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Message started by HondaLavis on 10/03/13 at 10:45:29

Title: So long, but not goodbye
Post by HondaLavis on 10/03/13 at 10:45:29

Well guys, my time has come. In the next day or two I'll start my long journey to Afghanistan. It'll be my last tour, and I'll be home in 9 months. I should have internet over there, so I'll drop in once in a while. I might even check in at my stops across the world just for fun. It'll be like that weather radar that tracks santa on Christmas Eve. ;D

It's been fun, and try not to have too many shenanigans without me.

Pics to come of my bike as she sits in the stable.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by Serowbot on 10/03/13 at 10:53:42

Hey,.. be safe over there...
;)...

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by oldNslow on 10/03/13 at 11:02:42

Be safe. Watch yer back. And thank you for watching ours!

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by HondaLavis on 10/03/13 at 11:40:44

I fix and crew on Blackhawks, so I'll be watching my pilots to make sure they don't kill us! We'll be lucky to have any missions, though. Everything is closing. We'll just take off, burn a couple of circles in the sky, and go home. lol

Here she is all plugged in, sta-bil-ized and ready to hibernate. Wife knows to start her every week and HOW to do it. She might even take her out a couple of times to practice. She wants to get her license and even took the MSF course with me, but she anticipated the quick stop two times on the test - automatic no go. :( She won't give up, though. The rest of her skills were great! But I digress; pictures!

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee291/Lavis325CL/2001%20Suzuki%20Savage/20131003_133329_zps0e1bd4e8.jpg

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee291/Lavis325CL/2001%20Suzuki%20Savage/20131003_133146_zps3a0c726a.jpg

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by verslagen1 on 10/03/13 at 11:50:53

don't forget to bag up that 4banger on the bench.
wouldn't want to fill up with dust while you're gone.

and be careful out there, you fella's will be more a target then ever.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by LostArtist on 10/03/13 at 12:03:29

take care man, be safe

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by Stones on 10/03/13 at 12:17:21

Yeah come back safe.... im gonna need a riding buddy ;)

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/03/13 at 14:08:10

Keep them poppy plants safe,,too.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by old_rider on 10/03/13 at 14:27:39

Ya coulda' just called me and I would have come got her and kept her on the road (with just a ...few... miles) and in ridin' trim while you were off protecting the innocent...and me too!

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by HondaLavis on 10/03/13 at 14:59:55

6B786F6E717C7A78732C1D0 wrote:

don't forget to bag up that 4banger on the bench.
wouldn't want to fill up with dust while you're gone.

and be careful out there, you fella's will be more a target then ever.

Yeah, I haven't touched that poor Honda in a long time. I've got that big air compressor, but haven't had the time/$$ to buy all the accessories to set up a proper blast/paint booth. I want that engine to look as well as it performs after all I did in there. New primary, new tensioner pieces, new #2 shift fork, everything scrubbed, honed all the cylinders, new rings, replaced every seal... All because the title said 20K miles, the odometer said 40K miles, and the owner couldn't give me a proper history.

243B3D3A2720112111293B377C4E0 wrote:

Keep them poppy plants safe,,too.

I can't speak too much for the poppy fields, but I wish I had pictures of some of the marijuana fields we've landed in. :o You could smell it everywhere, and guys would always bring back a few nuggets. Afghan Ntl Army, Afghan SF, USA SF... everybody. lol Landed in a few watermelon fields, too. Supposedly they're extra sweet. Never had the chance to grab one, though. :-/

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by verslagen1 on 10/03/13 at 16:34:56

The miles on it aren't an issue with DMV as it's over 20 years old.

Mine was dropped, speedo was smashed at 16k, got a speedo with 30k to replace it. But I may still fix the original as both have crappy faceplates.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by HondaLavis on 10/03/13 at 16:42:40

I was more worried about the unknown life of the primary chain. Without a tensioner, they are known to stretch and eat the cases when they die. Figured I'd cover myself by going through the engine really thoroughly. I'm glad I did, since I found a shift fork all ate up. CB500's are prone to do that, though.

