Another long day at the office, with lots of time for thinking.
The nights when the masses seem to placate themselves in other activities, I have lots of time alone in the patrol car. During these times, situation permitting, I will call old friends, family, and usually think about the matters of the world. Lately I've been thinking of how to improve myself. I'm a firm believer that to improve others and your surroundings you must improve yourself. So before fixing all the problems in the world, in my control of course, I need to reinvent me.
I am currently working and plan on attending school part time to aid in my restructuring. My long term goal is to be a Physician's Assistant. So short term is to take classes that will enable me to apply to the various programs at my disposal. Although none are guaranteed, that will not stop me. I've had friends and family tell me to abandon all hopes of getting the Army to send me to PA school and go into some sort of higher level law enforcement. Don't get me wrong I like being a police officer, but my true passion is medicine. I cannot describe the feeling that I had in Iraq and Afghanistan of being the guy that everyone depended on for medical knowledge and to treat their ailments. It seemed as if I was the end-all-be-all when it came to most medical matters. Of course just being a combat medic with limited expertise, some things were over my head.
I am also at the same time thankful. I'm thankful that I have a job, a great woman, my fiance, that supports me in whatever I do, and all the other people that help me through life's trials.
Now that my life has settled back into its normal rhythm, I will begin to keep this blog more up to date. Until next time.....
06 August 2010
07 December 2009
Clear Thinking
RSM and me have been lucky enough to be placed on the same FOB. As we sit and talk, reminisce, and gripe and complain about stuff, it lets the smoke clear where I can see more clearly.
This deployment as compared to my Iraq deployment has been way more taxing on me. Our mission here is to train and support the ANP, Afghan National Police. It isn’t sexy or high speed, but its necessary for this country to develop. In Iraq we were so busy that you didn’t have a whole lot of time to slow down and think, here it seems the opposite. Some of the down time we get here leads to constructive thinking, like contingencies and other things related to the mission. But some of it gets around to thinking and over analyzing other things.
I have thought about my life and the woman I love, Home 6. I have tried to line things up at home so I can continue my education as a Physician’s Assistant, but alas I need to take a few more classes in order to meet some of the minimum requirements. That’s fine, but I’m the type of guys who knows his job, and knows it well, I just wish there was some way I could prove to the military and the civilian schools that if I get accepted I would be the best student they could ever think of having. I could contribute real world experience and still have a multitude of material to learn.
And all the thinking about Home 6… I can’t wait to get home to show her how much she means to me. I tell her when I call her, but I want her to know it without me saying a word. I want to be able to give her everything she wants and more. I know I’m not perfect, but to use a cliché, I want to be a better man for her. I hate to put her in the position I have, but that’s one of the sacrifices I’m made. This is her first time she has dealt with a deployment, and probably won’t be the last. There is so much I can’t tell her for security and most of all I don’t won’t her to be worried or scared. I always tell her there is nothing that can keep me from coming home to her.
And as the deployment goes on I talk to some of my buddies throughout the brigade, which is spread around Afghanistan. There are a lot of things we talk about that really makes me mad. Just how some of the people in uniform (see previous blog post) do very stupid and shady things to undermine and disrupt the military order of things. Certain people use the “rank has its privileges” to an extreme that would make any real solider want to snap their neck and burn their carcass to prevent the cancer that kills the military from the inside to spread to anyone else. Some others of the people in uniform don’t have a job in this country. Yup, no job, and American tax dollars go to pay and feed these idiots. It just pisses me off that these people who go back home and are seen as heroes, are just a bunch of people who just happen to be in the area.
I’m just ready to be home so I can move on, close this chapter, start the next and begin to live a normal life for a while.
This deployment as compared to my Iraq deployment has been way more taxing on me. Our mission here is to train and support the ANP, Afghan National Police. It isn’t sexy or high speed, but its necessary for this country to develop. In Iraq we were so busy that you didn’t have a whole lot of time to slow down and think, here it seems the opposite. Some of the down time we get here leads to constructive thinking, like contingencies and other things related to the mission. But some of it gets around to thinking and over analyzing other things.
