I started out early today flying down to a FOB with my boss, our Battalion Commander, to present awards to two of our Soldiers that have been doing an outstanding job. Once we arrived we tried to get on a convoy to go over to another FOB that we had a Soldier at; unfortunately we had a specific threat that did not allow us to move right away. By the time the route could be cleared it would be hours later. My boss decided we needed to head back to Bagram instead.

Our ride back came on a C-130. For any one who has been around the military for any period of time, they know the C-130 is the long time main stay for troop transport. I have been in the Army for over fifteen years and today was the first time I have flown on a C-130. I enjoyed the short trip back to Bagram, and Amy is glad I didn’t get the chance to go out on a convoy in an area that is in the heart of Al Qaeda occupied land. I guess I can live without a Combat Action Badge

It is hard to believe that it has already been that long, but seven years ago today I was run over working security at Evangel University by John W James who was stalking his estranged wife in an attempt to kill her. You can read a detailed account of this incident in the first chapter of my book here.

This one event has changed my life in more ways than one can imagine. It first made me realize that I was an arrogant jerk, particularly when dealing with my family. It made me recognize that I needed to take more time for friends and family, and do the little things for people in crisis because it can make a huge impact.

This incident also put me on the road to a workers compensation settlement that led to The Lazy Susan, and The Lazy Susan led me to where I am today. As much as I hate the debt that I have, I wouldn’t change anything about the experiences I have been through the last seven years. It has caused me to become a better father, husband, worker, and person. I like who I am today, and I am thankful God has been with me through this journey, even when I thought He had left me seven years ago.

In case you missed it last night, the Broncos handily defeated the 49ers on Monday Night Football. I could have awakened at 5 AM local to watch it live, but being the pre-season and also the fact I didn’t have an early morning mission for a change, I chose the prime time re-run on AFN.

After losing eight Soldiers in the first week of August, we had gone a full week without a single fallen comrade ceremony. Unfortunately that ended today; we lost five Soldiers in three separate incidents in less than 24 hours. One of those five is particularly disturbing for me.

That brings the total to 47 that have passed through Bagram since I have been here; many more have died in the south. It sure keeps it real.

I was a little surprised when I came across this article. LTG Lute says it makes sense to consider the draft. A part of me likes the idea of having a draft of all able bodied 18 to 42 year old males. Selections could be made via a lottery system with no exemptions except for medical disqualification.

At least some of my active duty friends over here would be able to start raising their kids they have been with less than 18 months in six years.