The Military Vote

It's been a while

2006-03-11T23:32:00.000-08:00

Wow... I can't believe how long it's been since my last entry. To those few who are still following or even checking in... I appologize for not being more active. Things have definitely slowed down and I'm taking time to just enjoy myself and spend time with my wife.

Re-enterring the work force has turned out to be a bigger problem than I thought it would. Mostly because I dont want to just settle for some crappy 6-8 dollar an hour job. I want to do real work in a real career industry with an interesting environment. I recently put my resume out to several companies and I'll post up when if/when I get a response or a job. LoL Mostly I've only really gotten serious about finding a job in the last week or so... hehe. Enjoying the time off and living off that little savings I accumulated.

I think it will be interesting to get back to working around civilians in a setting where your raises and position are based off your personal desire to succeed and your ability to back up that desire. Unlike the military where the biggest reward comes from outlasting the next guy :) hehe

I'd love to work in a very technical setting working in the telecommunications field but I'll take something if it's even CLOSE :) and pays the bills at the same time. When I am back in school during the fall who knows what I will be doing for work or if at all. (thanks to uncle sam and the GI Bill).

My wife Heather has been having some minor health problems so if everyone could keep her in their prayers and thoughts it would be greatly appreciated. I'll keep ya posted on that as well... I'm hoping for a fast and full recovery. She means the world to me and it pains me to see her ill.

Anyways folks... that's all that's going on... Moved to Little Rock (oh yeah... the big city ;-/) lol. Love driving my sweet 300zx TT :) Everyone have a great day/night/week/month/year. I'm out.

"The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to PREPARE to win" - I forget who said this... but it was on a wrestling poster my coach had on the wall in highschool. I've always thought this quote was very powerful. Hope you like it.

Oh so close...

2005-12-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

Merry (respective holiday here) everyone!

Got to looking at web stats... and I'm thrilled to see that there are still some folks checking in on my blog. I have a couple of updates for those still reading.

Kevin is doing MUCH better. I spent about three hours today just sitting around talking with him. He remains seated for the better part of the day however he does attempt at walking now with the aid of a cane (and a walker at home). Those two items were sent to me by a very generous reader who has been thanked thoroughly. I think it's a little early for Kevin to be walking so much but... he's stubborn and determined so I gotta hand that to him. His former employer will be sending him to the green zone to see an American doctor for the colostomy bag removal and removal of setting pins that were drilled into his leg bones. I'm not sure when that will be but I'm very happy to see him making such good progress.

Update numero dos. We are getting so freakin close to leaving I can taste it. I can't give out any specific dates but I can tell you this... I'll be enjoying a nice steak dinner, an ice cold beer, and the company of my beautiful wife Heather hopefully in less than 2 weeks. Speaking of which, my Sweetheart, went in for surgery on the 18th (I know... she's had a GREAT year already... what else could go wrong. lol) for a ruptured cyst on her right ovary that leaking blood into her abdomen (about a cup). The doctor said that everything should heal up just fine and it shouldn't cause any childbearing issues thank God. I spoke to her on the phone for Christmas and she sound so good, which was the biggest spirits lifter I've received all year. Hearing her regular cheery motivated tone created such great feelings for me... I almost forgot all about where I was simply because of the overwhelming relief I felt. I still wish they had sent me home early considering we aren't doing much right now, but I understand it wasn't a life or death situation. I would have just liked to be there to care for my wife while she healed and was in bed.

Things are pretty quiet here... mostly because it's freakin freezing I guess. It feels VERY cold here now with the onset of winter. Acclimation to 135 degree weather made even 70 degree weather feel a bit chilly... and now that it gets down to the 40's it's sort of a body shock. Ridiculous I know... cold deserts... psh. Insurgents must not like cold weather lol... hallelujah.

Most of our guys are already gone and I am ready for my number to come up so I can get on that chopper and get the heck out of dodge. This deployment has FLOWN by thanks to the support of my wonderful wife, my family, and the continuous efforts of SGT David Milholen to keep our internet and our gaming to the max! LOL

Thank you to all of my readers and emails. It's been a very interesting year and now it's time to go back and be everything I've missed. Also I'm psyched that I'll get to go back and enjoy a little bit of my beautiful country. America!!! F-YEAHHHHH!!! (From the movie Team America: World Police) I love that movie and my country. ;) Later everyone.

