Giving Thanks

I have been away from home now for 153 days.
I am thankful that I only have 79 days left.

No really, I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday.
I have to admit, it really is hard to get into the spirit when you're deployed. The day started off just like any other day here: woke up at 0630, had an oatmeal breakfast, and checked my email. At 1000 I participated in the 5K Turkey Trot. Although I didn’t quite make it in less than 30 minutes as I had hoped to, I was close with 32 minutes. I blame it on the elevation…uh huh…yep that’s what it was.

Our “Turkey Dinner” will be served within the hour and I have to say I’m really looking forward to it. It’s not my parent’s house or grandparent’s house or even a friend’s house with fancy side dishes, nice clothes, or even a glass of wine. And there is no Macy's Day Parade or Lion’s football on the TV (well at least until the wee hours of the morning...yeah...I’m not that big of a fan) but I am thankful that I’m not alone. We may be missing our homes but we are a family here and I am truly blessed with some wonderful friends. I was deployed to Saudi Arabia 8 years ago and I also spent Thanksgiving there. I remember a similar feeling back then...except the weather was much warmer. I left there with friends that I still talk to today. I guess what I'm saying is, yes, I sometime wish I was with my family but there are several holidays ahead, some I'll be there for and some I won't and I'm okay with that. I wouldn't trade my experiences for the world.

Well, I have to go unload some new equipment and scan some computers now.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Dingo

Last week I got to drive the German Dingo.
Check it out:

Semper Fidelis

Today I played photographer for the United States Marine Corp Birthday cake cutting ceremony on Camp Black Horse. I’m not sure if I mentioned before but a majority of my co-workers here are Marines. Today’s ceremony consisted of much pride and tradition it temporarily made me jealous but then I remembered quality of life comparison and then I was fine again-lol.
We are currently going through a major change over in personnel and all of my, once feared now respected, Marine pals are packing their bags and getting ready to head back home while the new group is settling in and taking over the chow hall. Hopefully the new crew will be as entertaining as the outgoing. It is definitely the company that makes or breaks a TDY and so far it’s been good people and a lot of fun. I’m sad to see them go. Farewell my comrades and Happy 231st Birthday.