Pass The Brass

Today is the mark of the beginning of the 18th year of Jamie’s life line. Today is a day of rejoicing and celebration as the parent figures in her life assemble together and cook festive meals and delicious desserts to her liking. Today, she crosses over into the “Hey look at me I can buy cigarettes now” stage in her life. Today she will receive many gifts of various items from friends and family…some which she will probably return to the store from which it was purchased so as to get the money back…sad? yes….true? Mmmostly.

Today is Jamie’s special day, and I hope she has all the fun one can have on their 18th B-Day! Just make sure she doesn’t go overboard on the “sparkling grape juice”.*wink wink*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAME!!

Today I picked me up a letter from Kat in GA. Thanks for writing Kat! You and your family’s support is received with an abundance of gratitude! With the media potraying us as “occupants” and oft times criminal, it’s good to see that there still are good ole home grown Americans who are with us all the way. It’s American’s like you and yours that we all fight for. Thanks again!

Somebody got on the computer today and tried to hack the system all by himself…all he got though was a web cam runnin and a voice coming out of his computer saying “What are you doing?”

I finally broke down and actually went through the wishlist with some of the ‘tings I need/want/use/throw. Um….but again….I’m not asking. You wanted to send packages…I’m just helping to facilitate the need.

Pulled in today to find yet another box waiting on my cot for me. Today’s sender was Stoicmom. Thank you so much…i really do feel spoiled here now.

And yes….the moment I saw the yo yo I pulled it out and ran up and down the halls tryin all the tricks I could remember and tying a few knots in the process…the weirdest things entertain me I swear.

I almost feel guilty of getting all this stuff…llike I’m lying about my birthday everytime I get a package. Hahaha! I can’t thank you all enough for how well you’ve been treating me. I’m so spoiled I have to share it with everyone else I run into just so I don’t feel guilty.

Oh and to keep with the “mundane” parts of the deployment, I’ll put up little thank you’s to however I get a letter, or package from.

Speaking of letters n such, I finally got to experience first hand, those letters that certain elementary school will do where the whole class writes letters and sends em to companies over in Iraq and such. I got a pillow over in Korea, and this year it was a Valentine’s Day card. Cutest thing in the world. The best part is the pictures they draw of little soldiers and stuff. Anyway…that’s what happened today. Until next time.

Due to my environment and the way things are all laid out(ie my room, my gunners platform, so on and so forth) one thing that keeps happening to me is I keep cutting off circulation to my legs so I’ll be sittin there for a while, either in a really uncomfortable position, or just sitting on my sling in the turret and my legs will lose their circulation so I’ll try to stand up and I won’t feel my legs….it’s really weird. And it’s so common that it’s just “part of bein in Iraq” now.

Enjoy.

Well, this deployment has started to settle…like the algae on the stagnant puddles around post. And very similar in style too.

To be totally honest, this deployment is not turning out as expected. Of course when one goes “to war” they expect bullets to fly and explosions aplenty. Not here. In truth it’s actually rather boring most of the time. But then again…boring is usually safe, right? I hope so, cuz then I’m pretty well off.

There are so many things that I want to do, but our mission keeps us on a pretty tight schedule and there really is no diverting. And as we all know….if nothing happens to me….I aint got nuthin to write about. ARGH! It’s a weird thing though…I actually want to experience the rush of a firefight, the terror of an IED going off meters from your truck and then hopping back up in the gun, still half dazed to try and look for any hostiles. I want that, I want the near death stuff, but everyone just says I’m nuts. I know it does sound crazy, but then again…”war….what is it good for?” I say adrenaline rushes…that’s what. But at least I am still somewhat entertained on a daily basis in that I work with all kinds of guns day in and day out. It’s a hillbillies dream come true. So many bullets…so few targets…

Well….I definitely owe all of you for your support and any letters and packages that you have sent. I really don’t even want to ask people for stuff. I almost feel selfish doing it. I know alot of you are doing it from the kindness of your hearts. One thing I will admit though…letters really are the best. I’m actually terrible when it comes to writing them…just ask Jamie(sorry). I’m still working on the 4th draft of my latest letter right now. But walkin back in to your room and finding an envelope on your cot just automatically takes yer mind off the stresses of the day. Heart warming, really.

So thanks again, folks. You guys make me feel so loved and constantly help to keep my fighting spirit up. God bless you all and the beautiful country we live in.

Love, peace, and chicken grease!

PFC Sure Fire sent these. Figgered I’d share. His internet connection has been recently restored, so expect some more frequent posts.

Howdy folks. Chad here to give you an update.

Sure Fire called today to give us an update on everything. Their internet has been down for the past couple for more reasons than one. The first reason, is because their laying hardwire down, so they can switch from their wireless deal. The second reason is a bit more somber. If a soldier dies, they shut the internet off until the family is notified to prevent someone from informing the family themselves or posting it before it is cleared. I guess this happened twice lately, from my understanding.

On a brighter note, I managed to rustle up a list of things SF likes to receive from his graceful fanclub. And I have compiled the list on it’s own page, which you’ll be seeing in the navigation bar above. For those of you who still want his mailing address, feel free to ask using his contact form, because it goes to my inbox as well. I just wanted to thank all of you who have been blessing SF with your comments, emails and letters of support and encouragement. It means alot to him, I know. And I know how he never expects anything from anyone, so the gifts have been truely appreciated. God bless you all, you’ve made a difference in this soldier’s life.