Two Brothers, Two Countries, One Army

Another Day in Afghanistan

2010-09-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

I know that it is weird that I went so long without a post and now there are two in one week. Well, I am back to speak my mind.

First thing I want to talk about is the Pastor from Florida. I cannot believe that he was considering burning Qurans after knowing that doing so was going to put so many of us over here in danger. I am glad that he changed his mind, for whatever reason. There is one thing that I heard him say yesterday though that I have to agree with. Americans and Christians do not go killing people because they burn a bible or a US flag. I am not sure if that shows our lack of dedication, or we are more civilized. I will say that over all, I agree that Muslims are a peaceful people and that a handful of people ruin it for all the others. I know that as Americans it is hard to remember that after so many things negative have happened that were done in the name of Allah. I have worked with, and sat for hours and talked to Muslims. One that our ANA (Afghan National Army) counterpart stressed to me was that Muslims are peaceful people and it is a small number of people that are ruining it for the rest of them. We as Americans know how that is when it comes to racism and other sterotypes that we experience in our culture. For example, there are people that think that Soldiers are alcholic womanizers and are no good when it comes to relationships. I will not even go into the sterotyping of African-Americans. That would could get me yelled at or in trouble. We all have an opinion and are entitled to it, but we have to remember that all people are not bad if they are associated with a certain group or race. The Afghans that I work with and talk to on a daily basis are great people. They are dedicated and hard working. The dedication does not lay with the US though. I talked to a few and hard of others talking to Afghans that admitted that if the burning happens, then they would not know where they would side because they are so dedicated to their religion. Any religion that has people pray multiple times a day and there is nothing that will stop them, is something that I would take serious. I can see both sides, although I am not siding with either. I am siding with the safety of me and my brothers and sisters in the military.

I think that is enough on that for now. I can go on forever on that one. I want to complain about life here now. We had about 350 people on our FOB (Forward Operating Base) until last week. They sent about 80 more to live here for a months until they can move them to another location. That is not the bad part. The bad part is that we have limited number of computers to use and phones to use for MWR. Now, you add 80 more people to an already crowded situation, and it only gets worse. It is doable, but not fun. Now take all those people and add them to the line in the chow hall. It is already bad enough without having to add to that. But the worst, is the showers. We currently have 12 shower stalls on my side of the FOB, which is where about 70% of the people use. 12 shower stalls would work on a normal day, but are down to 6 usable showers. One building with 4 showers in it has been being renivated for over a month now. That means we cannot use it. Then there is the other building that has 4 shower stalls and only 2 work. As of this morning, we are looking at one of the two going down. You would think that some one would really make an effort to fix these issues. I am sure they are, but it is really causing a lot of mad soldiers when they have to wait 20 minutes to get a shower or there are 4 people trying to use one sink. I know this is bitching and I do not have the details, but I am sharing what is going on here.

Lets not forget the fact that we are out of space for people to live on our FOB and now we have to find space for even more Soldiers. The Army decided to send all these extras troops over here, and they have nowhere to but them. The situation in Bagram is even worse. I have heard stories of Soldiers having to find places on the floor to sleep when they are leaving for R&R and returning as well. A Soldier that returned a couple days ago informed me that she slept on the floor for 4 days. They want to up the forces here, but there was not enough planning to make it happen. Bagram has gotten insane. I am glad that I am on such a small FOB and do not have those worries.

I have complained about some things that Soldiers are complaining about all the time, but overall, this has been an easy deployment outside of the drama that I have to deal with in my office. There are some things that I do not agree with and would love to change, but I am not high enough on the totem poll to make that happen. Why make complaints to high command when it will come back down that I complained and then life only gets worse for me hear? I would rather keep my mouth shut, do my job, and hold my head high. There are some things that have happened to help keep my head high, although there are some things to make me hang my head. I do my best to do like my says and not let it show they get to me. I have found ways to vent and also found ways for my Soldiers to vent and it stays with me.

Lets jump to something else before I go on too much about that. Last night about 2am I woke up to my lips tingling and my body feeling very hot, and I was feeling really sick. I got a little worried and went to the JOC to sit so that I was around people in case I got bad or something. I was feeling bad enough that I was worried. I sat there for about 30 minutes and felt better. I went back to bed and woke up about 4am feeling the same way. I sat up in bed and waited until I felt better. I decided not to have them wake a medic to check on me, although now I know that could have been a huge mistake. I was talking to medic and found out that I was having an allergic reaction to the Amoxicillan I was given for a sinus infection. I also found out that it could have been very bad for me. So now I know that I cannot take penicilan for the rest of my life because it could possibly kill me. That is always great news when you are having a great day. I could go on about the way nothing with the convoy right today, but that will be another complaining session on here.

I am glad that there are people that are following the blog and I thank you. I am glad to have such a wonderful family.

I get to talk to Courtney some now and then, but not as much as I would like. I can't wait to get home and see her!!! She means the world to me and I have a year of spoiling to do in a short amount of time in Nov.

Thank you to everyone for the support and God bless you all. And to do not forget what happened 9 years ago today that has but so many of us over here for you!

Thanks again for all the support

SGT John L. Strader

showers

Been A While

2010-09-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that so much time has passed since the last update. I am still here in wonderful Afghanistan. There have not been many changes with the exception of several new rules on the FOB. I would go into detail and give my opinion, but you never know who will read this and make things that much harder on me.

Other than the soldiering issues that I had, things are going pretty good. I am staying pretty busy and getting a lot done. Some weird things have happened too. There was a snake in the dining facility a week or so ago. I guess it took quite some time to get the snake, a cobra, out where they could kill it and get rid of it. Of course there are still hundreds, if not more, lizards running around. They are everywhere you look. There is no getting away from them. I cannot tell you how many I have caught in my office. They are on the walls in the dining facility as well. There is a wall that I walk past at night and they are covering the wall. Last night I took the time and counted 25 on a 16 foot long wall and there were many more, to many to count. I said forget it and went on to my room.

The lizards are not the only thing there are plenty of. Mosquitoes of course, but there are these HUGE beetles that are all over as well. It gets worse when it rains, but it is bad all the time. I have never seen a bug that is this big in my life.

I was going to tell you it was boring here, and I still can. It was not there for a week or so ago, it would have been a really boring blog entry. We were directly attacked with small arms fire (guns aimed at us) and a few rockets twice in a week. The first night they hit a guard tower, which has since been rebuilt, and shot at us with machine guns. No one was hurt and the tower had to be rebuilt. That is one reason that I was waiting to write. I did not want to come here and say we have a tower that is destroyed and out defenses are weakened, attack now. That would have been crazy. A couple nights later we were hit with a couple rockets, but no real damage and no one was hurt in that either. That was the first time since this FOB was built in 2006 that it was directly and deliberately attacked. I hope it does not happen again, but I am sure it will with the elections coming up soon. Ramadan is ending soon was well. Ramadan ends and then it is time for the elections. I just with that it would cool off some here. I am over the heat and do not need any more of it.

I am not sure if in the last update I gave on my goal to lose some weight, but I am currently down 25 pounds and I have been for some time. I cannot seem to get the ball rolling to lose the last 25 and reach my goal. But one goal that I am getting closer is getting a Harley. I have been watching online and I am hoping to get a Harley VROD when I am home on leave. I have found a few that I really like on eBay, but I have not pulled the trigger yet. Hopefully it will work out for when I am on leave, speaking of which, will be in early November when I head home. I cannot wait to get home and see my wonderful daughter and get to go deer hunting in WV. Those will be the trip highlights.

Well, I hope this gets some of you up to speed on the events over here. I do have one request. We lost a friend, brother and Soldier a few days ago. This is someone that I knew personally and that makes it a little harder to accept. Please pray for his family that they have the comfort they need.

To all of you out there that support us, thank you and God bless you!!

Long Overdue

2010-07-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

I know that an update has been long overdue on here and I finally here to provide one. I am currently sitting at FOB Connolly doing the wonderful paperwork that comes with my job. I hopped a 20 minute flight over here to get some work done.
Well, there is not really much to share right now. I am sure that you heard on the news or read in the news that there was a base that was attacked here. Well, there was. It is the one that I go to on regular basis and is only a mile or so from where I stay. We have been pretty lucky that all the mortar rounds are going over us and not landing on the FOB. Makes for interesting nights when it does happen.
I have posted on my Facebook that I have lost some weight, and I have. I have been very excited about it as well. I have been working pretty hard to lose the weight and to get in shape. That means that I have been a lot pain the last month or so. My leg has not stopped hurting for several weeks, and I am not going to let it slow me down. I have fought hard to lose the 20lbs I have lost so far and plan on losing at least 30 more before I come home on leave in Nov.
I have gotten outstanding support from my family since I have been gone. They are checking on the house for me and they send me anything that I ask for. Speaking of getting what I ask for, OPERATION TROOP APPRECIATION is a great group of people that are doing a lot for Soldiers. They were pointed out to me by another unit that is on the FOB with me and they are sending some wonderful things for my Soldiers. I will not discuss what exactly they are sending right now, but I will tell you that they will take very good care you and your Soldiers. I owe them more thanks than I could ever possibly imagine. I can’t wait for the first box to arrive so that I can surprise my Soldiers.
There are really not many other things to discuss. For the most part it has been quiet on my FOB and we like it that way. Actually, yesterday, my NCOIC let us have the afternoon off so that we could relax and take care of personal things. It was nice to have that time because I was able to get a lot of things done that I needed too. To include a nice long nap.
Unfortunately my unit has lost two Soldiers, but we are still driving on. I have held off for a while mentioning that because I wanted to give the family time. It was a sad loss for us and we pray that there are no more losses for us while we are here.
Well, I know that this did not really tell you much, but I had to at least let you know that I am still out here and sweating to death. It is staying about 115-120 during the day here. It gets to a point that you are used to it, but it is still hot and hard to deal with at times. A couple weeks while I was out, I drank over two gallons of water in about 8 hours and still never peed. I know that you wanted to know that I did not pee, but that should give you an idea of how hot it is and how much I was sweating. It also makes it easier to lose some weight. I have been drinking more water than I ever imagined I would here. I am doing PT twice a day here and evening running on a treadmill or elliptical trainer, I am still soaking wet in less than 20 minutes.
I am not sure how many people out there are still reading this, or coming across it in searches, but I encourage everyone that reads to leave some kind of comment so that we know who is following us.
I know that I am all over the place today, but it gives something to do while I am sitting here. I guess I am going to close this for now and hope that my day remains quiet and easy going. Thanks to everyone out there for the support.
A special thanks to mom, dad, Jeremy, and Leslie. You guys have really been behind me all the way and Jeremy, when I get home on leave, we will fish. I don’t care if the lake is frozen over. We WILL fish and we WILL ride bikes. I miss you all and can’t wait to see you again!!!

Bombs, Mice and Stupitity OH My!!

2010-06-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Well, the bombs I cannot really talk about...I don't think. Lets just say that the other night, it was interesting here in Afghanistan in my area. I was almost asleep and then......and then.....all clear.

Now the mice, I can tell you all about, but you better not be too queasy when you read this. Two days ago it was all calm in the office and then a call came in. Some one needed to jump on a helicopter and head to another base to take the Battalion colors and US flag for a Fallen Hero ceremony. Well, the lucky one was me. I ran to my room and started emptying my backpack to take with me when...out of nowhere...well out of my bag...came a freaking mouse. I was pissed seeing that my bag was hanging on the wall on a nail. The guy in the next room said that it had to been there a long time. I know that I completely cleaned out my bag weeks prior so I know that it got in there while it was here. Well, I started dumping my bag out and out fell 6...thats right SIX...baby mice. I was even madder. So to say the least when I got back from that trip, I started cleaning and looking my room for more. None were to be found, until 3am when I heard one a box. I grabbed the box and shook it VERY hard and knocked the little bastard out. He went flying across the road. I hope he enjoyed his time in my room, because he won't be coming back any time soon.

That trip was a long one. I flew from here to three other bases that day. I got a lot of good pictures, some of which are up on Facebook. You should stop by and check them out. IF you are not on my list, ask and you will be approved.

Life here at Finley-Shields has not been too bad as long as I keep my head out of my ass. I keep messing up little things that keep snow balling into bigger things. It is also not that easy being the only guy in an office. I am having to learn alot and thankfully I have an NCO that is over me that is willing to help me and not just say "change your ways". It is challenging for us both, but I know that I will come out on top as long as I stay focused and dedicated.

As far as the rest of Finley-Shields, it is getting old. Thank God that I get off the FOB on a regular basis. The food is the same all the time so now it is getting to where I do not want to eat. That does not mean send me junk food from home, that is the last thing I need right now.

Well, it is Sat night and that means that I get to sleep in a little tomorrow. Boy am I glad too. I need it!!

I have also been lucky to have been found on Facebook by an old friend. I am very thankful for that and glad it happened.

Thank you to everyone for the great support and thanks to my parent, brother and Leslie for all that you are doing for me. Oh and I cannot forget Jay who will be here soon and Steven who is here, but on the other side of the country.

In hot as hell Afghanistan,
SGT John Strader

Another Update

2010-05-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a little while since I wrote anything that was worth reading. Now I am going to see if I can keep your attention for a little while.

Tomorrow is Courtney’s birthday and she will be six. SIX!!! My little girl is six. Where in the hell did time go? Oh wait…that’s right…I spent a year of that in Afghanistan and now another one. Being a father and in the military is not easy. You miss a lot and it hurts at times. Oh and she is graduating Kindergarten today as well. I am so proud of her and wish her mom would answer the phone for once so I could tell her. It drives me crazy.

Life here isn’t too bad. I have been doing the best I can, but of course I keep screwing up. It is little stuff that is adding up. OK, one was very important. But I fixed it. My room is pretty crappy. It is not as nice as Bagram but the only thing I do there is sleep. The rest of the day I am in the office. Hopefully it will get better. Oh and I get my first day off is tomorrow as well. I was not expecting one, but I got one. I plan on running a lot and getting caught up on some sleep. I am really starting to feel it now and when I get tired, it is not good. Mom says I get grouchy, but in this environment, it is different.

Mom and dad are doing good. It is weird for me to be gone like this and Jeremy at home. Last time we were gone together. He just better not leave when I get home. I will kick his ass!!

We are starting our R&R in Jul and I hope that I do not get stuck going so early. Mainly because I have not saved for a bike yet and I have been dropping all my money on bills and not ready to go on leave. It was not be too much fun to get stuck this early either. Only time will tell.

People ask about life here. Well, we have the biggest and nastiest beehives I have ever seen in my life right outside our door. There is also a small garden out here too. Not much, but enough to drive the sinuses insane. The heat…oh man the heat…its crazy. At 9am today it was 97 and the high was 107. Pretty sure it was well past that today. The food is not that bad but the Afghan Kitchen is pretty good. For $2 you get a lot of food and it is good. I ate it once, but I want to eat it more. With it being cash only here, I have to conserve my cash. We have no ATM or “Eagle Cash Card” systems here. Finance comes once a month and we can get cash then. The outgoing mail is only once a month as well. We do get mail every day but Wed though. Overall, I would rather be here than Bagram. Like I said it is not too bad here. The hardest part is getting used to the air here. I am trying really hard to get a PT Test score though. I need it so that I can get ready for the board and hopefully get promoted. I am trying to get to SSG before Jeremy does, but I doubt that will happen.

Once I get the PT test done, I will be able to start planning my reenlistment. I am not sure how long for this time, but my plans are another 16 years on Active Duty. I want that retirement. I am praying a lot about how to reenlist. I can choose to stay at Fort Campbell, choose a reclass into another job and hope I get Fort Campbell again, pick a location (out of the question because I want to stay at Fort Campbell for now). If I take the chance of reclassing, I would not know where I am going until I finish the school. The job I want, with computers, is about 6-8 months long at Fort Gordon, GA. The Army will send me where they need me. If that happens, I will have to put my house up for sale and not sure how that would turn out. So many things to decide on. I wish this decision was easier.

Oh, I cannot forget the mosquitos here. Holy crap are they bad. I have never seen like it before. We are required to take malaria pills here because risk is so high. The last unit that was here had 3 cases. One was actually taking the medication.

I typed this up on the computer at work and emailed it to myself so that I could copy and paste onto the blog quickly when I got a chance. Well, I have plenty of time and I added to some things.

Well, I am calling it a night and headed off to my room. God Bless you all and thank you for the support.

SGT John Strader

PS: Not sure if I posted my address or not, but here it is:

John Strader
HHC, 1STB, 1BCT, 101ST ABN DIV
FOB FINLEY-SHIELDS
APO AE 09310

Quickie

2010-05-25T00:58:00.000-07:00

Find me on Facebook. I am sorry the posts are limited on here, but I don't have time to get on here. I will work on an update soon. It is VERY hot here and the local food is pretty good too.

http://www.facebook.com/jlstrader

SGT John Strader

Short and Sweet

2010-05-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, nothing sweet about it. We are in a HOT dry climate that is killing us. Not literally....yet. I ran about 2.5 miles this morning and thought I was gonna die because I pushed it too hard and ended up puking all over my self and almost my soldiers. It was rough one this morning.

I am writing to tell you and I am finally in a long term spot and can start receiving mail. I will give you my address and a few things we know we need. We do not have a PX to speak of and rely on a convoy to take us down the road or a heli flight to another FOB. The PX we do have is only open for 2 hours a day. I have yet to make it in there to see what they have. I have no desire actually at this point. I am pretty set except for a things. I already made one trip to FOB Fenty to take care of a few things and pick a little bit of stuff I needed.

I will make a short list of things we could use. I could put the things I want, but will wait for Christmas on those things.

John Strader
HHC, 1STB, 1BCT
FOB Finley-Shields
APO AE 09310

Here are some things we could use:

clorox wipes or something to wipe toilet seats with
pre sweetened or sugar free drink mixes
Tobacco-only if you know some one will donate it. Smokeless is so hard to get it is limited to one can a day when they have it.
small junk food items-beef jerky or nuts or something halfway healthy
Other than that, the normal stuff you send soldiers.

I am sorry this is so short, but I have a chance to catch some sleep and I am going too!!

Thank you again for the support.

Oh and pray that Courtney's mom will answer the phone for once so I can talk to my daughter.

Out here in middle of nowhere.....
SGT John Strader

Another Deployment, Another Year of Fun

2010-05-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

On 26 April another deployment to Afghanistan began. We were supposed to leave on 20Apr, but due to weather, and over things out of our control, we played the game of showing up every morning thinking we were about to leave, until the day arrived that we finally did leave.

Before that wonderful trip to Manas to start the trip, I had to enjoy life to the fullest. A few weeks before departing, I took some leave to lay my grandmother to rest in Akron, OH. She had been sick for quite some time, and it was a matter of time. I went to OH to say my goodbyes in December and then again in Apr for the final goodbye.

After spending my time in OH with family, some that I had not seen in years, I decided I needed a real vacation, something I had not had in several years. Sonya, my roommate, invited me to Destin, FL with her family for a week, and I took her up on the offer. Being my first trip to Destin, I was very impressed and a great time, not to mention that I met Russell from the current and last season of Survivor at a local bar. The beaches were beautiful along with the water being clear. We had some rough seas to begin with, but the last few days it calmed down and was great. It has to the best trip I have ever had to a beach. I cannot wait to do it again. Oh and of course I went deep sea fishing where we caught some Amber Jack. Talk about some good eating fish!! I also hunted sea shells for two, trying to some to impress Courtney, and boy did I!!

Speaking of Courtney, my last week that I was home, I got to spend it with Courtney. I did have to work a little while she was there, but it was still great to spend so much time with her before leaving for so long. After talking to her teacher, it seems that going to the parks on post were the highlight for her and the most fun. That over the zoo and going horse back riding. It was great getting to see so many smiles on her face for a week. I was also blessed with mom, dad, and Jeremy and his new fiancé, Leslie coming for a visit. Courtney was glad to have them there as well. She rode back home with Jeremy and Leslie and I was told that she was a perfect angel. Well, its hard to be bad when you are sleeping the whole way. That week was over way to fast and there were so many more things to do. Hopefully when I get home I will be able to make up some of that time, granted that Christina grows a heart and is willing to let me see her.

Well, on to the trip here. We left Fort Campbell, and of course there were going to be stops on the way. The first stop was in Shannon, Ireland, where we were delayed for 6 hours. That was a lot of fun. Sitting around with nothing to do. We had the terminal to roam around in, but there was still not that much to do. After we finally left there, the next stop was in Romania. That was good place to stop. I have never seen so many gorgeous women in one place. That country is blessed with beauty. Of course we were delayed again. We sat in a very small terminal for about 5 hours this time. After that, we were finally on our way again to Mana, Kyrgyzstan.

We arrived in Manas on 27Apr. The stay in Manas was better than my previous two times. Mainly because we were not stuck in the huge tents and put in small ones, but we will pay for that later.

After a few days of Manas, were on our way to Bagram, Afghanistan. Once we arrived in Bagram, we got the payback for having nice accommodations in Manas and stuck in a huge overflow tent. The rest of unit left within a few days, I was there for over a week until I got a B hut last night and finally moved into my current room. Now I just have to get it set up like I want it.

I have been very busy since I got here receiving soldiers from my battalion and sending them on to their final locations. There have been several 24 hour days so far and many more to come. Last night was one and I was lucky that I got about 3 hours of sleep this morning. Now I have to get settled in and start working out and getting back in shape.

I know that this all short and sweet, but I had a lot to cover. I don’t want to bore everyone to death yet with details. Mom mentioned that I really needed to get on posting and she is right. Hopefully I will find out in a week or so if I staying here or if I am moving on to another FOB. When I know, I will pass it on.

Thanks to everyone for the support!!

SGT John Strader

Life

2010-03-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, life is changing for my family as we speak. For the last several months my grandma, mom's mom, has been sick and in and out of the hospital with serious problems. The time came last week for her to enter the hospital one last time. Right now my mom and her siblings are at my grandma's side with her while we wait on God to take her home. It has been a difficult time for all of us. I am about to face a year long deployment to Afghanistan and was afraid this day would come after I left. Now it appears she will be headed "home" any moment now. I am glad that I will be here for this bitter sweet moment. We all wish the suffering she is going through would come to an end so she can be at peace. I said my goodbyes to her in Dec when we thought that was it. I have not been able to get back to see her, but I will be there for the final farewell. My family is in need of your prayers.

As I am preparing for these multiple changes, I welcomes more changes to my life. Sonya, a very good friend, is going to live in my house for me while I am gone and has started moving in. I am glad that I have a friend I can trust and is willing to do this for me.

I am also taking my first real vacation in years. I am going to Destin, FL for the first in my life for a week and looking forward to it. Can't wait to sit on the beach, go deep sea fishing, and finally relax before there is nonstop work in Afghanistan.

We were informed last week we are not going to the safest place in Afghan. They went as far as to tell us that everyone will not come home. It is a sad truth and we all know the reality of it. We know that we will be in a dangerous place, but we all know what we signed up for. I love my job and there is not another job I would be doing. It is never the same thing for long. People thank me all the time. Well the thank yous go to those that support us and the wonderful people out there that realize what we do. I don't do this for attention, I do it for my family and my country.

My brain is all the place right now. So many things that are going on in life right now and so many things to share, but I am focused on my family right now and the situation with my grandma.

You expect to see a lot more posts on here starting in the next couple months. There will be a lot of "I can tell you, but I will have to kill you" stories. Expect a lot good stories though. The reality of the deployment is starting to hit and I am ready to go. My bags are pack, a month early.

Thanks again to all those that follow us on here. God bless you all!!

SGT John Strader

Dismissed

2010-03-10T17:46:00.000-08:00

Those were the words that I was looking for today in the court room as I was defending my innocence. You see, about a week and a half ago I was getting ready to leave work and I was called back into the office. I go inside and get told to go back outside and wait for my NCO to come out and talk to me. Well, she did. She told me that she was escorted to the sheriff's department to get issued an order of protection. I had no clue as to why or who would do this. Well, once to the sheriff's department I found out. Tessa had issued it. That left me confused, worried and not knowing what to do and a court date for today. So I get on the phone immediately calling family and friends trying to figure it out. After not knowing why she would do it, I called an attorney. After talking to the attorney and not knowing what surprise to expect, I coughed up the money to pay for one day in court.

