[Allegra]

Oh, they actually compensate us pretty well to dodge mortars, rockets, bullets, etc. while we work. ;-) It's not like that all the time, though, but it sure was as I was leaving and has been quite a bit in the past.

I don't do it for the money...I got into it and now I feel like I should see it through as best I can. It's sort of become a pet project for me, if that makes any sense. LOL

I'm taking a couple months' respite now. It's hard work and I needed a break. I intend to enjoy every minute of it.

[WFTR]

I have a friend who was over there most of the past year in the Marine reserves. He commented about how some assignments were very tame. He knew guys who saw little more than they'd see on a drill weekend. He talked about them going out to Subway for lunch every day almost like a normal job in the states. He said that other assignments meant constant danger. You seem to have seen the whole range yourself.

While I can't understand exactly what you mean based on my own experiences, the part about the pet project makes sense. Iraq is a major battleground in a bigger war. If we win there, we come closer to winning the whole war. Our enemies have expended tremendous resources to make Iraq a loss for us. That expenditure makes our victory that much more valuable. Those who play a part in ensuring that we win will have played a big part in the events that shape the world and our country's place in the world. You are playing a part in something that will be a major historic event. If my life had put me in that kind of situation, I'd want to see the effort to a successful conclusion as well.

Enjoy your time off. You've earned your fun and the thanks of your fellow citizens.

Bill