A Short Walk Through My Thoughts

Sometimes I write and try to make a masterpiece on my first try. Other times it comes to me in time. Today I will just begin and see where my mind takes me. I can't say that I have ever made a masterpiece however, but there is always a first time. My life has been made up of so much having to do with the military these last 5 (almost 6) years. I grow weary thinking about it. For instance there is the story of the mortar.

While I worked night shift my friend who served in the navy worked days. He was going out to watch the night sky one night a few months back when a mortar hit at what used to be his feet and legs. Someone who had been a paramedic before joining the army was able to get there where he was within minutes and he put 2 tourniquets on him, one on each leg above the knee. That was what stopped him from bleeding to death in the crater that the mortar made. He flew out of Iraq that same day and currently is learning how to walk with his new legs. He was but a few years older than me.

I don't know why I chose this story to write about but my thoughts often turn to my friends who weren't as fortunate as me. Mayhap I have forgotten the face of my father but I think not. Things go slower here on the peaceful side but don't ever let that fool you, for like a river through a valley the politicians are constantly wearing away our rights through the patriot act and other such things. Just look at how they deny death benefits for those soldiers who had to purchase their own body armor due to shortages.

It amazes me each day that our friend Dick C. has gotten away with so much and that we continue to allow him to get away with so much more. Wars line his pockets well and take it from me when I say that you can almost see he has found Midas' touch for here he has his war that makes him his gold and who needs anything more when you own people not just things. I speak not from first hand knowledge but from what I have seen and what I believe.

Some may think this is a place where you find no biases but to those I say you are fools. What, my friends, is more biased than my own eyes and opinions? I can think of nothing. So to that I say take this cup and drink from it but know that which you drink is but my knowledge and opinion and nothing more. To those of you who respect it and drink deep I say thank you and to those who but taste and spit out that which touches your tongue I also say thanks. You are kind to have come at all to see what this soldier has to say.

Hardgrove? He I remember...

So here I am again. You think I am doing well? My Sgt Major has said that it is his job to be a prick. What is it when the leaders you are supposed to respect think that their job as leaders means to be a prick? Oh well, I am getting out on April 30th! Then I will be master of my own destiny. So I have an interview here soon, I don't know if this is the right thing for me but we shall see right?

My wife says that I should start to tell you all my stories on my blog and if you like them mahaps I will be published... All in good time right? I think that I will start to tell my stories (some fiction and some nothing but truth). Take care my friends and thank you.

Me and Mine in Iraq

Me and Mine in Iraq
Originally uploaded by nevadog.

I'm in the back row right in the middle (you can only see my head). These are some of the best people I know. They were there with me through the whole deployment and I have been honored to have them at my side during combat.

On the Catwalk

On the Catwalk
Originally uploaded by nevadog.

Jake and Benni

Jake and Benni
Originally uploaded by nevadog.

You must face your Father

You must face your Father
Originally uploaded by nevadog.

Home at Last

Home at Last
Originally uploaded by nevadog.

Life in the Slow Lane

Things are slower over here. I almost forgot about that... The skys are bluer over here and the days are shorter. I haven't had that same urge like I did last time to carry a weapon (like a knife or pistol) with me all the time either. For me this last deployment was not nearly as violent as my first time in Iraq.

I came home to my life again and it still fits. On some level I was afraid that tempting fate again by going back to Iraq was going to be the end of me. In the back of my head I had a feeling that my luck could run out and yet I am back home again (I had promised my family I would make it back). How do you make a promise like that? Just glad I was able to keep it.

Soon this whole chapter of my life will be closed and I will begin writing a new chapter. I am going to be a civilian in April (the end of April). That is when the army will lift my involuntary extention and will let me get out.

I can't say that I am not scared, in fact I am scared to death. Things have a way of working out though and this will work out as well.

HOME SWEET HOME

Finally the journey is over and I am back again. They say that life is a circle and I have come full turn. I will expound more but for now I just want you all to know that I am safe and well back in the arms of my lover and wife Tara, and my children have their father back again.

All of you Take care and come check up on me again soon.

Sgt Zachary Scott-Singley