Skip to today. Dad came up this morning to be there in case I need a witness to the events of last Easter. We go and talk to the attorney again before court and still have no clue what to expect.

Now it is our turn in front of the judge. Tessa takes the stand and pleads her case saying that she is scared. She admits to the judge that I had not threatened her and when asked the last time she saw me.....9Jul09. The look on the judge's face was priceless. The judge had to ask again to ensure she heard right. Then when asked for more proof, Tessa produced a blog entry that the world as able to read that was posted on 13Feb. The judge asked her how I knew she was married and she said that I was stalking her. The judge asked her if she knew that people talked. It was a great time for me. She squirmed and did not have a leg to stand on.

My attorney asked some questions but I will not go into what she said, but it did not help her. Then it was my turn on the stand. My side was not needed it seemed. My attorney asked a few questions to get some things on the record to protect me in the future. Don't want to give it away just yet.

I barely made it to my seat and the judge said there was not enough evidence and it was dismissed. I was pretty stoked over that. I am willing to bet that you can expect this to be the last time that you hear about her on here. I am glad that my freedom of speech was upheld and I can still talk about what has happened to me because of her.

On to some exciting news. Courtney lost her first tooth over the weekend while she was with me. It was very exciting. You should have seen her when woke to realize the Tooth Fairy had been there. Courtney was convinced that the Tooth Fairy was going to make a copy her mommy. Well, I sent her home without the tooth, because the Tooth Fairy had it. Once she got home, her mommy insisted that I send the tooth and I refused. Her daddy deserves one thing that is a first in her life. Well, Christina is so selfish and unwilling to let me have something that she told Courtney I had it and would not give it to her. Christina was able to get Courtney mad at me and now she will not talk to me. I am still in shock and awe over this. If you knew it all and I felt like typing it all, you would be too.

The deployment...well my dates go moved a few days so that gives me a few more days here. I would just assume to go and get it over with. But on a good note, Sonya, my old friend, is going to house sit for a year. She is preparing to move in and I am going to start moving my things around to make room for her stuff. I am glad that i will not have an empty house sitting here for some one to steal all my things. I will really owe her for this.

Well, you can tell there have been some things going on, but I still seem to come out on top thanks to God for answering my prayers.

Once again, thanks for all the support and God bless you all!!

SGT John Strader

On the road again...

2010-03-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

Just can't wait to get on the road again...whatever...well, no really wait...I'm having a blast! Oh wait, thank you to all of those that continue to show your support to my brother and I. We really appreciate it. SO where am I now???

On the road again...that's where I am. In the beautiful state of Texas. The state where death row has an express lane. Where everything's bigger...I guess. One thing that is bigger is my hotel room. I've got a sweet/suite place to stay. Like one guy said this morning, I need a taxi to get from the bathroom toilet to the shower. It's cool. Something new. Whatever. So yes. I'm in Texas. The wonderful United States Army has sent me to get educated in the ways of medicine...and I don't mind. It's food for the brain...and hopefully will help me better save someone's life one day. Hopefully. Seriously, I'm looking forward to what this training has to offer. it should be good, really good. If I said anything else...yep, you know...I'd have to kill you. ;-)

So what else is going on in my crazy life??? Well, a LOT. Kinda. It's tough because the things I want to write about, I can't. It's mostly to do with Leslie and how wonderful she is and how much I love her and I how I can't stand being away from her and all the wonderful things coming up in our lives. I will say I was just on the phone with her, and she said the sweetest thing to me. "I miss us praying together." See, about a week ago I started praying with her before we go to sleep at night. With all that's going on in our lives, and this and that...I just felt the desire to pray with her before bed. So we did. And tonight, we did too. It was great. I love being with Leslie, I love holding her, I love talking about the future, and I love this and that, this and that, and I love praying with her. It's something I've never done before and I love it! This woman is my everything. And soon, I'll be able to share all things that are going on in our lives. If you could say a prayer for us, it would be much appreciated. You see, there are a few uncertainties (sp) in our lives right now with the possibility of my going to Afghanistan or back to Iraq. It's tough living in the "I don't know stage". It's hard to plan things when a phone call tomorrow could change all of those plans. And on the same note, if I never get that phone call, it will affect a lot of things between now and then just the same. We're in a time of unknown. Our daily prayers are for God's will to be shown to us so together we can make the decisions he will bless. God's perfect timing and perfect will will be revealed in time...we just pray that we'll be able to see his will when he shows us.

My bro is going through a little bit of a crappy situation. Sorry bro. I think the next woman in your life will be better than the previous two. Well, I say that because I'm not sure how you can possibly get any worse. WOW! Love you bro! :-) Ahh, I just thought of something..but I won't put it on here. Well, whatever. Anyway...it sucks that you're being kicked in the shin right now...but that's about all it really is. A little annoying pain that will go away as quick as it came.

NEXT subject please! Ok, so here pretty soon i'll be able to write about what I'm so excited about. Till then...sorry. Keep checking back to see what's up.

OH yeah!! BTW I'm selling my motorcycle. Yep, selling my baby. My 2005 Ninja 636 is officially up for sale. It's listed on ebay. The item #320495087982 is where you'll find the listing. I love this bike. I really do. But like Leslie said about two weeks ago, "you're almost 30, you don't really need a sport bike" and yeah, I agreed. But don't get it twisted. I'm not selling my baby for her. She's actually asked me several times if I was sure i wanted to sell it. And I am. She's right. I'm getting too old for that thing. Plus everytime I ride it...I just wanna see how far I can ride a wheelie on it. Keeping that thing on two wheels is a challenge for me. Every straight stretch of road is an opportunity for me to "have fun". Plus I have the Honda. And the more I ride the Honda, the more I like it. And she likes is too. I took her on her first bike ride Christmas Day. And she liked it. It's a phase of my life. That bike stood for a lot of crazy times. The Lord watched over me more times than I can count while i was on that thing. From the Autobans in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy, to the back roads of east TN...me and that bike have shared a lot of great memories. But, it's time to let go. I hope I sell it to someone that will have as much fun with it as I did....well maybe a little less but I hope to sell it none the less.

Well, it's time to go to bed. Another day gone. Another day passed. Something just came to mind. Friday morning before meeting up with Leslie, I met with my Bible study group. Two other guys that I absolutely love to spend time with studying what the God has written for you and me. Jon, our leader, always has the best verse. God has a way of laying on him what we need to know, hear, and study each time we met. This time, it was
Jeremiah 29 - 11-13 ("For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.")

What amazing words of encouragement as Leslie and I have so many questions about our future and what we are to do next. Trust God. Trust Him with everything you have and He will bless you.

That's all for now....way past my bed time. Thank you all again for your support.

Out here,
SGT Wormy

History Repeating Itself

2010-03-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

Did not have a good title today so I used what I was thinking about, but unable to talk about it for fear that some one out there might use it against in court to get what they are after, although I am not too sure what it is.

Life has been treating me pretty good. My unit is still a lot of fun and I really like the people that I work with. They finally decided that I am redneck. Evidently they were on the fence whether I am or not. Some one said, you drive a truck, listen to country music, and sound like you are from the south. Some one then said, "I bet you wear RealTree on the weekends." I told them I tried to get some Real Tree sheets at Bass Pro but they were out of them. That was the nail in the coffin they were looking for. Now they know I am redneck and the jokes never end. I am glad they are getting a kick out of it.

Courtney has been doing good too. I got to take her to the first birthday party that she was invited to from school. It was a pool party and she had a blast, as did I. Amazing what you can learn from other parents about her mom. Didn't even have to ask. I would share it here, but I will hold that card for a while. You never know when you might need it.....

I know that Courtney knows that I am leaving again and I worried about her and how she will handle it. I will get to spend my last week here with her and I am glad. It all has to do with finally getting more time with her. Andy Farmer had a big hand in that I really owe him!!!

Now I have to get it together and get in shape and lose some weight for my PT test that is coming up. It is the last one before I take off for Afghan. Speaking of which, I am glad that I am going to have a house sitter while I am gone. I was really worried about it and now I don't have to worry. Between Sonya and Jay, my house will be in good hands while I am gone.

Well, there is not much in life that I can really talk about right now. I cannot talk some soldiering issues or some legal issues that I got pulled into until it is all over. Oh, I am not in trouble, just have to prove my innocence. Once again, lawyers fees that I cannot afford.

Oh, I did get a new tattoo. This time it is a cross made from nails on my forearm opposite of the wall I got a while back. I hope to finish my arm before I leave for Afghan. I already know what I am getting, just have to wait and see happens in the next week or so.

As always, thanks to everyone for your support.

SGT Strader, John

A Long January, Longer February

2010-02-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been back about two weeks now and finally getting back into the swing of things. So many things happened while I was gone. The large amount of snow to hit Clarksville and Fort Campbell was one thing I really wished I would have been here for. But it has snowed plenty since with more to come this weekend. While I was in JRTC I kept notes on things to comment about in case there is some one there that is headed to training there and would like to know what to expect. Remember though, I am in a battalion S-1, not a ground pounder.

The day that we left it was cold and snowing. When I say cold, I mean single digits. All I could think about was that I am in the Bastogne Brigade and here we are standing outside in the freezing weather and remember the guy in WWII that were actually in Bastogne. We were outside for a few hours and those guys were out in it for days without the comfort of heat. At the moment of realization, I was thankful for those heroes!!

After freezing every inch of our body, we were piled into some tour buses to enjoy a 14+ luxury ride to Louisiana. Well, as luxurious as a bus can be. It was not too bad of a ride though. We stopped every couple of hours to stretch our legs so it was not too bad.

The food was typical field chow. Cold and nasty. There was only a couple times that the food was pretty good. We had "hot" cold breakfast and dinner each day with MRE for lunch.

Well, I was going to write a lot more about being there, but I will say that the training was great. I learned a lot, especially seeing that I got to the unit on Monday and left for Louisiana on Thur in the same week.

There was a small PX, that was actually a 40ft trailer. It had the essentials and not much else. There were chips and a few other things. Not soft drinks though. That was killing people. We dealt with it though. It was a good thing on the limited food and drinks for me though. I was able to lose about 18 pounds in the month I was there. Actually only 3 weeks. I was very excited when I got home and stepped on a scale and saw that I lost that much. I have to keep working on it and losing as much as I can.

Well, here it is Feb and now I am packing for the long trip over the ocean. I am not leaving for a few months, but that does not mean there is not a lot of work to be done. We are packing our containers that are leaving soon for Afghan. That means we have had and will have long work days getting that piece complete. Once that is done, there will be something else that needs to get done. It is a never ending cycle.

I am making arrangements for my house while I am gone and I am hoping that my friend is still willing to live here while I am gone. I am counting on her to take care of things for me. I have not a decision on whether Buck will stay here with her or if he will go back to parents house to be with the other dogs. So much to think about and so much to do.

This is a long weekend for us with President's Day on Mon and I should have went to OH to see my grandma who is still kicking, but I have too much to do to go anywhere. Looks like I will be working on my time on Mon or Tue so that I will not have to work late every night this week. And hopefully my soldiers will not screw up so I will not have to work late either. Well, just one of them. That's a long story for another blog.

On another note and some great news, my new parenting plan has been filed in court and that means that I am getting more time with Courtney and pretty much got what I wanted. I am very excited that now I get to see more of her. I know that she is happy too. When I explained it all to her, she was very excited. This last weekend when I went home and saw her, she would not let go of me. She missed me so much that she clung to me like it had been a lot longer since she saw me. It really made feel great.

Found out this morning that the wonderful Tessa (hint of sarcasm there, well a lot of sarcasm) is now married again. 3 marriages in 2.5 years. Its only been 9 months since she left me and 7 since our divorce. Not sure how some one can do that. I guess you really have to be without a heart and soul to move around like that. From my understanding, she is still in TX and hope she never comes back this way. OK, enough of that.

Well, life is still treating me good. Although I am still alone, and lonely most of the time, life is good. Actually debating if I am going out to have a few drinks tonight. Need to save the money, but get bored sitting around all the time.

Until next time.....

SGT John Strader

Traveling to and fro....

2010-02-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

Well hello again! First as all thank you to all of those that continue to show support to my brother and I by checking out our blog. We really appreciate it. And as we come to a time of leaving and going here and there, we want to express that the comments posted on here and the words of encouragement are always welcomed, appreciated, and make us feel better. Thank you!

Traveling to and fro...well her I sit all broken hearted, tried to... ok seriously, I won't go there. If you know the rest of that, cool. If not...look it up. The best place to find the end of that little rhyme is in an Army porta potty. So anyway, here I sit in an airport waiting to leave....well, I'm pretty excited because I'm going home. Home to see my honey that I love very very much. It's really completely different when there's someone at home waiting patiently for your return. It's nice, really nice. Anywho, so I'm sitting here in an airport that I've only been in once, and that was the other day when I got here. It's not a bad place. It's a little rainy. Little chilly. A little depressing...but just a little. I needed a little sunshine today to help me feel better, but that wasn't in the forcast. But I guess it's snowing back home. That sounds like fun. I'd much rather take the snow over the rain and blah that comes with it.

So, I wonder...I wonder how many people follow this blog and where they live. ?? Now, I know my folks take a look once in a while, and my family in WV or Ohio look once in a while, but I'm curious as to who else follows this and where they live. I remember one time while I was in Iraq we got a comment from a guy in IN that was super cool. I think he even emailed me once or twice. He invited me up to IN if I was ever that direction to come ride motorcycles and hang out in his neck of the woods. Pretty cool. I think it would be really cool if you're reading this, click on the comment tab and just put a nickname or your name if want, and your location. That'd be pretty cool. I guess it brings it down a little more to a personal level. I also remember getting this card from a 6 year old while in Iraq...I carried that card in my chest pocket the rest of the time I was there. If I ever needed a smile, I knew one was close. Now a days, I know a smile is always close, no matter where, when, or what is going on...her name is Leslie. But any who...if you don't mind, post a comment. Name and location. THANKS!

Well, I think that's about all I've got on my mind for now. I think I'll watch the basketball game that's on the tv, have a beer, and relax before my 4 1/2 hour flight. Again, thank you for your support!!

Out here,
SGT Wormy

11965

What's going on??

2010-02-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

Well hello again. As always, first I want to thank everyone that keeps up with us on this blog. It's been a lot of fun and it was about to get interesting...REALLY interesting once again....

What's going on....well as you guessed John is preparing for another trip to Afghanistan, and well, I am too. I volunteered long before John got word he was going so we didn't do this again on purpose...Mom, dad...I'm sorry. So we'll be over there again together. Only this time we'll be in the same country. We'll be going at almost the same time so we should get back at the same time. It should be a good time! At least I'm hoping it will be.

I've already gotten to go some places I've never been. Last weekend I got to go to CA for my first time and I must say that I never knew there were parts of CA that are that pretty. It was nice. Now, I'm in Seattle, WA...well Ft Lewis anyway. I leave tonight though. It's not so bad up here either. At the end of the month, I get to go back to one of my favorite places...San Antonio, TX. I'm sure I'll enjoy that as well. All this in preparation for Afghanistan.

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned Leslie on here before...if not, I've been with the woman of my dreams for the last 4 months or so. I don't want to start sounding like my bro and write a love story on here...hmmmm....what ten words can sum up how much I love this woman and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her....I just can't explain it. Ten words, 100 words, not even a 1,000 words would do it. She's everything I prayed for, hoped for, and wished for. She's a dream come true, and she's making my dreams come true. Ok, enough of that. So she'e also what's been going on in my life. It sucks really really bad I have to leave her, but she knew my intentions on our first date.

Ok, so now I've got you thinking...dang these boys are crazy! BOTH going to be in a combat zone again! Well, for now you can ease yourself a just a little...my mission was cancelled...for now. So, in reality I believe it's just a delay of the inevitable, but for now, it's back to dang O'Charley's....my civilian job that I just absolutely love...whatever..no really I do. I do plan on eventually going over, it's just a matter of time.

Ok, I have to get ready for training. Hope you have a great day and till next time, keep your head up and remember, we're exactly where we are supposed to be at every second. God has you right here, right now for a perfect reason.

Out here,
SGT Strader

JRTC, Just the beginning

2010-01-18T04:39:00.000-08:00

Well here I am at Fort Polk, LA in the "box" at FOB Sword. This is really an adventure in training I have never seen. I wanted to jump on and give a quick hello to everyone out there. I know that there are some of you out there that are keeping up with us. Well it is time for it to get exciting again!! Not much longer and I am out of Fort Polk and headed back to Fort Campbell to prepare for the deployment. I have had a lot of offers for house sitters and I think I found the perfect one. Some one that needs some where to live and some one that I can trust. At least my house will not be empty and lonely.

I am working the night shift here and this was my first night. Don't really have much time left to say much, but I can say that I am ready to head home for what little time I have left. I am keeping notes of my adventures here and will post a detailed blog about it all later once I am home.

Thanks again to everyone out the and go to Taco Bell and pig out for me please!!

SGT John Strader

Oh and Jeremy, I know what you are instore for. And its not fun!!! This place is a shithole!! Even main post and boring and empty. Afghanistan is better than this bro!!

New Year, New Adventures

2010-01-01T11:12:00.001-08:00

First of all, Happy New Year to everyone!! Last night was a fun one, that is for sure. Which also resulted in laying in bed until noon and waiting on the headache to go away. It finally did and now mom and dad are on their way here i guess. They wanted to come for a visit before the adventures of the new year get under way. Yep, it is starting already.

Most of you know that I was working on a special assignment for Garrison Public Affairs with a great job doing tours on post. Well, there are people that promised they would get out of that job as soon as they could, mainly because they do not like me, and they held true to their promise. I will not go into the detail of how it all happened, but I will give a quicky on it. I was in OH seeing my Grandma as Jeremy wrote about in his last post (which we got a Christmas miracle and she is doing really good now) when I got the flu and was in the bed, and I mean only leaving to run for the bathroom, for over 36 hours. On Mon I was finally up and moving around when I got a call that I needed to get back to Fort Campbell to see the Sergeant Major on Wed. So, I took off and came back. Evidently, I was transferred to another unit on post and no one told me. I was supposed to report on 15Dec, but guess what, no one knew where I was working and no one knew how to contact me. Well, they would have if they asked the right person!! I finally got it cleared up and explained how I ended up in the tasking to Garrison and I was basically told that was over to get to my unit. I got signed in on Mon, and was informed to start packing bags. I am off to Louisiana for 30 days for some training, and then on the to desert shortly after that. So, my year is starting out great. I am preparing for a deployment, trying to find some one to watch the house, and working on a storage unit so there is nothing in the house to be stolen. Wait, maybe I shouldn't tell the world I am leaving for so long. Oh, but my neighbor will be here everyday and will be keeping a good eye on my house. And there is always insurance. Plus, not many of you know where I live.

Well, the adventure of the new year will starting very quickly but I am ready for them!!!

SGT John Strader

Again...it's been too long.

2009-12-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I continue to thank those who continue to read and support my brother and I in what we're going through in our personal lives now that we're not overseas. Thank you!! It's much appreciated.

So it's been a while since I've posted anything on here. I apologize. However, if you remember some of my previous posts I've mentioned that I was missing the one thing in my life that I just didn't have...a woman that loves me and I that I love. WELL, blame it on Leslie for me not posting anything on here...Leslie is absolutely the woman of my prayers, dreams, wishes, and thoughts. Therefore, the computer, TV, going out, and every other distraction has been REMOVED/REPLACED by Leslie. I absolutely love her! I feel like I sound like my brother in some of his posts... love love love...there's just one way to explain it...she's an answered prayer. Period. We both realize that God has placed us together for a wonderful reason. I honestly believe I will spend the rest of my life with this woman.

SO the past 6 months have been pretty ok. Been working, and enjoying my new love. If you know me, I've been home for about 10 months....and if you know my history and what I like to do...it's about that time. Right now I'm in the hospital hanging out with my grandparents. My mom's mom is the reason we're here. We're playing the waiting game.... it's not fun. I started to go home yesterday afternoon, but I turned around and came back. My family supported me so I could miss 3 three more days of work. What a blessing. It was so hard driving home last night...and finally I turned around. I'm so thankful to have the family I have. The road ahead will not be easy...but we'll make it.

I guess I could sit here and type and type about things that have happened and this and that....I think I'll put some pics up here in a few hours. I'm gonna go have dinner and get my camera. Well, I'm also pretty distracted right now...sitting here in the room with about 6 others in the family...More to come...

Out here,
SGT Wormy

Around the World

2009-12-11T18:58:00.001-08:00

You will see how the title is what is it. I will be all over the place on this one. I am willing to bet that I do not finish this tonight, but I am going to try.

I put a comment on my facebook that I was going to delete people if I do not hear from them. The main reason for that was to prove a point. I know that I only did that an hour or so ago, but it goes to show that I was halfway right. Right away I got several comments. I understand that everyone is not online at the same time, I am not that stupid. I am willing to bet that most of you on here have either a facebook or a myspace and possibly even a twitter account. OK, now that we have that established. What percentage of the people that are "friends" have you actually met in person? I know that there are some on mine that I have never met, not seen in over 10 years, or will never see again. For good reason, some of them will stay. It is a great way, and easy way, to stay in contact with high school classmates and know when the next reunion is. Better than an outdated mailing list or phone roster. I know that with the military you will be moving every few years, and at times to another country. Not to mention phone number changes. OK, the rest of the people on there? The hotty you found on a friend's list. The person that you met in an airport? The one that you hope to meet one day but know you won't? Why are they there? Do they really care what you are up to? 500 friends on your list? Are you serious? Is it all a numbers game for you? For that reason, I am cleaning house.

Buck. My wonderful dog. My backup alarm clock. My personal stink bomb. The alarm goes off and he knows that it is time for me to get up and let him outside for his potty break. If I hit snooze. He tells me that I know better and will not let me go back to sleep no matter how hard I try. The best is when I am sitting on the couch, enjoying a good night of TV when I hear a weird sound and after it registers what it is, it is too late. I am running for my life. The smell, oh the smell. It is enough to make anyone gag. You threaten to cork that ass, and he thinks I am playing. Then, another surprise. Another blast of warm ass air. I guess it is his way to make sure I am still alive and functioning. Well I am when I kick his ass outside and hope he takes care of business before he comes back. Which is usually in the yard across the street and the house just sold.

Five year old little girls. The smartest. The funniest. The cutest. OK, not the smartest, but they sure make you think. It does not take long for a day to change from good to great when you are in the presence of such an angel. Courtney is my angel. She is my reminder of all the blessings in life I have. She never ceases to amaze me. I love her to death and hope that her mom finally realizes that she love to spend time with me and my family.

Just a few little thoughts i was having. She is getting tired and so am I, so it is time for bed. Expect part 2 soon.

SGT John Strader

Provoking Thought

2009-12-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot about my past and the past of some of my friends and even current situations of friends and little bit of mine.

Before you read too far, I am not talking about one person, or to one person. I am talking about everyone, including myself, and to everyone.

You know we go through life with friends and family, and even ourselves, that come to us for advice, or just vent to us about a relationship or situation that is in front of them. It is strange to me that some of the same people would have told me what I tell them. Get out if you are not happy. Why would you put yourself in a situation where you are not happy? Why would you settle for something just because it is comfortable, not happy. Why not realize that although you will suffer a little and be unhappy for a period of time, think about the end result. A happy life in the end and not just going through the motions. I have settled in the past, and I was miserable. I know people that are settling now, because of age, kids, or whatever the reason. There is no reason for that. I have learned in the last year so many things. I have learned more than can expressed here in a short blog or a long blog that would keep attention long enough to get the point across.

