View Full Version : Hello from Iraq (yes, I said Iraq)
Swammy
10-15-2006, 10:51 AM
Hello everyone. I'm a hobbyist....have been one for a few years. I'm hardly an expert in the area of aquariums, but it is a hobby of mine. I have created several communities (some of which have not survived), and have taken those experiences with me.
I'm in the Army (have been for 9 years now, geez where does the time go?), and I first started my fish hobby when I was stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC about 3 years ago. Like many people, I went out and jumped headfirst into the hobby. Stocked my tank full of non-compatible fish, tried to create a random chaotic environment with any species I thought would be cool looking. Bad decision....I lost some good fish, and wasted a bit of money. I bought books, browsed many fish forums, and eventually became a little bit smarter in the hobby. I had to tear down my tank and start fresh when I moved to Fort Campbell, KY. I am now pretty proficient at the hobby, and can maintain a pretty stable environment, with a good collection of different species.
About 11 months ago, I had to deploy over here to Iraq (where I write from right now). My wife, not being a fishy person, couldn't take care of my fish, so I had to tear down my tanks again. *sigh* Oh well...I will start over soon enough. As it gets closer time for me to get home, I get more and more excited. I browse more fish forums, and I search for more fish pictures. I get ancey (spelling?) and tingly just thinking about starting my tanks back up. I have millions of ideas on how to start, and I'm still not sure if all my ideas will work. Soooo......expect to see some questions from me here in the near and coming future. I don't want my tanks to fail, and I want to have BEAUTIFUL environments. I have some strange, off the wall ideas, I'd love to try them out.
Back on topic: Introducing myself. My name is Patrick, and I'm a fish enthusiast. (Feels like an AA meeting...) Hello to all you people, and I look forward to interacting with everyone on the boards.
rbishop
10-15-2006, 11:03 AM
Glad to have you at AC! And glad to have you home soon!
My son is with the 4th ID. Was out of Ft Collins, did 14 months in Iraq. He is now doing recruiter work in Tennessee. He just picked up Staff Sgt./E-6.
Good luck with setting back up your tanks.
And thanks for the job you are doing!
Bob Bishop
USN CWO3 Ret.
sumthin fishy
10-15-2006, 1:18 PM
Hello patrick
"we love you" *AC members in unison* :p:
Welcome to the boards. My prayers are with you and you comerads in arms. May you all return safely home and have many wonderful fishtanks in the years to come :)
dabaers
10-15-2006, 4:24 PM
Welcome to the forum , Patrick.
Thank you for all that you and the others do!
I'm sure your wife is getting excited about your homecoming!
(x-navy wife here)
Can't wait to see what you plan for your tanks after you come up for air :)
Blessings over you while you are there and home!
Kath
Swammy
10-15-2006, 4:55 PM
beauty is in the eye of the beerholder
*giggle* I like that quote.
Can't wait to see what you plan for your tanks after you come up for air
I posted in newbie forums already, with plans for upcoming tanks. Lemme know what u think.
My son is with the 4th ID. Was out of Ft Collins, did 14 months in Iraq. He is now doing recruiter work in Tennessee. He just picked up Staff Sgt./E-6.
Yep, I'm with some of those guys over here. 4th ID isn't so bad I guess. Tennessee? I'm right there! Tell him gratz on his SSG. I'll probably never make it, as I'm in a non-promoting MOS (job field). I'll probably be an E-5 (SGT) until I get out in 2 more years. *sigh* oh well...I'm not in it for the pay, I guess.
rbishop
10-15-2006, 5:05 PM
You take care over there! We need you back here to teach us aquarium stuff!
My son is in Maryville, just south of Knoxville, debating the re-enlistment issue. They have offered him a slot with the Old Guard in DC.
Believe me, none of us were in for the pay! :cool:
kraemerwa2003
10-15-2006, 5:07 PM
my sister and brother-in-law were at Fort Bragg, NC. He was in for 8 years and my sister was honorably discharged after she got severe arthritis in her hip. Welcome back to the "real world" lol...j/k
rbishop
10-15-2006, 5:13 PM
Hey, if you got enough time left there, PM me your address and we will kick out a CARE package. Anything you need in particular?
Welcome to AC!! It's good to have you aboard!!! Be safe over there!! Thank you for everything you do! ;) You will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Tesla_HV
10-16-2006, 6:26 AM
Welcome Patrick, thank you for your service.
Hello Patrick. I have 3 good friends over there, 1 in the 101st airborne and the other 2 are on convoy protection duty, and pray for all of you guys every day. Glad to have you in the aquarium hobby and at aquaria central.
cheech
10-16-2006, 9:24 AM
Welcome to the board. . :)
fishy_sue
10-16-2006, 2:19 PM
Welcome. Thank you for all you are doing for our nation. I have enjoyed my imagery tanks almost as much as my real ones. I have two more in mind. God Bless and keep you and your family.
DawnieGA2006
10-16-2006, 2:36 PM
Welcome to AC Patrick!!!
Take care - be safe - and our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of our guys and gals over there.
Dawn
Swammy
10-16-2006, 4:05 PM
Hey, if you got enough time left there, PM me your address and we will kick out a CARE package. Anything you need in particular?
Don't take this the wrong way...but I can happily say no. I don't have enough time left here for it to be worth your time/money. I appreciate the gesture though. Cutoff has already passed for us to get mail. Yippeeeeeeee!!!
CaptnDan
10-16-2006, 4:16 PM
Woo-Hoo!!! Congrats Short-Timer! :clap: :clap: :clap:
Best wishes - get home safe!
Thanks for all you guys are doing. :thm:
fish_freak
10-16-2006, 5:42 PM
Hello and Welcome to AC! :hi:
Marinemom
10-17-2006, 11:25 PM
God bless you and thank you for everything you are doing for us and this country. Get home safe and sound and I will keep you in my prayers.
Marinemom
unvmyplecos
09-03-2008, 7:43 PM
welcome ot ac hehe
J double R
09-03-2008, 7:48 PM
ahh nothing like another brother to add to the list. welcome aboard!
Jon Reynolds
former STS2(SS), USN
justahannah
09-03-2008, 7:49 PM
Howdy! My husband is in Fort Lewis's I-Corps and will be shipping to Iraq sometime around March...it always makes me feel better to hear about soldiers coming back. Good luck with all this fish stuff and safe travels!
noodles62
09-03-2008, 8:46 PM
:welcome: and thank you for your servuce. I have military sons myself, one of which is deploying to Afghan in Feb. Stay safe and enjoy the forum any chance you can!
DarkDH
09-03-2008, 8:56 PM
Hey and welcome to AC! Be safe and thanks for all you are doing for our country!
excuzzzeme
09-03-2008, 9:02 PM
Go ahead and get antsy all you want as long as you do it right! I got started with fish when I was with the 4th ID, stationed at Ft Carson, Colorado (circa 1975?). Not everything has been a smooth transition to civilian world, but 95% of it has been.
Pay? They actually pay you now? LOL
Keep reading the forums so you will be us to speed on all the latest news on fish care.
Be Smart, Be Safe
Jeff
SSG (Ret)
US Army 1972-1995
Hooked Newbie
09-03-2008, 9:04 PM
I'll add my welcome as well, but did anyone notice the date of the OP? lol
noodles62
09-03-2008, 9:07 PM
:lipssealedsmilie:
cam191919
09-03-2008, 9:28 PM
hmmm, way to go unvy :)
wonder if hes back?
I'll add my welcome as well, but did anyone notice the date of the OP? lol
I noticed that hence I was baffled why on earth it would pop up again.lol
Closed since this was done 2 years ago.:)