It is the little things

Pizza and a movie . Last night I worked late and missed the scheduled chow times. So I wandered down to our local pizza vendor to pick up a to pie. 35 minutes later I had a Afghan version of a medium pizza which is actually a US small pizza but it was hot. I took it back to the hooch and fired up a movie on the laptop and set back to enjoy my pie. Those few minutes were actually the best few minutes I have had since I have been here. Don’t get me wrong I am not complaining. I know there are warriors here that have much worse condition than I.  There are heroes here that have no running water and no heat or cooling. They shower when they can and have MRE’s for every meal. Plus they come under fire on a regular basis. So compared to them I have it real good. What my point is  that a small thing like a pizza and a movie can bring a little bit of home to you. When you make your living like I and so many others do you need to find those little things. It is the little things in life that will get you through the hard part. So take time to cherish what you have today and remember those you are sacrificing so much. 

Culture Differance

I was invited out to lunch at the Korean dining facility here on base and seeing it as an opportunity in change of fare; I accepted. I was a little shocked by the prices ( 13 bucks for a meal) but there was a lot of food and it was very good. I even had to take half of it back to the hooch for dinner that night. Korean leftovers, water and football not the same as wings, Sam Adams and football. But I digress. While I was there the Korean General came in ( my best guess, not up on Korean rank recognition). He took a seat while a young junior officer went up and ordered for for him. Then the next thing I knew Korean soldiers started to bring bowls of fruit and a large fake orange tree. They were decorating the restaurant for the General. Must be nice to be the Man. You could tell he was in charge too. He had that look of confidence and superiority. It was a real eye opener to the differances in our cultures.  I could just hear the comments now if the General (or Admiral in my case) said ”Every-time I go to chow I want fruit bowls and my favorite tree brought with me.” Uh…What?

   On a unrelated note we have had two Fallen Comrade ceremonies since my last post. Nothing brings you back to reality more than those. Take care all.

The SandShark

Fallen Comrade

   I was unsure as to what my first post would be about up until two days ago. It was my third night in country and I was informed we would be honoring a fallen comrade sometime after midnight. I had been briefed when I first got here that this would happen from time to time but I did not expect it so soon. So that night just after midnight all the military personnel begin to file out and line up along the main street through the base. It was a cool night with the temp somewhere in the mid fifties. The wind was blowing so it made it seem colder than it really was. Even though the street was lined with a couple hundred folks is was quiet and somber. Right around 0045 the vehicle carrying our fallen hero appeared, we were called to attention and we rendered a salute as the flag draped coffin passed by. Another one of America’s best has paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. It was humbling. I pray the family of our hero will find solace that his death was not in vain. He had a part in freeing a whole country from tyranny and abuse. He helped ensure that criminals, thugs and terrorists will not find safe haven in this country. He helped in the effort to prevent another cowardly attack against unarmed and innocent American citizens. I will remember that night for as long as I live.

    I wanted to start this blog with some kind of humorous story about my dealing with Army or what it is like to be  20+ year Submariner working in the desert, but remembering we are at war and young Americans are dying everyday seemed to be more important. I will save the anecdotes for another day. 

Introduction

Hello there, this blog will highlight a Sailor’s IA to Afghanistan. This is the Mrs. when he finally makes it to an internet connection, you’ll be hearing from the “NARMYs” newest member.