Winding down!

2005-12-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

We're prepping to go home... the new guys should be here any time now. Can't wait to get back to my wife and the "normal" quasi-civilian life that I left behind more than a year ago.

It's gonna be so great to get back to the simple things, like using hair gel, walking on carpet BAREFOOT!, wiping with soft toilet paper, and waking up to my wife's beautiful smile every morning. *sigh* so great...

We've packed up most of our goodies... like the little LAN we had set up to distribute internet access that we purchased commercially and to play our games like Counter-Strike and various other bang bang shoot'em ups. The Hooch is slowly becoming boring as heck and passing the time without internet in there is becoming an ever increasing challenge... haha. I know... life is tough. Despite the current events in the middle east it doesn't seem as tho things are really "heating up" all too much... we get mortared so infrequently now it seems as tho I barely remember the last one. This is all good news to everyone I'm sure.

Fortunately for most of us, there's a guy here who set up a system for a company called Peace Keeper Inc. Wireless internet RIGHT IN OUR TENT! How awesome is that? They have been here for the better part of the year but I haven't had the interest to subscribe to it becauase we've always had internet in the hooch. Their pricing is a bit high by most people's standards but heck... they are here... in a warzone... providing internet. They deserve some cash for their job well done. Anyway, this is rather convenient because as you can see it keeps me connected with my peeps and my blog. Both very key elements to my sanity over the year... and as the time we go home closes in... tension and anxiety builds. It's weird that way... we've been away from home over a year... yet... these coming months seem to be lightyear away and the time before now seemed to flash by. Strange.

Anywhodiddly... thanks for stoppin in and keep everyone's safe return in your prayers.

Love and Respect-

Motivation gone dry?

2005-11-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

Well obviously the title is a bit exaggerated, but I have found myself less motivated to blog lately. As have the rest of my buddies. Really, I'm just waiting for the MNC-I to shoot a message over to my COM to tell me to take my blog down permanently. haha

I also dont find motivation in cross-referencing news stories that other people already have on wraps so I suppose from now on the most you few readers will ever see are my personal thoughts and opinions... of course any and all updates on my situation.

Keep in mind if one day you get the "This URL could not be reached" error.. you'll know why!

Love what I saw from the Associated Press on Mrs. Sheehan... absolutely wonderful. No lady... no body wants to hear your anti-war, anti-military, pro-mental instability rhetoric. Good thing you're not my mom... psh. I pray everyday that Casey's not flippin in his grave too many times in one day.

Anyway folks... catch you on the flip side ;)

We're back in business baby!

2005-11-26T10:25:00.001-08:00

Well my LT told me I could turn my blog back on. Thank God. So here it is folks. Thanks for the patience and the wait. I'll have much to say when I have the time.

Love and Respect,

-David

Awww man!!!

2005-11-22T06:34:00.000-08:00

Well it caught up to us. Ignorance. Unfortunately, ignorance of the laws and regulations dont make you immune to them. I hate to say it folks but we (Matt, Will, and I) have been instructed by our command to bring our blogs down, hopefully only temporarily.

Once we submit the proper paperwork it has a long route through the approval process and until then we have to stop blogging. Hopefully, things will get cleared up and we can continue blogging after our pending investigation/submission to the MNC-I (the governing body for UCMJ/JAG that controls internet law).

Something else I'm sorry to say is that I am also under investigation about the donations collected for Kevin. I dont know the details exactly but my chain of command is working out the details with JAG and I will know soon. For now, all donations must be ceased and the account frozen. If there are no other avenues or options I will just refund the money to everyone through Paypal. I also have to send the chair we ordered back because there are some safety issues brought up by my command that I previously failed to recognize.

Again, Thank you to everyone that participated and hopefully things will play out and I wont be in trouble. Yikes... Okay, Everyone please remember to keep our friend and his family in their prayers. bye

-David

Update on Kevin

2005-11-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Thanks for tuning in.

