For the past 28 years, Cobra Gold has helped improve cooperation and understanding between Thailand and the U.S. military. Despite a total of nearly four years stationed in Hawaii, this is my first year getting to experience Cobra Gold. It’s also my first time in Thailand, and in the week I’ve been on the ground I’ve really enjoyed gaining a better understanding of Thailand and its people.
Our Thai counterparts took us to a knowledge center, which is one of six throughout the country. The knowledge centers were established as part of an initiative by the king of Thailand to improve his country and make the people more self sufficient. Students from all around the country visit the knowledge centers to learn about agriculture and farming, along with other ways to use natural resources for survival.
I was amazed by the freshness of the fruits and vegetables they were growing. In the U.S., we’re used to fruits and vegetables that look beautiful, but sometimes the taste leaves something to be desired. To me, there’s nothing like eating a banana that has just been pulled off the tree or a ripe tomato plucked fresh from the vine. I drank the richest mocha I’ve ever tasted, and the coffee beans were grown right next to where I was standing.
I believe every person has some piece of knowledge they can share with others, and I believe it’s important to learn something new from everyone we encounter and everything we experience. As Americans, I think we tend to focus a lot on how we can help others to progress. This is an admirable thing to do, but sometimes I think it’s nice to recognize what we can learn from others too. I think if more Americans took the time to more efficiently use the natural tools around them, life could be simplified. I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn how the Thai people are helping themselves, and I’m looking forward to learning more about their culture.
Stephanie C
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Army Pacific Chief of Staff visits USARPAC Cyberspace!
US Army, Pacific, Chief of Staff (seated), reviewed the new social networking plan for Army Pacific. This photo was taken with a cell phone while he visited and was sent directly to Pacific Warriors blog during his briefing!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Yama Sakura - Real versus Notional
Alright, alright, alright...
I almost want to say here we go again. In the information domain, Army info experts play two sides during an exercise. One side is the notional or game play of the exercise and the other side is the real world information that gets onto TV sets and in newspapers across the world. So what do you think?What is more important from an info standpoint; do you play the game or cover the game?
Realistically we are supposed to be able to do both however, nothing is perfect and one side always seems to be sacrificed. I often tend to think that covering the game is more important. While it's not pure training, by doing our jobs every day and getting news coverage of the event, we are getting real work done and training for future events. It's like the same argument of a guy who builds houses. As the guy is building the house, he is inevitably learning lessons which he will apply to future jobs.
A long time ago in a Galaxy far, far away I was in the medical field in the Army. I used to run into this same dilemma - do I use my aid bag full of bandages and cool medical stuff to treat imaginary wounds for training or do I save my supplies in case someone really got hurt during the training?This was an easier case for life and limb and so we saved our supplies maybe not so easy for information experts.
I guess someone could just tell me what is more important and then I wouldn't have to get this philosophical but it may not be a question I want to ask or guidance someone wants to give. If we can never have a perfect balance between notional role-play and real world, maybe there is no answer in reality or notionally.
Alright, alright, alright...
Goose
I almost want to say here we go again. In the information domain, Army info experts play two sides during an exercise. One side is the notional or game play of the exercise and the other side is the real world information that gets onto TV sets and in newspapers across the world. So what do you think?What is more important from an info standpoint; do you play the game or cover the game?
Realistically we are supposed to be able to do both however, nothing is perfect and one side always seems to be sacrificed. I often tend to think that covering the game is more important. While it's not pure training, by doing our jobs every day and getting news coverage of the event, we are getting real work done and training for future events. It's like the same argument of a guy who builds houses. As the guy is building the house, he is inevitably learning lessons which he will apply to future jobs.
A long time ago in a Galaxy far, far away I was in the medical field in the Army. I used to run into this same dilemma - do I use my aid bag full of bandages and cool medical stuff to treat imaginary wounds for training or do I save my supplies in case someone really got hurt during the training?This was an easier case for life and limb and so we saved our supplies maybe not so easy for information experts.
I guess someone could just tell me what is more important and then I wouldn't have to get this philosophical but it may not be a question I want to ask or guidance someone wants to give. If we can never have a perfect balance between notional role-play and real world, maybe there is no answer in reality or notionally.
Alright, alright, alright...
Goose
Monday, November 24, 2008
Mondays at USARPAC from Dave E.
I'm Dave E., a planner here in the USARPAC PAO Cell. I've received hundreds (pure estimate, more accurate number would be around zero) of emails asking the same question: "Dave, what do you do on your weekends in Hawaii?" I'm so glad you asked! As an avid football fan, one of my favorite things about living in Hawaii, (besides the beautiful beaches, fantastic museums, and it being a general paradise) is the fact that College Gameday starts at 0500! The noon games kick off at 0700! I know! Can you believe I'm done watching football by 1530 every Saturday. This past weekend, I watched my Buckeyes crush the weak and feeble Wolverines from the University of Michigan. Let me tell you why the time change is so great. If you're like me, and your wife fails to share the love for college football, you can be done watching, showered, and if you're smart, have a babysitter in time to take your beautiful wife out to dinner. This will enable you to watch all the football you want, and make the wife happy, possibly making her forget the fact that you spent the better part of 10 hours on your couch in your underwear.
