My oldest boy is deploying with the Idaho Air National Guard this Wednesday. They will be going to Al Asad Airfield in Iraq. This is one of the largest airfields in Iraq and is a joint USAF and Marines venture. It is west of Baghdad in the Anbar Province. Partially because of its size and the number of US Forces that are assigned there it has several large swimming pools and a giant PX. It is one of the safest places in Iraq for US Forces and is sometimes referred to as "Camp Cupcake".
The reason I'm worried is they are bringing their Chemical Gear and their rifles with them. They will have to have the rifles with them while they are on duty. If this place is so safe why the weapons and Chemical Gear? I know that the number of deaths in Iraq is going down and right now Afghanastan is the more dangerous place to be but as a father that is cold comfort for me right now. At least they will be there for only 120 days.
I know that it is irrational to worry. He is 36 years old, has a Bachalor's in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work. He is a very level headed responsible person but still I will worry. I'm eating comfort food and am thinking that I should buy more photography gear. That's right I shop in times of great anxiety. So for the next four months I will try to smile and not buy too much but I will worry.
Getting Old is a Pain
9 years ago
2 comments:
You worry because you are his Dad. We will keep him in our prayers... and you keep deep breathing to decrease the anxiety. Apparently you need some entertainment from Carter!
Carter and I had a long and tearful talk this morning about daddy going to Iraq. All I can say is that neither of us are really happy about this. The only comfort we can take is that Bobby says this is his last deployment.
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