… Out with a bang

[aadler]

 
So, if I’d waited just a little bit longer, I’d have had more to report yesterday.

After I’d made my year’s-end post, I went to the chow hall for dinner. On my way back, I got a special treat: our hosts in the Iraqi civilian sector decided to help us celebrate the onset of the new year, with fireworks. Not much for visuals, but the sound was certainly impressive. I went prone behind a concrete blast wall until it seemed to be over, then reported to HQ for accountability. After which I went to my CHU to do some reading before bedtime …

… and wouldn’t you know it, those lovable scamps decided to send some more holiday cheer our way? That one I waited out hugging the floor of my CHU, then continued reading, and then on to bed.

It bothers me, though. They went to so much trouble to help us celebrate, and I just know there’s next to no likelihood that I’ll ever be able to reciprocate in the same spirit. Because of that, all the people who tell me they’re praying for me and those serving beside me? — I would greatly appreciate if you would dedicate some of those prayers to the prospect that someone, somewhere out there, may be in a position to recognize those who made such a generous effort of their time and ingenuity, and offer them a suitable reward.

With copious interest.