Heartstrings

This is a little out of the ordinary for our postings, but I feel compelled to let you all know about it. http://site.everythingweown.org/ is a family that is struggling with doctor bills because they two have two small children that require a lot of medical attention. If you go to the site, you can read about them. They have been on CNN and local news channels here. It is a very interesting story of a family trying to save what is important. I encourage you to at least look at the story. I wish there was more I could do, but I will continue to pray for them and hopefully they will get the help they need.

I know this is not what you come here for, but I told Tessa I wish there was something we could do, and this is was one way I could help spread the word.

SGT John Strader

A Little Icy

As you can see we got a little ice last night here in Clarksville, TN. There was enough ice damage to trees and such that a Nashville news channel drove up here to report on it. Mom and dad even heard about the ice we got here. There were trees down everywhere. Oddly enough, there were no closing here in Clarksville or Fort Campbell. I find that a little weird. The ice is hanging off the trees and pulling them down, the power lines have ice hanging on them and as you see by the mailbox, we had ice all over, but not on the roads. The roads were clean, other than the rain that came down all day. Tonight is going to be the interesting night. It has rained all day and the temperature is going to drop below freezing and the low tonight is the high for tomorrow. That should really make it fun in the morning. Fort Campbell is on a two hour tomorrow.

You cannot really tell, but entire truck was a huge piece of ice this morning.

The new house has been going great. We finally closed last week. We got us a nice NEW three bedroom house in a new subdivision. We have a nice big backyard also. Today we had our first "accident" in the house today. Masey (our dog) decided that she could not make it outside and left us a gift in the house right next to the front door. This really surprised us seeing that she is house trained. I got a little mad, but got over it pretty quick.

Life since I got back to my wife and back in the states has really been getting better. I am a lot happier now, although I still feel really bad about not being in Afghanistan with my unit. I guess there are some things that I have to deal with and there are some things that I cannot help. I will have to learn to accept the fact that I am not there with them and there is nothing I can do about it. Just waiting on my stuff from there to get here.

Well, I have eaten dinner since starting this. Oh, and Tessa does not think I am a good cook yet. I made a pot of chili, pork chops and chicken and every time something needs a little work. We are learning though.

Our life together has been going great. We are learning to keep each other happy and what not to do. I could not be happier!!

Thank you to all that support us and thank you for the comments that you leave that let us know that you care and are thinking about us.

To my brothers and sister, thank you!! I am sorry that I am not there with you, but the day will come again!!!

SGT John Strader

Going home....

Well, again, thank you for all of your continued support that you keep showing my brother and I by reading our blog. Thank you for the comments as well.

Well, this may be the last post for a couple weeks from me. My internet is paid for monthly and it doesn't always re-new on the 1st of each month. SO basically, my internet is about to shut off and I'm not going to pay $50 for a partial month. I can't say exactly when I'll be leaving here, but I will be leaving kinda soon. Soon enough for me not to want to pay for a whole month of internet. Blah blah blah, my internet is going to be shut off soon and I won't be able to post on here from the government computer in my office. SO the next post I make will probably mean that I'm back in the states. I that is something I'm REALLY looking forward to!! BUT, as promised, I will keep you updated. I will post when I get home. I'm not REALLY sure when that will be.

SO, from Iraq to the United States and all around...thank you for your support, your prayers, and thoughts. I've greatly enjoyed posting my thoughts, ideas, and life's events on here. It's truely been enjoyable. And, I hope you have enjoyed as much as I have. Again, thank you.

Ok, well...I was kinda pre-occupied when I wrote the above...and now after thinking about it for a few minutes, I think I should add to my final post from Iraq. I want to reflect on the past year's events and some of the thougths that are starting to run through my head.