I have talked to friends and others that are in situations they want out of. Or they are now with some one who is not who they thought they were. Look at my example: Tessa took me for a ride that I was not expecting. Now she is taking another for a ride. Not to trash some one on here, but blogs are for opinions. Lets say that you meet some one that has been married and divorced twice in a year, wouldn't that throw a red flag up or cause some big neon signs to come on telling you to wake the hell up and look at what you are doing? Just wondering.

OK, got that out of the way. Here we are in a life where the economy is going to hell. Everything is about who is better than the other. What celebrity is sleeping with who. Well, there is one thing in our own lives that we can control. Our happiness. You need to find it. I am not a believer in divorce, weird for some one who is divorced twice to say that. There are times when it does make sense, although you pledged and swore in front of God and family that you would be there in sickness and health. I have never heard anyone say, "until I am unhappy, then I am gone." Since when is that part of the vows. I know that I just said if you are unhappy, make some changes. Well, if you were unhappy and got married, it is time to make the changes in the marriage to find the happiness that you need. Once again, advice from some one who has two failed marriages. How ironic.

One of the main issues that I have experienced and seen friends go through is lack of communication. If you are not able to talk about everything from the dog farting and making you sick, to the world, then you are not with a friend. If you are in a relationship with some one, they need to be a friend.

Why am I talking about this? Well, I have talked to several friends and people recently that have learned from mistakes and these are some of the things they have learned. I was going to go on and on about this, but I decided suddenly in the last paragraph I was not going to. The main reason, we learn from our mistakes and continue to make the same ones over and over again. I know that if I cannot pass a PT test for the army and I am overweight, I will not be able to get promoted and will not be able to reenlist. Well, I always let myself get out of shape and overweight. Then I have work extra hard to make up for it. Once again, there is another lesson in life that I have learned.

I wanted to go on and on and hopefully open some one's eyes. Maybe with what little I said, some one will open their eyes. Hopefully.

SGT John Strader

Christmas and Those Taking Advantage

2009-12-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

That time of the year is upon us. It is time to give and not want to receive. I have a lot to say on this one and I might be all over the place, but you should expect that from me.

Lets start with an update on the situation with Courtney and Christina. I talked to Christina yesterday about me getting more time with Courtney and we think we can come to an agreement without mediation and court. Lets hope that is true. We talked about it a few times yesterday and it appears we are getting somewhere. We will find out when the attorneys talk. To add to that, it is strange how some one can walk out on you, Tessa, and tell you that they never want to see or hear from you again, but they are calling your first ex wife and telling them to read the blog. Tessa wanted to make sure that Christina saw the blog "Confession Time". Well, if I was worried about it being known, I would not have posted it. I posted it hoping to give courage to those out there that were/are like how I was. Plus, if you leave some one and don't want anything to do with them, why are you still reading their blog? That turned into a conversation with Christina about how my life has changed and how I am not the same person she married and knew a few years ago. I am sure she is not either. People change with time and the things that happen to them.

With all that said, on to my Christmas this year. I decided that other than Courtney, I am spending my money to help some one this year that needs it. I said some thing about this a while back and the responses are great. I never expected so many people to reply. I am glad and excited, now I need to make it happen soon. I think that mom has the right idea and the right person for me. I have already put some people in contact with those that need help and glad I could help some one this year. I hope the ideas of people that need help still come in. I can always pass them on to some one else that can help.

OK, now the part that is really kicking me in the butt. Christina and her mom informed me that Courtney is wanting the infamous Zhu Zhu pet for Christmas, along with every other kid in the world. Well, I can understand standing in line and getting ONE or TWO for your kids. I also respect people need to make money, but the hell are you cleaning off the shelves of these toys that are for KIDS just to jack the price up on Craigslist and eBay? $50 and $60 for an $8 toy is stupid and out of this world. I know that people want to make that buck to pay a bill, but remember, when you are doing that you are keeping toys out of kids hands that really want them. When a family is struggling to pay bills but want to give a kid a good Christmas, why are keeping them from affording a toy their kid wants. I looked on eBay for them and was shocked that people are charging $15-$30 for shipping after you pay $50 for the $8 toy. That shipping is stupid and insane seeing that you mail one in a flat rate box at the post office for less than $7. You say that you want to recoup some of your cost. Have you ever heard of the cost of doing business? You are making a $42 dollar profit just on the base price, before you include shipping. Why do you need to make a profit on shipping? Are you that greedy and heartless? The few times I have sold on eBay, I did free shipping. You need to realize what you are doing to our children. Some of work crazy hours and days were not able to go the craziest shopping day of the year. I fell victim to the price gauging on these toys because my daughter wants one. That means that will probably be the only thing she gets this year. If you are one of these people who are making such a profit, I am sorry you are like that. Oh, and I bet you feel good too knowing that you spent all that money and now there is a health concern with them. I hope the price bottoms out on them and lose money. I am not usually like this, but it really bothers me. I have several friends and family who have been looking high and low for them only to find out the only place to get them is eBay and Craigslist.

To everyone, Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family!!!

SGT John Strader

Deer Hunting and Thanksgiving

2009-12-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to get on here while at work so I can update you all on the hunting trip to WV for Thanksgiving. To say the least, it was a blast and it was great to see some family.

I left here around midnight on Fri night/Sat morning and go to WV like I had predicted, in time for breakfast. The trip there was exciting, like all my road trips. I loaded down the truck with all my gear and the 120 pounds of hamburger that my family needed to add to the deer when it is ground up.

About an hour into my trip I noticed a camper with a trailer pulled over on the opposite side of the road. So, being the person I am, I went up the road and turned around and came back. For an hour we tried to put a larger trailer that had a blow out on a smaller trailer. We finally realized the smaller trailer was not going to handle it and we moved the gear to the smaller trailer, including a 17foot john boat. I never realized how heavy those things were.

So right off the bat I was an hour behind, but who cares, it is vacation afterall and there were no deadlines to meet. A few more hours up the road there was a very large buck in the middle of the road that was having a hard time walking. It appeared to have a broken leg and was walking in the middle of the road. I almost hit it, which woke me up and scared the crap out of me. I was not too sure where I was, or even what state I was in at the time, and did not care. I was just hoping that they had the same laws as Tennessee regarding roadkill. If you call it in, you can take it home. Well, this buck had a nice rack and look healthy other than the broken leg. I called it in, drove up the road and turned around once again. I got out looking for him once I got back to where he was and could not find him or signs of him, so I continued on my journey.

I arrived at the house in WV around 9am worn out and ready for a nap. We ate breakfast and i got my nap in.

Once I woke up, dad and I went up on the hill to place my treestand. We found a good spot, so we thought, and headed back to the house. We sat around the rest of the afternoon and waited for people to start showing up and watched some college football. Sun morning rolled around and we sat around discussing our plans for Mon morning while more family started arriving. Jeremy finally got there late afternoon. Finally everyone was there. We had a great dinner and all headed to bed early hoping we could sleep. The anticipation was killing us and we were all excited, no matter how little or how much we showed it.

Monday morning finally rolled around we were up, ate our breakfast of fried eggs, biscuits, and whatever meat we had that morning. For me it was a glass of milk to hold me over. By 530 about all of us were on the way to our stands waiting to see who would shoot first. Well, it wasn't me, Jeremy or Dad. Once the sun came up and we could see, you could hear the movement all around. Jeremy and I were pretty close, as was dad, although he was on the other side of the creek from us. It wasn't long that I realized I had faced my tree stand in the wrong direction. I had a few doe walk behind me and I could not get turned around to get a good shot and let them walk on to Jeremy thinking he was take one. We could both hear them between us, but could not see them. Then Jeremy came on the radio immediately after a shot was fired up the mountain from us and very close. He could see some one coming on to our property. He jumped out of the stand and headed towards them. To spare you all the drama, and make it short, some one shot a buck that was on the line and came onto our property. While Jeremy was running them off the property, the buck went back to the other side and the guy was able to claim his deer.

We never saw the deer again after that. Or any other deer the rest of the day. That afternoon we heard dad shoot. Dad called me and told me he shot one but could not find it. I went down to help him and we never found it.

Monday night we were all back the house with 2 deer killed and hanging in the smoke house cooling off. We all sat and enjoyed a nice dinner and told the stories of the day. We discussed our game plans for Tuesday. Once again, we were in bed early waiting for the second day and hoping for more luck.

Tuesday morning was like Monday. Up early, breakfast and hike up the mountain. Once again me and Jeremy could hear some deer between us on the hill, but could not see them. They headed down the hill towards dad and we let him know. It was not long after that we heard a shot. Then another. A few minutes later two more shots. We called dad on the radio and he told us he got two. Once again, dad shoots his two at the same time. Must be nice.

Come to find out, he shot a doe and when he was walking over to her, a spike buck was standing there looking at dad, so he shot that one too. This time we did not have to help him. He went and got the tractor, and took them to the house. Jeremy let a couple doe walk that day and one came over to me late that evening. I could not get a shot, and it was too small for me to shoot. Once again, me and Jeremy go home empty handed.

Wed morning was the same. Eat and hike. This time it was cooler and a little rainy. Everyone already had a deer except me and Jeremy. Around lunch time, Jeremy decided he was going to stalk a little and I was moving to Dad's stand. It was not long after that Jeremy shot. This time he did not shot 7 or 8 times like usual so I was concerned it was not Jeremy. But it was. He shot a very small doe. When I say small, my dog Buck is bigger. He took it to the house and returned a little later. He was stalking again and I was in dad's stand waiting. It was about the time for the deer to come past dad's stand and I heard Jeremy shoot again. This time he shot a big doe. At the same time, the deer were finally in front of dad's stand. It was my turn. This time we all had a deer. I ended up with one of dad's deer to take home.

I sat at home all day on Sat and Sun cleaning deer and packaging it. I now have several pounds of deer burger and some deer steaks in the freezer.

There was a lot more that happened on this trip. Like Buck going crazy every time he saw a deer and wanting to chase them. We let him one day and thought he would never come back. He was loving it.

We had a great time and I was blessed with getting to spend some great time with family in WV while mom was at home with Courtney. I was not able to make it to Tennessee to see Courtney like I had thought I would be able too. But this weekend I will be seeing her. I cannot wait either.

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I am sorry this was delayed.

I am going to go ahead and write another one regarding Christmas and some of the things that are going on the world with that.

SGT John Strader

Times Have Changed

2009-11-10T11:28:00.001-08:00

Remember when you were little and mom and dad taught you to open the door for those coming and going? Whether it is a store or your house. Remember how you saw an elderly loading or unloading a car and mom and dad taught you it was polite and correct to offer help? Remember when those people said thank you? How about last when you tried the same? Or did you even make the effort? When you made that effort, was it welcomed with a thanks or rolled eyes and a snarl?

Kinda busts my ass that I can offer help to some one, whether they need it or not and and get a dirty look. I remember days when you respected elders and helped them, no matter what you were doing. Now days you have to hope that you do not get sprayed with and hope for the polite no thank you. I offered to help some one this morning load their groceries in their car. I walked up and said "let me get that for ya". I got a rude and impolite, "I got it. I'm not crippled." I was being me and trying to do the nice thing and there was an attempt to insult me.

I was taught better than that. For example, I had the privilege to hunt at Sonya's mom's house. I was also welcomed to stay there and have dinner and sleep there so I would not have to drive in the mornings. I offered to fix a few things around her house and helped out with what I could. I could have done more, but it is better than doing nothing.

I wonder how parents today were raised to treat others with respect and forgot to pass it on to their children. My mom would have my ass if she knew I was disrespectful to anyone. Let alone my parents. I get tired of seeing kids in the store running the family. My mom would have, and still would, bust my 30 year old ass. Right there in front of God and everyone. And trust me when I say that I teach Courtney respect. She is learning it more from me than anyone. I have to believe that because of how she used to act in front of me. She knows that I will pass on what and how my parents taught me.

Why is it so hard for a parent to discipline? It isn't hard. Who cares if some one thinks that spanking is wrong. Your parents did it and look at you. OK, not all of you. There were days that no one cared what cartoon you watch, what video game you played, how you played outside or if you got your ass busted on a regular basis. I know that technology has changed since then, but we grew up fine watching GI Joe and He-Man and all the other violent cartoons. We didn't think we could shoot thousands of real bullets and no one get hurt. We never thought that we could drop an anvil on our brother, flatten him, and try to blow him up with an air compressor. I am tired of society blaming violence and our problems on TV and video games. How about education our kids with good teachers instead of teachers giving those private sex ed lessons. How about we have parents that are active in their kids lives and actually be parents. Stop letting them hide in a room all weekend and do something they want to do as a family. That doesn't mean if they say they don't want to go, don't. That means drag their crying little, embarrassed butt along and make them have fun. My parents did it all the time, and still try too. Most of our friends think that we have cool parents cause they are always involved to this day.

I am lucky to have a family calls just to call every day when I am siting down to a hot meal that is cold when I get off the phone. I am lucky to have parents that come to visit. I am lucky to have parents that can be a pain in the rear and even annoying at times. I will never tell them they are a pain or annoying when they are, because they raised me better. OK, mom I did yell that time you were annoying us all playing in the floor with Courtney, but we couldn't take it anymore.

So, shut off the babysitter, I mean TV, and do something with your kid. Even if it is just talk. Or pick up the phone and call and annoy that kid that moved out a long time ago. I know you are call as soon as you read this mom so I won't answer. OK, I will because it is my mom.

Stop blaming others for your kid's problems. You know how your mom and dad raised you. If worked, why are you afraid to do it. Afraid what your friends will think. I do believe that if you have kids, you are out of high school by now. Who cares what they think. It is your child. Be a parent.

Wow, I went from some rude lady to raising kids. I know that I do not see my daughter enough, but when I do, I cherish every moment and I am fighting to get more time. And spending money I don't have to make sure I am with her more.

SGT John Strader

Military Pay

2009-11-04T06:55:00.000-08:00

I have been spending a lot of time on www.fieldandstream.com reading some forums and learning things about hunting. I came across this off topic post this morning and thought that I would share it.

THIS YOUNG MAN GAVE THIS WOMAN A PIECE OF HIS MIND AND AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED A PIECE OF MY MIND AND EVERYBODY THAT KNOWS A MILITARY MAN, HAS ONE IN THEIR FAMILY AND KNOWS WHAT THE HARDSHIPS ARE. I AM PROUD HE HAD THE GUTS TO TELL HER OFF.

AMEN! God Bless this Airman!!!

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/gipay.asp

Just to set the record straight, this Cindy Williams is not the one from Laverne and Shirley. Check out Snopes to understand who she is.

Military Pay

This is an Airman's response to Cindy Williams' editorial piece in the Washington Times about MILITARY PAY, it should be printed in all newspapers across America

Ms. Cindy Williams wrote a piece for the Washington Times, denouncing the pay raise(s) coming service members' way this year citing that she stated 13% wage increase was more than they deserve.

A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this.

"Ms Williams: I just had the pleasure of reading your column, "Our GIs earn enough" and I am a bit confused. Frankly, I'm wondering where this vaunted overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service) and my bank account. Checking my latest earnings statement I see that I make $1,117.80 before taxes per month. After taxes, I take home $874.20. When I run that through the calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413...60 before taxes, and $10,490.40, after.

I work in the Air Force Network Control Center where I am part of the team responsible for a 5,000 host computer network I am involved with infrastructure segments, specifically with Cisco Systems equipment. A quick check under jobs For Network Technicians in the Washington , D.C.. area reveals a position in my career field, requiring three years experience with my job. Amazingly, this job does NOT pay $13,413.60 a year. No, this job is being offered at $70,000 to $80,000 per annum...........

I'm sure you can draw the obvious conclusions.

Given the tenor of your column, I would assume that you NEVER had the pleasure of serving your country in her armed forces. Before you take it upon yourself to once more castigate congressional and DOD leadership for attempting to get the families in the military's lowest pay brackets off of WIC and food stamps, I suggest that you join a group of deploying soldiers headed for AFGHANISTAN ; I leave the choice of service branch up to you. Whatever choice you make, though, opt for the SIX month rotation: it will guarantee you the longest possible time away from your family and friends, thus giving you full "deployment experience."

As your group prepares to board the plane, make sure to note the spouses and children who are saying good-bye to their loved ones. Also take care to note that several families are still unsure of how they'll be able to make ends meet while the primary breadwinner is gone obviously they've been squandering the "vast" piles of cash the government has been giving them.

Try to deploy over a major holiday; Christmas and Thanksgiving are perennial favorites. And when you're actually over there, sitting in a foxhole, shivering against the cold desert night and the flight sergeant tells you that there aren't enough people on shift to relieve you for chow, remember this: trade whatever MRE (meal-ready- to-eat) you manage to get for the tuna noodle casserole or cheese tortellini, and add Tabasco to everything. This gives some flavor.

Talk to your loved ones as often as you are permitted; it won't nearly be long enough or often enough, but take what you can get and be thankful for it. You may have picked up on the fact that I disagree with most of the points you present in your op ed piece.

But, tomorrow from KABUL , I will defend to the death your right to say it.

You see, I am an American fighting man, a guarantor of your First Amendment rights and every other right you cherish. On a daily basis, my brother and sister soldiers worldwide ensure that you and people like you can thumb your collective noses at us, all on a salary that is nothing short of pitiful and under conditions that would make most people cringe. We hemorrhage our best and brightest into the private sector because we can't offer the stability and pay of civilian companies.

And you, Ms. Williams, have the gall to say that we make more than we deserve?

A1C Michael Bragg Hill AFB AFNCC

In my own experience I have come across several people in my career that have no respect for the military, especially those that are fathers or are not a gun toting infantryman. I would like to educate you a little on the military.

First of all, when a unit/division deploys, it is not only the ground pounding grunts that go. Everyone that makes the operation work goes. That means even the mailman (which was my first deployment), the cook, the admin (my second deployment), supply, EVERYONE goes. With out the supply there, how are the infantrymen getting bullets? Without the truck drivers, HOW are the bullets getting there? Without the cook, how are they fed so they have strength to fight? Without the mailman how are they getting letters from home? Without the admin how are they getting paid, getting awards, getting promoted, getting life insurance? Without admin to keep files up to date how are we supposed to know who to contact if they are hurt, or God forbid, killed?

So you see, it takes a lot of people to run a military branch, not to mention a war. I only mentioned a very small part of a huge picture. I understand that there are those that are getting shot at and blown up, but we are all serving the purpose. I have the utmost respect for the men on the front lines. I know that I have the comfort of an office when I am deployed and have nothing to complain about, but we are all still away from family. We are all confined to a very small area for several months at a time. We don't have the luxury to drive across the state and go see family or friends. We walk down the road and see a friend and never leave an area not much bigger than a city block for a year. Some of us are lucky and have 2 city blocks to wonder around. When I say city block, I am not talking nice big building. I am talking crappy little huts.

I have been told I am a horrible father for being willing to leave my daughter and go overseas. A good father never does that. Well, I want to keep this a safe and wonderful country for that little angel.

So, if you do not respect your servicemen and women, keep your mouth shut or I am sure that some one will help you keep it shut!!

The article that I post is regarding pay. I bet that you did not know that there are certain jobs in the military that people only do for the initial enlistment and then find out they can makes 2 and 3 times the amount of money on the outside. We are all paid the same at the same rank no matter what job we have. So, a cook on the outside might make $15,000 to $20,000 a year on the outside and a computer tech can make over $50,000 a year on the outside, but in the army, we all make the same. If you want to complain that your tax dollars are paying too much for your military, remember, there are those that are like me that can get out and make a lot more, but choose to stay and serve our country. Thank them, not complain.

I am done ranting over this for now. It really hit me and made me think that recently I was laughed at by some one you all know well (Christina and her boyfriend) because I am admin in the army. Well, at least I stood up to serve and I am proud of what I do. Try explaining to some one that shallow that it serves a purpose. To people like that, if you are not shooting or being shot at, you are nothing. Well, in my eyes, we are.

God Bless you all that support us!!!!

SGT John Strader

Society Today

2009-11-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

I was watching the news the other day and people were complaining that there is a DirectTV commercial with David Spade and Chris Farley. The problem to some people is that Farley is dead and they are upset that they are using a piece out of Tommy Boy for the spot. It is the scene in the hotel where Farley puts on Spade's jacket and is doing the big man in a little jacket scene. That is one of the funniest parts of the movie and and one of my favorites. I have to agree with Spade when he says that believes that Farley would love the commercial. People will find anything to complain about.

I was reading some forums on FieldandStream.com yesterday and some one is complaining that with the technology today that hunting is too easy. He stated that with today's technology that he can get his deer and be out of the woods by 645 in the morning. Why in the world would you complain about that while you are using the technology that is out there? He stated that he wished that the technology did not exist because it is taking away from the challenge and the sport. Well, why is he using it then? That makes no sense to me. I talked to a guy yesterday and he has scouted, photoed, and seen a buck in a certain area several times. He has been after this monster buck all year. He has used what he knows, technology and good old smarts and still has not gotten the trophy buck he is after. I also know of people that have used the trail cams and photoed trophy deer and set up where they are and still have not seen or gotten the buck they are after. Even with all the technology that is out there, it is still a challenge to get the trophy. I have set up on several paths that I know are being used daily by deer. I will go on one day, mess up the tracks, stomp around and then the next day there are several new tracks and deer prints in my boot prints. But I am not mad that I am not seeing them. I know that I am there at the wrong time of the day. Maybe I need to move on down the path further cause I am setting up where they are in the middle of the night. No matter what technology is out there, there is still a challenge to everything.

Last night when I was hunting, it was almost sunset and I heard a shot. I had given up and headed back to the truck. By the time I was there, I noticed that all other hunters around me had started leaving, except one. He was parked in the direction of the shot I heard, so I waited for a while on him to come out, and a couple other guys come out in the same area. I talked to them and they heard the shot and saw the deer. We waited on the guy to come out and talked to him. He was sure that he had hit the deer but could not find it. We decided that the four of us would go look. By now, it was dark, although we had a full moon out. We headed back into the woods and looked for over an hour trying to help this Marine find his deer, to no luck. This goes to show that there is a friendship that can bond hunters together. No one cares where you are from, just that you are a hunting brother. You can be on the side of the road after a hunt and the majority of vehicles will stop and talk to you asking what you saw, where you were, and how your hunt was. There is no other place to find a brotherhood like this. I actually find a new hunting buddy for back home just by making a call to pay a bill. I should be hunting with my new hunting buddy this weekend. He wants to learn a few things and has plenty of land at his disposal and we are going to check it out and see what we can find.

I'm all over on this post, for one reason is that I started this at 9am and it is almost noon now. I am actually having to work today!!

I have been thinking about that Jeremy has been saying regarding possessions. It is weird when you think about it. OK, you go to the store and you want and MP3 player to listen to while you are at the gym, walking, or whatever reason. What is the first thing you think when you think MP3 player? iPOD. Who doesn't? It is all that you think about. Who thinks about the Sony that is half the price and just as good or better? What about those that get the tech magazines each month and see something new they have to have that costs twice as much as something that is close, but not quite as good? I used to be very guilty of this. I was hardcore into computers and computer gaming two years ago. Now, if it works, who cares. I would spend thousands of dollars each year just trying to keep up, when it was not needed. Your thing might not be computers, but is it car? TV? Clothes? Why do you need a $30 t-shirt when the one that does not have that logo on it covers you the same, and serves the same purpose? Don't get me wrong, I will not wear some designs or colors, but I don't care who made it. As long as I like it, that is all I care about.

We all have our little quirks that make us happy and make us who we are. Some of us are still figuring out who we are. Some of us will be doing it for years to come. Me, for example. I have always enjoyed hunting but I married two women that did not like it and I did not have time for me and to make me happy. Last night I could have, and should have, went home and cleaned the house, but I did what made me happy and I went hunting for a few hours. I am learning that the more I spend outside doing what I want, the happier I am. I have been asked several time recently if I have dated since Tessa left or if I have tried. Well, I did date one person, Sonya. It was great while it lasted, but there were some differences and other issues we needed to work out. I have found comfort in discovering me and being me right now. It is not that I would not date, but I am not going to settle or go out looking for it. People are enjoying me being me. I am not going to stop being who I am and doing what I love for some one, other than Courtney. I get tired of hearing other hunters say they cannot hunt very often cause of a spouse. I don't understand that if a spouse wants someone to be happy, why not let them do what they love and what brings joy to them. I have had chances and opportunities to go on dates and meet new people, but I am too busy keeping me happy to worry about keeping another happy. I will tell you now that the next person I am with will either love it or hate that I have things I want to do with my time. I am me and not who you want to transform me into.

