[Bubba]

Originally Posted by SGT T.

Well, if you don't mind my interjecting...

Educational benefits are awesome, if you are somewhere for an extended amount of time to use them. And before you get into all the distance learning crap, let me tell you, I am still looking for Christmas presents sent by my wife and grandma, as well as some beef jerky sent by a member of this board. So if you think I am going to shell out cash for a textbook that I may/may not even get here, you are mistaken. That being said, the nearest Education Center (aka place I can take a class) is in Taji, only about a 45 min ground convoy (look out for IED's) from here. Chances my unit will release me to go there for a couple months to take a class....Zero. So, I am stuck with waiting until I get back. But then I feel like I am cheating my family out of time with me, and missing out on watching my kids grow up, because I am in class, not at home where I need to be between deployments. And that is only if I get the time in between train-up missions to prepare for the next 12+ month tour here.

Yes, we do get more money when we're deployed, but you better believe we earn every last penny. Believe you me, the taxpayer gets his moneys worth. I for one, and I know I'm not alone, would give all my extra money back just to spend another night in my own bed.

Keep your head up, or should I say down?? Anyway, know that people back here care for you and your well-being. I, for one, am grateful that you are over there doing the job that you do. You deserve a raise!