As I sit here and reflect on the past year's events...I've learned so much, endeared more than I thought I would, and I can definitely say this has been a life changing experience. As a combat medic, I thought I would see and do some of the things I've done while I have been here. On the other hand, there's a lot I didn't do that I expected to do while I was here. Looking back from the time I got my orders till now, it's been an amazing road. It's once again taught me to enjoy the most simple things in life and not take so much for granted. Life itself has become more and more precious than ever before. I appreciate things more and more almost every day. I've seen things I hope to never see again...although, I'm pretty sure I will. I thought some of my 'bad days' back in states were hard to handle...well, I don't think some of the worst will ever amount to my bad days here. I've learned a lot being here. Some of the things I've learned...it's a shame that I had to learn them here...speaking of my friends back home. It's amazing what you will find out about someone when you're not around them. Great friends become not so great at all. Then, good friends become great. I've learned who my real friends are, that's for sure. Thank you Josh. Thank you for being there when I needed you. I feel everything that we do in life and everything we go through is a learning experience. I also feel/know that everything happens for a reason. There is nothing that we do or don't do that doesn't have an effect on us at a later time in life. I also believe that if God brings you to it, he'll bring you through it. I'm almost through this experience, and I'm looking forward to my next. Looking back....oh looking back. This has been an experience I'll never forget. Maybe some of the details will escape me...and that's fine. But this experience will last a life time. Like I've said before, some people will have to make up stories and make up what they think they did here...I know what I did, and I'm proud of what I've done. Well, as I sit here and think about my previous posts and entries, it's been a long road. I'm kinda surprised that this is coming to an end already...but it is. Well, I'm not sure what else to say. I don't quite feel satisfied with this last paragraph...but I'm at a blank. The feelings inside just won't transmit to my fingers. It's unexplainable. It reminds me of the scene in Black Hawk Down...I'd try to explain it, but you just wouldn't understand. It's not about me, it's about the man next to me.

Till next time....

Somewhere in Iraq
sgt wormy / SGT Strader, Jeremy

Remember Me??

OK, I have not posted in a long time and I am sorry. There are have been a lot of things going on in my life, and honestly, I did not want a lot of people knowing about it. I think I mentioned that I have to be careful of what I say on here because a couple things I said were taken out of context. Keep in mind that all things said on here are our own PERSONAL opinions and not that of others, the military or any other person or organization in the world. If your name is mentioned and you do not want it here, tell us and we will remove it as soon as possible. We have granted this request a few times in the past. There is no need to hold a personal grudge or treat others differently because you did not like was said on here. With that said....

My life has been a roller coaster here recently and I just got settled in the US. That is right, I am back in the states now. I have a lot of mixed feelings about it. I was in Germany to have my gall bladder removed due to gall stones and other nasty stuff. While I was there I kept having pain and they decided that it was better for me to return to the states and receive treatment for it here. The treatment has been taking it easy and going to the doctor for it once a week. No matter what rumors or reasons you have heard, I was sent home for my gall bladder. I am not going to entertain the other rumors that are out there I am hearing about.

Now that I am here, I am back in physical therapy for my ankle and will be held in the wounded warrior unit until I am released from that as well. They are not sure why I am still having pain other than I sprained and fractured my ankle back in Oct. I start my third week of therapy on Tue and then it is back to the doctor to see what is going with it. I can tell you it is not getting any better and it is concerning some people here if there is something that is being missed or there is something else to it.

Also, I am going through the normal psychological evaluations that is required when you return from a war zone. That has been a lot of fun. I thought about sharing it with you, but I figured that was a little too personal.

I am in a good unit with good leadership that really looks after the soldiers. I will be in this unit for a few more months at least, or until my ankle is better. My stomach is doing a lot better, all except for it is hard to handle certain foods. I just wish my ankle would stop hurting.

OK, now you know the personal stuff, it is on to the good news. Tessa, my wife (oh did not tell you all that we got married 16Oct when I was home on leave), and I bought a house. We closed on it yesterday. We are very excited about it. It is a new house that was just finished in a new neighborhood. We have a new addition to the family as well. Masey is our German Shepard/Chow mix. She was Tessa's dog for a long time. She is house broken and stays in the house with us. She is a great dog. She sleeps on the end of the bed at our feet and keeps our feet warm for us. She loves to go for rides. Every time I get ready for work, she thinks she is going for a ride with us. She gets a little upset when she does not get to go. We take her to Lowes and to the pet store with us when we go. She really loves it and the people always want to pet and play with her.

Tessa and I got to go to Parris Island and see her brother Bryan graduate from Marine Boot Camp. That was very interesting.

Life has been interesting for us and exciting the last month.

I have not seen Courtney as much as I would like, but that is no surprise. My attorney needs more money, but we are not sure where are going to get it seeing that we have a mortgage now and money will be tight for a while with me coming home so early. That is something that we have to put faith in God to help us through. We are really fighting to get more time with Courtney. She is getting really big. It is so much fun to have her around and she really loves Tessa, or Tessa Mommy as she calls her. I just hope that I get that extra time with her that I am fighting for.

I want to thank everyone for the support they have shown us and I will try to continue posting on here as much as I can. I will aim for at least one a week. Please continue to keep all the warriors out there in your prayers.

I hope to get some pix of the house and Masey on here as soon as I can. I am really proud that we have a house that we can call our own. We are more excited than you know. Life is going really great for us even with all the things we have to deal with recently.

I want to thank mom and dad for all the support and help they have given us. They moved us into the new house and really go the extra mile for us. We love them with all our heart and could not ask for better parents. Mom and Dad, we love you!!

