LOGCAP IV INFO

I have a feeing allot of the Fluor wives will be having babies ;-) from happiness...

Missing Him in Granbury, Texas said: Congradulations! How exciting...I hope it does get easier for each passing day...The good thing is I know his coming back...home in August...I am also in hopes to hav a baby two...I'm two weeks late...But, we will see, I told my husband also he stated to me if thats what God wants let be...I have to say that we are blessed women to have our men working over there helping our military troop, and is an honor...

Donna would this be your first child?

Is your husband planning on staying another year or planning on demob?

God Bless...And so HAPPY for you! ;-)

This is actually my third child. We already have two boys, one is 7 one is 5. The boys struggle a lot with missing Daddy, but I find that my attitude really impacts how they cope. If I am in good spirits and have a positive attitude, then they pick up on that and echo it. When I am down and negative, they do the same.
My husband will definitely finish his first year and is seriously considering doing a second. Time will tell :)
He will be coming home on his next R&R at the end of July, which is coming right up! This one has been a short stretch mainly because the last stretch we did was 5 months. While that was terribly long, it means the next two will be much closer together! Stay strong and I will keep my fingers crossed for you!
~Donna

elec in Spring, Texas said: Hoping the same thing happens for me on my hubbys first rnr! Ready for number three!!!

Good luck to you elec! I can relate to having two kiddos who miss their Daddy. If you ever need some advice, just let me know! We've been at it for over 8 months now :)

Thanks Donna-

Boys are such a blessing...:) Please keep your fingers cross...I have been praying for a baby...:)

My son is also seven...I have to constantly keep my self busy even more now since my husband has been gone.

I'm also a counselor here, so my job keeps me really busy...are you working? Or do you stay home with your kids?

Missing Him in Granbury, Texas said: Thanks Donna-

Boys are such a blessing...:) Please keep your fingers cross...I have been praying for a baby...:)

My son is also seven...I have to constantly keep my self busy even more now since my husband has been gone.

I'm also a counselor here, so my job keeps me really busy...are you working? Or do you stay home with your kids?

Up until recently I worked as a Residential Counselor. Very fulfilling work, but I decided to pursue a degree in Nursing. I have been on the waitlist for my clinicals for quite a spell now, after having finished all my other coursework. Just got a letter that I have been accepted to begin in September, but I have decided to defer my enrollment until Sept 2012 due to the pregnancy (I'd have to take the Spring 2012 semester off and that would set me back anyway because of how they set up the sequences...I'd rather take it one semester after another with no breaks in between). So currently, I am a stay-at-home Mom, but I want to find something to do part-time at least while the boys are in school next fall.

DonnaFletcher in Maine said: Good luck to you elec! I can relate to having two kiddos who miss their Daddy. If you ever need some advice, just let me know! We've been at it for over 8 months now :)

I really appreciate the positve words, like I said before it's nice to chat with women who understand what I'm going through. How often do you hear from your hub? Networks down where my hub's at so I haven't spoken with him for a few days and I'm going crazy! How do you and the kiddos keep busy in the summertime? I'm thinking of taking a short vacation but have never traveled w/o him. It's hard for me because in eleven years we never spent a night apart before this. I'm hoping for my own "souvenier" when he comes home in August:) Congrats to you, and stay strong because I'm sure it will be hard having two small kiddos and having a bun in the oven.:) Thanx for all your help everyone...these messages make me smile.

elec in Spring, Texas said: I really appreciate the positve words, like I said before it's nice to chat with women who understand what I'm going through. How often do you hear from your hub? Networks down where my hub's at so I haven't spoken with him for a few days and I'm going crazy! How do you and the kiddos keep busy in the summertime? I'm thinking of taking a short vacation but have never traveled w/o him. It's hard for me because in eleven years we never spent a night apart before this. I'm hoping for my own "souvenier" when he comes home in August:) Congrats to you, and stay strong because I'm sure it will be hard having two small kiddos and having a bun in the oven.:) Thanx for all your help everyone...these messages make me smile.

