Well this is not train related, but I must share anyway. The US Army acronym, Uncle Sam Ain’t Released Me Yet, has once again proven true. I got the word over the weekend that my pending retirement was denied and that I am to ship out for a tour of duty in OIF on 1 June. This is not my first rodeo, but it will be my last. After 22 years I just don’t feel like having another government paid vacation at the 140 degree beach. In the end I am a soldier, and soldiers fight wars and follow orders, so off I go.
I will check in from time to time when I get the chance, I understand that nowadays they have internet cafés and very nice recreation facilities in the sand box, so hopefully I can make somewhat regular communiqués.
I’ve learned a lot from all of you and I will be putting it to good use when I get back next summer. Shame about it all is that only half of my garden is blooming now and I won’t get to see the full splendor until next season.
It has been a pleasure having you on the forum. I pray for your safe return home. Maybe you can use your tour as a thinking time for some new projects. Hopefully you can keep in touch with us all. Later eh…Brian.
T-Jack. It is ironic that such news should come at this time, Memorial Day. May God bless and protect you and all our young men and women serving our great country. Good Luck. Jack
I look forward to seeing your posts on here again in the future. I am sure in your 22 years you have learned how to look after yourself but nevertheless the world seems to be a dangerous place in some areas. May God take care of you and your family.
You Keep your head down and in some good hard cover.
Keep in touch as best you can.
I am sure you will get loads of world wide invites so you can add mine to the list.
Give the engineers a hard time till they find some usefull MRR type material for you that will help the sanity for the waiting bit after the hurry up bit[swg]
You take care of your self.
regards John
PS You will not be short of sand for the base’s of your war games miniatures, remember there is always an up side if you look hard enough.
Oops! Tell Michelle we’re ready to help if we can! If she needs to stop in when moving kids around, just holler! Get ready for a safe return, that little guy needs you!
Keep the head down, and take care of those you supervise. My wife makes a mean chocolate chip cookie. If you’ll post an address, you’ll find a care package every few weeks in the mail to share with your troops.
I’m so sorry to hear that. You and all of the men and women over there, need to be at home with their families. I hope that you’ll be careful and come home safely.
I know that when you’re in the military, you follow orders and do what you’re told. Be safe and know that we’ll all be thinking about you. Check in when you can.
And remember to come home to those that love you. I’ll be praying for you.
Thanks for the encouragement, I leave Friday at 0600, bags in hand. I’ll go because I have to, but I’m just too tired with it all to enjoy the “adventure” this time. 22 years, my knee has pins and screws, I’ve had broken wrists, shoulder, hip and foot, I’ve lost 20% of my hearing in my right ear, along with however many thousands of cuts, bruises and small burns and bug bites. 22 years, it hurts getting out of bed now (can’t let the FNG’s see that). 22 years, I know when it’s going to rain or snow by what piece of me aches. One more rodeo, then I hang up my spurs and write poetry and grow flowers or something. I think I’ll keep the whip though…