Saturday, July 30, 2011

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Schofield Barracks

Being deployed out of Hawaii with the 25th Division, Tropic Lighting, Broncos, I was at Schofield Barracks for one night.



When I went out to the local shopping center on base I was surprised to see so many people out of uniform and not carrying a gun. It may sound obvious because I was in the United States, but I was used to the military in uniform carrying their weapon as another appendage.



Waiting to deploy was one of the longest days of my life. I tried to put myself in the soldiers frame of mine. It was probably one of their shortest days. Full of anticipation, angst and sadness. For many going off to war the first time is an exciting moment full of romanticism, patriotic duty and a chance to prove their metal. For others it is a job and requires separation from their families for a year. For all it is the unknown of if they will return...or not.