My husband calls me twice a day on Skype. Usually when he wakes up in the morning (night time for me) and after work once he goes back to his room (mid-morning for me). It hasnt always been this easy, though. It took him a long time to get his own "room." Now that he has his own space he purchases his own internet and uses that to keep in touch. It really helps to hear his voice as often as I do, but it also means that if something happens and I dont hear from him, I panic.
Thank you for the congrats! We are both really excited for this baby. It will be our last baby and I look forward to cherishing all the firsts! At the same time, though, I am a lot more emotional because he isn't here and won't be here for most of the pregnancy. He is a very involved Daddy and that part bothers me, but I know he is doing this to make a better life for all of us, including this new little one. We all just need to keep our eyes on the prize and be proud of our men! Not all men would do what ours are, and my hubby amazes me everyday with his committment and drive!

trey4u in Mobile, Alabama said: I used TurboTax and their live support AND read IRS pub 54. What they told me agrees with pub 54.

But you are misinterpreting it, you need to talk with a REAL accountant. The live support at turbo tax doesn't cut it.

That is so awesome...You are right it is really full filling...To help...I love my job...They say that medical field is the best to get into...My sister is in her Third year for Nursing...She is hoping two more years...I'm sure you will be a great nurse...we need allot of good nurses out there...I know i've been to some...and they where rude...

I'm Jealous your a stay at home mom! nice ;-)

Stay busy busy busy...computer is hard for them to get on to allot of the time since there are so many men over there.

I hoping you will have a bun in the oven in August and pray that you will be blessed! :)

Gone Fishing in Forsyth, Georgia said: But you are misinterpreting it, you need to talk with a REAL accountant. The live support at turbo tax doesn't cut it.

No, I'm not misinterpreting anything. Pub 54 has it in black and white so there's nothing to interpret. TT answered some questions I had about counting the days. Went back to pub 54 and they were right on. I'm very happy with my very large refund and am looking forward to doing my taxes for 2011.

Donna you couldn't have said it any better...We are blessed women to have great men...I talk to my husband on briefly but talk at least three times a day...but only talk for about three minutes...but will tak longer once he gets off. But,remember they work 12 hours a day seven days on , so than we will talk about 30 t0 45 minutes...I HAVE TO HEAR HIS VOICE. I even sleep with his picture with me, and watch vaction video every night to help me to go to sleep...

And alway think about how great our love is...

trey4u in Mobile, Alabama said: No, I'm not misinterpreting anything. Pub 54 has it in black and white so there's nothing to interpret. TT answered some questions I had about counting the days. Went back to pub 54 and they were right on. I'm very happy with my very large refund and am looking forward to doing my taxes for 2011.

OK sir, just trying to help, you are the expert, you have been over 1 year and filed your taxes once. You keep doing what you are doing. Have a great day.

Gone Fishing in Forsyth, Georgia said: OK sir, just trying to help, you are the expert, you have been over 1 year and filed your taxes once. You keep doing what you are doing. Have a great day.

You know the way things are going, I very much doubt he will be able to come back over. We've been told they are putting a stop t these medical come-backs in a hurry. I know we've lost several people who thought they would be back in a heart-beat only to be denied after being cleared by the "doctor". Word is they are using any exuse they can to downsize the U.S Force.

Contract where are you located? Is that a rumor? If not We need to let everyone to Save and to be wise...in spending...

Missing Him in Granbury, Texas said: Contract where are you located? Is that a rumor? If not We need to let everyone to Save and to be wise...in spending...

Missing,

It has been no secret since the beginning that the goal is to have 80% OCN staff. The problem with it is that a few fields either require a clearance or a formal license from the US or UK. This means that percentage will have to be much higher in other fields to make up difference.

I still don't get it...sorry... What is OCN...

What is OCN?

Sorry, This is such a different language..I don't get it...fields? licsence???

Missing Him in Granbury, Texas said: What is OCN?

OCN = Other Country National

Your husband is an electrician isn't he? If he is, they are safe, currently the requirement is for all electricians to have a state issued license or whatever the certification in the UK is. I don't think these companies will find a way around that any time soon.

Missing Him in Granbury, Texas said: Sorry, This is such a different language..I don't get it...fields? licsence???

Field = job or trade

Whatever profession you get hired as.

Hey GF are plumbers safe, with what you are talking about?

graefboy in lodi, California said: Hey GF are plumbers safe, with what you are talking about?

No requirement for plumbers to have any type of formal certification. What that means is that they can hire as many OCNs as they want with their made up resumes and their counterfeit certificates of school. The incentive behind this is purely money, the OCNs make a fraction of what an expat does.

That is so sad...all the people that needs jobs...Yes, my husband is an electrician....But, still all those people that needs jobs...my heart goes out to them....

