A few weeks ago, I was flipping through the pages of the Stars & Stripes, a newspaper that is free in deployed areas. One article that really impressed me was one about a man in Germantown, Md.  He came up with the idea of giving every veteran of the Iraqi and/or Afghanistan campaigns a bumper sticker that has the words “I served” printed under either the abbreviations IRQ or AFG. He plans to make sure every veteran who has done a tour of duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan will be able to receive one, even if he has to pay for it himself.

Seeing things like this really touch me. I have been deployed for almost a year now. Reading stories like this really inspire me and make me realize why I joined the military. Knowing that a person is willing to pay out of pocket to bring more recognition to servicemembers is an amazing feeling. Sometimes while being over here, the reasons we are doing this are not always remembered. The thoughts of being away from family, friends, jobs, schools, and other everyday events are frequently on the minds of those serving overseas. At least, it is in my case.

This man deciding to do this is really encouraging. There are many people who want to make a difference, but are not able to join the military. Knowing that ideas like this one comes from a person’s heart is very moving. Not only is this man making a difference in his own way there are many people and organizations that are trying to do their part. One way that I’ve noticed that people are showing compassion and love to deployed servicemembers is by sending care packages. I am not sure if the nonprofit organizations and the caring strangers that take time out of their schedule and spend money from their own pockets realize how greatly appreciated they are.

One example of a care package sent from a nonprofit organization supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Photo by SGT Emily Anderson)

Care packages from family and friends are often thanked with a phone call, email, or letter. However, the people from organizations and strangers who send care packages often go without thanks and gratitude. I decided to send letters of thank you to those who we do not know personally and are considerate enough to send care packages to us. I have decided that doing this will show how much everyone here in the unit really appreciates and cherishes each and every package.

 It is actually a wonderful scene, whenever a care package comes in. I will often see Soldiers going through a box and grabbing everything that is wanted and needed. Once the Soldier goes through his or her package, the package will go on the table in the middle of the office for anyone to take whatever is needed or wanted. By the end of the day, the package is usually empty or almost empty. Even after everyone from the unit has gone through the packages, what is left over is usually given to our guards or our janitorial team.  Nothing goes to waste.

Although there is usually something for everybody, we have received some funny, entertaining, and some downright strange items. I have never sent a care package before. I try not to judge what is sent because I have been told it is so difficult to figure what to send. If you have never been deployed it can be hard to figure out what someone who has been deployed needs, especially with servicemembers deployed to so many different areas. I know I sometimes find myself lost for words when I’m asked what I would like sent to me.

I just hope everyone and anyone who has ever sent a care package is greatly appreciated.  No matter if it’s from family, friends, organizations, or strangers, everything is valued and treasured.

When I was asked if I would like to go back to Victory Base Complex to help members of the 326st Area Support Group with their promotion board, I was very pleased with the idea. Last time I went there I was fortunate to learn a lot of information that I brought back to the unit and eventually used to help the members of our unit with their promotion packets and get promoted.

              When I arrived at VBC on  Saturday, Aug. 1, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Aumiller was the person there to assist me. He ensured that I was happy with the living conditions, food, etc. He also found time to take me along with another Soldier on a tour of Camp Slayer, originally presidential grounds and home to the Republican Guard and Iraqi Military Academy.  

The entire length of the tour lasted approximately three hours. When I was first told the tour would last that long I was surprised. I did not know what to expect. I did not think I would want to walk around looking at buildings in the heat (it was at least 105 degrees) for three hours. However, by the time the tour was over, I felt the time given was definitely well planned and spread appropriately between each stop. The three hours only seemed to feel like 30 minutes.  

My tour guide was 1st Lt. Stephanie Ramos, Camp Slayer MWR Officer. There were at least 150 other people gathered for the weekly Sunday tour. According to her, this number is about average for each tour. 

                The first stop on the tour was the Victory Over Iran Palace and the Victory Over America Palace. From the information I was told during the tour, the Victory over America Palace was going to connect to the Victory over Iran Palace, but it was never completed.

  Getting to see these buildings up close and personal was an eye opening experience. As we started up the front side of the Victory Over Iran Palace and the Victory Over America Palace, I could hear children singing an Arabic song. I’m not sure of the words but it was nice to hear and see. After their songs, we were told that these children were from the local boys and girls club. It was amazing to see the 20-30 children singing with so much cheer in their young angelic voices.

