This is kind of creepy, they pretty much got me pegged…

What Your Handwriting Says About You

You are a fairly energetic person. You know how to pace yourself, and you deal well with stress. You are somewhat outgoing, but you’re not a natural extrovert. You think first before you act. You tend to be independent, rational, and logical. You are balanced and grounded. You know how to get along well with others. You need a bit of space in your life, but you’re not a recluse. You expect people to give you a small amount of privacy, and you respect their privacy as well. You are somewhat traditional, but you are also open to change. You listen to your head and your heart. You are a decent communicator. You eventually get your point across, but sometimes you leave things a bit ambiguous.

Sgt Hook out.

Hotel Tango Chromed Curses.

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I asked. You asked. I answer…

1. Do you sleep?

Yes. I have to admit though, that since taking this new job, my sleep is restless. I usually am up at 0430 and out the door by 0530, returning home in the evening around 1900 plus or minus an hour. So I eat dinner late (not healthy I know) and don’t start unwinding until late. Once I do fall asleep, I usally do so soundly for the first few hours, then my mind kicks in and starts running through PCCs and PCIs (pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections) causing me to wake at least once an hour until the alarm goes off.

2. Have you posted a photo of yourself on your blog?

No. I try to maintain a certain amount of anonymity so as not to create a distraction to my Soldiers from their missions with this blog. And I’m really not that photogenic. Though I do look remarkably similar to the guy with the typewriter in the banner above.

3. What would be your ideal military job, and location? (please answer it like you are a civilian)

Tough question. Thank you. My initial response would be that I’ve already held the ideal military job, first as a flight engineer on the Army’s CH47D Chinook helicopters, then as a first sergeant of a heavy-lift helicopter company. But to be honest, I think that the ideal military job would be that of a Special Forces Operator, and not because of the green beret that they wear either.

Again, picking an ideal location is difficult. I’ve served this Army in Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Maine, South Korea, Italy, Germany, Hawaii, Bosnia, Croatia, Albania, and Afghanistan. So, forcing myself to think like a civilian, I’ll go with Australia. Hell, I’ve never been but have always wanted to go.

4. Where can I find a PRC E-6? In the commo shop?

You can definately find a “Prick E6″ in my commo shop. You can also go to the tool room in the hangar and get a bucket of rotor wash.

5. Sgt Hook, what is your favorite MRE?

No. 4, Country Captain Chicken. Comes with peanut butter and a bottle of hot sauce.

6. Do our soldiers ever really have down time there? My son has said he has come off of 30 hour missions. Doesn’t this cause our military to not think clearly and have complete competence in their missions? I know I surely could not do my job being that tired and stressed.

Another great question. Believe it or not, they do. The Army looks at time much differently than others do, however. You mentioned your son putting in a 30-hour work day, well when your son is on a mission, time is defined by specific gates, that is his platoon’s mission doesn’t begin until another platoon’s mission ends. For example, Dog platoon might have the mission of moving from one location to another at a pre-determined time; not a time on a watch’s face, but a time defined as, “objective blue is secured by Fox platoon.” Once Fox platoon secures objective blue, Dog platoon begins their mission to move. There are so many variants that could delay each gate thereby making a mission planned for 18-hours, end up lasting 30-hours.

Regardless, downtime is worked into our soldiers’ schedule. Usually, following a mission, a minimum amount of recovery (downtime) is given to recharge and refit for the next mission. Additionally, our leaders, savvy to the Army’s unique approach to time, put soldiers down while “waiting” for the mission clock to start. So though a 30-hour day is not uncommon, it is likewise not a traditional duty day.

I think it important to note that we also train to deal with fatigue and stress. The Army has always recognized that stress is not something to avoid, but something to manage. Managing stress is a part of every soldier’s life.

7. Your motivation for being a soldier, hence a defender of our great country?

Damn. Another tough one. Well, when I was much younger, standing before the county judge, he said to me just before slamming his gavel, “Hook, your choice, join the Army or go to jail.”

