Wow 99 days left..we are in the double digits now

As we pass from the triple digit numbers to the double digit numbers I wanted to take a few minutes and reflect on everything that has happened.

 

As many of you following my blog know I got deployed to Ft Riley in May of this year for combat skills training.  My experience there was fun but I am definitely glad that chapter is behind me now. Getting over here to Gardez seemed like it took a month when in reality it only took two weeks.  Now we have been here for 80 days.  That is longer than the time I spent at Ft Riley.

 

So what is the good, the bad and the ugly.

 

Good:

• Afghanistan Nights being able to see every star and the milky way clearly, this will be the most missed part of Afghanistan.
• Being assigned to Camp Lightning.  I have no doubt that I have been blessed to be here in Gardez.  The leadership here is doing it right for the folks staying on this FOB.
• MED STORM  we started with 17 and are down to 15 but it is a strong team and the guys in my hut are the best.  Each member brings something different to the table and when you put us all together we are an incredible team.
• Working with the Afghans.  This is very rewarding to see a group of people trying to make their country great again.
• Care packages:  This single thing has shown me how much I am appreciated and loved.  Thanks to everyone.
• My interpreter Nazif.  I look forward to going to work everyday when I know he will be there.  He has an excitement for life that I wish all Afghans shared.
• Weekly bizarre...to get my Wal-Mart fix
• Getting to carry a gun 24/7..there is no crime on the base...I wonder why.
• Climbing the mountain.  What is scary is that there is one more in November and I have this tiny desire to go again..but I won't...I promise!

The BAD

• Magnani's suicide:  That event alone has fractured our team in a way that may never be truly healed.
• Working with the Afghans.   It is rewarding but can also be super frustrating as they repeat the same mistakes 16 year old teens do in America
• Having to run into the bunkers when mortars and rockets are fired at our camp.
• Missing both my Niece's and my brother's wedding.
• Missing both of my son's birthdays  Caleb turned 14 yesterday and Colin turns 17 on Friday

The UGLY

• Not being there for Carrie as she is undergoing a very ugly and difficult attack.

 

 

Ronnie Tabor

taborrw@gmail.com

 

"It is an honor to serve"

            Jeremiah Denton

                   Vietnam POW