People ask me if I am going to start dating or looking after hunting season. Well, I hate to break their heart, hunting season never ends. There is always something out there to hunt. I am going to try my hand at turkey hunting for the first time this year. I am waiting until after deer season, but I am getting ready. I have most of what I need to go. And it is not starting to date. I am always dating even if I don't have a date. Why should I sit at home or go out looking when I can spend that time being happy instead of frustrated that I am not seeing anyone? Life is too short not to enjoy yourself. Don't get me wrong, I would love to share my time with some one, but why should I sweat it? I was not looking for Christina when she fell in my lap.

I know that I have been all over the place on this post and it is long. I hope that everyone that logs on takes the time to read it all. I have a lot to say about some things that I have been thinking about. I don't want to only tell you about hunting and boring you to death with all of that.

One more thing. Almost everyday I see the same people at the gas station and at the gates coming onto Fort Campbell. They always ask how I am and I tell them awesome, great, or whatever comes to mind. Every day is a great day if you let it be. There is no reason to have a bad day. No matter what has happened, find something positive in it. You get a flat tire, you just got a little workout changing it. Or you got delayed just enough to your destination that you heard your favorite song on the radio and was singing at the top of your lungs. Let the little things make you happy, not bring you down. It is too easy. Once again, I will mention "You Are What You Think" by David Stoop. Maybe if I mention it enough, you go out and find it and actually read it.

I hope that this finds everyone is having a great day!!!

SGT John Strader

Where's My Daddy?

2009-10-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

Hello to all of those who continue to show your support to my brother and I! I greatly appreciate it! WE greatly appreciate it.

Before I get to the main part of the post...I'll fill you in on what's been up in my life lately....God has been showing himself to me more and more lately. It's been really wonderful! I've been dating an incredible woman! We're doing really well. She's amazing! Work is going ok. OK at best I guess. I'm getting geared up and getting ready for hunting season. I got a muzzleloader so I could hunt a little earlier and hopefully get a jump on a big buck. Overall, life's going pretty well, better now that I've got Leslie, my girlfriend. Enough about that...I'm kinda drawing a blank here...I thought I was gonna fill you in on some cool stuff... but, I guess that's all I got.

Now, I don't normally warn or say this before a post that I think might upset someone...however...I'm gonna do my best to put some good thought into the next part of this post. I'm going to do my best to make you cry. Point blank. SO, if you're not in the mood, not by yourself, not in a spot that you can get a little emotional... come back when you are. Come back when it's a better time....

Where's my daddy?

This was dropped into me today as I was getting ready for work. I'm not sure why, well maybe I do know why. I got to thinking about children who don't have a father in thier life. Children that by no choice of thier own, wonder each day, where's my daddy? But then there's some that don't see daddy because daddy doesn't choose to see them...Why? Why would you leave your little girl asking "where's my daddy?" Why would you choose to do something selfish instead of being there for your little girl? She'll only be little once. She'll only be 5 one time. She'll only be 6 one time. Picture her sitting in the car on the way home when someone else picks her up, and that's when it starts...where's my daddy? Later as she gets to the house...where's my daddy? It's been two weeks since I've seen him last...where's my daddy? My time with daddy is usually really short and I miss him...where's my daddy? Daddy? Don't you miss me? Don't you wanna look into my beautiful eyes and tell me you missed me too? I just can't wait to tell you I love you and give you a big hug. Why aren't you here? Did I do something wrong? Where's my daddy? I miss you daddy. Did I not give you enough hugs last time I saw you to make you want to rush back to me? How come you're not here? Daddy it's Halloween and I got this little cowgirl outfit to wear and get candy... where's my daddy? Who's gonna hold my hand when we go trick-or-treating? I'm only gonna be little for a short while longer...and the cute outfits will turn into prom dresses and formals...so don't you wanna see me in my cowgirl outfit before it's too late and outgrow it? Where's my daddy? And when we get home tonight, who am I gonna sleep with? I need you close daddy so the boogy man won't get me...afterall, it is Halloween. I need you here to keep me safe daddy. I am so excited to get to spend a couple days with you...what's happening that you couldn't come see me? What's more important than me daddy? Tell your mean ol boss that you've got a beautiful princess to see and his work can wait till Monday... where's my daddy? Daddy, you do wanna see me right? I miss you. I love you daddy. Where's my daddy? Oh and daddy my last soccer game is tommorrow. I'm gonna run so fast and play so hard just so you will be proud of me and watch me win. I'm so excited that you'll be there! Just having you there, I know I'll play good! You are coming right daddy? Maybe one day when I'm older you can show me pictures of when I was little and I played soccer and I did good, and you'll think back on how precious I was and how much fun we had together. I hope I score a goal just for you daddy! I'm gonna do my best just for you! Where's my daddy? Daddy, you are coming right? After the soccer game, maybe we can go back to grandma's house and carve pumpkins! Ya! That sounds like so much fun! But I'll need you there to make sure I don't get hurt with the sharp knife. I just know that's gonna be fun! I love you daddy! And then, after that we can go see the fishes at the store with all the animals. Remember when I used to feed the little deer at the campsite there, that was so much fun. Wow daddy, I'm growing so fast! There's so much I wanna do with you daddy, but we never seem to have enough time to play bunches. It's ok though, at least I get to see you for a little while. I like it when you comb my hair all pretty. Daddy I miss you. Can you ask mommy if I can come see you sooner next time? And oh ya! can we finish making those apple pies with grandma? Last time we ran out of time too...but it was still ok, I got to see you daddy! I bet you just can't wait to come see me. I just know that you won't let anything or anyone keep you away from your only little girl daddy. Daddy, what if something happens and I don't see you anymore? What if I grow up wondering what was so important that kept you away....I know for a while you were in the mountains fighting the bad guys, but you're back now...I can't wait to see you daddy! I love you daddy. I miss you daddy. I can't wait to see you....grandma, where's my daddy? Pa, where's my daddy? I love you daddy! I'm sorry daddy, I shouldn't worry like this, I know you're coming, I just know it.

I'm not sure if you've read any of my past blogs and right now I'm not sure how much I've shared on here about what I have and don't have. I have a lot of "stuff". I have a lot of "toys". I have a lot of "nice things". I have a "nice house". I have a lot of material "things". Material things. The one thing I don't have is the one thing I have wanted the most for so long. You can't buy it. You can't put it on a credit card. You won't find it at Wal-Mart. However, the one thing I long for so badly, so many have...yet they choose to put it to the side like it's not important. Some take it for granted like it will be here forever....like we'll be here forever. The one thing that should be, and could be the most amazing thing each one of us will ever experience. But, some choose. Choose. Choose to put it aside like it doesn't matter. They choose to place other things first. They choose to do things of the world and selfeshly replace the most amazing thing with a quick fix of "happiness". Which, in the end, in my opinion, you miss out and only find yourself wishing you had done things a little differently. The one thing I don't have, the love of a child. Small, innocent eyes looking to me like I'm superman and I can take on anything. A small hand to reach out to me as we walk across the parking lot into the grocery store. The innocents of a child's love. The heart warming, heart breaking, amazing, unexplainable love of a miracle sent from God making me the happiest man on this place we call earth. Beautiful eyes that look to me for answers, safety, shelter, and security from the big world around them. There's a lot of things in this world that you do, have, buy, and possess that will still in the end leave you empty and wanting more. But love. Love. And in this case specifically the love of a child. Someone calling me daddy. A man should need no more. I just can't imagine the feeling a father must have when their child looks up and says, "I love you daddy." And yet, some...some CHOOSE not to be a part of this. I honestly do not think I'll ever understand it.

Till next time,
SGT Wormy

Terrible Three

2009-10-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well, what a weekend. Of course you know I went hunting, so here is the story of that and how bad things come in threes and you have to laugh at it all to keep smiling. Don't let anything bring you down, no matter what.

Like usual, I went to bed VERY early on Friday night and got up at 430am thinking it was plenty early enough to get the spot that I wanted. I got to the hunting area and NINE guys beat me to where I wanted to be. So, I drove to the other side of the area and took that spot. Of course on the way there were deer everywhere on the side of the road and I knew that was good sign. I got in the stand a little later than I wanted, but no one's fault but my own. It was right at day break I started hearing the cracks of shotguns and muzzleloaders, some very close to me. That meant I must be in a decent area, but will any of them get past the other hunters to me? Well, it was several hours later, about 430pm, and I turned around and could see two does just waiting on me to put a shot in them. One was considerably larger than the other and I had my eyes on her. I let them closer, closer and then it looked at though they might go out of site and move on so that meant it was time to take a shot.

My heart racing. Adrenaline flowing. Heart pounding out of my chest (a feeling every hunter knows and loves it) like a cartoon!! I lined up a shot. POW!!!! The smoke cleared and they both were still standing. They never moved!! They turned and looked the oposite direction of my location then went back to eating. I flattened against the tree and as quietly as possible, I reloaded. They never saw me or heard me for that matter. I turned around and lined up another shot. This time aiming a little lower and a little faster because they were starting move on out of site. POW!!! This time they took off running. I got out of the tree as fast possible. I looked for blood and NOTHING!!! How did I miss?? I never miss!!! I tracked them for a while and never a sign of them again or any blood. How could this be? Did my scope get off somehow?

I gathered my stuff in extreme frustration, ran to the truck and drove as fast as I could to the rifle range on post to check my rifle. Guess what!!! I was right on the money. Perfect shot. Not off at all. So what happened? Who knows, but I will not miss again!!!

That was the first of three bads for the weekend. On to Saturday morning. I get up 30 minutes early and get ready to take off for hunting. This time I am the first out and I get the spot I wanted the day prior. I pull over and park, and then my truck tells me I have low tire pressure. Could not wonder why, but I get out and look. PPPPPSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! CRAP!!! I have a serious leak in my tire!! I grab the flashlight and start looking, and sure enough there is a ROCK in my tire. Not on the side, but straight through the tread. What the heck can go wrong now? Then I remember bad things come in threes. That was not going to bring me down at all. I move the truck, change the tire and park again where I was. A very nice guy about my age showed up about that time and we discussed where we would hunt and decided to hunt close to each other, but not as close as we ended up.

Well, about 9am it hit me. Get the heck out of the tree or crap my pants. Yes I am telling a story about pooping my pants. I tried to get my tree stand and the bottom was stuck on a branch and no matter how I tried, I could not get it down. I was running out of time and decided it was time to jump. I unhooked the safety harness and swung out of the stand and fell a few feet to the ground. Grabbed the TP and made for a tree. Just as I finished I look up and see the guy that I was talking to early. He was VERY close and laughing at me. He watched the whole ordeal of me trying to get out of the tree. He could there was a problem and once he discovered what it was, he could not stop laughing. Neither could I. Afterall, find humor in everything!!

We stood there and talked for a second and decided to scope out the area. We walked down the firebreak and saw another hunter in the distance and we all gave the "where the hell are they" arms up in the air at the same time. We kept walking and found some very fresh tracks on the edge of a field and I decided I was setting up shop on the trail. I go back and get my stuff, set up and wait. And wait. And wait. Then, I hear something close, but there is no way it is a deer because I would be able to see it at that distance. I figured a squirrel, but it didn't sound right. Then it let out a noise and I knew it was no squirrel. A big coon come walking by. He walked up close to my bag, smelled around and must have caught whiff of my pee and left. I didn't pee on my bag before you think that. I forgot my pee bottle and was having to just pee right out of the stand.

I set a time that I was done hunting, because if you remember I had a tire to fix and a house to clean. Plus I have only eaten one meal in two days and it was taking its toll on me. No fat jokes. I know I need to lose a few. So, I stand up and look around, listen very carefully. Look some more and as quietly as possible, I start down the tree. I get down and head down the trail to where I could not see that well and low and behold, right out of sight from my stand a deer took a big steamy crap. And I mean it was still steaming!! What the crap? Well, that is how it goes. Plus at that distance, I would not have taken the shot anyway. You might think that was the third in the threes. Never. That is part of hunting. I don't consider that a bad one. Just bad luck.

Now, you wonder what the third is? Well, on my way home after another day of hunting, I get pulled over on post for speeding. I was not paying attention to my speed and just going. I got a nice speeding ticket. When he brought me the ticket to sign, I started laughing. He was shocked and wondering what was so funny, so I explained my weekend, a lot shorter than here. He asked how in the world could I be laughing. That was simple. I spent two wonderful days in the woods in lovely weather. I had my health, and life is good. I told him to find humor and everything and laugh at and it will be all good. Never let anything bring you down.

To continue that on, I had a friend call me last night and wanted to know if she could stop by after work and of course I told her after she said she was having a horrible day. I was thinking, OK, I had some bad luck this weekend and it will be easy to cheer some one up. She comes over and tell me she thinks her boyfriend in Afghan is going to dump her and she is tore because they were fighting yesterday. After a little while, I had her laughing and understanding that it is easy to let things bring you down, IF you let them. By the end of the night she was doing a lot better. And guess what, I get a text first thing this morning telling me thank you for cheering up and she wanted to know how I stay so positive. I told her it is easy. I also told her that she, along with everyone, should read a book called, "You are What You Think" by David Stoop. You can get this on Amazon for $0.01. It is worth it. I plan buying a few copies and giving them to people who I think will benefit from them. It is a great Christian book and VERY easy to read.

You might wonder the outcome of the tire. Well, it can't be fixed and I have to buy another tire. Wal-Mart and the dealer both cannot fix it. Oh well. Chalk it up to the costs of hunting.

I am headed home this week to visit and do the mediation thing. I have mediation on Wed morning this week and hopefully Christina will finally think about Courtney and not only herself. Courtney always to stay longer and her mom never lets her. Imagine that. Pray that this goes well and we finally work something out and do not end up in court to have a judge make the decision for us.

I hope that everyone has a great week!!

SGT John Strader

Additions

2009-10-23T07:51:00.001-07:00

It was a hard decision to make a post telling my story about what I have been through. Life is not an easy journey. There are wonderful scenes to behold, there are flat tires, and there are interesting people long the way. I have met so many of you and glad I have. I am thankful for the out pouring support I have received in the few hours since the post. It really encourages me to continue on with sharing those private moments in my life.

After I finished the "Confession" and went home, I thought of other things I could have added to that post. One things I did not tell you was that I flatlined three times. That is my understanding from those that were there. I know that it took me almost a week to get my head working again after all I put myself and those around me through. In addition, Tessa never visited me on time to make sure I was OK. The pills that lowered my blood pressure were the ones that almost did me in. There was nothing they could do other than try to push the meds out my system. It was too late to pump my stomach. My body had already absorbed too much of the medications. There are funny stories to go along with my ordeal. I know that you might wonder how in the world can you find something funny about all this. Well, remember I told you in another post about mom sending me an email about attitude and finding the good or funny in everything, well there was something that was funny. As I started gaining consciousness, I had gas. If you know me, that means I let it out. Evidently it was long and loud. I finished the relief with extra relief in my pants. Evidently it took me a few trips to the bathroom to realize I soiled myself. My parents and I still laugh at the fact that I crapped myself in the hospital and took forever to realize it. It might be gross, but you can always find something funny or good in everything, no matter how bad it is. I can't believe I just told the world I crapped myself with a lot of people around to see it.

After all this was over, I decided it was time to make life a little easier seeing that I was maintaining a new house on my own and I sold my bike, truck and junk in my house that I did not need. Life is at a great spot right now and there is no way that anything or anyone is going to bring me down. Everything in life is happening for a reason. Let life happen and do not worry about it.

SGT John Strader

Confession Time

2009-10-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

This might not be the smartest thing in the world that I have posted, but here it goes.

I am worried that some will judge me and will try to use this against, me although those might use it already know. I will tell you first and foremost, I am happier than I have ever been and my life is GREAT!! There is nothing that will bring me down. I also want you to know this is going to be very hard to write. I am telling it so that it might help some one else out there. I want others to know they are not alone.

As most of you know, I was married to Tessa very fast without knowing her very well. I was very happy and thought I finally had the girl of my dreams. I was wrong and almost paid the ultimate price for it. I am not going to point fingers by giving all the details, but I am going to share a lot.

It started with things going downhill with Tessa and me. I was getting depressed and letting a lot things worry me that should not. Eventually, Tessa cried wolf and it got me sent to a mental health facility in Hopkinsville for ten days in late March. I was released from there good to go. I got out and things just keeping getting worse. A week later, Tessa left me. In the end it was for another soldier that she met only two days prior. It can be denied all they want, but everyone is not as stupid as we look. Trying not to rant on that, but you don't just buy a "friend" a new car.

At the news that she was leaving me, I started to loose control of my thoughts. I was having crazy and random thoughts running through my head that if something were to happen to me she would come back. Boy was I wrong. That was the dumbest thing to ever think.

That night, I was taken to the hospital to be checked and make sure I was OK. Of course I was because she was crying wolf again, but in the end she was right.

I was put on suicide watch, although they trusted me that I was OK, they should never trust some one in that situation. I was left with my car keys and all my belongings. Not good. I do not blame those who made those decisions. I thought I was fine and convinced them I was.

The next morning, Tessa finally called and told me how horrible of a person I am and how terrible of a father I was. Not realizing what she was doing, I did not realize how wrong she was. She told me I, along with others, would be better off if I was dead. The short of the very long, I took two bottles of pills (one was sleeping pills, the other to lower blood pressure) in the parking lot on post. I managed to drive home and make it in the house. The next thing I remember I was sitting on my steps smoking a cigarette and there were police everywhere, along with an ambulance. I remember trying to stand and that was it.

I woke up in the hospital a couple days later with IVs and machines all over the place, and my parents by my side. I could not believe what I had done. My mom kept on and on about Courtney how would some one explain to a four year old that her daddy was gone forever. It really touched me and set some things in motion in my life.

I was then transported to Nashville for recovery and continued care. Come to find out, the anti depressant that Hopkinsville had me was making me worse and making me more suicidal. I was changed meds, sent to therapy for a few months and here I am happier than ever. I realize my mistakes and bad decisions I have made. There is NOTHING in this world that makes it OK or with it to do what I did. I have a family to think about. And I have a God and Country to serve.

I am here at Fort Campbell where the suicide rate is the highest of any US post in the world. The numbers you hear are those that die. You do not hear how many have tried and failed, thankfully. I have met some that got drunk, and drove into buildings and trees to make it look like an accident. Some of those are like me and realize how stupid it was and that there is help out there. No one should look down on some one for admitting they are having problems and need some help. Just last week I knew a friend was having a bad time and I started to talking to them and was seeing some signs that were in me. I got together and talked for hours. Who knows, I might have saved a life that night because I was not judging like their chain of command was. That is a huge problem with suicide at Fort Campbell. Or any where for that matter. People want to judge those that say they need help think they are weak. They are not weak. They are strong for admitting they need and seeking help. Keep that in mind the next time you talk to some one that you know is depressed and feeling down. I was almost was a statistic and will not let some one I know become one.

In my experience, I know that God wanted me here for a reason. I am still seeking that reason and I know that with time, God will show it to me if I let him. I am no angel, but I am good person. I am truly happy, and I have nothing to complain about, and if I do, I can fix it. Nothing is worth the mistakes I made in April.

Like I said, I did my therapy and the doctor decided I did not need it anymore and encouraged me to talk to others about what has happened to me. I am here to tell you, that if you need help, find a friend, find some one and talk to them. My friends come to me on a regular basis seeking help and I give them my time no matter what I am doing. I have even canceled dates among other things to help my friends because I know what it is like.

Pray for our soldiers. Their is not as easy as you think. A friend put it a good way when she said that marriage is no longer an institution, it is a drive thru now. We can walk away from marriage too easily now. The military is hard marriage and lives involved. Pray for them. Pray hard. We all need it.

Once again, thank you to all that have supported us. I hope that this helps one person. If it does, it was worth it. I hope that I am not judged and I am sorry if you feel the need to judge me because of a mistake I have made. We have all made them, some are just greater than others.

SGT John Strader

Family, I am sorry that you did not know and find out this way. Please do not worry. ALL IS GOOD!!!!! See ya deer hunting next month!!!!!

Why Are Titles Hard to Think of??

2009-10-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks for the continued support. It means the word to us.

Jeremy posted an email that he sent to his pastor last week and I just read when I signed on to post on here myself.

First and most importantly, I will talk about what God has done for me, as he did. I get my hair cut here in Clarksville by the same place on a regular basis and never go anywhere else. I always knew there was a reason and it is starting to be clearer. A few weeks ago when I went for my normal cut, I waited on one of two ladies I like that cut hair. Of course there was small talk and the talk turned to church and faith in God. It was difficult talking to her because of the language barrier. Me being a good old southern boy and her being Korean, it was difficult, be managed as always. She was talking that she had been going to church and that she was finding it hard to have faith in her heart and she was waiting on a sign. I was not sure what to say to her or where to take it.

Skip forward to last week, Fri to be exact. I wanted to get a hair cut and look decent for family at home so I went in to get my hair cut again. My buddy's wife was working so I decided to wait on her. The lady from the previous week did not have a customer and sat down behind me and started reading bible aloud in Korean. After listening, not having a clue what she was reading, but feeling the pull and feeling the great feeling you do when you hear the Word, I turned and asked her what she was reading. She was in Romans. Her bible was English and Korean. She told me she could not read English cause her English is not good. She started explaining to me that she believed in her mind, but not her heart yet. She said she was still waiting on a sign. I was still at a loss of words, but started explaining the best I could that when the Holy Spirit comes inside you, you will know. We talked for a little while until it was my turn. While Jin was cutting my hair, all I could think about was "plant the seed and God will take care of the rest" (think I just found my next tattoo). I told her bye and left. I came back to the office and could not get my mind off of it. I got on the internet and started looking for something to print for her and take to her. I printed some things off, and although I was in a hurry to get on the road back home, I stopped and gave her what I printed and told her to please call or talk to me if she has questions. I pray that this has planted a seed in her that will grow and blossom.

I went home for the weekend and spent my time with Courtney and had a great time with her. I stayed as I promised my brother and went to church and see why he was asking me so much to stay. I was very glad I did. It was worth missing deer hunting on Sunday.

Now comes this weekend. I cannot afford to drive home every weekend, so I am staying home this weekend and hopefully I will find a church to touch me like The Gathering did. It was an awesome place and somewhere I cannot wait to visit again.

This week it was finally back to deer hunting again. I am headed out the next fives days and I have a really good feeling about it.

I am happy for Jeremy and that he found some one that is making him happy. People ask me when I am going to meet some one. I keep telling them I will after deer season. This time of year it is hard. Plus being in this area, men have a bad reputation, especially military. People do not understand that all people are NOT the same. There are good ones here. And I strongly feel I am one of them. Another thing that really gets me is that people that do not know some one, what they are about, are barely know they exist can tell others and have the opinion that Army guys are bad news and they are all the same. Well, a guy like in this area can say that all women here are the same and it is no more fair to them than it is to us. I was going to vent a little, but I will save it for another time.

My life is going really great. I have my friends, Jay is finally back from Afghan, and my wonderful family. I am very close to more time with my daughter and getting very excited about that.

I am with Jeremy on the whole thing about it is not what you own, but how you use what you have. I love to help others and I will never turn down some one in need or who needs help. I am that guy that will turn around and come back and see if I can help you on the side of the road, no matter what time it is. I know that bad things can happen, but if I don't try, I will regret it. Plus I know what it is like to be stuck on the side of the road needing help.

I am proud of Jeremy for the things that he is doing to help others and the sacrifices he is making.

Thank you for all the love that we are getting from all of you, even those that do not know us, thank from the bottom of our hearts. It means a lot to have people out there that support us. I could be facing another deployment next year, and that means this might get a little exciting.