In my opinion, another of the greatest things about living on this little piece of paradise are the beaches. Now I know what you're saying: "Dave, I'm not an idiot, everyone knows the beaches are great in Hawaii!" Well, one part of that statement is true, the beaches are great! My favorite aspect of the beaches is that you can wake up in the morning and think to yourself: "Do I feel like surfing or diving today?" As you look at the four sides of Oahu, each offers a unique and special experience. I'm going to let you in on my favorite beaches for different activities.
First and foremost is Surfing. This is by far the trickiest activity of all. If you're just starting out, or an average surfer like me, I highly recommend the south shore beaches. If I don't feel like driving, I walk down to Ala Moana Beach Park. It's got a good off shore break and decent waves. If I want to drive a bit and have bigger waves, I head to Diamond Head. There you'll find a majestic shoreline with one of the most famous landmarks of the island jetting from the beach. The waves here are much larger then Ala Moana, but not unmanageable.
If I feel like snorkeling or diving the decision is simple. Four Tables or Sharks Cove on the North Shore. Both provide a fantastic variety of underwater creatures to enjoy. Get there early, as parking is next to impossible at all North Shore beaches. If you're taking younger kids with you, (I often snorkel with my 5 year old daughter) I recommend Ko'olina. These are the man made lagoons you'll find at the southwest corner of the island. This is also a great spot for family picinics.
Another great activities with younger kids is bodyboarding or boogie boarding. If you're a member of the military the decision of what beach to hit is a simple one. Bellows Air Force Station. The beach at Bellows is one of the most beautiful on the island. The water is crystal clear, the waves break at the shore, and the sand is as soft as baby powder. It's on the windward (east) side of the island so even when it's 95 degrees outside, you have the cool tradewinds to cool you off. The only downside to this beach, is durring the summer months you have to look out for the infamous portugueese man-o-war. They sound horrible, and I'm not going to lie to you, they don't tickle when stung, but it's not a day ender if you do end up on the wrong end of a tenticle. Additionally, they have a putt-putt course, driving range, shoppette and subway restaraunt right there at the beach. It's one of my favorites for all activities. You just have to remember there's no surfing at this beach.
I hope this helps you out when planning your next trip to Hawaii and if you have more questions, please feel free to post a comment and I'll get back to you ASAP!
In my opinion, another of the greatest things about living on this little piece of paradise are the beaches. Now I know what you're saying: "Dave, I'm not an idiot, everyone knows the beaches are great in Hawaii!" Well, one part of that statement is true, the beaches are great! My favorite aspect of the beaches is that you can wake up in the morning and think to yourself: "Do I feel like surfing or diving today?" As you look at the four sides of Oahu, each offers a unique and special experience. I'm going to let you in on my favorite beaches for different activities.
First and foremost is Surfing. This is by far the trickiest activity of all. If you're just starting out, or an average surfer like me, I highly recommend the south shore beaches. If I don't feel like driving, I walk down to Ala Moana Beach Park. It's got a good off shore break and decent waves. If I want to drive a bit and have bigger waves, I head to Diamond Head. There you'll find a majestic shoreline with one of the most famous landmarks of the island jetting from the beach. The waves here are much larger then Ala Moana, but not unmanageable.
If I feel like snorkeling or diving the decision is simple. Four Tables or Sharks Cove on the North Shore. Both provide a fantastic variety of underwater creatures to enjoy. Get there early, as parking is next to impossible at all North Shore beaches. If you're taking younger kids with you, (I often snorkel with my 5 year old daughter) I recommend Ko'olina. These are the man made lagoons you'll find at the southwest corner of the island. This is also a great spot for family picinics.
Another great activities with younger kids is bodyboarding or boogie boarding. If you're a member of the military the decision of what beach to hit is a simple one. Bellows Air Force Station. The beach at Bellows is one of the most beautiful on the island. The water is crystal clear, the waves break at the shore, and the sand is as soft as baby powder. It's on the windward (east) side of the island so even when it's 95 degrees outside, you have the cool tradewinds to cool you off. The only downside to this beach, is durring the summer months you have to look out for the infamous portugueese man-o-war. They sound horrible, and I'm not going to lie to you, they don't tickle when stung, but it's not a day ender if you do end up on the wrong end of a tenticle. Additionally, they have a putt-putt course, driving range, shoppette and subway restaraunt right there at the beach. It's one of my favorites for all activities. You just have to remember there's no surfing at this beach.
I hope this helps you out when planning your next trip to Hawaii and if you have more questions, please feel free to post a comment and I'll get back to you ASAP!
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Army in the Pacific - ROCKS!
We have more than 50,000 Soldiers and professional Army civilians working to
enhance security and stability across 36 countries in our area every day!
How's that doing more before 9am than most people do every day?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Goose and the first Pacific Warrior BLOG!
Alright, alright, alright....
Just think this will be the first blog for Pacific Warriors in the history of this blog-cool.
Anyway, I'm a Soldier and serving at Army Pacific in Hawaii. My family is from here so I like being stationed here and all the perks that come with island living. Never quite understood, "island fever" - when Soldiers have to get back to the mainland before they freak out (not literally of course...) I love the island - scuba, surfing, mountain climbing, golf, boating, fishing- geez! I never had so many hobbies...
Well today is Friday and we have a class this afternoon on leadership...not sure whose teaching it but hopefully it's good. I work in the Public Affairs office and am a broadcaster, which means I shoot videos and tell the Army's story...it's an awesome job ( I LIKES IT!). Anyway, I gotta go edit some videos before the class so I hope you have enjoyed this historic first post..
Alright, alright, alright...
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