It’s That Time of Year Again


Last weekend we said goodbye to the next detachment from 1st Radio Battalion destined for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I did not deploy with this detachment, as my contract with the Marine Corps expires on June 1st. It was a bitter-sweet feeling to get up early on Saturday and see the detachment off. Actually, the part about getting up early (0430) was all bitter–nothing sweet about it. This detachment is much more experienced and capable than our first OIF detachment that I deployed on. Almost all of the officers and staff non-commissioned officers have deployed to OIF in some capacity, some just last year. There was much less of a feeling of unknown with this detachment, as everyone knew exactly what they would be doing, how they would be doing it, and in some circumstances in what chair they would be sitting at the place they just left in August.

A tiny part of me wanted to go with them. It seems such a waste that I learned so much last year and won’t be putting it to use again this year. While I wouldn’t be on a team and get to venture outside the wire, my experience in 2006 would have made it a natural transition. However, the huge part of me that is happy to be remaining behind quickly beat that tiny part into submission. At rare times I even feel guilty that I won’t deploy twice during my stint in the Marine Corps. Then I remember the 30,000+ Marines and millions of Americans who haven’t yet deployed to OIF once, and that puts it in perspective. I’m thrilled to have deployed to OIF, and I wouldn’t have felt complete had I not, but I think once is enough for me.
Good luck to everyone as they go forward. I’m sure you will achieve even more than we did our first trip…except for the picture above. I don’t think anyone will be topping that anytime soon. Semper Fi.

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February 6th, 2007
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Comment Number:
1
Written by:
Randi
Posted on:
February 7, 2007 at 6:24 am

You’re right about not feeling right if you haven’t been deployed at least once. I’d feel the same way. I’m only a poolee now, but the way things are going…once i’m in, i’ll go sooner or later. I know at least once. Granted i’m a girl, i won’t be able to do a lot of the stuff the guys can, but still. Everyone can at least pray for the safe return of loved ones. A friend of mine is coming back sometime in March. Another one might be going soon, we’ll see.

Comment Number:
2
Written by:
Koolski
Posted on:
February 7, 2007 at 11:24 am

I know EXACTLY how you feel. I was a tank platoon leader in the 1st ID during Desert Storm. I too have felt some guilt about not going this time and it does seem a shame that I know so much (still) and that it is going to waste. Having said that, I now have two young children and I wouldn’t put my wife through it all again.
You can feel proud till the day you die that you have served your country in a way that the vast majority of Americans don’t have a clue about. They don’t know what soldiers, particularly soldiers sent to war, go through.
Thank you for your service. Thank you for protecting our nation. Thank you for your selflessness.

Comment Number:
3
Written by:
FB
Posted on:
February 8, 2007 at 8:28 am

I know I am glad that you will be staying with us this time around! Can’t wait to have you back home!

Comment Number:
4
Written by:
Ann
Posted on:
February 10, 2007 at 5:23 am

Another chapter in a soldiers life…I always have a high regards for soldiers who defend their country.Your bravery is commendable!
Goodluck to your next journey! stay safe!

Comment Number:
5
Written by:
spaceant
Posted on:
February 10, 2007 at 6:36 pm

Excellent! Another milestone met.

Comment Number:
6
Written by:
CajunTiger
Posted on:
February 14, 2007 at 3:49 am

Having the same feelings. Think about going back every now and then, but if I don’t get the chance, I’m definitely glad I was able to go and serve the troops. It is something I’ll never forget.

Comment Number:
7
Written by:
beth laiche
Posted on:
March 11, 2007 at 9:47 pm

Type your comment here.
If I may be so bold as to comment on the reference of calling a Marine a soldier. Marines are not soldiers. They are Marines.

Comment Number:
8
Written by:
ml
Posted on:
April 28, 2007 at 11:27 pm

Hello, You may find this rather bizarre however I am a fashion student doing an essay on military uniforms and I am wanting to know about your uniforms. How many you have, what forms the uniform, what technology is used in it (nothing top secret), what are they made of, what do you like about them what don’t you like, are they comfortable? and most importantly how you feel in your uniform, does it transform you into the “warrior”? Do you feel stronger, more manly, more powerful, capable of doing things you would not otherwise be able to do? The argument that i am reviewing is that the military uniform is the one most transported into fashion because it has such a strong message to send.

can you help? I look forward to reading from you if you’re interested in letting me know.

thanks ml