Jeremy is due home soon and I cannot wait to see him. I know that Courtney is missing him as much as he misses her. She is always asking about him and want to know when he gets home. We are really trying to make sure that we are able to have Courtney when he gets home. It will mean the world to him and I am doing all I can to make it happen.

On a side note, I want to ask everyone to take a step back and realize that we have a new president. Although you might not have voted for him, he is our Commander in Chief and those of us in the military took an oath that we will obey the orders of the president. I get tired of hearing the comments about his race, his past and so on. I will support him no matter what. That is what I have raised my hand and sworn to three times now. I plan on doing it again this year. We have to support our leadership. My current First Sergeant made a great point on Thursday when he pointed out that if we have a problem with a black president, we have a problem with black First Sergeants and Sergeant Majors and other black leadership. We have a problem like that, we need to step out of formation, take our uniform off and go find a different job. I have to agree with what he said. It made great sense to me. God did not ask us what race we wanted to be when we born. We did not have a choice of our race, but we do with how we lead our lives and influence others. It is time that people grow up and support the man that seems to have a lot of great ideas already. I am excited to see what he does about the Middle East. Also, the blacks and other minorities did not vote him in. Blacks only make up about 13% of the voting population. I remember hearing that the college educated middle aged people are the ones that voted him in. That tells you the "smart" ones thought he was the better choice. So, sit back and think about it. I know that a lot will not agree with what I said, but you will get over it and one day you will realize that this huge historic event made a huge change in our country and we took a step forward. A HUGE step forward.

Mom and dad, we love you.

Jeremy, it almost time for you be here and we are all excited. You better come see the new house!!

Courtney I miss you and love you.

Tessa, it is great to be home in your arms again!!

TO everyone else, thank you again for the support!!!!!

SGT John Strader
7512

Until next time.....

Comments....

As always, I'm starting out by saying thank you to those who continue to show your support and check out our blog.

Comments....I'll get straight to it. THANK YOU! Thank you for your request for this to continue when I get home. Much appreciated. I didn't know that someone cared that much to keep hearing how things are going once back in the states. And, to answer your question, yes. I'll keep posting when I get home. I'll take my computer with me on my much needed vacation and do my best to write some things on here. I'll put up some pics of me snowboarding all over the east coast. I'm SO excited about going snowboarding!! I just can't wait!! But back to the comment asking me to keep writing. I've thought about that just about all day and told myself I would not go to bed until I had written a response. So, to all of our 'adopted family' yes, I will do my best to keep the thoughts coming. Honestly...there are some events coming up that I know I will need to vent about. I know there will be a few nights in the near future that I will look forward to coming home, putting on my sappy country music, and start typing. There's something about it. It's like a release for me. I guess it's a captive audience...kinda like when you're talking to someone and you're trying to explain something. You know they're listening, but you can also tell they are thinking of a response at the same time...or they're looking away at something or someone that has caught their eye. They hear you, but they're not listening. Well, here...I feel like you listen. Part of that is because I type and type and type until I have explained myself completely without interruption. I guess it goes back to the concept of sometimes we don't need someone to listen to us so they can give us an opinion...we need them to listen just to listen. So yeah. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need someone to just listen when I get back home. When I get back home I'll have to face all of the personal issues I've kept away from you for the last 12 months while I've been gone from home. I'll just have to figure out a way to keep it somewhat private, but by then...I may not care anymore. Well, part of the reason for not blasting my personal life on here is because I feel like people read this to get an idea of what it is like to live in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, to get a glimps into the lives of a couple Soldiers at war. Hence the name of the blog. If this was a blog/story about my personal life...it would either be titled "What the Hell??" or "Days of Our Lives...Seriously, That Happens??" SO, with that being said...it gives me a few ideas of how to keep it Soldierly. Documenting the re-adaptation to society and dealing with the reintegration back into civilian life is plausable. And very reasonable. I have my marriage to get back to...kinda, my job...which is not medical at all, my friends...that have betrayed me, my family..that has loved me and I owe so much to, my responsibilities...my house needs fixed (friends' betrayal)...bills... and other 'stuff'. So yeah...I'm sure I can find a way to keep the blog going. It shouldn't be too hard. It will be too cold to ride the motorcycle. In the summer time...riding the motorcycle is my release. An afternoon riding around in the country...is the best way for me to completely forget all the crap that we let get us down. BUT enough of the sappy garbage, I'm going snowboarding in less than 30 days!! This time next month...I should find myself in Ohio or New York cruising down a mountain in some fluffy winter snow. Too many good things to look forward to.

