Catch up...

The following entries have been written over the past few days as I was traveling from Kuwait to Iraq. Hope you enjoy!

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October 19, 2007


I am in Kuwait now, and have been for the past week. After a quick stop in Germany, and not being allowed to participate in the Octoberfest festivities, we landed in Kuwait City. After landing we were placed in a holding area for several hours with nothing to do, but drink in the bottled water and the views that lay before us. For many on my flight, myself included, this was the beginning of a new experience, virgins if you will. Perhaps we are part of the vast number of “virgins” Allah has promised his people. All joking aside, most of us, as tough as we would like to appear, are scared shitless!

So, after hours of waiting we were bussed to one of the many Coalition Force bases found throughout Kuwait. After another several hours we were escorted to a tent where we were finally able to get a little bit of sleep… 3 hours that is! They then woke us up only to have us move to another base only miles away. Once at this base we were finally able to get a night of good sleep. How precious sleep is!

The next day we were taken out into the middle of the desert to a camp with no running water, beds, or toilets and were embedded with an Army unit from Fort Polk, Louisiana for 3 days of training. The training itself was much like that which we have already been through. However, the education we received from being embedded with an Army unit was like none other that I have experienced. The people in the unit were very kind, humorous, and interesting to say the least. All I can say is that I wish that every Sailor who complains about the Navy could go and spend a few nights with an Army unit in field conditions. God Bless those ships with their running water and beds!

I am not saying that to bash the Army, for they accepted us with open arms and I am forever grateful for their kindness and hospitality. What I am saying is that there is a reason that I joined the Navy, and this trip only helped to confirm that I have made the right decision.

Apart from not showering, using a toilet, or eating anything other than an MRE the experience was amazing. I slept under the stars. I breathed in the dusty air. I woke in amazement every morning to one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world. And to top it off… As we were concluding our training a pack of wild camels came strolling across the desert right in front of us. Our entire unit stopped and stared in amazement. For most the only place they have ever seen a camel was at a zoo. Many stared in awe, while other were like giddy school children, giggling and pointing. It was the perfect way to end the training her in Kuwait and remind us that this part of the world is not just dust, trash, and rubble. This is the cradle of civilization. This is where it all began. As desolate, and destructive as it is portrayed there is so much history and beauty to be found here if we only take the time to stop and look, not as combatants, but as a human beings.

This is an experience that I will never forget, and I hope that by sharing through these short little blog entries of mine that you may be able to feel like you are a part of this with me, for I carry all of you with me, in my heart and soul, everywhere I go.

Thanks for reading and thanks for caring.


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October 20, 2007

It’s hot outside today, but this is expected when you are in a Middle Eastern country. I am inside my tent collecting my things and my thoughts in preparation for my entry in to the country of Iraq. This day has lingered amongst my thoughts for the past several months. It is a day that I have grown excited about, and dreaded all the same. The turmoil of emotion that comes to one when they are knowingly and willingly being put into a life threatening position of danger is a very intriguing and difficult one to endure, but I know that I will make it through.

My flight leaves in an hour and emotions are high, but faith prevails and I will persevere. Who knows where I will end up, what I will see, or who I will meet along the way. Everything I have done has been in preparation for these coming months. My preparation has drawn to an end, now it is time to perform.

All I know is that I am here for a reason. There is a purpose behind all of this. I am not sure what that is or why I am here, but I am keeping my head down and moving forward. One foot in front of another I will continue on until I reach my journey’s end and find my way back home.

I will see you all on the other side…