I have thought about my life and the woman I love, Home 6. I have tried to line things up at home so I can continue my education as a Physician’s Assistant, but alas I need to take a few more classes in order to meet some of the minimum requirements. That’s fine, but I’m the type of guys who knows his job, and knows it well, I just wish there was some way I could prove to the military and the civilian schools that if I get accepted I would be the best student they could ever think of having. I could contribute real world experience and still have a multitude of material to learn.
And all the thinking about Home 6… I can’t wait to get home to show her how much she means to me. I tell her when I call her, but I want her to know it without me saying a word. I want to be able to give her everything she wants and more. I know I’m not perfect, but to use a cliché, I want to be a better man for her. I hate to put her in the position I have, but that’s one of the sacrifices I’m made. This is her first time she has dealt with a deployment, and probably won’t be the last. There is so much I can’t tell her for security and most of all I don’t won’t her to be worried or scared. I always tell her there is nothing that can keep me from coming home to her.
And as the deployment goes on I talk to some of my buddies throughout the brigade, which is spread around Afghanistan. There are a lot of things we talk about that really makes me mad. Just how some of the people in uniform (see previous blog post) do very stupid and shady things to undermine and disrupt the military order of things. Certain people use the “rank has its privileges” to an extreme that would make any real solider want to snap their neck and burn their carcass to prevent the cancer that kills the military from the inside to spread to anyone else. Some others of the people in uniform don’t have a job in this country. Yup, no job, and American tax dollars go to pay and feed these idiots. It just pisses me off that these people who go back home and are seen as heroes, are just a bunch of people who just happen to be in the area.
I’m just ready to be home so I can move on, close this chapter, start the next and begin to live a normal life for a while.
23 November 2009
Me Thinking Again.....
Another day down, another day to think about everything.
I was talking with my brother today, and we discussed how America seems to be goin down the drain with the help of the American citizens. Everyone knows the average American is an idiot, but to the point to let the government pass legislation to start the socialization of MY great nation. Just goes to show you that Americans only care about one thing, themselves, not the group as a whole. If you beg to differ in that opinion, how is this healthcare system gonna be good for everyone? If you can’t afford healthcare, we’re gonna fine you!? That’s like telling a blind man to take a look around to see the beautiful scenery! The scariest thing is that this was passed by the government officials that Americans voted into office! It’s the beginning of a socialistic paradise. Next they’re gonna put socialistic ideas into business, into your way of life, and other freedoms which make America the greatest nation in the world! It seems most Americans are content with not getting their hands dirty so to speak. They rather step back and let someone else, who they shouldn’t trust, do the heavy lifting, physically and mentally.
Another thing, why do military movies have so much Hollywood injected into them? It might be good entertainment but it completely throws off the public. The public thinks if you’re in the army or marines, you’re infantry. This is the farthest thing from the truth. Most of the army and marines are made up of people, not soldiers, who just happen to wear uniforms. These people do serve a purpose no matter how minute, but steal oxygen from what the military needs, more soldiers willing to shoot, move, and communicate. Even some of the soldiers who are supposed to be doin all those things, don’t even have a clue. I’m lucky enough to have the privilege to have served with and still serve with a combat arms unit. And yes it is a privilege! The afore mentioned people in uniform never get the privilege because they’re to afraid, they think they are above it, and/or don’t want to get their hands dirty. These same people are the ones who are the first in line at the VA asking for disability for aches and pains or even PTSD when the worst thing they had to deal with was a cold shower once or maybe someone got their coffee order wrong. The real soldiers don’t want a hand out. Most would accept a thank you, but guess what no American these days are saying thank you except the ones who remember was it was like when wars were fought and not debated about in air conditioned rooms. The only time I got a honest to god thank you from someone was from a few men who know what its like to be scared for your life, tired, hungry, angry, felling the need to destroy, eliminate, and kill all the people who try harm you and your fellow soldiers, and above all understand, NOT RELATE, that we fight for a country, for Americans, and even the people in uniform who will never know, understand, or even be able to relate to what that is like.
