FOB Smart at 2300 - Monday
Night has befallen this quiet, well - not so quiet, town here in Zabul Province once again. Night has overtaken the bright day and replaced it, for only a little while with darkness and rest for "them," for our neighbors, and for "us."
Wow, what a foot patrol today. In terms of overall length and time to complete - the longest of my tour yet. We were all essentially smoked after my morning mission and were only halfway there before the next one, a mounted combat patrol with dismounts, kicked off into New Qalat City, which is only a few kilometers from our forward operating base, FOB Smart. I feel great, although tired again, and grateful from today's missions of mine.
The holidays are fast approaching. My plans include flying home again, well home to my brother's house in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with my son meeting me there, along with two or all four parents, siblings, nephews and potentially nieces, and any other family considering the journey over. Thanksgiving here will be a treat for us, as celebrating with our brothers-in-arms, and sisters too, will help us all remember exactly why we do what we do on a daily basis. It is hard and difficult to be away from our families and friends, but voluntarily being in harm's way to ensure another people have our same opportunities - well, Thanksgiving kind of celebrates this idea and more.
Look at me on my soapbox... well, you get the drift anyway and I am sure most, if not all, of you can appreciate a good holiday meal, right?!
143, Kaesen.
Good night and good day.
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