Imagine waking up one morning only to realize that nothing is the same as the day before.

For some this could mean not waking up to their spouse or not savoring that first cup of coffee as you sit in the sanctuary of your own kitchen. The desire to walk 10 feet to your own bathroom and splashing clean, sanitary water on your face is becoming a distant memory. The sound of your dog’s feet hitting your polished hardwood floor as she follows your every move, hoping you will have time to take her on a walk before work is gone.

It has been replaced by the sound of your neighbor’s boots striking his dingy gray floor, which is separated from yours by only a thin layer of wood paneling. When you step outside your door, suddenly you realize that your plush green lawn has been replaced by gravel. The clean, crisp air has been transformed into a transporter of dust that penetrates and consumes everything it touches. Furthermore, your neighbors beautifully furnished homes have been replaced by the image of endless rows of mud-stained trailers. Instead of grabbing your car keys and driving your air conditioned car to work, you grab your hat as minor defense to shield you from the relentless sun as you begin your journey by foot. These are just a few examples of how it feels as a deployed soldier.

Before this deployment I never realized all the simple things in life I had taken for granted: a private shower without shower shoes, a full-sized bed, cable television, etc.

Yesterday I was suddenly struck with an overwhelming craving for a buffalo chicken wrap from a local restaurant near my home in Birmingham, AL. Ordinarily, I would jump in my car and make the three-minute drive for instant gratification. If I didn’t feel like leaving the couch, I could just order dinner and have it delivered straight to my door. As I daydreamed about this, I began to realize how easy everything was at home and how I had taken things for granted in the past.

The thing I miss the most about being home is the freedom to go and do whatever I want. I would frequent my favorite hangouts, visit with friends and attend every family event. I have always been the friend and relative who never missed a birthday, special occasion or important sporting event for one of my nieces or. I have been away from home for only four months and I feel like I have already missed so much. I wasn’t there to join the rest of my family as they sang “Happy Birthday” at my only nephew’s first birthday party. I missed the day I became a great aunt and have only seen my beautiful great niece Sarah in pictures. I was not there to comfort my family when my brother had emergency surgery or when my uncle fought for his life in a cold hospital room. These are just some of the bigger events.

So what keeps a soldier motivated? I think it’s different for all of us. For me, I pray constantly and try not to lean on my own understanding. Many times I selfishly pray that the phones and internet are working so that I can call home and let my family know that I’m ok and that the bombing they heard about on the news was nowhere near us. I have to remind myself to take the time to thank God that we are safe and haven’t had any major encounters like many of my other deployed friends. I mostly pray for personal strength as well as peace and understanding for my family. I also pray that all of the personal sacrifices myself and fellow soldiers have made will make a difference in the world. I believe that the idea of being part of something bigger than ourselves is what keeps most of us motivated.

We also have to stick together. Like it or not, we are a family now and we have to be willing to support each other. A few weeks ago, I was greeted with open arms by a fellow soldier who was walking toward me. We gave each other a quick hug and then walked away without saying anything at all. We didn’t have to. Afterwards, I went back to my desk and wondered how long it had been since he had received a hug from anyone. It’s not exactly “warrior” to go around hugging people all the time but personal contact is a necessity everyone yearns for no matter how “Hooah” they claim to be.

Now as I crawl into bed, I hear helicopters traveling in pairs as they zoom by, shaking my entire CHU. Maybe tonight will be a quiet night with no sirens and I will have peaceful dreams about chicken sandwiches, swimming pools, and civilian clothes. I will have the peace of mind trusting and believing that all of this is not for nothing.

As much as I miss home, things could be a lot worse. I have my moments of wondering why we are here but I can honestly say that if I could go back in time, I would still choose to come on this deployment. I have learned so much and have experienced so many things that I would never experienced at home. But I still want a buffalo chicken wrap.

