I'm 27!!!

Thank you for all of your support that so so many are showing to my brother and I!! Thank you! My brother will probably start putting posts up here again soon....I can't say when or why, I guess...maybe it's because he'll be back in Afghcrapistan soon....yeah that's it.

OK!! SO O MY GOODNESS!!! I'M 27!!! .....TODAY!! Yes, it's my birthday. And what a wonderful day it wasn't. Nah... it wasn't too bad. My day started at 0430 this morning. I went to the M16 range and was the medic for the group shooting. No one got hurt thank goodness. At least I got to start my day with some shooting and being in the cold....That's EXACLYT what I wanted to be doing this morning...seriously! BUT I wanted to be freezing my tail off in the mountains of WV shooting at deer.... I called my Dad at 0500 his time this morning and wished everyone a good hunt and a safe time. If you remember back to when I wrote on here about making the decision to go home and see my brother, or go deer hunting....yeah...this week is the hunting season...I could be there right about now. And I want nothing more than to be there. But this isn't the first year that I've to hear the stories about hunting season without being a part of them. Deer season is the best week of the year for me. No one, nothing, keeps me from going hunting the week of Thanksgiving...EXCEPT the Army. I've almost lost my job over this week of the year...more than once. I've missed high school exams, college exams, "mandatory" days at work, and I flew home from Germany to hunt. This is truly the one week of the year that everything comes second. Unfortunately, my mom has to suffer most years. Hopefully if we can get a deer early enough in the week we make it back to have Thanksgiving dinner with mom. But some years we haven't been able to do that. Just like this year, my mom has the potential to spend Thanksgiving alone. BUT we usually make up the big dinner and have it a day or two late. USUALLY the family time and the family dinner still happens, but I feel bad for my mom some years because she's home alone....I love you momma! You see, I could go on and on about the memories of WV and the wonderful years of hunting and family experiences I've had there that will never ever leave my memory. My memory doesn't remember a "lot" of things, but the things it does remember, you'll never take those from me. The personalities, the people, and the love that make up most of the hunting experience is like that of none other. I have the best great-uncles that anyone could ever ask for. It really bothers me to think about the day they don't show up for hunting season. Richard and his stories, JR Lee and his wisdom, Dee for just the comedy of when he'll show up and have to leave, Mina and her hugs and fried apples, Daniel....oh Daniel....best second cousin I could ever ask for, Melissa....the tomboy that's right there with us having a great time too....brother John with his endless ability to get a deer, and last but not least, my Daddy. The father/son experience of a life time...again and again each year. I am truly blessed. There are other people I didn't mention, not because I can't remember who they are but because they haven't played such a role in my undying passion and love for WV.

OK....so before i get completely depressed because I'm not there I'm going to move on.... we had a little birthday party tonight for me. It was nice. We grilled out again and i had yet another GReAT steak. Tonight a Ribeye was the choice of meats....we also had some ribs, burgers and a few hotdogs. SSG Thomas and I did a pretty good job at cooking all the meats again...as always. The cookouts are really the best food we get, so we try pretty hard to make them good.

27 years old...As I look back on the last 12 months....I think to myself...WOW. I can't believe another year has come and gone. I try to think about what happened between my last birthday and this one....well, I guess that's pretty easy considering that I've been gone from home with the Army since Jan 3rd....OK, so what happened in those other 45 days?? I remember.... Unfortunately, I hurt a few people and left a few others with unanswered questions. I go my house a little bit more in order....which has been another completely difficult situation in it's self... There's been a lot of things that have happened in the last year. I guess people don't realize how complicated their lives are unless they sit back and look and really really think about it. My life isn't easy, cozy, and simplistic to say the least. You would think I try to make things as hard as possible on myself...I really don't though....it just turns out that way....somehow. Well, I guess all of those things are the personal things i don't like to get into on here....but it's still got me thinking. It makes me think about the crappy things I did, how I haven't lived like I should, and how I need to change a few things in my life...it makes me want next year to a better year so a year from now i can look back and say....that was a good year. Now, over all, last year was a good year. It had it's down points, but it wasn't too too bad. Anyway.... well, I guess today starts the "new year" for me. Hopefully all will go well and God will take me through the next 12 months with just as many blessings as he has given me the last 12 months. Hopefully he'll look down and smile upon me and I'll see exactly what he wants.

