Nothing to brag about , at all. But I have been shot, stabbed, blown up, and most recently drug across the pavement, but I'm still here. Most things that encounter me negatively. Do not fare very well, long-term. I guess I really expressed it the best in myspace profile

 

Dang it! Deployment sounds almost peaceful for you. Glad you're okay. You are not paranoid if they really are out to get you. Pax,G.

 

Raven not flaming on, I have no knowledge of your previous experience in such matters. But would never call any deployment, peaceful all of my injuries were as a result of some kind of deployment except for the slide across the pavement of course. Accommodations are less than desirable, long hours in stressful conditions, with little to no downtime. And when the downtime is provided. You never truly relax too much sh`t going on around you or too much going on in your head. Maybe that day was the first day you actually saw a small child smiled and waved to you or a group of people that were actually glad to see you there. Or maybe it was the day you actually saw a woman, proudly displaying her ink stain, proud to have the opportunity to actually participate in an election or maybe it was the day. You saw a man in the street with that all too familiar look of hatred and resentment on his face no Sir, I would not classify this as peaceful at all. Nothing but pure mental and physical drain, but it's worth it. If you've been there, and you know what I mean, you get it. Sure we bitch and raise hell about the conditions and the politicians but there has not been a day go by, I have not regretted my injuries and my inability to redeploy this time my wife is glad I can't go and does not understand my thinking, and I'm sure there are those out there who did not understand for all of you that don't understand think about this. All those who have sacrificed and lost their lives are lost a piece of themselves in the war are their actions for nothing, should we just turn our back and walk away and let it be for nothing. I Hope to Hell Not. Make no mistake. There are a hell of a lot of people trapped between us and the insurgency and they do what they do just to survive. And when dealing with them you need to keep that in mind. In the end, They must live with our decisions and actions and are just surviving. Sorry guys, just venting

 

I really, trulysorry. I in no way meant to belittle or disrespect anything regarding deployment or it's cause. I respect and admire all the men and women in uniform, especially those in harms way, even though I personallydisagree completely with our National foreign policies. Should have just said;" Wow, sounds like your having a rough week.", which had already been said and so I should have just sat on my hands! I Hate everything that walks on two legs and wouldn't dream of helping my fellow man, unless it's my job.You (and your wife) arebetterfolk than I. You are too kind. I'm getting used to being flamed for everything,and it's really starting to tick me off!
I wonder how many lives have been saved by the 911 operators checking up on folks that hang up before reporting, probly alot. Enuff sed. Pax,G.