Just kidding. I honestly joined the Army because I found myself at 23 years of age going nowhere in life, fast. I had dropped out of college, failing to achieve my dream of becoming a journalist, and was tending bar and cooking in several restaurants in both New York and Florida, in an effort to make enough money to pay the rent while paying off my student loans. Then one day, despite being a damned good cook, a damned good bartender, and making a damned good amount of money, I asked myself if my life’s meaning was to make people feel good by preparing a good meal, or offering a drink, a smile, and a sympathetic ear? It couldn’t be. So I wondered what it was that my life was supposed to mean, what was my purpose in life (not to be confused with Steve Martin’s “special purpose”), asking if cooking or bartending could be a career, a profession that I’d look back upon with satisfaction? It couldn’t be.

So I joined the Army and the Army paid off my student loans, trained me in skills that I could use in a career, exposed me to people, places, and things I would’ve never experienced otherwise, and introduced me to the profession of arms. I’ve reenlisted several times over the years; each time motivated by my love for America and a desire to be a part of something greater than myself. I mean how cool is it to get paid for doing something you sincerely believe in. So, here I am, 19 years later, still putting my boots on each morning, and my motivation remains the same; whether I’ll look back upon my years as a soldier with satisfaction. Absolutely.

8. How did you meet Mrs. Hook?

Several years ago, I was sentenced by the Army to serve as a recruiter in the great state of Maine. Now, I’m not much of a salesman, but like any other mission I had been given throughout my career, I approached my recruiting duties with vigor and the intent to be successful.

Knowing that many of America’s young men and women drop out of college after their first and second years (I knew this from personal experience), often having accumulated thousands of dollars in student loans, I thought to spend my time recruiting at the local college campus.

There I was, smartly dressed in my Army Dress Blue uniform, adorned with all of my medals and shiny aviation wings, standing in the hallway just outside of the college’s student union, handing out pamphlets and key chains to passing students when a very attractive young woman asked if I had the time. I replied that I did and asked if she’d like to join the Army. To wit she replied, “Been there, done that.”

“Oh, you’re prior service?” I inquired.

“Military Police, and I don’t want to do it again, understand?” she stated.

The Army has very strict rules about recruiters not being allowed to date applicants, and considering that this attractive young prior service college student had no intention of becoming an applicant, I asked her out.

She declined.

It wasn’t too long before she came around, probably the uniform that did it, but that’s how I met the lovely and talented and downright sexy Mrs. Hook.

9. What do you plan to do when you retire? and, where?

I’m honestly not sure. I’d like to write, and maybe I will, I just haven’t planned that far in advance. I’ve considered going into teaching, but we’ll see.

Where? Again, not sure. I love Maine but the taxes are ridiculous up there so I’m open to suggestions?

10. What got you to start this blog?

Well, I read this guy’s blog at the suggestion of my college professor, and was immediately hooked. From there I surfed the blogosphere and learned that there were a lot of different types of weblogs and thought that I might find a niche among them myself. At the time, I knew that I was scheduled for deployment to Afghanistan and reasoned that if I started my own blog, I’d have a medium for keeping in touch with family and friends. Thus Sgt Hook was born.

As time went by, after moving off of Blogspot, Sgt Hook has evolved into a weblog whereby telling the story of America’s Soldiers, both in peace and in war.

11. If you could change anything about your life path, what would it be?

This is yet another difficult question to answer. I’m not entirely sure that I’d change a damn thing. I mean, I didn’t get to the “here and now” without all of my experiences from the “then and there.” My life is what it is and I am who I am all because of what I’ve encountered along said path; the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Admittedly, there are those situations in my life that I look back upon and think that I should’ve handled things differently, but to change my path? I can’t imagine where I’d be today if I were able to go back and change course.

