First, I want to say thank you to everybody for the birthday wishes, cards and gifts! I eventually had a good birthday. But, I do have to say it did get off to a bad start. Night before last, two of our guys were killed in action. It was a little personal for me because I was monitoring the battle along with a few others. I was listening to one of the guys as he was shot 3 times. Next, I heard as they tried to save his life on the helicopter. Lastly, I heard as they pronounced him dead on arrival. Last night my boss insisted that I go to the Fallen Comrade Ceremony. I wanted to go, but I didn't think that I would be able to because I was on watch. My boss told a coworker much senior to me that he was to cover me so I would be able to go. I'm still not quite sure why that was, but I didn't ask. I went to the ceremony and about 200 to 300 people were there. They lined us up from the back of the plane, so there was a lane to walk the caskets down with us on either side. The members of the team that they were with them were in the front. There was a small brass band off to the side, and I remember them playing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" as they were parading the caskets down the lane. I also remember a tear streaming down my face as both were taking place. But the one moment that I will never forget, is after they placed the caskets onto the plane, the Soldier who tried to save his friend, kneeled down and laid his arms and forehead on the casket and wept. I don't think there was a dry eye in the group. I know mine weren't. I'm getting a little choked up now as I write about it. I've been to memorials before. I went to one the second day that I was in Iraq, but none had quite the effect that this one had. It was a little more personal, because I was listening to it unfold.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who had to meet that plane back home. If I have learned one thing about this whole experience, Iraq and Afghanistan, is that people should not take life for granted. One day, like these Soldiers, it could end just like that. Granted, they were in a much more dangerous environment, but anything can happen to anybody. Live life to the fullest. That's all I have to say about that. Was that a Gumpism?!
    Today was much better! After seeing all of the birthday wishes and being able to open some presents, I was really happy! It turned out to be a good day after all. It's gonna be a good day Tater! Anybody who has seen Ron White will recognize that one. 
    Well, hopefully I will have some info about when I will be coming home pretty soon. You guys will know as soon as I do! Oh, also, I have officially been labeled! Click here to find out what! Until next time...