7/12/2005
This blog, one year later
American Soldier says,
This blog is officially a year old. I remember the day I sat down and decided to write my thoughts. At first I was very raw and aggressive in my entries. The time was full of so much uncertainty. I wasn’t sure where or when I was going to leave but I knew something would occur.
Now a year later, that guy that wrote that first entry really has changed. So much more life experience under his belt. I’ve met some great people in the last year. I’ve lost some friends and been thrown a few life bones here and there. I’ve experienced hardships and lived the life of a Soldier.
One thing that has been consistent is my sincere willingness to serve this beautiful country. If I had to do it all again I wouldn’t changed a thing. I still would have volunteered to go to war. I know that my time with this mans’ Army is not done. I can say that I may find myself fighting this fight again. Will it be OIF 4 or OIF 5?
I’d like to say thank you to all the people that have come to this site either by mistake or from another blog. Well over 185,000 unique visitors have had an interest in what I’ve said and I can say that I have appreciated that. It has blown me away with the generosity and the patriotism that some people have displayed.
So thank you for making this blog a living experience for me. Also for being the shoulder to lean on when I’ve needed it most.
Thank You!
Filed under: General, News from home
30 Responses to “This blog, one year later”
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WOW!
A year old? KEWL!
Thanks for making this a “living experience” for us too, AS. We’ve got broad shoulders and open hearts for you and your fellow Soldiers.
Rock on!
Hey… thanks for sharing this last year with us!
I have just read some of your blog..very interesting
Brought tears to my eyes more than a few times. My little bro was in the army and now has a job with Kansas Homeland security, just got married in May. His buddies and the chaplin that married them are off to Iraq in Sept. He says he will feel bad to not be with them.
Thanks for all you’ve sacrificed for our country
Aw man, ya done gone & made me cry AGAIN!!!
Thank YOU for chosing to share your journeys with us. For this, and for your courage and service, and for your family’s courage and sacrifice, I thank you.
PS ~ wow that year went by FAST!!!!
AS thank you for loving your country so much. We would not still be free if it were not for men like you. I am so grateful. I hope you will continue to share with us–you’ve become like family! Take care of you!
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary.
First time on this blog and it rocks!
Hi AS,
Thank YOU for your service in the difficult task. Hope the shoulder surgery results in your 100% recovery.
Do keep posting every once in a while. Remember those still in the sandbox — check their blogs and offer your experienced thoughts as they encounter the same old same old as you did. You have something valuable to share with them, both for their in-the-field time and (just as important) for their return home.
Congratulations on a fine site and thanks mate, you’re a star. Never stop writing.
AS, thanks for allowing us a window in. One year later and look at all the people who care. Good Job.
Hey AS,
It is us who should be thanking you first of all for your service to our country and also for letting us share in your life and your experiences in the military. Thanks also for saying that you would do it over again. Like someone said before, it is men like you who make our country strong and great!!
Your blog is awesome and the people who post here, well, most of them are very nice!
I enjoy greatly hearing what you have to say and check your blog everyday!
Please keep us posted AS on your surgery and your progress. We are very interested in you and your family and your well being. I just know that everything will turn out fine and you will be good as new!
Prayers to you and to your family!
AS- by blogging you, and the others who also do this, not only give us insight into the experience of war and warriors, but makes a connection that leads us to feel as though we know you personally ( outside the blog world). This, in turn, makes us care more about you, as an individual. Thank you for all that you have done for us and I wish you a speedy and uncomplicated recovery from your upcoming surgery. Thank you for letting us in to your life in this small way.
Sharon has expressed my thoughts very well. Thank you, AS.
AS,
congrats on your 1st year anniversary!Thank you so much for sharing your experience in this war.I am forever greatful to you and all our Military for your courage,bravery,and sacrifices you have endured.You have my thoughts and prayers for a complete and speedy recovery with your surgery.
God speed to you and all your fellow Service Members
Can’t say it much better that the others before me so I’ll just add this little toast:
May your days be full of happiness and peace with your family and know that you have truly touched your fellow Americans!Three cheers for AS!!
AS-
Congrats on your one year anniversary. I think the MilBlogs have had an amazing impact on those of us who take the time to read them. I am continually amazed at the skill, bravery and dedication of our troops. You all are such an example for this nation’s youth and such a hope for the country’s and the world’s future. Thank you again for all that you do. I hope that the next year brings you happiness.
I agree with zipcard2. Three cheers for AS!! I toast you AS! Thanks!
Happy birthday AS! May there be many more in the future.
We love you and your family AS. You live your life now and be at peace and happiness to you and your family!
Semper Fi, AS! It continues to be a pleasure to share your insights. I hope that as you continue the transition, you’ll keep us in the loop!
Respect and support should be the very least a soldier should be able to expect from the nation he serves. Thank-you for your service to this great nation.
Thank you for taking the time to write about your experiences as an American Soldier, your words will live on for generations to come.
I have loved reading you… You should be a writer, it seems a natural ability you have. Please keep on writing. Don’t stop cause your home now.
Did you here about he soldier who was shot and another insurgent videotaped it, that soldier got up and chased the bad guys down!
here:
http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-976420.php
And the Teddy Troopers! ( have that on my site)
Love ya so much,
Pebble
We’re been like “next-door neighbors” talking over the backyard fence for awhile and we’ll be keeping a eye on your place while you’re absent. Do check in and let us know how the surgery goes. Even good neighbors have to move away sometimes. God bless.
AS, Congratulations and Happy Blogiversary! Mine just passed on the 5th. Wow. Now I feel so much closer to you. hehehe. It’s sort of like having a birthday in the same month. All the best to you!
Thank you for those wonerful remarks. Now let me tell you what you and all our military bloggers have done. Yoo have shown us what a sacrifice it is to be a soldier. Not by complaing, but by just sharing.hown all the training that goes into being a soldier. How even when you want to turn into the “animal” you are fighting, you can make the choice not to cross that line.
You have dispelled the myth that soldiers don’t feel every life they take and aren’t changed by it. You have given us a chronicle of the birth of a free nation. You have shown us that your love of country is amazing to the point of being willing to give your life for it. Most importantly you have shown us first jhand the horros of war up close and personal. for one will never be the same, as it should be. But, you have also shown us what happens when you accept “peace” at all costs. I thank you sir for your gift!!
A simple “thank you” is not enough to express the gratitute I and ALL Americans have for you and all people in uniform.
You make your country proud.
Congratulations on your one year anniversary! May you and your family find peace, health and happiness for years to come. Giovanni got it right “You make your country proud”.
Thank you,
Greg
Thank you for sharing your experiences. As a mother of a soldier anything I find and read brings tears to my eyes.
I am proud of you and I know your family is also.
Thank you for your continued service to this great country.
God Bless Our Troops