Okay, so it’s been a while, but here we go. We are well over halfway done with our deployment, tied to the fact that I have yet to take leave just means that it’s only going to go downhill much faster from here. The deployment here hasn’t been too bad, besides the fact that I have not left the IZ since I’ve been here and I rarely get to leave the FOB. There is plenty to do here on Prosperity, so I’m not complaining too much.

I’m pretty much super-excited for leave though. I’ve got a fair amount planned out, one thing being a scuba diving trip to Panama City Beach. I’m going with a bunch of my Aunt’s friends from her church, so that’s going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait. I want to buy a camera that’s good for underwater and post pictures up on my Facebook. I’m also pretty excited because I am going to buy a buoyancy compensator, a dive computer, and a regulator. I’ll hold off on the wetsuit because it’s only the Caribbean. Last time all I had was a shorty and was fine in that. I would’ve had no problem with just my bathing suit I’m sure. I will probably still use a shorty again, but we’ll see. I don’t need any of the extra buoyancy that a suit would give me! For anyone who reads this, I highly recommend it! It’s almost like flying in your dreams! Anyhow, I’m pretty excited about it, if you can’t tell.

The other planned event is my sister’s wedding, in which I’m a part of in two ways. One, I am one of the groomsman. Second, I’m supposed to perform their wedding song, which is quite a daunting task because I’m supposed to play the guitar for the song as well and I have to learn to play the song, which is very difficult for me! It is a good challenge and I am up to it. To go along with my learned Spanish skills, I will be performing the song in Spanish. The Peruvians love to hear me sing it simply because I am an American singing in Spanish. They eat it up. This will be a good time with family and friends and I’m looking forward to it. Plus, as a bonus, we are going to Six Flags Over Georgia the Saturday after my sister’s wedding, which will also be a blast. There may be some random visiting of friends in a couple of different places, we shall see.

This deployment has had it’s ups and downs, and it hasn’t been anywhere near as much fun as the first one, but it will definitely go down as a good deployment in my book. I think I have at least one more in me. I want to go to Afghanistan, so long as I don’t have to stay on the FOB all the time anyway. I hear there are far fewer contractors there too, that would be nice. Anyways, those are my thoughts about the current situation on the deployment. I’m wondering what is actually going to happen for the 4th of July, other than another 5K. We have those quite often here, so much it gets boring actually. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this post and I can’t wait to get home and see my family!

Just like home, the sun will set and allow the moon to shine.

Voices fade and fall to slumber as they count the sheep ’till nine

The winds will fill the fallen sky with fictive songs of peace

until the sound of gunshots heard claim what once did cease.

The masses stir from makeshift house with worry and a fright

and just like home, heroes rise to claim the peaceful night.

Even when the weather bodes to dispute our daily tasks

rather than umbrellas up, we make due with desert masks

And at days end we settle down and find our ways to cope

through arts, through prayer, or fitness means we find a little hope

Just like home, when things are rough, take the good in with the bad.

Just like home, I tell myself, just like home and I won’t feel all that sad….

~PFC Christine Bernat

I suppose most people in the United States who follow news from Iraq know that June 30 is a big event here.  It is for Iraqis — they have declared it a national holiday. 

CPT Joe Thames is just one of the 314th PAOC Soldiers in Iraq. Here, he takes a moment to relax outside the CPIC before returning to his duty as the OIC for the Iraqi Media Engagement Team.

On Tuesday of next week, according to the security agreement signed between the U.S. and Iraqi governments, U.S. combat forces will withdraw to Forward Operating Bases outside the cities nationwide.   This will enable the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to provide security and stability for Iraqi people.

We also have been handing over facilities and bases throughout the country to ISF.   Many of the ones where we remain are now joint bases with the Iraqis commanding there. 

Finally, any counter-terrorism or security operations conducted by U.S. Forces will be done in conjuction with ISF or at the explicit request of the Government of Iraq.  

I don’t think most Iraqis are necessarily happy that our combat forces are leaving the cities – because  most of the ones I meet seem to like Americans, whether it is us personally or the opportunities we bring to exercise their freedoms or make a better living.  Rather, I think they are happy because this is a first step on the path to normalcy by their own nation accepting responsibility for a big part of their national security after six years of war and military occupation.

Added all up, it means that in many key areas the Iraqis are in charge starting on Wednesday.   It is a sign that the U.S. presence here is drawing to an end.  No, it won’t happen overnight, but it is happening (and ending by January 1, 2012, unless something unexpected happens as a result of the January 2010 elections here).

There has been some news that the celebration on Tuesday may be tempered by an increase in violence.  Only time will tell about this.  There has been an “uptick”, as military leaders say, in the bombings here in Iraq, including Baghdad.  Recent news over the past two weeks has included bombings at markets in different parts of the city — areas that are far from the 314th.  But, what does all this change and news mean for you, the loved one of a 314th Soldier (or just a curious blog reader)?