I almost forgot about something...I signed up for a bi-weekly email from a devotional website. One that I got the other day was really great. It's short, but the meaning is pretty awesome! I'll share these simple words with you and hopefully someone will feel a little better than they did 5 minutes ago.

http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/pages.asp?pageid=7898

Till next time, I love you all!! And good luck hunting!!!

Somewhere in Iraq,

sgt wormy

6452

Another day in Iraq...

Well helllloooo to all of those that continue to show your support to my brother and I. We can't say enough how much we appreciate everything that is being done for us. Personally, I have gotten so many cards, letters, and packages to mention from people. The other day I got a letter from an 18 year old young lady....that really meant a lot to me. Someone so young would take the time to write and say hello and thank you. It was awesome! Thank you!

Another day in Iraq...well here I sit, not much to report. The last 10 -14 days have been plenty exciting enough that I don't need to see or do anything for a little while at least. But you never know when something might happen. There were some things that have happened since then, but you know the phrase, "if I told you, I'd have to kill you..." so that's about as far as i can go with that. They didn't make the news this time....they weren't as significant for say, as the last two things that happened that did. We haven't had any cookouts lately, no parties, not much going on. Other than the normal run-around from my unit....nothing new there I guess. Our time here is ticking down, that's for sure. We aren't too too excited yet, but it's getting there. There is another two groups that will leave before us. When they leave, it will probably kick in. For now, it's all about them getting out of here....as it should be. They've both been here a lot longer than we have so they deserve to go home.

We have gotten an incredible amount of support from the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project group!! They have been SOO vital to the well being of so many Soldiers here in Iraq. I'm not sure if they have a website, OK so they do... http://www.landstuhlhospitalcareproject.org/index.htm

There it is. Check them out. They are honestly doing miracles over here. There are not words for the things that this group is doing...if you want to help a Soldier and am not sure how... email them and ask. They will not lead you in the wrong direction.

Ok, well I'm literally doing about 10 things at the same time right now and I don't seem to be getting very far with any one of them....I know I was putting something on here about every other day and I have slacked off just a little. I just wanted to get on here and say that everything is going well. I have talked to both of my grandma's and my grandpa in the last few days. It's great getting to talk to them. I just can't wait to get home so I can go and spend some time with them in Ohio. There's a lot of things I can't wait to do when I get home. My life has a lot of great things yet to happen. I just know it. There are a few things i need to do first, but I know my life will everything I've ever wanted it to be....for that matter, it is right now. The funny thing to say when someone says "good morning, how are you?" Is, "Another day in paradise" followed by "Livin the dream...well, someone's dream." Well, I'm living my dream. I'm doing exactly what I wanted to do in life about right now....all aspects of my life are not going in the direction I have always hoped for...but they'll get there. I have faith. Well, enough for now. I'm going to go try to accomplish on of the other 9 things I have going on right now.

Till next time,
I love you all and thank you again!!

Somewhere in Iraq,
SGT WORMY

6500-ish

Note

Quick note: two days later and not quite happy with "numb", I made a few additions and corrections. So if you feel like re-reading it, I tried to add a few things to make it a little bit better.

Out here,
SGT Wormy

Yesterday...cont'd

Hello to everyone again! Thank you for your continued support that you show to my brother and I.

I'll get to this kinda quickly. Usually if something happens and I want to talk about it, but I can't... I can't. And I usually reference the phrase, "If I told you, I'd have to kill you." Well, you want to know what happened yesterday? Here it is. This is not my recollection of yesterday's events, this is how it was reported to you. I wasn't there for the actual fire fight, I only saw the aftermath. You can read the following report and know what brought 7 Soldiers to the hospital for treatment. Basically you get half the story. My half, the part I was involved with, I still can't tell you. I'll let your imagination take you where it wants. It wasn't pretty, I will say that. Enough delay, here's what happened:

Associated Press
updated 8:17 p.m. ET, Wed., Nov. 12, 2008

BAGHDAD - An Iraqi soldier Wednesday sprayed automatic weapons fire at U.S. soldiers at an Iraqi military base in Mosul, killing two and wounding six before he died in a hail of bullets, an American general said. In Baghdad, bombers struck the capital for a third straight day, killing 23 people and wounding scores in a string of attacks in mostly Shiite areas. The U.S. military said dozens were injured but it couldn't confirm any fatalities. Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling, commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq, told The Associated Press the "premeditated" attack occurred in a courtyard as the soldiers waited for their two lieutenants to finish a meeting with an Iraqi army company commander. Hertling, who said he had spoken with some of the wounded troops, disputed Iraqi accounts that the shooting followed a heated argument between the Iraqi soldier and the Americans. Hertling said the attacker strolled into the courtyard carrying a Kalashnikov rifle and a drum of ammunition, walked to a corner, turned and opened fire. "One shot was aimed and the rest was literally a spray," he said. "There was no argument, no spitting, no slapping, none of that occurred." The six wounded American soldiers were expected to recover, Hertling said. He said senior Iraqi army and police commanders in Mosul, 225 miles northwest of Baghdad, had expressed regret over the shooting and promised a joint investigation. In Baghdad, Iraqi Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari said the shooting followed a quarrel at an Iraqi base in a volatile Sunni Arab neighborhood in central Mosul. The Iraqi soldier was identified as Barzan al-Hadidi. It was the second such shooting in Mosul in a year, raising questions about the professionalism and preparedness of Iraqi security forces and their relations with their American partners. Last December, an Iraqi soldier allegedly shot and killed a U.S. captain and a sergeant during a joint operation in Mosul, where al-Qaida and other Sunni insurgent groups still operate. Tensions are running high in Mosul, where U.S. and Iraqi troops have been trying since last spring to rout insurgents from Iraq's third largest city. The military campaign has also raised friction between the Arab population and Kurdish soldiers of the Iraqi army sent there to help restore order. Also in Mosul, two Christian sisters were killed and their mother was wounded in an attack on their home Wednesday, police said. The attackers rigged the house with boobytraps and one Iraqi policeman was injured when he came to investigate the slayings, Hertling said. Suicide bombings continueAs violence raged in Mosul, a string of bombings rocked Baghdad for the third consecutive day, killing 23 people and wounding about 90, police said. The Iraqi army acknowledged the rise in attacks and said it was taking measures to curb "the increasing number of terrorist attacks" in the city. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27674792/

So, now you have a little better insite into my world....maybe. Like I said yesterday, I've seen enough. I'm ready to go home.

Till next time,

somewhere in Iraq
sgt wormy

6375-ish

Numb....

Well, hello!! Hello to all of those who continue to check our blog and show your support to my brother and I. Thank you! Thank you to all of those who sent Veterans Day cards and kind email wishes. Thank you. They are and were greatly appreciated.

Numb...I'm not sure where to start this... first things first. Please stop and take 30 seconds and say a prayer for those who have made the ultimate sacrafice in efforts to protect your freedom.