Gone Fishing my I ask what camp you are at? Maybe you know my husband..

GF I got my offer letter in april and going through OPM right now. I was offered the plumbing journey men job at tier 2. My questions would be is this a job I can keep for awhile like 3 years or is this just a filler spot until they get the other people in there.

now that GF left I am tripping on this it is a big step for me so can anyone elaborate on what he was saying as far as hiring OCNs is the job I am going for just a filler or could I be there for a while.

graefboy in lodi, California said: GF I got my offer letter in april and going through OPM right now. I was offered the plumbing journey men job at tier 2. My questions would be is this a job I can keep for awhile like 3 years or is this just a filler spot until they get the other people in there.

Once you get here, how long you stay is up to you. Just be advised, given the opportunity it is a lot easier for an expat to get sent packing than it is an OCN, don't screw up.

By the way, I don't think many of us past a couple more years.

graefboy in lodi, California said: now that GF left I am tripping on this it is a big step for me so can anyone elaborate on what he was saying as far as hiring OCNs is the job I am going for just a filler or could I be there for a while.

I believe you have the contract for a year...I'm not for sure...I just know very little, my husband doesn't talk much about work... I believe he signed a year contract....

So start saving as much as you can...We all need to, cause you never know...

@ GF what does the tiers mean?

graefboy in lodi, California said: GF I got my offer letter in april and going through OPM right now. I was offered the plumbing journey men job at tier 2. My questions would be is this a job I can keep for awhile like 3 years or is this just a filler spot until they get the other people in there.

Once you get here, how long you stay is up to you. Just be advised, given the opportunity it is a lot easier for an expat to get sent packing than it is an OCN, don't screw up.

By the way, I don't think many of us past a couple more years.

Missing Him in Granbury, Texas said: I believe you have the contract for a year...I'm not for sure...I just know very little, my husband doesn't talk much about work... I believe he signed a year contract....

Read the "contract", basically you can be sent home at any time for any reason and about all you are going to get is unemployment, and that depends on who you are working for if you even get that.

Missing Him in Granbury, Texas said: @ GF what does the tiers mean?

Teir 1 is Greenville corporate employees, their benefit package and pay scale is different, a lot different.

Teir 2 is 99% of the US citizens working here.

Teir 3 & 4 are the OCNs, their pay scale and benefit package is different too.

Missing Him in Granbury, Texas said: I believe you have the contract for a year...I'm not for sure...I just know very little, my husband doesn't talk much about work... I believe he signed a year contract....

I made myself read everything that came across the fax,e-mail,anything that had o do with what he was going over to do,you should have copies of all his paperwork,anything he signed,a copy of his -sf85,sf86(which ever he did),a hard copy of his poa to you,all copies of the insurance that he has with who ever he works with. On a daily basis,I am looking up stuff for him,and,because their phones and internet has been down,even more important to be able to put your hands on anything they need,My Husband has been over a year and half now,and plans on staying until the end(or they have a reduction in force),I have no children at home,my youngest is 26,and getting married in Sept,I just feel the more you know what it is he is doing,the better off you are,it won't seem so weird,and you'll understand more about the day-to-day going on's. We have skype,and,talk every morning,if they internet is working,Mine is in Afghanistan,working for us to have a better future,I am under contract,and waiting for position approval,we were both in Iraq last summer,with KBR,and got par"ed out,he went straight over to Afghan,I am still waiting,which is harder on him than me,we thought I would be over there in Feb,not really sure what the hold-up is,except Gov is not releasing jobs as fast as they were. So I wait,The more familiar you are with this crazy situation,the more normal it seems.
If it can ever seem that way-LOL

Contract Worker in Nashville, Tennessee said: You know the way things are going, I very much doubt he will be able to come back over. We've been told they are putting a stop t these medical come-backs in a hurry. I know we've lost several people who thought they would be back in a heart-beat only to be denied after being cleared by the "doctor". Word is they are using any exuse they can to downsize the U.S Force.

Are you talking about the U.S. military force or the civilian force? The Army doesn't give a rip about the civilian force, they have a contract with Fluor and could care less how many ex-pats are there and how many OCN's are there as long as the contract requirements are met. It might benefit Fluor to have more OCN's because they do make less money but the medical waiver is controlled by the Army and is a waiver for those in the military and civilians. It doesn't ask anything about nationality, although Faruk Nadzakovic might be a givaway LOL

I hope you're wrong about the waiver, my heart attack risk is 16% and the max allowed is 15% so I'm hoping the letter from my doctor will get me the waiver. Cardiologist said my ECG from my stress test looked fine.

