Today is a special day….

Today is a very special day…. other than being cinco-de-mayo, today is the 21st anniversary of the day I put my right hand in the air and joined the US Army.  As I’m sitting here in my room, I can’t help but think back to some of the highlights of the last 21 years….graduation from Basic Training, selection to the USMA Prep School, graduation from West Point, my three years in Korea, the friends I made throughout the years, and now serving here in Iraq with such an outstanding team.  I would much prefer being home, but if I can’t be home I can’t think of a better group of people to serve alongside.  The people here are really doing some serious heavy lifting… they are working to stand up a successful government, restore order, and build a lasting peace.  Can anyone think of a more noble effort than what the men and women in this command are working toward every day.

I also had the opportunity to celebrate another special event over here… my birthday.  Thank you to everyone who sent me cards and emails.  It really made my day….a few friends and I went to dinner and then I watched a movie…Dan in Real Life.   Terrific movie.  I highly recommend it if you haven’t seen it.  Steve Carell stars in it….It’s no Taladega Nights, but it’s pretty good.

I’m going to keep this post really short, but on this milestone, I wanted to say thank you to all my friends and family who have been with me along the way.  Best wishes to everyone and have a great night. 

Fred