Plane rides

Ok, so 48 hours and I am that much closer to home. As always, specifics aren't allowed, but that is the nature of the beast.

After umpteen hours of briefs, searches, and flying, I arrived in Dallas to cameras, handshakes, and cheers. I was on the verge of tears at the show of support from people who don't even know me. It is funny, because I feel as though I am a part of them. I am their hands, their eyes, their thoughts. I am their vestibule. But with that comes a great responsibility. I know I am supposed to take this time to relax and recharge my batteries, but I can't help but feel guilty for not being with my men. I feel as though I shouldn't have left them there and that I need to be back as soon as I can.

Maybe it is a mild form of survior's remorse, but I can't help but sit here in relative safety from attacks- be they mortar, rocket, or suicide bourne- and feel happy to be home, at least not until we all make it back to our Loved ones, or even to the relative safety of our native soil.

God, the air even feels free here.

Happy to be breathing American Air...

On the Tigris

I sit and ponder as the water flows. I think it is an odd time for introspection. Standing next to the cradle of my belief's stories. Closer than ever to the fabled garden. I see ruins from times long ago.

With air over head we decide to take the hill, the ruins. At the top, slightly winded we behold the beauty around us. It is hard to remember that we are in a place with so much beauty. It is hard to remember because of the explosions, and random gunfire. Sometimes there are sleepless nights, but other times, we just enjoy the down time. Right now, we are few. "We happy few" to quote Shakespear. None-the-less, we are here.

Each day brings a new experience. We take in the pestilence and try to make it better. We do so with flag of partnership and peace. only a few bring desruction. We are constant guard for those few. The rest are trying to survive. It all goes back to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. We can give people the basics, we can stop the attacks.

Each day is a battle for the basics...