Well Gang, what’s going in the life of the office?? We had a helicopter lose his cockpit door one dark night on their way out of here. We call this “TFOA” sounds like tofu and it means “Things falling off Aircraft”. It’s a big deal because in the states and something falls off, next thing you know, it’s on the news that Grandma was almost decapitated in her garden while planting her tomatoes. Even the stories about the giant chunk of blue ice that fell from the sky, that’s TFOA and these things happen. So the next morning, I go into the office “What’s up Ssgt?” He replied “The Col is out with Leghound looking for that door that fell off the 46 last night” Me, “have they found it yet?” “No Sir” he says. I pick up the brick, “Col, any luck with the door?” The Col says no and if you want to drive around come on out.
I load up in the trooper and head to the end of the runway. Hmmm, if I was taking off going where they were heading to their base, where would I look? I drove straight out to a parking lot past the runway and outside the wire. There sitting in the middle of the lot was the door. I was certain that it was going to be under a foot of moon dust out there, but it was the only metal object in sight. My total time was 10 minutes. I called the Col with the news “Sir, I found the door” He was on the radio in a heartbeat,”No flippin way!!! Where are you?” Me, “Sir, I’m in the middle of a parking lot outside the wire by the departure end of the runway.” He arrived in about five minutes and was just shaking his head. He drove through the same lot only 30 minutes before but was looking left and Leghound was looking to the right, almost where the only object in this entire lot was. The Col remembered when they drove through that lot and all Leghound talked about was “Wonder what’s for lunch, hope it’s good” and “Oh Sir, I know where that door is, it’s over by the rocket motor I saw off of Kilo taxiway” Well they drove back and alas no door but he got his rocket motor that was leftover from some old rocket attack on the base. They were out there for hours and I found it in 10 minutes. Better lucky then good any day I say!! The fun part was holding it ransom from the Squadron and demanding a Squadron tee shirt, coin and 3 pizza’s with everything on it. They brought the payoff to our vip pad and we made the swap. That was a pretty successful day for me!! Ha!
Today is Valentine’s day, so this is for my wife who takes such good care of me and the family.
My True Love,
Here I sit, 7000 miles from home, watching the sun set across the deserts of Iraq. I know what love is, and you encompass it all. I often dreamed about marrying a woman of your stature and beauty. God granted me the chance to meet you and for that I’m blessed! As the sun sets here, know that my love will rise to meet it in the morning. Happy Valentines Day Honey, I love you!!!!
As for the rest of you Taco fans, I hope you have a wonderful Valentines days with your special person.
Semper Fi,
Taco
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The SandGram 
February 13, 2006 at 11:43 am
What a nice Valentine for Mrs. Taco!
Sam
.
.
February 13, 2006 at 1:00 pm
Love is good. And a question: Can you explain how one obtains a pizza in sand land?
February 13, 2006 at 2:49 pm
Red. Taco is in the Air Wing, aka ‘swing with the wing’.
They have Pizzas, when they don’t fall off along with the aircraft door.
🙂
jim b
February 13, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Nice post, Taco. Here’s wishing all our troops a happy Valentine’s Day!
February 13, 2006 at 4:21 pm
Happy Valentines to you and Mrs. Taco as well!
Stay safe.
Semper Gratus!
Bridget
February 13, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and all who serve!
February 13, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Leghound is sure enough building a rep, isn’t he? Heh!
What a sweet Valentine, Taco – you are quite the romantic!
February 13, 2006 at 5:22 pm
Happy Valentines Day to all. Hope everyone has a good/safe one.
February 13, 2006 at 7:46 pm
AWWWW!
Lucky Mrs. Taco to have such a sweetie.
February 13, 2006 at 11:40 pm
Happy Vanetine’s Day!
February 14, 2006 at 12:38 am
Taco, great post! Pizza!? Sweet!!
February 14, 2006 at 5:25 am
What a nice valentine for the Mrs.!! Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. Please stay safe.
February 14, 2006 at 5:29 am
Some bases have all the amenities of the west. Pizza hut, burger King, subway…in these little trailers. The lines are super long and the food not so good, but it gives the guys a taste of “Home” I myself like the Chow hall, lots of Indian food… Here at my base, we’re too small for that stuff. Going to the other base is like going from Podunk Iowa to New York City!!!
