Ginger Cove in Annapolis. I will hope to continue this after transferring. It is a ton of fun for me. As for the holidays, Heather and I are spending Christmas in Florida (24-27 December) and should be up here for New Years. Well that's all for now. Hope you all have a Happy Holidays.

Later, George.

Greetings

2005-11-02T12:46:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. As a first-time blogger, I wanted to try this out as a way of posting pictures, news, etc. I hope I can use this to keep everyone informed of the goings-on at the George and Heather Segredo household. Please feel free to post some news to us here as well. Hope to blog and hear from you all soon.