Go Pack

Well I don’t know how the rest of the world perceives this fight to go down, but we are making headway. And by headway, I mean tiny little advances that are measured in conversations and perceptions
I am currently on my second full month of deployment and the days seem to blend together as missions, people, and events blur together into one crazy rodeo. Now my day is usually spent organizing a patrol, adverting a small local crisis, or losing horribly at spades. Spades if you didn’t know is the unofficial game of the deployed soldier. I have made small headway into learning the game but as of now, I remain a novice who will require many months of training before I will be declared proficient
I have also been brought into supplement-laced world of lifting by one of my squad leaders. Now I have always been a fan of the natural method of physical fitness that includes plenty of water, exercise, and stretching. Apparently out here soldiers try to get “prison big” where a series of supplements, proteins, and artificial muscle stimulants are used to achieve large gains. Currently I am benching 230 and enjoying the small pleasure of just keeping up with my more motivated soldiers. My goal is to bench 300 while maintaining my run which is difficult because I only have access to the treadmill back at our main base only once every 8 days or so. I am also currently reading “Stones Into Schools” a sequel to Greg Mortensons “Three Cups of Tea”. Both my mother and a friend Alyssa Moore sent me the exact same book at the exact same time. So I gave one copy to my boss and began reading the other. So far I am a few chapters in and I will tell you it is pretty wild to read a book that setting takes place often only 10 miles from where you a reading. In fact an old Lt Colonel is in the pictures of the book with one of the locals when he built my unit built a school in one of the districts of Afghanistan
The best thing about being deployed is the amount of support that comes to my soldiers. I know it is not the most popular war, but I am really proud that our nation has learned the lesson of previous fiasco’s were criticism is required but not at the cost of the soldier. I am really proud to have a chance to serve with my paratroopers. Everyday I learn something different, and I continue to be inspired by the simple truth and honesty that comes with working with soldiers. Now I won’t lie to you either. Soldiers have some of the dirtiest/darkest humor on the planet (which is most often the truth and hysterical) and political correctness is practically non-existent. But it is the guys out here that make the boredom and bullets worthwhile
I found out that NCSU will play UNC on my birthday and I can’t be more excited to hear about the tarholes ultimate demise. I mean come on if there was ever a day for a State victory it has to be my birthday. Go PACK!

Serious Support

I have only been in Afghanistan for a month and I really cannot be more appreciative for all the support. It is such a gift to get back from being out for a week or so to find the occasional letter or email that keeps you connected.

In fact it is amazing/shocking when I hear the stories from soldiers as they reconnect with their family and friends. So far in just one short month my platoon has experienced new pregnancies, engagements, divorces, and deaths in their families. I find myself in this awkward position where I have to help guys several years older than I am in order to get their life on track. But despite the strange situations, I would not trade it for the world. I know that I am lucky to have a strong family that (despite our faults) raised me to be at least a positive force in a conflicted world. My guys experience everything, and they take it in stride as they continue to serve. Even when people back home try and take advantage of them, you should know that our soldiers don't complain and continue to go out and make a difference in the world.

Now I know I am just ranting, but it has been an important for me whenever I get depressed or resentful about my own life and situation to take a step back and see the problems of others around me. It just requires a little perspective. I can at least say that I am glad to be here, at least for my guys sake.

Now its time to head back out....