But I digress; I’m not tryin to get an apology or a thank you from anyone. I just want Americans to start acting like they are Americans, or my idea of what an American should be. You should do all those nice, law abiding, hand holdin things like pay your taxes, be involved with your community in some way, all those types of things. But you should think for yourself, make informed decisions about the ideas and topics you care about, stand your ground and fight for what is right not what makes you money, and serve your country in some capacity. I’m not sayin go and join the military or anything too drastic for those tree huggin, tofu fartin types. You can serve in other ways. Help support the police, firefighters, or volunteer your time to help out someone less fortunate than yourself. Its not brain surgery to roll up your sleeves chip in some kinda way. By no means do I have all the answers, nor claim to know how to run an organization or government better than the next man, but I do fight for what I believe in and I believe that MY country, OUR country can always strive to improve itself for the good of all its people, not just the select few who line their pockets, and get ahead at the expense of everyone else.
I will leave you with this quote. I do not know who specifically said it, but a German soldier said about the British soldiers he was fightin, “They are lions, lead by lambs.” And with each passing day our country seems to live up to that statement!
I was talking with my brother today, and we discussed how America seems to be goin down the drain with the help of the American citizens. Everyone knows the average American is an idiot, but to the point to let the government pass legislation to start the socialization of MY great nation. Just goes to show you that Americans only care about one thing, themselves, not the group as a whole. If you beg to differ in that opinion, how is this healthcare system gonna be good for everyone? If you can’t afford healthcare, we’re gonna fine you!? That’s like telling a blind man to take a look around to see the beautiful scenery! The scariest thing is that this was passed by the government officials that Americans voted into office! It’s the beginning of a socialistic paradise. Next they’re gonna put socialistic ideas into business, into your way of life, and other freedoms which make America the greatest nation in the world! It seems most Americans are content with not getting their hands dirty so to speak. They rather step back and let someone else, who they shouldn’t trust, do the heavy lifting, physically and mentally.
Another thing, why do military movies have so much Hollywood injected into them? It might be good entertainment but it completely throws off the public. The public thinks if you’re in the army or marines, you’re infantry. This is the farthest thing from the truth. Most of the army and marines are made up of people, not soldiers, who just happen to wear uniforms. These people do serve a purpose no matter how minute, but steal oxygen from what the military needs, more soldiers willing to shoot, move, and communicate. Even some of the soldiers who are supposed to be doin all those things, don’t even have a clue. I’m lucky enough to have the privilege to have served with and still serve with a combat arms unit. And yes it is a privilege! The afore mentioned people in uniform never get the privilege because they’re to afraid, they think they are above it, and/or don’t want to get their hands dirty. These same people are the ones who are the first in line at the VA asking for disability for aches and pains or even PTSD when the worst thing they had to deal with was a cold shower once or maybe someone got their coffee order wrong. The real soldiers don’t want a hand out. Most would accept a thank you, but guess what no American these days are saying thank you except the ones who remember was it was like when wars were fought and not debated about in air conditioned rooms. The only time I got a honest to god thank you from someone was from a few men who know what its like to be scared for your life, tired, hungry, angry, felling the need to destroy, eliminate, and kill all the people who try harm you and your fellow soldiers, and above all understand, NOT RELATE, that we fight for a country, for Americans, and even the people in uniform who will never know, understand, or even be able to relate to what that is like.
But I digress; I’m not tryin to get an apology or a thank you from anyone. I just want Americans to start acting like they are Americans, or my idea of what an American should be. You should do all those nice, law abiding, hand holdin things like pay your taxes, be involved with your community in some way, all those types of things. But you should think for yourself, make informed decisions about the ideas and topics you care about, stand your ground and fight for what is right not what makes you money, and serve your country in some capacity. I’m not sayin go and join the military or anything too drastic for those tree huggin, tofu fartin types. You can serve in other ways. Help support the police, firefighters, or volunteer your time to help out someone less fortunate than yourself. Its not brain surgery to roll up your sleeves chip in some kinda way. By no means do I have all the answers, nor claim to know how to run an organization or government better than the next man, but I do fight for what I believe in and I believe that MY country, OUR country can always strive to improve itself for the good of all its people, not just the select few who line their pockets, and get ahead at the expense of everyone else.
I will leave you with this quote. I do not know who specifically said it, but a German soldier said about the British soldiers he was fightin, “They are lions, lead by lambs.” And with each passing day our country seems to live up to that statement!
17 October 2009
New Friends
As my laundry sits in its bag impatiently, I sit down to relax and take a break.