I am all over the place on this one this time. Wow, I need to gather thoughts before I start writing instead of just letting it flow as I think about it.

Mom sent me an email the other day and I had a friend over and we talking about how people judge just because some one is Army. The email, "Attitude", started out talking about how some one always tries to find the positive in everything. It went on and on and I was reading it to my friend thinking mom had typed something about me, because it was describing me exactly. It wasn't, but made me think how happy and lucky I am just to be alive. I guess that means it is time to share the story on how and why I am still alive......

Where have I been?

2009-10-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

Hello! If you know this blog, you know me...first things first. Thank you to all of those who continue to follow out blog and show your support for my brother and I. You are GREAT!!

Ok, so I'm not sure how long I'll be able sit blab on about this before I paste an email I just wrote to one of our pastors in the church I go to. My life is truly taking a U TURN. And when i say that...I mean it's AWESOME!! I'm really lost for words on how to introduce what is next... Jesus has really REALLY been working in and through me lately. He's blessed me with a new incredible woman, I'm happy again, and the rest....you'll just have to read on. Overall I'm doing pretty great! I finally finished the re-model of my master bathroom. FINALLY. Ummm...I made some cookies the other night. Chocolate chip and no back chocolate oatmeal cookies. Ummm... I had shoulder surgery 5 1/2 weeks ago. I go back to the Doc Wend to see about starting physical therapy. YEAH! Overall it's going pretty good. My shoulder is healing pretty good. WOW...it's late and I REALLY need to get some sleep. 530am is going to come early. John, I love you bro! looking forward to seeing you this weekend!

Now....I post this next part for a couple reasons. One, to give glory to God and show others that He still works Miracles. And two, make you think, and hopefully stir your heart. None of this is for self, but all to Him. Before I put this in, two questions:
1) What is a miracle? and Do you believe they still happen?
2) What do you need?

Matthew 6: 32-33
"Your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day IF you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern"
______________________________________
Bobby,

If you don't mind, I'd like to take a few more minutes of your time...

I guess first, my faith is growing. I'm finally walking with Jesus instead of just "talking" once in a while. I've finally stopped fighting the Spirit, and I've started surrendering to Him. For years I've fought and talked myself way away from having the relationship I, as a saved man, should have with God. The past month or two, I've just given up. By that, I mean I've given up the fight against God. And oh how wonderful the last two months have been, and especially the last month. I've started reading more, I'm praying more, I'm trusting God more, and it's amazing how great things have been.

So about three weeks ago I really felt like God was telling me I needed to sell my motorcycle and give the money to someone in need. At the time I was reading The Blessed Life and it made me see how I had filled my life with material things, but true happiness was no where to be found. I'd put so much into material objects in my life and nothing into Jesus and what He wanted. I love nothing more than to give to people who need. Jesus has blessed me so much, although I truly didn't see it, and I have kept so much to myself. There were times when I wouldn't tithe because I would rather find someone who needed something and help them instead of giving at church. I love to help people. Back to the motorcycle. This object has become part of who I am. People know me by this object. In reading The Blessed Life, I felt really convicted to sell this object in order to get rid of this....kind of sin and identity...this is hard to explain...I felt like I needed to sacrafice something I enjoyed so much in order to truly see the blessings God has just waiting for me. I'm not sure this is coming out right or not..... So, for three weeks I let the devil put dought in me, I questioned if this was really Jesus wanting me to do this, or if this was me....and if I did sell it, who would I give the money to? Would I carry a check in my pocket and wait for someone to walk in my life and wait for God's nudge? It's so weird because I even feel like I know how much it's going to sell for. Bobby, I feel closer to God now than I have ever felt before in my life and it's amazing! I tried to explain this to my buddy and he thought I was crazy. Especially when I told him I thought I knew exactly how much it would sell for....this number has been in my mind for three weeks now...I don't know why, or where it came from other than I really feel like God is at work. So, I've taken the step of faith. In one of the worst times to sell a motorcycle...and I almost let the devil talk me out of this because "who wants to buy a bike now? At this time of year?" But I've put my faith in God, I've given it to Him. No matter how much it sells for, if it sells for $500 dollars or $5,000 it's all His. The bike is on Ebay and the auction ends Wend. I've prayed and prayed over it, and I've given it to Him.

So, this morning, when Gene mentioned the woman at Wal-Mart needing a roof on her house....there it was. Instantly, without question...the money from my bike is for her and her new roof.

Since we've started this Miracle series, Jesus has answered so many prayers in my life. I've been praying for a God loving woman to walk into my life. I felt like God was going to bless me with that woman in these 40 days. I think it was 7 short days later, my now girlfriend emailed me completely out of the blue. She doesn't know why, but she did. She got baptized today in her church. She's been saved for some time, but hasn't taken that step. We've had so many wonderful talks and experiences together in the last two weeks. My brother that I've been praying for a spiritual miracle for emailed me the other day and told me he was planning on staying in town for one more day just to go come to church with me next week. Later that day he got the bracelet I mailed him with the pages of my prayer journal I tore out so he could see where I've been praying for him. My aunt told me a little boy in her church has a really bad seizure condition. The little boy was having so many seizures everyday that they were going to have to buy him a special dog that would help him during thoses seizures if no one was around. On my drive to work this morning I had this strong feeling to call her and tell her to tell them not to buy the dog because I was focusing all of my prayers for that little boy. During service this morning when i came to the alter to pray during the offering time, all I could think about was that boy. In my voicemail to her I told her to tell that boy's family that I really believed Jesus was going to work a miracle in his body and they wouldn't need the dog. Later I got a message from her saying they weren't going to buy the dog afterall....the boy was doing much better. Last Monday at work I really felt like God laid this woman (a waitress) on my heart to pray for her. I didn't know why, what her needs were, or if she had a need...I just prayed for her. I've prayed for her all week....i was hoping I would see her fri at work but she was off...Saturday was like Christmas morning...the anticipation to see her and tell her that I'd been praying for her and everything was going to be ok...5pm finally came around and about 30 min later I was finally able to pull her aside. She almost starting crying and said that it's been a rough week. I gave her a hug and told her it would be ok.

It's so amazing, the work God is ready to do if we'll just listen and stop fighting against him. I truly believe that God is not only working miracles in other people's lives, but he's doing one in mine as well. All these years of filling my life with "the world"....and all along the one thing I needed has been right here.

Thanks for your time Bobby. I'll let you know Thursday morning how much I'll be giving for the woman's roof. Please pray this so that it will be used as a blessing in her life.

Jeremy

The Surprise

2009-10-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I forgot to mention what the surprise was. I was so caught up in the deer I did not think about it.

I got another dog from the same litter as Marley and gave dad Marley. I had a long one typed out here, but the computer messed up and I lost it. I have to get back to work and will write more about it later. Some one asked about it and I thought I would share.

Also, mom told me to tell everyone how many deer I can get this year. I can get 9 total between TN, WV and Fort Campbell. I will go until the freezer is full.

SGT John Strader

SUCCESS!!!!!! FIRST OF MANY TO COME!!!!

2009-10-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

I finally got the buck I have been looking for. Here is the story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I love to tell it. I have told it so many times already!!

I got out of work at 3pm yesterday and drove as fast as I could to my assigned hunting area. I got to the area and decided I was going to try the field hunting that goes on around here. I got to a field and stripped down and changed clothes right there in the open. Once I got geared up, I noticed that some one field dressed a deer right next to where I parked. I decided that there must be deer in the area and started walking the edge of the field looking for a tree to put my stand. After 45 minutes, I could not find a tree I liked and went back to the truck frustrated and decided to move on. I ran into a guy on the side of the road and he told me he had been walking around all day and seen tracks all around the creek bed in the area. I decided I would go to the creek bed and walk in from there. I parked and geared up again and started walking. I did not realize that I had walked a quarter of a mile from my truck. I followed the creek bed and started seeing tracks and trails. I could not find a good tree. Then I finally found where the creek bed branched and two deer trails converged into one. I found me a nice tree and set up shop. I was in the tree and ready to go at about 445.

The squirrels and woodpeckers were everywhere and driving me crazy. At about 6pm to my right I heard a little rustling in the thick. I thought it was another squirrel and was not too worried about it. THEN...a big buck came walking out. It looked like I was in a hunting show. He was walking straight at me. He was about 25 feet when I saw him. I slowly got ready, pulling the trigger, pulling the hammer back so there was no click, slowly released the trigger and I was ready. He was straight on, which not a good shot. I had to hope he was turn to his left a little and follow the path. I was scoped in and ready. He made that slight turn to the right a short 15 feet from me and I was ready for the shot...God please don't let me miss...BANG!!! He jumped and ran across a firebreak in the woods. I jumped up in the stand trying to see him and lost sight of him. Then...I heard what sounded like him laying down. I reloaded and got down the tree as fast as I could.

I walked over to where I shot looking for blood and there was none. I was worried I missed, but how could I from only 15 feet. I walked across the firebreak and there he was laying the path.

He has a whole in his side, a sucking chest wound. He was blowing air out the whole in his side, but no blood which meant I did not hit a vital organ. I guessed he was die quick and I went and packed up all my gear. When I went back to him, he just looked at me like who the hell are you. I took a few steps back and decided to do the humane thing. Oh, I forgot to tell ya I let out some yells of joy when I first saw him laying there. I pulled the hammer back and was ready to go. I pulled trigger, CLICK!! I forgot to put a new primer in my muzzleloader. I put in a new primer and took a few more steps back in case he jumped up. Pulled the trigger...BANG...and then he jumped up, took 5 steps and fell over. It was over. Now came the task of dragging him down the creek bed to the truck.

I used my safety harness as a drag, which works perfectly if the deer is not so freaking big. I started dragging him, 10 feet at a time. Got him to a clearing and started the field dressing. This only being the second deer I shot, it was not easy and I was not too sure I knew what I was doing.

Got him gutted and started dragging 10 feet at a time at first, then 5, then I was worn out after 100 yards. by now it was 630 and the office to check it in closed at 8. I left him laying and took off for the truck to drop my gear and call it in. I called the office and told them where I was let them know it was going to take me a long time to get in. Little did I know that he would call other hunters in the area and let them know some one needed help. Three hunters showed up to help me and we finally got him to the truck. They were surprised and impressed with the size.

I got him to the checking station and finally got him on the scales. 173.6 pounds. Nine points. I was very excited. Right now he is hanging in the cooler and dad is on his way up here to help get him cut up and in the freezer.

This should be the first of many this year. I can still get 2 on post, 3 in WV and 3 in TN. Trust me when I say that one is not enough.

Another Long Exciting Weekend

2009-09-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well it started with getting out of work and meeting up with Jeremy for some brotherly fun. We went to check out where I would hunt on Saturday morning and then onto main post to head to the PX for a little shopping.

We went home and got ready and headed out to Old Chicago for some dinner. I have never been there and heard it was awesome and it was. More beer than I have ever seen in one place. Wish I could remember the names of the ones that I had because they were awesome. The pizza was some of the best I ever had.

After that we headed to my hang out and introduced Jeremy to some of my friends at Rebounds. We had a great time, but got a little late for me to get up at 3am to get ready to go hunting. After about 3 hours of sleep I was up at it. I got in the tree stand was fighting to stay awake until sunrise. I managed to stay up all day and never fell asleep. I little before sunset I have about eight turkeys walk under me so I know that I was doing something right. I just wish that it had been a nice deer. Never saw one all day. Got home that night about 8 and passed out pretty fast.

The next morning I was up again at 3am and ready to go. Once again I was in the tree before sunrise and waiting on that big buck to come walking by after a night of eating. He never did. At about 1030 I gave up because I was so tired I did not know what was going on. I headed home and took a nice 4 hour nap.

That was another two days of hunting and seeing no deer. I am not giving up yet. I went again on Mon afternoon and saw nothing, but that will not deter me. I am going again tomorrow night after work. Only thing is, I need to go find a jacket to wear because the temperatures are dropping and that is good. Hopefully the rut will start soon and I will start seeing something. I am ready for that first deer and ready to buy a freezer to keep it all in this year. I just hope I do not get caught up in the deployment my unit if facing in May. I would like to be home for a couple years although I need the money to pay some bills.

This weekend I am headed home to see family. I was not going to, but I have huge surprise my family this weekend. I cannot even hint at it hear because they will figure it out too easy. Some things fell into place last night so I can really surprise them. I will head home and see them and of course see Courtney and finally get to watch her play soccer. I will be headed home on Saturday so I can hunt on Sunday morning. I am really excited about the surprise. Oh, and I am loading up the truck with the tree that fell in my yard during the ice storm in Feb for my dad. I know that he plenty of wood for the winter, but a little more will not hurt.

I hope that everyone is having a good time in their lives. I know that everything might not go the way that you want it, but keep your head high and remember that God would not put something in front of you that you cannot handle. I am a great place in my life even if I have to deal with some demons from my past.

On a good note, my neighbor, Jay is headed home. He boarded a plane today and will be home soon from Afghanistan. I am glad that we worked out the issues and differences of opinions we were having about some of his personal issues. We are good friends to each other and glad we both realized we are lucky to have good friends like each other.

Jeremy has caused me to think about my faith and realize that if he can give up something for 40 days, I should be able to do it too. I need to figure out what I am going to do.

Well, there is not much else to share right now. I just wanted to share my deer hunting with you from this weekend. When I finally get that first deer, you can bet the story and pictures will be here. Oh, and I can get up to nine deer this year between Tennessee, Fort Campbell, and West Virginia. Hopefully I get at least half of that.

To everyone that is following this blog, thank you for the support.

Almost forgot. I took a tour of the Fisher House on post the other day and I encourage you to please check into seeing what you can do to support one. You can even donate your frequent flier miles to help. They use the miles to fly family members of injured soldiers to where they are for free. I donated what little I had a few years back. I encourage you to please look into this (http://www.heromiles.org/). Also look into organizations that help with wounded warriors. Soldiers Angels (http://www.soldiersangels.org/) is another good one. I met several of the volunteers from this organization while I was in Germany and they are great people with huge hearts. Please find a way to support your military.

With the job I have, I am able to take groups on tours of post and let them learn things they had no idea about. If you are close to a military post, contact the public affairs office on post and see if you can set up a tour of post for a group. If you need help contacting one, please let me know and I will assist you. The anniversary of Pearl Harbor and Veterans Day is coming up soon. Take the time to see what you can do to help support them. I know that we have more requests for parades and events than you can imagine. And it is not just in this area. It is all over the US.

Once again, thank you for all the support you show not just my brother and me, but all the service members!!

SGT John Strader
Fort Campbell, KY

What a Weekend

2009-09-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

The start it off I went home and got to see family and of course got my little angel Courtney. I was so happy to see her and had fun with her.

I did have some personal drama going on over the weekend, but I was able to brush it aside and still have a great weekend.

Now on the fun in sun, oh wait, make that fun in the rain.

I went to bed at an early 9pm anticipating the morning hunt Sun morning. Well, be so excited, I did not sleep at all. The alarm was set for 345am, but of course I was wide eyed at 3am, so I got up and got ready. I double checked all my gear. Paced the floor waiting to leave. Checked my gear again, paced a little more and realized I better put my phone, license, and paperwork in ziplock bags. Then I remembered toilet paper. Got all that ready and hopped in the truck and off I went. I was the only car on the road in the hunting area. I wanted to get there early and get the spot I wanted and I got it. At 506am I started for the woods. Of course the first tree I wanted in was too big for my stand so I trekked on. I found another tree pretty quick and was up in it in no time. Of course I was anticipating the sun to come up and waiting on that first deer to come walking by. And I waited...then the sun came up...but no deer. So I started on the calls and scents. Then I heard a shot in the distance. Then another and another and several more. I thought for sure that I would see one any second. Then the rain drops started. OK, a little rain never hurt anyone. Then a little more rain and more shots. Man, this sucks. Where are the deer in this area. Now comes the down pour and I am soaked to the bone. A little later the sun comes out and I am drying out. I decide it is time for a potty break. Actually, my stomach did not give me a choice. Remember how I said that I put all those things in bags, well not the toilet paper. You know that means. Soaked toilet paper is hard enough to get out of trees when your yard gets rolled, let alone usable in a situation where it is needed. Well, I managed and back up in the tree. The rain started again and I was getting frustrated. At 230 I decided it was time to go. I get to the truck and decide it is my first day hunting, and will have to wait another week to hunt again and I am not quitting early. I moved down the road and found another spot where I saw a trail, tracks and a bedding area. I thought for sure I would see something here. Well, I after about an hour and a half, I saw nothing and storm came again. This time I was done and it was only 30 minutes until the hunt was over. The creek bed I that was dry when I went in was full. By the time I was out, my boots were full of water. Full to the point that when I got home I was pouring water out of them.

That was my first day of hunting this year. I did not see one deer. All and all was well worth it. I got be outside all day and enjoy the woods. I have been waiting on this day for a long time. I am now waiting on Sat and Sun this week to do it again, rain or shine. I will get me a few deer this year one way or the other. West Virgina hunt is coming up soon too. Speaking of which, hunting when it is 80 degrees outside is a lot different than when it is 10 degrees. At 10 degrees, there are no mosquitos or other bugs to drive you crazy. I will get used to it and it will not slow me down.

I wrote this blog several times while sitting the trees yesterday and here it is. I hope that everyone had a great weekend as well.

SGT John Strader

Life in the States

2009-09-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

I cannot title this life after war, buy Jeremy had a great idea. I am not sure my idea of it is the same as his, but I am going to share some changes with you and hopefully he will share how it changed his life.

My life after the "war" has gotten back to somewhat normal after all the drama I had in life the first few months home. As he has said, I too have only dated one person since my return. I've has a few dates, but nothing that amounted to anything until Sonya. Well, there are things going on with that and the changes to who I am are affecting it.

Most of you know that I came home to an unfaithful wife and was soon divorced. I still live in my house alone. I recently decided it was time for some "Spring Cleaning". That meant I sold my weight bench, extra table and as much as it hurt, I sold my motorcycle and extra truck. The truck I bought new in 1998 right before I met Christina. It has about 200,000 miles on it and I still got a good price out of it. So now I have paid some debt and making life a little easier on me. I used some of the money to prepare for deer season this year. I am hoping that I can get three deer this year and put it in the freezer and save some money during the year on meat. That means I have to stop eating fast food though.

A few of the changes that have changed are how I look at life. I know that I did not see people hurt or killed, but I had to deal with the reports and send them up higher when it did happen. Each time I was thinking about the families and it was not easy at times. Especially when you see the aftermath of the vehicles they were in or read more details than you ever wanted to know.

I talked about this when it happened, but we had a land mine go off sort of close to us. That was the closest to action that I experienced. As small of a thing as that is, I jump every time there is a loud noise. It makes people laugh, but for some reason, it is something that I cannot control yet. I know it will pass and it is pretty minor compared to what others experienced.

After what I went through in the beginning of the year, I do not get all worked up when something does not go right in the dating world. I try to brush it off and move on. I have been successful up to this point and hope that I continue to be strong.

I have gained weight since I got home, and I mean a lot of weight. I am working hard now to get rid of it. I am not going and buying new clothes because I got fat again. I never realized how addicting fast food is and how big of a part in my life that it plays. I am fighting those demons each day and hope to conquer them soon.

Today I am headed back home to see my little, Courtney. I have not seen her in several weeks and I am excited to see her tomorrow. I will finally get to pick her up from school for the first time. Then it is soccer tomorrow night and a soccer game on Saturday morning. I am really excited about that too.

I am still working in the same job with public affairs, although I am not sure how much longer it will last. I found out a few days ago it is our turn in Afghan again in May. I may not have a choice if I go or not and I am torn between wanting to go and get some more debt knocked down and staying home. I can request be to be taken out of this position to make sure I go or can wait and see what my future holds.

I am pretty much like Jeremy on the boat thing. It is something that I have always wanted, but I want a fishing boat. I love to fish. I have been going as much as I can lately. I am waiting on November for when the bass are hitting really good here so I can catch some good fish.

I have everything in life that I want with the exception of a good marriage and a boat. I have a new truck, a house I can call my own, a loving family and friends, and a wonderful daughter. With what I have now, the rest can wait.

I know that I have mentioned Sonya before. As with everything in life, nothing is perfect. All is still good and will continue to be good for us. The distance between us makes a few things hard, but we are making the most of it.

I wish everyone the best of luck and I am glad to see that Jeremy got on here again. I will continue to do what I can to keep you all informed the best I can. You can bet when I get the first deer this year there will be pictures and a story to go with it!!

SGT John Strader

I'm still kickin....

2009-09-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

First...as always...thank you for your continued support for my brother and I as we...well mostly my bro continues this blog even after we're back from overseas and we're on with our busy lives. Thank you.

I'm still kickin...I'm still here...and there... Well honestly, it's about 230am and I'm not sure how much I'll get written out here before I call it a night. I have a 10am appointment with my surgeon. Yes, as my bro mentioned i had surgery on my shoulder. I tore some stuff years ago, I'm sure of it...but about 2 months ago when we were on the lake...as he has mentioned, I bought a boat...anyway...my buddy was driving and I was on the intertube and my bad shoulder popped out and I fell off the tube, and when i hit the water, I hurt my shoulder pretty bad...well I finally went to the Dr to see what the damage was. This time was different from other times when i hurt it...well i guess I should say when I made it hurt...this time it was popping and hurting pretty much all the time. Much different from other times. SO the assessment was I tore some stuff and I needed surgery. SO a week and half later, I went under the knife. 6 days ago was surgery. So I've had the week off so far. I've meant to get on here and catch everyone up with a short version of my summer.... I'll do that either tomorrow afternoon, or one day next week. I have to work this weekend but I'm taking next week off for "vacation"/recovery. I'm still pretty sore and the worst part is taking a shower and getting ready to go somewhere...I need some help with that stuff...any volunteers? Just kidding.... with that said, I still don't have a woman in my life. I've dated one girl since I've been home. One. I've been home since Feb and I've only let one girl get remotely close to my heart. We started dating in June I think. And honestly, even though we only dated for about 6 weeks...she's still lingering around. We're both trying to decide whether or not we want/should be together. She's a little younger...22, but i'm trying not to hold that against her. Well, I really really don't feel like getting into that whole mess...and yes, it's a mess. ANYWAY...I'm back to working at O'Charley's restaurant again. I did however get transferred to a store in Knoxville. So I no longer work in Pigeon Forge...but in Knoxville. It's a little longer of a drive but I like the store so it's not too bad. So back to the earlier in the summer...I have been pondering about buying a boat for years now...but haven't because of the short time each year you can use it....well, for some stupid reason I decided I finally wanted one. So I shopped around, waited, looked, and shopped some more. So finally I found one on Ebay and I feel like I got a pretty good deal. HOWEVER, what I didn't realize is that a boat is a lot of work. I think I had the boat for about 3 weeks before I got both engines running. And then from there, each week it was something different wrong with the boat. And now, for the past 3 weeks, it's been broken down in my driveway. I have some of the parts, and I know what is wrong, i just haven't had the time to fix it. SO, now that I'm out of commission with my shoulder...it will be a winter project. No big deal though. I must say that while the boat was running great, it was A LOT of fun. everything from tubing, to fishing with my bro till 3am on the lake. I really enjoyed being able to spend time on the lake with my friends and family this summer. It was awesome!

What else is going on...the issue with my brother-in-law...well ex bro in law now... I kicked them all out of my house before I got home from iraq...i can't remember what all I put on here.....anyway, I've taken him to court for the damages to my house. The judge ordered him to pay me $1,800 plus court costs...I was able to get about $350 out of his bank account, but other than that...nothing. We're going back to court in a few weeks to set up a payment plan...he's turned out to not be such a great friend after-all....but we live and we learn.

Well...I think I'm going to close for now...one thing I like to have before I get on here is an idea...I like to have a thought and a thought line that I want to cover. Well, one just came to mind..... "life after war" . I'll get to that in the days to come. It's been interesting. At least my friends think so...but I don't think they would use the word "interesting"....they would prob use words like...different, changed, help, used to be.......oh well..there's a thought there, but I can't find the words. Anyway, I'll try to make it worth your time if you feel like reading it. So, "life after war" is next.

