Journey Home

Well, my tour in Iraq has come to an end.  Some of you might already know this, but many might not so I wanted to officially post on it.  Whenever the military moves thousands of troops from one place to another there are always glitches along the way.  Sure this trip home had its share of speed bumps, but nothing seemed to bring us down as we did the 'duffle bag drag' everywhere.  Other than scorpions trying to get into your bed, the only real rough part of heading home was seeing others deal with living in really close quarters with absolutely no privacy or room to breath.  For everyone patience was in short supply for the past month, and it seemed that most anything was annoying, too loud, crude, or petty.  We all realized that it was the situation that made things rough on us.  Looking back, I am very proud of my guys for acting so professional and unwavering in our mission to help the Iraqi people.  We even had some last minute maintenance jobs that tried to get the best of us, but our guys showed that going home motivation and knocked them out. 

Apparently most of my guys aspire to be comedians because jokes were in no shortage within the platoon.  Whenever someone left something in our common area, it was found later on strapped to the kitchen table, or wire tied to the ceiling.  My platoon sergeant and I got rushed and taped to our bunks on the night before we left the camp.  Even though SFC C and I were the victims, we loved it and had a blast.  At first I struggled, but then that just invited more muscle to jump in on the action to subdue me.  Once we were taped down, they carried the bunks outside and joked about displaying us in front of our Troop headquarters.  Thankfully they did not go that far with the joke, but if this was our annual training they would have definitely gone the next step.  In the end, one of our squad leaders gave me a knife to cut my way out. 

It was great to see the camp in our rear view mirror, and be heading to a land we call home.  My platoon sergeant and I would just look at each other and shake our heads.  It was that unspoken sigh of relief for us and each person leaving that day. 

Once we got to our destination in the US, we unpacked our duffle bags again, and were in disbelief about where we were.  It was odd to see people walking around in civilian clothes, and with no body armor or weapons (besides the troops training for their tour in Iraq or Afghanistan).  Even as I walked to the mailbox today, I am thankful not to have to worry about incoming mortar or rocket fire.  Its a great country    that we live in today, that it is our right to bear arms, yet most feel safe enough not to carry one every where they go.  While at our demobilization site, we had our normal medical checks, and briefings before we were released to go home.  During our off time a few of us ate at this BBQ restaurant near post.  Great name for a restaurant, and it was no doubt the best BBQ I have ever had.  I know it might be that I just came back from a deployment, and my taste buds are heightened some.  That just gives me more reasons to eat there again the next time I find myself in that city.  We also checked out some of the hurricane damage, and certain areas were hit very hard like this furniture store.  Except for the attention getter out front, the entire store was totaled. 

My wife Tiffany picked me up and we drove home together just chatting all the way.  After stopping by the local armory to sign in, we finally pulled into our driveway.  The dogs were in the back yard, and did not know I was home till they saw me through the sliding door once I stepped inside.  We were all just thrilled to have me home, and for the long haul.  Its been an intense journey, and a rough one at that.  Many people have asked me if I will continue to blog.  I have a few more posts regarding the mission, my spiritual journey, and those who did not come home alive.  Once I feel that I have 'debriefed' myself, the blog will close and this Soldier's life will be shared only with those close to me, Tiffany, Tegan, and Carys (our two dogs).  I thank all of you who supported me throughout this past year.  Please know that you are in my prayers as you step into a new day specifically given to you by God.  Also, remember that it's not about how much time you are given, but what you choose to put into that time.  I love you all, shawn

"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.  Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:10-13