We rolled in from mission the other day to find that my clinic had been overrun. The new guys sent to my little corner of Afghanistan have cleaned and rearranged the clinic. I return to my room and there are 3 new guys sitting in the clinic moving supplies and just taking a break to chat. As soon as I walk in one says, maybe he thought he was quiet, "That must be the Sergeant." "Yup thats me.", I exhaled while removing my body armor. I meet the 2 medics and the PA. Good flyboys, but why did they need to move almost everything. Now I have to go through and re-learn where everything is. I don't mind the cleaning because with how busy the other medic and I have been, we needed to catch up on some chores around here.
While we were out, I usually cook something on a propane stove or grill. So this past mission I cooked some chili, rather good if I say so myself. All the boyos loved it, ate it all up! So one said that I need to write down some of the recipes I use out in the field and make a cookbook out of it. It wouldn't be anything grand, mostly how to cook something tasty with very little resources. Home 6 also said I should write, she says I'd be good at it because she likes listening to my stories about things I've done in the past. Only thing is who would want to listen to a South Georgia boy ramble on about past experiences and cooking camp type food. I'd probably sell 2 copies, one for my mom and the other for Home 6.
I cook because it is relaxing and creative to make something great out of regular stuff. So me and Bulldog, my platoon sergeant, usually talk about cooking and recipes when we are relaxing after a long day. Swap ideas about how to cook certain foods. Its also entertaining to talk about food with all the guys. Sit back and reminisce about food at home and where we're gonna eat when we get back home. One of my friends returned from leave and I asked him where the first place he ate when he got back in the states. He made my mouth water talking about this steak he ate at Longhorn's the night he got back home. Everyone knows I love food; preparing it, cooking it, eating it, the whole process. I just wish the food on my base was a quarter as good as what is in a can of concentrated chicken noodle soup. Yes the food is that bad off.
Bulldog sometimes cooks when we return from mission just to help break up the monotony. We keep saying we are gonna have a battle of the chefs between us and the other platoon, because they talk shit saying what they fix is sooooo good. If I had half the resources they have I would be able to create a 4 course meal that would satisfy Juilia Child herself!!
Enough of my bragging and shit. Ya'll take it easy!!
We rolled in from mission the other day to find that my clinic had been overrun. The new guys sent to my little corner of Afghanistan have cleaned and rearranged the clinic. I return to my room and there are 3 new guys sitting in the clinic moving supplies and just taking a break to chat. As soon as I walk in one says, maybe he thought he was quiet, "That must be the Sergeant." "Yup thats me.", I exhaled while removing my body armor. I meet the 2 medics and the PA. Good flyboys, but why did they need to move almost everything. Now I have to go through and re-learn where everything is. I don't mind the cleaning because with how busy the other medic and I have been, we needed to catch up on some chores around here.
While we were out, I usually cook something on a propane stove or grill. So this past mission I cooked some chili, rather good if I say so myself. All the boyos loved it, ate it all up! So one said that I need to write down some of the recipes I use out in the field and make a cookbook out of it. It wouldn't be anything grand, mostly how to cook something tasty with very little resources. Home 6 also said I should write, she says I'd be good at it because she likes listening to my stories about things I've done in the past. Only thing is who would want to listen to a South Georgia boy ramble on about past experiences and cooking camp type food. I'd probably sell 2 copies, one for my mom and the other for Home 6.
I cook because it is relaxing and creative to make something great out of regular stuff. So me and Bulldog, my platoon sergeant, usually talk about cooking and recipes when we are relaxing after a long day. Swap ideas about how to cook certain foods. Its also entertaining to talk about food with all the guys. Sit back and reminisce about food at home and where we're gonna eat when we get back home. One of my friends returned from leave and I asked him where the first place he ate when he got back in the states. He made my mouth water talking about this steak he ate at Longhorn's the night he got back home. Everyone knows I love food; preparing it, cooking it, eating it, the whole process. I just wish the food on my base was a quarter as good as what is in a can of concentrated chicken noodle soup. Yes the food is that bad off.
Bulldog sometimes cooks when we return from mission just to help break up the monotony. We keep saying we are gonna have a battle of the chefs between us and the other platoon, because they talk shit saying what they fix is sooooo good. If I had half the resources they have I would be able to create a 4 course meal that would satisfy Juilia Child herself!!
