I hope everybody back home had a great holiday weekend and enjoyed the opportunity to grill some hot dogs, hamburgers, and steaks outside before extravagant firework filled evenings. If I was back home, I sure would have enjoyed all that myself and would have gotten to spend the day relaxing and enjoying myself. Its not like we had a totally miserable day though, I mean we still got the chance to do some stuff. After we came back from our mission the platoon got together and over a very small individual sized grill we cooked some hamburgers, hot dogs, and quite a few steaks. Throw in the sides that we got from the cafeteria and the sodas we got from supply, we enjoyed ourselves as much as possible. We are all safe and we are all working extremely well together, thats all I think I can ask for as we continue to complete our mission here in Iraq. I know everybody here wishes they were back home, and everyone back home wishes we were there but this is the reality of a 12 month deployment. I am learning it firsthand right now for the first time but some of these guys are seasoned and this is their 4th time overseas. I cant even imagine what it takes to be able to withstand that.
I am hopeful however, we continually here rumors about when we may be heading home or when patrols throughout the country will cease. I read a report the other day that within the next month 10,000 more troops will be out of the country and we will dip down below the total of 50,000. That is good news. The more we turn activities over to the Iraqis and the more we instill confidence in them, the sooner we leave. Progress happens everyday. Sometimes there are problems, but no problem is too great to overcome. Two nights ago we sent a patrol out to complete a night time mission and they found a few shacks loaded with weapons and ammunition and all kinds of things. Discoveries like that are happening all over the area and the country and the more we are able to stop the terrorists before they can take action, the better off we all are.
I am glad to say that things are different when you are not personally attached to a situation or event. Now, by me being here and doing what it is I am doing, and you all getting the opportunity to read firsthand what it is like from someone you are personally connected with, its puts a whole new perspective on things. A holiday like July 4th will never be the same for me when I finally get to celebrate it again next year in the US and it may never be the same for any of you. I am proud that I am here though and I am honored to be able to wear this uniform and serve with all these amazing people. This is already a life changing experience and despite all the hardships it causes it will be worth it in the end.
I love you all and send you best wishes, and hope that you all had an amazing 4th of July celebration and a great holiday weekend!
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“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.”
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I am happy to hear you got to enjoy the holiday the best that you could. Of course I missed you, just last year we were on post watching them. It sounds like you put together a nice little picnic. You and I both missed Grammy's potato salad. Be safe. I miss you.
ReplyDeleteLove always,
Abby
Thanks for the important thoughts over this hoiday weekend. We were thinking of you while watching Macy's fireworks. Thanks for doing the great job helping out comrades last week. It's understandable to mouth off when your guys were tired and the other guys were being a disorganized or lazy. It must have been pretty scary when you spotted the Iraqi police digging holes. Be well and careful.
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Steve, Debbie, Jordan
On Sunday, my FB status was "Thinking of my cousin Aaron who is serving our country in Iraq. I am so proud of him. Happy July 4th to one of my favorite people." I thought about you all day. You are amazing - keep up your great attitude and terrific wit. I miss you and love you so much. Love, JANEL
ReplyDeleteHi Aaron, thank you for your inspirational blog. We celebrated the 4th in Old Lyme, CT where the internet service is terrible (made worse by my inability to run our new Gateway Netbook), so please accept our apologies for the delay in commenting. We walked the beach in shorts today, and at 11 AM it was 95 degrees and brutal. None of us walking could imagine walking it when it is 30 degrees hotter, in full uniform, body armor, and helmet. You guys are incredible! There have been several stories about the U.S. drawdown in Iraq: at the beginning of last week, there were 78,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, and by September 1 there will be 50,000. So according to authoritative U.S. press, quoting Pentagon representatives, the drawdown will be approximately 14,000 in July and another 14,000 in August. We agree that the discovery of those munitions during the night time patrol is a good sign, for several reasons, and so are the successful PRT missions you are leading. Please thank your men for their optomism, can do spirit, and dedication to an important mission. Some at Old Lyme wondered if the base put on a fireworks display. I responded that I doubted it, and that having fireworks on a military base in a war zone would be like hauling ice to Alaska in the winter. Was I correct? Stay alert, especially when you are exhausted. I love you. Dad
ReplyDeletewe are glad that you had a barbeque of sorts w/ your men. you are so right that the 4th is never going to be the same for any of us- we are so fortunate to be able to live in freedon. john stossel had a special about what makes america good on the tv- made a special point of talking about people rather than government. people like you who are willing to defend our country are so special. the heat wave continues in new jersey- 105 in new brunswick yesterday- in milltown form there was a 20 hour power outage monday night thru tuesday. we cannot imagine how you manage in this heat! much love- aunt nancy and uncle edward
ReplyDeleteHi Tatala, While at Old Lyme we read your account with wonder, pride and love, and so did the 25-30 people who were there at various times. You have new "followers" even though they may not post themselves formally, and all send their respect and best wishes. so, if you see new posts from names you may not recognize immediately, you will know from whence they came. I cannot help using "old English" after 2 weeks in the "Old House". Love always, Mom
ReplyDeleteHi Tatala, long story as to why my name may come up as "Cousin R." It has to do with Dad's cousin's daughter who adopted a child, and the child has to be institutionalized because she is a sociopath, psychotic and schizophrenic - her birth parents were drug and alcohol addicts. Very, very sad story. Anyway, We read this post out loud at a restaurant in Old Lyme and even the waitress was crying with pleasure and pride over the wonderful way you are able to express yourself. Keep up this spirit - it will all be for the best. Love you always, Mom
ReplyDeleteAaron - hi - it's Mrs Chory. Sorry no comments till now but I do keep up when you "talk" to Greg. I read you blog in wonder and awe; you are such an excellent writer and certainly have a way with words as you paint pictures for our eyes to see and our hearts to feel. Your openness and humor make it alot easier for us here back home to deal with the fact that you are so far away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday. Hope you and your men are (and stay) safe and will look forward to your next post.
ReplyDeleteHi Aaron! Barb, Lou, Chelsea & Jordan here : ) No matter how hot it is here (and it's been HOT) we can't begin to complain compared to the temps you and your men must withstand. We hope you find relief when you can and comfort in knowing we are always thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteJordan's class put together a bunch of letters/cards and we picked up some goodies that I will FINALLY bring to the post office to mail to you today. We hope they are enjoyed. It meant alot to Jordan to do this with his class.
Looking forward to your next post...
Love always!