When the doors of my airplane opened at Kuwait International Airport and the 100 degree temperature (at 4am) smacked me in the face it was as if a death eater was waiting to suck the life out of me. Unable to summon my own patronus, the resounding truth appeared - I am back in the land of Babylon. Whether this was due to the phenomenal two week break or the excitement of the unknown of a ground tour in Iraq having long since sailed or the realization that I would once again have to submit myself to life in desert - I am unsure. However, this much is very true ... my return to Iraq this time is/was much tougher. Military travel is an amazing thing. It took five days of travel to get me to the states and a day and half to get back (I expect to be in Fallujah late this evening) and that is with an 18 hour adventure of waiting in the Atlanta airport. We actually boarded our plane three times before we actually departed. If I was a paying customer no one would put up with the hurry up and wait attitude. All we do is muster every couple of hours, fly, wait, muster and repeat the cycle. I can't help it - all I want to do is complain 1) 18 hour flight from Atlanta-Ireland-Kuwait in a crappy old DC-10 2) 1.5 hour flight in a C-130 from Kuwait to Iraq 3) a 20 minute ride in a CH-46 within Iraq 4) Topped off w/ a 45 minute convoy ride in a HMVEE to my final destination. Fun times.
All that notwithstanding, my break was much needed and fantastic. As usual, it was too short and I wish I had more time. And most importantly, it was unbelievable to get back to my girls (Colleen, Murph, and Keaton). Important footnote time ... Colleen and I are considering renaming our animals Murph to Murphlepuff and Keaton to Voldemort (of Harry Potter fame). I know it sounds cheesy, but quite possibly the best time I had during leave was reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows aloud to one another.
Among the highlight of events during the two week break (there were too many to list and I know that I am forgetting something):
* Watching two of my idols Cal Ripken and Tony Gywnn get inducted into Cooperstown
* Sean's surprise visit to Annapolis
* Pusser's with Dennis & Melissa, and Amber & John
* Lauren and T Tom's Biloxi Wedding
* Quality time with the Bent and Moody Families - and yes, I am still undefeated against Byron and Sean
* Shooting a 200 on the golf course
* Watching the Padres sweep the Giants and Barry hitting # 755 (in a losing effort) against my Padres (it was only fitting)
* Colleen's cooking
* Meeting our Midshipmen
* Putting on (or attempting at least) to wear my old clothes
* Running over the Naval Academy Bridge to the USNA golf course for the first time (C/ was still faster than I)
* Our 4 hour TV buying experience ... how many Best Buy's did we go to? 4?
So all in all I am in a good state of mind. The miles to appear longer as I near the finish line. However, I remain comforted in the fact that the end is in sight and I have not yet begun my sprint ...
6 comments:
It was great seeing you. Mom has started back at school.......lonely around the house. I actually did some yard work. Very hot here....but sure nothing like you have.
I heard about your adventure in the ATL airport. Good to see the airport is as jacked up as the traffic. Protect your neck.
Geoff, you did not mention that a third column has now been added to the wrestling tally...LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE HAVE A DRAW... so there is hope and always a chance. You better knuckle up cause i smell a victory acome'n
Glad to hear you arrived safely back in Iraq. That does not mean I'm glad you're back in Iraq. It only means that since you had to go back to Iraq I'm glad you arrived there safely - comprende?
IF in the future you find yourself traveling that way again, I think you should go on one of those big, battleship gray/grey vessels the US Navy provides. Not only will it take longer to get there, you also won't get sand in your boots. Plus, you'll have the conn!
On a philosophical note: Every cloud has a silver lining. In your case, you still have time to work on your sand game. When you get back you can be Sand Trap King at the USNA golf course.
It was great seeing you. We'll see you again in a few months!
I am interested in how your perception of American attitudes regarding the War in Iraq has evolved, if it has evolved. You had opinions before you deployed, spent six months in the thick of the conflict, then came home for a short period of R&R. What do you now see in Americans in general and/or American politicians in particular regarding this War?
Well, well, well . . . I am on to you preying4apar. I have been suspicious since purple hearts. Hummingbirdie balls took me about a zillion steps closer. Come on, we know you love hummingbirdies as much as you love buggies. But seriously, if you were trying to keep your identity a secret, you should have never written the comment you did today. That is one of those questions that inevitably turns into a lecture, and we all know who is famous for lectures.
And, I keep getting sorted a Hufflepuff . . . please.
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