Going Home

So it has been a very long time since I have last posted here. I apologize to any readers out there but along about May our schedule changed dramatically and 5:00 AM starts to the day and 7:00 PM ends left little time for anything but a visit to the mess hall and then sleep. The days are long but the weeks are short, so we say here anyway. Well the weeks have whizzed by until now I have but one left, plus a few days. As much as it was unreal to come here to this artificial world of war, it is equally unreal to think that I will be leaving soon. I could, relatively happily, continue on here indefinitely living long days running into short weeks. I imagine that's what it was like for the Second World War lot, just keep on keeping on till it's done.

But since I will indeed be heading home preparations need be made. I have shipped home all my DVDs and books leaving me with one DVD of "Evil Roy Slade" and a dog eared edition of "helmet for my Pillow" that I found in a helicopter. There are also, as you might well imagine, one or two things the Army makes you do before letting you go home. Lists of places to visit to collect signatures fill my pockets. I am hoping that I can get all this done in two days...we'll see.

There have also been the requisite farewells and departure ceremonies. Our medals parade was well done and was followed the next day by the 10th anniversary ceremony for 9/11. That was a very strong reminder as to why we are here. We had our BBQ a couple of nights ago; a good chance to see all the Canadians of the contingent. We mostly work in small groups scattered among the larger American numbers, so it is always great to see everyone. The general's speech was punctuated by a rocket attack on KAF, fortunately with no damage or casualties. It did cut the speech short. The next day was the Army Run which was well attended and raised $9000 for wounded soldiers and their families.

In coming posts: Things I will not miss about Afghanistan.