According to Geoff Morrell, a Pentagon spokesperson, such a spike in violence is to be expected, “based upon the pattern of behavior that we’ve seen over the past few weeks, and, frankly, historically in Iraq, leading up to seminal dates, whether it be elections or other significant dates, of an uptick in the operational tempo of terrorists and insurgents.”

Most likely the uptick will subside soon after June 30, like it has after other key events, like the national elections earlier this year.

With that in mind, the 314th has redoubled its communication to Soldiers to stay focused on their surroundings.  The risk to our Soldiers compared many others is greatly decreased since they live and work most of their days here within the walls of Forward Operating Base Prosperity.  Additionally, when they do leave the FOB they travel in areas that have historically been considered safe and under U.S. control (and that is expected to continue past June 30).

Throughout this deployment, LTC Ignacio Perez, the unit commander, has also implemented security measures to protect all Soldiers.  Some are just good practices no matter where someone is — like always traveling with a “battle buddy.”

The bottom line is that 314th PAOC Soldiers, now and after June 30, are safe, and they are all looking forward to returning home to all of you in just a few more months, knowing that they have played a role in bringing peace, freedom and stability over here.

From SPC Roshonda Y. Thurston

Today I am serving my seventh month of a one-year deployment in Iraq.  I am the supply specialist in the 314th Public Affairs Operations Center, an Army Reserve unit from Birmingham, Alabama.  I was cross-leveled into the unit last year a few months before we mobilized, but this story goes back even further…six years ago when I was a 19-year-old Soldier.

I grew up in St. Lucie County in Florida as a troublemaker, but I had the sense to join the Army after high school, thanks to the encouragement of SGM John Brunson, a friend of my mother.  When I was growing up, he was like a father, and I admired his military service.  He told me about the Army – he got to travel, he had a job he was proud of, and the pay wasn’t bad either.   My life was going nowhere fast, so I joined.

I went to basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina in January 2004, supply training at Fort Lee, Virginia three months later, and my first duty assignment at Fort Drum, New York, that summer.  It was not long, however, before trouble found me again.  I was pregnant.

I was discharged from the Army and returned home to Florida.  I had told myself that I did not want to end up like this, but there I was – 21 years old, about to become a mother, and without much of a future.  One thing that got me through all of this was something I tell to others in similar situations, “It could be worse.”

On April 13, 2005, I gave birth to my son, Xavion Lamar Thurston at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.  He was 6 pounds and 7.5 ounces of change in my life.   I know it sounds like a cliché, but he made me rethink everything I was doing (or not doing).  Knowing he was there, depending on me, made me calm down and gave me a focus.  He truly became the center of my life.  It was like I had found another part of me.

If you are a young girl who has trouble in her life now, don’t think a baby is going to turn your life around.  Someone I am close to back home is in jail today while her two kids are living with someone else.  They only get to see their mom on visiting days.  I guess I was lucky.

Even though I was starting to change my life, it was not easy, and I could never have done it alone.  My mom Sharri and my younger brother Courtney were my “built-in babysitters” back then (and are now while I am deployed).  Their support allowed me to get a job as a technician at a mental health institution in St. Lucie County.  Getting to help the patients made me thankful that I had my right mind and that I had chosen a right path before it was too late.  I saw some who were strung out on cocaine with one foot in the grave — and some were kids my own age.  Even though it was sad, I got satisfaction knowing there was something I could do to help them.

Another thing I did to turn my life around was join the Army Reserve in early 2006.  The 3220th Garrison Support Unit from West Palm Beach had a vacancy for a supply specialist, and I wanted to give the military another try.  I had to start out as a private all over again, but I dealt with that setback.  

Over the next two years I found more than a military unit; I also found a new family that looked out for my best interests and helped me make a better life for me and my son.    SSG Lorette Innocent and SGT Renea Thomas are both in my unit, and both work in law enforcement in their full-time civilian jobs.  They have helped me learn valuable lessons like controlling my emotions and taking one day at time.

Another Soldier who helped me get where I am today – literally – is LTC Gloria Thomas, from the regional command in Birmingham.   About a year ago, she called me with an offer I could not refuse.  I like to tell people I was “volun-told” I was on a list of people who could be going to Iraq with the 314th.  She said the deployment would be good for me, and that the Soldiers in the unit were good people.  With a young son, I was not excited about it, but I told her, “If I have to go, I will.”

I guess that must have stuck in her head because I got a call that same evening from 1SG Jeremiah Glassford welcoming me to the 314th and giving me my flight information to get to Birmingham.

