Post Memorial Day thoughts…
Candid Shot at Camp Leatherneck back in February…
We just celebrated Memorial Day and it will definitely be one to go down in the books for me. There’s nothing like being in Afghanistan and honoring those who have served, are serving, and will be serving in the armed forces. It all makes sense now…day in and day out, men and women from all over put their lives on the line so that everyone back home can go about their business and live their lives uninterrupted. It was not a Memorial Day full of BBQ’s, beers, and games. It was the same as any other day out here…Our day ended with the evening Memorial Day service, honoring those that have been killed in action out here in Afghanistan so far. It just brings the whole meaning of Memorial Day home…Speaking of which-I’m really starting to miss home, but I know that there is still so much more that needs to be done out here! I continually feel inspired, knowing that I am here for a purpose…a purpose to serve those serving us.
I watched the sunrise this morning and just admired how beautiful Afghanistan is…the stars at night and the sunsets are breathtaking…but in seeing the beauty, it’s hard not to think about how long people have been fighting over this land…It’s sad how desolate and Taliban-overrun this country truly is…They say out here that for every platoon of Afghan National Army soldiers, there are on average at least two Taliban soldiers embedded amongst them. The local Afghans have no autonomy, and are being forcefully led by the corrupt; and at times given no chance but to join in with the corrupt! It’s a vicious cycle! To think about the politics of this war seems not only hopeless, but mentally draining! I hold onto the little victories-it’s the little, every day glimmers of hope and promise that keep me going and faith knowing that God is going to bring us home safe…
It’s June now, and summer is already upon us. Now that the harvest season is over for the poppy farmers, things should get pretty interesting in these last few months…Fighting season is about to commence, but again, I am blessed to be alive and safe! God has been good to us! I’m taking it one day at a time out here, because that’s all that we can really do…
Before I forget-a shout out to all of my closest friends and loved ones that just got promoted-LTJG Josh Castillo, LT Kim Albero, LT Ingrid Garrett, LT Susie Carl, LT Malachy Soller, LT Julie Zelman, and LT Jessie Peralta-you are all my heroes! Thank you for what you do! I am proud to be serving with you! Thanks also to all of those continuing to pray for us and for being so supportive!
