In the fog of war the measure of mistake can cost ones life. No amount of training can ever prepare you when you have to make split second decisions. This exact mindset was introduced to me very recently. In the area in which I perform missions the rules of engagement are very cut and dry. Certain things are black and white. It is the variables that can occur where you are not the only one tasked with implementing such rules.

I’d rather not share some of the further details; I’d rather just forget some of the things that occurred. This war sucks sometimes and today I am feeling the affect. I couldn’t even tell you what day it is right now. I will cheat and look at my calendar after I write this. I am tired, worn out and feeling sort of melancholy.

Some days are good and some days are very long. Today was a long day. Another mission awaits me tonight and I have no problem with that. This is my purpose here. Being a Soldier makes me proud, it’s the in between part that can be tough. So this is my entry for today. I wish I had the energy to post more but for now, I endure the affects of war.

I’ve decided to name my rifle, Chasity. It’s the middle name of my wife. She has been the little angel on my shoulder that helps me when I need it. Today I will clean Chasity and prepare her for another day outside the wire.

I love you hon. I miss you too.

31 Comments
General, News from the front, Mobilized

Well I figured I best drop on by before everyone thinks I’m never coming back. I have been a very busy soldier since I have arrived. Missions are a constant and I don’t mind it in the least. I can say that I live in probably the shittiest and most dangerous part of Iraq. The barracks are cramped, the season is cold but when it comes to missions all is forgotten. I don’t care what you read, the insurgency is consistent. Every day my FOB gets mortared. We send our counter fire out and square them away but they are at it again the next day.

I’ve got a trusty Sniper rifle assigned to me and she is old but very reliable. I haven’t figured out a name for her yet. The men I am with are very seasoned and I am happy to be a part of their organization. I had some reservations to joining a unit that has been together since the beginning but they have accepted me and that was a nice relief.

So here I am and you can expect more posts. I am still trying to get a consistent internet connection but I am in shit hole of a place so it’s not as accommodated as outer base camps.

Talk to you soon.

38 Comments
General, News from the front, Mobilized

Well, I have been in contact with AS a few times since he’s left. He did arrive safely. When he left we were under the impression the he was going to be placed in a Platoon SGT position. Once he finally reached his destination he was told he would be fulfilling a sniper position. He was very happy about this. So needless to say, he has been extremely busy.

I sent out his first care packages this morning. He will be getting his Xbox in a week or so. He is looking forward to that.

Overall he is doing great. And as most of you know, he is right where he wants to be.

Thank you for the thoughts and prayers. It means alot to us.

Mrs.AS

17 Comments
General, Mobilized

I gotta say this one thing. The rain season here sucks! The crap that’s on the ground is not even real mud. It’s sand mush. It’s like the ground got a case of diarrhea!

It’s going to be busy for the next couple of days but I wanted to pop in and say hello and give you that nice visual of what the ground is like in this part of the world.

19 Comments
General, Mobilized

I’ll post when I can. Until then, here are some lyrics that are near and dear to me. It’s amazing how meaningful songs can be in different seasons of your life.

All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go
I’m standin’ here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye

But the dawn is breakin’, it’s early morn
The taxi’s waitin’, he’s blowin’ his horn
Already I’m so lonesome I could die

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you’ll wait for me
Hold me like you’ll never let me go

‘Cause I’m leaving on a jet plane
I don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go

There’s so many times I’ve let you down
So many times I’ve played around
I’ll tell you now, they don’t mean a thing

Every place I go, I think of you
Every song I sing, I sing for you
When I come back I’ll wear your wedding ring

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you’ll wait for me
Hold me like you’ll never let me go

‘Cause I’m leaving on a jet plane
I don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go

Now the time has come to leave you
One more time, oh, let me kiss you
And close your eyes and I’ll be on my way

Dream about the days to come
When I won’t have to leave alone
About the times that I won’t have to say …

Oh, kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you’ll wait for me
Hold me like you’ll never let me go

‘Cause I’m leaving on a jet plane
I don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go

And I’m leaving on a jet plane
I don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go

But I’m leaving on a jet plane
(Ah ah ah ah)
Leaving on a jet plane
(Ah ah ah ah)
Leaving on a jet plane
(Ah ah ah ah)
Leaving on a jet plane
(Ah ah ah ah)
Leaving on a jet plane
(Ah ah ah ah)
Leaving on a jet plane
(Ah ah ah ah)
Leaving on a jet plane
(Ah ah ah ah)
Leaving on a jet plane
(Ah ah ah ah)
(Leaving) On a jet plane

19 Comments
General, Mobilized