A Sailor's Journey

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2005-12-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

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HApPY BiRTHDaY AJ

2004-09-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hi AJ this is granpa Rg ..trav is having a problem with his computer so he ask me to post this for him. He wishes you a Great BiG Happy Birthday and he wishes he was home to help you celebrate. But he said he would be home soon and if he got home in time for the Super Bowl he would take you there.

and from me AJ i too wish you a very Happy Birthday. i hope your day is filled with joy and happiness.. also ask mom to help you make a comment here and say hi to your dad.

Party Party :-)

Visual Delights

2004-09-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

Thoughts ya guys would enjoy this..How's things on the high seas?

An online magazine i get, called How Magazine featured Revol Magazine.

Its a nice visual trip into the eclectic. How described it this way, "A bicoastal brother-and-sister team head up this great on-screen magazine, which features work from artists, designers and writers from all over. The third issue was just released, and submissions are being taken for No. 4. (Our favorite article: "Embarrassingly Gay Things I Did Before the Age of Ten.") Check it out.

In Memory ~Cole Roger Todd 1974-2004

2004-09-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

Recently my family and I lost a very close friend, Cole was married to my
wife's cousin. He was an awesome man. Cole was a family man, he loved his
family more then anything. He has two beutiful children and he was the
ultimate Dad. From the first time I met him I just loved being around him. I
actually look up to Cole and try to model my family life after his. Cole was
my son's God Father and I was proud to know that if need be he would be
there for AJ. Cole was the go to guy, he always helped his friends when he
could. I never once heard anyone say a bad thing about Cole.

He lost his life at a young age of 30. He had a big heart to back up a big smile.
Cole was with his buddies celabrating his friend's up and coming marriage.
Cole being the outstanding person he was decide to be the "DD". I know from
past exciperance that Cole will not drink if he has to drive. As he and a
buddy were crossing the street they were hit by a car. Cole's buddy broke
his leg and Cole unfourtaintly sestained sever head trama. Cole past later
that day in the hospital.

This hits me rather hard. I am a half a world away and feel helpless. I can
not be there for my family or his family. They were very close to my wife
and I. Cole's wife and Reba grew up together. Cole and I were very much
alike. We loved family, we were huge sport fans, and only wanted the best
out of life. If it were not for Cole and his wife, my wife and I would not
have been married when we were. They were always there for us. Our two
family's always had such a good time together. I am so sorry for their loss.
I can not say this enough but Cole Todd was just an awsome man. I want his
family to know that Reba and I are just a phone call away. Whatever they
need we are here for them.

Free Gmail

2004-08-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

anyone want a Gmail account? thats google's new email service ..you can only get by invite right now ..and i have a handful to giveaway ..

go here to get one..

http://www.splashhall.org/blog/

login and leave a post or comment with a first and last name and email to send it to..

Happy Birthday Reba

2004-08-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

I just want to tell my wife Happy Birthday and I can't wait to see you. I
miss you baby more then anything. I hope you have a great day. I love you.

Never-Ending

Your Hubby

Just Wanted To Say

2004-08-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to write a little update. We are about half way through our
deployment. We haven't seen a whole lot of ports. Just about 4, all of them
were working ports. There was Hawaii, Bahrain, Oman, and Africa. We dropped
off our Marines. Guarded some oil wells, and boarded and inspected ships.
All in all no trouble from anyone.

It's been really hot most of the time. I figure that San Diego 70 degree weather will feel like the Northern Michigan in January by time I get back. To tell you the truth it's not what I thought it would be. I knew it was going to suck being away for so long, but it is way beyond "suck". I will definetly get out as soon as they will let me.

I have been taking college courses, working on my associates. We watch a lot
of movies, stand a lot of watches, play a lot of cards. No one wants to play
euchre, its all about Texas hold'em and spades. The food sucks, although it
does beat Mickey D's, but not by much. I cant wait to be home. I never thought
I'd say it, but I really miss Saginaw. I think just being home will be the
best Christmas ever. Well feel free to write. Talk to you all soon. Tell
everyone I don't have an e-mail address for, I said Hi.

Love ya,
Trav

2004-08-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hey Look A Hooters

We Need A Hooters Like This Back Home

I Need A Brewski

2004-08-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

Been a few days, we are hurting a little right now on band-width. I can't share our location other then we are in the gulf. Trying to get some pictures uploaded. Bandwidth! Bandwidth! Bandwidth! I will keep trying.

I would like to share this story with you. This Admiral LaFleur seems to think that all we do is bitch and complain, without saying it that is. A true politician. We all know the Navy doesn't give a shit about us as individuals, quality of life and family are just PR bullshit they use, so the general public think they care. The navy will put us where they need us when they need us. Regardless to quality of life or Morale.

