A Few Final Thoughts from Kandahar

My trauma team at the 80's throwback end of tour BBque

Well the countdown has moved to simply 1 hand of numbers before I leave. Goodbyes have started and new fresh faces have arrived to take our places. My time has been bittersweet, but I can understand why the military typically sends us out for just 6 months. I made a list of thoughts that are my own, and some colleagues;

Things I miss the most:

♥ A space I call my own

♥ Privacy and not being surrounded by people 24/7

♥ Colors of flowers, trees, blue skies

♥ My pets; Molly and Mercedes

♥ My family (even if I do live in another country from them normally)

♥ Wearing what I want, when I want

♥ Cooking!!!

♥ Fresh produce!!!
The First EnRouteCare Flight team in Afghanistan

Things I will miss the most;

☪ The people...95% have been awesome to work with! I will miss them greatly

☪ My beeper

☪ ...Just kidding about #2

☪ Flying in Helo's (yeah, I did that, and no, no one knew this...now my parents and everyone else does)
Me awaiting a flight on the FlightLine

☪ Hockey every Monday! And dominating the boys!

If you look close, its 123 degrees and we are out there playing hard!

Things I WILL NOT miss;

☹ Rocket attacks several times a week

☹ Wearing my Kevlar for ground attacks and changes in dress code

☹ My weapon

☹ My beeper...which I even brought to the bathroom
Our last ground attack...wearing this get up home :(

A few final, deeper thoughts;

✭To the families of the wounded: We did everything we could. You have the hard job ahead of you of helping your soldier heal. I wish you well.

✭ To the families of the dead: We did everything we could. Your soldier received the best care possible. We treated them as we would our own son or daughter. I can't begin to imagine your pain. I am so sorry. I truly will never forget those we lost under my team's care, those names I can too easily share.

✭ Most people here are more affected when someone from their own country is injured or killed. When a child is injured or killed, everybody hurts.

✭ I went to Kandahar in 2010. I saw many horrible things. I saw many good things. I will never forget this place.

✭ Simply put, this has been the most professionally rewarding experience of my life.

✭ Simply put, I would gladly accept a less rewarding experience for just one less injured soldier or child.

I will of course continue this blog, but my next write up should be from Kuwait or hopefully Sigonella!!!! Thank you to everyone who has sent e-mail, mail, care packages, etc...Its kept my spirits up though some tougher times!

Ciao Ciao till next time ✻

ScatterBrain

Over the last few weeks for one reason or another I have been slowing becoming more scatter brained. I don't know if its the thoughts running through my mind of getting back to reality in a few weeks, being able to drink beer, wear what I want and not be attached to my pager like its my left hip, or what. I have unfortunately lost 2 items of monetary value in the laundry. May my I pod and brand spanking new (poohy!) camera rest in piece in laundry heaven. My Id's, keys and back up camera are a constant chase as well. Thank-fully my co-workers keep me in check : )

Today was the Chiefs Run 5K for new CPO selectees and current Chiefs also. With the urging of myself (aka team momma) my Trauma Team and I ran the race. Though we ran at various paces, we all finished together at the end; crossing the finish line 4 times. Made me proud : ) As the other 4 had never ran a race period, let alone a 5K in Afghanistan.

In the next few weeks I will move into tents and then depart theater. Hard to believe as time has passed quickly, but the events we experienced were extra ordinary. Bittersweet time for all of us. I will miss many of the people I have enjoyed the journey, and will be happy to finalize a separation with those who have been and made things more challenging for me. To each their own, and soon our own will truly be ours!

Happy Belated (by a day) Birthday to my brother Moe! Damn, you are old! hehehe...Love you!

Till next time...

Few and Far Between

Due to some suspicions from our command, its been in my best interest to not post any more, if very few, blog posts. Seems as though as the end draws near the rules are being bent in some people's opinions. I have removed some context in my blogs as to respect these rules and not tamper with the potential of further reprimand. Personally I had thought my blog was very benign, but I would much rather error on the side of too safe and sure.

I will post a few picks as I can, but more than likely most will be towards the end of the tour after I leave. Rumor has it a few more weeks, but I am in no big rush. As I have said before its been a great challenge and rewarding experience here.

On a good note, I am looking forward to a 7 night cruise with my Mom in September from Venice to Croatia and the Greek Isles. Should be a great time and I look forward to seeing family soon!

And as I have wrote in an e-mail; we move into tents soon and the time has come for no more packages please! The letter, e-mails, care packages and support has been overwhelming at times and I thank everyone who sent things!!! It was always like Christmas to get a care package or letter :)

Until next time, Ciao Ciao!