Not Going To Play In The Sandbox, But The Mountains

So this week I found out I'm not deploying to the sandbox, i.e. Iraq or its nearby neighbors Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc. Instead, I'm going to Afghanistan, whose geography is more mountainous, like good old Colorado. In fact, with my job there I get to travel out to the field alot, in elevations higher than I am now, which is around 6,000 feet. So breathing won't be easier on my deployment, but I'll be better prepared for it living in Colorado!With the official notification coming this week, I'm starting to prepare mentally. I have a few months, but there's so much to do: prerequisite training/things to do, places to go, people to see, etc. All while balancing my current job which is busy enough as the exec officer for 2 units. I'm going to have to tell my commander I have stuff to do and divvy up some my duties to other folks who will have to step up. I don't think my departure will hurt the unit so much as it will hurt my boss, because he relies on me alot for things big and small. But he'll get over it. :)

Right now I'm just concentrating on getting focused mentally and physically. I'm starting to study up/freshen up on things I no-shit need to know: self-aid and buddy care, operating and handling weapons, having at least a basic knowledge of Afghanistani culture and language. Physically I'll have to step up my exercise routine and get in peak condition to handle the grind of working 12 hrs a day, 7 days a week during the deployment. All this and much more to know how to take care of myself and comrades.I have to admit at this point I'm a bit nervous because I haven't deployed before, and Afghanistan is no vacation. I haven't slept too well thinking about it. I am confident though that when I complete all my training, I will be ready to go. I will be confident yet remain vigilant...you have to in this situation.

Not Fearless, But Comforted

So since I heard my commander approved of my deployment, there's no going back now. I have to admit, I'm pretty nervous...okay, I'm a bit scared actually. Afghanistan is more dangerous now than it ever has been since this war on terrorism started in 2001.

Being in the military, you have to be tough...and I will. There will be tough times, but I know with my family, friends, comrades, and of course God, I'll be alright.

In the Sandbox in '09

So after thinking for a while, I decided I'm going to deploy sometime in 2009. I'll go whenever/wherever The Big Blue needs me. Which means probably Iraq or Afghanistan.
Why? I feel I the need to more "directly contribute to the fight." As a space operator here in Colorado we contribute a lot from the home base, but to me it's just not the same. I need to put on the desert boots, flak vest, kevlar helmet, etc. and fight the bad guys. No, I'm not a war monger. In fact, I'm the opposite. I'm just doing what I feel I need to do to help keep our country safe. And yes, I strongly believe we need to win in Iraq and Afghanistan. And if my volunteering helps someone else avoid a fourth or fifth deployment to the desert, then that's even better.
I don't know what our military landscape will look like next year...a lot depends on the upcoming election. But I know duty will still be calling at all corners of the earth, as the sun never sets on American troops.
Last time I volunteered someone else picked up my position to "check off the squares" in his resume, with the "golden boy" getting leadership support in taking my tasking. I don't give a damn about checking off any squares....I just want to help the fight against terrorism.

Translating thoughts into paper

Well this is my first blog...not ever, but on Blogger. I've blogged on Myspace and YourHub occasionally, and may start doing it on my facebook as well. My main challenge will be translating my thoughts onto paper. Okay, maybe not paper anymore, but a computer screen.

Anyway, with this first blog I'm just kind of writing anything to get my mind and fingers going. I feel like I have a lot to say, but don't want to jump into too much right away yet I won't keep it bottled up too long, however, and will write here as often as I feel I need to. It may be daily at times, or I may go weeks without blogging. We'll see.

I just want to introduce myself a little here though: I'm a man who's been through a lot in my life. I know that's relative to me only. And my challenges isn't unique as we all have had obstacles in life...but maybe my trials and tribulations can help inspire others....and they can inspire me. I do want to say thanks to anyone who's reading this, and please subscribe as I think I will have some good stuff for your reading pleasure down the road! :0