12. What is your perception of the threat we face from No. Korea, China and Iran?

The Threat-
I see the biggest threat to our American way of life today to be from Islamofacist terrorists (for lack of a better term). I am convinced that there is a group of extreme Islamists whose only goal, a goal they’re willing to die for, is to re-establish a caliphate and that the only way to achieve that goal is to destroy the United States of America.

North Korea-
Probably posing the greatest threat in that they’ll export whatever technology they develop to the aforementioned Islamofacist terrorist groups, regardless of the outcome. The North Korean leadership is so narrow focused with absolutely no vision other than to survive, that they jeopardize the stability of the entire world with their recklessness.

Iran-
Unlike North Korea, the Iranian leadership does have a vision, and a commitment to patiently do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. I think that Iran is content on allowing the aforementioned Islamofacist terrorist groups to re-establish a caliphate with the intention of ruling it themselves. Iran is doing everything it can to support those waging war and brining instability to the world with an eye on the prize when the dust settles.

China-
I don’t see China to be as big a threat to our way of life, other than maybe economically, because I think the Chinese leadership, like India’s leadership, recognize that their future is dependent on stability in the world and they are very cognizant that the aforementioned Islamofacist terrorist groups want to not only eliminate America, but all non-believers. If you read the Koran, as I’m sure the Chinese do, you’ll know that Buddhists and Hindus are considered to be serious non-believers, whereas Christians and Jews can be tolerated as non-believers.

13. What do you think is the best way to handle their increasing aggressiveness towards the western world?

Engagement. Engage these threats on every level, diplomatically, economically, and militarily. We must pull our heads out of the sand and recognize that a threat exists and attack it, not defend against it. The battlespace is more than just on the desert floor. We must engage on all fronts, in the airways via radio and television, in the markets, and in the schools if we are to survive.

13. How do you come up with your characters and stories?

I’ve met them all in some form or fashion throughout my travels.

14. Do you feel it is morally and/or ethically wrong for anyone to pose as a POW, a recipient of a MOH, Purple Heart or other combat generated medal, or to embellish upon their service record?

I think it is completely reprehensible for someone to portray themselves as such. I do find it somewhat comforting that our definition of a hero continues to be a Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman, and Coastguardsman. I shudder the day someone poses as Spiderman to gain notoriety.

15. During the Second World War and throughout the Cold War, we used radio as a weapon via Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty against our enemies, do we continue to do something like this in today’s Global War on Terror?

Yes, we do. In fact, a version of Radio Liberty continues to be broadcasted throughout the world in hundreds of languages, highlighting human rights issues and the values associated with democracies. There is also a counter to al Jazeera television broadcasted out of Virginia, Bridges TV, appealing to moderate Muslims around the world. Initiatives like these are crucial to our winning the Global War on Terror, to our survival as they help spread the value of freedom and liberty.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to submit a question, some damned fine questions at that, and I invite you all to conintue to Ask Hook either via email, or in the comments here. I’ll put up my answers, for what they’re worth, as time permits. Sgt Hook out.

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Back in the early days, I used to do a segment called “As Hook” and the gentle reader would leave or email a question or two or several hundred. Feeling a bit nostalgic lately, and considering my readership might have grown a bit since then, I’m once again opening the lines for questions. So go ahead, ask me anything. I’ll do my best to answer all of your questions providing OPSEC is preserved. Feel free to use the comments or email me… Ask Hook.

What am I thinking? Sgt Hook out.

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I’ve been tagged with 5 questions of five.

1) Five Minutes to yourself. How would you spend them ideally?
o Writing.

2)Five Dollars to spend right now. How and where would you spend it?
o On a meal for the guy who stands on the corner with a cardboard sign all day before going home to the underpass. You know who I’m talking about.

