"Keep up the Fire" (Manchu Mile)

This past Thursday night and Friday morning I was made into a Manchu. The 2d Batallion 9th Infantry Regiment held their Manchu Mile. The Manchu Mile is a bit deceptive in its name. The Manchu Mile, an overnight 25 mile tactical march, with full gear and weapon. This Manchu Mile commemorates the 85 mile march the 9th regiment completed in early July 1900, from Taku Bar to Tientsin for their assault on Tientsin on July 13, 1900 during the Chinese Boxer Rebellion. Normally only Manchus and those folks who work closely with them are allowed to make the trek. My friend (the please don't touch my coat guy) and I were given such honors. The 2-9 Infantry is one of the battalions I provide legal advice within my brigade. I am still trying to digest what it is I just completed. My feet, however, remind me of my feat (no pun intended). The march allowed me to become familiar with some of the more hidden areas around Camp Casey and Hovey. The first nine miles or so were pretty much up hill. We wound our way through several valleys. Walking through these valleys was a constant reminder that spring is here. Once brown and bare trees are now flush with green. The green seemed to cut through the setting sun and darkness. Plus, with the moon as my guide and not a cloud to be seen, I could see everything. The setting sun and its effects lingered, making the sky the cooleset blue color I have ever seen. Our hills soon gave way to flat as we made our way back on to post. Flat then gave way to boredom and Korean stink along with a little humor, as Adishady got his soju drink on, as we marched along a river walk just outside Camp Casey for what seemed like the longest six miles of my life. I can't believe I go running down there each Sunday. It is much better to run it rather than marching it because the time ticks by more quickly. It was also great just to be around Soldiers, cussing and being Soldiers. As my friend (once again the please don't touch my coat guy) says I love the Joe. Name games were played lots of trash talking and a little whining. These men are probably the truest form of Americans and heroes as I have seen. Other than the occasional joke about dropping out to go to the Ville, everyone I marched with made it!!! and refused to allow their buddies to quit either. It is too bad that this no quit attitude has not permeated the rest of American society. I can honestly say that I joined the best branch of the armed services. I am also honored to say that I was invited to be a part of the Manchus. "Keep up the Fire."

Happy Easter and Running

Greetings,

Happy Easter. I ran in my first 10K and it was in Korea. These are two big events. I have attached several pictures to capture this event. The ROK Army 8th Corp graciously hosted the event and it was on the 38th parallel near the DMZ. You know that you are going to an "event" when there is a marching band and group stretching set to the hotest Korean techno beats. My friend and the one who made "Please don't touch my coat" words to live by also attended the event. He is standing next to me in several of the pictures. The spring frost is now gone and the weather is getting better and better by the weekend. As the sun comes out it burns off the morning frost and creates a pretty cool mist. You can see this mist if you look closely behind the marching band. I have also included pictures of me with some Indian Seiks. Yes only in Korea would you see them. They also ran. One guy actually ran in blue jeans. That is pretty money right there. Other than that my time continues to rapidly tick by. I am heading to Japan in a little less than a month for TDY. I am excited about that. I am also bit sad as many of my close friends I made when I first came in will be rotating out of Korea and a new crop will be coming in. It should be interesting. Until next time.