I said mine....I hope you did too. Please also remember those whose lives are forever changed. Those who have been injured, scarred, or emotionally hurt. You know, I was sitting around today talking to a few people. They mentioned that every one of us that signed the dotted line and raised our hand knew the possibilities of what could happen. Sure, we know. We don't expect it, but we know. Today was a long day....a long day to say the least. I couldn't think of a better name for this post....I really don't think that numb is the right choice. You know why I joined the Army? If you've kept up with the blog, I won't have to remind you, but to make the point of this post, I'll do tell you again. Some people join the Army for college assistance..college money basically. Some, to help get out of trouble "join the Army or go to jail" type thing. Some, join the Army because they have nothing else to do, or no where else to turn. Some, join the Army just so they can be a "badass" and tell everyone that they are in the Army...like some National Guard and Reserve Soldiers..."I'm in the Army...huh huh huh!" No offense, but I've know some of those...I'm sure there are Active guys who do it too...you'll see them walking around town in uniform just to get attention or a pat on the back...whatever. Some, join to serve their country...do their part...to ensure the United States of America keeps the Freedom that we all love so much. Well, I fit that last one. I joined two months after we started this war in 2003 to do my part. I've always looked up to those in the military. I have several members of my family that were in the military. Both of my Grandpa's were in the Military. But I joined for the sole purpose to do my part. It just didn't feel right seeing so many other people sacrafice and do what they do so I could be free. I joined for you. Not me. I graduated college already, I have a good civilian job, amd I feel good enough about myself I don't need a uniform to make me feel special or get a pat on the back. I joined for you and to do my part. With that said, I'll continue the original thought...I'm here, doing my part. My part, for now, is almost done. My time here is coming to a close...kinda soon. I am a medic. Part of being a medic is that we always want to get in the shit. We want to see the worst, bloodiest, and most disgusting stuff. Not sure why...we just do. Kinda like infantry guys just want to shoot some bad guys...we want to do what we've been trained to do. Well...what they don't teach you in training is that in order for you to get in the shit....someone has to get hurt. Stay with me. We know Soldiers will get hurt, but in training...you don't think about that. It's all play and "acting" and the "casualties" scream and usually end up laughing...they don't scream and yell because you barely moved their shot arm or leg, the pretend wounds don't bleed all over your boots and your pants, you don't end up with someone's blood on your shirt, your face, your arms, your pants where it's enough that someone thinks you're wounded too...limbs don't move in places where they're not supposed to...when you lift a "wounded" arm it moves as one piece, not two like one that has really been shot....no one really dies...at the end of the training, everyone gets up and talks about good or bad the training was...they don't cover the person with a blanket or sheet and take him to mortuary affairs, the don't look at their watch and say "time of death, 1327"...the bandages you put on are "ok" at best, or you have no idea if they would really work or not...usually the pretend wounds "stop bleeding" according to the instructor...in reality, it seems like they never stop bleeding, and when they do, we've put a lot of effort into it.... but of course, that's training. Something that they don't teach us, or emphasize is this shit is real. There will come a time when it's not "play" anymore. They don't teach you how to be numb, and just do your job...walk away....and go through the rest of the day with a fake smile on your face like nothing happened. They don't teach you how to cope for the next 48 hours, or that you might have bad dreams about what you saw that day or the day before. They don't teach you to warn others about the possible mood change and to not take you too serious because there's a chance you're being a little more of a jerk than usual. No one really knows how they will react to combat until you're there...in the shit. I think I cope pretty well. And that's about where I am now. Numb....well, I'm not really numb, it still hurts. I still feel pretty bad for about 36 hours after "the shit" happens. BUT, God blessed me with an incredibly bad memory. I laugh about it usually, but over here....it's truly been a blessing. My good friends will tell you I can't remember what happened two days ago. Well...now, I don't want to remember what happened two days ago. I don't want to remember what happened twelve hours ago....so I'm good...kinda. Yeah, I'm good. I wanted to title this post, "I've seen enough", or "I'm ready to go home". I guess there comes a point in every medic's life when they've just had enough. I wonder if the civilian sector is different. The only connection that ambulance personell and hospital staff have is that they are people...maybe kids are harder, but they just don't have the same connection as seeing one of your fellow Soldiers laying there. I think it's different. Maybe someone can offer some insite. Going back to seeing enough. I never thought I would say that. I never thought about seeing too much. We're too focused on just seeing something that it never crosses our mind of "when is enough..enough." Well, I'll finish my time here strong till the end. No worries about that. But I definately have a different perspective on things....such as life itself and all the things we take for granted when we're healthy with four limbs that function without pain. Numb, not really. It still hurts to see and be a part of things that so many call "the shit"....among other things.

I'm able to write this next part because of the news coverage and it's public knowledge that two Soldiers made the ultimate sacrafice today: This relates to being numb....this was probably the second hardest part of my day. Even if it did happen some time after the initial incident. If I told you what a "Hero Ceremony" was, would you understand? A Hero Ceremony is where we stand attention, bring a final, crisp, most respectful salute to those fallen Soldiers as they are carried past us in a flag draped casket, then placed on a C-130 or C-17. It's our way of showing respect to those who have fallen. A final salute as they board their last ride from over here. Their units line up and do their best to stand tall and stand proud as they watch a fellow friend, brother, and most importantly, Soldier go home to be laid to rest. It's a very sombering experience. If you didn't appreciate life before, you will now. My folks got a really odd phone call today. I called the house and left a message on the answering machine. It was simple. It was short. "Mom, Dad, I love you. I just called to say I love you. It's been a bad day and I wanted to make sure you know that. I love you and I'll talk to you soon". Appreciate life. Tell someone you love that you love them. Just like these two Soldiers and many more that have made the ultimate sacrafice, you never know when God will call you home. Don't leave words unspoken. No one wakes up in the morining and thinks, "I'm going to die to today". But, if it happens...will you have said I love you to all those that you should have?

