June 11, 2008

Wow, you won't believe how today was our biggest and busiest day we've had to date.  Why you may ask? Well, a lot of things were cancelled because of security reasons (and we will leave it like that). We started the day off with the K9 division - these dogs are used to sniff out different types of bombs and landmines. They told us it's a 50/50 chance of the dogs getting it right. After the tour, we went to demo and I was the suspect running away!!!  Words cannot express how much fun that was. I had on the full body armor and the dog jumped up and was biting me in the arm.  Next it was Elden's turn!  Man when I say you had to be there to believe it, I wish I caught that on tape!  He did the same thing I did, but it's something about seeing a 348 pound man tumbling down when the dog attacks him - Priceless!  Tom also participated...in a way I felt bad for him because the suits are made for average height people; you know 5'8ish, not 6'8!  He had overalls on and got bitten in the ankle - man I never laughed so hard in my life.

Next we headed over to the hospital - it was very exciting but also emotional at the same time. I took lots of pictures which you will see soon (I promise).  The more interesting thing to me was there were more Afghanistan people in there than troops.  On a sad note there was a seven year old boy in there with 3rd degree burns who has been in the hospital for the last eight months. I also have pictures with a two-year old girl with 2nd degree burns. I also met a soldier from Cleveland and talked to him for a bit - he told me how proud and happy he was that we can to visit.  That makes my day...seeing a smile come across a soldier's face - that's what makes the trip worth while to me.

Next we talked for a bit on the AFN (American Freedom Network). We told them that the reason we are here is to support the troops.  Also, we mentioned how excited we were to run a basketball clinic with the troops and play a mini-game.  Once we finished up here, the most adventurous part of the day came: I got to fire an MF and a 380. I'm not a guns person but everyone around me was trying it out so I did as well!  After we were finished in the gun range, we headed up to JOC - where the General and high officers were staying and we got to meet and catch up with them for a bit.  See, this would be a perfect place for me to show you pictures, but you'll have to wait just a bit longer!!!  Remember I told you at the beginning that we were really busy today?  Well, it doesn't stop here!

MWR - Mental Wellness Recreation - this is where they bring all the celebrities to meet the soldiers as well sign autographs.  I had the time of my life - I felt young again!  Unfortunately, we didn't get to ride the planes from base to base, but we took a tour of the Blackhawk base.  I really hope I get the opportunity to ride a Blackhawk sometime in the future.  Man, let me tell you about the food - it was EXCELLENT!  Since I was delayed a day, I missed the best base food (who placed second out of all the bases in a competition).  I'm not going to complain because the night before the clinic we had lobster tails and streak for dinner!  When I get back, I have some pounds to work off!!!

The next day at the clinic, 100 troops showed up.  We showed them what a practice would be like and then played a 5 on 5 game.  I have to give credit to the troops, they have some ball players over there, but don't worry we won the game even if it was a close one.  Everyone was amazed at how tall Shawn was and had a million questions for him!  The reason for trip was to help put a smile on the troops' faces.  Needless to say, mission accomplished!!!  The lesson I learned from the troops is to have a lot of love and passion for what you do.  When you have that, you will be successful and happy with whatever you end up doing in life.

Can you believe it that tomorrow is my last day and then back to busy for me?  I can't wait to see everyone again!!!

Day 7 - Last Day...back to business  

Wow, I can't believe it's our last day together. I've had a great time and wish I didn't lose that one day because of bad weather. First, I need to give a special shout out to Rushia, my zombie partner, and tour director, Carman. These two have made it a blast for me and I hope to do it all again next year with them. Elden, Tom and Shawn--there are not enough words to express how great it was to meet you!  I really hope we will be reunited again with each other soon!

So it's the last day of the trip and guess what...I FINALLY got my bag - how crazy is that?!?!?!  At least I will have clean clothes on when my mom picks me up from the airport!  Today's food was amazing like always. We had Mediterranean food and now I'm hooked.  Need to find a restaurant in or close to Athens when I get back.

As sad as I am to say bye to everyone, I'm really happy to get back to being busy!  To all my student-athletes and staff I have so much to share with you and hope you didn't miss me too much!  My family, I love you and can't wait to see all of you shortly.  I've said this through my whole trip this was a great experience and I am truly blessed that I was asked to join them this year.

Thanks to everyone who has read my updates - can't wait to see you at our games!!!

It's a GREAT DAY to be a Bobcat!

Coach Randall