Getting Closer

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

TO ALL THE MOMS,

ESPECIALLY THE ONES WHO HAVE SONS OVER HERE

The only flowers I've seen over here.

This is Ltc. Randolph's garden out by the running track. It is full of different Irises. He has been working it for sometime. He sent a picture of himself trying to break the soil with a pick ax to his wife. She sent it to Troybilt and they sent him, free of charge, a rototiller to work the ground. He is leaving it here in hopes someone will continue his work.

Not too much going on around here, which is good.
Some terrible news at the beginning of the week - 2 soldiers were killed in an attack by an ANA (Afghan National Army) soldier, who they now state was mentally ill. It was an up and down day for us at the TMC (Troop Medical Center). We were alerted that we had 4 casualities with gun shot wounds. Our system worked and the trauma teams came in while we set up our beds for treatment. We divide up duties like who would be in charge of each patient and who would work in triage. I did a little last minute studying of procedures and checking the equipment. About 10 minutes later we found out 2 were dead at the scene, and 2 were wounded. A few minutes later we were called again and told that the patients were going to the French base and then on to Bagram Air Base. There was some confusion after that about us getting the soldier's bodies. It was finally decided to send everyone to Bagram. The indecision and changing plans created a roller coaster of anticipation and sorrow for the troops involved. We all just wanted to do our part and get the soldiers the best care we could. No egos were hurt, our team just wanted to help in any way we could.

Please hold the families of the soldiers in your prayers.

Bill and a patient's guardian. We gave him some shoes and one of the medics gave him the sombreo. He was completly happy with it and wore it out of the building with a big smile on his face.

Other things going on are the routine progress of all the different missions run by the base and I continue to work on my projects. Oregon soldiers are heading home and South Carolina soldiers are coming in. Our replacements arrived this week and are beginning to get acquainted with the clinic and their new jobs. The transition seems to be going well so far.


I'm looking forward to getting home, it seems so close, but time is beginning to drag. We continue to workout 6 days a week alternating running with weight lifting. We seem to be getting stronger and can run farther than when we first arrived. It's been great having a workout partner, who pushes me. It is also great having the schedule here that allow me to workout without rushing. It's too much to ask for back home, as I'll need to take a lot off of Chris' plate when I get there. She has done sooooooo much, and done it well. I only hope I can let her know how much it means to me that she has taken such good care of me, the kids and our home.

A little boy that was severely burned when a gas bladder, used to contain cooking fuel, exploded. He lost 7 people in his family. The Florida guard with the help of the outreach program (where the clothes go that you send) sent him and his guardian to Chiacgo for treatment of the burns he suffered. He is a happy, healthy kid now. Severe scaring on his back and arms. No contractions so far. Keep him in your prayers!

He really likes Strawberry milk.


Each day is different but the same here. Unique things happen or are seen, but the days just seem to blend together.
You can be frustrated with progress at one moment, and in awe the next.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who has sent me cards, e-mails, and postings. They have meant so much to me and I look forward to seeing y'all very soon.
Next week should be a show case of battle field furniture and some pictures of the great people I work with here. Take care
mike