Alternative blogs as I prepare to depart
Monday, 2 October 2006 | 923 readers so far
First, if you’ve been a regular here, thanks! All things come to an end, including my time in Iraq. And that time has arrived.
We’re under 10 days to departure. Of course, I cannot give out the actual date we are leaving for security reasons, but the blog will probably fall fairly silent for two or three weeks. I plan to write numerous entries reflecting on my time in Iraq over the coming year, but for now, here are some blogs that will keep you abreast of individual troop perspectives from inside Iraq:
There are plenty more to browse over at milblogging.com.
Our new unit is 50% better staffed than we were. In theory, that should make their mission easier. The reality is that they will probably have new duties invented for them and stay just as busy as we did.
Iraq is at a precipice. It should be a tumultuous year for the 10th PAOC (replacements). My friends on the janitorial and translation staffs here in Baghdad still have limited power in thier homes and their running water is unpredictable. They still cannot talk to friends and neighbors about where they work or they will be killed. Just because they do not wear the uniform doesn’t mean they are not soldiers. Their battle will be much longer than mine. I admire them for trying to be decent at the risk of their very existences in a nation where the easiest way to get employment in the capital city is to join the neighborhood militia.
All that will change over time if we have the willpower and can be honest about the nature of this conflict. I can only hope, because my small contribution is passing from present into past.
1 October 2nd, 2006 at 2:03 pm
Kitanis says:
Woot!
Well if its like my return to the states from my old AEF deployment. Enjoy the longest plane ride back to the states. OAC is not a bad contract airline and they do try to make the folks comfortable.
The public affiars unit back in my homestate has received orders to head that direction in the future.. but not in Bagdahd.. I will not say where. The whole thing is a constant game of deployments and rotation. There is alot wrong and too many folks point fingures instead of providing solutions.
But as always.. the Guard, Reserve and Active Duty people do their jobs given to them. and that is the main thing.
2 October 2nd, 2006 at 3:37 pm
Carole says:
So happy to hear that you will soon be home. Here’s an early “Welcome Home” from a grateful American.
3 October 2nd, 2006 at 4:49 pm
FVK says:
Great news! It’s always uplifting to me whenever I learn a soldier is headed home, especially one I’ve followed through a milblog.
Trevor… thank you for your service and sacrific (and “the will to exist”). That goes for your wife and family, as well.
And don’t forget… according to the TSA, “know before you go”:
1.) Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.
2.) After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.
At the checkpoint travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
((SMILE))
As always, until you have to put up with the above BS, STAY SAFE! I’m looking forward to you posting from home. Doesn’t that sound cool? “… posting from home.”
4 October 2nd, 2006 at 6:29 pm
KindGal says:
I wish you and your fellas a safe trip back to your loved ones. Thank you, and all who’ve so ably served.
5 October 3rd, 2006 at 1:37 am
Mary*Ann says:
Godspeed Treavor. Hope you will continue blogging when you get home.
6 October 3rd, 2006 at 2:09 am
David M says:
Godspeed Tevor and thank you for a job well done!
7 October 3rd, 2006 at 5:34 pm
Eric says:
… safe trip, brother… and thank you for your service and your blog…..
8 October 3rd, 2006 at 5:38 pm
Straight White Guy says:
Home……
Â… Trevor is coming homeÂ… Godspeed, TrevorÂ… and thank you for your serviceÂ……….
9 October 3rd, 2006 at 6:09 pm
drc says:
Congratulations! So glad you are coming home!
Remember…if you see any military moms on your way home…Give them a hug! They miss their kids as much as you guys missed them.
10 October 3rd, 2006 at 6:14 pm
Mariestaad says:
Goodspeed and a safe passage home. I’m looking forward to reading your stateside blog! Thanks for being a faithful correspondent–your blog has helped my students more than you will ever know (and me too).
11 October 4th, 2006 at 5:14 am
MissBirdlegs in AL says:
Safe travels, Trevor. I’m grateful for your service and the time you’ve spent on your blogs. Looking forward to more from home.
