Memorial Day 2010

So, I've just gotten home after leaving work early to start the long weekend, cracked open that first cold beer of the four-day holiday, and I've caught myself thinking about Memorial Day, what it means to me, and what it should mean to everyone else. I don't intend to go off on what many believe (myself included) as the commercialization of a once solemn day of remembrance, but rather to reflect on nearly nine years of service to our nation and the many young men and women that have gone too early making the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. In the midst of trips to the beach or lake, backyard barbecues, massive shopping excursions, and relaxation, I hope that everyone will pause, even if for a moment, to remember why this day comes around every May. Our nation has suffered many years of conflict to maintain the level of freedom she enjoys this day, and we are still in the clutches of combat operations on multiple fronts to ensure that remains. This comes at a cost, a cost of time away from loved ones, of days, weeks, years in austere environments where every turn comes in peril and a warm meal and hot shower are more valuable than gold. The cost is going away wide-eyed and innocent, and coming home darkened and aged beyond your years. The cost many times is leaving a marriage and coming home to an empty house and a letter on the door. The cost is losing friends, brothers, sisters to a bomb buried under a roadway. The cost is leading a group of America's sons and daughters on a trip that you can't guarantee they'll return from, and having to live with knowing that fact. The cost is the blood, sweat, tears, and lives that less than one percent of the population will stand up, raise their right hand, and say they'll solemnly swear to pay.

When friends, family, former co-workers ask me why I volunteered and fought so hard to return to military service, it's hard to verbalize an answer. For so long I spent time hot, cold, tired, sleepless, scared, hungry, or confused for a job while others I knew went to white-collar jobs with six-figure salaries in plush office buildings. I thought that was the life I wanted, but it didn't seem to be for me. I'd rather spend a month in the field training, living on coffee and MREs than spend one more day in the back-biting rat race of corporate America. And if, God forbid, that the day comes I have to once more kiss my wife, and now my daughter too, farewell to fly around the world to fight for this great nation again, I will again do it with pride and in honor of so many that have made that trip only to not get the chance to return to those they love. Remember them, honor them, salute them, this Memorial Day. God bless us, and God bless America.

Captain's Blog: Stardate May 15rd, 2010.

I am so excited about returning to the days where getting to work means showing your ID, food is purchased at the commissary, you shop for everything else at the PX, there are no 7-11s but there are shoppettes, lunch decisions are Robin Hood, Charley's, Burger King, Popeye's or the DFAC, every Monday is spent in the Motor Pool, every Thursday is Family Day and Sergeant's Time, and you can guarantee that on the 1st and 15th it's time for Payday Activities.

There's a certain peace one feels within when you pull onto a military installation, seeing the multitude of buildings all the same size and color, each with their requisite flagpole in front. The delay of traffic because a convoy of HMMWVs and LMTVs or M1A2s and M2A3's (tanks and Bradleys) does not warrant the same frustration that one would encounter in a major city traffic jam. The "pop pop pop" of the rifle range in the distance brings a warmth inside and a slight jealousy that you're not out there firing with them. You can feel good about the day you've put in when you're on post for both reveille in the morning, and retreat in the afternoon, and also that you're getting to render courtesy to the colors you've sworn to defend.

Now that I've gotten word that I've been approved to return to Regular Army status, I reflect on the time I've put in, and look forward to remaining in uniform until I ultimately retire one day. I do not truly regret leaving when I did, as one makes decisions based on the information they have at the time, but I do wonder where I'd be and what I'd be doing had I remained in. There are many WONDERFUL people I've met in my civilian careers that I wouldn't have had the joy of knowing had I stayed in. However I will not dwell on past decisions but rather look forward to new opportunities and hope, nay pray, for successful future endeavors. Many of the dearest friends (rather, family) I've ever made came while I've been in uniform and that was only reinforced by a recent visit with many of them for a wedding in Pennsylvania. Meeting up with them is so easy because it's like no time has past since our last meeting. All the same stories come up, all the same quotes and impressions. I cherish every chance I get to see those guys and look forward to future meetings and the chance to work with them again.

So, when you wonder why I serve, there are many reasons. Patriotism and duty to our nation are the obvious. Every Soldier serves for that. But, there are many other reasons as well. There is a culture and familial atmosphere that service in the military creates that I long to be a part of once more and the chance to work, train, fight, and serve alongside the finest group of people America has ever known brings me back and will keep me in until I retire...

HOOAH!

Captain's Blog: Stardate May 3th, 2010.

As I ponder the past few days, I continue to appreciate the power of one person over the lives of so many. This holds especially true in the line of work I am in. One corrupt or toxic leader can completely destroy the climate and cohesion of an entire unit within a matter of weeks. I have now witnessed it first-hand and realized the lengths one must go go separate from such an organization. But, thank God, it's possible. I'm now on the way to a new assignment with a vacation prior, and my vigor, resolve, and motivation are coming back!