As America wakes up this morning they will turn on the TV to see why we are fighting in these wars. Today is supposed to be a special day for our country, to celebrate why we are thankful and to gather family. For guys like myself, I will break bread with the men that I serve with here. We’ll play it off and pretend that we don’t care but deep down inside we all do. We all know what it’s like to be home and be with out families. That is not the case this year.

I am here now and I am thankful for being able to serve our great nation. The ability to serve is something that I wish all American’s could experience. What are you thankful this year?

Although I am half a world away from my loved ones I have not forgotten what home means to me. Between the hustle and bustle of normal life I can see where people can forget what they are thankful for.

So when you break bread this afternoon, say your grace and appreciate the opportunity to be there with your family and loved ones. Don’t allow the bullshit that others are trying to do to spoil your day. Turn the news off and know that those who serve will take care of this mess.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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General

So I will put it bluntly, if you want to support the troops then donate to this cause. For those who have been visiting this site then you will know the cause. For those who happen to be new, this cause provides voice activated laptops for our wounded warriors. Donate a $1 or more.

This donation does require you to pay through Paypal. Trust the site, I’ve used it many times.

DONATE! - I say that with a smile.

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General

Alas, the final Sunday before I depart. So much has happened since starting to prepare to go. It feels exactly like a military deployment but not exactly. I know that it’s not but my wife and I have prepared as if it is. The paperwork shuffle, talking to friends and family, etc. We’ve been at it none stop for nearly two weeks. I found myself changing out a check valve for my well yesterday and I am the furthest from being a plumber. Good thing for proper tools! I was also adding border insulation for my windows yesterday as well. My wife made a comment that I have never prepared this much before leaving. I just told her that I wanted to make sure things were squared away so she wouldn’t have to worry about it.

As I write this I look around on my desk and see the new and old comfort devices that I will be bringing with me. Music – check, movies – check, camera – check, laptop – good to go!

Today we will have some friends and family come over for a ‘see you in a few months’ party. I wanted this to be about just seeing them before I depart. Goodbye parties are too depressing anyway. I wrote about one of mine in the book The Sandbox. It’s always awkward when it’s time for people to leave. The slow walk to the door, saying those last few words and the emotional departure. I didn’t want that this time around.

So right now everything is falling into place and it’s just a matter of waiting for the departure date to come. I am feeling real good about this mission. I have missed the brotherhood and I sure to find it while I am there. Life has been interesting since I got out of the Army last year. I had plenty of time to reflect on things and where I am in life. One of the best decisions of my life thus far was to leave the Army completely. The reason why I say that is I needed to see what my life was all about. I placed a few bad habits in the ground and became a stronger person, mentally and physically. Oh yeah, I grew some guns this past year!

I won’t go into a reflection session but things seem to have prepared me for this moment. So if that isn’t a sign then I don’t know what is.

Thos are my thoughts for the day. Carpe Diem!

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General