Different Perspective

"There is always time to be a Soldier later...," a platoon sergeant said to me shortly after he'd asked me to join in with the personal security detail troops for a game of football.

Everyone now and then I get a bit drained by the missions I'm blessed to be a part of. I usually don't tell anyone because I don't want to seem as if I'm complaining but sometimes it can be hard mentally to focus on staying alive, help keep morale up and attempt to produce the best work possible each and every time you step out.

A perfect example of this was a couple of days ago when I was invited to ride along for the cordon and search of an entire town. Many different elements of the 1st Cavalry Division and the Iraqi Army went to Al Raood, a town near Taji, in an attempt to detain key individuals. As they searched various homes, I could see the fear of women and children on their faces as the Iraqi and American Soldiers thoroughly did their jobs.

Looking at the people's reactions to Soldiers kind of hit me hard. I did not know how to take it. I felt sorry for them. At the same time, I looked down and noticed the uniform that I was wearing. When they looked at me, they saw the same Soldiers who were intruding on their place of peace. I kind of felt ashamed... and I was just there observing behind the lens of a camera.

After all of that and a few other missions, myself and a couple of my buddies at Camp Victory went to a new Hookah Lounge, smoked and laughed about life. It was just what I needed to re-energize myself and give me the push to continue my expedition through this mysterious country. The things I see from week to week really amaze me. I'm so thankful that I get to view things up close and personal because it gives me an appreciation for life that is priceless.

Streetball In Iraq

This is what we do... Check it out!!!

The Spur Ride

This is the wildest thing I've ever seen. The 1st Cavalry Division call it the Spur Ride. According to them, every Soldier in the division who completes a combat deployment earns gold spurs. However, if you are recommended and you complete this rite of passage, you earn the silver spurs. And earning the silver spurs is considered a great honor.

72 hours of grueling exercises. 72 hours of humiliating skits and acts. 72 hours of being awake. 72 hours of obstacle courses, mental barriers, low crawling and understanding how to work as a true team.

The 115th Brigade Support Battalion allowed me the opportunity to travel down this road with them for the entire 72 hours. I'll never forget what I saw!