Heroes, Tough Flights and Massages

I mentioned previously what a strange war zone this is. Today I got my first massage, for which I was very thankful. Doing so much exercise in addition to 10 times the amount of walking I'm used to and a ton of flying leads to sore, tired muscles in an old guy. But how strange to have a massage place right here just a few clicks from danger.

Today we lined Disney Drive again to salute more fallen servicemembers. Three men travelled the long, solemn procession toward the plane that would take them home to their families - and to Arlington National Cemetery. Just like when I was in Iraq, it appears that we still take 10-20 of the enemy for every one of our own fallen, but the harsh reality of that one taken hits home. It is clear that we value life in America much more than many of our enemies, who casually throw it away for their jihad. The loss of even one (or three) brings us to pause and remember...and then move on with the mission.

Flying in to different spots around the nation the other day, our helicopter gunners suddenly opened up a big can of 7.62mm on what one of them reported as possible fire from the ground. It was never confirmed, but it appeared we may have had someone taking pot-shots at our bird. I had fallen asleep, but when the pop-pop-pop-pop of the machine guns sounded loudly throughout the aircraft I awakened to immediate prayer. A few seconds later the guns silenced and we were well beyond range of the agitator - and I fell nicely back to sleep for the remainder of the ride.

Pray for communication between our soldiers who live and work together in such close confines that occasional flare-ups are unavoidable. The stress of long hours, occasional raw nerves and personality differences, all combined with way too much familiarity, make for a sometimes close, sometimes tense work environment. Pray also for the families of three of America's finest who will gather soon to pay their respects and mourn their losses. Pray for safety for all of those in the counter-IED fight over whom I have spiritual charge and pray that I might not fail them in my duties.

In His grip...