3)Five Items in your house you could part with right now.
o The microwave oven (hardly more than an expensive popcorn maker)
o My golf clubs (I’d like to use them more, but once in 3-years just doesn’t make the cut)
o My autographed copy of the book Swedish Made Penis Pumps and Me: This Sort of Thing Is My Bag, Baby by Austin Powers (ahem)
o My complete collection of Danny Tario’s Dance Fever, Seasons 1-4 on DVD (I know its a tough call, but I think I’m strong enough to let it go)
o Just about any of the material possessions I’ve accumulated over the years

4)Five Items in your house you positively, absolutely could never part with.
o My TA-50 (need it for the job)
o The coffee pot (just plain need it)
o The laptop (see answer #1)
o My thumbdrive (holds a lot of important stuff)
o My collection of artwork created by my merry band of pirates

5)Five Words you love.
o Thank You (I know its two words, humor me)
o Brilliant
o Honor
o Courage
o Grit

Thanks Pixie. Sgt Hook out.

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I was tagged with providing answers to the following questions last weekend by one of my favorite Road Warriors. As I started pecking out answers to the aforementioned interrogation, I found myself pulling out old CDs and listening to them, quickly realizing that my love for music demanded that I give some thought to my answers. My apologies to Tammi for the lack of timeliness in responding to the tag, nevertheless, here are my “4 Songs…”

Four songs that you could listen to over and over:
There were so many songs that ran through my brain as I tried to come up with an answer to this, certainly my mood plays a large part in which tunes I’d hit the replay button on, but given that I could pick only four…

1. Piano Man, by Billy Joel (Big music with deep lyrics).
2. Cryin’, by Joe Satriani (Man he can make a guitar sing).
3. Stairway to Heaven, by Led Zeppelin (Need I really say why?).
4. Shine on You Crazy Diamond, by Pink Floyd (After seeing them play this live in Italy, I can’t stop the music).

Four songs that drive you up the friggin’ wall:
There are quite a few music…

1. She Bangs, by Ricky Martin (largely because of William Hung).
2. Candy Shop, by 50 Cent (Ugh).
3. Who Let the Dogs Out, by Baha Men (Too much airplay, who, who).
4. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, by Irish Rovers (It was funny the first time, enough already).

Four songs that you’re embarrassed (or should be) to admit you like:
I don’t know if I’m all that embarassed, but I suppose I ought to be…

1. I Write the Songs, by Barry Manilow (Don’t ask me why, but I just like it).
2. Stayin’ Alive, by the Bee Gees (They sure could sing though).
3. Voulez- Vous, by Abba (But what a sound).
4. Fat Bottomed Girls, by Queen (I like the harmonizing).

Four best driving songs:
1. Paradise by the Dashboard Light, by Meatloaf (A master of musical poetry).
2. Free Bird, by Lynrd Skynyrd (Damn near crashed my 69′ Firebird listening to this).
3. Oh Black Water, by The Doobie Brothers (More harmony).
4. Magic Carpet Ride, by Steppenwolf (My life).

Four songs that make you cry:
Heartbreakers…

1. Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, by Meat Loaf (Don’t ask).
2. Hero, by David Crosby and Phil Collins (Gets me every time).
3. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’, by Journey (You Know It).
4. A Horse With No Name America (Sad but not).

Four best risqué songs:
As risqué as I get…

1. Goodbye Stranger, by Supertramp (Remember them?).
2. Don’t You Want Me Baby, by Human League (Well sort of risque).
3. Lady, by Little River Band (Somehow).
4. Anyway You Want It, by Journey (You can’t deny it).

Four best kid songs:
I swear that I did’nt get help with this answer…

1. Old McDonald (I hear he had a farm).
2. ABC Song (C’mon, you know it…A,B,C,D…).
3. Row, Row, Row Your Boat (Why not up the stream?).
4. Hole in the Bucket (Dear Liza, a hole).

Four songs (hell, pick your own category and fill it in) groups not yet listed that you just luvthehelloutof:

1. Mamas and Papas
2. Steve Miller Band
3. Crash Test Dummies
4. Rush

I won’t tag anyone but feel free to add your own 4 cents in the comments. Sgt Hook out.