Thank you again for your comments and i greatly appreciate it! To all of those who have left comments on here, you're awesome!

Mom and Dad, I LOVE YOU!! And I'll see you soon!!!

Somewhere in Iraq,
sgt wormy

7472

Answers...

Hello again! Well, here i sit just chilling. Waiting and counting the days down to leaving this crazy place! Thank you again for all of your continued support while we have been overseas. Thank you for continuing to visit our blog.

Answers...I'm not too sure where to start this. Well...my mom commented and asked if all of those things and times where I said "if I told you, I'd have to kill you" would ever be finished...will the other half of the story that you never heard ever be told? Well...I guarantee not on here. And, she's probably right. She'll not find out for years to come. I'm not sure if anyone will know the other half of those stories, well, other than those that were here of course. It's kinda hard to explain. The other half of those stories are there....but will I ever want to re-live those days and events...probably not. At least not for a while. They are stories of people's lives that were changed for ever...some, lives that were ended short. It's more than stories though. It almost degrades to relate the series of events as a mere "story". This whole thing reminds me of something I told our replacements the other day. I was showing them around the post and I told them: "I know you all want to work during the day because that's generally when all the "crap" happens. Medics have this weird mentality that they want to see all the blood and gore. Trust me, the less you see...the better off you'll be. I've seen enough. I've seen enough to last a life time. You don't want to see the things I've seen. You don't want to do the things I've done." Just like they don't understand and probably think I'm talking crazy or something...people back home want to hear the other half of the stories. People back home and Soldiers that haven't been here want to hear about the gore and nasty "shit" that happens. Why? Why do you want hear about Soldiers and other people getting shot, blown up, and hurt? Why do you need me to confirm that war sucks. You've seen it on TV. You've seen the wounded Soldier organizations. You've seen where wounded Soldiers need help when they get back to the U.S. Personally, I think folks back home and Soldiers that haven't been here have the some of the same odd mentality that Medics have. You want to see the bad stuff. You want to fill that spot of curiosity in your head. I understand. I do....but please don't ask me to fill that spot of emptyness. Because honestly, just like I told the new guys...you don't want to see it. You don't need to see it. You just don't. I guess it would be different if we were talking about something else... I can't even think of an example. But, we're talking about the highest sacrafice a person could ever make for his/her country. And those, those stories are to be held in high respects with high regard to their families and preserving their sacrafice.

Mom, I completely understand why you want to hear what happened over here. Please don't take this post personal. You're not the only that has asked. But, maybe one day. Maybe one day down the road I'll open up and share. Till then...I'm sorry.

Hopefully I expressed my feelings in this post in the way I was thinking them. If you read back to one of my previous posts, it talks about how I can't stand Soldiers and other people that were over here, didn't do a damn thing, then come home and tell all these crazy stories. I've known a few. The people that keep talking and talking about what happened over here...don't believe it. Personally, I think it's a case of insecurity. They need to tell wild and crazy tales so people will like them and pay attention to them. They stretch the details, exaggerate the events, and blantatly lie about what happened. It pisses me off more than anything. Those that were here and REALLY did something...won't talk about it. Now, from time to time they'll relive a good time they had over here and joke around. But for the most part, they won't volunteer an hour of stories. They won't sit around and try to compete with someone else for the best story. To me, that's the quickest way to get on my nerves. With that being said....these are other reasons why I will not walk around blabbering this and that...to me, it's just wrong.

I'm not upset that people ask what happened over here. That doesn't bother me. It's a way of showing respect in that it shows you care about the person and how they're doing after being here. Thank you. But, don't be disappointed if I respond, "I'd rather not talk about it."

Somewhere in Iraq,

I love you mom!!!
...one day I'll tell you.

sgt wormy

7435

Back by popular demand...

Well hello! Thank you to each and every one of you that continue to keep up with my brother and I. We appreciate the support you show us by visiting our page. Thank you!

Back by popular demand...well, you're right. It has been a while since we have posted anything on here. I apologize for that. Personally, it's not because I haven't wanted to, but by the end of the day, I've been pretty exhausted lately. I'm not really sure why. I think it's because I'm mentally exhausted. At the end of the day, I usually make a call home to talk to the folks, and then head to bed. I may send an email or two to some pretty helpful people that have made this last three months or so a lot better just by chatting with them about "stuff"... Like you may know, I try not to put anything personal on here and those emails have been keeping me sane...personally. As much as I'd like to say I live a pretty low drama life... it's not the case sometimes. I'd say for the most part, my life is pretty drama-free. And to some people's scale...it is. But you know how it is...some things just get to you. I appreciate the requests for a post. Usually my mom sends an email saying "boys, the blog needs a little attention." And that usually sparks an idea or the initiative to write something.

