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Here it is again … Football!

This year as we all prepare for the Openning kick-off of all the SC colleges remeber that there will be a few empty seats this season. The seats usually occupied by my fellow soldiers overseas will be filled be a friend or family member until their return. It is hard to be away from home anyway but ,football season for the die hard fan is really rough. I remember getting up at I’m not even sure what time to watch the Gamecocks run through the tunnel. It was Coach Spurrier’s first season so most of our games were on AFN. Heck our picture was even on the cover of Stars and Stripe(military newspaper)when we one our first game.

I know what the 218TH folks are going through and it is not easy but winning will help. Nothing could be finer than to from Carolina when we are all winning(Clemson, State, Wofford, Citadel, Newberry etc.).You can rub it in to troops from all over the country and the world. Of course the foreign troops don’t get our brand of football but who cares….it is our football.

One thing that I brought back with me from a football season in Afghanistan is that it really is about more than just football. It is a connection to home. It is knowing that during that block of time I was doing something normal, although not in a normal setting. I was doing exactly what my friends and family were doing back home…we were cheering and I felt connected to home. I developed a deeper pride in the whole state when each college team won…even Clemson. I remember how overwhelming it was when I went to the first game last year. I was thanked for my service by the folks I have been sitting near for the past few years. I was also overpowered with the pride and so many other emotions that I almost did not make it through the National Anthem without crying. Some of the same feelings I had watching football overseas.

WOW who knew football could do all that. So as I wrap up before I start crying now, I hope you all remember all those soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that are overseasdoing what they do so we can cheer for something as simple as football. We should all miss them, we should all be proud of them and we should listen closely because I know we will be able to hear them cheer from over there.God speed to all of my brothers and sisters in uniform. Stay safe until we see you next season. Your seat will be waiting for you!!!

GO GAMECOCKS!!! GO TIGERS!!!!GO BULLDOGS!!! GO INDIANS!!! GO TERRIERS!!!GO ALL SOUTH CAROLINA TEAMS!!!

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Once again I have been AWOL from blogging but I have a few topics that have moved meto add my two cents. First the Good. My family got the wonderful news we have been waiting for over the past 7 months. My baby brother, the Marine helicopter pilot has completed his tour of duty in Iraq. He is now home safe and sound in Okinawa Japan with his wife and daughter. I feel as if a ton has been lifted. I am so thankful and happy that he made it home…words really can’t describe the relief. With his deployment complete that means a Yanity has served in both areas of operations during this Global War on Terrorism. Hopefully neither one of us will have to return. For the families still waiting for their loved ones I encourage you to take advantage of Family Readiness Groups. Also contact militaryonesource.com for help with any situation or contact me and see if I can help…assisting famlies is what I do.

Speaking of returning I have been following the 218th through Chuck Crumbo’s writings. The articles bring back memories and emotions both good and bad of my experiences over there. I am never sure when a flashback will hit but when they do they usually involve tears for good and bad reasons. One thing that I have noticed and this is in no way to take away from his and the 218th’s mission but they are experiencing the same things just a year later. Read my blogs and compare. The missions are good ones but it is just highlighting thatwe really are just putting bandaidson a situation to try and stop the bleeding. A medical cooperative mission is a wham bam thank you ma’am one day clinic. A lot of fun, my unit did alot of them as did the unit that was there before me,but then we were gone. Now the 218th and the guys do the same things in some of the same areas and then they are gone. Kind of like the movie Groundhog Day. The US military continues to do the same things over and over again. We are doing nothing permanent. To make a difference we need to provide lasting help. I am glad the 218th is continuing the good work that I continued from the group that was there before me. Toall of us the missions we doare exciting and new but old news to Afghanistan…when can they expect something new that will last?