Over the last 2 months I have seen 2 ports, Hawaii and Bahrain. Both of which were working ports, 8 to 12 hr days. You might say, "well thats my work week," I am talking seven days a week for 2months straight here, without a single day where I could sleep in past 5:30am. Not a single day! I understand that we are at war against terrorism, thats why I signed up. I understand that we have a job to do, I am honored to do that job BUT..

When a sailor bitch's that he would like to see some ports he's not asking for a weeks stay at the Hilton. Or no duty. Or be able to paint the town red. He is just asking for a break and a cold one. Besides the honor of defending our country and our love ones, the posters and television commercials said our feet would touch land once in awhile. Sailors don't even bitch about the money as often as they bitch about a little R&R.

Speaking of money the average sailor, single, no kids, with less then 5 yrs barely earns poverty level wages. Yes there are the medical benefits, GI Bill, and retirement after 20 years with a pension. But how about a cold brewski once in a while? No wonder retention is hurting.

Later!

This is an 100% open website.

2004-07-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Nas....I don't mind at all. What is your site?

As long as nothing violates any copywrite laws or trademark agreements, please take it.

I really hope more people see this page. Some of the guys are getting out soon they could use this as chance to network or market themselves. If any one wants to drop a plug in there comments feel free. Web sites, job oppertunities, what ever the case might be. If someone wants to publish something they see here thats fine just don't cut the author short. I hope all of us use this to the fullest. This is a completely open site. Please share and share a like.

The ones we left behind

2004-07-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

You know it's funny. A lot of people say "thank you for serving your country", some tell us how proud they are of us, or maybe simple just buy us a beer. Speaking for myself I really appreciate this. However, everytime this happens I can't help but think of my wife. She truely is the one who makes the sacrifice. Think about it. She has to pack me up and send me off to a far away land. She has to explain why Dad can't be at the last game of the season. She has to manage the budget, lets face it no one gets rich being in the military. She has to put on a big smile when people ask "Isn't hard being away from your husband for so long." Then my wfie has to say something cute like, "Oh, it just comes with the terriotory." Whell shit ya it's hard. They're not theere when the house shifts and she wonders if anything is down stairs at 3 am. When the door doesn't shut all the way and she comes home late at night by herself, and sees that it's open. How about when she can't go to sleep because there's to much room in the bed. Don't get me wrong, this ain't no pleasure cruise. I think some times my wife is the one that needs the credit. She is the one making a house a home. I am so happy and greatful that my wife is strong enough to be able to do all that. Thanks honey. I love you.

Never-Ending

Finally Here

2004-07-23T05:18:00.003-07:00

After an long and lengthy battle with this computer i have finally been able to log in and type a little something.
About myself, this is my last deployment, i was stationed in japan for 3 years forward deployed, then once i left there i was sent to the Glorious Denver. Now its time for me to start job hunting wink*wink*. Thanks Caferg for setting up this blog, i think it will be a great way to keep in touch with everyone, especially once some of us part ways.

So far so good

2004-07-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well, we started this journey back at the end of May. It took us to Hawaii, pass the PI's, through Singapore, and up to the Gulf. While in the gulf we had a port of call in Bahrain. Man, was I thirsty. Jack, Jerry, myself and few other buddies indulged ourselves, in true sailor fashion, to a few cold ones and many games of pool. I had a blast. I even bought my very own "Gennie Bottle"

Whoaaa check out that grass skirt.
Hawaii
Originally uploaded by cafeRg

---rub, rub, rub...com'on million dollars---

Our journey has been a new experince for me. I am coming up on my 4th year in the Navy and this is my first deployment. Although not all that bad, it still is not what I expected. Due to post 9/11, it's not all about going out to see the World anymore. Now we have a mission to uphold. Don't get me wrong, I still have seen somethings that will stick with me forever.

The group of guys that we have invited to share with us are quite colorful. These men are not only my peers but many of them are truely close friends. We have a lot of memories that we share. We also have a lot of memories to make.

Third and Final Round

2004-07-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well, This is my third and should be my final deployment. I have completed two deployments on The USS NORMANDY and now this one on the USS DENVER. when I am done with this one, I will have been foward deployed for just over 18 months, which sucks considering I have only been Enlisted for 5 years and 2 months. I would like to thank all of my friends on here.