Honestly, there's not much going on. For some reason, it usually takes a memorable event to spark the 'thinker' in me. I guess it's my way of getting out the hardships of the days over here. Lately, work has been a pain in the butt. To make things worse, it's because of the medical side of it. It's been tough lately because of the "Soldier" side of it. There's a lot more to my job than being a medic. Just like any Soldier in the Army, there's more to our job than doing our specific job. But that is neither here nor there I guess. We'll take what is thrown at us, deal with it, and keep on going. That's our job too...

Like I said, there hasn't been much going on over here. If you watch the news then you'll know that the elections are coming up over here. Any time of elections over here is always an exciting time. We'll see how it goes. Elections are on the 31st so it's getting closer.

I'm not sure if everyone knows or not, but John is back in the states. He had to have his gallbladder taken out so they sent him to Germany for surgery. Well, after consideration, they decided to send him on home for continued care. After returning home, they decided that he would not return to Afghanistan. His tour is over. He's back at home with his lovely woman and little girl. Well...he gets to see his little girl from time to time. Does anyone know a good family lawyer in East TN?? He could REALLY use a new one. But yeah, he's back in the states recovering and living the life. He's planning his wedding, he bought a house, and he seems to be doing pretty good. He did find out some unfortunate news...seeing that his tour was cut short, he may get deployed again this year with another unit. So by the end of 09 he may be back in Afghanistan...and we'll probably be able to start a new blog...or just keep this one going...that brings another thought to mind...but I think I'll leave it alone. It reminds me of my favorite scene from a movie. Black Hawk Down: One of the very last scenes, they are standing under the tent getting ammo and something to eat. The one guy tells the other he shouldn't go back, just relax, you don't have to back out...then he says, "you know, people back home ask me if I'm some kind of war junkie or something. I don't even try to explain to them, because they won't understand. They don't understand it's about the man next to you." So, I would try to explain...but you wouldn't understand. Sorry.

So, I hear that the weather back home is pretty CHILLY to say the least...I found it funny that the continental US is -30 and lower in some places, but Alaska was sitting nice at 35 above 0. Odd. IT MUST BE GLOBAL WARMING!! LOOK OUT!! Whatever... I try not to read too much into the whole "the world is coming to an end" kinda theories. It just causes unneeded stress. I've got enough going on without someone freaking me out about the glaciers in Antarctica melting and flooding California. Which, no offense, is my least favorite state in our wonderful country anyway. I know we have a lot of Cali readers, and I'm sorry if I offended you, but.... it's just not somewhere I would want to visit, live, or be stuck. I think the mountains of Colorado is as close as I care to get. I have a few reasons, but I won't get into that.... Anywho...it's been cold back home. It's not been too too bad here. Getting down to around 34 at night and around 55 in the day is what I've been enjoying. So it's a little chilly in the morning, but then the afternoons are really nice. It's cloudy right now so it's a little warmer outside...I'd guess about 40-45 maybe. I don't mind one bit that it's cold back home...that just means more and more snow for me to play in when I get home. It means that more slopes will be open and I'll have better conditions. I can't wait!! I'm excited!! That's the number one thing I'm looking forward to when I get home...well, family first, then snowboarding. I wanted to go to Colorado and snowboard...but it looks like it is going to cost a little too much for me to go out there... $800 plane ticket, $500-ish lodging for a week, food, and not to mention some refreshing beverages...oh and plus the potential $300 just to snowboard for 5-6 days... SO I'm thinking that a well planned road trip to OH to see the family, continuing to southern NY, back home through WV, and finishing back in good ol TN. A three week adventure that should be pretty fun. Now, the first two weeks will be pretty minimal spending...staying with family and all. SO...it should be fun. It'd be nice to be able to take someone with me so I'd have some company on my roadtrip...but come on...who can take off work for three weeks?? Oh well. OK so now I'm rambling. You logged on here waiting to hear some good stuff about the life in Iraq and read the words of a Soldier and all that hooah hooah crap. Sorry to disappoint. But, we're human too. AND if you have been keeping up, you've gotten the complete story. From back home in training, to going to Kuwait, to ending up in the third largest city in Iraq. You're read about the craziness and explosions when I first got here, to now where they don't even faze me. My chu just shook like something HUGE went off...oh well. I don't have any holes in me...so cool. You've gotten the chance to read about the first days when i would have crapped my pants. You've gotten to read about some of the worst things a Soldier or any person would want to deal with....and now...now you're reading the happiness and joy of a Soldier that is almost done. It's coming time to train the 'replacements'. It's a cycle. If you've read half of the 127 posts we've written, then you might have a pretty good picture of what a Soldier's life here is like. Then again...you only got the 'G' rated version. The 'R' rated version won't come out for a long time...if ever. There are times when you have to let the mind wonder and paint it's own picture to keep the respect of what happened. And also to respect those who were involved. But, one thing you may not understand is this; I have it pretty damn good over here. I have a warm, two man room to sleep in. I have internet, wall lockers, and electricity. Others...others are still living in tents. Some are sleeping in the gym due to a lack of space. But...it's the sacrafice of being a Soldier. I guess I just don't want you to think I'm trying to take credit for being a badass and all. Not the case. That brings another thought to mind. I've said it before, and I'll say it again.
Some people will tell stories and tales of what they did over here. They will tell you what you want to hear. They will tell you what they want to hear to make themselves feel better for what they didn't do while they were here. They'll get up and yell out in a crowded place, "yeah while i was in Iraq" or "yeah, I just got back from Iraq..." Others....others KNOW what they did over here. Others will go home with their head held high, KNOWING they impacted other Soldiers or the people of Iraq. They won't beg for your attention. You'll go all night and not even know they have a world of hurt, and memories from a world so far away. You'll never know. But they will. And as long as you can look yourself in the mirror and be happy with what you see....then you're doing pretty good. As for me...I know what I did. I know what I didn't do. And I guarantee this, when I get up in the morning, shave, and brush my teeth...the man looking back at me has nothing to be ashamed of and is proud to be an American Soldier.