And now for the UGLY. Even though we keep repeating missions over in Afghanistan we are trying to make a difference and how are we repaid…a LTC from the Afghan Police assaults a housekeeper. That is the attitude of men from that culture. Women are property to be used and discarded. For more evidence follow the story of the little girl found in Iraq on the trash heap.This is the mentality that we are trying to change.It takes time and it may not change. And if I remember from my high school government class democracy is for men and women. So how do we enforce that in a culture that does not believe in equal rights. I know I amusing this one incident touse a broadbrush strokepaint the men of Afghanistan but that is a reality.

The other side of Deploying

I have been following the deployment of the 218th and thought it would be a good time to update you all on what I have been doing. My job allows me be a witness to one of the most moving moments in a soldier and their famlies lives…coming home. Our soldiers return to a couple of places to do all the paperwork and activities they did before they left just in reverse order. No matter what time a plane lands members of my Unit and a Major General are there to greet them.

I met the first group last month at FT Hood. As I stood at the airport waiting for the plane to arrive it dawned on me that it was almost one year to the day that I was on a plane getting ready to land in TX. I drifted back to what it was like a year ago. I caught a ride home with the Texas National Guard so we were greeted by the Commanding Officer of the National Guard a General Someone. All I remember is that he shook my hand, thanked me and told me I did a good job. That meant a great deal. There were other folks that told me good morning and welcome home and I remember that those words were music to my ears. Those few words meant so much. And now it was my turn to welcome soldiers home.

The General met the troops at the bottom of the steps as they got off the plane. Myself and one of our SGMs stood at the top of the stairs to the doors of the airport. We told each soldier Good Morning, Welcome home or job well done. The smiles, oh the smiles said it all. It brought tears to my eyes for a number of reasons.

Also every soldier that got off the plane got a hug from a Red Cross Volunteer that has hugged every soldier that has deployd from FT Hood or returned to FT Hood since 2003. She hugged me when I left and now I got my return hug from her.

Families are not allowed at the airport, so they are waitingat the gym where the Welcome Home Ceremony is held. We update the families on how soon the buses carrying the soldiers will arrive, where they will pull in, how long they will be in formation. The anticipation is amazing. The happiness is evident, the long year is almost over. FT Hood makes every effort to involve families so they are allowed to take pictures of the soldiers on the buses and standing in formation before they enter the gym. The sounds of happiness and the tears of joy when those guys stepped off the buses was wonderful. Eyes searching the crowd for their soldier and then the recognition and smiles. And don’t even get me started on the kids.

The soldiers are briefed on what is about to happen and then how much time they will have with their families. Then they marched in,brought toattention, greeted by our General again and then dismissed. Hugs and kisses all around. Kids crying “Daddy Daddy I missed you” abound. The introduction of family members to other soldiers take place. And then a sense of relief takes over.

Although the soldiers will spend a few days outprocessing before they head home, they are at least in the US and that is a good thing. Each Fort welcomes home soldiers a bit different but the basics are the same. I continue to get the best jobs in the Army…my job in Afghanistan and now working with families during the deployment and of course the Welcome Home part.

So as the 218th just starts their deployment I want the famlies know that it will be over before you know it and there is an incredible expereince waiting for you one year from now.

Update and Ideas

One of the big changes in my life that some of you may already know about is that I am on Active Duty orders again. I left my position as a guidance counsleor at AC Flora High School in December. I love being a guidance counselor but I also love helping soldiers. Besides, in the words of the Godfather, “It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

My assignment is working with soldiers from my Division in Iraq and their families here at home. Plus my duty station is Charlotte and not Iraq. I am coming up on a year at home so that means I could have been called for duty overseas again. Being in Charlotte should keep me here for awhile. Besides I can’t imagine what my family would be going through with my brother and I both stationed in Iraq.

I tell you it is hard having a loved one over there. The news will report that a helicopter goes down and that is it. They don’t say what kind of helicopter…I find myself praying that it is anything other than a Marine Helicopter. Not that I want a soldier to die but I don’t want it to be my brother. I check every piece of information I can find, make phone calls hoping that someone has details and check my email waiting for something from Chris. When I see an email from him or that the downed helo is not a USMC helo I start to breathe again. It is going to be a very, very long year. So I focus on what I can do here at home.

