Quoting cw_marshall:

Yup, Im pretty new to this site, and very new to the bloging thing, but I figure this might be a good way to expand my network of friends and maybe met some intresting people.



Now, this has been one heck of a month for me so far, and its all based on 3 key factors. Factor number one, pre-deployment prep. My unit has been working its butt off this month inorder to get all the last minute stuff done, such as rail loading our humvee's packing up our goods, lot of ranges and training and shots...lots of shots, let me tell you, smallpox isn't fun.
Factor number two, the completion of all of our pre-deployment prep, ever since I got to my unit a year ago Ive known they were going downrange, and this whole time we have been preping, training, conjecturing and wondering. Well, now that its all complete, its left us all in a bit of a daze really. Now all thats left is flying down to Kuwait next month.

Factor number three, leave. I am on leave right now, heck, almot all of 1st AD is right now, its a chance to see our familys before we go,and I always love coming to see my friends and family, expecialy my little neice.

You know, when I joined the army back a year and a half ago, I knew I was going in during a war, but I will admit I never paid much attention to the news and all, and the war its self wasn't much of a reality to me. Well, I can tell you that now the situation is totaly diffrent, knowing that I will be in Bagdad next month, knowing that myself and my friends will be in situations and may take our lives.... well, Ive definatly taken a large intrest in politics. Not like you might think though, truth be told, I really do enjoy the Army most times, sure we do some stupid stuff, and I hate my "boss" sometimes too, but overall I like what I do. Even more so now that we are going downrange. Its not that I have an obsession with war, or I have a death wish, or that I wish to kill others, I will kill because its my job, and I will die with honor if its required of me because its my job, I volunteered for it, and its a responsibility I am very pround to have. Going to war is going to be the greatest experience in my life, not great in the sense of fun, but great in greatness, in the sheer life experience of it all. War is hell, war will show the very soul of a man. Great honor, heroism and best traits of the human race have been found amongs the ruble of the battlefield. I want to experience that, I want that bond with my fellow soldiers, the bond Ive seen between the older soldiers that have been to war togather, knowing that when the mortars are falling, bullets are whizing over head, you know your friend next to you is willing to give his life for yours, as are you for him. I want to konw the greatest extremes posible, knowing the moment after a mortar attack that I could have just died, but I didn't, one moment in terror seeing the end of my life a looming reality of an explosion infront of me, and the next moment having the greatest appreciation for just being alive, for just knowing that my next breath is a gift and a joy.

I am a man of extreme moments, I think its one of the reasons Im drawn to the Army, because of the extreme moments it can draw out of me. Basic training was the best and worst of my life leting me know just how low I can feel, yet also knowing I can survive. Knowing the pride I have found in myself and knowing that the pride my family now has for me is even beyond my own.


Ah, anyways, I think thats enough ramblings for my firsts post, let me know what you guys think huh?

Yup, Im pretty new to this site, and very new to the bloging thing, but I figure this might be a good way to expand my network of friends and maybe met some intresting people.



Now, this has been one heck of a month for me so far, and its all based on 3 key factors. Factor number one, pre-deployment prep. My unit has been working its butt off this month inorder to get all the last minute stuff done, such as rail loading our humvee's packing up our goods, lot of ranges and training and shots...lots of shots, let me tell you, smallpox isn't fun.
Factor number two, the completion of all of our pre-deployment prep, ever since I got to my unit a year ago Ive known they were going downrange, and this whole time we have been preping, training, conjecturing and wondering. Well, now that its all complete, its left us all in a bit of a daze really. Now all thats left is flying down to Kuwait next month.

Factor number three, leave. I am on leave right now, heck, almot all of 1st AD is right now, its a chance to see our familys before we go,and I always love coming to see my friends and family, expecialy my little neice.

You know, when I joined the army back a year and a half ago, I knew I was going in during a war, but I will admit I never paid much attention to the news and all, and the war its self wasn't much of a reality to me. Well, I can tell you that now the situation is totaly diffrent, knowing that I will be in Bagdad next month, knowing that myself and my friends will be in situations and may take our lives.... well, Ive definatly taken a large intrest in politics. Not like you might think though, truth be told, I really do enjoy the Army most times, sure we do some stupid stuff, and I hate my "boss" sometimes too, but overall I like what I do. Even more so now that we are going downrange. Its not that I have an obsession with war, or I have a death wish, or that I wish to kill others, I will kill because its my job, and I will die with honor if its required of me because its my job, I volunteered for it, and its a responsibility I am very pround to have. Going to war is going to be the greatest experience in my life, not great in the sense of fun, but great in greatness, in the sheer life experience of it all. War is hell, war will show the very soul of a man. Great honor, heroism and best traits of the human race have been found amongs the ruble of the battlefield. I want to experience that, I want that bond with my fellow soldiers, the bond Ive seen between the older soldiers that have been to war togather, knowing that when the mortars are falling, bullets are whizing over head, you know your friend next to you is willing to give his life for yours, as are you for him. I want to konw the greatest extremes posible, knowing the moment after a mortar attack that I could have just died, but I didn't, one moment in terror seeing the end of my life a looming reality of an explosion infront of me, and the next moment having the greatest appreciation for just being alive, for just knowing that my next breath is a gift and a joy.

I am a man of extreme moments, I think its one of the reasons Im drawn to the Army, because of the extreme moments it can draw out of me. Basic training was the best and worst of my life leting me know just how low I can feel, yet also knowing I can survive. Knowing the pride I have found in myself and knowing that the pride my family now has for me is even beyond my own.


Ah, anyways, I think thats enough ramblings for my firsts post, let me know what you guys think huh?

Quoting jlscat:

I think you are on the right track. I wish you luck on deployment. If you have time to chat let me know.

I think you are on the right track. I wish you luck on deployment. If you have time to chat let me know.

Quoting Constance2005:

Well spoken, and very frank ,for which you deserve praise.

I personally would love to hear more of your commentary on what is clearly a purposeful, and demanding position.

XOX,
from Canada

Well spoken, and very frank ,for which you deserve praise.

I personally would love to hear more of your commentary on what is clearly a purposeful, and demanding position.

XOX,
from Canada

Quoting lovelust:

New times two. This is my first post or reply. I liked what you had to say. You sound like a good man, a very courageous man. Thankyou for your sacrifices. I think your blog was okay a bit long but the info was worth reading. Would you like to be in my circle of friends?

New times two. This is my first post or reply. I liked what you had to say. You sound like a good man, a very courageous man. Thankyou for your sacrifices. I think your blog was okay a bit long but the info was worth reading. Would you like to be in my circle of friends?