Somewhere in Iraq,
sgt wormy

Something to think about....

Well, hello!! Thanks to all of those that continue to show your support to my brother and I. We greatly appreciate it!!

Well....I'm counting the days till I get the heck out of here!! There's been some things that have happened, but you know the drill...If I told you, I'd have to kill you. Well...I wouldn't really be that mean...maybe I could get away with cutting your tongue out...so you couldn't talk...anyway...just kidding. I'm not THAT mean.

Well anyway...this post really doesn't require me to type a whole lot...I found something that was pretty interesting so I thought I would put it on here. Now, although I agree with a lot of the following, I don't agree with all of it. Well... I think I will take a few minutes to vent about some of the other things going on in our world before I post that....

1) Little Caylee's grandparents are almost just as guilty as the mom. There is no explanation that you can give that would calm me down about this. The other day I saw that they were wanting immunity. WHY?? OH that's right, little Caylee lived in YOUR HOUSE!! It wasn't like the mom and Caylee lived in an apartment or had their own house...they lived with the grandparents. SO they are an accessory to murder. They more than likely knew about her disappearance/murder but played stupid. Come on, who watched her while the mom was at work...who picked her up from preschool or daycare or took her here and there...There is NO WAY you can tell me they didn't know something happened to their precious grand daughter. Basically, I think they knew, and covered it up as long as possible and finally they told the mom, "we're not covering this up anymore, we're calling the cops". AND so here we are now.

2) Why are people burning U.S. flags because Israel is kicking some ass in Gaza? Ok, so maybe we support them, and maybe we aren't getting involved with the cease fire and all... It's not our fight. One more time...It's not our fight. 80 rockets came into Israel on Christmas...80! If Canada or Mexico shot 80 rockets into the U.S....I feel pity on them. What do you expect?? And those 80 were just the beginning. It's almost a fact that Hamas hates Israel, stockpiles weapons, and eventually shoots a bunch into Israel for shits and giggles just to piss them off. SO the outcome...Israel returning the favor. Is that seriously out of the question?? But what really bugs me about all this is the hatred and protests across the world towards the US. Why? We didn't shoot 80 rockets at Israel...they did. OH, I get it... we are the world police and you want to know why we're not getting involved. I'll tell you why...justice is being served. We weren't needed. So take all of your picket signs and crap, go back home, and wait for something worth protesting... OH like the government bailing out the "Big Three"...or Caylee's grandparents asking for immunity.

3) At what point do you say enough is enough? At what point do you tell your boss to piss of, call his boss, and vent to him the problems that have been going on for the last 9 months?? At what point do you get fed up with being treated like a "red-headed step child" and tell the "higher-ups" how you feel about the way things are being done, how your being treated, and how you've been treated like crap. At what point? At what point do you just flip the hell out? What point do you stop taking the crap from others, look them in the face, and say "You're done!!" ?? When does that happen? Now, I am reminded of the serenity prayer:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

So with that being said...should I accept the lawlessness of those around me, use my courage to report the offenses, or look for wisdom from my peers and realize it wouldn't do any good anyway. Some people/Soldiers just don't realize they are in Iraq and continue to live and do the childish, immature, and rediculous things they do back home. What needs to happen to snap these folks out of stupidity and into reality? Wait...some people are just unable to be helped. I've tried, we've tried, and no positive results have came from our efforts. Maybe when "uneducated" people say that a person can't be helped...they're right. I'm starting to believe it. I also believe that stupidity, immaturity, and the lack common sense has no border. It doesn't stop with one group of people. No one is immune. Unfortunately. It would be nice to escape it once in while.

