With less than a month to go before the company arrives at Camp Lejeune, NC, I have a growing excitement that my war will be over soon. In the last few weeks, we’ve been given a good deal of free time and rest and with it comes time to think. I’ve been reflecting on my last 6 months spent here in Iraq witnessing the horrors of war and also at the same time, the positive side of this war like the freedoms we have given the Iraqi people. I am also honored to work alongside some of the best Americans I have/will ever know.
At times, I wonder how much I have changed during my combat tour and how will I act when I get home. I’ve heard stories about some of our wounded that go home and have nightmares and tempers. I’ve talked to guys who have been here before and their experiences when they return home. Some say it takes only a couple of weeks to adjust back to civilian life, and others say up to a year before they readjusted. One thing I hear often is having a strong belief system makes the return easier to deal with. Let’s hope that is the case with me.
I also wonder how the culture has changed. I imagine there will be some new fads in clothing and some new crazy music that everyone knows and dances to or the effects of natural disasters. One thing I have noticed during my absence is the public opinion about this war has shifted from being favorable to unfavorable especially in my home state of Ohio. My view on this subject is quite simple: we are at war and yes, it will cost us lives. I don’t mean to be insensitive, just rather blunt. I volunteered to serve and I will continue to serve and fight until we all come home. If that means I won’t come home, then I fully understand that sacrifice and will be honored to have made it and I hope that my family and friends will understand that choice I have made. I believe most of the armed forces agree with that statement.
To end, our advance party (they leave before the main group to help set up our arrival) has recently left. Our relief will be here shortly and I have only a few more weeks of missions to look forward to before we leave the dam for one of the more luxurious bases nearby. With that being said, anyone who reads this and sends me mail, the 15th of September is the last day to send me anything while I’m in country.
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5 comments:
I'm so glad to hear that you are coming home soon. And yes, while America's opinions of the war have changed, some of us have stood firm in our stance on it. War is war, people will die, it is sad, but it is part of life and advancement. People died in the hurricane too, what can you do about? Not a whole lot. I support you guys with all my heart. My buds, Rick and Chris will also be coming back in about a month. You guys will all be at Camp Lejume too! I'm so ready for it. Stay safe until then and I wish you the best and will be praying as all you guys have to come back and reajust, but I'm so glad for the returns. :)
As a Mother of a U.S. Marine in Lima Co. 3/25, 2nd platoon, the information you supply and the great pictures you provide for us here at home is very much appreciated. It helps us to feel that our loved one is a little closer. You, along with the guys of 3/25 have made us here at home very proud. Stay safe and see you soon !
I am anxoiusly awaiting your return.
I still support the war, and I support you and the men you work beside.
Safe return buddy
I work for the Dept. of Defense overseas as a civilian (teacher) and have for 18 years. While I totally support the military members and their families, I have never supported this war, which I feel was drummed up and unnecessary. The faces of your comrades who died make me quite sad and resolute in this belief. War is sometimes necessary, but not this time. However, I am all for you men and women who went there and fought and did what you signed up to do . . .your are true heroes. Bush is not.
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