Veterans Day
The U.S. Embassy in Kabul is observing U.S. Veterans Day today since the weekend here is Friday/Saturday. Although a life member of the VFW due to my service in Korea - I have never really felt "veteran like" until today, or rather this year. Since many of the people who stop by to read this drivel is currently serving or has served in the past, lets try and really remember what this day is about. Thanking anyone and everyone that has ever honorably served their country. Remember many have paid the ultimate price and not returned home from foreign soil. We are a total volunteer force and the strongest total volunteer force the world has ever known because of the "SGT Einsteins" and "PVT Smiths" that are motivated in some way to serve. We all know we're not doing it for the money but for something else - and that my friends is the beauty of the United States of America. Now wipe the tear away and move on, there's plenty of ways to celebrate Veterans Day. I, like many of the others here, am sitting at my desk catching up on the mundane routine tasks that any OPSCO needs to accomplish each month. The problem is, none of the local staff is at work today to help me get these things done. You can tell its a day off though since I'm sitting at my desk in civilian clothes. That's how we know its a down day around here. Tonight is the first meeting of the DAO Kabul Poker Club which will congreate around 6:00 PM for chicken wings, bratwurts and beers - and with any luck they'll all leave broke and I'll be able to pay rent for this blog space this month. LOL.
One last note before I close this short blurb. Tomorrow the United States Marine Corps celebrates 231 years in existence. In 1775 the Continental Congress raised the "First and Second Battalions" of American Marines and the Corps was born. Anyone who has ever served at a U.S. Embassy abroad knows the importance of these young warriors to not only our personal safety, but to the integrity and safety of the United States of America. Here in Kabul we will mark the occasion with a simple cake cutting ceremony, color guard, a few speeches and possibly a beverage or two at the Marine House. My boss, former USMC Sergeant during the Vietnam War, will be the guest speaker. Normally around the world this celebration is marked by one of the most important social events of the year with a very lavish "Birthday Ball" where attendees are in Mess Dress Uniforms (or civilian equivalent). The cake cutting here in Kabul will be done in Combat Uniforms and the guest list will be very limited. The larger embassy community will be invited to the house for coolies after and the party may go long into the night. We shall see. I'm sure I'll be home early since Saturday is just another day on the job.
Congratulations Marines for 231 exemplary years in defense of a grateful nation.
posted by Jamie at 8:32 PM
4 Comments:
JR,
The blog is stellar! Glad to see that you're keeping your sense of humour about the whole thing. By the way, I've noticed a significant decrease in the number of my country's soldiers getting hit by "friendly fire" since you arrived in Afghanistan....thanks for sorting that out-much appreciated!
Anyway, just wanted to give a quick shout out from the UK....keep your head down!
Cheers,
MG
PS: I see where there was some kind of election thing in the States the other day...is George Bush still President, or is it now one of the Clinton's turns to have the job? It's hard to keep up with world events and the X Factor at the same time, so if you could let me know, I'd really appreciate it-thanks!
CWO Roberts,
You are my hero and I'm not just saying that. On this Veterans' Day, I thought of you and drank a coolie as I read your post. Your adventure sounded interesting to say the least. I admire your courage, your sense of humor, your perseverance, and your honorable duty so that I am able to sleep at night. I did not type that tounge in cheek. To all you other military personnel out there, I'm raising a Sam Adams to you right now. Peace,
Your brofromanothermo
Jamie,
Thanks for remembering our birthday. Nice to see even dog-faces respect the oldest warrioriers in the US. I find it interesting how you give credit to others as you risk your life to serve us all. I for one appreciate what you are doing for all of us. Your humor is outstanding and provides us an inside view of a very demanding/dangerous job. Kris and I send our love and prayers for your safety and those with whom you serve (or BS around the pit). Thankful in Seattle, Love Jack & Kris
Jamie, I hope things are going well for you. I havent seen an update in quite some time, but I'm sure you're just busy. Just wanted to drop a line to let you know someone was thinking about you during Thanksgiving. Take care!
LA fm NC
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