SGT Whitley and I met up with our buddy Kevin at the front gate today. Still being carried around in that MAC fold up chair. Good news though, Kevin's spirits were very high, and his health was definitely showing signs of improvement. We skipped out on sleep (we both work the night shift) and spent the better part of the morning and into the afternoon hanging out with Kevin. Kevin stood up on one leg today!! It was so inspiring to see his progress. He told us that he can't WAIT to get back up to speed and be able to come back and work for us again. SGT Whitley, Kevin and his brothers, and I sat around and talked while watching a soccer tournament that was being played at our recreation area. The Iraqi Translators team took the Jarheads into a sudden death shoot-out. They did very well... but the USMC came out victorious in the end as the tournament champions. Very fun day for all of us. After we sat together eating lunch (burgers and hotdogs), and after tons of visits from various US soldiers that came to show their respects to Kevin, we called it a day and Kevin had to return home.

As people stopped by to say hi to Kevin I was passing them notecards I had written out with a URL to my blogsite. There are many high ranking officers ready to show their support for Kevin... which is a very heartwarming thing to know. Just in the time we sat there I observed AT LEAST (couldn't tell you exactly) 5 soldiers slip a twenty into Kevin's hand, coat pocket, or chair cupholder. Kevin is reluctant just to take money from all of us... but we reassure him that we are doing it because we know he'd help us if we needed him.

Kevin's sister, who has suffered a severe mental breakdown, is also a lot calmer now and Kevin says she's doing better but still has a lot of recovery time in front of her. Kevin told us she lost her mind because someone had initially told Kevin's family that he had died in the blast... it seems it was too much to handle for his sister. We are praying for her.

We have the wheelchair ordered and made arrangements to have it shipped here to my APO on base. Nice big rear wheels, comfy seat, and durability. Simple yet effective for the low low price of...$499. Free Shipping. I never would have guessed a wheelchair would cost that... we did shop around for 3 days and this was the best choice. Should be here soon... we are all really excited. Hopefully, Kevin will be able to attempt at walking soon (about 4 months) so we are also looking at both a walker and a set of crutches to facilitate his rehabilitation process towards walking again. SGT Whitley and I also had a nice long talk with Kevin about his next visit which is scheduled soon (opsec). Kevin is supposed to figure out what kinds of supplies, clothing, and household items his family could use by collaborating with his wife and brothers to come up with a list. We will buy these items... deliver them... and the remaining funds will be turned over to Kevin in the form of cash to help out with any extra expenses he incurs. (remember Kevin is the sole provider for his entire family)

On a side note:
Several people have asked the question, "When are you going to cut off the donations and what is your goal?." This is a difficult question for me to answer right now as I don't fully recognize the potential success of the drive. I have also been in contact with an officer in another unit on my base who is interested in setting up a point of contact for Kevin even after we all head back home. His (I'm not posting his name currently because I failed to ask him for permission to do so... I'll do this ASAP) idea was to continue letting people donate to Kevin for as long as it remained successful. The POC in the upcoming replacements would then be responsible for getting the money to Kevin... and this woudln't be too difficult a task considering Kevin intends to return back to base to continue working with the US as an interpreter. By the way... we are currently at 1300 dollars!! not including the donations we've collected on base. I know... truly AMAZING!!

Cut and Run??!!

2005-11-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

We've Hit the 500 dollar MARK for Kevin's New Wheelchair!! I'm mind-boggled to say the least. This is so wonderful. Thanks for everyone that's participating. We've had more success than I ever imagined. The guys and I here are so amazed and the patriotism almost brings tears to my eyes. I definitely wont be as cynical about the lack of patriotism in our country... although I still believe the American people could use a real pepping-up of their sense of patriotism. Thank you all.

Now on to the blog.

Wow... my coffee cup is empty and the caffeine content in my blood is almost running out. I'm sure you are all familiar with the feeling. It is 5am here in Iraq and I'm getting pretty sleepy. With that said, it's understood that my tolerance levels have decreased and my irritability has increased.

Ho Hum, can you GUESS what I just saw on the television?

