People do not seem too shy about asking a veteran if they killed somebody in Iraq.

It almost always makes me wonder if they are truly prepared for the answer and the accompanying truth.

It makes me wonder if they really want to know what it may be like...

What it may be like to shoot a man in the back just for shining a flashlight at you through the darkness.

Or what it might feel like to kill children by running over them while they begged for food.

What it might feel like to look over your shoulder while in your garage at night lest the shadows come to life and pull you into the depths of wailing and gnashing of teeth...

It occurred to me at least in part why Ive been a little depressed lately...

July is the last month I can volunteer to go downrange with units deploying to Iraq. It was sort of my ace card that I held close in case everything went to shit. Now that window is closing, and Ill miss the surge.

Props to Senator Lieberman for actually having the balls to suggest American forces strike terrorist training camps deep in Iran.

At least one senator has the courage to speak of taking action in a war that can only be lost legislatively.

At least one senator won his seat by standing up for his principles rather than pandering to the masses like his cohorts.

Song For The Day

Time Marches On - Tracy Lawrence

Flag Etiquete

From the Respect section of the Flag Code...

Show no disrespect for the flag

The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing

Never display it upside down, except as a signal of dire distress

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, including the ground or water

The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free

Never use it as apparel, bedding or drapery. It also should never be festooned, drawn back or up in folds, but always allowed to fall free

The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged

Never place insiginia, letters, words, figures, designs, pictures or drawings of any nature upon it

Do not embroider it on cushions or handkerchiefs, nor print or otherwise impress on paper napkins, boxes or anything that will be thrown away

Advertising signs should not be affixed to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations

The flag represents a living country and is considered a living thing itself. Therefore, the lapel flag pin, being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart

When a flag becomes so worn that its no longer fit for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct dignified flag burning ceremonies, often on Flag Day. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well.

For more information go to Legion.org

My wife asked me the other day if I still thought about Iraq often. When dont I think of it, was my reply...

I once read a story about an Arab reporter, Lebonese I think, who found it difficult to not think of Iraq when not there on assignment. He had a beautiful wife and daughter, but after being home for awhile felt the pull of Iraq and returned.

Thats the awful cycle those who have been there can fall into.

I too long to return to Iraq yet dread it at the same time. There are times when I feel that perhaps I should have died there and then immediately feel guilty for feeling that way. I too have a beautiful wife and family.

My concern is if I have to return Ill be too far removed to ever come home.

Ive found that I dont relate much to men who havent served there especially in a combat capacity. Hopefully that will pass in time. Im not any better than they are, Ive just seen and done things they havent.

Lymes Update

Im feeling better now but felt terrible for about four days. Im still taking the course of antibiotics which apprently has helped quite a bit. The bullseye rash has all but dissapeared.

I found out today that four people from my unit got Lymes while in the bush including my company commander who is well liked in my unit. Thankfully our chain of command made sure all soldiers understood what Lymes is and what to look for.

I wish a speedy recovery to the old man and my fellow enlisted.

Thanks to all for the well wishes.