OUT OF HERE

The time has finally arrived when I am about to leave for home. For Operational Security reasons I can't say the exact date but it is soon. I will be making an interim stop in Kuwait to go through Warrior Transition (not that I need to transition from being a warrior), which should take about a week. As I look at it, I just moved my desk, chair, and computer to another very dusty part of the world. Of course I deprived myself of family, friends, and creature comforts, but I was not a warfighter. I feel the transition should be fairly easy but I will go slow and take some time to reintegrate at home and work.

We actually had the mother of all sand storms (that I've experienced) just a few days ago. That orange hue with strong winds is something I won't easily forget. And then we had lots of rain yesterday morning, the most I've ever seen since being here. When that happens, all the sand (really dirt) gets muddy so you don't want to step in it. I guess this is Iraq's way of saying goodbye.

I'll probably feel like a transient in Kuwait but at least I can walk around in gym shorts and enjoy their outdoor pool. I'll try to get some sun on my white body. I've been getting some excellent training (workout) guidance from an HM (Medic) who is also a fitness consultant back home. He has completely rearranged my workout routine in the attempt to help me stave off old age. I want to improve my endurance and strength for hockey and biking and if this doesn't do it, nothing will. He was really pushing me and I felt it for a few days. Thankfully, I've had two days off but want to get it going again. I'm really taking advantage of his free advice!! We'll do some more workouts in Kuwait.

I'm looking forward to seeing Loretta in California and then to being with the kids shortly thereafter. It's the longest we've been apart. While I do have a new Reserve billet, this will be my last deployment. I hope to bring my military career to a close with 25 years service (I have 22 now), which should be in advance of any potential future deployment.

Thank you all who have supported me throughout the deployment. I may send one more blog from Kuwait and that should do it!