Contract Worker in Nashville, Tennessee said: You know the way things are going, I very much doubt he will be able to come back over. We've been told they are putting a stop t these medical come-backs in a hurry. I know we've lost several people who thought they would be back in a heart-beat only to be denied after being cleared by the "doctor". Word is they are using any exuse they can to downsize the U.S Force.

Just got a call from Fluor. He said they've had medical waivers with higher percentages than mine approved, sometimes in a few hours but surely by tomorrow. I'm packing, see ya from "over there".

trey4u in Mobile, Alabama said: Just got a call from Fluor. He said they've had medical waivers with higher percentages than mine approved, sometimes in a few hours but surely by tomorrow. I'm packing, see ya from "over there".

Just our employees. Good to hear you got cleared...see you on the dark side soon.

what about if your hurt during a rocket attack I'm in states now had surgery and now doing P.T. H.R. said they would try and get me back to my old job ! has anyone seen someone return being hurt like I was all I need to do is get cleared by my DR. and I should be able to return ? Hope I don't have to start as a new hire !

Missing Him in Granbury, Texas said: Donna- What you wrote actually put tears in my eyes...when I think of my husband...

I can see that all the wives miss their husbands very much!! Just imagine what a military wife goes thru! On the plus side for the Fluor spouses.... when he comes home, you will have a lot more money in the bank than the families of the military men that are serving our country over there!

I grew up with a father that was gone with the military a lot and I know my mom missed him when he was gone. While I understand it is very hard, please remember the pluses and the perspectives! :-)

Texas Doll in Katy, Texas said: I can see that all the wives miss their husbands very much!! Just imagine what a military wife goes thru! On the plus side for the Fluor spouses.... when he comes home, you will have a lot more money in the bank than the families of the military men that are serving our country over there!

I grew up with a father that was gone with the military a lot and I know my mom missed him when he was gone. While I understand it is very hard, please remember the pluses and the perspectives! :-)

Doll,
That is all very true. I don't think any of the wives on here take for granted the fact that 1. Our husbands get to come home A LOT more than military men 2. Our husbands are not as much in harms way as our military and 3. Our husbands are being paid a lot more than the military men and women who are serving our country during this time of war. While those things are extremely true, it kind of goes without saying. It doesnt make what we are going through any less real or any less difficult. None of us have forgotten the pluses to the situation and I know I, at least, have it in clear perspective...Doesn't mean we miss them any less! I can also say this (from experience), having him come home every 90+ days is wonderful and I wouldnt change it for the world. It is, however, in some ways more difficult than having him gone for a year at a time without returning (I've done that also). Just when you get used to having him gone -- getting in to a routine, helping the kids adjust to life without Daddy, etc -- he comes home and then leaves again and you (and most importantly, the kids!) are starting at square one once again...Just a little perspective on that.
I hope you don't feel like any of the wives on here don't remember the pluses every single day, because that is simply not the case (not for me anyway!) :)

DonnaFletcher in Maine said: Doll,
That is all very true. I don't think any of the wives on here take for granted the fact that 1. Our husbands get to come home A LOT more than military men 2. Our husbands are not as much in harms way as our military and 3. Our husbands are being paid a lot more than the military men and women who are serving our country during this time of war. While those things are extremely true, it kind of goes without saying. It doesnt make what we are going through any less real or any less difficult. None of us have forgotten the pluses to the situation and I know I, at least, have it in clear perspective...Doesn't mean we miss them any less! I can also say this (from experience), having him come home every 90+ days is wonderful and I wouldnt change it for the world. It is, however, in some ways more difficult than having him gone for a year at a time without returning (I've done that also). Just when you get used to having him gone -- getting in to a routine, helping the kids adjust to life without Daddy, etc -- he comes home and then leaves again and you (and most importantly, the kids!) are starting at square one once again...Just a little perspective on that.
I hope you don't feel like any of the wives on here don't remember the pluses every single day, because that is simply not the case (not for me anyway!) :)

You're a class act Donna. Last night I showed my wife your messages to elec and MH and she was touched. She's a nurse also.

Fireball 573 in Warren, Ohio said: You're a class act Donna. Last night I showed my wife your messages to elec and MH and she was touched. She's a nurse also.