Good questions…As far as working in an area that I enjoy: The way I was able to get a job in Public Affairs/Broadcast Journalism is by taking the ASVAB seriously. I believe seniors can still take them in high school (I took mine at the beginning of my senior year so I didn’t take mine at the school). Obviously, the higher your score on the test the better job you can get. Every part of my “job” in the Army I enjoy. I’ve travelled around Iraq with a video camera following different units around to get their stories. I’ve had a four hour radio show, which of course is awesome! Along with the radio show I produced the Freedom Radio News and “spots” which is the AFN equivalent to commercials. Now I am working with reporters from around the world to get them where they need to be to get their stories. I’m constantly meeting new people with all kinds of different backgrounds. I believe it helps me be a more rounded person. How often do I get to change jobs? Within my MOS (Military Occupation Speciality) I can change jobs pretty often since there are so many different things involved with Public Affairs. I could be doing press releases, escorting media on the battlefield, working with the local media, and such. On the broadcasting side I could be doing Electronic News Gathering for radio and television, I could be an anchor, a producer, a camera man, a reporter, or a radio DJ. Those jobs could change as often as they need someone to fill them, going back to being well rounded. As far as getting a different MOS altogether…that depends on what contract you sign. My original contract was for 6 years active reserve and 2 years inactive reserve as a 46R (PA Specialist/Broadcast Journalist), I re-enlisted last year to do another 6 years of this because I enjoy doing what I do for the Army. If I wanted to change my job though I could sign a contract doing whatever other job I am qualified for. But all that stuff is better taught by a career counselor. Glad you guys are reading the blogs, but don’t stop at just reading mine, there are many other (much better) writers than me here, with some good stories and their own angle on this deployment thing. Some of which this is their first, second, or third. Me personally this is my second so I have a completely different view of it thatn some of the others. The trick to surviving any deployment after getting into a good routineis findinf a hobby to get into after work. I work out 5 days a week, which helps me in alot of ways, physically and mentally. Also, I play guitar, I’ve actually recorded one song since I’ve been here. If you are interested you can check it out on my band’s myspace page at www.myspace.com/actofsummer. Well, I hope I was able to answer all your questions. If there’s anything else you want to know just ask. Later!

If you are a Star Trek fan like me, you will likely understand the title of the blog entry. After 4 months of working and living with the other 314th PAOC soldiers, I have been severed from the collective for my 15 days of leave.

I’m sure it will last only a few days, but as I sit here at the Kuwait airport waiting for my flight, I feel very alone and troubled. I’ve gotten used to the routine in Baghdad, and even thought it can often seem monotonous, it has been internalized. I missed those familiar faces and our shared struggle to make it throught the next 8 months together.

From now until early October each of the 314th soldiers will experience the same thing. They will leave the unit and reconnect with their friends and families.

Then, after 15 days of shared experiences, they will get back on a plane and meet up with the rest of us…welcoming back to the collective.

Today is a very busy day at the Combined Press Information Center.  It is officially the first day of our move from Ocean Cliffs to our new home at Camp Prosperity.  We are taking apart electronic equipment, packing boxes, filling conexs, and making this former parking garage look more and more like a parking garage again (yes, the CPIC is really a retro-fitted parking garage adjacent to the Parliment and Baghdad Convention Center).

While everyone else here is doing all this moving work, I am busy for another reason.  I am headed out on my R&R leave.  I leave mid-day on Monday for a short stop at Camp Victory, and then I am on to the United States — to DC, Atlanta and Birmingham. 

When I first planned to take my R&R leave, the move of the CPIC was planned for March.  I though I had it all planned so well – I would move all my “stuff” into my new office and head out the door.  However, the move “got pushed to the right” — in other words, delayed.  That means I am going to be leaving the 314th at a time they could probably use my support the most.  However, I am looking at this from another perspective — maybe it’s good that I am leaving now.

I suppose all of us like to think of ourselves as being indispensible, but the truth is that all of us will be gone some day.  It’s our job as leaders to mentor younger Soldiers to ensure that come retirement day there will be others to take our place.

When I am gone for 3 weeks, Acting Sergeant Major Jeremiah Glassford will be the senior NCO of the 314th PAOC.  Not only will he be responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the difference CPIC sections, he will also take on most of the things I do — things that are largely external to our organization.

Would I like to be here for the move?  Sure (probably because I want to make sure none of my “stuff” gets lost — just kidding).

But, I will make it through the separation.  I found out I can log on to my Iraq email when I back home — so I will only a key stroke or two away from the 314th PAOC.

If all goes as planned, I will arrive back to the CPIC on one of the last days of the move.  LTC Perez joking says that I had this planned the whole time.    Like I said, timing is everything!

SGTs Tull and Fowler prepare to enter the firing line.

Here is the latest art from SPC Brittany Gardner.  This time her subjects are SGTs Bryan Fowler and Jeremy Fowler.  These two amigos from the 314th PAOC were first captured in a photograph, but I hope you agree that SPC Gardner’s line drawing adds something that a digital camera can’t express.

One added note — SPC Gardner was also named the topic graphic artist for the month of March, and received a $25 gift card to the local post exchange.  Congratulations to her and the other monthly winners:  SGT Bryan Tull, SPC Justin Wright, and SGT Emily Anderson.