Dispatches from Iraq: Tom’s home!
I’ve been delinquent in relaying this fantastic news!
From: Thomas Bender
Date: Feb 24, 2007 10:17 AM
Subject: I’m Going Home…
To: [a bunch of people]Well everyone, my time here in Baghdad is about over. In fact, I leave here on Tuesday some time to fly back to Qatar with a return to the states somewhere around the 1st.
I must say that I am very happy to have experienced everything out here. It gives you a different perspective on things to be here where things are happening that you don’t get back at home. I am proud of the job we’ve done, and I’m proud of the jobs the men and women have done even more forward than I. It’s certainly difficult, and at times you wonder if it is even worth it. But then there is the one event that makes it all good. If you ever get a chance, ask someone who has returned from out here what they felt and how it has changed their life. One thing will always be the same…no one leaves here the same as when they came here.
More after the cut.
More than the job, though, I have really enjoyed the people I have been working with. I’m made friends here that I hope last a while. We have our up times and our down times, but in the end, you have to come to rely on them. They are your family while out here. When their day is going bad, you drag them out for coffee. When they seem to be working themself to death, you send them home early or force them to join you at the chow hall for dinner. You look out for each other.But even still, it is time for me to return. I have spent my time, I’ve had my fun, but I am anxious to return to my family that is waiting for me. When I return, I will still be working similar targets as I am now. In fact, I will likely be calling back here to CSG on a regular basis. I’m looking forward to it.
Thank you all for your support to not only me, but to all of our service members and civilians who risk thier lives and leave their families (like the guy I know out here who’s wife just had a baby last night) to support freedom for all people. I’ll send a message around when I make it back to the states. Until then, I’m signing off.
Tom
Interestingly enough, exactly 2 weeks after this post went up, I am back in Baghdad for approximately 20 days. This time, however, I get to be a programmer (and ONLY a programmer). The time should go by quickly, so this might be the only mention of it. Unclassified computer time is not s frequent as it was before.
Tom