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OK, here are my answers to the latest meme. I cut out #58 since I’m not going to “tag” anyone with it, but feel free to chime in, use the comment section if you wish.

57 things you never wanted to know about Hook…

1.What time did you get up this morning? 0430 hours (every morning).

2. Diamonds or pearls? Black pearls (not for me, for my lady).

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? United 93.

4. What is your favorite TV show? 24 (hooked like everyone else).

5. What did you have for breakfast? Coffee.

6. What is your middle name? Pudding tane.

7. What is your favorite food? Northern Italian cuisine.

8. What foods do you dislike? Cottage cheese (who’s idea was that?).

9. What kind of potato chips do you like? Regular, plain Lays potato chips.

10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? The Mommas and Poppas.

11. What kind of car do you drive? Jeep (well, wish I still had it).

12. Favorite sandwich? Turkey and swiss.

13. What characteristics do you despise? Arrogance and cowardice.

14. Favorite item of clothing? Ball cap.

15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Scotland.

16. What color is your bathroom? I’m not really sure.

17. What is your favorite brand of clothing? I’m not really sure.

18. Where would you want to retire? Still working on that, currently leaning towards Maine.

19. Favorite time of day? Sunset.

20. Where were you born? Atlantic City, New Jersey (dare ya to ask “what exit”).

21. Favorite sport to watch? NFL.

22. Who do you least expect to answer this???? My mother.

23. Person you expect to answer first? The guy on the corner who begs a buck from me every morning on my way to work.

24. Coke or Pepsi? Coke!

25. Are you a morning person or night owl? Morning glory.

26. What size shoe do you wear? Why do you ask?

27. Do you have any pets? Yes.

28. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with everyone? Am being transferred in a few weeks (another move).

29. What did you want to be when you were little? Big.

30. Is the glass half empty or half full? Runneth over.

31. What is your best childhood memory? Coming home.

32. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? Cook, bartender, landscaper, fish marketeer, soldier.

33. What color underwear are you wearing? Underwear?

34. Nicknames: Hook, Hookie, Hooker.

35. Piercings? Negative.

36. Eye color: Hazel (kinda grayish blue today).

37. Ever been to Africa? Not yet.

38. Ever been toilet papering? Yes.

39. Love someone so much it made you cry? Men don’t cry, but yes.

40. Been in a car accident? Yes (helicopter crash too).

41. Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons.

42. Favorite day of the week? Friday.

43. Favorite flower? Sunflower (love the way they follow the path of the sun during the day).

44. Favorite ice cream? Cold Stone.

45. Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney.

46. Favorite fast food restaurant? Boston Pizza (they have the best calzones).

47. What color is your bedroom carpet? Never noticed.

48. Failed your drivers test? Yes (was too wrapped up with demonstrating my mastery of hand signals).

49. From whom did you get your last e-mail from? My dear friend Mrs. Teresa Stevens from Zimbabwe who has $20.5 million asking help moving it, offering 10% (some friend) if I agree. Or was she offering cheap Viagra?

50. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Border’s Books.

51. What do you most often do when you are bored? Bored? What’s that?

52. Bedtime? 2100 hours.

53. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire? The guy on the corner who begs a buck from me every morning on my way to work.

54. Last person you went to dinner with? The lovely and talented and downright sexy Mrs. Hook.

55. Lake, Ocean or river? Ocean.

56. How many tattoos do you have? One (thinking about a second, any suggestions?).

57. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Depends on the dish (i.e. egg if it’s a quiche).

Still awake? Your turn. Sgt Hook out.

Hotel Tango Pixie.

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I had the pleasure of being interviewed recently by the good folks over at My Music Highway, just wish I had some of the pizza! Sgt Hook out.