ANYWAY...so here's what I got a kick out of earlier. I hope you didn't mind me venting a little. I'm ready to come home, and I'm ready to get away from the over abundance of the foresaid people. That's the best way to put it. Without further ado:

wouldn't it be great....?

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT (DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN) GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH ...


My Fellow Americans:
As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.

Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraqis complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Polandare some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China.

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska- which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. They care.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism.. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."
Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from America . To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget. To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic. God bless America. Thank you and good night. If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.
_________________________________________

Ok then...there's your something to think about.

I love you all! And again, thank you for your support!!

Somewhere in Iraq
sgt wormy

7170

Wounded Warriors

First of all, thank you to everyone that is showing support to my brother and me during our time away from family and friends.

I wanted to make sure that all of you are aware of the different organizations and people that help to take care of our wounded Warriors here in Germany. I was contacted by MaryAnn Phillips, Vice President, Warrior Medical Support Europe from www.soldiersangels.org while I was here in Landstuhl for my recovery. She is someone that follows the blog and found out that I was here in Germany and made an effort to say hello. The people from www.soldiersangels.org are helping here in the building that I am living by stocking and supplying a small kitchen with food and drinks that help to break the norm around here. We are very thankful for what they do.

I also want to mention the USO, www.uso.org. For those that do not know it is, they are an organization that funded soley on generous donations and the volunteering of people that care. They have a great center here that is treating the soldiers great. They being in food, give us a place ot hang out, watch movies, call home for free, and use computer and wireless connections for those of us that are lucky enough to have laptops. They also provide trips to soldiers to help get out of the barracks and see a different part of the world. Some these trips are funded out of pocket from caring people that just want to help our wounded brothers and sister feel more comfortable see that others care about them. The USO is also what brings celeberties and entertainers to Iraq and Afghanistan to entertain us.

I encourae you all to please take a look at the organizations and tell them thank you for what they for they do and if you can, give a small donation to show you care. I promise that after what I have seen here, I will be showing more support to my USO and people like www.soldiersangels.org.

I have to say that the people here are treating us great and do all they can to make us comfortable while we wait for a trip home or back to our units in Iraq or Afghanistan. I have not taken advantage of the trips or the sightseeing yet and it does not look like I am going to. I am still recovering and trying to get used to the changes that my body is having to go through. I am having to get used to eating different. After I eat, it is kind of hard for me to do much because I guessm y system is still getting used to having parts missing.

I return to the doctor on Mon for my checkup and we will see what they brings me.

Mom sent an email asking what we did for Christmas and New Years. Well, for me, nothing. Absolutley nothing. I sat in a room alone and watched TV for a while and then went to bed.

I can tell you that this year I plan on completely stopping smoking and dipping. I am not smoking now, but I am still dipping and I plan giving it up really soon for good.

For those that are praying people, I ask that you pray me, my wife, and my brother. We have some unspoken requests and we could all really use the prayers.

I am sorry that I do not have much to write about that is exciting, but the focus of this post is to ask you all to please check out www.uso.org and www.soldiersangels.org. They are really do a lot for the troops and I think they deserve a look by everyone.

I hope that all had a great Christmas and New Years.

Notice how this time it was not all about Tessa. Did you think I was not going to post on here and not mention her?? You have to be crazy if you think I was not going to throw in there how AMAZING she is how supportive she is to me.

I love you all and thank you for the support that you are showing us.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Well HELLLOOO!! First, as always, thank you to all of those that continue to show your support to my brother and I. We always appreciate it!

