alfadawg2's Blog

Another busy week gone bye, another week closer to home. Its funny how you adjust to being away from home but, after a fashion, begin to realize the things in your daily routine you take fore granted. For instance, I would never dream of wearing shower shoes in my house if for no other reason than my better half is a meticulous house keeper, and God I miss her. I don’t have to stand in line for my dinner, not that the food isn’t good, I still have to stand in line with a tray, a plastic plate divided into three sections not to mention eating with plastic utensils. It beats the alternative, MRE’s, which I get to eat often enough of anyway. No porta-johns, nope, not one at my house in Colrado. I’ve got two here and although they are cleaned three times a day they’re still porta-johns and a real delight on a 125 degree day. I don’t wake up with the woman I’ve been married to for 25 years, but instead sleep with my weapon, not by choice but need. Can’t have a cold beer after work, pet my dog on the head, give the wife and kids a hug and kiss, sit in my favorite leather recliner, (or at least fight my dog for it), drive to the convenience store for a pack of smokes and a cup of coffee. Can’t drive anywhere unless you are in a convoy, and even then you can’t stop for coffee. You wear the same clothes every day, every body wears the same clothes every day. I don’t normally don 45 pounds of gear and grab my weapons to go get the mail, but don’t seem to mind it here. Somehow I don’t think my Postal Staff would appreciate my showing up in my battle rattle, a rifle, a pistol, and 225 rounds of assorted ammo! No cell phone, can’t even pick up the landline and call when you get the urge, have to walk 300 meters to the AT&T phone bank. Might have shaving cream at the little PX, might not. I’ve learned to grab two at a time just in case, need to shave everyday. You can always get sox , which is real important considering the amount of walking I do and the fact I normally spend about twenty hours a day in my boots, sox don’t last long. I do have a washer and dryer in my shop, that’s almost like being home. Almost.
These are a few of the little things I miss and still seem to overlook when I am home. A body just doesn’t give it a second thought, they're just there everyday. The little things, the little freedoms, things we take fore granted each day that many before me have fought and died for. I see people every day that don’t get to enjoy the little things like going for coffee and smokes at the corner store without the fear of being killed. Not being able to let your children play outdoors without worrying. The little things.
This is why I do what I do and certainly not alone. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it over and over again, if my service makes a difference in one persons life, allows one child to go to school, one family to enjoy running water, allows a farmer to irrigate, a sick child having a hospital to go to, it’s all worth it. I’ll adjust to being away from my loved ones again, shower shoes, plastic forks, porta-johns and the life I normally enjoy and take fore granted like everyone else because I know the little things will be waiting for me when I get home. The difference is I’m willing, as many are and as many have, to give my life for the little things and for what I believe in.
God save those of you who wake up and go to work each day, enjoy your families and freedoms and don't support those of us that through history have been willing to give our lives so you can enjoy the freedoms you enjoy. There will be a special place for you one day.
God bless those of you who support, You are the driving force in what we do each day. You too one day will enjoy a special place. Thank You.

"Dawg"
Chief Petty Officer
U.S. Navy Seabees
Fallujah, Iraq
"With Compassion for others, We Build, We Fight, for Peace with Freedom"