12 October 4th, 2006 at 8:36 pm
Cheryl Friend says:
Trevor,
Thank you for your service! I hope the last few days fly by. Best of everything to you and your wife. Take a few minutes to post that you have arrived home safely, and then you can ignore us for awhile! God Speed!
13 October 5th, 2006 at 3:09 am
Elizabeth says:
Trevor, even though we clashed at times (the times when I was right and you were wrong, of course,;-p ) I enjoyed reading about your experiences in Iraq. I’m glad you didn’t get killed.
14 October 6th, 2006 at 7:36 am
Richard F. Miller says:
Dear Trevor: You may not remember me, but I have been lurking about this site since we met last spring at CPIC. I started impressed, and your writing, insight and wit have only heightened my opinion. Whether you elect to remain in or out of the service, keep up with your writing, and of far greater importance, your cogitation. May G-d grant the two of us many years, over which term I expect to hear great things about you.
Best
15 October 6th, 2006 at 7:33 pm
Trevor's Dad says:
Richard,
Trevor, you and I COULD be related. My mother’s maiden name was Miller. She was born near Charm and Millersburg, Holmes Co., Ohio.
16 October 12th, 2006 at 4:52 am
Dale says:
Take care, my friend. I enjoyed your site and your point of view. My best wishes for you and your family.
17 October 17th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Trevor's Dad says:
Welcome to U.S. soil, Trevor! I trust you’re winding down and will be home-home in the next few days. I hear the leaves in the Georgia hills are lovely right now.
Love,
Mom & Dad
18 October 18th, 2006 at 1:14 am
GunnNutt says:
Trevor’s home!?! Welcome home, Sarge!!!!!!
19 October 18th, 2006 at 1:28 am
SK says:
WELCOME HOME TREVOR!!!! (((HUGS))) all around.
Thank you Trevor’s Dad:)
20 October 20th, 2006 at 11:04 pm
MissBirdlegs in AL says:
Welcome Home, Trevor! Your dad told on you
Thanks, Trevor’s Dad!
21 October 21st, 2006 at 2:51 am
USCitizen says:
Let me know when you get stateside and where I need to travel in order to buy you a beer!
Thanks for all you’ve done.
22 October 24th, 2006 at 4:46 am
Dan Cameron Rodill says:
Trevor,
Sorry I couldn’t get over there and blog the story, due to our stunning Bureaucracy, but glad to hear you’re getting home okay. You, your service and the blog have been impressive. Thanks for that, and for the almost-memory.
23 October 25th, 2006 at 1:11 pm
Harley says:
Trevor,
As a libertarian, miniarchist, you will be excited (in a negative way) by the progress of the North American Union. [Only 22 months since the meeting in Mexico.]
You and many of your readers will find the following article, which is well footnoted and documented, a good read on the eve of Halloween!
North American Union, by Kerby Anderson
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/secure/cwnetwork/article.php?ArticleID=1185+
Harley
P.S. Check my website at http://www.pms01.com. I specialize in tax returns for Americans abroad.
24 October 27th, 2006 at 9:59 pm
Donna, Los Osos, CA says:
Welcome Home! You are truly a gifted communicator. Thank you for all you have done, and I hope you continue writing.
25 October 29th, 2006 at 5:54 am
Joe says:
I added your blog to MilblogSearch.com
Search Inside Milblogs and Only Milblogs
http://www.milblogsearch.com
26 November 2nd, 2006 at 9:32 pm
Dwana says:
Welcome home, Trevor! I’m so glad you survived your tour of duty and that you’re coming home safe and sound. No need to sign my comments SSS (stay safe soldier) anymore.
I hope you keep blogging, Trev. America needs to hear your voice. Once again, welcome home and thanks for a job well done!!!!!!!!!
27 December 20th, 2006 at 4:32 am
Rob says:
I think you’re making a very good point there
28 January 4th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Trevor says:
Thank you everyone, for your comments.