February 14, 2006 at 6:04 am
I will say Happy Valentine’s Day to you because, well, it’s you and you amuse me and you deserve it. But you should know that I dress in black and mourn on this shittiest of holidays for single girls!
February 14, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Poor Leghound. Does he know he’s developing a following?! Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone there and here!
February 14, 2006 at 3:13 pm
Mrs Taco is a lucky woman! Alas, my special person is somewhere over playing in the sand alongside of you. But Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your lovely lady anyway! ROFL about the helo door and the ensuing drama and ransom! Thanks for the smiles.
February 14, 2006 at 4:30 pm
Taco , you are so sweet!
I must say that the marines only get the best! LOL I am glad that you found the door.
Kelli
http://journals.aol.com/kamdghwmw/noonmom
February 14, 2006 at 9:26 pm
Hi Honey,
Happy Valentines Day to you! Thank you for your wonderful letter! I love you and can’t wait to be with you!
-Mrs. Taco
February 15, 2006 at 12:52 am
Are there any good tacos to be had in Iraq?
February 15, 2006 at 3:08 am
Thank you for your posts. Thank you for your sacrifice and service. And, a HUGE thank you to your family for their support and sacrifice while you are away doing what you and so many others do so well for us every day. Our debt to you and your families can never be repaid. Our gratitude is immense!
Stay safe and know that we are here in support of ALL of you and your families!
February 15, 2006 at 3:22 am
Taco,
Another great post. You have the best sense of humor and wit….not to mention a great knack for finding what you’re looking for. Like Mrs. Taco. I’m not sure who found who, but it sounds like you’re happily in love and I hope it lasts forever. Happy Valentines Day to you both.
February 15, 2006 at 3:29 am
Did you share the pizza with Leghound? I would have hidden a slice and made him find it.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all the Taco family!
February 15, 2006 at 6:56 am
How cool that you and Mrs. Taco can stay in touch with you in a war zone!! To this ole granny on a farm in Oregon, E-mail and the internet are wonderful.
Thanks for all you do for us all
February 15, 2006 at 3:07 pm
Well, this just goes to prove that a man really can find things when he puts his mind to it!! LOL!!!
Anonymous said…
Are there any good tacos to be had in Iraq?
ROFLOL!! Just one!
🙂
February 15, 2006 at 4:03 pm
Taco is my son, but I swear we never raised him like this–we don’t know where he got this romantic streak! 🙂
All I can say is that “Mrs. Taco” is a wonderful girl and the perfect woman for him. She has been a real trooper and a great Marine wife. We love her dearly and are delighted to have her in our family!
As Taco always tells people, “my folks pay her to stay with me!” 🙂
February 15, 2006 at 6:31 pm
What a beautiful Valentine’s Day message to your wife! God bless you and your family Taco.
Doll
February 15, 2006 at 7:28 pm
Taco I happen to have the honor of meeting your Mom and Dad! 🙂 They are great people and I think the world your Mom!
I just wanted to say it is an honor to be amongst such patriots and I am proud to be a part of the side of America that stands for all things good and moral!
Doll
February 16, 2006 at 1:19 am
Maj. Bell:
Explain to me why AA pilots do not announce their names & the name sof their co-pilots like the other airlines? I never noticed this until recently when I started listening for your name. (Although, it appears you are still in the sandbox)I fly 2/3 weeks per month: 60% AA & balance UA & JetBlue…..I keep waiting to hear “Your pilot today is Maj Taco Bell….and serving drinks in coach is Leghound….”
Just promise to violate co. ploicy and announce yourself for the first month back so I can come up and shake your hand! 🙂
February 16, 2006 at 4:58 pm
You do know what you’ve done, don’t you? Now, whenever there is a missing door..guess who they will call first?!
God bless you and your family. What a fine group! Take care, and can’t wait for your “I’m home!” post.
Semper gratus,
Donna
February 16, 2006 at 5:55 pm
“As Taco always tells people, “my folks pay her to stay with me!” :)”
Good job Mama Taco!! Your investment appears to be paying off;)
February 18, 2006 at 6:43 am
Taco – You mean to say that Leghound survived those gummy bear vitamins?? He wants to eat??
Yes, he does have a reputation – goofy, gorgeous Marine. Tell him he’s only allowed to think about chow after he remembers that we all love him, and you, and your fellow Marines.
…and remind him to read the label before he eats anything!
Love to Mrs. Taco. Thanks for taking care of the Major!