Back from Germany

Hey guys and gals! Well, I got back to the wonderful land of Iraq last week. As you can see from the thermometer, it's a bit warm right now. Germany was a great time and a great opportunity to have my shoulder fixed up. The other picture was me in the Blackhawk flying over Iraq back to my base. I'm still doing Physical Therapy and I don't notice much improvement day to day, so I hope over the long run it starts to be more apparent.

I met quite a few interesting people in Germany. A couple of WWII vets, a retired couple that are now historians studying the war and searching for artifacts and stuff in the woods. It's really interesting to hear about the events that went on right where you stood. So, I've taken an interest in reading about the war, biographies and I have a white paper that this historian wrote. It's really shocking to see the terrain that was used for a war like that. Nothing like what we have here. Now, the enemy isn't wearing a uniform, nor can we see them. It's very different and neat to read about, especially the Battle of the Bulge on the German / Luxembourg border. Today, you don't even need to show ID to cross this border! I told a few people that I learned more in a day traveling about WWII than I did in all of my prior education! Maybe because I listened? Nah!

Work was pretty slow while I was gone but has picked up since I've been back. I guess that's a positive thing since we're on the downhill stretch now, with only 3 months left to go. They've started planning for us to exit the country and our replacements are already at the Mob site training to come over here. So, that's exciting for us.

I'm still scheduled to be home, relaxing on the couch by early November. With plenty of time before kickoff on the 18th! (Ohio State vs. Michigan - for those of you that don't follow the Buckeyes) If anyone knows someone that has or will have tickets for this, I would be indebted to you to allow me to buy them! Seriously, I'll take as many as I can get so that I can share them with other guys coming home with me. With just a month until the first kickoff, we're all getting ramped up to watch the games!

Well, take care everyone and I'll see you soon! - jason