Enough of my bragging and shit. Ya'll take it easy!!
02 October 2009
Update on Life
Usually I try to be profound, but right now I'll just fill you in on the latest.
Mail out here in the boonies, or as RSM calls it "a forgotten area", is rather sparse and slow. We get mail on the whim of other Coalition Forces at much better bases around Afghanistan. None the less mail comes and its like Christmas every time mail comes. All the guys show off the stuff they got from loved ones back home. I recently got a package with some rather motivating things...
Yes the FSU gear is here and I already have got in trouble for being out of uniform! I can't wait until I get to actually watch a game.
I run the clinic here and the work is most of the time small potatoes; cuts, scraps, colds, and the occasional splash of something in the eye. Although after the normal hours of operation the clientele changes. The guys come in and the Xboxes turn on! Ordinarily a violent game is played where we talk shit back and forth, get loud, and get our fill of death and destruction. Recently we've whipped out Rock Band and Guitar Hero. We turn up the volume, jam out, sing the wrong lyrics (personally guilty), and mainly sing off key. So we keep ourselves entertained one way or another. The guys have dubbed my clinic the alternate MWR, or recreation station.
I've been without booze or any fermented type of goodness for some time. I'm starting to go through DTs. You know the normal; urge to kill stupid people, loud outbursts pertaining to stupid people, and the elusive quenching of thirst. I'll most likely take a good long vacation when I get home and drink copious amount of liquor and beer at some tropical destination, suggestions welcome, with my woman.
Which brings me to whats waiting for me back home. Home 6, my beautiful girlfriend, serious girlfriend! I know, its hard to grasp at first. So take a moment to catch your breath......
Home 6 is a wonderful woman for putting up with me and all the stuff that goes on in my life. She has put up with me being gone from home for about 80% of a relationship which says a lot about us, or me should I say. Last time I deployed I broke up with the girl I was seeing. It just seemed wrong of me to ask someone to put their life on hold while I was away for so long. This time I felt something different, something that hurt a bit. Knowing I would be so far away, would she be alright while I was gone? I am a protective person, thats my nature. Anyone who I care about falls under my protection. And thats what hurt, knowing I couldn't protect her. Last time I ended my relationship more to protect myself, this time I want to protect her from everything. I don't know if that makes sense, but thats what I feel. Home 6 has my heart and there is no way I want it back. I love her more than anything on this earth. This coming from a man who would maim anyone who messed with his Harley.
I try to call her as much as possible just to tell her I love her and miss her.
Thats what has been goin on with me. I'm in love, making the best of my situation here in Afghanistan, and waiting for a well deserved vacation. Ya'll take care!!
Mail out here in the boonies, or as RSM calls it "a forgotten area", is rather sparse and slow. We get mail on the whim of other Coalition Forces at much better bases around Afghanistan. None the less mail comes and its like Christmas every time mail comes. All the guys show off the stuff they got from loved ones back home. I recently got a package with some rather motivating things...
Yes the FSU gear is here and I already have got in trouble for being out of uniform! I can't wait until I get to actually watch a game.
I run the clinic here and the work is most of the time small potatoes; cuts, scraps, colds, and the occasional splash of something in the eye. Although after the normal hours of operation the clientele changes. The guys come in and the Xboxes turn on! Ordinarily a violent game is played where we talk shit back and forth, get loud, and get our fill of death and destruction. Recently we've whipped out Rock Band and Guitar Hero. We turn up the volume, jam out, sing the wrong lyrics (personally guilty), and mainly sing off key. So we keep ourselves entertained one way or another. The guys have dubbed my clinic the alternate MWR, or recreation station.
I've been without booze or any fermented type of goodness for some time. I'm starting to go through DTs. You know the normal; urge to kill stupid people, loud outbursts pertaining to stupid people, and the elusive quenching of thirst. I'll most likely take a good long vacation when I get home and drink copious amount of liquor and beer at some tropical destination, suggestions welcome, with my woman.
Which brings me to whats waiting for me back home. Home 6, my beautiful girlfriend, serious girlfriend! I know, its hard to grasp at first. So take a moment to catch your breath......