I am now helping families and soldiers … it keeps my mind off of Chris a bit. I am in awe of the response that people have to soldiers. How much they help. People from all over the country have adopted my soldiers and that just warms my heart. Now that our SC guys are on their way to my old stomping grounds, it is our turn to step up and support the troops and their families.

No gesture is too small. Just do something for someone else. I encourage the Family Readiness Groups or the Family Support Groups to get the information out about what is needed to help the families and troops. The people are ready and willing to help no matter what their politics. They just need to know how. I do this now as a job but it more than a job it is a heartfelt mission. I met the CPT that checked in on my parents every month while I was overseas. Although my guys in Charlotte keep me busy I want to help my fellow South Carolinians. I know there is something I can do.

Personally , I would love to see a T-Shirt drive at all the colleges and universities in State. Pick a home game for each institution and have folks donate a t-shirt or sweatshirt(actually anything with a school logo…pencils, notebooks etc) to fill-up footlockers to send to our troops to pass out to the people of Afghanistan. That way the kids that have shirts from me will now have company. I say cover all of Afghanistan in shirts from SC: USC, Clemson, State, Wofford, Newberry, Lander, Coastal, Cof C, Bob Jones you get the picture.

And if you all would not mind, we could send a few to a Marine CPT Yanity stationed in Iraq who is as big of a Gamecock as his sister who would love to pass out shirts.

Who do I need to talk to? Let’s get this started. Who is with me? Let me know. Contact me here and let’s do it! Nothing feels as great as giving a part of your home to someone who needs a shirt. I know that feeling and now I want to help other soldiers experience that awesome feeling. Won’t you help? Let’s get together and plan this event.

A change of perspective

I went to Afghanistan like a good soldier. For the most part I had a great mission. For those of you who followed my blog, you know I experienced both good and bad and have been changed by the experience. I survived. I am ready to answer the call to go back.

I talk very casually about a return trip to Afghanistan because I really am OK with another deployment when my number comes up again. I know what to expect, and going again is all part of being a soldier. I think my return performance may be sooner than later with the way things are going, but that is just part of being in the Army. However, I did not realize what my parents, family and friends felt when I left and what they are feeling now when I talk about going back — the fear, the pride, the uncertainty, the what-if scenarios that play in your head and the helplessness.

While overseas I blogged about supporting the families back home because they are the real heroes. I really didn’t understand what families went through emotionally during the deployment process. Until now.

My baby brother, the Marine CPT Yanity, the other Gamecock in the family, one of my two favorite brothers, has gotten word that he and his group will be heading to Iraq in the near future. I don’t like these feelings.

I am afraid for him. I am proud of him and know he will serve with honor, but I don’t want him to go. I would rather go. I am his big sister, and I can’t protect him while he is over there.

I am not sure that what is going on overseas is worth the potential loss of my little brother. I know he volunteered just as I did. And he will go and do a damn fine job. I know he is a well-trained Marine and knows his job inside and out. I know he will take care of the Marines under his command. I know going to war it is part of being a member of the US Armed Services.

I know. I know. I know. I know all that, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it or agree with the reason he is going.

I believe in him and all the others who wear the uniform of the United States, but beyond that I am not sure what I believe anymore. I am angry that my brother has to go to Iraq. I am worried that something will happen. I hate that he will miss milestones in my niece’s life. And for what?

I can’t honestly answer that even if I did not wear a uniform. But I do believe that if more folks in Congress and throughout the country experienced the sick-in-the-pit-of -your-stomach fear you have when your loved one is getting ready to go to war, maybe we would not be in the situation we are in. I believe even more stronly that every young person owes something to this country and should give back somehow.

I think every parent whose child does not serve should thank the parents of children who do, because many of those children learned their sense of duty,courage, honor and country from them. And if not for their children and someone else’s mother, father. brother or sister serving and dying. the draft would be a reality instead of just something being bantered around Congress.

