Update

Ok, gave ya'll (aka NO ONE) the quick version of the update. Now i figure i will attempt to remember the past 4 years, and tell the stories. Sooooo, here goes:

Finished up the advisor role in Iraq in March 2008. Didn't lose anyone from the team, one interpreter did lose his life while i was on leave. Ghost, (his nickname we gave him when we met him, quite possibly a horrible decision) thank you for fixing my computer after my dumbass spilled coffee all over it. I'll never forget you.

Returned to Ft. Riley, Kansas (ick) and was promptly told that i would be staying there until my orders for Alaska kicked in which was July. Sooo, let me get this straight, I'm stuck in Kansas without my family for the next 3 months, after spending the last 14 months without them, all because the Army says i have to? OK, then. I called the personnel manager at Polk, which told me to come down, and they would find me a job. I did, got assigned to the Casualty Assistance Center. Which, in case you don't know, deals with the families of soldiers that get killed and wounded in country. So, needless to say, it was probably not the best choice for me, however, it was a great learning and rewarding experience. Also made a life long friend.

We decided to drive to Alaska. In my truck. With 2 cats. Not in cages. We stopped and looked at the Grand Canyon. Stopped at my parents house for 3 days, and then hit the Al-Can Highway. I will say this: the girls took sleeping in tents, grilling out, and showering in campgrounds extremely well. Maybe I'll post pictures from the journey later.

Got here in Alaska on July 1st. Turned out to be one of the wettest summers in Alaskan history. Awesome way to start with wowing the family about the wonders of Alaska.

Found a house, found the wife's job location, found my office, etc.

Since i have been here this time for over 3 years, i have been to Japan 3 times, Hawaii 6 times, Kansas, New York, California, and all over the state. An old friend lives in Fairbanks, have visited him and his kick-ass wife several times, another old friend is now stationed here as well.

Been some up and down moments with the family. Stressful times, fun times, and it seems as if we have most of it figured out now.
I have started playing hockey. OK, honestly, i now am obsessed with hockey if you ask my family. I mean, it's normal to wear your favorite team jersey and hat while listening to the radio and drinking beer right? Even in the off season? I play goalie, which i did in California when i was stationed there, albeit roller hockey there, and am now convinced it is the absolute hardest position in sports. I love it. Most people ask why would i want to get in the way of that frozen, hard as a brick, rubber puck going well in excess of 50 miles an hour on purpose, and i tell them, its OK, i have a lot of gear on....
I am now retiring after 21 years of playing Army. I registered yesterday to go to school full time to become a nurse. Yes, a nurse. Not sure if i have the legs for those little white skirts though. I am actually excited to do it. The blood and guts portion doesn't thrill me, but it won't be the end of it either. Thinking i might get into the neonatal portion and work with newborn children. Evidently i am a sucker for emotional jobs. Either that, i am going to check into becoming a hand model.
Ok, i think that is enough for now. Wait. My beer league(s) have started, and i will try to keep this updated with my success or lack of while playing goalie. Have a game tonight, so right now am DVR'ing the Oregon-Cali game, and also the Bruins-(EFFING) Flyers game.
Whew, my fingers are tired now.

(awesome, the spell-check tried correcting the "Flyers" to "Flayers")