So here I am now in the 314th PAOC, serving as the unit’s supply specialist.  Over the past 10 months with them (seven of them mobilized) I feel I have continued to grow.  I’ve had the help of unit members like 1SG Glassford and SGT Emily Anderson, as well as people I have met here in Baghdad like SCPO Theodore Traylor and Mr. Brandon Joseph.  With their support, I’ve continued my journey to being a better Solder, a better friend and a better mom.   Today, I am less impatient than I was even a year ago, I don’t let my pride get in my way and, most importantly, I am able help others.  Along the way, the unit commander even presented me an Army Achievement Medal for my hard work in preparing the unit for its overseas mission.

Someone asked me recently what I would say to the 19-year-old Roshonda Thurston if she were here today in Iraq.  I had to stop and think about it.  The one thing I would not do is ignore her.  That happened to me too many times, and I know how she would feel – as if she did not matter and depressed.

I know I have it in me now to help this troublemaker.  I think I would let her know she could trust me to help her, that I was always available, and that I would be non-judgmental.   I’d tell her to avoid peer pressure, and keep her eyes focused on what is most important.   I’d probably also tell her to keep working hard in the Army Reserve because it could be an opportunity for her to gain more confidence and self-discipline, and have more doors opened for her.

And, where will I be five years from now?  I will be the confident and financially-stable mother of a wonderful 9-year-old son who will know his mother loves him, even when she is thousands of miles away on her next deployment.

Here I am at Fort Dix, New Jersey, just before the 314th PAOC left for Baghdad. Don't mess with me!

Here is my Xavion.

When I first heard I was selected to attend the Sergeants Major Academy (I was a master sergeant at the time) back in early 2006, I was excited and a little trepidacious.  Was I up to the challenge…and what would people expect of me once I had graduated?  My friends and colleagues in the Army Reserve told me not to worry, and that it would be a great experience. 

(L to R) SGM Patrick McEver, CSM Paul Belanger and SGM Troy Falardeau pose in front of the U.S. and Iraqi national flags in the conference room at the Combined Press Information Center (Photo by SGT Ferdinand Thomas, 222nd BOD).

When I asked the few sergeants major I knew they jokingly told me “the Army did all it could to cram six weeks of training into a 10-month course.”   However, they were quick to add that the coursework was not the most important part of the experience.  No, they would say, the most important part is getting to know sergeants major from the active duty, National Guard and Army Reserve (and other countries I discovered once I got there) who will be serving in positions throughout the world once they graduate.   This was the biggest benefit of being there — the connections that I would make and the military fraternity I would be joining.

Of course, being the over-achiever that I am, I threw myself into the coursework and other academic-related programs.  I tried to learn as much as possible, but despite my best efforts to do otherwise, I started to make friends with my fellow students and develop those bonds.  I began to realize that in the Army, like in all areas of life, talent and ambition will only get you so far.  It truly is who you know and how to leverage that friendship to bring about success. 

I have been thinking about this off and on during this deployment, but it really hit home last week when we had a visit from MG Eldon Regua, the commander of the Army Reserve’s 75th Battle Command Training Division, and CSM Paul Belanger, his command’s top enlisted Soldier.  During the visit CSM Belanger, SGM Patrick McEver and I had the chance to take a group photograph. 

When I was looking at the photo last night, I began to think back to other times during this deployment I have called back to the U.S. Army Reserve Command in Atlanta to ask one of my fellow sergeants major to point me in the right direction with a problem.  I knew I could not solve it myself.  More than once they gave me a piece of information that made a huge difference in the life of  a 314th PAOC Soldier…and that helped me to maintain my status as a trusted leader of our Soldiers. 

But, the longer I am here in Iraq the more I am realizing that this acknowledgement of the tantamount importance of “the team approach” is the key to success in the Army (and to some lesser degree in all organizations).  I am sure many social science researchers have studied the dynamics of military units, and I probably even read some of this during my NCO professional development courses over the years.  However, until you see it firsthand, until you are the direct beneficiary of this comradeship (or worse, the recipient of a lesson in working against this norm), it doesn’t really hit home. 

I don’t want any of you to think I was totally clueless of this fact all these 28 years in the Army Reserve.  I always knew I had to “play well with others” to ensure a team victory, and I have always known my first and foremost job is to take care of the Soldiers who serve with me; that is the role of a leader.  However, I am the first to acknowledge that I am somewhat of an outsider within this organization.  I may have the outward appearance of being gregarious, but inside I am a loner in many social settings.   That trait has probably caused me to miss out on opportunities to help my Soldiers in the past since you can only change human nature so much.

Of all my personal discoveries about teamwork here in Iraq, however, the one that I hope I never forget (and the one I hope you take away from this blog entry) is that no leader can succeed without the support of his or her subordinates (I am hesitant to use that word, in light of this lesson).   No matter how good an idea from a leader — even when it is done with the best of intentions to help Soldiers — the true test of its chances of success is how much groundswell of support that leader inspires in others.  And, the best way to ensure that support is to make sure any “good ideas” have been developed with a team approach.

