So its been about a month since my last post. I cant even believe that I have not gotten around to posting, I feel really bad for everyone back home that has been waiting and wanting a post. I know I have taken too long in between posts.
Well, first off and most importantly I have switched jobs. Another LT replaced me as platoon leader for the Hot Gun artillery platoon and now I am working on the 1-68AR Staff. I have been given the BN S7 job, which is information operations, and been made the BN Safety Officer. Neither job is one that I would want to have instead of being a platoon leader and having a platoon worth of guys, but, in the end, there is always a cycle in the job world and I have to accept my new responsibilities and duties and move on. So, what that means is, I have my own little cubicle in the staff TOC(tactical operations center) and I do my job day in and day out. Its usually really long hours, like 15 hour days, just because I need to be there if something needs to be done right away. Most of my job get done in advance because products need to be produced, radio and tv messages need to be produced, articles written, and all that has to go through a long approval process. It also means I end up with a lot of free time on my hands because I get the work done effectively and efficiently and then I sit around wondering what to do. Because of that, I just read the book "Three Cups of Tea," which was pretty good, and started reading a book about Thurman Munson. Im also starting to dive head first into the stock market and do a lot of reading about financial markets, stocks, bonds, ETFs, everything that has to do with the markets. Im trying to get some of my finance skills back and research the stock market. At least I am getting something productive done out of the deal and educating myself at the same time.
Whats else ... well as of now the brigade is still doing what we have been doing the whole time since we came here. Yes we are assisting and teaching the Iraqis how to do their jobs correctly, but we are also doing a lot of combat patrols and seeking out enemies when we can find them. Hopefully we are still making a difference, although this past few weeks with Ramadan have been bad in terms of attacks. My job has allowed me to directly interact with a few Iraqi counterparts so that is new and neat. Hopefully we can build a good relationship.
I should be getting internet soon in my new room and that will make it easier to post and keep up to date. I will be back soon. Sending my love like always.
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I am as certain as a doting mother can be that in your usual modest way you are completely under-estimating the value of your work to the total mission, but I love you all the more for your modesty. And, knowing that you had over a year in a command position before moving to a staff position, means you had more time in command than is usual. The LT who has your platoon now, I am confident, will benefit from your leadership and training. The staff position gives you the opportunity to interface with Iraqi counterparts on a more intellectual and regular basis - that can only be a benefit to your skills' set - and to your knowledge of another culture. Take advantage of this opportunity, and when in need of understanding the culture, ask Adam and Adel who love you too. This weekend's remembrances of 9/11/01 re-awaken in us all what prompted our military to be in Iraq and elsewhere, and it is important to recognize that persons from all religions who cherish our freedoms came out in support of the remembrances here at home. This week's celebration of the High Holy Days also gave our communities the continuing opportunity to thank all those in our military, and especially those in our congregation, who are serving our country, to protect all of us. So, in between your reading and work, find some time to laugh, relax, and soon cheer on the Yankees to the World Series!
ReplyDeleteLove you always,
Mom
Hi Aaron, thanks for the new post, and good luck in your new positions. Little did you know that writing this blog would help you refresh the skills that equip you to do the S7 job, writing and articulating the brigade's and the Iraqis' messages to others. We have no doubt that you will be as effective and efficient in the S7 and BN Safety Officer positions as you were planning for and then commanding your platoon on missions.
ReplyDeleteWe have been reading about the recent uptick in hostile activities, and keep you and your former platoon in our prayers at all times. This is especially true during the High Holidays and at the 9th Anniversary of 9/11. As we transition to the Iraqis taking control of their own future, your interactions with Iraqis in the S7 role will be as important as your interactions in your prior platoon leader role.
We love you. Dad
we are so glad to read your new post and hope that this new job keeps you out of harm's way more than being a platoon leader. it is important to have a wide range of skills for the terrible job market we are facing now. hope some of our magazines were decent reading from a "historical" perspective. we just can't wait until you are home again- much love aunt nancy and uncle edward
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you again! I figured the switch to staff would be a difficult one as most LTs would keep their platoons forever if given the chance. But like your mother said, I'm sure your replacement will benefit from your leadership and training that you shared with your platoon. Time in the S-shop will give you more time to read, research the markets, watch tv, and hopefully relax. I also just finished Three Cups of Tea, so we were probably reading it at about the same time. I thought it was a very intersting book.
ReplyDeleteI tried to cook quesodillas this weekend, but they didn't turn out quite right. Not bad, but not nearly as good as yours. You'll have to show me how to do it the right way when you get back. Talk to you soon brother.
-Craig
Dear Aaron
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear from you, and about your new job. It may not be as exciting, and I know you developed quite a bond with the members of your platoon, but you will develop new skills,and that surely will be useful to you.
Ed is thrilled about you interest in the stock market. That has become his second hobby (first is the tracks) and spends a lot of time at the computer. He wants to tell you to watch Bank of America.
I hope you receive the jars of nuts I sent you last week very soon. You still could share them with your platoon if you can.
We love you very much.
A happy, healthy and safe New year.
Meme
:) I love you.. 6 more months to go!
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking about you all the time. We are so proud of you. Lots of love, Janel, Jason and Perri
ReplyDelete