Home 6 is a wonderful woman for putting up with me and all the stuff that goes on in my life. She has put up with me being gone from home for about 80% of a relationship which says a lot about us, or me should I say. Last time I deployed I broke up with the girl I was seeing. It just seemed wrong of me to ask someone to put their life on hold while I was away for so long. This time I felt something different, something that hurt a bit. Knowing I would be so far away, would she be alright while I was gone? I am a protective person, thats my nature. Anyone who I care about falls under my protection. And thats what hurt, knowing I couldn't protect her. Last time I ended my relationship more to protect myself, this time I want to protect her from everything. I don't know if that makes sense, but thats what I feel. Home 6 has my heart and there is no way I want it back. I love her more than anything on this earth. This coming from a man who would maim anyone who messed with his Harley.
I try to call her as much as possible just to tell her I love her and miss her.
Thats what has been goin on with me. I'm in love, making the best of my situation here in Afghanistan, and waiting for a well deserved vacation. Ya'll take care!!
30 September 2009
25 July 2009
Naked Blog Syndrome
I know my blog has been bare for quite some time. Here's a quick explanation.
Since the beginning of the new year, I've found myself as a nomad of sorts. I've been shuttled back and forth from post to post training and the inevitable trip across the pond. Now I'm here and doin my job.
Time is scarce and on top of that my chain of command doesn't trust its soldiers to talk without divulging too much information. Much less do they actually tell US what is goin on half the time. I'll post from time to time as I can. Everyone take care of themselves and don't work too hard.
Since the beginning of the new year, I've found myself as a nomad of sorts. I've been shuttled back and forth from post to post training and the inevitable trip across the pond. Now I'm here and doin my job.
Time is scarce and on top of that my chain of command doesn't trust its soldiers to talk without divulging too much information. Much less do they actually tell US what is goin on half the time. I'll post from time to time as I can. Everyone take care of themselves and don't work too hard.
17 December 2008
IED To The Face...
As the days roll by like a speeding freight train, its that time again to spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Because next Christmas won't be around a decorated tree with family, but around a HMMWV or sand table preparing for another mission.
As time gets smaller, its only natural to think about not wanting to leave your loved ones behind. Thinking; will everything be alright while I'm gone, will my children understand, will my spouse/significant other wait or leave. I really don't have these dilemmas like most of the other soldiers around me do. I just tell them I cannot imagine the the stress you have right now, and usually try to offer what seems in my eyes as petty and useless advice.
My dilemma is the lack of time I have to spend with all the people who crave my attention. Being the guy that I am I make many friends along my journeys. Many haven't heard from me in a while, its sad I only think about them once in a while or when I know I won't be able to talk to them. I want to spend time with them all if at all possible, but I know I can't be in many places at once. My family of course is my first priority, I owe too much to my momma and daddy, and all they want is a little of my time, oh yeah and my brother, but he'll be in Afghanistan with me so I'll see him. Next is my lady, even though I know we won't be together forever I still want her to know I care for her and I will miss her. On to all my friends, it's not fair that they get the short end of the stick, but my roots are from South Georgia and many of them are from North Georgia. Not to say thats a problem, just problematic, being sent to training with little notice, or just keeping odd hours to complete tasks.
But now as the deployment is close enough to taste in the air, I want all my friends to know you're not forgotten or disowned. There is no excuse for my lack of communication. Just know with the little time I have, my smiling face will be around, you may not now when, but keep an eye peeled. 'Cause if you know me I move where the moment takes me.
As time gets smaller, its only natural to think about not wanting to leave your loved ones behind. Thinking; will everything be alright while I'm gone, will my children understand, will my spouse/significant other wait or leave. I really don't have these dilemmas like most of the other soldiers around me do. I just tell them I cannot imagine the the stress you have right now, and usually try to offer what seems in my eyes as petty and useless advice.