Rep. John Murtha boasting his military experiences (tour in Vietnam), and how opposed he is to criticism by those who haven't served. I commend him for his efforts in Vietnam and his initial support for military action against the dictator regime in Iraq, BUT he isn't here. His DCU Boots have never been powdered with Iraqi sand. He hasn't physically driven the nails that are helping hold together the structure of Iraqi hope for freedom.

"It is evident that continued military action in Iraq is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf region."

My stomach just gained a bleeding ulcer while I typed that part of the Rep's speech.

Who are we talking about here? When he says "United States", does he mean the soldiers who had the opportunity to reach the heart and mind of an Iraqi child? How about the soldier who felt the personal joy from teaching a very young child how to brush his teeth, disinfect a cut, or wash his hands with antibacterial soap before eating? (I have pictures and video footage of all of this.) Maybe he's referring to the families at home that consider their husband/brother/daddy/son their "personal HERO."

The Iraqi People? Surely Mr. Congressman isn't referring to the poor, the hungry, the tired. Certainly not the child who is attending school in a facility with running water and electricity thanks to the soldiers that made a trip ON FOOT to install these utilities. (pics and video of this as well) Mr. Murtha is also not referring to the farmers who have the assistance of military agricultural experts, and appreciate the sense of security that comes with a military presence. Who will have the strongest presence in Iraq if we are gone? The Iraqi Democracy... in it's infantile state? The Iraqi Army? Will the good people have the power? HECK NO they wont! The insurgents, radicals, and militant "Muslims" will. Do you think people like Kevin will be safe once the al-quida's, Husseins, and bin Ladins of the world are free to take over Iraq?

Lastly, the Persian Gulf region. I think the current state of Kuwait and their thriving economy and ever-improving quality of life answer that question for us.

Personally, I don't want leave this country feeling like a coward. I want the hero image my wife has of me to never be diminished by having to hear people speak in the future of how we went into Iraq with great intentions only to abandon it's people, strengthening of Democracy, and the country's fledgling government we helped to establish. I love my country and everything it stands for. With that I must say I respect Murtha for all he has done... I can only hope he will see the hypocrisy in his latest criticism of the war.

"Some of the most irresponsible comments have, of course, come from politicians who actually voted in favor of authorizing force against Saddam Hussein" - Vice President Dick Cheney

AHEEEMMMM!!! :) Sorry I i had to clear my throat... congestion from the particulate sand I breathe in everyday. *dusts off boots*

In continuation...

I've been hearing comments being made about how poorly military recruiting is doing. Well let's recap with some FACTS from records... not just what you hear from some guy you knew over at that one office that you stopped at to pick up that one paper about that one subject. *eyeroll*

Military hits October recruiting targets
From USATODAY.com shows that we really aren't doing that badly.

Re-enlistments were up even during deployment activity. Hellooooo... that should tell the American people and their political representatives something. It's not a vague message.

Brace yourselves for this. The average American soldier *gasp* WANTS to be in the military and SUPPORTS our involvement in the middle east. If this wasn't true... they'd be getting the heck out in record numbers!

This brings me to my next thought of the night. I am corresponding with a great person and troop supporter via email... Clay Guthrie, who asked for my input and any help i could provide in creating a forum for soldier support and discussion board for the solders by the soldiers. Of course I agreed. (I'll keep everyone posted) Okay... that's not where I was going with this.

Here's the email I sent in reply to Clay's:

That sounds like a great idea man. There can never be enough support for us. About your friend. (Clay told me in his email about a friend of his who gave his life in support of Iraqi Freedom) I commend him first of all... for making the ultimate sacrifice and I'll keep him and his family in my prayersDon'tnt let your personal loss affect a positive outlook on the progression of Democracy. That reminds me of a conversation i had with my mother about that lady that protests the war and got all those folks started in front of the President's ranch in Texas... I told my mother (yes.. my OWN mother), "What that lady is doing is wrong... I'm sure her son is turning in his grave because of the way she is desicrating his sacrifice and love for his country. Mom, if you ever acted that way because of my death... i'd disown you in heaven... dont lower the value of my honor in sacrifice by defaming the President or our war efforts." I realize what i said might have been a bit harsh... especially since my mom is a big wimp lol... but... the idea still holds true. That kid RE-ENLISTED... after his first tour in Iraq... OIF 1 , that should say something to the people of our country and his mother. He loved his country, and he knew he coudln't live without the honor he created for himself through his actions. Dont let personal loss evade your mind of the desire of the soldiers and the purity of altruism. Honestly, giving ones life to benefit others is the deepest dedication to the word. Altruism. Alright bud... talk to you later man, -David

Now with that said... let's finish our job THEN head on home feeling like accomplished heros.
Check out what Will Whitley has to say about this. Funny how many soldiers feel the same way I do about the subject.

