Star One Smart Blog's

I posted the first two last month. Be sure to have read those before you read this one.

I've redacted personal names.

Hey Ya'll,

I am still kickin it in Iraq.....2 months and a week left (I hope). Don't get me wrong, it has been an adventure. I just really really miss my family.

So Sunday morning about 0400 I was asked to take a patient to Germany...of course I said yes. Two other patients I had been taking care of were on the same flight. It had to be fate that I was on it because the crew flying sure as heck dodn't know how to take care of the pumps the patients had.

The most surreal part though was that while we were waiting to take off there was a longgggggggg delay. Then they brought on 4 coffins. 3 American and 1 polish. We all stood (the ones that could) and saluted. They handled them with such skill and respect.

Then through the trip one of my patients (who had lost both legs) was so worried about another patient being cold and wanted to give him his blanket. You had to be there, but it was incredible to lose so much and still want to give more.

The trees in Germany right now are spectacular. So many colors, which if I remember right from 20 years ago, there should be few leaves left on the trees. I got in real late and got patients settled in the hospital then got a room on Ramstein. I took the longest shower and must have slept at least 10 hours. I get to the airport here and my plane now doesn't take off until 1700 (5pm). What a waste of time when I could be out there seeing cool things or drinking some wine or something. LOL. The sacrifices one has to make. I should get back into Iraq about 0100/6 Nov and will go straight to work. Looking forward to the holidays because they are my countdowns for coming home.

Replacements should be here the 2nd week of January and then we have to get flights to Qatar and then from there I am not sure. Yippppppeeeeeeee!

Man it is so pretty outside Ramstein as I look out the window. Balad is so dusty and nothing but dirt and mud. So needless to saay, regardless of the long hours and lack of siteseeing or shopping (which I am sure makes [redacted] happy, LOL), it was worth it. I just regret that I can't go to see my 2 patients since I don't have any transportation back to Landstuhl.

All my love to all of you and I will write again soon.

Signing off,

[redacted]