Day #11 – 10 March 2009 – “Say hello to my little friend …”

I wanted to introduce everyone to my new best friend … my M9 9mm pistol issued to me by the United States Army. When you are deployed in a combat zone your weapon and 30 rounds of ammunition go everywhere you go. Getting up to pee in the middle of the night, guess who’s coming with you? Taking a shower in the morning … don’t forget your weapon. Whether you are going to dinner, checking email, or working out in the gym you always have to have your new best friend by your side. It was a pain in the ass at first, but it is getting to the point now where it becomes automatic and I don’t even think about it. It is probably going to feel weird when I get home in September and don’t have a handgun sitting next to me at the dinner table.

Proof that Starbucks is taking over the world. Even in a combat zone you have to make time to get your morning latte.

Early morning sand storm. It’s like a blizzard but without the snow or the freezing temperatures. Nothing better than a mouthful of sand and grit in your eyes to start your day.