In 2003 I was Deployed to Camp Pennsylvania Kuwait waiting for the word to invade Iraq. That night we were attacked by one of our own in our own camp just a few hundred yards away from my tent where I was getting ready to go to sleep.
The next day we loaded up on the Back of trucks and started the Ground Assault Convoy across the wire into our Future. I stayed 7 months with the 101st Air Borne and little did I realize that even the guys I didn't like at the time would become part of one of the biggest Chapters in my life. after my stay with the 101st I Transferred to the 172nd Stryker Brigade out of Fort Wainwright Alaska for another run at Iraq. This stay was a bit longer and was easier in some ways but harder in others. Living was nicer and had a lot of things we didn't have on the initial invasion like supplies of Baby wipes Razors and shaving cream and the constant supply of Mail.
The death toll mounted faster and the threat was much greater than in 2003 for various reasons. I think back on all of that and remind myself that I am alive for a reason. I watch my four boys grow into young men and I am thankful to God that I am alive to see it. It breaks my heart that some of my friends didn't make it to enjoy another Christmas at home with family.
I just caught myself thinking about them after listening to a song called I'm with you and remembering sitting in a Bunker watching her video on a Computer we had found in a school and we used it to play movies and music videos. Some of the guys I used to get Haircuts with and watch those videos didn't make it home. Good men everyone of them.
As I enjoy Christmas I will not forget my Brothers in Arms and those who did not make it home. I appreciate the Bravery and sacrifice they gave for my Freedom to be with my family and Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ. When i get to watch my boys and nieces and nephews open presents with smiles on their faces I am grateful. Its our way of life and I love it.
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