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ARTEP.....

We are in the process of completing our ARTEP at Camp Shelby. This is the last thing that we have do to do before we are validated for our deployment to Iraq. I will be home on block leave for 10 days to see my wife and kids very soon. I can't wait until Wednesday. But, one thing that bothers me is the fact that I will have to say goodbye to them....again. I was only 19 during my last combat tour, and I had no wife, no kids, and no worries....besides my own that is.

I look back on my military career, and I am content with what I have done over the course of my life, but I am cognizant of the stresses that this lifestyle has put on my wife, my kids, my marriage, and my family. Tomorrow will be five years to the day that all of this God-awful mess started. No matter what the cause for what put on this road, the point remains that there is no end in sight. I look at my OCS class, and we have people in almost every corner of the world.

Oh well, why dwell on the dark and dreary. This time on Thursday I will be at home with my sons, my daughter and my wife. My oldest son will be a Freshman in high school when I return. My middle son will be in fourth grade. And my daughter will be in Kindergarten. I will miss some things, but with modern technology I can talk to them almost every single day. But, nothing replaces being there......
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Anonymous said…
I just found your site and I am so proud of you. I appreciate your sacrifice and I want to show my support for you and your loves. I am a white 33 year old male with a wife of 16.5 years. We have a 15 yr. old son and a 12 year old daughter. I wanted to be you when I was in high school. I hurt my wrist playing football and I was medically unfit for duty. I wanted to be a foot soldier. Thanks for sharing your life with the rest of the world. I live in Hattiesburg, if you ever need anything.... GOD be with and for you;
Protector of My Freedom
7:21 AM
Anonymous said…
All I can say is, Thank You. Thank you to both you and your wonderful family. If it's a comfort, please just remember that you may be away, but you aren't alone. Two of my three sons have volunteered to join the fight. This war will end, but let's pray it ends when the job is done.
6:38 PM
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