24 August 2011,

Nothing brings a smile to your face like a jingle truck.

In one week's time from now, my beautiful wife of 19 years, and 8 months will be another year older, I think she'll be 29, again. But of all that time, and with 3 deployments and a trip to New Orleans, this will be the first birthday of hers I will absolutely not be home for. I still say that I made it for her birthday in 2006 even though I was one week late. There are no plans to surprise this time but I did manage to get her a gift on time, thanks Amazon.

My relocation to FOB Gamberi in Laghman Province has occurred and I finally have Internet again. Not the most reliable, but I am able to Skype with the family and that's a huge win in my world. I just got back from Kalagush where I have some of my soldiers, and I took a couple of pictures.

(of course, this picture doesn't represent how I feel, or does it?)

The mountain range surrounding this place is magnificent.

Be safe and have a great day!

11 August 2o11,

* * * CAUTION: This post is my venting. * * *

I can say without a doubt, this has been the most miserable deployment I've been on. Even my time in New Orleans, just days after Hurricane Katrina, was more enjoyable. I'm already doing the jobs of two full time E-8s and now they want to move me to another camp to take on more responsibilities. I'm not fully functioning at the two I'm doing now. In fact, I will probably be getting my hateful call from Division tomorrow about a tasking they gave me. Life sucks.

I have promised my family and myself, this will be the last deployment. I'm tired of the BS. Tomorrow I will have been in the military 17 years. Although I have had ups and downs like anyone does with any job, this last year has all been down. I feel lied to and betrayed by this brigade. It's very sad. On the 13th, I become eligible to re-enlist again. For 16 years the plan has always been getting a minimum of 24 years, which means I would enlist one more time for six more years. Well, they have done a fantastic job of changing my mind over the last six months. I could still re-enlist for 3 years and get a bonus. I need 2 more years to get my 20, which has always been the goal, but I'm wondering if it's even worth my time to do that. I'm just tired.
For anyone reading this post, don't worry about me, don't feel you need to make some comment, just be safe and have a great day for yourself.

8 August 2011,
So far the month of August has not been kind to us. We lost 4 of our own in a weeks time in 3 separate attacks. Our prayers go out to the families as well as the comrades left behind struggling during this time.
I have been very busy as of late fulfilling the roles of the First Sergeant as well as the other hat I wear in country. My unit is officially scattered to the four winds here and it's interesting how we are getting things done with a lot of coordination.
With the assistance of some folks back home, I think I have Mrs Dub and Miss Dub convinced to meet me on my R & R time. I'm glad as this year away holds very big milestones in our family and being away has been difficult.
The first big event is Mrs Dub and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary, (16 of which I was actually home for). For our 10th anniversary we re-newed our vows in Las Vegas with the ceremony being officiated by Elvis. It was a blast. So, for the 20th I'll have to add some extra WOW to the mix. Our second milestone is Miss Dub turns 18 and will graduate High School in May. All signs point to me being home to see this event, which has been a very big issue in our household. I screw that up and I might as well stay here in Afghanistan.
Be safe and have a great day!