Again, thank you for your support!!

Till next time,
Out here,

SGT Wormy

What a Great Weekend

2009-09-08T11:54:00.001-07:00

This weekend was a great one. Mom and dad got to the house on Friday evening and of course my fridge and cupboards were a little bare and we had to grocery shopping. That night they met Sonya again. They met her years ago, but do not remember. I guess that is what happens when you are getting old. HAHA!! Had to say it mom and dad. You are grandparents after all.

Saturday was just as good. Once Sonya got off work we took mom and dad to Indiana to the casino on the river. It was funny on the way because knew it would be boat and was worried because she gets motion sick. Now she knows it is just a building on the water and you can't even tell you are on water. Sonya and I blew through $30 pretty fast so slowed down and had a few drinks. I finally go the machine I wanted that was a penny machine. I put my last $5 for gambling in and won $60 pretty fast. Mom continued to let it play and got it to $75 and we stopped. It was great night and a good ride home.

Sunday we decided to head to Nashville and see Sonya at work and go shopping at Opry Mills. Of course me and dad spent most of the time in Bass Pro. I got a tree stand and a muzzleloader for deer season this year and I cannot wait.

Mom and dad left yesterday to head to Branson for a much needed vacation. And of course they were on the bikes. They will be back through later this week and will be stopping by for another visit and I am glad.

It was great to spend time with them and to let them meet Sonya. They really seem to like her and now I have to convince Sonya that.

Life has been treating pretty darn good here lately. I am really happy with how things are going with my life. I sold my motorcycle as much as I did not want to, but I need to save the money on the insurance and pay off a few bills. I will now be selling my Ford Ranger. I have had it over 10 years and it is time to let it go. It is a great truck and hate to see it go, but I don't need it. One truck is plenty.

I hope that life is treating everyone great. You all should know that if you ever need anything, I am here. I don't care how big or how small. I am here for anyone.

Oh, I can't forget to update you on Jeremy seeing he is never on here. He had surgery to repair his shoulder last week and is doing good. Wish I was there to help him out with things seeing that he has no use of his shoulder for a long time now.

Courtney is playing soccer now and is in school. Mom and dad have went to some soccer practices and I will finally get to see on next next week and maybe even take her to a game on Saturday. She is really excited. Every time I talk to her she asks about Marley and tells me about her new Barbie bike she got. I just wish she would slow down growing. She is growing too fast.

Well, I better do some work. I hope every has a great day!!

SGT John Strader

Comments

2009-09-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

I am sad to say that some one has once again posted something that was uncalled for on the blog. I have asked in the past that if you want to leave a comment, to please put your name so we know who to thank for the comments. If you have something negative to say about my brother or me, either keep it to yourself or put your name to it. There is no need in being negative on here. If you want to be negative, you are more than welcome to visit my facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/jlstrader)and leave your comments there. At least way, more people will be able to see it and we will know who you are. I will continue to delete all comments like the one from the past and the one I deleted today. I will be changing it to where you have to register in order to leave a comment on here if this continues. I don't want to that, but it may come to that.

The comment had to my relationships. I share that on here to let others know that I am happy although I was done so wrong and lied to in the past. I might have moved with my life and found some one that I really like and enjoy spending time with, but there is no need in making the comments that were made. It has been 6 months since Tessa treated me the way she did and did the things that she did. I was not perfect, but I did not do what she did. I was not telling some one that I love them while I was still sharing a bed with my spouse. I did not move across the country the day my divorce was final to be with some one. I did not let some one buy me a new car and lie about it to cover my ass and theirs. I took my time and met several people. Each time, not happy with who or what they stood for. I took my time and was not looking for anything and then some one great fell into my lap. If you are jealous or unhappy with it, that is your problem and you need to move on and forget about it. Once I written out of some one's life, I am done and going to move on with my life. There is no need on dwelling on the past. It is one thing to miss it, and it is another letting it control you and dictate what you do. I am over what has happened to me and moved on with my life. I finally met some one I trust and I am not afraid that I will be hurt again. I never thought that would happen to me in the past, but it did and I tread lightly now as not to get hurt again like I was in the past. Life has a way of teaching you lessons the hard way and in ways that you never imagined.

So, if you have the nerve to leave a comment like that, try putting a name to it.

Life

2009-08-26T11:39:00.001-07:00

Well, mom is on me again for not posting in so long.

Life has brought so many changes to me in the last year and a half. I was married and quickly divorced, probably a family record. I have been over seas and back. That was fun. Bought a new truck, which was stupid. And just buried myself in debt.

I have been able to spend some time with Courtney and have been having more and more fun with her. We have been going on the lake and swimming and fishing in Jeremy's boat. Courtney is always very excited about that. Courtney has really grown attached to Jeremy and I am glad. She does not see him enough, but when she does, she is excited and loves it.

Last weekend I took her to the zoo on Fri and then Splash Country with mom and dad. We had a blast. She rode some slides and mom rode some I would never imagine her on. Some that I did not like and would not ride again. Courtney was so excited that just seeing her face lit my day up and there was nothing to bring me down.

I am also in the process of fighting for more time with her. It is looking good and Christina is being exceptionally nice again for some reason. I guess she must be happy with this guy and I am happy for her. Courtney really seems to like him too and I am glad.

I am very happy also with my personal life. I am seeing some one that I never thought I would be dating. I worked with her, Sonya, several years ago when I was in high school. Our paths crossed again after several years and I am glad. I am happy and I am pretty sure she is too. I mean, how often do you meet some one that calls and says lets go fishing tonight. Call your buddies and have them meet us and I will bring the beer. Hell, she even owns her own pole. She is about as country as they come and family is really important to her. How often do you meet some one that is willing to drive 60 miles on way to see you almost every day? I could go on and on, but we are not going to do that again, yet.

My Army life is going really good too. I am still doing the Tour Guide job with Public Affairs and I am really enjoying it. How many jobs do you only work 30 hours a week and keep the same pay? I love this job. It is easy and it is fun.

I finally started getting out and exploring the area where I live. I go to Wal-Mart and chat some one up in the fishing aisles and learn where to fish and I am learning some great places. Met a guy that has become a great fishing partner.

Of course there is some family drama going on. Extended family, that I wish would go away and end, the drama that is. I told them they are too old to hold grudges like this. When they are gone, there is no taking it back. The past is the past and we need to learn to live for day, and plan for tomorrow. Not worry about tomorrow, plan for it. A lot of you know that there were issues with me and my family years ago, but we resolved it and look at us now. Mom and dad come to see me and I see them all the time. They are actually making a pit stop at my house for the weekend in a couple weeks on their way to Branson for vacation. Then again on the way back. I love it. I plan on taking them to Evansville, IN to the casino. I went with Sonya this past week and had a blast. Penny slots are a lot of fun!!

Life is great! I know that it will stay that way as long as I remain positive. I will not let anything get down like I was in the past. Life is full of changes and challenges. How you get past them and face them makes you how you are. You never let life get the best of you.

I hope that everyone out there is having a great life and you are all happy. I am even excited that Christina is happy with some one.

I apologize that it has been so long since the last post and will work on getting more up.

So many things have changes and have happened that you do not want to read it all, but I will share what I can when I can.

Oh and deer season is coming up soon and I cannot wait. A time for family and a time for fun!!!!

Comments

2009-07-22T20:13:00.001-07:00

This is not normal for me to post like this, but if you are going to post a comment, especially hateful or negative, please sign a name. There is no need to hide behind a computer without not letting people know who you are.

I, nor my family, appreciate some one leaving a comment on here stating that if I was a better father I would have had more time with my daughter. Especially in such poor English.

Also, the comments about Tessa were not needed. When the blog was written several months, there was nothing I would not have done for her. There was nothing I did not do. When some one treats you the way I was treated, you lose a lot of trust and feelings for them.

So, I ask from now on, if you want to leave a comment, leave a name. Otherwise, all comments will be deleted.

John

A Little Help and Changes

2009-06-29T19:21:00.001-07:00

Couldn't really come up with a good subject line for this one. I am swallowing my pride on this one and doing something that I would normally not do.

Here is the deal: when I left Christina and filed for divorce I was trying very hard to get time with Courtney, my daughter. In the process, things happened and Christina and I decided that we would work things out but go ahead and finish the divorce. So, being a stupid man I signed what she put in front of me thinking she actually loved me still and wanted to be together. Boy was I wrong. I ended up with only 28 hours every other weekend. She promised me I would see Courtney more than that and could pretty much see her whenever I wanted to. Well, that is another woman in my life that did me wrong. She is back to following the parenting plan very strictly. I was not able to make it home for Father's Day and this past weekend she would not let me see her one minute past the time. If she would have had a heart, I would have been able to see her more. My parents are always willing to bring her to Clarksville to see me, but 28 hours is not really enough time with a total driving time over 8 hours and then you figure in sleep. That is too mean to Courtney to make her ride all that way just to wake up the next and do it again. That does not include this past weekend when my dad's sister, her daughter and two kids were in town. I was lucky enough to have Courtney for my 28 hours. She had a blast with Carter and Connor, who are her age. She wanted to do so much with them, but there was only time for one thing like always. Courtney was upset and even called her mom and begged to stay longer only to be told no by her mother. We had plans to attend Dixie Stampede and her mom would not let her stay a couple extra hours to go with us. There are so many other examples I could share, but you get the point that I miss Courtney and Courtney misses me and her mom does not care. I have a hard enough time geting to talk to Courtney.

With all this said, I went to an attorney for some help. I spent a long time on the phone on Thur trying to find a lawyer in Sevierville after I got a letter last week with a court date where I go back and fight for more time. The attorney could almost guarantee me more time than I have now. I do not even get vacation time with Courtney. Her mom gets to take her anywhere any time she wants I cannot get a week for a vacation with my daughter. With Tessa, aka Freedom from on here before, leaving me and taking a lot of my money, I am hurting for cash to afford the $2000 that the attorney wants to take the case. The only lawyers that I could find that would take payments were too busy or I was warned against using them by others. My family is trying to help me with money, but they are not made of money either. I am struggling trying to figure out how to come up with the money in the week or so. I am not trying to get a handout.

On another note, as of 6Jul I will not longer be married to the one that has caused me more pain than you can imagine. I am glad that is going to be over with soon. I hear so many stories about her now that she is gone. She has even moved back to Clarksville to live with her boyfriend.

I started a new job today with the Public Affairs Office at Fort Campbell as the Tourist NCO. That means I set up and conduct tours on post. I should get to meet a lot of interesting people and have a lot of fun in this job.

I have had a lot friends and family that have really been there for me during this rough time. They have listened to me talk and whine for hours at a time and offered a helping hand when I really needed it.

Once again, thank you to all that are following our blog and I am sorry that I have not been on here very much. Please continue to pray for us as we try to find a way to get more time with Courtney. She is my precious little angel and I cannot wait until I see her next time.

SGT John Strader

Life Changes

2009-06-01T21:22:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been a really long time since I have even been on here!! There have been so many changes in my life since you have heard from me last. I am not sure where to begin. I guess I will start with Dec and update you all.

As most of you know, I hurt my ankle in Oct and was at Fort Campbell getting treatment. On 1Dec I was put back on a plane to Afghan as a newlywed. It took about a week after leaving Fort Campbell to actually get to Afghan. I was in Afghan two weeks and had to get Medivac to Germany to have my gall bladder out. Once I was there for two weeks they decided to send me back to Fort Campbell against my wishes. Once I was here I bought a new house with Tessa. In Mar things started to go downhill with Tessa and I. I was sent for some psych treatment for a few weeks to get my head back on straight. I would go into great detail, but I have been advised not to. Lets just say I thought I was going to save my marriage and I was a whole new person. A week after being out of treatment, Tessa wanted a divorce. Things got REALLY bad for me after that. A week after that situation, she delivered me divorce papers. I could go into detail and explain that there is a lot of proof that she was unfaithful and lied about everything from the time we met, but that would not be right. I could vent forever about it on here, but that is another day.

So, now I am stuck with a brand new house that is lonely. To fill the void, I got my dog Marley (named by Courtney), which is a German Shepard and pitt mix. If I could get her house trained, I would be happy. I am tired of cleaning crap and pee up all the time.

I am now on CQ (Charge of Quarters where you basically babysit the barracks). I work every three days for 12 or 24 hours depending on the day of the week. I have only been home one time since Mar and that was for Easter. I am finally headed home this week after I get off work at 7am on Wed. I can't wait to get home and see old friends.

Speaking of friends, I have made some great friends recently. I have been hanging out with a car club. Basically we go to car shows all the time and and have cookouts on the weekends when there is not a car show. IF there is a car show, we take the cookout to the show. I have started making connections all over the place just my hanging with these guys. Everything from a Harley Davidson employee of over 15 years to Military Police. My life has turned around again on me. I am actually the only bike in the club. I guess I could tell you it is the Modifierz in Clarksille, TN.

I am ready to get home and see my little angel. I miss her so much and her birthday was last week and I could not get away to go and see her. She means the world to me and there is nothing I would not do for her.

I encourage you to go to Facebook and see all the pix online. Just look me up by John Strader.

Well, I am not sure what else to share with you tonight. I am really tired so it is time.

Oh I guess I can share that I got a new bike. I have a Buell Firebolt XB12R now. I am loving it.

I wanted to vent on here about the pain that I have been through and was caused to me and my family by someone we trusted and loved. My parents even treated her like their own.

Well, I have to admit my life is looking a lot better and her being gone might have been a blessing in disguise.

I'm out for now and I promise not to wait so long for the next post.

John Strader

Freedom Isn't Free

2009-04-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Well hello again! It hasn't taken me so long to post another entry this time. Hopefully you will enjoy this post..BUT first, thank you to all of those that continue to check our post and see what my brother and I are up to. Thank you for all of your continued support.

Well, before I get to the main part of this entry, I'll fill you in to what I've been up to... I've been working on my house quite a bit and I am really happy of the projects I've completed. I've gotten some things done that have been really bothering me for a while. I've gotten to ride the motorcycles a little, and that's always a great time. I've had the chance to see a lot of my family..as I outlined in the previous post, and I'm looking forward to the car show coming up next weekend. I'm looking forward to the weather warming up a little bit more and staying dry so I can put a garden in my back yard. Something I'm not looking forward to is going back to work. I have to go back to work on Wend. Ewww...BUT I have to get paid somehow. And although I've enjoyed my two months off work, I think it's about time I go back to work and get back to living a "normal life". Some other stuff I've been working on is my walk with the Lord. I'm really trying to get back where I should be with God. I've always had my faith, but I feel like I've slipped into a place in my life that I shouldn't be. So now, I'm working on doing more of the right thing, and not what just feels right. It's gonna be a little tough, but I know it's what I need to do and what God wants me to do. I've been going to The Gathering, and I must say, God is at work there.

Freedom Isn't Free. If you've checked out my Myspace or Facebook link lately, you'll see that I got a new tattoo. The idea for this post was sparked by a local Marine that was died in Iraq last week. I'm going to do my best to pay my respects to him and his family early this week. My tattoo was inspired by one somewhat like it that I saw before going to Iraq. The two Soldiers that I decided to put on my leg were two that I don't think I'll ever forget. MAJ Pryor was a well accomplished surgeon that was killed on Christmas Day, 2008 at approximately 1130 in the morning. SSG Savage was killed approximately one week before he was to leave Iraq. He was on one of his last missions and unfortunately didn't survive an insurgent attack. Even though I did not know either of the two Soldiers, and I had never met either one of them prior to the day of their unfortunate departure of our lives and this world, they both managed to take a special place in my heart and my head. I'm not sure if I can get you to understand that Freedom Isn't Free and almost every day an American Service Member looses their life overseas. I honestly think the only way to make a good attempt is to paint a clear picture of a series of events that took place on one of many days while I was in Iraq that reminded me that Freedom Isn't Free... but why do I need to make something so personal before you would understand? I've never done it before and I'll not do it now. There is a certain level of respect and honor that goes with those stories, and to make public even a few details is almost too much. I'll not insult anyone's intelligence and assume that no one can feel and or think they understand exactly what I'm trying to say. Please try to understand and take it to heart the next time you see on the news that a Member of the Military was killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. If it's possible and if they are from a town close to where you live, try to go and pay your respects to the family of the lost loved one. The families of these heroes need your support and I know they'll appreciate the simplest "thank you for your sacrifice" or other encouraging words of gratitude. Hopefully next time you see something on TV or hear on the radio about someone loosing their life, you'll stop and say a little prayer and remember, Freedom Isn't Free.

Till next time,
SGT Wormy

My brain is working overtime....

2009-03-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well, you know me, I have to first start by saying hello and thank you to all of those who continue to show support to my brother and I by checking the blog from time to time. Now, I know I have failed you by not posting on here in a while and I apologize. I really am sorry. It's not that I haven't had ideas or things to share, for some odd reason I just can't find the time to sit down and put the thoughts into words. Without further ado...

My brain has been working overtime lately. I've had so much going on in my mind, my heart, and my body. I've had so much going on lately that I don't really know where to start...I guess I'll start with what I've been doing lately....ok, honestly I just typed the "body" paragraph but I'm not ready to go on with what's going on in my head or my heart. SO, what have I been up to?? Well, I'll give you a quick little rundown.... I got home from Iraq, was in Texas for about 4 days, got home, stayed home for about two weeks, went to Daytona, FL for bike week for a week (AWESOME!), came home for 4 days I think...maybe 5, then I went to Ohio to fulfill a promise I made to my family in Ohio. I spent two wonderful weeks with them in Ohio. It was so nice because I was able to hang out with everyone and spend ample amounts of time at both sides of the family without being rushed from one house to the other. I came home from Ohio, spent last week painting my living room (thanks to a friend's advice to make my house look better)...I also had the carpet replaced last week... due to a not so good friend's dogs using my living room as a huge litter box. I got my living room put back together all pretty and nice finally Saturday afternoon. And now I'm in KY at Ft. Campbell visiting my brother and his wife for a few days. Saturday is a benefit motorcycle ride to honor Service Men and Women fallen and still serving. It should be fun and the weather is supposed to be nice. I go back to work in about a week and half, so that will be another adjustment that I will have to make. I'm too used to this not working thing. Although, I must say that I've been pretty busy. I have so SO many things that I want to get done in the next 10 days or so, but I know I won't get them all done. That's ok though. My “To Do” list for house projects seems to just keep getting bigger…Just because I'll be back to work doesn't mean that I won't have any personal time. I honestly thought my vacation time would fly by but it's actually going kind of slow....much to my surprise. OH...just thought of something but I'll save it for one of the below paragraphs.... SO that's been my return in a nutshell....I may have left out a fun detail here or there, but I'll probably throw it in below somewhere....

I'll start with my body because it is the easiest to explain. I've gained about 20 unwanted pounds of weight in the last year. NO good! I have a goal to lose it back in the coming months. And actually the deadline is more like a month, but we'll see how that goes. I know it's not healthy but I think I can at least knock out 10 of the 20 in a month. You see I have this problem...I love to eat. I love good food and I love to cook. SO if I start eating, it's hard to put down the fork and say enough. Now I know I can re-heat it tomorrow and enjoy it later, but for some reason, I want to eat everything now. SO simply cutting down and being a little more active will help. See I told you that was easy... Next....hmmmm the brain or the heart....

Ok, so to the brain....what I really am referring to is the mental adjustment that I'm trying to make from a war zone mind frame to a civilian mind frame. It's not been as easy as I thought it would be or as easy as I wanted it to be. There have been times that have been pretty hard. It's weird. I understand how the mind gets trained and associates certain things with certain other things....I'll give you an example. In Iraq when something blew up close to the base or in maybe in the city it would shake our building. Imagine this with me: BOOM! Building shakes. Look at watch for time check. Go outside to see where explosion was. Go back inside and wait for call. Get call. Run to hospital front area. Unload casualties - not pretty most of the time. Treat injuries. Go back to office....and wait to do it again. Follow me here for a second....I'm in Ohio, at a "picking and grinning" dinner with my grandparents. The building shakes....someone slammed an outer door....my mind kind of jitters...check watch....tell self, "I'm in Ohio, not Iraq"..... Ten minutes later, it happens again....mind jitters..."I'm in Ohio, not Iraq"....as the night went on, I got used to it and it didn't bother me anymore. The other day...Saturday morning. I'm riding to Lowes and then McDonald's for breakfast. I hear a screech and crash behind me, and another, and another, I quickly move my truck out of the way in order to give room and not get hit myself. I look over my left shoulder and see a car slowly moving in the middle of the road with no one controlling it. It was the rear car. The one that caused the accident...the one that was crushed in the front. I run up to it...I don't see the driver. I run around to the passenger side...still no driver. Back to the driver's side, nothing. The windshield is busted but no obvious hole of ejection. I look under the car because there is huge puddle of blood coming from under the car that looked too familiar to me....the car was filling with smoke....I said out loud, "I can't handle this" thinking the person is under the car. This whole time the car's engine is on fire. Then....I see her. She was thrown into the passenger side floor board. She was dazed and very confused. I yelled at her to unlock the doors because her car was on fire and I couldn't get them open...well, they were unlocked but they were jammed shut due to the force of the accident. We got the rear door opened and we were trying to get her out but she was too dazed to get to the open door....I ran back to the police car that was pulling up yelling for a fire extinguisher....the cop didn't waste time giving it to me of course, he could see the fire growing larger himself...when I turned around the flames had grown from 8 inches to three feet above the car. Two others drug the woman out of the car to safety....the woman suffered a broken leg, a man in the middle vehicle probably had bruised ribs, and everyone else was ok. Well, by now you may be guessing that the enormous puddle of blood under the car wasn't blood at all. It was brake fluid or transmission fluid...whatever it was...I knew what it looked like...and it took me right back to Christmas Day. I'm not sure what it is, but before I left for Iraq, I hadn't helped with an accident, an injured person, or anything weird in MONTHS...since being home I helped a girl that was roller skating that broke her ankle pretty bad (everyone screaming and freaking out...) that car accident, and another incident that I'll not mention. Besides the crazy accidents, when I first got home life was really weird. Trying to get back to "normal" life was not easy. My sleep hours were all messed up. I'd go to bed at 3am and wake up at 7am unable to sleep wondering why in the world I can’t sleep until 0900 or something a little later. So many mornings I would just lay there rolling, tossing, and turning. Going to Ohio and having to get up at a decent time helped. A weird dream from time to time would get thrown in there...but, I'm sleeping better now. I don't feel so distant from everything. I think I'm finally starting to feel normal again. I honestly think part of it is because I haven't gone back to work. I think once I get back into my routine and not have so much free time, I'll be better off. Overall, I think I'm doing ok. I think I'll be just fine....not that there's anything wrong with me now, I'm just saying, life here in my little world is getting back to normal. However, something no one wants to hear, especially my family...I'm not sure how long I'll be able to live this "normal life"....thoughts about going back over there swim through my mind almost daily. And the number one question people ask..."are you back for good?" or "how long you back for?" That's a very difficult question. I'm not a good liar so I just can't say, "Oh yeah, I won't have to go anywhere for two years at least." After all, that is the Army's policy. But, I really don't think that will be a reality with me. But in light of trying to explain, I simply answer, "yeah, I'm home for a good" or "I don't have to go back for a while". However, sometimes I don't do a good job of keeping my real thoughts hidden and they hear it in my voice or see it in my eyes. Which, usually is returned by "what do you mean only for a while?" I usually just ramble off some non-sense gibberish and they leave it at that. But honestly, unless the heart part of me has some significant reason not to...I'll end up somewhere within the year's end. BUT there are reasons for that. Just as there are reasons for everything.... 1. First and foremost, I've been there one year. One year. It just does NOT sit well with me that some are there for their 4th and 5th time. If I can go and let someone that has gone 3 times already stay home...I'll happily go for them. 2. I shouldn't need a #2, but I'll humor you....I like the Army. 3. Duty to my Country. I have a big sense of honor doing what I do. I feel that I am good at what I do, and if I can be a service to my fellow brothers, and my Country...so be it. Now, when will this feeling of duty and "who's counting" stop? I'm not sure. That's getting into the heart portion of this, I'll get there, no worries. But seriously, when will it end. I'll answer that by referring to my favorite line in any movie ever made. I don't have it memorized for some reason, but I have the gist of what is being said. Black Hawk Down. One of the last scenes of the movie....two of the main characters are standing in line eating and resupplying their ammo. "Some people think I'm a war junkie. I'd try to explain it to them, but they wouldn't understand. It's about the man next to you. That's it. It's not about me....it's about the man next to you." And there you have it.