Just a final note: Mentally, I'm good. A little beat down, but good to go. Once again, God blessed me with a bad memory. Thank you again, and please keep our young Soldiers, their families, and friends in your prayers. Sometimes, you just don't know how bad they need it.

Till next time, I love you all and thank you again. Oh, and feel free to comment by clicking "comment" below.

Somewhere in Iraq
sgt wormy

6375 - counter is going backwards again....

Thank you!!

Hello! It's me again. This post is just to say once again THANK YOU for your support that you show by visiting our blog. Last week alone we had over a 100 hits to the blog. THANK YOU!! It means a lot. Seeing the geographics of where the hits come from is pretty cool. We had a LOT of hits in Texas, (April??) and a lot in California as well. I'm sorry but I don't know anyone in California so I can't give props to you.... We also had a lot of hits from the New England area of the U.S. I'm not sure if it's from friends or family but TN took the number one place again this week. Seeing that we're from TN, I kinda guess that's why. I've got the country music going again so who knows how long I'll ramble tonight. In case you didn't know, I said night...but if you look at the time the post was written it will say around 1:45pm. We are 8 hours ahead of the east coast...that makes us what...12 hours ahead of the west coast. You all had daylight savings time kick in...well our time didn't change. It actually made it kinda better...I think anyway. Normally I get settled into my room around 2000(8pm) so I can start calling around noon east coast time... I could call sooner but I don't want to call people too early.... so noon is a good time. Speaking of calling people, I got to talk to my niece yesterday! I love talking to her. She's getting older and is such a doll!! She's precious. I can't wait for her to get just a little bit older and her eyes will be open to what has happened in the last 4 years. We'll see. Anyway...

It would not be right if I didn't say a very special THANK YOU to Ms. Grimord. You and your group of people are absolutely WONDERFUL. You have touched so many Soldiers that I can't even start to explain the gratitude that is owed to you. People thank me, but it goes all to you. You are truly a blessing. I have no idea how you got my email address, but I sure am glad you did. Your group is absolutely incredible. THANK YOU!!!

I wnaetd to try smoetinhg. I heop you udnsneatrd tihs nxet prat. I lanred taht if you mix up ltretes in a wrod but sartt the wrod wtih the crercot frsit and lsat lteter, poelpe will be albe to raed it. I was ginog to wirte a wolhe pgaraghrap but it's kndia hrad. So tehre, let me konw how it trnus out.

Ok, well that was fun...hard though because I feel like I type pretty fast, but that had me thinking too hard to keep it going too long. And I didn't realize how many three and four letter words I use, so it kinda took some of the fun out of it. OH OK......

Well, we've been pretty slow lately. Not much going on. But then again, when I'm "slow" and sitting around all day...then you should be ok with that. Medics are trained to work hard, but hopefully not too too often. I wish I could write some of the things that I've seen on here...to try to draw you a picture of what it's really like over here. But...I don't think I will. I can kinda put it in a general way...if you can think it....I've probably seen it. Everything from vehicle accidents, GSW's(gun shot wounds)...which by the way...can be bad, and then again, they can be pretty unimpressive....explosion wounds, IED wounds, grenade attacks...blah blah blah...any way I will elaborate on GSW's for a second...some, no most entry wounds are pretty minor. Often times I don't even see the whole. It's not till later I learn it was right in front of me and I just didn't notice the break in the skin. Now, the exit wound can be quite impressive. Now, understand that from a medical aspect, things can be "interesting". I'm not trying to undermind the wounded and 'make a spectacle' of his unfortunate event, so again, from a medical aspect, the exit wound can be pretty impressive. Small hole going in, half a knee/leg missing on the other side. Also remember, I have seen Iraqi Soldiers, Civilians, bad guys, and our Soldiers. Yes, I said bad guys....bless the geneva convention that says that if we don't kill them in an attack, we have to take care of them like they are one of our own. And we do.

Well, I think I'm over that topic. I just wanted to talk a little about what it's like over here. Afterall I'm pretty sure that's why a lot of people read this blog. To see what it's like over here. So here are the captions for the pictures: the first one is me chilling out at a cookout we had. The next one is of me eating the steak I cooked...medium rare...UUMMMM!!! The next on is of me and some of the guys standing next to the grill while we were cooking. I'm trying to keep my promise of putting more pictures of me on here so people can see me more often. These cookouts are the best meals we get over here. We buy steaks from the PX. And, seeing that I don't buy anything else over here...I buy the $10 Ribeyes or T-Bones and cook them just right over a charcoal fire. Me and my 'boss' are the official 'grill cooks'. What can I say, we know what we're doing....nothing gets burned, and everything is juicy!! Just the way it should be! We get to cook everything from hotdogs, burgers, chicken, steaks, and pork chops. Like I said, it's the best meals we get over here.

