SGT Kellena Leech, one of the 314th PAOC soldiers, put together the video at the bottom of this page (click on the link to see it on Youtube — sorry, not viewable on U.S. government computers).

When I talked to her about it, I knew our family and friends back home had to see it.  First, because it reminds all of you that we will be coming home — maybe not as soon as we all hope, but eventually (those extra couple days caused by sandstorms, paperwork and the unexpected are trying on all of us).   When we finally do see each other, it will be worth the wait.

Second, I wanted to post it because a couple of you requested to see what kinds of things Soldiers do here during their “free time.”   The options are definitely more limited than they are almost anywhere else (except our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan).  SGT Leech captures lots of those available options…and reinforces what I have said many times in this blog:  the Soldiers of the 314th had a great attitude during this year.

Third, I think you will agree that she did a great job.  But then again, all of our Soldiers did.  They went above and beyond expectations, or as our unit motto states:  Maximum Effort, Minimum Delay!

Finally, I must warn you to get the tissue before you watch it.  Maybe it’s just because I have been here, but I think some of you might get a little misty, especially if you listed to the words.  I think all of you will imagine it your own loved one in her video.

Mele Kalikimaka e Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WetKTxxTzjo