Lots going on

Hello everybody. You know I usually start my blog this way and I just remembered where I got it from: Super Grover. And just like Grover, I have up and flown away from Kamu if just for a few days. As some of you know, I have been putting together an application to the US Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Ft Benning, GA. I needed a physical to complete my application, and CPT Page, my company commander, sent me to Bagram Air Field (BAF) to get it done. He did not have to do this, but he has been very supportive. He has helped other Soldiers in Legion prepare for Ranger, Airborne, and Jumpmaster school. I have been in BAF for just over 24 hours and the first portion of my physical is done. The funny thing is, I had to get a flight physical done. I thought, sweet, now if I pass, maybe later I could fly helicopters. Unfortunately, as the poor doctor in Optometry found out, I have no depth perception and my left eye only goes to 20/30. She said she was sorry that she couldn't pass me for the eye test, and I said, 'no problem. I only jump out of aircraft.' After about 5 minutes explaining what that meant she was laughing, and I waltzed out of the office with a big green GO stamped on the folder. So, long and short, I am qualified to be an officer so long as I never attempt to fly any aircraft... no problem. I have an appointment scheduled to chat with a doctor on Monday to complete the medical interview than I can submit my packet. Then the waiting begins. Hopefully I will here something about school before Katie and I go to NC.
Once I submit my packet I will have to leave this place. This place that has a 24hour coffee bar, 4 meals a day with a chow line that takes you 2 minutes to walk past the en trees and another 5 minutes to walk past the desserts, where I can call Katie as often as I like so long as we keep our conversation to 30 minutes, and where the is always coffee and ice cream. I think I mentioned coffee, didn't I. :) So everything is going well, another week in Afghanistan draws to a close. Thankfully there are few remaining to when I can go home to Italy and Katie. And when that time comes, I will definitely be up, up, and away.

In Memoriam

Last June, we had to say goodbye to a good Soldier. I didn't know him personally as I came late to Legion Co, but my platoon medics knew him pretty well. SPC Lowell was killed in action early in our deployment. Thankfully he has been the only combat casualty this deployment. Last deployment, I knew 7 of those killed in action. We held a ceremony on Monday renaming COP Kamu to COP Lowell in his honor. During the eulogy, which was given by CPT Page, the wind picked up for only a few moments. It was a profound moment for everyone there. Even though I didn't know him, I dedicate this note, to a fine Soldier and friend to many in the company. To SPC Lowell, you are gone but not forgotten.

On the Lighter Side

Good evening everyone. Sorry I didn't post recently. We have been very busy as of late. I knew the tempo would pick up as we moved into summer, but the change was a bit abrupt. So over the past few days, I have been over hill and through dale several times. Hopefully we can get a breather soon, as my knees are feelin like an old rubber band.
On the lighter side, when ever I come back to the COP, the photos are what I see. Recently a family practioner was assigned to Kamu. In the short time he has been here, he has been quite busy. He built the rock wall on the right, and has started a garden. And being that the aid station sits in the shade for most of the day, the stone and mortar building is a lot cooler than outside. It is always nice to come back to some place nice. To think, in just a few months I will be returning to some place even better. :) Home to Katie and the wee fur ball named Stud. On that day I will truly be on a light side, as the sun will shine that much brighter.
Happy Mother's Day Mom! Hope you had a special day. I look forward to seeing you sooner rather than later. Till then, take care and thank you for everything.

Warm regards to everyone out there. :)