I don’t want my brother’s service to be taken for granted. I don’t want anyone’s service to be taken for granted. We all enjoy freedom, so we all should share in the price somehow. We should not assume that someone else will do the dirty work.

So my view of the war is a bit different from this side. I am proud of my brother, but I would rather he not have to go. I would take his place in a heartbeat. Isn’t that what big sisters are supposed to do? This is not the opinion of an Army officer; this is the fear of an older sister for her younger brother.

I thought my year in Afghanistan was long. Well I am betting this year with my brother in Iraq will be the longest ever. And all I can do is pray for his and all the other servicemembers’ safe return home.

God Speed little brother. I am proud of you and I love you.

Veterans Day 2006

I spent Veterans Day 2006 in Texas with some of the folks I served with in Afghanistan. I got to see SGM P and MAJ P. It was strange to call them by their first names.

Before I left I had the honor of speaking with members of The American Legion Cayce Memorial Post 130. My parents joined me and a great time was had by all. I had the opportunity to speak with men and women in whose boot prints I am walking in. We sang each Service’s song and enjoyed some wonderful food.

No matter where I am I still feel the tears well up when the National Anthem plays and this evening was no different.

The American Legion has been serving America since 1919 and unfortunatley we are losing many of our older members. I encourage my fellow returning servicemembers to consider joining their local post. And don’t forget the VFW. Both groups do wonderful things for Vets and the communities and it is our turn to carry on that traditon as well.

Now back to my visit to Texas. I was so excited to see my buddies I could hardly stand myself. Although my family and friends have been very understanding no matter how many times I try to explain somethings they just can’t understand. I didn’t realize how much I missed my Afghan family. We looked at pictures, laughed and talked about how things over there are now changing and how we have changed. I can’t imagine the expeirence without these wonderful people. I now also know that I can’t imagine my life without them. It is important to maintain these contacts…to have someone that was there to talk to. To find out that you are not the only one that cries at anything that is even a little bit Patriotic is a relief. And so is finding out that some of the changes I have seen in me have occurred in others as well.

So I spent Veterans Day with some people that I am proud to have served with in Afghanistan. I also watched the ballgame in the Hard Rock Cafe in San Antonio and it was a heartbreak. So all in all it was a much needed weekend. Once again these amazing people helped me in ways that they many never know.

We made plans for them to make a visit to this side of the country and I am already making plans to show them the things that they spent a year hearing about from me. They will get to meet my family, visit the USC campus, meet my dogs, see my house and just touch base again.

I can’t wait.

A Good Mission

As my fellow soldiers from South Carolina head to Afghanistan I want to offer my support to them and their families. I also want to let them know that providing Force Protection to the PRTs (Provincial Reconstruction Teams) is an awesome job. It will be a hard mission but it can be very rewarding. You guys will get to know the Afghan people and won’t have to stay behind the wire. You will have the opportunity to see a difference being made. You will be part of that difference.

You will be the BIG BOYS with BIG TOYS! and BIG GIRLS with BIG GUNS!!

You may be wondering how I know these things. Well, I will tell you. It was the Texas National Guard and the 82nd Airborne that provided Force Pro for my team when we worked with the PRTs. It was members of the TX Guard that kept me safe while I dewormed children. Because those guys did their jobs so well I was able to work without my IBA (individual body armor). I knew I was safe and those guys would never let anything happen to me. I trusted these men and women with my life. I knew when I worked a crowd that someone was watching not only my back but my front and sides as well. I knew someone was not going to let me get hurt while I worked to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people. I know they put themselves out there as Force Pro so that the mission could go on and they did a damn good job. And now the South Carolina Guard becomes the Force Pro.

I can only imagine what a great feeling it would have been knowing my Carolina folks had my back, were protecting my team, were ready to kick #$& if needed and winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people Carolina style. I know you guys will do your families and the State proud. Without strong, effective and consistent Force Pro missions do not get done. You guys are a very important part of every mission the PRTs do. Thank you for your service. Keep ‘em safe and keep yourselves safe. Good luck and God Speed to you all.