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Because I’ve seen this all over the place, thought I’d contribute just four the hullvit…

4 Jobs You Have Had in Your Life (could be 44 jobs)
1) Soldier (which encompasses several levels)
2) Bartender (also qualifies for “therapist”)
3) Cook (a job I absolutely loved)
4) Landscaper (fancy name, but hard work)

4 Movies You Would Watch Over and Over (again, could be 44)
1) Braveheart (Mel Gibson)
2) Saving Private Ryan (Tom Hanks)
3) The Razor’s Edge (Bill Murray)
4) Rob Roy (Jessica Lange/Liam Neeson)

4 Places You Have Lived
1) New York, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
2) Italy
3) South Korea
4) Hawaii

4 TV Shows You Love to Watch (when I get the chance, otherwise it’s FoxNews Channel)
1) Extreme Home Makeover
2) E-Ring
3) Amazing Race
4) 24

4 Places You Have Been on Vacation
1) Lignano, Pisa, and Rome, Italy
2) Slovenia
3) Austria
4) Maine (is called “vacationland”)

4 Places You Have Visited ; )
1) England
2) Afghanistan (and a few other “Stans”)
3) France
4) Albania

4 Web- sites You Visit Daily (x4)
1) Mudville Gazette
2) Blackfive
3) Smash
4) Michael Yon

4 Web- sites You Visit Daily
1) Tammi’s World
2) My Music Highway
3) Flight of the Dragonfly
4) Redheaded Ramblings

4 Web- sites You Visit Daily
1) Gut Rumbles
2) Parkway Rest Stop
3) Velociworld
4) The Laughing Wolf

4 Web- sites You Visit Daily
1) Redneck’s Revenge
2) Miserable Donuts
3) Castle Argghhh!!!
4) Fred Schoeneman

4 Favorite Foods (not necessarily in order)
1) Beer
2) Wine
3) Pasta
4) Pizza

4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now (notwithstanding that home is where the heart is)
1) The beach
2) The mountains
3) Over there
4) My own private Idaho

What are your fours? Sgt Hook out.

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More Q&A

As promised, another round of questions with answers…

I’m interested to know why you chose to join the Army?
As I mentioned earlier, I had originally planned on joining the United States Coast Guard wanting to follow in the footsteps of my father who had served 27 years in the USCG with honor and distinction. I of course spoke to him about my decision and though he was quite proud to hear of it, he subtley nudged me into at least checking into the Army before signing on with anyone. He seemed to think that the Army, because of its size and diversity would offer a young man of my talents more than the Coast Guard could. I think he may have been right. I’m damn glad I listened to the old man.

Has keeping a blog helped you deal with the stress that sometimes comes with a deployment?
No. My years of training have helped me deal with the stress, keeping a blog is something I’d do deployed or not.

What one person do you believe has had the most impact on your life and why?
My dad. Looking back at my journey to adulthood there were many who have popped up and positively impacted my life, my high school history teacher, my soccer coach, my best friend, my high school chemistry teacher, my sergeant, my employer, my taro card reader, and my bartender, but throughout that journey there was always my dad.

I’d like to know how the soldiers really feel about not being able to find bin Ladden (or his corpse). Not the view that is PC - frustration? anger at not being able to get into Pakistan and root him out? resigned to not finding him?
The mission here in Afghanistan is much more than finding Mr. bin Laden, in fact, the vast majority of the Soldiers here are focused on bringing stability to this place so that they can go home with the knowledge that the likes of Mr. bin Laden will no longer be able to set up shop in the Stan. Soldiers do their duty and complete their missions rarely opining about the things “military experts” opine about on cable news channels.

Would you prefer to be flying missions than what you are currently doing?
Tough question. I know that when the day comes that I’m sitting around the American Legion hoisting a couple and recalling my glory days the stories will primarily be of the times I spent as a crewdog. Having said that, I have spent all those years preparing for the role I am in now and gain immense satisfaction in leading my Soldiers through this very important mission. Do I miss flying, yes, would I prefer to be flying now instead of serving as the first sergeant, no. Besides, I fly about once a week anyway, I’m the first sergeant, who’s gonna tell me ‘no’?