You can definitely rebuild those gauges. It's a long and tedious process, but not impossible. Plus, there are several documented accounts, so you can learn from others!

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by WD on 10/03/13 at 16:46:37

If you see any SeaBees, give them a big one finger salute for me. My battalion left me on the beach in Spain drinking beer when the main body went to Bosnia in 95/96 to pull the Army out of the mud.

Have a safe deployment. See you when you get back, if you can get to Memphis, beer is on me.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by HondaLavis on 10/03/13 at 17:16:09

When I get back, I'll have 6 months to get out. I'd like to stay in TX to go to school under the Hazelwood act, but I'll go anywhere that looks good with a nice offer for an aircraft mechanic. I'll have my A&P shortly after I return. ;)

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by old_rider on 10/03/13 at 18:04:45

Lotsa places along the gulf coast for A&P techs, but don't get into the gov'ment contracts unless you are guaranteed 5 or more years.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by babyhog on 10/03/13 at 18:36:42

Take care man, and don't forget about us!

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by red12049 on 10/03/13 at 18:45:37

You'll be over same time as my son... Pray that you're both safe and return quickly.

Rick

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by HondaLavis on 10/03/13 at 18:46:43

I don't think I'll be looking at any gov jobs for a looooooooong time... ::)

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/03/13 at 21:11:46

When I got outta the AF,, I didnt go to a movie or eat at a cafeteria for years, I JustWould NOTgo where I would wait in a line,

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by danjray on 10/03/13 at 21:31:34

Good luck over there, stay safe, and give a post every once and a while, I doubt I'm the only one who will miss your lovely profile picture ::)

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by kimchris1 on 10/03/13 at 22:20:32

Be safe and know many here will miss you.
You will be in many of our thoughts and prayers
as well.. Hugs to your wife and tell her she is
welcome to stop in and visit.
I hope she does go forward with retaining her license. :) kim

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by LANCER on 10/04/13 at 04:18:54

Watch your 6 dude.
EVERYONE on the crew is essential for survival of all.
I was a UH-1H driver years back and it took all of us to get out safely.
Looking forward to hear from you as you are able.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by ZAR on 10/04/13 at 18:54:29

1136373D3815382F302A590 wrote:

Come on up to Kentucky.....Them fellers with the big brown trucks is always looking for good tech at the Louisville hub!

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by Midnightrider on 10/04/13 at 19:00:24

Thanks for everything you've done and continue to do for this country.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by NorCalRider on 10/05/13 at 18:31:31

Good luck and be safe.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by HondaLavis on 10/05/13 at 23:56:28

Greetings from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan! I imagine I'm closer now to Wambr than anyone else. Too bad I can't get out of the AFB, lol. The weather is beautiful, but it sucks watching all the air force guys drinking their 3 beers a day. I'll be in Afghaniland before I know it.

Thanks for all of the replies everybody; it means a lot. I try to tell people that if you really want to thank a soldier, just make an informed vote and make sure your kids are disciplined and educated. That means a hell of a lot more than a salute and a 10% discount at Lowes. Lancer, I've watched some hueys, and I wish I could fly in one. What you said about crew coordination is too true. We even have classes on it. I just hope we actually have a chance to do some flying out here.

I'll update this thread when I can. Later, dudes! 8-)

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by PiaFea on 10/06/13 at 13:17:46

Be safe and have a good productive tour!
Thanks for your work for our Country and Freedom!

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by HondaLavis on 12/19/13 at 08:38:32

Thought I'd check in, as it's been a hot minute. I can't honestly say we are doing ANYTHING important up here in Northern Afghanistan AT ALL. We are seriously sitting on our asses and flying Germans around the mountains so they can take pictures of them. I wish I was in the South where they actually need our kind of support.