The heart is a wonderful but very confusing thing at times. No offense ladies, but it could easily be compared to a woman...I don't think we're ever supposed to completely understand it. I hope you thought that was at least a little funny. SO what's been tugging at my heart so much that I think it's important enough to share it with the world? Ummmmm......nothing. Precisely. That's just it. Nothing. Ok, I'll cut the crap....I threw mention to it a couple times in the previous paragraph. Wait...I'm not ready to explain that yet....sorry. I'm not sure how to start this or how to explain this without sounding like a little whiny puppy. There seems to be a lot of areas in my life that are doing absolutely wonderful. I couldn't complain. But the one area that I want the most is exactly the one area that is the most empty. My Navy roommate in Iraq helped me realize one very important thing. The one thing I wanted was exactly the one thing I didn't need in my life. And that "thing" was a particular woman....this may take me a few minutes to get back on track... I took a break...and probably at a bad time... Ok, the one area of my life that is lacking, is one part that I feel will make everything else come together. I don't want this to be a single's add or something stupid, but I honestly don't think I can write this “beating around the bush”...my heart is half empty. The thing missing in my life is a woman that loves me and that I love. Now one thing my roommate explained to me was that I needed to come home and be completely alone, live alone, and be happy being alone. So far...so good. I think I'm doing an ok job at that. And I know I've only been home about 6 weeks. Now, one positive thing, that woman I used to want, I see her, and I don't even care. It feels so good to finally be done with her. I feel like I finally have a completely open heart, and with the advice of my old roommate, I feel like for once I have a smart heart. The walls are still there, but instead of an armed guard at the gate, I have an intelligent protector in his place. I have met a couple nice women since I've been home. And I have had a few heart-warming moments. But the smart man at the gate smacks me back on track because I know they were not exactly who and what I need to have in my life. They were sweet at the moment and it was nice to catch a glimpse of what I was wanting...but it just wasn't right. Ok, so I'm getting of track a little. Basically, it's been hard coming home to no one. No offense family and friends. BUT, it's just not the same. Coming home to a beautiful woman that loves me, throws her arms around me, and holds me...holds me at night. I'm a romantic guy, and those simple things in life are what make me tic strong every day. Without these things I still function. Sure I do. My life is still is still good. Sure it is. I'm happy. Sure I am. You ever see someone with a sparkle in their eye and a pep in their step every time you see them and you wonder what they have that you don't.... it can be man or woman. It's the love of another. True happiness. True excitement to wake up every day and face the world knowing that the other person is right there with them every step of the way. I have a lot of things. Those that know me could wonder how rich my parents are and how much of a spoiled kid I must be. If I told you about the worldly possessions you too would say "wow, for 27 years old...wow." But I tell you this, the one thing in life I want the most...I can't have. And that my friend, sucks. I keep telling myself to be patient and God will bring that special woman into my life when He's ready. And I believe that. Something I believe very VERY strongly and you've read it before on here...Everything happens for a reason. There is not one minuet detail of your life that is a fluke. I believe that. So, with the encouraging words from my roommate, and the trust I have in God...I'll have that love one day. Phewww...so I told you I wasn't sure how I was going to explain all that... Basically, my heart has some adjusting to do too. Why couldn't I just have said that? I'm trying to make lite of what I just said...can you tell?

Well...I said my mind was working over time....and there were some details I left out that I'm just now remembering....so if you imagine if they were all in there. WOW. So, wrapping this thing up...my transition from Iraq back to civilian life has been quite a challenge. It hasn't been what I thought it would be that's for sure. But, I'm making it and I'm sure I'll be just fine. Life in the USA....land of free and the home of the taxed...I mean home of the brave. One thing I did forget to mention that I will take special time to say...in previous posts I'd mentioned the small things in life make me the happiest. And one of those things was dinner at my house with family and friends. I must say, I've done it three times between my travels since I’ve been home...and I have absolutely loved each and every time. There is just something about cooking, family, and friends gathered around my dining room table that I just can't get enough of. Again...there's only one thing missing in that picture. BUT I will not end this on a boo hoo note! THANK YOU ALL for reading our blog and checking us out on a weekly or daily basis. It's much appreciated. I really have enjoyed writing this short novel tonight and it has reminded me of how much I like writing on here. It's almost like a private therapy session for me. I get to vent and blab about whatever I want without being interrupted by someone else's opinion that I don't agree with. Don’t forget to give your comments….it’s simple encouragement for me to write again…sooner than later.

John, I love you bro. I want you to know that without question.

Till next time,
Somewhere in Iraq...NOT!!!

SGT Wormy

8299

Well HELLO!!

2009-02-25T19:11:00.000-08:00

First, thank you to all of those that have continued to show your support to my brother and I!

Well, HELLO! Yes, it's me, Jeremy/SGT Wormy. I am home and enjoying a little bit of everything. I have a few ideas for posts on here and I know, I know, I have some catching up to do. And i will. I'm sorry for keeping everyone waiting, but I've been pretty tired when I get home at night and I apologize, I've been catching up with everyone and not taking the time to sit and write what I've been thinking. Trust me, I've got some things on my mind. I've done a few of the things that I were on my "list"....including cooking dinner for my family and friends one night, I've gone snowboarding a couple times, I've ridden my motorcycle, I've had a few beers, a few great steaks, I've played with my niece, and I've been able to catch up with several of my good friends.

Like I said, I have a lot to write and lot of "other" stuff to get off my chest. This whole, "re-integration" with society....yeah, it can be a challenge. I'm going to apologize in advance because it will probably be about a week before I get to post on here again seeing that I'm leaving for Daytona on Friday. Bike Week 2009 here I come!!! I can't wait.

Well, pictures will be put up, and stories will be told. Again, thank you all very much for your support and appreciation for what we have done, and will do.

THANK YOU!

Out here,
SGT Wormy

Welcome Home

2009-02-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

Well, Jeremy is finally home and the road, literally the road, was an interesting one. It was exciting to finally see Jeremy step off the plane after watching the planes get thrown around from the wind. The Patriot Guard and Tennessee Helping Hearts were there to escort us home from the airport, but the weather slowed things down. Once we reached South Knoxville, the weather really got bad and traffic was at a stop still.

We finally got to Seymour and our police escort was held up on 411 taking care of fallen trees on the road. 411 was not the only road to have trees in the way. Chapman highway in Seymour had a tree across the road and was preventing traffic getting past. I told Jeremy we needed to do the right thing and got out and help get it cleared. There was a lone off duty police officer trying to clear the road and we got out and helped a dump truck driver to clear the road. We spent some time getting the road cleared with the help of the dump truck driver, a few police officers and a few of our buddies to include a guy from the TN Helping Hearts. We finally got the road open and continued on home.

On Saturday afternoon Sevierville's Mayor personal thanked us in a welcome home ceremony put on by the TN Helping Hearts. It was great to be recognized by our home town and see the support of our friends and family. Hopefully some of you saw it on the news yesterday or today.

Then last night we took my daughter and sister-in-law roller skating and there was a girl that fell and broke her ankle. Once again, it was Jeremy to the rescue. With the help of a nurse, they did they best they could to calm the girl, get her skates off and even help comfort the parents until they took her to the hospital.

This weekend as really interesting and fun for all of us. I got to spend time with Courtney not to mention see Courtney and Tessa together and finally have Christmas as a family. It might have been a little late, but better late than never. It was great to have the family together and have have that Christmas dinner we have been waiting on.

To all that support us, thank you again and God bless you all.

SGT John Strader

Check these out: http://mountainpress.southernheadlines.com/index.cfm?section=36&story=11416

http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/39623027.html

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=78022&catid=2

ALMOST HOME!!!

2009-02-10T13:33:00.001-08:00

Jeremy is almost home. I should have done this last night when we got the word, but he will be in Tennessee on Wednesday at about 3pm. That is when his flight is due in Knoxville. I encourage all that can to come to the airport and welcome him home. I am so excited and proud of my brother that there are not words to describe it. I did not get the big homecoming due to my health issues, but I am making up for it by welcoming my brother home. I encourage everyone to email him, call him or post a message on here for him when he gets home.

The time has arrived when the blog will not be based on two brothers overseas, but now our daily lives and more opinions on the world events now that we are in touch with them. I promise that I will do my best to post at least once a week even if it is to say hi to everyone. I hope that you do not stop reading our blog now that we are home. I am sure there will interesting things to read and hear about, like the homecoming for Jeremy.

To all that have followed us, prayed for us, and supported us, we thank you with all our heart. God bless you all!!

Once again, help me in welcoming Jeremy home!!!!

SGT John Strader
7776

Heartstrings

2009-01-28T14:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-27T15:58:00.001-08:00

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....

2009-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

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??

2009-01-24T18:02:00.000-08:00

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....

2009-01-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

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....

2009-01-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

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

Home, Afghanistan, Germany, Afghanistan

2008-12-24T05:32:00.000-08:00

Well, that has been the order of where I have been. I guess I need to explain all that don't I?

Well, most of you know that I hurt my foot while I was on leave and went through therapy and treatment at Fort Campbell for a little while. Well, I got back to Afghanistan about 6Dec and now here I am in Germany at the hospital. On Fri I went to the hospital in Bagram and found out I had Gallstones and needed my gall bladder out. I was sent to Germany and I had it taken out yesterday morning. I will be spending the two weeks here in Germany recovering and then it is back on to Afghanistan to finish my mission. I am glad that I am going to get to finish my mission and come home with my unit and not go home alone. I really wanted to go home, but I also wanted to finish my mission. I asked God to give what he felt was the best, and he did. It is hard on Tessa and me for me to have to go back, but we both know the right thing is for me to back and finish my job.

I am sorry that I have not posted on here in so long, but there are good reasons that I will not discuss here, but if you ask, I will tell you.

Most of you know that I had a GREAT leave and that I got engaged to the most wonderful woman in the world. Now, it is time to pass on the news that our wedding is going to be 20June09 at mom and dad's house. You mark your calendars and plan on being there to see us get married. The excited is more than I can explain to you in words. Just know that I have the perfect woman and my life has never been better.

With Christmas tomorrow, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Courtney is going to spend some time with Mom, Dad, and Tessa later on today and I cannot wait to call and talk to her and see what Santa brought her.

There is not much else to write about right now. I am pretty tired and drugged up and hurting from the surgery so my thoughts are not all here. Hopefully in the near future I will get on here and elaborate a little more on some things that have happened recently. I will go ahead and tell you that I am no longer working awards, I am focusing on casualty reporting and a few other administrative things in my office.

Once again, sorry I am not on here that much and I promise to start doing better. Things have been a little boring other than having surgery.

I want to thank everyone for the support you are showing us. Oh, before I forget, Germany is really treating the wounded warriors great here. They have a lot of things set up here to makes things as easy as possible for those that come through here. The donations and support that is sent here is unremarkable. There really are a lot of great people out there and I am thankful for them and hope that they are blessed for what they are doing.

I want to thank my family and Tessa for being there for me and supporting my decisions. Tessa is the most perfect woman I have ever met and I am so lucky have some one so wonderful, to the point that she is even helping me turn my life around to start living better for the Lord and start studying the greatest book ever written.

To my brothers and sisters still in Afghanistan, I will be back soon!!

Thank you all and love you all!!

God bless you all and hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!

Counting the days...

2008-12-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

Well HELLO! It's been a few days since I last wrote anything on here...sorry. Thank you to all of those who continue to show your support for my brother and I by stopping by to check out what we've been up to and what's going on in the world of two Soldier deployed over seas. THANKS! Also, thank you to all of those who have sent packages, cards, and letters! We greatly appreciate it all!!

Counting the days...yep. That's about the highlight of my days. Knowing that I'm another day closer to getting the heck out of here! OH the things that I have to look forward to when I get home....and the things I don't have to look forward to...ah we won't think about that stuff for now. I'm not REALLY excited about going home yet...it's close, but not that close. I know some of my group is really getting excited, but I don't think it will hit me until we have about a week or so left. It doesn't seem like I've been here that long, but I guess I have. Unfortunately, I have some friends that are leaving pretty soon. I'm gonna miss those guys and gals. I can't say that for everyone over here I have contact with...but the folks up here that are going home I'll miss 'em.

My brain took another dump....not much has been going on lately....we're getting ready for CHRISTMAS. YEAH! If you haven't noticed, the approaching holiday is CHRISTMAS, not xmas. I can't stand it when people degrade Christmas by spelling it xmas. It's not a celebration of x's birthday...it's a celebration of Christ's birthday. I hope that you'll keep that in mind the next time you have to spell it or you see someone else spell it. SO we're getting ready for Christmas, we have the tree up, there are more and more presents under the tree, and we're generally just getting ready for a good day. I'm sure it will be just fine...considering where we are. We may not be with our families, but we'll have some good friends close by and it's more about Christ's birthday than anything. I'll get some pictures up on here as soon as i can remember to take my camera to work and take a pic of the tree and stuff....

Well...I was thinking that I'd have more to say but I just can't think of anything right now...

Thank you all once again, and I'll write again soon!

Somewhere in Iraq,
sgt wormy

6820-ish

What's up!!

2008-12-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Again thank you to all of those that continue to support my brother and I by looking and reading our blog...including all of those that are here with us. We really appreciate it.

I can't say how much I appreciate all of the care packages that I've gotten in the last two weeks or so. People are so amazing! We've gotten everything from a Christmas Tree, and yes it's a CHRISTMAS tree, lights, decorations, ornaments, garling, and various other "stuff" to help put us in the CHRISTMAS spirit. I can't say how much we appreciate the items we've gotten. We were sent stockings...both empty and filled! We may be in Iraq away from our families this year, but we have had such an amazing amount of blessings from people we don't even know that have sent us things. THANK YOU! I called the states the other day and was put on hold...it was awesome! The CHRISTMAS music was playing and it reminded me of being home and walking into Wal-Mart or somewhere else and hearing the Christmas music playing. It was nice. I think I could have stayed on hold for 20 more minutes and been just fine with it. That goes back to how the small things in life make us happy. I need to take a picture of our Christmas tree and put on here...it's not too bad. I think it's pretty. But maybe that's because I decorated it...with the help of one maybe two others, we "put the tree up" Thanksgiving I think...or day after... I can't remember, but it was close to that time. We're looking forward to having another nice dinner together on Christmas. It will be really nice to sit down and have a nice dinner with our "family" over here. We've grown to be pretty close and pretty good friends...my squad that is.

Man! I'm looking forward to going home! More than anything i'm looking forward to seeing my niece. I miss her the most out of anything. I hope her mom will let me spend some time with her when I get home. I didn't get to see her while i was home on R&R...her mom wouldn't let me see her. But, it's ok. Courtney is only getting older and smarter. One day I'll explain to her why there are no pictures of me and her while I was home...Anyway...I'm looking forward to getting home, going to Ohio, and enjoying the great outdoors! The two week trip I have planned for Ohio should be GREAT!! I'm really looking forward to it.

Well, I'm sitting here thinking that I had more to say but now that I'm here typing my mind is drawing a blank. There are some things I wanted to say, but either they're not coming to mind, or I'm holding back....I mainly just wanted to get on here and give everyone a little update and say hello. I won't dare say that one word.....it's necessarily been ----- but it's not been too too crazy lately either. That goes back to the theory, when a medic has down time...give it to him and don't complain, because if he's busy all the time, things can't be too good for someone. Well I'm going to do a little online browsing...I'm typing a lot of words but not saying much...OH YEAH...

I just remembered something....I LOVE getting cards and construction paper letters from kids across the country. I actually carry one around in my pocket that was mailed to us. It's this little card that has a picture that a little kid drew on it. It's the coolest thing. There are so many young people that I want to write back to...kids from 6 years old to one letter from an 18 year old. It's so awesome when I get those in the mail. I've had the one kid's letter in my chest pocket for about two months now I think....everytime I reach in my pocket I feel it and I remember why I'm here....for them. So hopefully they will have a better life. So they can get up each morning and be a kid. What I would do to be a kid again....So thank you to all of the school teachers, Sunday School teachers, and others that take the time to write a little note. It's awesome!!

We ALWAYS welcome comments about what you think about our blog, our entries, or if you just want to tell us something. OR if you have a question for one of us. If you want to know something about over here....we might be able to tell you, we might not. SO feel free to click the "comment" button at the bottom of each entry and leave us a line. We really appreciate it when people do and it motivates us to write more, and it shows people care about what we write.

Again, thank you all for your continued support, gifts, care packages, letters, cards, and thank you for reading our blog.

I love you all!!

Till next time.....
sgt wormy

6700-ish

Back in Afganistan

2008-12-06T22:09:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am back in Afghanistan. I got here on Saturday after a short stay at Fort Campbell after messing up my ankle. There is not much to write about. I am back and and happy and not happy about it. Luckily I have Tessa (aka Freedom) to help me out while I am gone. We are planning a great wedding for 6June as long as I get home in time. From rumors, I will make it in time. I am pretty excited about that, as is Tessa. We could not be happier. I could tell you stories for days on here about all the wonderful things we did and the great times we had together, but I am not going to bore everyone with the perfect woman and relationship. I start work again tomorrow morning and we will see what will happen. There are a few here that are not happy that was in the states longer than my leave, but there was nothing I could do about that. It is something that I will have to deal for a little while.

I got to spend some time with Courtney while I was home too and it was great. She has grown more than I ever expected and she loves Tessa and that really means a lot to me. She really got attached to Tessa and clung to her more than me for the most part.

Well, there is not much to talk about right now other than how much I miss Tessa, Courtney and family.

Oh and the weather here is pretty cold. It would not be so bad if we did not have to walk so far to get everywhere.

Once again, thank you for all the support and I will be home soon enough!!!

Here I sit...

2008-12-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of those who continue to support my brother and I!! Another 111 hits last week! THANK YOU!!

Here I sit...again. Just hanging out after yet another awesome cookout. It was one of our Soldier's birthday today. Any reason not to eat at the DFAC is good to me. And i get to cook on a charcoal grill. NICE! We made it through Thanksgiving just great! Thanksgiving dinner was great. My entire group got to go to the DFAC for a lovely meal topped off with some nice conversation. I got to talk to my family and enjoy their happiness as well. I talked to my dad almost every day last week while he was in WV deer hunting. There were some pretty nice deer killed from what I hear...daddy hasn't gotten one yet, but his is coming. He over-looked some does, waiting on the big one to come strolling by. I can't say how much I wish I was there. It's so awesome to call up there, and just listen to the stories, the family, and all the comotion. I don't think my dad realized that I was content just listening to the noise in the background....kinda like being a fly on the wall. I miss everyone up there so bad, I just can't put it into words.

On another subject...the Military life is so simple...sometimes....sometimes. My NCOIC and I were talking tonight after all the grilling was finished and we were saying how he kinda got this feeling like he didn't want to go back home. I had to agree. When you think about the simplicity of our lives here, and how it's so structured. Take away all of the Hero's we've had to see, take care of, and try to push to the back of our heads....it's not that bad. Hero's are those that have made the ultimate sacrafice. We wake up, go to work, eat, work, eat, and go chill out in our rooms or however we see fit to spend our free time. At home, we have to worry about this and that and this and that and this and that.....gas, gas money, electric bill, water bill, will our employment come to a sudden end, will our vehicle break down, going to the grocery store, work in general....the list goes on and on.... But we all know that we love our other lives...the civilian side of life. And, we can't wait to get back to the freedoms and the things/people we love so much. It's a hard thing to think about. I signed another 6 year contract...I know I'll be over here again or probably Afghanistan at least once....and that's fine with me...trust me, it is. Personally I have a big problem with the fact that some Soldiers are making their 3rd or 4th trip to the "desert". This is my first. That doesn't sit very well with me. I have a duty to my country and I want to do my part. SO, what am I trying to say....I don't know. I guess leading back to the first part of this paragraph when I say it's hard to leave this and go back home where life is kinda crazy...in a whole different way. It's hard to explain. I try to tell people that I really enjoy the fact that I'm in the Army. When I get bored at home in my civilian job, I "go somewhere"....usually by my choice. Now, I also "usually" have to say...."what?! me...I didn't see that coming." I think those who know me best figure that if I go somewhere, there was a little more to it than that. And, usually by the time I'm back home, I'm ready to be home again. Well, last time I was gone, i was gone for 18 months instead of just 12 so maybe that's why I'm not quite ready to get back home yet. I don't know.... there's fine line of happiness that I ride. I enjoy both the restaurant business, and the Army. I tell people that I live two different lives: one, my civilian life working in the restaurant, riding a motorcycle, driving a big truck on wet days, and doing my best to sort out my personal-personal life...and two: Serving my country in the Army as a medic. I know, two completely different jobs...IT'S GREAT! I'm not sure where i'm going with this....

I really really need to thank all of those who have been sending my group and I care packages. THANK YOU!! We've gotten so many useful things and so many nice folks have donated their time and money for Soldiers they don't even know. THANK YOU!! I just couldn't even start to name folks and orginizations that send us things...and I also know that's not why people do what they do...but THANK YOU!!!

Well, I feel like I'm ending this kinda quickly, but I've kinda run out of thoughts.... my brain just took a dump on me, and I'm lost for words. I will say this, friends are great. Great friends are far and few between. And between those friends you'll find those that you thought were good friends. The friends you didn't know would be so great...turn out even better. It's a shame that the ones you thought you could count on for anything....well...you end up not counting on them for anything other than a disappointment. And again, those who you never thought would care so much....come through in the end to help you through all the things that life throws at you. What's that saying...??? It takes a second to meet someone great and forever to forget them. Funny how those friends that you thought would be there for you end up being no where to be found, and those who you thought you'd never find again....they're right there with you.

I love you all and thank you so much!!

Somewhere in Iraq,
sgt wormy

6565

I'm 27!!!

2008-11-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-14T01:56:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

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....

2008-11-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-11-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

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.....

2008-11-04T10:51:00.000-08:00

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

6000+

Halloween in Iraq....

2008-10-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well hello!!! The counter at the bottom of the page is definately messing up but we get reports once a week that says how many people visit our page and I have to say, THANK YOU!! Thank you for your support by reading our page and checking us out.

Halloween in Iraq.... well, it's just the first of several holidays for us in the near future. But, today was actually a pretty fun day in the desert. The day started pretty early with sporting events starting around 0700 and ending around 1300. That's 1 pm for those who don't know... we played dodge ball, basketball, volleyball, tug-o-war, relay race....yeah, it was pretty fun... most of my morning was spent playing volleyball...we came in second in that event...the others I won't say. I had a great team...but I guess fair to say that we weren't the best....AHH one fun thing that we did was 'attack' everyone playing volleyball.... someone walked up to me and said it would be awesome to get on top of the hospital and launch water balloons at everyone then run like hell... SO the water balloons that I got a few months ago...finally came in use!! We filled about 30 or so, climbed up on top of the hospital, stayed back where no one could see us, and launced them where everyone was gathered....then ran like hell back into the hospital and pretended to be "wondering around" the hospital....it was pretty fun. I don't normally do things that could end up with me standing at attention while someone yells at me...I usually just go with the flow...but today was a little different...and it was a nice rush. The afternoon was followed with a pie eating contest, which my team won...I didn't participate but our representative took 1st place. Then there was the dizzy bat/beer drinking contest. It would take a lot of time and room to explain that one...it was pretty complex...basically 5 times around the bat, chug a beer...run to another place, chug a beer...run back....chug a beer. My teammates weren't quite as experienced with this kind of thing so we didn't win that one either, but I think I pulled my weight for sure. All of this was followed by a cookout, a costume contest, and finally the finale was a fashion show at the auditorium. It was pretty cool. I was the 'security' for the event. All that meant was checking ID's at the door and telling people not to run through our haunted house that we set up in the foyer of the auditorium. The place was packed! We easily had 250 people in there. It was a much better showing than I anticipated. I'll put some pictures on here maybe tomorrow, I'm pretty tired and if you notice the time of the entry, it's 0030 my time....

