Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Update
Just to let everyone know, I am ok. Also, I did not get into any trouble with my blog. Long story short, there was a officer, from the unit that relieved us, and he didn't like what I was posting about and said it was a breach of security. So, he notified my chain of command. My command looked at my site and didn't see anything wrong with it. In fact, they were pretty mad that this officer made such a big deal about it. As for taking some of the posts down, it was just a precaution that I made so that no one else of higher rank can look at it and form their own opinion. Hope that clears some things up.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Thursday, September 08, 2005
The O.C.
Due to the recent amount of free time I’ve had, I have been able to view a great deal of movies. After a certain point, we watch all the movies available and must find other things to watch. So, with that, we resort to watch seasons of television shows ranging from Las Vegas to Unsolved Mysteries, whatever our PX has available for sale. A buddy of mine sent me 4 seasons of Star Trek Enterprise and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it all and it entertained me for a good amount of time. For a while, my room was watching the seasons of Smallville. I never got too into the show. Recently, my room starting watching The O.C. and I must admit, I never thought I would watch a show like that, but the episode I saw was pretty interesting so I stayed around and watched the next 3 episodes. I am now addicted to watching the show and seeing how the drama unfolds. For those unfamiliar with the show, I can sum it up as a soap opera but geared towards a younger demographic.
So, in just 2 days, I managed to blow thorough the entire first season and now working on season 2. I know, my life is dull when I’m not out conducting missions or operations. By the way, the show also has some good music in it. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, check out The O.C.
So, in just 2 days, I managed to blow thorough the entire first season and now working on season 2. I know, my life is dull when I’m not out conducting missions or operations. By the way, the show also has some good music in it. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, check out The O.C.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Nearing the End
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.
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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