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| Hi everybody! It's June, and my deployment calendar says that we are slightly over 2 months into our 12 months "boots on the ground" in Iraq. The novelty of when we first arrived has faded, and we're getting into the summer doldrums where every day is hot, dusty, and just like the day before. We're finding that the doldrums weigh very heavily on us in our personal level of energy, too. It's gotten old, to be honest, and we know we have a long way to go.
On a positive note, we began sending soldiers home for their 2 week "Environmental Morale Leave" periods; basically a 2 week R&R where soldiers can go anywhere in the world they want to go and the military pays for the flight. Most of us choose to go home, of course. I don't know when or if I'll get that two weeks for myself -- there aren't enough slots for everyone to go, and I told our staff that I would be one of the last ones to accept that leave. It felt noble and self-sacrificing at the time. I hope I don't regret that decision. Otherwise, it's been a quiet week. Few serious incidents, and no injuries. I'm still counseling about 10-16 hours each week, but that's pretty normal, and it probably will go up as the months go on. Please keep sending notes and encouragement from home. It's a bright spot in my day to get any mail, electronic or otherwise, from you. God be good to you! |