Well, I apologize...I haven't written on here in some time. I could make excuses and give some good reasons...but..it wouldn't change much. I'm sorry. SO I'll try to make up for some lost time and tell what's been going on in my world....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Christmas this year is one that I will probably never forget. I would love to tell you I won't forget it because I was 9,000 miles-ish away from home and being in Iraq was significant enough....well...I really wish that was the only reason why it will stick in my head for a very long time. Christmas morning was ok....Christmas evening my group and I enjoyed a nice dinner together at the DFAC and got our picture with Santa. Then we came back to the office and opened presents. I had some stockings made for everyone and they really enjoyed them. We all got the biggest kick out of it because they knew I had wrapped some small toys and put in the stockings...well...what I didn't know is that they wrapped a few gifts themselves and put in one stocking in particular. We were all sitting around and they kept telling the one female to look in her stocking and open stuff....the first odd thing was a fly swatter...it was pretty funny and she whipped a few of the others for a good laugh...but that wasn't it. They told her to keep digging...keep digging...well she pulled out this little 2 inch x 2 inch gift....she started to unwrap it and just started yelling and chasing the other females around the office....all the way out into the hallway....little did I know they had wrapped a peice of charcoal! It was absolutely funny! So after we got calmed down from the whole "lump of coal" in her stocking, we started unwrapping presents and everything. It was nice, I got a collection of UFC DVD's... NICE! A few others got clothes, gift cards, and I bought my person a bunch of cartoons. Bless her heart, she's young at heart and loves cartoons! So I got her several different cartoon DVD's. She loved them....and still is enjoying them. So Christmas evening was great. I finally got to call home around 2100 my time and was able to talk for about 15 minutes but that was it.... We all wanted to call home around 1600 or so but we weren't able to...(8am east coast) but at least we were able to call home.

Happy New Years!! Now last night was fun! We played some poker and watched TV and I hung out with some of my buddies over here. It was odd...we celebrated New Years at midnight last night, then again at 0800 this morning while we were watching the ball drop in NY...It was weird. I did get to call home and wish my family Happy New Year's this morning so that was good. I had a weird feeling about things this morning...and usually those feelings are pretty spot on some how...but today went by without a glitch....OH before I forget...the New Year's Eve program that we watched this morning with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Gifford...that was the worst New Year's Eve show I've ever seen. Kathy was absolutely horrible, rude, and unpleasant to watch...it's too bad it was our only choice to see the ball drop in NY. Even the guy that was in New Orleans was rude...he kept judging people, at one point he commented how glad he was to get off Burbon St. because of all the "happy" people were acting pretty crazy...HELLO IT'S BURBON STREET! Did he expect a street full of Christian school girls on a field trip??? Of course the people were getting drunk and having a good time but he shouldn't have insulted the entire mood of the folks and the people themselves....he finished his part of the broadcast by moving to a new spot to watch the ball drop...he commented on how they were going to watch the ball drop but didn't think many others would remember it in the morning... SO WHAT! It's their choice to drink and party...he shouldn't judge. I guess Kathy had me all worked up by the time he said all that crap...she kept interrupting the other anchors covering Time Square and just talking about some of the most random crap. The disgust on Anderson Cooper's face was SO OBVIOUS. You could tell he wanted to be finished with the evening's events and get away from Kathy. One of the last things she said, thinking that she was off camera and her mike had been cut, she told one person to "shut up", another to "get a job", and another one "I don't come to your work and knock the dicks out of your mouth...GET A JOB". Yeah...very unimpressed. Like I said, it was not a good New Year's Eve show like they normally have.

Anyway...so life is going pretty ok right now. I'm so ready to get the heck out of here! I'm more than ready to come home!! I seem to be pretty on edge lately...a little snippy, and a little short fused. I'm thinking that it will get better the closer we get to coming home, but it for now...I think it's the lack of good sleep. I feel there are a few good reasons why I'm short fused lately... it seems like I've got a lot going on in several different aspects of my life. My house that I let someone live in for free while I was over here so they could "babysit my house"....well, it's a wreck and it seems like there's not any "fixing" that's going to take place anytime soon. I've got a little situation in WV where we like to hunt so much each year. A distant family member said in the background of a phone conversation the other day..."if he thinks he has it hard over, just wait!!" Yeah....see that's were you're wrong. There's nothing that a distant family member can do to even get remotely close to what's going on over here....so don't waste your time trying. Then there's the "stuff" going on over here that is not combat related....adding a little extra stress here and there...but, it's all good. I'm not worried. I'll be home soon. I'll be far away from the people getting on my last nerve, and closer to those that touch my heart like nothing else in this world.

Well, enough blabbering for now. Well...almost. Do you remember growing up and kids running for class president, making all those promises they thought you wanted to hear...like, pizza for lunch every Friday, more time for lunch, snack machines and drink machines will be installed... you know all that stuff you wanted to hear just to get you to like them and vote for them. THEN when they got elected, the didn't do jack shit. It was only then they realized they couldn't fulfill all those wonderful things they said they could...then you found yourself looking at them like, "what the crap!" Isn't it amazing that no matter how old we get those same principals exist.

Again, I want to thank everyone for your support and love you've shown to my brother and I. I'll try to write more on here in the coming days. Thank you, and I love you all!!!

Somwhere in Iraq,

sgt wormy