Armor is still an issue in Iraq & Afghanistan

I saw a picture today of a unit I used to work with. They are in Iraq right now and one thing stood out clearly. Other than their helmets and IBA (bullet-proof vest) they did not have any real armor. Honestly folks, what do we have to do to have our Government properly equip our troops. It has been said that active duty troops have better equipment than the National Guard and Reserves. If that is true, this is extremely sad. If the active duty troops don't have armor, ask yourself, "What do the rest have?"

Weight Loss made easy

Along with my own journey, many people that I know have been afforded the wonderful opportunity to have the pounds melted off of their bodies. Honestly, it is not the miracle cure for the double chin that it may sound like. Weight loss is easy actually, all you need is to burn more calories than you take in.

Unfortunately, the fact that my friends and I have loss massive amounts of weight is not a good thing. You see, we are in the US of A's armed forces. Specifically the Army. Long deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan are more common. Let me tell you a common fact of life: The average deployed US soldier is well fed. Shocking? Not really. From my experience we take in many more calories than the average American does, while keeping an athletic form. Now ask yourself, if we are taking in massive amounts of calories, why are many many soldiers losing 20-25 lbs in the first five months of their deployments?

The answer is simple. Are soldiers are working long duty hours, burning the candle at both ends. We ask a lot of our men and women in uniform, and they give us that and more.

Now ask yourself if we are over-using them. What happens to a machine that you use past the point of positive return? Ever have your car overheat on you? Computer ever go on the fritz? Why would you treat your fellow human being the same way? Worse yet, what happens when the machinery really breaks?

On the journey. 

Coming Home

After one year and several hours two of my soldiers came home. They were part of a larger group of men and women freshly away from the war in Iraq. The tears that flowed through the crowd did not distinguish between men and women, nor between civilian or military. Everyone was moved in some manner.

Yesterday, we were off to dinner with one of the couples that were reunited after that year of separation. Newlyweds, that now get the chance to be newlyweds. While waiting for our table I quickly turned my friend around to see the fireworks that had just started in the distance. The trail of light had just burst as he completed his turn.

You see, I Honestly did not want him to have the same reaction as I did on New Year's Eve. My family had stayed at home. We could not see the fireworks, but we could hear them. It is amazing how fireworks sound like REAL explosions. You really don't know the sound until you have had the misfortune of being in a warzone.

To the casual glance he looked find standing on the balcony overlooking the fireworks. But when he looked at me he said quietly, "Why am I jumping on the inside?" To him I replied, "The same reason I did on New Year's. Trust me, it is better when you see the fireworks and know them for what they are than if you just hear them."

It eases with time. The reaction I mean. The memory is fresh and faded at the same time. If you have never been there try to understand. Even if you fail, try.

A child alone

Yesterday my family and I came across a four year old child left alone in a SUV. 20 minutes later we had the child out of the car and were giving our report to the police, when the parents showed up. Honestly folks, it does not matter what your reason is, you do not leave a child alone in a car. It is not just that it is a crime, as parents we have an obligation, a duty, to our children to provide the best care that we can. Our own conveince does not matter. Yes, shopping (and just about everything else) is easier without children. But "YOU" were the one that indirectly or directly made the decision to have a child. You are the one that will have to sacrifice for the child. If you will not make that sacrifice you do not deserve the Honor of being a parent.

Knowing one's self

After a person reaches the point where they can Honestly reflect on who and what they are, they have reached a point where they are on the road to happiness. It is after a person is at peace with who they currently are, and who they will become, that the road before them becomes easier. With a lack of self doubt comes security. How does one get there though? It takes a determination to make the self happy, not others; to live up to your own dreams and standards, not those imposed by others. Be true (and stay true) to yourself and the rest will follow.

Another Marriage

Well, a new year and a new marriage. Other than being a parent, what greater commitment is there between two people?

A Wedding Blessing

Yesterday my brother-in-law married a very lovely lady on the North shore of Oahu. Here is the blessing that I gave at their wedding.

Today you have made known your Pledge
Two have come together to take one path
The journey will be easy - Together
There will be joy when you are hand in hand
Happiness is yours to be had

Remember
You are not alone
Remember
At every moment your companion is close

May Your love be boundless and ever flowing.

A New Year's wish

A personal note to Stani:

May the new year bring you wonders and joy. Remember that you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to, so no stress, no worries, just enjoy what life offers.

-Zanla