What is your favorite part of your missions?
The best part of any mission is the feeling of accomplishment you get from “pulling it off.” Most missions, even the best planned ones, experience last minute changes or unexpected challenges that require adjustments on the fly in order to pull it off. And damn it feels good when you do.

What would you tell my 11 yr old son who wants to join the Army? What advice would you give him?
I know that an 11-year old boy won’t sit still for a lengthy dissertation so I’ll advise simply to stay in school and learn as much as you can because the best Soldiers know that it’s brains over brawn everytime.

Looking back on your career and how you got to your rank, would you do anything differently?
Does anybody ever answer ‘yes’ to this question? Maybe an inmate or Jacques Chirac, but me, nope. Wouldn’t change a thing because if I had, I might not have met the lovely and talented and downright sexy Mrs. Hook and have the family that we do.

What do you want your boys to remember about your time in service?
That there is no greater honor than to serve and that I did it for them.

What advice would you give to a brand new buck private?
Listen to and learn from your sergeants.

What advice would you give his wife?
No amount of accolades bestowed upon your Soldier, whether from his first sergeant or a two-star general, in the form of a medal or a pat on the back, will mean as much as hearing you tell him how proud you are of him.

Married, single, divorced, kids?
I married above myself, to the most beautiful woman in the world and we have four wonderful boys hell bent on keeping us young.

Career plans?
I’m thinking of making the Army a career.

Writing experience?
I’ve been writing for a little of a year now though still unable to upload the gottdamned archives.

What is your sign?
Taurus.

What was it like to be an Army Recruiter?
Recruiting America’s sons and daughters to join the ranks of the Army is one of the toughest jobs there is and one of the most important.

Was this (recruiting) a willing assignment for you?
I did not ask for the assignment, nor did I rebutt it.

Over the span of your career what is your opinion of the caliber / quality of the average enlisted person; commissioned officer?
Top notch.

Volunteer army or draft?
Without hesitation, volunteer.

What effect does the elected civilian leadership have that directly affects you quality of life?
They hold the purse strings.

What affect on moral / motivation / perception / on family does the liberal media have when they campaign against the war?
I think that the media probably has more of an effect on our families back home who watch for any news from the front and are probably more prone to media reports than we are.

What’s your favorite:
Movie of all time: A tie between The Razor’s Edge starring Bill Murray and Braveheart with Mel Gibson.
Music: I have a vast taste in music, Led Zeppellin is one of my favs.
Book to read over and over: For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway.
State and City: Still searching.
Automobile: Jeep CJ or Wrangler series.
Food,Wine,Beer: Northern Italian cuisine, Merlot, Budweiser, it is afterall the King of Beers (says so on the label).

Thanks again for your thought provoking, introspective questions. I’ll continue to bang out answers for as long as you’re asking. Sgt Hook out.

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Q&A Corner

Well, you asked, and now I answer. Welcome to Hook’s Q&A Corner where I will attempt to satisfy your collective inquiring minds as I answer a chunk of your questions each time. This will be a regular feature here at Sgt Hook, at least until I run out of questions, so without any further ado…

1. I was wondering how many shoes you received for the children of Afganistan?
Good question. As some of you might know, back in June we launched Operation Shoe Fly and the support from the folks back home has been tremendous. For those who don’t know, Operation Shoe Fly is the culmination of an idea born by a group of crewdogs flying in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After landing in numerous LZs across the war torn country and seeing many children with no shoes, they thought to help bring them some footwear. We are asking for donations of children’s shoes, for both boys and girls ages 14 and under, new or used so that we can deliver them to the future of Afghanistan. We started keeping inventory of the shoes as they came in, then the boxes starting piling up in the corner of our orderly room so I acquired a 20-feet long shipping container that is now half full of shoes. We stopped counting somewhere around 1,000 pair of shoes and my best estimate is that we currently have close to 3,000 pair of shoes received with roughly 500 pair delivered. Thanks to all who have helped Operation Shoe Fly, your efforts are making a difference over here, one small step at a time.

