comments

email i received from one of the flight nurses from the last rotation:
I looked at your new blog site for this rotation right after you had e-mailed me the link.  I was so captivated by it – as obviously I could relate to most if not all of what you were posting – it read like an incredible book – too good to put down – I read from start to finish – even put off school work to catch up on Balad happenings…no worries – thank god I have a life here – it’s just once you’ve served there – something gets under your skin or in your blood….or your head…. whatever – thanks for sharing!  It’s real life in Balad at its best.

Will wait to hear from you on rest – how much longer will you be in AOR?  A cold one awaits you in the Deid!

Sandra L. Cotton, MS, RN, C-ANP
Clinical Assistant Professor
Director, Faculty Practice
WVU School of Nursing

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comment received from a deployed technical sergeant who works in the ER:

Sir,

I am just writing to say “thank you” for the effort you have put forth with your blog.

I too was first made aware of it through hits alerts from Google when I arrived here back in Sept.

I ESPECIALLY enjoyed your stories of “How it used to be” as I too was first deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan and can remember living essentially like an animal for several months compared to the built-up luxuries of the base that are present here today.  I was on flying status the first time with an AES squadron from MacDill AFB and was part of a 10-bed MASF and a three person AELT.

A writer I am not, but I certainly did enjoy reading your work while I was here, and I guess I just wanted to take the time to let you know.  I have tried a few times to get over to meet you, but as I work in the Emergency Room here in the hospital, I guess my night shift schedule has prohibited me from catching you.

You may have had a chance to meet a Dr Coppela, one of the surgeons here in the hospital.  I referred your blog to him, as I found it so good, and was aware of his own blog, such that I thought he would be interested in reading yours.  I see from your page that it looks like you two have finally met. 

Lastly, I also wanted to write to bring to your attention a story that you may or may not be aware of. 

Please read the “quote of the day” located on page 2 of the Mid East edition of the Stars and Stripes (attached).

Also read the accompanying story about his “quote” on Page 4 as well. 

I thought that you would enjoy, as sad as it is, being made aware of this fellow blogger’s last “POST”.

Take care and safe travels back home.

I volunteered to stay here for another AEF (having no kids and being single), so I’ll be around to endure the creation of even more rules. 

TSgt Todd Bulger