Oh, and by the way, if you come across some kids that have USC shirts on or maybe a Clemson hat or you hear little voices yelling GO GAMECOCKS !!! you will know I was there. So tell them CPT Yanity, the deworming lady, said “Hello.”

Big Events

It is almost here: the first home game of the season. I can hardly believe that it is just about here.

Every week during football season while overseas I thought about what I would be doing if I was at home. Getting the truck packed to tailgate, the atmosphere of a college football game is awesome. Just being around the other fans is an experience full of energy. The walk to the stadium, smelling all the cookouts taking place is one of my favorite walks. Watch the team warm up and then the band takes the field. I love when just before they start it seems as if the are called to attention and then the music begins. The band forms the “runway” for the team and the goosebumps begin to rise with 2001. The band begins to jump as do the fans and then Cocky appears at midfield, all building up to the run through the tunnel and then it happens. The smoke the players the fans.

God did I miss it all. But this year I am here. I will most likely be jumping in the stands with the band, tears will be in my eyes because it really is more than just football. It is another experience that I missed last year that I am damn glad to be doing again. Another marker that is getting life back to normal. I just have to remember that the cannon going off is not incoming fire. I can’t wait.

Look for me and say Hello…I’ll be the one wearing garnet and black (without my uniform).

Another big event coming up is the unveiling of the Write From the Front traveling panels. It is this coming Monday (Sept. 11) at the S.C. Confederate Museum and Relic Room inside The State Museum. The panels will be on display at the SC Confederate Museum and Reclic Room for awhile and then travel around the State. The website www.writefromthefront.sc.gov has a bunch of my pictures as well as a number of other soldiers from their tours of duty. Some emails from soldiers, a tribute to our fallen South Carolina Servicemembers, and dates and places of where the panels will be visiting.

I am so proud to be a part of this mission. When I first saw my contribution I cried. I was so moved by the pictures they included to tell my story. One of my uniforms and some other items will eventually be on display. I might even loan them my deworming gun for awhile.

I encourage you all to check out the website and the panels when they get to your area. I don’t think any other state has done anything like this. How cool that we are first in the nation in something! My family will be joining me at the unveiling with the politicians because they are proud of me. Well, the truth be known… I could not have done what I did without their love and support. And without you all’s support as well.

So the adjusting process still continues. Most times I am so happy to be home. Saturday, Gameday will be one of those times, and Monday with my family will be another. Check out the Web site and Write From the Front panels! It is well worth the effort.

Go Gamecocks!! Go Tiger! Go Gamecocks.

Gameday

I read what I wrote this time last year and all the memories came back. The alarm going off at that awful hour, walking up to the office to watch the game, my office mates watching the last part of the game with me and of course after the win the military newspaper, The Stars and Stripes, had a picture of Coach Spurrier in it. Wow was that a year ago? At times it seems like only yesterday I was hanging out with camels and Afghan children and then at other times it seems a million miles away…a dream almost.

But I was there and boy did I miss football. So this year I get to watch the game on my couch, with my dogs, not in uniform( well I really wasn’t watching in uniform last year I had my USC sweatshirt on) and the bathroom is just down the hall not outside. I can also have a real beer if I want to. So yes I am excited not just that my Gamecocks are playing but I am excited about Clemson too. Being away from SC gave me a greater appreciation and pride in all things about our state. I will listen to the Clemson game and hear my Cousin Pete “The voice of the Tigers” call the game. Heck maybe I will have to make a road trip to the valley for a game. I did brag on the Guys with Orange britches and their run down the hill while I was in Afghanistan. Anyone have an extra ticket? Maybe to the Clemson/USC game? Of course this good will this will change just a bit come the big game in NOV but for now (ok brother Bob here goes) GO GAMECOCKS!!!!! GO TIGERS!!!!! GO GAMECOCKS!!!

Boy did I miss football. It is good to be home. If I feel this good about an away game I can’t begin to imagine how I will feel next week when I will be at the game. Hey Coach Spurrier can I run through the tunnel with you guys? I will keep you all posted.