Today was a pretty good day. I got to sleep in (if you call 0700 sleeping in) without any explosions and I almost finished everything that I had planned on completing at work today. Not too bad in my book. I think the highlight might be when one of the Major’s in my branch offered to read a letter from his sister’s elementary school class. It was pure genius! I would like to try and recall it here for your reading pleasure…minus the names of course to protect the innocent…
“Dear Major --------,
Do you like pancakes and French toast sticks? I like them. Are you good at war? Are you good at Air Force? Is Air Force hard? Is it fun? Do you have swords, time-bombs, guns, ray guns, and other stuff like that? Have you faced any bad guys? What's your favorite type of meat? Have you ever chased a bad guy? I like TV and video games but……not girl shows and girl video games.
From: ---------.”
The simplicity and directness is wonderful! When I heard it the first time, I actually laughed myself to tears! Oh, to be so young and innocent again…If only life was that simple…
By the way, we don’t have any ray guns…and my favorite type of meat is grilled!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Ma oo loot Sharif Mubarick...translated... Happy Mohammad’s Birthday
Today, we celebrated an Afghan religious holiday. It started off with a bang as the Taliban set off bombs in the capital city of Kabul. I had planned on sleeping in a bit, going to the gym, then going to work to finish up some monthly recognition packages...not today.
Just so you all know, I AM in a war zone and now it feels like it. I was starting to feel a bit complacent and am glad my senses are on full alert again. While some seemed a bit freaked out by their first taste of “holy crap I‘m in a war zone”, I was fine. Now, I haven’t “seen combat”, but I was under constant mortar and rocket fire my last trip to the AOR at beautiful Balad. Experience does serve you well if you pay attention and learn from it!
But this isn’t really about me. This story is about all those serving in the military. Today, I was extremely proud of all my joint service brothers and sisters. As we performed personnel accountability, I saw the genuine concern and dedication to the mission and to each other. Just so you know everyone was safe and sound. Some came right to work after the explosions, some stayed put and ensured those around them were safe, some woke up and went back to sleep comforted by the fact those responsible for security of the camp were doing their job, and some slept right through it. In the end, everyone did their job and took care of their fellow Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines. That is why I serve. Am I proud to be in the Air Force? Heck yeah! My AF flag will soon be flying in the office right across from the beautiful USMC flag my boss so proudly flies. Do I bust on my sister services? You bet! But in the end, I know they have my back, and I will certainly have theirs. You just don’t find this kind of camaraderie in any other profession.
So, how did the rest of my day go? I know you really want to know. Well, I got the recognition packages done and submitted, we all took care of the mission, and (this is the best part of the day) 4 of my outstanding folks received Joint Service Achievement Medals for some of the amazing work they did this week!
So….Ma oo loot Sharif Mubarick...or... Happy Mohammad’s Birthday!
Just so you all know, I AM in a war zone and now it feels like it. I was starting to feel a bit complacent and am glad my senses are on full alert again. While some seemed a bit freaked out by their first taste of “holy crap I‘m in a war zone”, I was fine. Now, I haven’t “seen combat”, but I was under constant mortar and rocket fire my last trip to the AOR at beautiful Balad. Experience does serve you well if you pay attention and learn from it!
But this isn’t really about me. This story is about all those serving in the military. Today, I was extremely proud of all my joint service brothers and sisters. As we performed personnel accountability, I saw the genuine concern and dedication to the mission and to each other. Just so you know everyone was safe and sound. Some came right to work after the explosions, some stayed put and ensured those around them were safe, some woke up and went back to sleep comforted by the fact those responsible for security of the camp were doing their job, and some slept right through it. In the end, everyone did their job and took care of their fellow Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines. That is why I serve. Am I proud to be in the Air Force? Heck yeah! My AF flag will soon be flying in the office right across from the beautiful USMC flag my boss so proudly flies. Do I bust on my sister services? You bet! But in the end, I know they have my back, and I will certainly have theirs. You just don’t find this kind of camaraderie in any other profession.
So, how did the rest of my day go? I know you really want to know. Well, I got the recognition packages done and submitted, we all took care of the mission, and (this is the best part of the day) 4 of my outstanding folks received Joint Service Achievement Medals for some of the amazing work they did this week!
So….Ma oo loot Sharif Mubarick...or... Happy Mohammad’s Birthday!
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