Halloween wasn't so bad. My favorite week of the year is coming up and I'll be stuck here. Thanksgiving is the one week of the year that I look forward to more than anything. Hunting, the family time, being away from EVERYTHING up in WV, spending time with my family...yeah I said that twice...it's that GREAT! I love you dad! I wish I could be there this year! Get a big one for me too!!! Then Christmas is just around the corner.... I've been away from my family once already for Christmas while I was in Germany.... but at least there we could have a decent Christmas dinner, open presents around a tree....enough of that...I don't need to start thinking about all that now...

OH, and by the way... FOR SALE: 2003 HARLEY SPORTSTER 883, CUSTOM SEATS, LOTS OF CHROME, SADDLE BAGS, LOW MILEAGE - ASKING $3000. Seller just doesn't want it anymore. For further questions, post a comment asking for contact information, or call 865-329-7456 and leave a massage after the beep.

Well, I'm off to bed. LOVE YOU ALL!!!! I still miss you!!!

Somewhere in Iraq

SGT WORMY

6000+

Too soon...

2008-10-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, and thank you to all of you that continue to show your support for my brother and I! Thank you!

Too soon....Earlier today I stopped by my room to send out a couple of emails. But oddly I took time to write a post on here. I don't normally do that...matter of fact that's the first time I've done that I think. Just like I said, we don't use the word 'quiet' around here....I did today just playin around....well....the rest of the day wasn't to quiet...unfortunately. I felt really guilty later this afternoon....like I was the reason that some stuff happened...but that's not right, I shouldn't feel that way. I can't blame myself for something like that. I'm not supersticious (sp?) and never really have been...but today I felt partially responsible....why? I don't know. I talk to myself quite a bit and after a while of convincing myself that what I wrote on here has nothing to do with the series of events that took place. This is another one of those times that if I said what happened, I'd have to kill you...just kidding. I wouldn't do that...put I still can't tell you. I feel better and I know that what happened, happened. That's it. It doesn't matter what someone writes or thinks or says half way through the day....things just happen. We don't know why or what caused them....they just happen. I guess I should elude back to one of my other posts from July or August...."Are you ready??" Go back and find that one...read it. Then ask yourself...'am I ready?'

Prayers...our Soldiers need your prayers. Prayers for strength, and stability in their lives. Pray for their families and friends. Thank you.

Well, I'm headed to bed. This post may be a little shorter than I was thinking it was going to be, but....I'm really tired, I fell asleep in the middle of writing it, and now I'm awake again...an hour later...and I'm going to curl into my blankets and try to erase the events of today from my mind. I love you all and again thank you for your support that you show us!!

Somewhere in Iraq,
Sgt Wormy

5800

Just hanging out...

2008-10-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

Hello! WOW! Thank you to those who continue to show your support to my brother and I! THANK YOU!!

Just hanging out...well, that's about it. That about sums up what I've been doing for the last week since I got back from R&R. Just hanging out. The one word we're not allowed to use over here is "quiet". It's like a curse or something...people say that we don't really do a whole lot over here...well, that's a good thing. When I have a 'lax' or 'lazy' day...it's a good thing. I am pretty surprised though with the elections coming up I kinda figured there would be a spike in the activity over here...now, understand that some areas are always busy and some people are always busy but for me....well, it's been pretty quiet. Ooops...I said it. Sorry. Sometimes I wish I had a more exciting job and that I got to do more...I guess that just comes with the job though. But, it always depends on what kind of unit you come over here with....some medics stay busy. I almost wish I was one of those. When I say busy I don't necessarily mean busy treating people, busy can mean running missions or a number of things. By the way, that's not me in the pic...my boss would probably shoot me if he knew I put that on here.... :-) He works a lot of hours...and sometimes the sleep monster gets the best of us!

Anyway....can you tell I'm bored....sitting here just blabbering on about a whole lot of nothing. My room did shake a few minutes ago. It's amazing how far away an explosion can be and still rock the building. Hey bro! Get off your butt and do something! Just kidding. He mentioned falling off my landing at my house...yeah, he's not allowed to set the table at my house anymore. I thought he was kidding at first, but no, he banged up his ankle pretty good. The site has had a lot of activity lately. THANK YOU! The counter has been messing up, but I'm pretty sure we're well over 6,000 hits. Not too bad. Not bad at all. My mom asked me about the weather over here. Well, it feels like 75 or so in the day time which probably means it's about 80-ish. And at night it feels like 60-ish....maybe in the 50's. It's really not too bad. But the rains have begun. And that means that it's a soupy mess over here. And you would think that it would all dry up pretty quick but it doesn't. The mud just kinda lingers around...it's pretty nasty. But oh well. Hopefully we'll make it out of here before the real rainy season starts.

Well....I really don't have much more to write about. I need some ideas so if you have a question about something over here, or if you're just curios about me in general...feel free to ask. Just click on the 'comment' button below the post and ask away.

Thank you once again for your support! I'll see everyone at home again pretty soon!! LOVE YOU!!

Somewhere in Iraq,
Sgt Wormy

5795

Long, FUN Ride

2008-10-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I am still in the states and should have been back in AfCRAPistan a long time ago. I am not sure how much you have heard, but get ready for a long post. I am at Fort Campbell pulling CQ (Charge of Quarters) in the barracks from 6pm to 7am. This means I am sitting in a room watching for stupid soldiers to do stupid things and make sure no one comes in that does not belong.

Well, lets start in the beginning. I got home on Thursday, 25Sep. I came in the wrong gate so no one saw me coming. I walked up behind mom, dad, Tessa and Courtney and they were not ready with the banner and me not ready with the camera. I really enjoyed it. Then came the part where I had to decide who to hug first. I grabbed Courtney and squeezed her tight. Then came the time to grab Tessa up and finally tell her to her face that I love her!!

Well, that was Thursday and on Saturday, 27 Sep I proposed to Tessa at Cherokee Grill in Gatlinburg and she said yes. That was a huge moment in my life to love someone so much and the love to be returned. I think my dad even had a tear in his eye when it all went down. I called Jeremy right before I left the house (oh and I spent all day running and setting things up while mom, Tessa and Courtney went and got nails done and such). I called him in Iraq not knowing that he was about get on a plane to come home and see us and I asked him if I should do it before or after I ate. He told me before and of course I would not listen to him. He said I would not be able to eat and he was RIGHT!! After we ate, I went to the bathroom to try and clear my head. On my way back, I passed Tessa and knew how to pull it off. She came and I made her pose with me for some pictures and then I did it. I was the most exciting moment in my life up to that point.

The surprises did not stop there. Jeremy called Cherokee Grill and made arrangements to pay the bill from IRAQ!! The manager even wrote us a nice letter congratulating us and thanking Jeremy and me. It was one of the nicest things a complete stranger has ever done for me.

We spent the next two nights in a cabin that Fern Chase was awesome enough to help me out with. I really owe her for that one!!

The weekend was one that will never be forgotten for a lot of us. It will always remain cherished in my heart.

The next week we went to Ohio to see the family with Courtney in tow. It was her first trip to Ohio and she had a great time (could have been better if her mom was not such a pain and tried to ruin it for all of us). EVERYONE loved Tessa. My cousins really liked her, to include JD flirting and being a Schramm. Gina and Bryan spent Sunday at the zoo with us with Isaiah. It was a real blast. My grandma really liked her too. Lets just say I never thought I would have a farting contest in her living room and her laugh so hard. I kept hearing all weekend how they really liked her and it was so obvious how happy I am. They have no idea.

We came home and spent every moment together going and doing things neither one of us had ever done. That list is endless and will be another post some day.

She was even by my side the night I got to go to the hospital. Thats right, I made that wonderful trip to the hospital. I was setting the dinner table and fell off a ledge at Jeremy's house and MAJORLY sprained/fractured my foot. So here I sit at Fort Campbell doing physical therapy and waiting to go back to Afganistan in November. In the mean time, Tessa and I are spending a lot of time together when we can. She has drove here several times and I home several times.

I know that I talked about her in previous posts and talk about how great she is and how much I love her, but I never knew it would be so great when we finally saw each other and told each other face to face how we felt and it kept growing stronger and stronger and getting better and better. I never knew it was possible to be this happy. I never want it to end, and it never will. Just to give you an idea of how crazy I went and I am about her, I bought her a new car the week after we got engaged. Of course she had to put a HUGE BAMA sticker in the back window.

I have had a great time while I have been here. This has been awesome and I wish I did not have to go back.

Life is finally going great for me and it looks like it is going to be great for Jeremy too. I hope he gets to be as happy as I am right now!!

He also mentioned the elections a few times. I hope that everyone has caught on to what he is saying and that we put the right person in the White House this time. He is right about the experience. You really need to keep that in mind. Make sure that you do your homework and really think about what you are doing on election day.

I got to spend a little time with Courtney. It was great to have the time that I did. Unfortunately, someone, you know who, has made it difficult for me to see her and did not keep the promises that she made. Oh well. I guess that her turn will come one day. There is nothing that can take away the happiness that I have in my life.

Once again, God has answered my prayers and made me a happy person beyond belief.

There is not much else to talk about really unless you want to read on forever about Tessa and me. There are HUNDREDS of pictures I could post on here, but I do not have the time. You can see a lot on my myspace page if you want to see more.

I want to thank everyone for the support that everyone has shown us. It was great to have all the special times with my family and it was AWESOME to have my brother home at the same time. We shared a few "war stories" over a cold one and had some great times.

You need to be ready to come to a wedding in June or July next year. I will tell you that it will be unlike any one that you have ever seen.

Until next time.........

Back at it!

2008-10-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! Once again, thank you for all of your support that you have given to my brother and I!! THANK YOU!!

Back at it...well, I've had a REALLY nice transition back to being over here. I've the last three days off! WOW!! That's two more than I expected! SO basically I've slept the last three days. It's nice to just lay around all day. When there's not much more to do, why not? And, it's been raining the last couple days so there wasn't much more to do. I enjoyed catching up on the news from my room on the internet, but other than that I only left my room to shower, shave, brush my teefers, and use the wonderful potty....oh, and to eat once a day....I mean come on, how much food do you really need if you're just laying around all day? Plus the food isn't that good anyway. I miss the food from back home! I was really fortunate to get to eat a great variety of foods while i was home. Thanks to my folks cooking some much needed home cooked meals, I made dinner a few nights, and many thanks to the various restaurants around town. I think the only food I didn't have while I was home was some good habachi..sp? BUT that will be something to look forward to when I get home. Tomorrow I get back to work...well if you want to call what i do "work"....well, it can be at times, but it's a lot of 'hurry up and wait'. However, I do have a PT test in the morning...BLAH!! I hate them! It's the one thing I can't stand doing. Don't know why, I think it's the thought of not passing that mentally messes with my brain...but oh well. It doesn't matter, like I said before, nothing can get me down at this point. My goal is to not get excited about anything else while I'm over here...when I say that, I'm talking about my unit, the war, my unit, or.....any b.s. resulting from 'stuff' over here. I'm excited about much more important things than any of that stuff. It's great to be in a fog and have so much to look forward to when I get home. NE-WAY...OH, before I forget...

Hey bro! I think the counter is messing up. I REALLY thought that we passed the 6,000 mark, but then the other day when I got on here, it was at 5700 something...and I KNOW that I was not on crack when I put the number up two days ago, but now it's less than what I posted??

And, I'm not sure if anyone else noted that we only had 11 posts in September.... Sept 11 Well, it wasn't meant to be that way but I thought it was pretty cool. A nice way to remember September 11th. It's amazing how after that happened I would be driving down the road and look at the clock on the radio and it would be 9:11 . Odd. I wonder if people ever wonder if others still think about that day. I'll be the first to say I do. I think about it. I can't say how many times I've looked a clock, watch, radio, or something else and seen 9:11...I think about where I was and what I was doing and what I did that day. It's like yesterday. My brain doesn't work too well sometimes, but that day is locked in for pretty obvious reasons. Getting off that subject... While I was home a few people asked me about the war and how I deal with all the crap I've seen over here. I think I've said it before, but I was blessed with a bad memory. If I didn't keep a journal of the 'bad things' over here...I probably couldn't come with more than 4 or 5 stories. It's pretty cool I guess. You know, to my surprise, not many people did ask me what I've seen over here. I expected a lot more people to ask the questions I didn't want to answer, but they didn't. It was kinda nice. Being home and away from 'the war', talking about it was just about the last thing I wanted to do. Although, I did have some folks ask me what I thought about the whole situation over here....being in my situation, there's only a few things I could say. Which none of them will be repeated on here....just because. One thing I will say is this: People are going to vote the wrong way in a few days. This isn't a 'military' sponsored blog so I guess I can say whatever I want, but I won't. I will refer back to a conversation my aunt and I had. She said, 'he doesn't have a pullout date set. We want you all to come home now! At least 'he' does have a pretty quick plan to getting you all out of there.' Well, my response was this: Politicians will tell you and the American people what they think they want to hear. If I told you we were all leaving next Tuesday, would you vote for me? Next Tuesday, that's it right. That's what you want to hear. We're leaving next Tuesday. No matter what the situation is over here, no matter whether or not the Iraqis are ready to take over, lead their own country, have a stable military, stable gov't, and a stable way of life.....you want to hear that we're leaving, SO OK...Tuesday it is. Do you feel better? Do you? Why not? That's what you wanted to hear right? It doesn't matter that this country will go back to shit. Every life that was sacraficed will be discredited just so you could hear what you wanted. Let us finish the job so we don't have to come back to a worse situation. Let us finish the fight strong. SO many Americans would probably vote for Willy Wonka if he promised everyone a bar of chocolate....if that's what you wanted to hear.

Ok, I'm getting off my soapbox. There's more to this election than people think. I understand the economy is pretty bad. If I'm right, we've had a Democratic Congress for sometime now. So don't blame it on the Republicans. The economy should be the number one focus on this election. I voted. And I hope that the person I voted for is successful. Two or three years of experience isn't enough to lead an Army to war, let alone lead a country. Given the chance, take a highly motivated, smart, educated, and well-rounded employee from your work. Let's say he's been there 4 years. He/she probably thinks they know quite a bit about the business. Now take that person and move them to the General Manager, or CEO or your business. Seriously, how do you REALLY think that will go over?? Doesn't make much sense to me. I wouldn't do it. There is SO much more to the job than you can learn in even 4 years to put in that position. Now think about that before you vote. Do you REALLY want to put a 3 year employee in charge of the entire Company?? I hope not.

Ok seriously, enough of that. I must remind everyone that this blog is solely the opinions of two brothers. This blog is not connected to any military branch or belief. We are in the Army, but the words written on the blog are only our opinions and no one else's. We do not speak for the Army or any other branch of the military. We speak for ourselves.

Till next time,
Somewhere in Iraq,
SGT Wormy

5781...again

Pretzel....

2008-10-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

Well, here goes nothing, but I hope it means something....BUT first, thank you to all of those who show your support to my brother and I over "here". We just can't say enough to those who support us with care packages, prayers, and thoughts. THANK YOU!!

Well, if you read the last post I said I was going to write another post the other night....but I just couldn't get the thoughts together and I just wasn't ready....I'm not really sure that I am now, but I'm going to try. This post really doesn't have much to do with the "war" and everything over here....this is one of the only personal posts I'll put on here. I try to keep my personal life seperate from this blog. I guess this is one of those times where I want to vent/express what is on my mind and in my heart and there's just no one else to talk to. Some of you that read this won't understand it, some of you will.

Pretzel. Odd name for a title to a post, I know. But that's about how I feel at this point. My head's all tied up like a pretzel....I know, that's a quote from Tallegada Nights, but that's about how I feel right now. I don't know where to start, I don't know what to say and not to say, and I don't know how to finish. If you could hear me right now, there would be a lot of sighing....some deep breaths and this look of....concern...no, just "that look". I don't know where to start because I don't want to say too much, but there's so much I want to say. Ah, how do I start this?! Before I went home on R&R I made the decision to start living better. Start doing more of the right things and less of the crazy "young" things. People say that the war 'changes people'. Well, 'people' are right. It's made me stop taking so much for granted and is making me realize that all we have can be gone in a flash. I've seen it first hand, and it's not pretty...physically or mentally. So, I've decided to live more like I should and more like God wants me to. So when I got home, I tried to focus on my family and quality time with my friends and not just partying every night. I think I did ok with all that. Sure, there were a few nights and times I should have been with my family and not with friends, but I tried. This isn't coming out like I want it to. The pretzel is still all tied up....

You know, I've made some mistakes...the time period between Germany and Iraq was filled with stupidity and selfishness. I'm sorry. I'm sorry to my family and friends. Sometimes the greatest thing in our life is right in front of us and we can't see it. I want to come home so bad and make things right. The song 'my front porch lookin in' says it all. And the most beautiful thing happened while I was home...sitting in the rocking chairs in my back yard watching a little angel run around.... dinner at my folks house with her and Lukas... if that's what I have to look forward to one day, I can't wait! Little blue eyed blonde with her shoes on wrong... I can't wait! So I get back over here and I start downloading songs off the internet because while I was at home I didn't know any of the songs on the radio. One of the songs I downloaded is, "Roll with me" by Mongomery Gentry. You know what, I love songs like this. It seems like when I just can't put things into the rights words, someone else does it in a song. I'm so ready to start living my life, slowing it down, worrying about nothing except the man I want to be. If you haven't heard this song, download it. This song says everything I've been thinking and feeling for some time now. I'm tired of all the crap and hustle and bustle. I'm ready to slow down, love the town I live in, and just do my best to be the man I want to be. Everything happens for a reason, I believe that. I'm not sure when another song came out, but when I downloaded that song...I almost melted. I'm not sure if why I heard that song...but that it says it all. "I still miss you" by Keith Anderson....yet another great song to check out. Please be patient with me, it's starting to come out a little easier... I'm so sick of missing out on true happiness. I'm so tired of being fake, miserable, and someone I don't want to be. I need to slow down......sorry. I'm convinced that everything happens for a reason. Because of that, I have no 'regrets'. I will not say that I regret anything. ALTHOUGH, I REALLY REALLY wish I wouldn't have made a trip to europe 14 months ago...sorry but that's the truth. But, again, I don't regret it. I'm sure something good will come out of it....maybe. Whatever... I will say this though, when I get my 'business' taken care of...my life will get back on the right track. Well, I'm kinda starting to feel somewhat better....I hope you don't mind me venting on here, I really hope you don't mind.

So, yeah....this whole 'war' thing has changed me. I'm pretty sure people are pretty right on when they say it changes everyone that comes over here. But, at least in my case, it's for the better. I hope that you will benefit from it too. I hope a lot of people can benefit from it. Maybe one day I'll say something or do something that will make someone else think....hmmm ok. I'm looking forward to coming home and turning a new leaf in my life. I'll be 27 years old. It's about time to grow out of the craziness and all that 'crap'. Now, don't think I'm going to jump off the deep end, I'm not going to come home; sell the Ninja, empty the fridge, and not wear jeans with holes in them. I'm still me. But, I'm looking forward to really 'living life' and not just being another person going through the motions. Moderation. That's a good way to put it.

Well, I hope you somewhat enjoyed this post. I thought twice about actually posting it. It's almost a little too personal, but sometimes it's just hard to keep somethings bottled up. Relating this back to being over here: There's not much at this point that can get me down. My unit has a record of breaking my spirit, but not anymore. Not this guy. I have too much to look forward to when i get home. I don't have much time left over here, and if I can help it, nothing will get me down. Nothing.

Till next time,
Somewhere in Iraq,

SGT Wormy

5781

R&R

2008-10-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well, hello!! I know it’s been a while, but I was home on R&R and I must say that I hardly even checked my email while I was home. BUT, what a nice surprise I got when I got back over here to the wonderful Iraq…I had about 10 boxes of “stuff” waiting on me!! THANK YOU!! Thank you to all of those that sent me care packages!! THANK YOU!!

Well, like I said, I was home on R&R, for those of you who don’t know what that is…in the easiest way, I was home on a two week vacation from Iraq to spend time with my family and friends. I must say that I had a WONDERFUL time!! Thanks to a few great friends and one in particular..flyin squirrel! I don’t want to get into too many details just yet about that one though…it just wouldn’t be right. But, I know they know who I’m talking about. WOW! I’m going to have to make another entry to just get some things off my chest that I don’t want to in this one… I’ll keep this post for just general info and blah blah blah.

I had the opportunity to get to spend some wonderful time with my family and friends. I did a pretty good job of surprising everyone that I was coming home. My brother picked me up from the airport to my surprise…he had to find out because my brother-in-law couldn’t pick me up from the airport so he did. And he brought his own surprise with him…my motorcycle! I got to ride a motorcycle home from the airport!! That was great!! Thanks bro! My R&R was full of surprises…some of which I can’t mention due to being sworn to secrecy…but that’s ok. It will all come out in due time. I owe a big THANK YOU to Johnny, Josh, Blake, and many other friends for making my trip home a very memorable one! We had some pretty great times together. My parents were wonderful, my brother was awesome and basically we had a GREAT time together!! There’s nothing like sitting around the table for dinner with family and friends. Speaking of sitting around for dinner…John broke his foot while setting the dining room table at my house. He fell off the landing that my table sits on. But thank goodness he didn’t fall off the high side, he only fell off the low side…but he still managed to break his foot. Clumsy! We had the chance to be a part of a motorcycle ride, go to a Friday night football game at our old high school, and just hang out. Of course, there are always people that you would want to hang out with more, and yes, that happened too. But with only two weeks to hang out with everyone…there just wasn’t enough time. BUT the good thing is, I’ll be home in a few months and I’ll have plenty of time to catch up with the people I didn’t get to this time.

But, for now, I’m back in good ol’ Iraq. It’s thundering and lighting outside right now. I just got off the phone with my parents and a couple friends to let them know I made it back safe and sound. I’m hoping that the jet lag doesn’t kick my butt too too bad the next couple days. I should be ok by tomorrow hopefully…hopefully. It was really nice to get back and have a stack of boxes to go through!! WOW! I got enough junk food to last a WHILE! THANK YOU!!!

Well I think I’m going to go for now…I may write the other post now, or I may wait until my thoughts are better put together….well…I’ll probably just do it now so I can sleep better…It’s almost like having a secret and you’re now allowed to tell anyone…but you want to SO SO bad! So I’ll think of a way to dance around the truth and maybe I’ll feel better….

Till next time

Somewhere in Iraq…again,
SGT WORMY

6145

Surprise!!

2008-10-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

Well thank you all for your support for my brother and I!! I just can't say it enough!! We really appreciate it more than we can say!!

Well...I'm going to make this pretty short too...I am home!! I am in TN with my brother and my family. John wanted me to be home while he was here...and different from what I said in previous posts about hunting being more important....well, bro...it's not true. I got home two days ago and am having a great time so far!! My brother and everyone went to Ohio for a couple days but I'll see them when they get back. Well....I need to get ready to go to church so I'm going to get off here. I'll put some pics and another post up here soon.

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

JEREMY

Short and SWEEEEEEEEEET!!!

2008-10-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

This is really short because I am sitting in the parking lot of Krystal's in Sevierville, TN using the free Wi-Fi so I can upload photos for you all.

I just wanted to share the photos and let everyone know SHE SAID YES!!!!!

That means that when I get home in May, I will be getting married to the love of my life and the most wonderful and beautiful woman in the world!!! The pix are jumbled up because I am losing battery fast.