So anyway, I apparently spoke way too soon in my last post. A week later our squadron got orders to go somewhere else and our troop got doled out to different infantry battalions again. This marks something like the 14th time our platoon has made a major move or went to another unit. The only thing that is different this time is that we're holed up in the palace that Saddam's sons made their last stand in (it didn't last long). It's a cool experience to say the least. I mean, how many people can say they played soccer in a grand foyer? The only bad part is that this is where the Task force command is at, so you have more captains walking around then privates. The nit picking from people who have never left the fob in the few months they've been here gets old pretty quick, but its all made up for when a mortar goes off and you see a few staff people running like the Tet Offensive just kicked off.
Other than that, the only thing difference is the fact that our re-deployment is right around the corner. We've started packing our bags and beginning to prep for what appears to be a painful move home. Just as an example, I'll be carrying 3 duffel bags, 1 ruck sack and an assault pack on the plane with me. That's not gonna be fun at all, but truthfully, I don' t think I'll mind too much, afterwards.
The only thing is that this is probably the most dangerous time for us. When we first got here everyone was amped up, ready to kill and so on and so forth, but now everyone is tired, agitated and pretty much just focusing on getting home. The reality being that nothing is different for the people here and all that translates to is that someone somewhere is gonna get caught slipping. And it goes without saying that it would suck pretty hard to spend a year here only to die in the last week. The unit we replaced lost several people on their last mission, and a buddy of mine who was in the national guard died in the chow hall bombing in what was supposed to be his last week in country.
It's still pretty hard to not think about going home, because above all else its something different. If someone asked me to describe the last 3 weeks of my life I'd probably say it was a mix between the movie groundhog day and the ever lingering possibility of maiming. I've gotten into the habit of sleeping whenever I have free time (which is a lot) and I've been procrastinating on my school work because I know that it's the last class I can take over here and if I finish it in a week like I've done before I'll have absolutely nothing to do for the next 5 weeks... you know, besides that whole combat thing. *cough
1 comment:
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Recon: at last you are back on U.S. soil! Finally, the prayers of those who love you have been answered: Alleluia! Welcome Home! Incredibly, I could not help but notice and now point out to you, that you were in the air flying across Europe and over the Atlantic on St. Thecla’s Feast day (September 23rd as celebrated in Rome, Milan and Tarragona), and that you landed in the good old USA on St. Thecla’s feast day (September 24th as celebrated in Egypt, Turkey and Syria)! As so many men and women throughout history have cried out for the deliverance that God gave to Thecla, your mother also has done so this past year on your behalf. And now, I give thanks not only for your safe return, but also for your courage and your service. Stay Strong and Wise, my son! And may St. Thecla continue to watch over you and protect you on the new paths that lie ahead in your life’s journey!
Love, as always! Mom.
Post a Comment