Wow, can't believe it's been 2 weeks since my last post. The time does fly when you're having fun...or when you're stuck in Groundhog Day. I'm going to use this post to catch up on a few topics that people have asked about, then try to post again this weekend, and going forward shoot for two posts per week. I would also like to know what does and doesn't interest you, or what topics you'd like me to explore.
Bin Laden
Some in my family have asked what I think of the fact that we finally got Osama Bin Laden. I will definitely never forget where I was when I heard the news. I had been here for about 4 days and was supposed to meet the guy I replaced for breakfast. As I was getting ready to leave my CHU I had the TV on, and while flipping the channels I came across the live broadcast of some cable news show. It was past 11 pm in the States, and the footage was of a crowd of people standing outside the White House chanting U-S-A and singing the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America. It almost gave me goosebumps and made me feel triumphant. 9/11 happened just two months after I came on active duty, so nearly my entire career has happened with the global war on terror as a backdrop. Finding out that we had finally taken down the man who was behind numerous attacks and American deaths finally brings that opening chapter to a close. However, when I look back at how we spent the 10 years since the attacks, it makes me sad that we as a country didn't use the opportunity to unite more than we did. Sure, the months after 9/11 were some of the most patriotic of my lifetime, and the way we quickly dealt with the Taliban and Al Qaeda was inspiring to say the least, but I think we lost our way a little bit after that and have been working to get back on track ever since. Here's hoping that during the next ten years we're able to focus our time and money within our borders, so that my kids, and their kids, will continue to know what it means to improve on the standard of living passed down from their parents.
Travel
So far while I've been in Baghdad I've taken three trips. I've been to Balad and Al Asad Air Bases in Iraq, and I'm sitting at a desk in Al Udeid, Qatar writing this piece. You can look these bases up on Google and learn lots, so I won't go into much detail, but being able to see the amount of time and effort spent to secure this country and give it a chance to foster a democratic society has been eye opening. I'm not sure that the Iraqis can handle it yet, I think too many of their powerful men are seeking power for their own good, to hold onto as long as possible, instead of with a goal of making life better for their people. Unfortunately I don't know if I think we should continue to be here spending billions of borrowed money to ensure their success. It's a very tough problem, one that would be hard enough to solve without the additional outside forces trying to force the country to come unglued from within. One thing I can say is that a tiny percentage of America's youth is coming of age on these bases, and it makes me proud to serve beside them. I wish more people in America knew what it meant to serve. If there were more veterans and engineers in government than lawyers (sorry Ashley!) and businessmen, I think our country would be in much better hands.
Diet and Exercise
By far the biggest benefit of being deployed is being able to save lots of money, as well as earn money free of federal income tax. But the second biggest benefit is the ample availability of gym time and top notch nutrition. Each day I eat an egg white omelet with mixed peppers and onions, 3 hard boiled eggs, and some fruit for breakfast. Lunch and dinner are either chicken or turkey with broccoli and other vegetables, or chicken, mixed peppers, onions, and broccoli stir fried together with a bit of soy sauce. The fruits and veggies are very fresh, and everything is delicious. It's costing the taxpayer about $30 a plate, so I always try to get my money's worth. Also, I'm sure most of you know that there's no drinking allowed. These two factors allow me to get the best out of the 2+ hours I spend every day in the gym, and I'm already starting to notice some big changes in my body. I really can't wait to see what the next 6 months brings!
Bin Laden
Some in my family have asked what I think of the fact that we finally got Osama Bin Laden. I will definitely never forget where I was when I heard the news. I had been here for about 4 days and was supposed to meet the guy I replaced for breakfast. As I was getting ready to leave my CHU I had the TV on, and while flipping the channels I came across the live broadcast of some cable news show. It was past 11 pm in the States, and the footage was of a crowd of people standing outside the White House chanting U-S-A and singing the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America. It almost gave me goosebumps and made me feel triumphant. 9/11 happened just two months after I came on active duty, so nearly my entire career has happened with the global war on terror as a backdrop. Finding out that we had finally taken down the man who was behind numerous attacks and American deaths finally brings that opening chapter to a close. However, when I look back at how we spent the 10 years since the attacks, it makes me sad that we as a country didn't use the opportunity to unite more than we did. Sure, the months after 9/11 were some of the most patriotic of my lifetime, and the way we quickly dealt with the Taliban and Al Qaeda was inspiring to say the least, but I think we lost our way a little bit after that and have been working to get back on track ever since. Here's hoping that during the next ten years we're able to focus our time and money within our borders, so that my kids, and their kids, will continue to know what it means to improve on the standard of living passed down from their parents.
Travel
So far while I've been in Baghdad I've taken three trips. I've been to Balad and Al Asad Air Bases in Iraq, and I'm sitting at a desk in Al Udeid, Qatar writing this piece. You can look these bases up on Google and learn lots, so I won't go into much detail, but being able to see the amount of time and effort spent to secure this country and give it a chance to foster a democratic society has been eye opening. I'm not sure that the Iraqis can handle it yet, I think too many of their powerful men are seeking power for their own good, to hold onto as long as possible, instead of with a goal of making life better for their people. Unfortunately I don't know if I think we should continue to be here spending billions of borrowed money to ensure their success. It's a very tough problem, one that would be hard enough to solve without the additional outside forces trying to force the country to come unglued from within. One thing I can say is that a tiny percentage of America's youth is coming of age on these bases, and it makes me proud to serve beside them. I wish more people in America knew what it meant to serve. If there were more veterans and engineers in government than lawyers (sorry Ashley!) and businessmen, I think our country would be in much better hands.
Diet and Exercise
By far the biggest benefit of being deployed is being able to save lots of money, as well as earn money free of federal income tax. But the second biggest benefit is the ample availability of gym time and top notch nutrition. Each day I eat an egg white omelet with mixed peppers and onions, 3 hard boiled eggs, and some fruit for breakfast. Lunch and dinner are either chicken or turkey with broccoli and other vegetables, or chicken, mixed peppers, onions, and broccoli stir fried together with a bit of soy sauce. The fruits and veggies are very fresh, and everything is delicious. It's costing the taxpayer about $30 a plate, so I always try to get my money's worth. Also, I'm sure most of you know that there's no drinking allowed. These two factors allow me to get the best out of the 2+ hours I spend every day in the gym, and I'm already starting to notice some big changes in my body. I really can't wait to see what the next 6 months brings!
I am enjoying getting to peek into your experiences while deployed. Stay safe. And remember that most of the country is united behind the service of men like you: it's just that the media would rather the cover the stories of those that are not.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you are safe and are staying in shape. We miss you and can't wait for you to come home! Love you, big brother!
ReplyDelete