First, yesterday was our Patch ceremony. We got our combat patches to wear on our right shoulder. This started in the Revolutionary War by General George Washington to designate soldiers who had been in combat. It was a proud moment for our unit.
I covered the Dental Clinic sick call this morning. The unit that runs the clinic is here for 15 months. I felt the least I could do was give them the morning off. It wasn’t to bad. We did a gift exchange and a little party this afternoon.
There isn’t much to do in our free time here. We work out a lot, or go to exercise classes. Tuesday night is muscular endurance, a one hour class. Friday night is a 1/2 hour ABS class.
Something to keep in mind, which we discuss a lot here, is how hard it can be on the families of the deployed. Many are in other countries alone. No support from other family members. Some have financial issues. Some are a “single” parent for the first time. The hardest thing for everyone is being away from family. Keep this in mind if you know any families of deployed on their own.
23 days left boots on the ground. Not sure exactly when I get home. All the flights and returning to out process and turn in gear takes some time. I’ll know more as the time gets closer. I can’t wait to see everyone, eat in a restaurant without standing in line, eating off a tray, and having to dump the tray on the way out. The little things in life. I do get tired of wearing combat boots 15 hours a day 6 or 7 days a week.
Have a great holiday. Enjoy your family. Regards, MAJ B