Kitchen_Opinionated's Page

I was given this upon my return from OIF V. I thought it was a beautiful reminder of what we stand for.

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I AM THE GUARD

Civilian in peace, Soldier in war...of security and honor, for three centuries I have been the custodian...I am the Guard

I was with Washington in the dim forest, fought the wily warrior, and watched the dark night bow to the morning. At Concord's Bridge I fired the fateful shot heard 'round the world. I bled on Bunker Hill. My footprin… Continue

While in Iraq I was a part of a patrol that eventually became routine around our base in which we would meet and greet the locals and attempt to gather as much information about them as possible. I loved doing this for mainly two reasons.

1. Changed the local perspective of the military presence in their area in which instead of being known as ruthless vengeful soldiers we were described as peaceful humanitarians who also provide security.

2. Engaging with the locals allowed me to further unde… Continue

So here I am two months past of returning from my deployment overseas. I daily reflect on the friends that were made and the people that were a part of what I think is a very noble undertaking. Its hard to imagine based on the daily images of the War on Terror but a part of me misses it. I miss the sense of participating in something much bigger than myself. I miss the sense of purpose and the feeling of helping those less fortunate. I miss seeing the small children smile as we would pass them o… Continue

So here I am two months past of returning from my deployment overseas. I daily reflect on the friends that were made and the people that were a part of what I think is a very noble undertaking. Its hard to imagine based on the daily images of the War on Terror but a part of me misses it. I miss the sense of participating in something much bigger than myself. I miss the sense of purpose and the feeling of helping those less fortunate. I miss seeing the small children smile as we would pass them o… Continue

So here I am getting closer and closer to my two week of R&R from Iraq and looking back on it all I have enjoyed it. It has been an amazing experience. This ofcourse being the first time I have gone anywhere outside the U.S. and getting to experience it all first hand instead of watching it all on the NEWS. I ask myself as I look back if I can say that I honestly have taken anythign away from this experience. It is weird how these thoughts come around around New Years Day! I can honestly

… Continue