My dilemma is the lack of time I have to spend with all the people who crave my attention. Being the guy that I am I make many friends along my journeys. Many haven't heard from me in a while, its sad I only think about them once in a while or when I know I won't be able to talk to them. I want to spend time with them all if at all possible, but I know I can't be in many places at once. My family of course is my first priority, I owe too much to my momma and daddy, and all they want is a little of my time, oh yeah and my brother, but he'll be in Afghanistan with me so I'll see him. Next is my lady, even though I know we won't be together forever I still want her to know I care for her and I will miss her. On to all my friends, it's not fair that they get the short end of the stick, but my roots are from South Georgia and many of them are from North Georgia. Not to say thats a problem, just problematic, being sent to training with little notice, or just keeping odd hours to complete tasks.
But now as the deployment is close enough to taste in the air, I want all my friends to know you're not forgotten or disowned. There is no excuse for my lack of communication. Just know with the little time I have, my smiling face will be around, you may not now when, but keep an eye peeled. 'Cause if you know me I move where the moment takes me.
01 December 2008
Preparations for War
Now that my preferred occupation has recalled my services, I prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Mentally I get back into my zone of hate and intolerance for stupidity. Needless to say I get mad alot, this IS the Army, but it doesn't last long. I now have to think about the health and well being of about 130 men, and yes only men because I am a combat medic not some pansy in a Clinic somewhere. I put my mind back in medic mode, to help hurting soldiers and lead my medics to always think of the next thing; stay up with new medical procedures, next actions needed with a casualty, and tactical profeciency. So thats what my mind is absorbed with most of the time.
Physically I get my personal fitness back into a considerablly better shape. Working out and attempting to eat better is a good focus. I also am getting supplies ordered and planning for operations, here for training and for missions on foreign soil. The physical aspect will take time but its something you have to do.
Emotionally I prepare not to care. I know that sounds cold but thats the way you have to look at some things in order to keep your mind on your job. I already care about my soldiers, but there is a difference between caring and becoming emtionally attached. The soldier you care for can be your friends, best friends, or brothers from another mother but you have to be able to let them go if you have to. Hopefully I won't have to let go of any of them. On the homefront its good to have someone to care for and cares for you. I currently have a special lady in my life and she fits the bill. Any soldier will tell you if you have nothing to loose you will make bad decisions. If you have something to live for or someone to go home to you'll slow down and think about your decisions and make better chocies for your men.
Preparing for what most men fear really brings you down to earth!
Mentally I get back into my zone of hate and intolerance for stupidity. Needless to say I get mad alot, this IS the Army, but it doesn't last long. I now have to think about the health and well being of about 130 men, and yes only men because I am a combat medic not some pansy in a Clinic somewhere. I put my mind back in medic mode, to help hurting soldiers and lead my medics to always think of the next thing; stay up with new medical procedures, next actions needed with a casualty, and tactical profeciency. So thats what my mind is absorbed with most of the time.
Physically I get my personal fitness back into a considerablly better shape. Working out and attempting to eat better is a good focus. I also am getting supplies ordered and planning for operations, here for training and for missions on foreign soil. The physical aspect will take time but its something you have to do.
Emotionally I prepare not to care. I know that sounds cold but thats the way you have to look at some things in order to keep your mind on your job. I already care about my soldiers, but there is a difference between caring and becoming emtionally attached. The soldier you care for can be your friends, best friends, or brothers from another mother but you have to be able to let them go if you have to. Hopefully I won't have to let go of any of them. On the homefront its good to have someone to care for and cares for you. I currently have a special lady in my life and she fits the bill. Any soldier will tell you if you have nothing to loose you will make bad decisions. If you have something to live for or someone to go home to you'll slow down and think about your decisions and make better chocies for your men.
Preparing for what most men fear really brings you down to earth!
04 October 2008
A Chapter Draws to a Close
The other day my friend from my unit calls me. I got my orders to report, 4 months earlier than expected.
I wake up around 1300, got to work the graveyard shift. Missed calls on my cell phone? Everyone knows I sleep during the day. My boy Jack called me. Jack goes on to inform me that I'm on orders effective immediatly until we ship to Afghani-land. My job as a policeman has been put on pause for now. I was just getting into the grind of it all. So that what going through my head.
I wake up around 1300, got to work the graveyard shift. Missed calls on my cell phone? Everyone knows I sleep during the day. My boy Jack called me. Jack goes on to inform me that I'm on orders effective immediatly until we ship to Afghani-land. My job as a policeman has been put on pause for now. I was just getting into the grind of it all. So that what going through my head.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