Inside the Ba’ath Party Convention Center today, damage can be seen across the top of the building with debris and rubble spread across the ledges years after the building was first hit with F-15-E fighter jets and a Tomahawk missile. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Emily Anderson)

                The next stop on our tour was of the final pictures of Saddam Hussein. His full length picture was painted on one of the buildings. On the wall of a building across from this building are silhouettes. The tour guide told us these silhouettes were for target practice. Although, weapons were pointed to these targets no bullets were ever shot because behind this building was something like a childcare center and they did not want to harm any children.

                The final stop on the tour was of the Ba’ath Party Convention Center. According to the pamphlet I was given at the beginning of the tour, the Convention Center was used as a meeting place for the political and military leadership of Iraq. The building was hit in March of 2003, by F-15-E fighter jets and a Tomahawk missile.

U.S. Army Soldier stands inside of a window frame inside of the Ba’ath Party Convention Center. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Emily Anderson)

Seeing inside of the building was breath taking, at least it was for me. Debris and rubble was all over the place. Chandeliers were barely hanging from the ceilings. The glass from the window panes were all over the ground. A film of dust formed over the top of everything. This place was just so interesting to see.

                Overall, my tour was amazing. I’m was and still so glad I was given the opportunity to see some of these places that many will never get to see except through pictures. I have no doubt this will definitely be place I will never forget.

Working at the Combined Press Information Center has afforded me with great opportunities. A few days ago, I was able to sit and speak to two journalists at dinner.  Our conversation started with them asking basic questions about me. Where am I from, how long have I been in the Army, how do I like being in Iraq, etc. I have been asked these questions so many times now that it is almost like second nature to answer them.

After the normal questions, we started talking about their future endeavors. They told me about their previous embedding (embedding is when journalists are able to come to Iraq to stay with a military unit and have one on one time to talk to, see, and learn about what Soldiers do and what it means to be a Soldier. This gives journalists a chance to write about these Soldiers and their mission, their experience trying to get to the CPIC, and other things along those lines.

The conversation finally turned to the idea of being young and being in the military. They brought up the fact that there are some people who are not supportive of Soldiers because of policies that Soldiers have no control over. They asked how I felt about having to be deployed and protecting those people who don’t support Soldiers.

I sat for a minute wondering what I was going to say. How do I honestly answer this question? These two journalists are sitting in front of me, waiting silently for my answer. I knew I would not be able to all of a sudden change the subject, so I started to really think about my next choice of words. Then I remembered the many care packages we’ve received from strangers, the words of encouragement through emails, and the lovely letters written by the many supporters of Soldiers.  

I decided my answer would express my true feelings, so I spoke. I told them it’s not the people who oppose us but the ones that are supportive of what we have to do that makes this job worth it. The people who join together with organizations to send us care packages to the elderly women who simply keep us in their prayers at night to the children that write us thank you letters are the reasons we fight for the rights and liberties of citizens.

Drawings from children with ‘thank you’ written on it have probably been the best thing I’ve received. Although the many care packages from strangers who want to give anything from soap to toothbrushes to even homemade cookies are greatly appreciated.  However, the heartfelt letters from children are definitely the best gifts. These are the people we are protecting. These are the people who believe in what we are doing. Even if people may not agree with the policies (or understand the policies which many children probably do not), they completely support what we are over here doing.

Before I was deployed, I would sometimes forget that for many seeing a person wearing a military uniform is an extraordinary thing. I would go to a grocery store after working at the unit during my one weekend of the month and I would have older ladies come up to me and just to say ‘thank you’ for serving. These women who are generations older than I am are thanking me.

Since I’ve been deployed, going through airports, meeting journalists, explaining to people what I do, the ‘thank you’s’ have increased. I’m not sure if people realize it or not but these two simple words definitely helps.

These were the thoughts I wanted to express when answer the journalists’ questions. Hopefully, I was able to show them why I’m willing to give up a weekend out of the month, a couple of weeks out of the year, and from time to time a year of my life to serve.

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.

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.

“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. 

Where do I go from here?

Imagine my surprise when I come off of leave and I’m told I will no longer doing the job that I’ve been doing for the past five months. Several emotions came flooding through…anger, resentment, and fear.

I’ve never realized how much I dislike change until recently. I know there’s always going to be change in life but the uncertainty of it is what I have learned that really causes people including myself to fear change.

