I want to thank those of you that take the time to better yourselves by finding out as much information as possible, and as a result, read my blog and the opinions of others. I've indicated several times how so much good will come from trying to understand before we seek to be understood.

I remember when I got my marching orders and said goodbye to many of my friends, I made it clear that I believe death is inevitable and will come when it is supposed too. What concerns me the most is the damage to one's soul. Will I lose my sense of humanity? I'm doing my best to keep things in perspective and maintain a moral sense of duty. I do this by being as open and honest with you as I can.

Now, do I believe we will pack up and leave any time soon? This is a good question. My answer to that is definitely NO! We are building here at Camp Shamaconda pretty fast and permanent. I don't know of many governments that invest this kind of long-term money and just walk away. Let's not be hypocrites, it is definitely a money thing and always will be. Having said that, I will also say that the IA is not ready to take over but do show promise. Our big problem as Americans is, that we wanted it yesterday, whatever "it" is, it never happens fast enough. Democracy will not flourish and hundreds of years of close-mindedness will not vanish in 36 to 72 months. I recall the demise of the Soviet Union and the chaos that followed, and so many doubts about democracy. Was it really that long ago? And can I say China? As I've learned to tell my Iraqi soldiers when they ask for something from me "Lahada" patience.

I also want to say that I am proud of the folks at home that have shown the world we can and do settle our differences with the vote. I don't plan on mentioning our renegade right and left wing judges that overrule the voters, they'll find that out sometime in the next few elections.

I want to thank my fellow NCO's (Non Commissioned Officers), or Sergeants, out at the FOBs, hang in there guys. If any of you folks talk to us vets in the future, try to find out if they were at an FOB or LSA. Those at the FOBs have definitely earned their pay. Those of us at the LSAs, well most of us anyway, worry about paintball courses, yoga classes and what's playing at the theater tonight. I may go "outside the wire" an awful lot, but those people live "outside the wire."

Today's term in Arabic is - Zein, Maku Myshkila - Ok, no problem