Yes, it is always possible for a leader to impose his or her will on others, especially in the military, but perhaps GEN Shinseki would have garnered more support for his policy change requiring berets if he had turned this good idea into a team effort, rather than what seemed to be a personal goal.  Any leader who accepts this approach must acknowledge up front that the team approach could lead to any idea being rejected or changed. 

With that in mind, I have tried to slow down the flow of “good ideas” I throw out for implementation, and instead talk to section NCOICs and other key individuals in the 314th PAOC.  In the end, I know the unit will be more successful with this team approach, rather than my over-achieving “get it done quickly and move on to the next thing” approach.  And, the team approach usually results in improvements on the original idea — and isn’t that the ultimate goal?

Perhaps there is still time to teach this old dog a few new tricks before I retire and join the ranks of old sergeants major.

No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers.

These are the first two sentences of three long paragraphs that make up the Army’s NCO Creed.  Although they seem to be only words, I believe they are much more.  They are the touchstone and core of many NCOs’ experience in the U.S. Army.  I know they are for me.

Since being deployed, however, I’ve noticed some NCOs may not hold this belief.  It seems the idea of getting promoted, just to get promoted, is the reason some people try.  I am not sure everyone fully comprehends that a promotion is more than a reward for doing something good in the past, and more than a reason to feel good about yourself.  It is a promise to sacrifice for others and help them realize their potential.

I’ve been in the Army for six years now as a Reserve Soldier.  During that time, I have noticed how higher-ranking individuals do not always make the best selections when it comes to promotions.  It makes me a little disappointed to see people who really do not deserve to be promoted getting to put on the stripes and rockers.  I know our Army is short-handed these days — especially in mid-NCO ranks — and needs to promote many Soldiers earlier than they might have been given the chance in the past, but I think some of the people are not ready for that privilege and responsibility.  I think it is an injustice to the individuals who work hard and take these promotions to heart.

I think, in a way, this same mentality is occurring a lot more in areas other than just the military. I don’t want to point a finger at anyone in particular, but it seems that many people who are facing problems today in our country got there because they wanted something they had not earned the right to have, or wanted something just to have it.  I think people need to understand what they are willing to sacrifice in order to have a privilege. 

I have been asked several times why I’m deciding to wait until closer to the end of this one-year deployment before I try to get promoted. My reason:  I cannot in good conscience ask for something like a promotion until I feel I am ready to live up to the expectations.  If I were to get promoted and go to another unit, that unit would expect me to know my job and, even more importantly, know how to lead. There would not be excuses. Well, there shouldn’t be excuses. I’ve seen too many times when a staff sergeant (or higher) goes to a lower-ranking Soldier to ask a question they should already know. I know sometimes you can’t help it, but it should not be an everyday occurrence.   Not only does that show a lack of knowledge about doing a job, but it also undermines that person’s credibility as a leader.

Just because you want something and seem qualified for it does not mean you will be given the thing you want at that one moment.  I completely agree with the concept of karma – that we bring about our future through our good and bad actions.  However, I don’t think karma always work quickly.  I think it definitely happens, but expecting something to happen so quickly could actually be the downfall for many.

The second, related question I’m asked all the time is, “since you have a college degree why don’t you become an officer?”  I have thought long and hard about this choice. I think so many people who have the opportunity to become an officer automatically jump at the chance.  I honestly feel I can do more for Soldiers as a NCO than as an officer. I can imagine myself years from now as a sergeant major, but I can never seem to imagine myself as a colonel.  I guess a big part of karma is not only knowing how to get what you want, but also knowing yourself well enough to know which “wants” will make you happiest and most fulfilled.

People do not seem to understand that it’s not just about the money or the glory for me. Yes, I do love a much bigger paycheck, but the rewards of seeing the impact that I have on another Soldier, especially one that is lower ranking, is worth far more than the extra dollars I would receive at a higher rank or by becoming an officer.

I hope that all the challenges we are now facing in our country (and our Army) will expose a silver lining.  Maybe it will remind us all that the more important things in life cannot be gained through money or a promotion.  Here in my Army, I think we need to remember that we are professionals and leaders of Soldiers…no matter what rank we are at now, and however long it takes us to get that place in the chain of command where we eventually arrive.

There is probably no rank in the Army worse than second lieutenant.  When an enlisted Soldier is a private, he or she has no responsibility and leaders have little or no expectations.  Just show up and stay out of trouble, and you have earned a promotion. 

Not so for second lieutenants.  As an officer, albiet the lowliest of all officers, they are expected by enlisted Soldiers and other officers, to be a leader.  They carry on their chest a rank insignia with a solitary gold rectangle — the infamous “butter bar.”  Commanders and NCOs know their responsibility to second lieutenants is to mentor them, and keep them out of trouble while they develop their leadership skills.   It’s a lot of pressure for a young officer — probably akin to treading water while studying for final exams.