Well, till next time...love you all!!

Somewhere in Iraq
sgt wormy

6375

Another post...

Well, thank you all to those who keep showing your support to my brother and I! Thank you!

Another post...well, that's about all this is. I really don't have much to say right now. I'm kinda waiting on something to hit me. I'd love to write about flyin squirrels and how much I like them and how much they make me happy everytime I see them, hear them, or think about them. Flyin squirrels are just that incredible. I would say I love talking to them, but then you'd think I'm just crazy...I mean, how many people do you know that have flyin squirrels? Well, I guess I'm the first. And I love mine. She's great!! She's cute and cuddly, sweet and adorable...yep, I know, it's weird, but I love her. Any-who....I miss my dog too. If you kept up with the post for some time now, I talked about how I couldn't wait to go home and take my dog to Lowe's. Well, we did that. More than once. I think one day I just went there with him to walk around...we just looked at whatever for about an hour. He enjoyed it though. He always does. We went to Taco Bell, got our drinks, and headed to the house. One day I think he got a lot more than he bargained for. We went to Lowe's to start the day, went to my mom's work to see her...he likes going there too I think....where else did we go....oh we went to see an old friend. One of my best friends from high school...the girl that talked me into taking him from the vet she worked at so he wouldn't have to go to the pound....then...hmmmm I can't remember but we ended up at a cookout around 5pm and didn't leave till about midnight. I let him play in the yard of the people's house we went to. The kids loved him and he loved them too...but I'd say by the time we got home that day he was happy to be home. He's such a good dog though. My dad lets him go to town with him sometimes so he gets to go out and about once in a while. What can I say, I love my dog.

John is still at home...his ankle is giving him a lot of trouble believe it or not. I'm not sure why he hasn't posted anything on here...wait, he's not really living it rough right now...I mean, how many people want to hear about him eating good food, showering, going to the bathroom, getting dressed, and hanging out ALL IN THE SAME BUILDING. Yeah, pretty much all those things I just mentioned...they are done in roughly 5 different places....but that's ok. It's Iraq. What else can I say.

The election: Not happy, but I have a new Commander in Chief. And...I have to do what he says. Period. Due to regulations and restrictions, that's about all I can say. We'll see how it goes....we'll see.

We are counting the days to coming home. I can't say when I'll be going home for security reasons, but we are counting. Now, some people count since day one, but for the most part there's a pretty significant starting point to really start counting...and we're counting. Hopefully I'll be home in time to see some snow and go snowboarding. I'm really looking forward to that...hopefully. Speaking of snow...I hope we don't see any over here...well, no I take that back. That would pretty neat. I know it won't accumulate, but it would still be cool. Someone asked what the weather is like over here...it's not too bad right now. The days top out about 75-ish and it gets around 50-ish at night. Just cool enough to get a little chill in the morining when I walk to and from the bathroom to shave and brush my teeth. And I seem to walk a little quicker coming from the shower....but that's ok. It's not 140 degrees. I'm good with that. We did have a little bit of a wet period already. It rained off and on for about a week and half when I got back from R&R. That wasn't too too pretty. Mud everywhere. We really believe that it rains mud. You would really think that it was little mud drops and not just rain coming down. Someone also asked what my favorite country artist is...I'd have to say it's a pretty close run between Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith. Althouh, I have several artists that I really like. There are a number of songs that I really like by different people. It was weird being home and turning on the radio and not knowing any of the music they were playing. I had to download the top 40 and start listening to it when I got back over here. It's amazing how quickly you can get disconnected from the world over here. We watch a lot of news. That's one thing that I can say, I've never really been more up to date with what's going on in the world. I could have actually debated with someone over the election and knew what I was talking about. Kinda like, there was over 8 million or was it billion raised for propostion 8 in California. WHICH...I'm not sure what I can about that either, but I'm really happy with the outcome of that issue. People didn't know that there were actually two other states that had that on the ballot. Utah and Arizona I think... I could be wrong on that detail...but I do know there were two other states...both had the same outcome as California. One thing that I was happy to hear pass was an issue where I live in TN. The city I live in passed liquor by the drink. I'm happy about that too. We won't have to travel so far to get a decent drink with dinner now. Cool. AND people will stop complaining when they eat in our restaurants about not being able to get a drink....but it will be confusing because the city I work in doesn't have liquor by the drink...but the two cities on each side do....oh well.

