Day 30 - Remembering the Holidays in Iraq

Serving in Iraq during the holiday season has been an experience. Good times and bad, separation and closeness, victories and defeats. Many of the lessons learned will carry over into 2009 but the greatest thing I can hope to do is remember these lessons and take them with me throughout my deployment, my military career, and my life in general.

The old saying “Never judge a book by its cover” has never had truer meaning until recently. As mentioned several entries prior, I learned this through the contact I had with an Iraqi contractor. It was all sparked with a “thank you” and a hug. I’ve learned many things about the people of this nation. I’ve seen their reactions to terrorism on their soil and the glow in their eyes as they wish to rid their country of evil. I’ve known about multiple local leaders who meet with the military, who are willing to work with us, to make their neighborhoods safe for children to play outside. As with any nation, not everyone is a bad person. There is surely a select few of individuals who wish to commit acts of violence or break the law, but these actions do not define the nation as a whole. Its taken many years since the attacks of 9/11 of me to realize this.

I will forever remember those who I’ve worked with in the past months. A group of individuals who accepted me for me. Being the only Air Force person not only in the office, but in the building, I was not treated any differently because of the service I chose to enlist in. From the countless nights we’ve spent together to the days we’ve spent at the chow hall checking to see who would leave the table so we could all stack our empty plates on their tray. Working with all the services as well as civilians, I’ve been able to gain knowledge beyond my dreams that I would not have attained otherwise. For this, I am thankful.

Friends and family back home have been a huge support to everyone deployed. From people we’ve known our entire lives to strangers we’ve never met, they have shown that they truly care about the people who are out here. From the numerous packages that arrive in the mail daily to the emails that I see flash across computer screens, they have been here to support the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians every step of the way.

As New Years is only a day away, I will be sure to make several resolutions. As we move into 2009, I will have a completely different outlook on the war, the people of this country, and the value of life.