Really - We're just going fishing
san_deigo
Originally uploaded by cafeRg

Especially travis for working with his dad and setting this website up. All my other friends who just want to talk and share anything exciting that is going on back in our Hometowns with our families. This deployment has been harder then my last two. When we left this time I had to look into the faces of my 12 brothers and sisters and my nephew and try and explain why I had to leave. Since they range in age from 5 to 15, it is really hard for them to understand. All they know is that I have to leave and cant see them. I also left behind the girl I plan on making my wife, She has never had to go through this and is taking it very hard. After we left in May the navy decided to tell me that I am getting shipped to South Carolina and in order to be able to take Amber with me I have to get married before i go. Which means I have a couple of weeks from the time we get back until I have to go to school to get married. It also means that I have a month or two to spent with my family before I have to leave for another three years. This all come thanks to the Navy. See the hassles that come with defending your Country.

Second Time Around

2004-07-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

As most of you know we are in the middle of nowhere. Where else would you rather be right? For some of my other friends writing in this blog, it is there first time on westpac. This is my second on the Denver and I would have to say that it was alot harder leaving this time than last. This time I leave behind my wife and ten month old son, which I've only know for six. Its hard out here, no matter what Travis says, just kidding Travis, but friends are the only thing you have here. Dont get me wrong alot of us have our days when we want to rip each others head off, but the more you let things get to you, the longer it seems to take to get home. Its the little things that help you get by like, (pictures, letters, emails, phone calls, this blog). These thing bring home to us and it lets us know why we are out here and why we want to come back home.

Talk to you guys later

Ok, We're Coming Together Now

2004-07-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

Ah, starting to feel like home here. The Stars are coming together. I see some ,our family, coming up the path. Relax. Get comfortable with the controls. Feel yourselves around. Click away, you wont hurt anything, I have those settings off for the time being.

Ok, simple advise, be yourself! Talk to each other. About yourself. About them (whoever that might be). Talk about yourself. About your dreams. What you ate today. Talk about the guy that fell of his bar stool last night. Be funny. Be sad. Tell a joke or two. Tomorrow I will send ya'll this easy tool for including pictures in your post. Oh yea, gotta find a picture for ladies. Equal time ya know ~wink.

Check out this guys blog. His name is Mick. He remimds me of this guy i knew back in Nashville. He was known as the Godfather of Printers Alley ..which has nothing to do with printing (was a bunch of print shops way back) but is all about nightclubs and music today. Anyway, here's his blog and some excellent advise for writing in blogs. Click here for Mick's lit advise. Its short read and way cool stuff. Click it now.

See ya'll tomorrow. Thanks for coming aboard!

Dad aka Uncle Rg

Welcoming Committee

2004-07-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

Priviledges of the USS Denver.

Welcoming Committee
Originally uploaded by cafeRg.

Welcome To A Sailor's Journey

2004-07-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Travis, Becky, Aj, family and friends. Please make yourselves at home. leave us a comment or two. In the days to come we be will adding some cool stuff here, so come back often and show your support.

This is a different kind of website, its called a blog ..its a personal site just like as if we all were at home, freely being ourselves, so feel to say and do what ya want..

oh, one thing ..i just got done cleaning the carpet ..so take off your damn shoes ...heheh ..j/k

please enjoy!

Love
Dad Rg aka Uncle Rg

rgbrat1
Originally uploaded by cafeRg.

Thanks Dad

2004-07-19T04:35:00.000-07:00

If any of you have been in the Navy, or the military for that matter, you know how hard it is to keep in touch with love ones. Yes with e-mail, it has made it easier. Us service members know all the restrictions that come along with e-mail, cell phones, and any other instant communication device that is out there, while underway or overseas. So hopefully the few of us that will use this, it will help. Not only the deployed but also the ones back home. Maybe we can even use this to keep in touch long after our tour is up and we go our separate ways.

We owe this to my Father who found and started this for us.

Thanks Dad

Love ya

Vintage Navy Art

2004-07-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

testing how this will look at Sailors blog..

came out good for just testing ..we all can do a group thing at Flickr

They were recommended by both blooger.com and Feedburner.

you wanna see more ..i have some really cool "we support our troops" rated R pics too? ~wink

Vintage Navy Art
Originally uploaded by cafeRg.

Owners of this blog

2004-07-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

this blog belongs to Travis, Becky, Aj and friends. this blog is about a sailors tour of duty, his love for his family and thoughts, and his family and friends love and thoughts. wheee that was a lot of "ands"..

soon on this blog you will see pictures of naval ships, sailors, their family ..and lots of cool pictures from around the world..

please take time to comment by clicking on comments and showing your support ..we will also have a tag board and much more.. this is the first day and is a work in progress by his dad ..cafeRg

please enjoy..