Enough with the depressing truth about this stupid deployment. Pictures!! :D
That's a row of 12. I don't think you can see them all...

http://https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1469826_10152276444464881_2056231954_n.jpg

Thankfully, it doesn't look like that all the time. When I can get off the ground, here is my office view:

http://https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/601070_10152276447129881_1287414429_n.jpg

Preparing for Christmas. It's got 7.62, smoke grenades, flares, pen flares, parts tags, chemlights, pipe cleaners, fruit, safety wire, and a condom star tree topper! :D

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee291/Lavis325CL/1465138_765526583473355_707476239_n_zps897586dd.jpg

In our office (this isn't even the beginning...) You know what they say: War is Hell.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee291/Lavis325CL/1471225_10151902826463366_1963088502_n_zps0d1c9153.jpg

There's supposed to be a bearing and a seal in there. This is what happens when you run out of grease... lol

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee291/Lavis325CL/1457764_10152266398584881_1276440176_n_zps523102b7.jpg

Stay tuned for more pics from Afghanistan!! ;) :D

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by Serowbot on 12/19/13 at 09:07:40

The war may not kill you.... but that diet might...
;D...

Nice to hear from you... thanks for the pics...
Glad you have a tree...

Best Holiday Wishes... ;)...

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by prechermike on 12/20/13 at 05:29:26

Somehow I missed this a couple of months ago. :-/ Like the others said, thanks and be safe. Keep the pictures coming as well, nice to see an undistorted view once in a while.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by ToesNose on 12/20/13 at 06:27:29

Thanks for the updates and pics HLavis!! Be safe and have as much of a happy X-mass as possible =)

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by kimchris1 on 12/20/13 at 06:58:46

Merry Christmas and thanks so much for what
you and the rest of the service men and women
are doing..
Is their a chance you can send us your address?
You might be the envy of the rest of the crew when
you receive some mail.. :) kim

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by old_rider on 12/20/13 at 11:36:55

Merry Christmas HL! I was approved for gunner on Pavelow's but instead crosstrained to engine mechanic... never got my A&P... but never really needed it, dod contract was the way for me... bigger bucks, but there are tons of jobs in and around mobile and pensicola for aircraft mechs.
I'll give you some heads up, got a bud working near mobile, i'll give him a holler and feed you some info.

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by HondaLavis on 12/20/13 at 19:20:51

Thanks for the thoughts, guys. I hope you enjoy the pictures. I've got some more good ones that I'll be able to post in a week or two. Old_rider, I appreciate the heads up. When I get out my plan is to attend UT for Year under the Hazelwood act, then use my GI bill to finish my bachelor's at Embry Riddle in Daytona. I'll be sure to have my a&p before I'm out of the Army.

To any who want to send care packages, my address is:

Timothy Valis
A co, 3-227 AHB, TF Reaper
Camp Marmal
APO AE 09368

Mail takes 7-10 days to get here. Anything you send me will be greatly appreciated! :)

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye - Afghan Updates
Post by HondaLavis on 03/05/14 at 09:27:47

Hello again! Thought I'd share some pics of the big snow day we had last month and a bit of our Christmas shenanigans.

So we had an ugly sweater party. I'm on the far left, joined by some more crewchiefs and pilots. Of course, my commander is pants-less:

http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/q74/s720x720/1535742_751152578246947_1117666302_n.jpg

I had to get one in my horse head. All we get is near beer out here. I only had the can for effect... It tastes terrible!

http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/q73/s720x720/562772_10152335484754881_1521934237_n.jpg

We had a few snow days at the beginning of Feb. Welcome to my humble abode:

http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/q80/s720x720/1795570_10152445289979881_1273011614_n.jpg

Pretty snow:

http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/q75/s720x720/923437_10152445292699881_2122447962_n.jpg

No flying for a bit:

http://https://scontent-a-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/p180x540/1601587_10152450223474881_1570462570_n.jpg

But, of course, it all cleared up eventually:

http://https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/p180x540/1620791_641198045946051_146616810_n.jpg

The Werewolves haven't been too busy lately, but we have to do something to pass the time. I hope you guys enjoy these pictures, and I can't wait to get back and ride! I have to find somebody to join me riding through central Texas. 8-)

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by Pine on 03/05/14 at 09:38:09

WOOT!!

Thanks for the pics... no beer... shudders....

Title: Re: So long, but not goodbye
Post by ToesNose on 03/05/14 at 09:41:35

Near beer.....shudders :P