Buffiniraq

Here we are with 3 short weeks to go before I return to HQ for training again. Today is the dreaded day. I don't look forward to. Dr Mark gets to check over ALL my "sensitive" body parts to be sure I am in good health to make it thru this tour. If I make it thru this final phase of shots and medical lab work in one piece, the rest of the tour will be easy...LOL All the shots hitting me are getting me ready for the real deal I guess, but at least over there I can shoot back...LOL Doctor Mark wishes I wouldn't say things like this while he's trying to hit my arm with a needle as he's laughing too much...Glad he's laughing...

As some of you may know, I have been "drafted" by the Corps of Engrs for another tour of duty. Should be sometime in Feb and I'll have to go thru TAC in Winshester again for latest training and pick up my "equipment"... Hope my vest and helmet still fit...LOL Anyway, the 6 months I've been home has been a blessing. It was really great seeing family and friends again. While here, I gave presentations entitled, "Iraq: The Rest of the Story-What We're NOT Seeing on TV" to service organizations like the Rotary,(2) American Legion(2) Kiwanis and sudents at PCC and the College of Education at ECU. Soon I'll be working on developing ways to continue to teach and train our Iraqi engineers utilizing our technology and help our soldiers be able to continue their education during their "down time" while deployed in Iraq. This is truly a God send for them as well as for me. I've often wondered why He ever helped me persevere in getting my doctoral in Technology Education...now I know...LOL This will be a very special opportunity to help so many for many years to come.

Additionally while home, I also kept in touch with our soldiers and they've sent me some pics of their expeiences in delivering the backpacks so many of St peters' families and students had sent while I was there.I left before they could be delivered but my soldiers "godderdun" as they promised. We are so blessed to have these guys and gals. As an example...after "clearing" different villages and towns thru out the country (sending these nutzoids to rendevous with 72 virgins and Saddam), they return the next day to deliver back packs for kids whose parents never had the chance to become educated because our dearly departed Saddam had slaughtered most of the teachers and shut off the water and electricity to most of the schools to control the masses of 24 million Iraqis. After delivering the packs and the COE guys turn the water and lights back on... you can imagine how these Iraqi parents feel after what they've been thru... We are so blessed...I am an honored to serve for the third time in my life and am looking forward to it because I know my bride and son Will are safe and among special friends...