Well....enough about that...see, I just had to turn on the music and it got my mind going. I hope you've enjoyed the post. Please feel free to comment by clicking on the link below. THANKS!! Comments keep us going and help us realize that people actually enjoy our posts.

I love you all and I'll write something on here again soon! And don't forget...flyin squirrels are GREAT! And I love them! They keep me smiling!!

Somewhere in Iraq
SGT Wormy

6362

Ummmm.....

Ummmmm.....yeah.....so uhhh...... OH YEAH!! Thank you to all of thost that continue to support my brother and I!! WOWOWOW!! We had over a hundred hits to the blog last week. THANK YOU!! One the other hand, only one or two people decided to click on the 'comment' and write us something back...and for those that went one more step to say thank you, THANK YOU!

Last week there were quite a few people from Illinois that visited the blog...I'm not sure why, but there were. That's where Obama is from... well, you're welcome to continue to visit this site, and I refuse to turn this into a political blog, but I hope Senator Obama keeps his role as Senator. NE-WAY....this blog is about two brothers that are overseas, one in Iraq (me) and my brother that is in Afghanistan...well he should be in Afghanistan but he broke his foot at my house and is finishing up some doctor appointments.... This is about two brothers and what they go through being away from home, friends, and loved ones. My brother works in the awards section for the 101st, and I am a medic on a base in Northern Iraq....unless my internet goes out then who knows where I actually am. Being a medic, I've seen more than anyone would want to or should see....although, I haven't been at the point of injury yet, so by the time I get my hands on someone they are already somewhat treated....it may only be tourniquet or a bandage, but normally they have some kind of something already done to them. My brother, gets reports about what happened to Soldiers and writes the awards for them. Example: Purple Hearts for injured. I actually see them, he reads about them....kinda cool. We both get to do a little 'traveling' from time to time. He goes to a different base to pick up award medals, and I do medical support for covoys from time to time. So, luckily, we're not "fobbits" as many people are. I've had the opportunity to go to the Turkey border, and some other places around Iraq. Many of the times when "something" happens, I can't say what it is. I want to. But I can't. I want to express the feelings that are inside, and the emotions, and thoughts that are running around in my head....but I can't. It's not the "kiss and tell" mentality. Somedays it's just hard. It's hard to see lives changed and families changed and not be able to talk about it. I know, I can talk about it to my people here, but I can't vent like I can on here. When I'm here, I turn on my music, (country music normally) and just let my brain loose through the keys of my laptop. Sometimes it really sucks, because I just want to vent and let out the feelings and questions of why, and just general thoughts about life, and express that...that could've been me. But I can't. Somedays the stories aren't that bad....like today this guy...his weapon was dirty....or that's what he said. See that's about all I can say....it's a funny story...at least to us it is. But I can't say anything else due to security reasons. I'll nick-name him Barney Fife. But somedays the stories are just too bad to even want to write out....I'm not sure how many medical people read this blog, but I've had to perform CPR on a few individuals over here.....yep that's about all I can about that...damn it....it's amazing how soft the chest cavity can be when the ribs are broke....I guess that's what i was trying to say. Enough about all that....I don't do what I do for the attention or pat on the back. I do what I do for my country. I do what I do for you. From flyin squirrels to mom, dad, my family, friends, and strangers alike....that's why I'm here. That's why I wear the uniform. I didn't do it for college money, I didn't do it to get out of trouble, I didn't join to stay out of jail, I didn't do it for the fame or glory....I joined the Army to serve my Country. That's it. After 9/11, all I wanted was to do my part. My brothers and sisters were going to war for me. They were fighting for my freedom and safety, and I wanted to do my part. If I can do just one thing that will aid in the safety, security, or freedoms of the United States of America.... yep, that's why I joined the Army. Well, This post is getting kinda long. I'm going to go to bed soon...I've got more secret squirrel stuff to do early in the morning...

I love you all and again feel free to comment on our entries.

Till next time,
SGT Wormy

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