Brief thoughts…
Disclaimer 1: I asked, practically begged, to go. Some of the following observations, are just that, observations, not complaints.
Disclaimer 2: If you are looking for some deep and profound intellectual thoughts, musings, and/or observations, well you have come to the wrong place.
- Back on October 17th, when I officially joined the 314th PAOC, it felt like Iraq was a “million miles” away… metaphorically, not literally. In case you were wondering, it’s 6,211 miles (from Washington, D.C.) as the crow flies. Much less so today (Dec. 20), again metaphorically.
- Body armor is heavy… I mean really, really heavy. That thing better be able to stop a truck.
- I’m not 21-years-old anymore, but I still have a full head of hair and I can keep up with the younger Soldiers… Hoo-ah… ouch, wait a second, I think I pulled a muscle! Who’s hair is that in the sink?
- I can’t believe how much I remembered from basic training… 22 years ago. Thank you Drill Sergeants Ferguson and Dubose, wherever you two are. I still loathe your existence and curse the ground you walk on, but thanks nonetheless.
- Barracks living is less than ideal. The MP unit we’re sharing the barracks with didn’t help either. (Note to the MP’s: please, please, please learn to clean up after yourselves… and while you’re at it, bathe once in a while.)
- I still have more Birthday, Anniversary, and Christmas shopping to do, and I can’t find a single thing to get my wife in the Shoppette or Clothing Sales. Go figure. That’s right, my wife’s birthday, our anniversary and Christmas are the same week. For the record, I had nothing to do with the births of my wife and Christ, with all due respect.
- The Dining Facility (aka: DFAC) are experts in baked fish, chili mac, and fried chicken. They should be, they make it EVERY FREAKIN’ DAY!
- I am really going to miss my wife and kids. I already do… a lot.
- And finally, does anyone know where I can find the bus to Baghdad? I’m ready to go and ”get in the game”, so to speak.
More to follow…..