Thank you Fireball! Good luck to you and your wife during this new adventure. You will both learn a great deal, not only about yourselves and what you are capable of, but about your relationship as well! :)

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Ok so on the whole taxes thing. I heard it is as long as you are out of country 330 days out of a 365 day cycle (it doesnt matter if it is in the same calander year) your good. However I have also heard you cant be stateside for more than 4 or 5 days. I am hoping its the 330 rule. I should be out of country by the beginning part of July. Do you file an extension with the IRS and file when your year is up? So many different things floating around out there. I would appreciate any input. GF sounds like youve done this a few times I imagine you could help me out with this.

Thanks

DonnaFletcher in Maine said: Doll,
That is all very true. I don't think any of the wives on here take for granted the fact that 1. Our husbands get to come home A LOT more than military men 2. Our husbands are not as much in harms way as our military and 3. Our husbands are being paid a lot more than the military men and women who are serving our country during this time of war. While those things are extremely true, it kind of goes without saying. It doesnt make what we are going through any less real or any less difficult. None of us have forgotten the pluses to the situation and I know I, at least, have it in clear perspective...... :)

Yes, I know ya'll appreciate everything, and was not implying ya'll did not. If it was taken that way, i apologize. Was not meant that way in any way. No, it is not any easier, and I don't dispute that.

It is easy to get depressed about missing someone that you wish were with you, and was just trying to say that sometimes, when it seems unbearable, to think as being lucky compared to others, instead of allowing the negatives to get in the head and bring one down...... :-) There is always someone that has it worse out there!!

And your men are lucky they have someone at home missing them. There are a lot of men over there that don't have someone waiting at home for them!!!

Greg , Power Guy in Tucson, Arizona said: Ok so on the whole taxes thing. I heard it is as long as you are out of country 330 days out of a 365 day cycle (it doesnt matter if it is in the same calander year) your good. However I have also heard you cant be stateside for more than 4 or 5 days. I am hoping its the 330 rule. I should be out of country by the beginning part of July. Do you file an extension with the IRS and file when your year is up? So many different things floating around out there. I would appreciate any input. GF sounds like youve done this a few times I imagine you could help me out with this.

Thanks

Greg, what you said sounds correct. I would highly reccomend a tax service who specalizes in Expatriate personnel's taxes. For 300-500$ they take care of everything to include filing extensions and what not. If you hear the name of Palazoo that's the one I and many others use. It's better than HR Block because they know your situation better. Can't be in the CONUS more than 30 days in your taxed year. After your first year OCONUS you can start to adjust your tax reporting criteria. PS. not an endorsement for Palazoo just a name.

Contract Worker in Nashville, Tennessee said: Greg, what you said sounds correct. I would highly reccomend a tax service who specalizes in Expatriate personnel's taxes. For 300-500$ they take care of everything to include filing extensions and what not. If you hear the name of Palazoo that's the one I and many others use. It's better than HR Block because they know your situation better. Can't be in the CONUS more than 30 days in your taxed year. After your first year OCONUS you can start to adjust your tax reporting criteria. PS. not an endorsement for Palazoo just a name.

Thanks man I will look into that. I just want to do things the right way. Very good info. Ill try and get that set up asap. I dont care who I use as long as they know more about it than I do. I will check that Palazoo. Is that a company thats just in a specific state or everywhere or just online?

Jason in Kansasville, Wisconsin said: I am an electrician, IBEW trained inside journeyman wireman, master electrician licensed out of City of Chicago, and have previous military exp. with USN during Desert Storm and was honorably discharged in 96. What sort of odds are the for me being contacted by a recruiter for work through LOGCAPS contract?

Jason, put your Master's license# and jw card# right up front with your name. That Masters is going to separate you from a lot of other inside jw's applying. An email I received from Fluor about NCEER testing during orientation went out to 160 other electricians, so how many others didn't receive offers?

Greg , Power Guy in Tucson, Arizona said: Thanks man I will look into that. I just want to do things the right way. Very good info. Ill try and get that set up asap. I dont care who I use as long as they know more about it than I do. I will check that Palazoo. Is that a company thats just in a specific state or everywhere or just online?

I think they are based out of the south like in Tenn but they or he is, very user friendly. Like I said I'm not promoting anyone service but he's worked for me for the past 7 or so years and I'm happy. When I started in the "biz" someone suggested him. They're might be others but at least it's a starting point. Just google his name and you'll get some preliminary info.