100 Days

So today, 19 June, we have been in Afghanistan for 100 days. Here are some inspirational words from 1SG Blouin:

"All y'all,

On 19 June the Main Body will have been in Afghanistan 100 days.  We mobilized some 158 days ago.

Thus far we have traveled over 2,500 miles in convoys providing various guidance, Battlefield Circulations, CLPs, mail deliveries, etc.

The BAS (Battalion Aid Station, where they have lollipops and Big Bird Band-Aids) has treated a plethora of injuries and illnesses.

Our R&R program is in full swing with 12 Soldiers gone at any given time.

We've seen PFC's get promoted to Specialist, two Specialists to Sergeant and three Lieutenants promoted to Captain.

We've established "Holy Joes" coffee shops in two locations now with a new facility due to open soon.

Plans are prepared for expansion of the TOC area.  The COPs and OPs that we support are getting established or expanded.

We have completely rearranged and cleaned up the Motor Equipment Park (a.k.a. Motorpool).

We've had two UPL tests, two weight-ins, one APFT and a promotion board.

Everyone in the battalion is now sporting their combat patch and is no longer a "Slick Sleeve".

By now we should have our sections' battle rhythm tight with everyone in their roles.

The Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Bruins are champions in their sports, with the Red Sox soon to follow suit.

We took some time to celebrate the Army's Birthday with a BBQ and a cake.

And for those keeping track, our oldest was born in Sep 1956 and our youngest on Feb 1992; only five of us are 50 or older.

We also continue to support numerous Ramp Details for our fallen brothers in arms.

So now we have some 200 or so days to go.  We should not focus on how long that may seem, but instead consider how quickly the first 100 went.  Take the next months in milestones.  We have more 5K and 10K fundraiser runs than you can shake a stick at, the 4th of July, Labor Day, the 10th anniversary of the date which brought us here (9-11), and the Allied response on 7 Oct that same year, Columbus Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, we will vote in "Off Year Elections" and observe Thanksgiving and Pearl Harbor day ("A date which will live in infamy").

December will eventually lead us to welcoming the replacements and into the holiday season and the new year.

While we go through all of these days we have to remember to stay focused on the task at hand.  Go about your jobs with a sense of urgency, asking what you can do to help make things better.  We still have many more convoys to go out and BOM to pack and deliver.  Our goal should be to make the transition for the incoming units much better than our transition went.

Let's not forget that we are Reservists on active duty for the moment.  We are better than most of our Regular counterparts because many of us do this as a part time profession.  We want to go home with some sense of accomplishment.After all, we all volunteered for this and are here willingly.

Make the most of your situation, become better for it, take lots of pictures, continue to write or call home.  Build your memories, as this opportunity may never come your way again.

Finally, consider that CPT Burns and I are here to get the company through the mission.  Our doors are always open to everyone.  Come in and take a load off, have a coffee or any of our CL-I (Food) that we have.

And let's get home.

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"HIGHLANDER-7"

I thought I would share that with everyone :) Also, Happy Father's Day!