The happiest day for a second lieutenant is probably not the first day they pin on their rank and initially join the ranks of officers.  Instead, it is alm0st assuredly the last day at that rank — the day they complete this rite of passage and are promoted to first lieutenant, hopefully never to return that rank. 

1LT Joseph Larrew shares a proud moment with two of his Peruvian friends at FOB Prosperity.

For 2LT Joseph Larrew that day was today. 

1LT Larrew has a leg-up on many of his fellow first lieutenants because he served five years as an enlisted Soldier, rising to the rank of specialist.  Ask any NCO and they will tell you that an officer with enlisted experience is an officer who knows why NCOs are the backbone of the Army.

On December 17, 2007, SPC Larrew graduated from Austin Peay University in Clarksville, TN, with his degree in Computer Science.  He left behind his former rank, but not his knowledge of the pride and potential of enlisted Soldiers.  Today, standing in the audience were NCOs who previously stood in formation with him when he work the rank of an enlisted Soldier.

Shortly after lunch, the combined staffs of the 314th Public Affairs Operations Center and the 222nd Broadcast Operatons Detatchment (and even a few Triple Canopy guards) gathered in the CPIC. At slightly after 2 p.m. (Baghdad time) on June 19, 2009, the audience witnessed the reading of the promotion orders as LTC Ignacio Perez removed the infamous butter bar from the lieutenant’s uniform and replaced it with a new one with the black rectangle of a first lieutenant.  The crowd erupted into a cheer as it became official.

As they exited the room, each person shook 1LT Larrew’s hand, some joked about his new rank and the added responsibility, but all shared the excitement, pride and relief that he felt.

Yes folks, the voting is over and the ballots have been counted, but Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei HAS NOT named our winner.  No, you — our faithful blog readers — have decided who won the 314th PAOC’s Mustache May competition. 

BEST LOOKING

If you voted for Contestant A, you chose SGT Bryan Tull.

The winner of the Best Looking mustache category was SGT Bryan Tull.  This is his second time visiting Iraq, so perhaps he knows about some special techniques for facial hair (or maybe he had a team of voters stuffing the ballot box).  Either way, he was the hands-down winner in that category, far ahead of SPC James Clifton, the second place contender.

SGT Tull has lived in Iraq more than the United States over the past 3 years.  He deployed here in 2006-2007 with the 210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment of Garner, NC.  During that deployment, he said he got to see a lot more of the country.  During this tour of duty he has been stuck behind a desk much of the time since he serves as the NCOIC for the Escort Section of the Combined Press Information Center (oh the inhumanity of entering middle management!).

SGT Tull leads by example. The day after a big duststorm, he cleans the very dirty windows at the Combined Press Information Center.

According to SGT Tull, his girlfriend is happy he won the best-looking category, but is even happier that he has shaved if off.  Laura is a recent psychology graduate at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, and SGT Tull is a junior there in History and Education (hopefully he will not be volunteering to deploy again before he can finish his bachelor’s degree).

In addition to the votes from Laura and her friends at UAB, SGT Tull also got the support of his parents.  His father Del is the leader of the 314th PAOC Family Readiness Group, a volunteer position that maintains communication with the friends and family members of the 314th PAOC’s deployed Soldiers.  According to SGT Tull, his mom Carole spends lots of time helping out.

 FUNNIEST LOOKING AND SHAVE THAT THING OFF

If you voted for Contestant D, you were voting for MAJ James Lincoln. Since he won both the Funniest-Looking and Shave That Thing Off categories, we can assume that our voters had no sense of humor for his mustache.

In a suprise double win, MAJ James Lincoln, the Executive Officer for the 314th PAOC, won both the Funniest-Looking and Shave That Thing Off categories — leaving all others “in the dust” (pardon the Iraqi pun).

He said he was happy to win both categories because it meant he would win two prizes — twice as many as the best-looking mustache winner (hmmmm, sounds like rationalization to me).  The winner of each category wins a coffee mug from the American Mustache Institute, and we all know MAJ Lincoln is a two-fisted drinker (of coffee).

MAJ Lincoln seemed to have drawn votes from many different demographic groups — Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and even members of the American Mustache Institute — making him the “Barack Obama of the Mustache World”.   Most importantly, he got the vote of his wife Brenda, who is very happy that her husband is now ’sans mustache.”  All these people united to say, “Thanks for the laugh, now lose it!”

MAJ James Lincoln may be without his mustache now, but he still has the hairy attitude!

The 314th PAOC would like to thank everyone around the world who took time to send in a vote this Mustache May contest — including members of the American Mustache Institute (especially you Miss Mustache, columnist from the AMI website), judges from the 2009 Beard and Moustache World Championships (held this year in Alaska), and supporters of our troops who serve our country!

Happy Birthday Army!!

Since this is the month of the Army’s birthday, I’ve decided to write a blog about the one event everyone has, even if they don’t want it…BIRTHDAYS!