2. What is the best part of your position?
The best part of being a Soldier is going to work each day knowing that I’m a part of something larger than myself. The best part of being a first sergeant is starting each day standing in front of the best damned Soldiers in the world and watch with amazement at their dedication and courage and grit as they passionately defend freedom, and they do it with honor.

3. What is the worst part of your position?
The worst part of being a Soldier are the sacrifices that the lovely and talented and downright sexy Mrs. Hook and our merry band of swashbucklers are asked to make in support of the oath that I took. The worst part of being a first sergeant is that I’m no longer down in the trenches as a crewdog or squad leader getting dirt under my fingernails with the Soldiers. Oh, I find myself down there periodically, but nobody wants the first sergeant in their business all the time so I kind of miss those fun jobs on the tip of the spear.

4. If you could change one thing about the Army, what would it be?
One of the great things about the Army is that it constantly changes, always learning and adapting new and better ways of conducting operations so I’m hesitant to pick at things that I know will change but I think if I could change one thing on the grand scheme, I’d pay our Soldiers more. I’m not complaining about the current pay scale, I’m just saying that watching how hard these Soldiers work and how much they sacrifice you realize that it towers over what professional athletes do, but their pay pales in comparason.

5. Which of your soldiers has best demonstrated the Army Values over the past (deployment) and how?
You must not have children. I cannot single out one Soldier over another but I will tell you that I have never seen a better demonstration of the Army Values, specifically, Selfless Service and Honor in all that my Soldiers do everyday here in Afghanistan.

6. When you think of America, what comes to your mind first?
Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.

7. How did you get your start in the Army?
Short version- I dropped out of college at the end of my junior year, Syracuse University, bummed around for a couple of years cooking in some fabulous restaurants in New York and Florida, finally decided to listen to a little voice in my head that ironically sounded very much like my father and went down to the recruiting station to talk to the United States Coast Guard. They were at lunch, but the Army guy was there and before I knew it, I was sitting in a chair having my head shaved at Fort Dix New Jersey some 17-years ago.

8. What is your favorite activity to do when you are on leave/off duty?
I love nothing more than to spend time with my beautiful bride and our wonderful boys. I also enjoy very much to cook and do so whenever I find the time.

9. If you could go anywhere in the world (besides home) where would you go?
I’ve never been to Scotland and have always wanted to. My grandfather at 14-years of age hopped on a steamer in Scotland and crossed the Atlantic to America and I’ve always wanted to visit his homeland and hoist a few pints, maybe prance around in a kilt a bit.

10. If you had the chance to go back and “observe” one moment in history, what would it be?
Tough question as there are so many…the Anzio landing, those guys never quit…the Lewis and Clark expedition…Washington’s Delaware crossing…and if I had to pick one, the Fall of the Roman Empire, a lot to learn there I think.

11. Who is your biggest political hero?
Ronald Reagan

12. Who was your biggest political let-down?
Richard Nixon

13. In 10 words or less tell me what your platform would be if you were running for President.
I don’t think I have the stomach for politics, but I’d probably borrow from one of the greats and simply state… “ask not what your country can do for you.” There, nine words, nuff said.

14. North Shore or Waikiki?
You’d be hard pressed to find a more beautiful stretch of beach than Waikiki, but I’m a North Shore kind of guy.

15. Boxers or briefs?

That ought to be enough to take in at one time, I’ve plenty more answers to your questions coming in the very near future, but feel free to leave a question or two in the comments or send them via email and I’ll answer them ASAP. Sgt Hook out.

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This post is filed under: Q&A