I have always thought of myself as a positive person but as more time passes during this deployment I realize that may not be necessarily true. Maybe I’ve always considered myself a positive person because I’ve always been in situations that I’ve controlled. The Army is definitely not a situation that I can control.

Questioning my idea of being a positive person also makes me question if I’m a good person and if I’m really a spiritual person. These three things have always been something I’ve considered myself to be…positive, good, and spiritual. Since I’ve started questioning one, I’ve started to question them all.

I know being deployed will cause you to really look at yourself. Well, it has for me. I’ve never really had to do something that was out of my comfort zone before.

Since being deployed I’ve had to really evaluate what I want to do once I finish my deployment. I have so many possibilities but I’m afraid of choosing the safest one. Why? It’ll be easier. Meaning not stepping out of the box is what everyone wants including me.

Maybe I should find something so outrageous and take it. I really look up to the individuals who does just because. I’ve never been that type of person. I’ve always felt that I have to weigh all the options and make a reasonable decision. I think that’s why I’ve played it safe.

Perhaps, the better decision is not the most reasonable. I’ve learned this recently when I decided to go skydiving. I had several people telling me not to do it, that it’s a silly idea, and that I would be wasting money. I’m not sure why I decided to go ahead with this decision. Yes, I do. It’s what I wanted to do. That’s why I did it. I decided that this is what I wanted to do and I did it. Skydiving was one of the most liberating experiences that I ever experienced. Falling out of the sky really gives you an outlook on life. Not to mention, it was the most beautiful thing that I ever saw. The funny thing is…I have no regrets about it (I probably would have if something went wrong). I definitely have to start using this philosophy when making other decisions in life.

By reading my title, you’re probably thinking I’m going to complain. You would be right.  However, I’m not going to complain about people.

Since, I’ve been here I’ve realized two more things:  I hate sand and I hate rocks.

When I was in Kuwait, I thought…sand is everywhere!! I don’t know if I can deal with this, but I figured I would have to.

Now that I’m actually in Baghdad, there’s not much sand here but there are a ton of rocks. While walking to my CHU, while walking to the bathrooms, while walking to the dinner facility, and while walking to visit my battle buddies, all I see are rocks. I trip over them. They get caught in my boots. I’m already tired of them, but I have to learn to deal with them. I have months to go and I know these annoying little rocks are not going anywhere.

Well, now I’m done complaining. Until next time…stay positive.

DISCLAIMER: Although all of my blogs have been complaints. I promise I will blog about something positive soon.

(MODERATOR’S NOTE:  Though her blogs have been complaints, SGT Anderson is actually quite friendly in person.)

We’ve been here for more then a week so far. I haven’t really had any problems. There are times when I want to throw a computer out of the window because it’s not working right or I’m logged out and can’t get back in, but that’s everywhere.

I really have nothing to write about. I’m not a blog type of person where I put all of my thoughts and feelings online. I’m too paranoid for that. If (more likely when) I become famous I don’t want some journalist bringing up during some conference or book signing what emotions I felt during my deployment.

The way I look at things, it could be worse. I always try to stay positive and look at the brighter side of things. So far this philosophy has worked for me. I hope I continue to stay this way throughout this deployment. Only time will tell (I know that phrase is cliche, but it works).

Until next time…stay positive.

I have been in the military for six years. I have never been deployed. When I found out I would be deploying a lot of thoughts and emotions raced through my mind, but not once did I really complain. I figured this is what I signed up for and it is such an honor to be able to serve and protect my country. However, I have found the one thing I hate about this deployment so far. Is it the people? NO! Is it the work? NO! It’s the…WEATHER!!! I hate cold weather. Training outside in the cold is the one thing I have decided was the worst thing that has happened to me so far. I don’t considered myself a person who always complains but the weather here is just horrible for me. I mean I come from Alabama. It gets cold there but I’m usually inside drinking hot chocolate by a fireplace. Training outside in the cold is not one of my favorite things. I have no idea how people from New Jersey and anywhere else cold deals with it. I really feel sorry for toll booth workers. Well, I guess if the weather is the only thing I have to complain about, everything else is going pretty good. I’m done ranting about the weather. There’s nothing that can be done about it so I will suck it up and continue to train to my 100% ability.

Until next time…stay positive!!