A few days ago, the 314th did our monthly birthday celebration. It was fun (well for me anyway). It gives us a chance to come together and have cake (it’s somebody’s birthday, you have to have cake!).

One soldier in particular seemed a little shy about having everyone sing to her. I think she was a little embarrassed. I don’t seem to understand why, but everything isn’t for everybody.

I’m starting to believe that I’m in a totally different category of people when it comes to birthdays. As the year goes by and soldier’s birthdays come and go, I’ve noticed that most people are not happy about getting older. Perhaps, it’s just me, but I love the idea of celebrating my birthday and growing older.

I start celebrating several weeks before the actual day. By the time my birthday gets here, everyone is so tired of me talking about it, but I never care. This is the one day that I can say is for me, and years from now, when I’m famous,  my birthday will become a national holiday that everyone will celebrate (but that’s a different blog).

No matter how hard I tried to get the unit to celebrate my birthday before I left for R& R leave, the 1SG would not have it, but that’s fine because I was fortunate to be home on my birthday this year. My family and friends really went out because they know I love big celebrations for my birthday when I’m not deployed.  I think they figured I wanted a big celebration this year especially.

My mom and dad bought me a red velvet cake with white chocolate shavings on top. It was wonderful. I love red velvet cake. My parents are really creative when it comes to not having just a regular birthday cake. I remember past birthdays I’ve had a cookie cake, an ice cream cake, and a cupcake.

The last couple of years I have tried to go on vacation around my birthday. In 2007, I went to Florida, even though it was a horrible trip (when I say horrible vacation, I mean it). In 2008, I was finally able to go to Vegas. That was a great trip.  This year, I received an all expense paid trip to…Iraq. This trip definitely leaves me speechless. Hopefully, next year I will get to go somewhere really good since it will be the big 25.

I think the reason I make such a big deal about my birthday is that growing up my parents have always made a big fuss about birthdays. I’ve always felt my birthday is one of the most important things to celebrate.

I’m sure as I continue to age (gracefully, of course) I will start to shy away from the elaborate celebrations for my birthday (I don’t see it happening anytime soon).

I think I have said all I can about my birthday. Hopefully, someone will read this blog and decide that a birthday is a celebration and not a step into the grave. Birthdays are meant to be fun and elaborate.

Recently award-winning country music star Toby Keith spoke at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.  At the end of his speech, he made a “shout out” to the Soldiers of the 314th Public Affairs Operations Center.

In case you don’t know what a “shout out” is, here is how it is described on Wikipedia:  a greeting or acknowledgment of a person, group, or organization of significance. It is often done as a sign of respect, synonymous with “giving props”. 

Mr. Keith (or does he prefer to be called Toby?) has a long history of patriotism and giving props to the military and the United States, evidenced by his recording, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.”   He takes time at concerts to honor members of the military (and speeches at the National Press Club).

Although he said in a 2007 interview that he was not a supporter of the Iraq War, he went on to say he has always been and will continue to support U.S. troops.  He also said, “I don’t apologize for being patriotic… If there is something socially incorrect about being patriotic and supporting your troops, then they can kiss my #&% on that, because I’m not going to budge on that at all.”

Click here for the shout out.

On behalf of the Soldiers of the 314th PAOC, thank you Mr. Keith for the shout out — and for standing firm on your support for us and the things we defend!

The 314th Public Affairs Operations Center commemorated the Army Birthday at FOB Prosperity.  SGTs Bryan Tull, Paul Roberts and Brad Richardson raised the stars and stripes above the Combined Press Information Center.

(L to R) SGTs Bryan Tull, Paul Roberts and Brad Richardson report for a special mission -- flag detail on the Army's 234rd Birthday.

SGTs Roberts and Richardson fix the flag to the lanyard.

SGT Richardson begins raising the flag.

As the flag ascends the pole, SGT Roberts secures it.

When the flag has reached the top of the pole, SGT Richardson secures the rope.

SGTs Tull, Roberts and Richardson salute the flag.

For more information about the Army Birthday, go to http://www.army.mil/birthday/.

Comedian Stephen Colbert gets a complimentary haircut from Gen. Ray Odierno during the opening night USO tour in Baghdad. Photo by Steve Manuel, Associated Press.

A couple days ago the comedian Stephen Colbert performed at Al Faw Palace here in Baghdad.  He came over here as part of a USO-sponsored event to entertain the troops (I was lucky enough to see part of his first show on Sunday night).  One of his jokes was about a young Soldier here in Iraq who spent his spare time taking online college classes.  Apparently the Soldier just got his degree, and Colbert got big laughs when he mentioned that the Soldier was one of the few 2009 college graduates with a job.  I guess most 2009 graduates back home are not doing as well.