America is strong, proud, and able. Let this ring true for years to come... Our presence is positive... we truly have the Midas touch.

Kevin's New Wheelchair

2005-11-16T12:48:00.001-08:00

I have to give credit for the idea to my wife honestly... pure genius. I don't know why I didn't think of it myself (Will said he thought the same exact thing). Either way... here goes:

Heather and another soldier SPC DJ Woodburn were talking (on instant messenger) yesterday after I had gone to sleep and among the items for discussion was the idea to take up donations for Kevin (previously named X). I originally wanted to further protect his identity... but it also struck me that "Kevin" is an American name he adopted for himself. Many of the interpreters that work with us adopt American aliases such as: Washington (this guy picked his after our first President and forefather), Kevin (named after the first American friend he got close to), and many others.

Anyway... the idea originally spawned as an effort to get just enough collected to cover the cost and shipping of a REAL wheelchair for Kevin. This would help him out a great deal considering he is currently having to sit in a fold up "MAC" lawn chair and have two of his buddies carry him around. This not only is impractical but the initial jolt causes him a great deal of discomfort and pain not to mention he can't travel very far because his taxi's get tired.

We aren't looking into anything too extravagant, nothing motorized, no gold 50 spoke Dayton rims, or wood grain arm rests. Just a plain Jane, black and aluminum, big wheels in the back (for the bumpy terrain) practical wheelchair.

Now we have found one that is practically priced at 120 plus shipping and we already have that covered for the most part just from small donations of 5 and 10 dollars from fellow soldiers. Like I said, He was very well liked, unfortunately we are in a time constraint considering we are scheduled to leave around the end of the year (vague for operation security reasons) and with Kevin's disabilities he can't make frequent trips to the base, although I suspect if we asked him he'd do whatever it took to honor our friendship. He takes our friendship VERY seriously.

What we've moved on to is expanding our donating power quickly with the use of our blogs and popularity of supporting bloggers in hopes to amass enough to maybe get Kevin a few more of the necessary items that aren't readily available. Among the list of items are medical supplies, clothing, personal hygiene items and the list will expand if we can afford to expand it.
I set up a paypal donation account to make it painless for those of you can make a contribution. Those of you who cant thank you for your gesture of thought and keep our buddy Kevin in your prayers.

Okay well sorry to be soooo long winded... I know I do it every time. If you're still with me and interested in helping out here yah go.

(I've removed the link by request of my commanding officers and JAG)
Just click SEND MONEY, Recipient's Email: david.macdonell@us.army.mil , Any category of purchase. Please include your email and a brief description if you can I will be sending out an email or a link to my update blog after we give Kevin the gifts. Click Continue and go from there.

We aren't asking for a fortune, just an avenue for altruism. If you have any questions feel free to email me: dhmacdonell@hotmail.com or leave a comment on this blog. I will be posting up many pictures of the event and all the dollars will be accounted for with items and receipts if ANYONE feels the need to request verification. I will be taking out a "casual pay" military pay advance as well as Will Whitley for the things that we can get him here and in Baghdad. All other items will be purchased online or by one of our wives back in the States and shipped in. If you have any personal requests or gift ideas please feel free to drop that on me as well and we will make arrangements for them to be delivered with your dedication. Thanks folks.

The Wife...

2005-11-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

What good blogger doesn't write about the things that matter the most to them? bah... none

Ahhh... my wife... the last shining hope for my undying love. This would be much easier to write if I was naming positive things that can't be said about her. Where would one even start?

