Happy Memorial Day!!

Greetings from the desert! There's been quite a few events to tell you about. First of all we had a great 5K run/walk benefit for the Wounded Warriors Project. All participants donated $20 for an organization that offers a variety of services to help wounded Iraqi war vets get integrated back into society. The command here wanted to run the race simulataneously with one back at Camp Lejeune (4pm here and 8am there), but due to the extremely hot temperatures, even at 4pm, they decided to move the time to 7am (good choice!) It was up in the 90s by race time (our hottest day so far, 120 degrees; worst to come in June/July). Collectively, TQ Surgical decided to run with CAPT Jernigan, our head doc, to show our appreciation for the wounded warriors. It was a fun morning for a good cause. It just so happened that a civilian won the race in 17 minutes! My finishing time wasn't quite that fast.

Next, our FMF training allowed for us to have two great in-services, one showing us the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, to see one of their CH-46's, and the other was with the 2/136 Minnesota Army National Guard to see a M2 Bradley Tank. This gives us some insight into what both the Air and Ground Combat Elements do under the operational command of the Marine Corps. I've learned a valuable lesson from both visits. I LOVE WHAT I DO, I CHOSE THE RIGHT CAREER, AND I WOULDN'T CHANGE IT FOR THE WORLD. The spaces within the M2 are very tight and with no air conditioning and flak vests with sapi plates it can feel like 150 degrees in there. They taught us some basic egress maneuvers from the CH-46 (how you would get out of the helicopter in case of a crash landing). I could easy see how you could get disoriented getting out of that thing after rolling over in the dark! I have a whole new respect for the young guys who work in that environment day-in and day-out.

Thank goodness, we are nearing the half-way point on the deployment. Patient flow has slowed down considerably since early May. I see news reports saying that some progress is being made with local community leaders here in Anbar and I believe it correlates to our work load. Being less busy is bitter sweet, because boredom quickly sets in, but you also know that the violence has decreased as well.

Finally, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Memorial's Day Weekend. Thank a vet, have a beer (a real one), and fire up a grill for me!

Pictures:

Take cover! Doc Tally has the 50 Cal!

Hull of the 46

Me and Squadron Sign

Squadron nickname "The Flying Tigers"

Me and the CH-46

Me staring down the race course with determination (or fear) in my eyes

Side of the CH-46

TQ Surgical before the race

Start of the race

LT Morales (CO) and CAPT Jernigan (CPS) showing blood, sweat, and a lot of tears

Me and the rest of the gang chugging out the 5K

CDR Haugton and LCDR Meade (OR Nurses) with 1st and 2nd place medals from the Wounded Warrior 5K

Ugandan Guard cheering us on

Me and Dr. Carr

Two M2's side by side

Look out! Me in the driver's seat.

M2 Bradley Tank Engine

CDR Haughton, LCDR Carr and LT Moore in the back of the M1

LCDR Carr waiving to LCDR Neptune in the M2 turret

LCDRs Carr and McMindes (one our CRNAs)

Me and LT Meg Moore (Helo squadron flight surgeon)

Bullet hole riddled ambulance.

M2 with bird cage around it.