Colbert’s remark was very well received by the audience, but for those of us over here in Iraq, it is reality.  Many of us follow the stock reports, government unemployment statistics and news of our struggling U.S. economy.  I know my home has lost about 30-40 percent of its value over the past two years, so having a steady paycheck puts us ahead of more than 10 percent of our U.S. population who are unemployed.  We wish the best to all those who are struggling, but we are also very glad that we are here, able to pay our bills and care for our loved ones who are holding down the homefront. 

The military is not normally seen as a path to riches (well, unless you owned shares in some of the contracting companies), but it is a steady job with great benefits.  I’ve always felt it is one of America’s best kept secrets.  For decades, service in the U.S. military has been a path for many to enter the middle class and obtain “the American Dream.”

Where else can a person get free medical coverage for himself (or herself) and all family members?  I read every day about the battle in Congress amd elsewhere for universal health coverage for Americans.  My coverage may not be perfect, but what is in bureaucracy?  And my coverage continues after retirement (when my poor body begins to fall apart). 

Before we forget what started this conversation, what about the G.I. Bill money that paid for that Soldier’s college classes?  I know I used military education benefits to help pay for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and even part of my doctoral studies.  As an Army Reserve Soldier, I know that all that education has helped keep me competitive when looking for civilian jobs over the years.

You might be looking for a place to put your money to beat inflation, but the military has me covered there, too.  The Savings Deposit Program gives me a 10% annual return on investment (on up to $10,000) for the time I am here in Iraq.  The last time I checked my savings back home, I was getting about 1%.  Oh, and if that is not good enough, all my pay here is tax-free.

Ok, so there is a downside.  There are people here who want to kill us, but last time I checked the news people back home were doing the same.   Our Soldiers are also far away from their loved ones, but they do get to converse on the phone and through email — and their families know they are working hard to secure not only freedoms for Iraqis, but the financial future of their loved ones.

I know this sounds like I am trying to convince you to join the military, but the truth is I don’t have to – the recruiting numbers are through the roof right now.  In fact, I’ve heard that our recruiting and retention bonuses might be reduced or removed if the trend continues. Young (and not so young) people across the country are seeing that being in the military is not a joke….and I am sure Colbert realizes this.

“This is my routine. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My routine is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I master my life. My routine, without me, is useless. Without my routine, I am useless…My routine is human, even as I, because it is my life.”

A friend of mine told me there are only three days of importance in Iraq: the day you arrived, the day you leave, and Monday because every day is Monday.

Today is actually Friday and it is our 180^th day of being officially mobilized. It is hard to believe it has already been six months and we are half way done. Sometimes if feels like it was just yesterday we arrived to the Middle East (it’s crazy even writing that) yet when I think about all that has happened in my life since that time it feels like a life time ago.

But yes, it is true every day is Monday here because for the most part I relive the same day over and over again. To most people my routine might seem sick or depressing; to know how scheduled and regimented my day is. But oddly enough in the five months we have been in Baghdad I have found a strange comfort in the monotony.

One way I have dealt with the repetitiveness of my life here, has been to count things. For example when I was working in the Media Escort section and driving all around the Green Zone I figured out I had driven over more than 3,000 speed bumps before I switched to a new section; or how many stairs it takes to get to the top of the palace (100 inside, 80 outside, 96 from inside back stairway); or how long it takes and how far it is to get to our office (six minutes from either going in front of or behind the palace and .034 miles); or how many hard boiled eggs I have eaten if an average is two a day (actually have lost count of that one); or what the ratio of men to women living on Prosperity is (last time I checked including civilian, there were 1,310 men and 150 women ). It is not uncommon for my fellow soldiers to hear me spew out some new number of something I have found to count. I know it may be a bit OCD, but I think we all either have or will develop some little tick to deal with Groundhogs-Day phenomenon.

It is amazing how in tune my body and mind have become to the routine. I feel like a machine in a way. Since I work out more than I ever have in my life, during the day I seriously need to eat every two and a half to three hours. Also I don’t need an alarm anymore. Pretty much without fail every morning around 0545 I wake up. It does have its advantages, but on my days off I cannot sleep in.

Every morning the first thing I do is turn my computer on so I can check my e-mail to see if anyone back home wrote me while I was sleeping. Then I turn the light on so I can make my way to the coffee pot where I fill the basin until it reaches the 4-cup dash; just enough for a mug full to last me until I get to the office. When I have begun the coffee, I leave my CHU with towel and hygiene kit in hand to make the 90-second walk (counted that one too!) to the shower trailer where I chose the same shower stall if no one else is in it.

Making my way back to my room, I proceed to get ready in the same order of sequence that I have for the past five months. I begin by putting lotion on my face, then undergarments, then ACU t-shirt. Once the t-shirt is on I grab my iPod and begin to listen to music; then pants, belt, socks and boots. When my boots are on I then make my cup of coffee. Two sugars and two hazelnut creamers (the other morning I had forgotten to get more creamers and I thought I was going to turn into a beast because I did not have my morning coffee).