"Heather Nicole MacDonell" ... music to my ears. I never thought I would find myself in a place of such complete satisfaction with a woman. This past year (and first year of our marriage) has been both one of the most difficult and trying times (with me being off at war) as well as the most wonderful and rewarding experience I've ever been through. She definitely came into my life at a very key moment. Finding a woman you can dedicate yourself to completely is without a doubt the most maturing and "manly" thing we can do(next to raising a child...but we'll cross that hurdle in due time). Finding one that you can trust, be devoted to, and always feel a 100% reciprocation of loyalty, fidelity, and love... now that is a once in a life-time (sometimes less) occurrence.

As you can see, from the pictures, she's beautiful. A great body, a great smile, beautiful face, and an all around 99.9% perfect package (no such thing as perfect... that would be weird anyway). She's submissive yet opinionated and forthcoming. She is reserved... yet extremely satisfying. Just the right mix of emotions, self-control, self-worth, and self-respect. Take all that and throw in the fact that she's completely, exclusively, and unconditionally addicted to ME... and well... I've got a situation that will keep me begging for more till the day I die.

The Military Wife...

The Beauty Queen...

*crowning this year's Miss Diamond

The Animal Lover...

*thats my damn near 1000 dollar total cost Min Pin - Cosby
but hey i'll buy her anything.

The Model...

and The Undeniably Sexy...

*Webcam access is the only way (other than pictures) I've been able to see my wife during the deployment

I know I did well for myself...

Now that I've found Heather, I know that I have truly found happiness. I wish everyone the best of luck in their journey to find the best match for them.

To the guys... there is absolutely no preparation for love. You wont see it coming, you wont hear it's footsteps, you wont even know you're capable, but it will find you... and there is nothing you can do about it. Remember, never settle for less than you are willing to appreciate... and if you can beat the mark by leaps and bounds the way I did, then congratulations and keep up the good work!

"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences." - Dave Meurer

"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." - Rita Rudner

YES! he does!

2005-11-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

Here's the trail end of an article I read on The Battalion:

The military will vote for President Bush because they love him. He stands up for what is right and brings integrity back to the White House, in sharp contrast to a former president who used the oval office as his personal brothel. He's demonstrated he won't cut and run like Clinton did in Somalia either. And most of all, he has the fortitude to face terrorism and understands we must force radical change in the Middle East if we are to stop the onslaught of radical Islam.

Read the rest here.
Bush deserves the military vote - Mail Call

Among Veterans: Bush 58% Kerry 35%

48% Have Family or Friends in Iraq or Afghanistan
Rasmussen Reports

If, those who are doing the job that everyone is bi***ing about are voting for the person deemed responsible for the action, it SHOULD say something to the rest of the country.

"America will never run... And we will always be grateful that liberty has found such brave defenders." - George W. Bush

"America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens." - George W. Bush

"Every nation in every region now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." - George W. Bush

He get it from his daddy...

"Dont confuse being 'soft' with seeing the other guy's point of view." - George Bush

Emotionally Impacting Day

2005-11-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

Pretty emotionally impacting day today. I woke up today to face what appeared to be the beginning of another groundhog day. Expecting to have another run-of-the-mill, boring, uneventful day. Boy was I wrong!

Shortly after I woke up my buddy SGT Will Whitley came into my tent where I was working on a fellow soldier's computer. All he said was "come on... get dressed... X is at the nort gate." (X represents the name of an Iraqi National friend of ours which I am allowing to remain anonymous for safety)

This is great news! While I was home on leave our buddy X was injured from a VBIED (vehicle-born Improvised Explosive Device or "car bomb") that had been planted in a tractor that stayed parked at the north gate. The explosion severely injured X in the back, both legs were broken, left forearm was broken, and several internal organs were damaged to include: his spleen and one kidney which were both removed. As a result, he is (hopefully only temporarily) unable to walk, and although recovering slowly he'll never be the same. There were a few other casualties in the bombing, one of which lost his life, and several others sustained heavy injuries.

