25 May 2007

Today is my 20th anniversary. On this day in 1987 I left Marsing Idaho to start my career in the United States Marine Corps. Since that time I have been around the world; several times. I've seen Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, France, Portugal, Crete, The Phillipines, Japan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Africa, some places none of you have even heard of and all 50 states. I've seen some of the most beautiful places the world has to offer and some of the poorest places anyone could imagine.

I have seen combat (even in places we weren't at war) and I have seen my friends come and go. Many moving on. Many passing away. And too many have been killed in the last couple years. Eight to be exact (Rest in Peace my brothers and sister). Some I still maintain contact with and some I will never hear from again but they will always have a place in my heart or next to my fire should they come back in to my life at some time in the future. And someday I hope to meet back up with those that have gone before. I even got out for a little while, once, a long time ago, if was a foolish decision but one I made none the less. But the uniform kept calling me back to it. It truly is my siren. I have never really been able to imagine myself doing anything else. I never knew it would call me to the Army though. I have been an infantry man, an analyst, a supply sergeant, a recruiter, a programmer, a webmaster and an instructor. I have watched the military grow in leaps and bounds. Technology I never thought would be possible is now everyday. Computers that scared me to death 20 years ago are now the size of a pen and common place. A necessary evil for every person, every day. And my only means of communication with some. I have met some of the most wonderful people, most of you fall into that catagory since if it had not been for the military and the jobs or travels it has sent me on, most of you would have never come into my life. So as I rapidly approach the dusk of my career and I watch many of you just passing the dawn of yours, I have to look back and smile. No, I haven't loved every minute of it, but I have loved most of it and I wouldn't trade what I have, who I've met, the friends I've made or the things I've done for any amount of money.

I'm done now. Hope all of you have a wonderful day. I know I will.