Now it is time to brush my hair, getting it just right because if I don’t I find myself getting very frustrated. After my hair is done I then proceed to make another lotion-foundation cocktail for my face as I am cautious of what this intense Iraqi sun/heat/sand mixture is doing to my skin. Then, if for no other reason than to feel like I am still a girl, I apply a bit of makeup. After a ritualistic pat down to make sure I have everything I need; weapon, wallet, keys, both phones and sunglasses, I make my way out the door for the four-minute walk to the chow hall.

When I arrive I make my way past the Ugandan guards and into the building and head for the indoor latrine, where it is a treat to examine my uniform in a full-length mirror and use indoor plumbing. I then pass the sea of sleepy-eyed yet ever watching hungry soldiers, marines and civilians. With very little variation I chose the same food for breakfast every day. So much so that the workers behind the counter, who have the biggest welcoming smile on their face when I approach, know exactly what I want and if I ever chose something different or have a day off and come in late they make sure to notice.

Every day I get one to two hard boiled eggs, one MacDonald-style hash brown, and a small bowl of oatmeal. Then I make my way over to the salad bar area where I grab a pad of butter for my toast, brown sugar and raisins for my oatmeal, place one piece of wheat toast into the toaster, put some low fat milk in the oatmeal, grab a cup of ice to place my egg in so it will be easier to peal, then I go over to the cooler and get an apple juice box. When I have everything I need, I make my way to an empty table to sit in front of the TV playing CNN, where I eat my food in the same order every day.

And this is all before 0800, so you can imagine the rest of my day is filled with routine. Without fail at 0930 I notice I am hungry and make a protein shake, then I cannot wait until 1130 to go to lunch, and around 1430 I am ready for an afternoon snack. But unlike other people, I do love my routine because there is predictability and some sense of safety in this foreign land I have called home for the past six months. It feels good to go to the gym every day around the same time and see familiar faces. It is nice to sit at the same table for dinner and look around at other soldiers who are in the same boat I am.

We have six more months to go, give or take a few weeks. I am pretty excited to see what other changes will occur, small or big. I have R&R coming up in 13 days which give me so much to look forward to. It might be hard for me to leave my routine for a few weeks and allow myself to relax when I am home, and maybe even sleep past 0700. But at least I will know, unlike I did six months ago when we were making out way here, what I am coming back to.

In a way being forced to have nothing but time to reflect and gain perspective has allowed me to realize what I thought I wanted and valued in life before I left has completely changed. I have gained a new definition of independence I did not even realizes I desired. I have grown physically and emotionally strong in ways I did not know existed inside of me. And to think, before I left I was so afraid of how the deployment was going to change me.

“If you could do one thing for the rest of your life and be happy about it, what would it be?”

This was a question that I was asked recently. This was probably one of the hardest questions that I have ever been asked, and I honestly could not answer it.

I guess I never really thought about it before. I mean I’ve been asked what do you want to be years from now and things like that. I have an answer for that. I would want to be happy, but what would I do to make myself happy for the rest of my life is the question that I do not have the answer to.

Having to answer this question has caused so much frustration. It seems the idea of going and graduating from college is pushed so hard but the idea of what to do after college is often forgotten. Many people assume just because you have a college degree you are bound to have a great career. This I’m finding out is not always so.

It also becomes difficult trying to figure out yourself when people start to pressure you to get married and start having children. Seriously? I just graduated from college. Give me a chance to breathe. It seems that’s what many people think once college is finished (especially for females).

I think that is the question I am asked most now that I have graduated from college is “when are you getting married?” Most people don’t ask it that bluntly but they sooner or later get around to asking this question in their own “special” way. I mean can’t I get myself together before I attach to another person for the rest of my life (hopefully).

I think in a way that’s why many marriages do not work out. They are rushed to get married before they really realize who they are. If you don’t completely know who you are how can you expect to fully know and understand another person? A person you plan to be with for the rest of your life? My parents have been married for 31 years. All the time my mom says, “I’ve been with your dad longer then I’ve been without him.” I can’t seem to fathom this idea, definitely not at this stage of my life. Marriage is something that I hold very sacred. Deciding to focus on myself and not rushing in will only make me better.

I wish people would understand this. I almost start to think there is something wrong with me when I start to think, I’m nowhere near ready to get married. I’m only 24! Apparently, others are saying, “wow you are already 24, and you are not married, with no prospect,” then they make that face (you know the face I’m talking about, if you don’t then you are probably the one making it).

I want to focus on figuring out what I can do for the rest of my life. I sometimes think that college is not necessary the next step but the step that helps prolong the question of now what. I think I looked at college as, once I have my degree things are going to fall right into place. This is not the case. If anything now that I’ve graduated from college I have more questions. I now have a degree and no idea what I really want to do for the rest of my life. I’m sure many people feel the same way once they are out of college but no one ever says it. At least, I hope I’m not the only one thinking this.