Reality Check

OK, I've been back in the states for nearly 2 months now, and I can't express in words how great it is. I always say, if I've learned anything in my Army time, it's to not take ANYTHING for granted, because it's no good when you don't have the things that are the most cherished by people.

I called this reality check because maybe I need one, or because maybe someone out there needs one. Yes, Obama is the President of the United States of America...Our Commander in Chief. And yes, there is a surge of soldiers going to Afghanistan...So in case some of us don't understand why, I am going to show you:

It's not easy to forget what's going on if you've been there. For some reason I see it in my sleep. It does not bother me, but it does make my feel like my duty is over there. I don't want to go back, but I think I might have to, and sooner than I thought. I just know that when we do, the transition will be easy. I know how to slip flawlessly back into soldier mode...and sometimes that scares me. I'm not a robot.

The following is a video from 60 Minutes that was presented by Lara Logan, one of their correspondents. One of my buddies was lucky enough to meet this journalist at Bagram Air Base when she was on her way to our FOB at Salerno. Don't let the pretty face and accent get you...because she went right into the shit with our guys...and she was pregnant too. Not the smartest of choices I think, but you can't deny that this woman is dedicated. Anyways, she came out to Salerno and then one of our Blackhawks took her out to tiny FOB Wilderness, right in the middle of the shit. Everything in this report happened while we were there. These are our guys, and this is how it is. It shows a rocket attack, which we have been more than privvy to, and some other things. This is daily life over there for a soldier. It helps me to realize completely where we've been and where we're going. I hope it helps people understand what it's like a world away, and what has become some soldiers' own personal hell. Petty things just don't seem so important after something like this; so keep your eyes on what' really important and don't take anything for granted. I'll be back sooner than later.

Cheers,

-J



If the video doesn't show up on your screen, you can watch it directly from youtube by following this URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZDonqtAf-8