It's Still Hot Here, But I Have Leaving Coming Up Soon

There hasn't been much interesting happening lately. Its been very hot, as one would expect in the desert. The daytime highs have averaged between 115 and 120 degrees. It wouldn't be so bad, except the uniform is long sleeved shirt and pants with bullet-proof vest, helmet, and weapons when we convoy. The guys that guard the base are in this uniform for 12 hours a day. It makes me appreciate the job that I have, as I only wear the "full battle-rattle" two or three times a week. The Blue Star Mothers have been nice enough to donate some cool-bands, which get cold when soaked in water and can be worn around the neck.

I've got a few weeks of leave coming up soon. I'm very excited for that. We can go just about anywhere in the world for leave. Some guys have gone to Australia, some have spent their time in Europe, but I think I will enjoy a few weeks in Minnesota. It'll be nice to get out on the lakes. I plan on spending some time in Duluth doing some kayaking and climbing as well. Of course, I will also spend as much time as I can with family and friends.

Doing Good Things

As a medic, sometimes I go out on missions with other units besides my own. I recently went out with a unit that had "adopted" a village near our camp. They took water samples from the wells, which I ook to Preventive Medicine to have analyzed. They also distributed water purification kits and showed the villagers how to use them.

The most fun part of the mission was delivering a wheelchair to a little boy who had a congenital problem with his knees and could not walk. It was fun to see his face light up as they pulled the chair out of the back of the trailer. The wheelchair was a little big for him, but it will work for now. They are working to find a smaller one.

Little guy with his very own wheelchair. 

Iraqi children. 

Happy Independence Day!

Well, almost the whole camp took the day off yesterday to celebrate our independence. We started the day with a group run around the base. All of the companies were in formation with their guide-ons (banners) leading the way.

Throughout the day there were all kinds of sporting events to participate in. There was a softball game in the morning as well as flag football. There was also a three-on-three basketball tournament a little later. For the people less inclined to sweat, there was a "Halo" tournament, which is a combat video-game. I chose not to participate in any of these, instead opting to read and watch a movie. The relaxation time was awesome.

The day ended with boxing. There was a nearly full card and a few of the medics boxed. It was a good end to the day, although the wind had kicked-up and it was pretty dusty.

I hope you all had good 4th! I told my buddies about all the good times I've had on Gull Lake out on the point with all of my friends. It was fun to reminisce. We had a couple of N/A Beck's and sat outside in lawnchairs for a while, but it wasn't the same. Oh well, there is always next year!