A fire support base (FSB, firebase or FB) is a military encampment designed to provide indirect fireartilleryfire support to infantry operating in areas beyond the normal range of direct fire support from their own base camps. FSBs were originally used by South Korean troops during the Vietnam War (중대전술기지: Company Tactical Base), and U.S. adopted it after South Korean troops proved its usefulness through many battles such as Battle of Tra Binh Dong.

For me, “Firebase Rockford” is a metaphorical construct in my mind that represents a safe place to go while the rest of my life was thrown into chaos, normally by my own actions. It is a defensible position, well armed against anything,and there were many battles fought on its perimeter, some were won, some were lost, and some were actually resolved peacefully. Bridges were burned, blown up, replaced, repaired, or abandoned in place.

This blog, “The Gun Line” was a direct line of communication from the midst of it…

In the beginning, The Gun Line was a place for me to vent my emotions after moving from Southern California to Eastern Washington. I had left behind many friends, and missed the familiar comradeship. It progressed into a portal to an amazing world, the Blogosphere, where I met an amazing array of incredible individuals. Through this blog, I made friendships, was inspired, and found that I could inspire others. As it continued, I wrote of my return to the service, and all of the collateral dynamics involved. I am proud to say that I was involved with some pretty spectacular activities, from the 1st Milblog Conference, the establishment of VALOUR-IT, the wounding and subsequent meteoric rise to fame and glory of Chuck Z., inclusion in the Right and Good Company of Castle Argghhh!, and the list goes on…

I was there as milbloggers went from “just another small minority”, to a bone fide social media and information outlet. I watched as the infrastructure formed, and the rising stars coalesced into prominence.

I took The Gun Line with me to war, and returned…

But, you know, it’s been almost two years since I returned, and I find that I don’t say much to say anymore… Not because I have said everything that needs to be said, but because all of those huge issues that prompted me to reach out to the world have, for the most part, been resolved. I don’t have much to say because I am content with where I am and who I am…

In this metaphorical construct in my mind, I have been slowly dismantling the Firebase. The barbed wire and Hesco barriers have been emptied and removed. The fighting holes and bunker have been filled in.  The building materials that made up the bunkers have been salvaged and donated to the local ville. The native workers have been paid handsomely and sent on their way. The Marston Matting has been pulled up from the helipad, and the soil around the FARP has been re-mediated of contaminants. EOD cleared the last of the UXEs, Foo-Gas and Claymores, and signed off on the site.

The heavy ordnance has been trucked out, and the last of the Little Green Amphibious Monsters DEROSed last week. Godzilla has been PCS’d to another trouble spot. All of the technology is gone.

Now it’s just one guy with a walkie-talkie and a rucksack… I’ll walk what used to be the perimeter, and then take a leisurely stroll down the hill to the temporary LZ.

But there are some folks I’d like to thank before I go.

A vast majority fall into the category of absolutely amazing individuals who have given me inspiration, counsel, sympathy, advise, a good kick in the ass when I really needed it. You probably know who you are.

So here goes… I would like to thank:

Neptunus Lex, who continues to pass on his insight and passion for all things Naval, Aviation, and life-related, and wields his quill with the finesse of a master swordsman.

Fuzzibear Lioness, who distracted me from my own troubles by allowing me to help her with hers, and, in the midst of the darkness, she came up with VALOUR-IT, and how wonderfully it has taken off!

Chuck Z. (and Mrs. Z.) for showing the world what real heroes look like.

To the Denizens of Castle Argghhh:

John, for, well, being John… Thanks Blogpapa. And Beth, because you guys are two halves of a whole.

Dusty, for taking a Thunder Bolt into the very depths of Hell to keep the grunts on the ground alive.

BillT, for sharing the pleasures, and a little of the pain of a Viet Nam chopper pilot. To you and ALL who served there, WELCOME HOME! (Oh, and for helping hatch little Iraqi whirlybirds too!)

Boston Maggie, for Big Sister love, the occasional trip under the bus, and for being the magnificent Force of Nature that you are.

Barb, for being a real friend.

BCR, for being the absolute coolest Rocket Scientist/Nuclear Physics-type person I will EVER know.

Boquisucio, because you’re Puerto Rican…  (Isn’t that enough? Oh, and because you’re the epitome of a gentleman as well!)

Werekitten, for swinging from the chandelier as only YOU can! And Keith, a helluva “old corps” soldier!

Cassandra, for the Words!

Homefront Six, because you’ve been there, done that.

Mary Anne, for the shot in the arm.

Punctilious, for humor above and beyond.

And all of the other Denizens who grace the Halls of Castle Argghhh!

Kodiak Momma Six, for the hand of friendship after the Hell.

Phoenix, for everything.

Mom and Dad, for life and a hell of a ride!

And God, because He Lives!

I’m not vanishing completely, mind you; I’ve got a key to the General Access parts of the Castle, should I come up with anything significant to say, and I monitor the Net on a regular basis.

There. Mission Accomplished! It’s been a most excellent trip!

Firebase Rockford Comm Center, signing off…

SGT B piping in front of B Company's T-Wall.

I’m going through my deployment pictures.  I guess it’s time to show what we did on this journey.