Volume Six, End of Tour Edition

Well, this is it. My time here is almost up, I cannot wait to return to home station. I am tired of the killing and death, the being a political pawn in a election year game of life and death. And then theres the heat (its over 100 here already), and the flies and mosquitos and the general state of ick that permeates the air here. It will be good to get home. I have learned so much in my year here, about myself and about the human condition. I would like to say that I am coming back unscathed, but there is just no way that anyone can spend that much time here and not see or hear about things that will change you. I've decided that there are a few things about myself that I am going to change, some of those changes are already in progress. One thing that has already changed for me is my priorities in life. Another thing that has changed is my faith in our Government. I still believe that we are the best hope on earth for freedom and liberty, but I think we are but a shell of the country we used to be. I understand a great deal more now about how the military works, and why we do things like we do, but I still don't agree with some... ok, most of it.
One thing that is bothering me now, how can the Army send us to war, expose us to guns and bombs and death, and then treat us like we're damaged goods when we get back? Members of a unit that I am familiar with (hint hint) had their wives told not to decorate the units area with balloons when the unit came back, because the sounds of popping balloons could "upset" them. Odd. Guns, bombs, explosions, no big deal, but Balloons.... no no no. Too dangerous. Wouldn't want to upset the Soldiers. I know its a small thing, but really, we've all got to come back to the world. Balloons and all.

In closing, thank you all for your kind words and support, and for the things you sent. MUCH appreciated. The clock is getting ready to start again, 365 days in the states, and then after that, back here again. Just four more rotations and I can retire. Thanks again for all your support.