I am on Convelescent Leave. I get 30 days of leave to heal and 90 days of no physical training.  I went running this morning. It gave me a headache. A bad one. I should probably trust my doctor a little more. I'm going to Florida tomorrow to see my mom. She is worried about me. I'm the baby. I'm 40, but I'm still the baby. I wouldn't have it any other way. However, the trip to Florida will probably give me a headache also. For a completely different reason.

 

People have come up to me at various times and they always say, "I want to thank you for what you are doing / have done over there."

I love these people. They take the time to express their thanks to me. They make me feel good. I would never in a million years be rude to someone like that. HOWEVER..I always think to myself that this person who went out of their way to thank me for what I am doing really has no idea what I do. They don't know what any of us do. They are under the impression that we are fighting for a safer America, securing the future for all of our children, building a better world and preserving democracy. Without getting myself in to trouble, let me assure you that those may be our goals, but it really isn't what we do.

 

Hang out around some Vietnam Vets. You know, those guys who we all thought were crazy when they bitched because the government wouldn't let them fight a war. They put them in a strange country and then tied one arm and both legs behind their backs. They aren't just bitching. Those who fail  to learn from history are destined to repeat it. Or whatever that quote is.I am now sympathetic toward them. I completely understand their point. Perhaps at some future PTSD group therapy, we can compare notes and understand each other.

 

I wonder if anyone even reads this anymore. I guess that would be one change.

 

Eight months ago I went to Iraq. I was a staunch supporter of our President and all the decisions the leaders of our country have made about that country. Thats another change.  Don't even start with the "I told you so", because I probably didn't change my opinion to the opinion you would like. Do I think it was wrong to invade Iraq? I'm apathetic. I don't care.  Do I think American policy is working in Iraq? That's above my paygrade. Do I think the people of Iraq need our help? Again, I am apathetic. I don't care. I'm happy to be alive and home. That's enough for now. Will I go back? Probably. I heal quick. Does that make me happy. No. It actually scares me. That doesn't mean I will do stupid shit like moving to Canada, just that it's dangerous. Being blown up by fanatical cowards is not how I like to spend my day. 

 

Cindy Sheehan is an idiot. That won't ever change. I just don't think she is as wrong as I once did.

 

One day when I am not in the Army, I'll put my opinions and thoughts in print and tell the world (or at least who wants to listen) what they don't see on the nightly news. FOX and CNN don't lie. They tell the truth. They omit everything that matters.

 

I'm happy to be home, no matter the circumstance, at the same time, I feel guilty for being here. I won't even try to explain that one. If you know what I mean, I'm soorry, because it means you have been in my position before. If you don't understand, I hope you never have to find out.