A day in the life of an American Soldier. The personal passages of everything from family life to war.

This blog, one year later


American Soldier says,

This blog is officially a year old. I remember the day I sat down and decided to write my thoughts. At first I was very raw and aggressive in my entries. The time was full of so much uncertainty. I wasn’t sure where or when I was going to leave but I knew something would occur.

Now a year later, that guy that wrote that first entry really has changed. So much more life experience under his belt. I’ve met some great people in the last year. I’ve lost some friends and been thrown a few life bones here and there. I’ve experienced hardships and lived the life of a Soldier.

One thing that has been consistent is my sincere willingness to serve this beautiful country. If I had to do it all again I wouldn’t changed a thing. I still would have volunteered to go to war. I know that my time with this mans’ Army is not done. I can say that I may find myself fighting this fight again. Will it be OIF 4 or OIF 5?

I’d like to say thank you to all the people that have come to this site either by mistake or from another blog. Well over 185,000 unique visitors have had an interest in what I’ve said and I can say that I have appreciated that. It has blown me away with the generosity and the patriotism that some people have displayed.

So thank you for making this blog a living experience for me. Also for being the shoulder to lean on when I’ve needed it most.

Thank You!

Little by little


American Soldier says,

I’ve decided to go back to work next week. I think it is best that I integrate back into civilian life sooner than later. I have taken some time off and I am ready to get back into saddle. The thought of being around non-military people again is scary. Some questions linger in my head. Will I be able to relate to them? Will I remember all that I need to be successful? I know that this will not last forever but how long will it be like that?

I have my orthopedic surgeon appointment next week as well. I am very anxious to goto that appointment. With any luck I can get surgery within a month. One thing to note is my employer has been very understanding and supportive of me in this endeavor. Even with me going back to work they understand that most likely in a month I will be having surgery and will require time off. They have certainly taken care of me and for that I am grateful. I think I will write a letter to the CEO soon.

My wife and I have been talking off and on about this whole adjustment thing. Really this is not an uncommon thing among soldiers. I have been gone for a long time. So our separation has forced us to change and adapt. Add the whole military experience on top of two changed people and you have created a whole lot of new variables. So the first step has been talking about it. One of my issues is letting my guard down. This has always been a problem for me. So I am working on it.

So that is latest and greatest with me.

Adjusting


American Soldier says,

It isn’t easy to say the least. Being home is nice don’t get me wrong. However getting back into the groove of things is the challenge.