Over the course of this deployment X has become one of our (will and I) closest friends. We've discussed everything from family life, to finances, to politics, to religion, to the intimate intricacies of married life! lol! X has even taken time from his daily routine to teach me a little Arabic. X owned a shop at the "hajji market" here on base and is well known to pretty much everyone on base that frequents the shop. Many high ranking officials on this post to include several majors, lieutenant colonels, and even the Brigade Commander (a one star general) have become very familiar with X due to his friendly nature, ability to speak English almost perfectly, and desire to create positive relationships with just about everyone he meets.

X was a teacher in one of the local high schools before OIF. He taught English and grammar as well as several other subjects. X wants nothing more than to become an American citizen. His main concern is for his wife and 2 kids (a 3yr old boy, and a 4-5 month old baby). Every time X and I discussed the subject he expressed his undying desire for a better life and a place he would be proud to raise his kids. He even asked us to put him in contact with US Army recruiters because he's willing to join the military and serve the US in order to become an American citizen. Will did his best to get in contact with recruiters in Germany and explore any other resources X may have, but with the growing tensions surrounding Iraq and it's people the chances of it being a success seem slim.

Will and I gathered up some supplies from the PX today and stopped by medical to grab half a dozen tubes of anti-biotic ointment for X and his brothers (both of which took shrapnel to the face... one lost vision in his left eye). We spent 60 dollars on toothbrushes, toothpaste, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, shampoo, and any other items we could think of might be useful to him. We asked X if he needed anything else, anything, just ask us. He told us no and that all he wanted from us was our friendship because it overjoyed him just to see us and know we were doing well. He told us that he constantly talks about us to his wife who is his sole care provider currently. The US Army is giving him 6 months pay and paying for all his expenses related to the injuries. Medical bills, taxi fare, medical supplies, and any other expenses he incurs as a result of the incident.

It really was heart-breaking to see him sitting there almost completely unable to move from the waist down and wincing in pain every time he attempted to shake a hand or shimmy in his chair. Almost overwhelming, I had a heartfelt compassion nearly bringing me to tears as I kneeled down in front of him, trying to maintain a conversation and keep a smile on my face.

His wife tells him he's like her 3rd baby. *sigh*

The thought of my wife ever being in a situation like this one grips my heart and chokes me up beyond belief. I hope my wife never has to go through something like X's wife has to endure. I love her too much to see her suffer everyday, heart broken, and sullen.

I'd like everyone to keep my friend in their heart and their prayers. Remind yourself that there are tons of people just like him who are dying for a chance at a better life. This is why we are here. Don't allow yourself to be blinded by the oil hype, or the overly liberal views on war. Keep in mind that there are thousands of children who deserve a better way of life, and a chance at escaping the pains of poverty. Likewise, there is an entire country that deserves better than having to wake up to the sound of artillery fire, living in fear of death, and/or their country's rulers.

"Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality." - Jules de Gaultier

"I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy..." - Dan Quayle

NO! I'm the BEST!

2005-11-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

Well here's the intro-blog.

We had a little domestic disturbance today. Two fights almost broke out today(not really fights just a little trash talk) between a few soldiers (myself included) over something so ridiculously stupid it almost "paines" me to speak of it.

A little background:
In a collective effort to bring a little entertainment into our daily monotonous lives SGT Milholen hooked up a Counter-strike server on our little network.

We have been playing pretty religiously for an hour or so a day, every day we can manage, for about the last 4 months. The competitive nature of the game has been stepped up DRAMATICALLY with the implementation of a "stats logger" on the game server. This means all kills, deaths, and anything related to game performance is given a numerical score and you get a point based ranking system to reflect all the players ability or ability to cheat (I'll explain that to you if you REALLY care). Well what started as a friendly pass-the-time activity has turned into something very ugly. The human male's testosterone induced drive to be the best has gotten the better of some. haha

A little crap-talking is pretty much the norm. lol All-in-all it's good fun and a little gaming helps us relax by takin our mind off of everything else that goes on around here.

I guess we have our little slice of heaven being in the signal corp where a lot of us have a pretty good knowledge of computers, networking, and technology as a whole. We built a sort of home away from home that we call "The Hooch," a little building C/212th Sig built so we could centralize our "transmission section" and also have a place of our own for R&R during off hours. Every MOS has it's perks... this one is ours.

thanks for reading.

"Competition is a sin" - John D Rockefeller