Early March changed the way I look at things. How I felt about the war I had been fighting. Never deterred, but the angle in which I fought it.

On the rooftop scanning quickly.

Let me break my experience down a bit. I served as a sniper when I first got to country. The type of mission my unit was involved in made that possible. They were a bit apprehensive to give a long rifle to the new guy. Our mission evolved into another area so I hung up the Sniper rifle and became a squad leader of two M1114’s, armor Humvee’s.

During my time I was outside of the wire just about everyday. I performed just under a 100 combat missions that I can count off the top of my head. Just about every mission included an engagement of some type. Whether a random SAF (Small Arms Fire) or a full blown fire fight lasting upwards to 40 minutes.

Sunsets are beautiful in Iraq.

I was twice wounded in action and received two Purple Hearts. The last injury was the one that did me in. For now I am out of the fight. I feel very lucky to be alive. The last injury really woke me up. I should have been killed but I wasn’t…period! That doesn’t make me a tough guy or any type of super hero. I just didn’t get killed.

The urban combat nightmare that was my AO.

Now I have returned from the literal battle field in which I was fully immersed in. The war for me wasn’t measured in lines but more asymmetrical. The enemy lurked at every angle. A squad leader’s war and a war that was fought in a land very unforgiving.

The exact spot where I was hit. This was the last thing I saw in my war.

I am on the mend right now. My injuries will hopefully heal with time. I have some things going on that might last a while. Even writing this is a trying task for me. I don’t really want to go into my sustained injuries. They are mine to deal with for the moment.

During my stay in Germany and here in the states a few Soldiers’ Angel’s have contacted me and helped me. I wanted to say thank you in this forum because it was/has been appreciated.

I am taking about 2 weeks and spending time with my wife. I have to make up for some lost time and appreciate the woman who has been with me all along. She promised me that if I were ever to be injured that she would come to me. She has done that so one step at a time and each hour I hold the hand of my wife. The war has come full circle for me thus giving me the chance to focus on what it is I have been fighting for.

Once again, holding the hand of my wife.

92 Comments
General

AS is back in states. His injury has brought him home to recover. He is, for the moment, in a military hospital. He has run the gamet of testing to determine the outlook of things. And right now it’s a matter of time. He will be taking it slow for some time.

I’m sure most of you can imagine how he’s feeling right now. He has told me he’s doing alright and has accepeted his injury. He has also said that he feels like he has done what he wanted to do in Iraq. So at the moment he is doing well in that regards and just focusing on recovering.

I will be going out to see him this weekend. I will be gone for a few weeks. It will be wonderful to see him. We are both looking forward to it.

Hopefully the next post will be from him.

Thank you for the prayers and support

Mrs. AS

43 Comments
General, Mobilized

I want to let everyone know that AS has been injured. He was hurt in an IED attack. It is not life threatening and he should be OK. But he has been injured none the less. He is taking it easy the next few days before he gets further testing to determine the outcome of his injuries. He is not yet sure how this will effect his deployment. However, he is back with his unit but unable to go out on missions. He returned at his own request to be with his fellow soldiers.

He is trying to be in good spirits. But it can be hard to have to sit out on something you love doing. As i said it is not clear how this injury will impact his deployment. So both of us are taking it day by day. We are in more frequent contact since he is inside the wire. I think it helps us both to have that ability.

When we know more I will certainly let all of you know what will happen, as best I can. I want to say in advance, Thank you for the support and prayers. It means alot to us.

The Mrs.

134 Comments
General, Mobilized