Holidays Away

I have been in Iraq for about six weeks now and am thankful to have begun feeling a battle rhythm for this deployment. I run patrols, escort missions or conduct training for Iraqi soldiers about 4 times a week and spend the other 3 days making sure my soldiers and equipment will be prepared for the next day’s operation. Fortunately in the past few days our pace has slowed down slightly, providing a little extra time for myself (a 12-14 hour day or working is wonderfully light compared to what some days have been like thus far). Two weeks ago marked my first Thanksgiving away from home. As you can imagine it was very hard being away from home, missing out on my Mom’s cooking and also missing out on the rare privilege of having my whole family together. Ironically though I found myself thankful for such a stark reminder of how much my family truly means to me.
I suppose a lonely Thanksgiving also provided my often overactive and possibly overly-analytical mind some free time to wander and philosophize. I had never left the United States until boarded the plane to Kuwait back in October. I have periodically paid lip service to the ambiguous idea that even lower and middle class Americans are some of the wealthiest people in world history. However, considering the only economic comparison available to me during my youth was the sprawling suburbia of Virginia Beach along with some isolated missions trips, my perception of the world was very limited. Praise God my eyes have been opened. The building I live in now would more than likely be condemned back home and I admit I furled my brow during my first look at it, but after my first patrol out in Al Kut I gained an appreciation for my accommodations in a hurry. I have A/C, clean sheets, hot showers and a mini-fridge. What more could you ask for in a war zone? Meanwhile I drive by what real poverty looks like every day and it is sobering. Nevertheless I see children playing, smiling, waving and giving the most impassioned “thumbs up” you will ever hope to see.

Our “wealth” as Americans, however, extends far past our economic circumstances. Our sense of safety and security at home is unimaginable here. These people live an in a place where rocket attacks, small arms fire and Rocket Propelled Grenades are a way of life. Considering recent events on our base I find myself walking at night around the FOB making mental notes of the nearest bunkers in case we take incoming rockets. I find myself along with many other soldiers eating in the dining facility flinching at the sound of thunder or a trash dumpster slamming to the ground and then laughing self-consciously at the realization that the noise was harmless. While don’t get me wrong, the war here is going very well and stability is a realistic goal, you must remember that stability is relative. A few days ago 200 Iraqis were killed an in instant by a coordinated car bomb attack and yet life moves on. During this upcoming Christmas season I encourage you to reflect and thank God for the great wealth and safety he has provided for all of us.