Recently, four soldiers died here in the Logar. Their death was caused by an IED blast, that in a differant vehicle, they would have all easily walked away from. I cannot give specifics about poundage or what type of vehicle it was but I will say that they are really cool and shiny! And that, I'm sure, is why the Army bought it.

Today is a sad day for me. Today I logged in, as I do every day, to see if any new content had been posted. There wasn't any. I decided to log out and see if I was really the only one posting. I am, for the last month or so I've been the only member posting any new content. Why is that?

So, today I did the math and realized that in about sixteen weeks I'll be back in the U.S. again. It's a strange feeling. It's so close and so far away at the same time. I barely remember the last time I was home. In fact, it's been so long I can't even remember what life in the states is like.

          A man running up mountains of fire with lungs full of smoke. The last thing he heard was the devil's voice laughing.

When Sgt. Rodriguez first came to the 264th I honestly thought he was an asshole. He was always yelling and getting pissed off at his soldiers. I remember thinking, "man I'm glad I'm not in his platoon." But, as I got to know him I grew to respect him more and more. Temper aisde, he's a great leader.

An RPG, that's rocket propelled grenade, travels at roughly 700ft/sec. It has a general kill radius of 10m and is rather unpleasant. Why am I saying this? Because a few nights ago a friend of mine was hit with one. He took shrapnel and some TBI (traumatic Brain Injury) but survived. While sitting in a hospital bed he was paid a visit by the battalion Sgt.

I sit in a canvas room with daggers pointed at my throat. They're all out to get me, all out to snuff me. I feel so much hate inside that it hurts to laugh. Happiness gives me headaches. I feel the tremors in my fist and I can't stand to see them watching, conniving, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce, but I'll be ready.

I've spent the last six months of my life in a small volatile country called Afghanistan. I've missed Christmas with my family for the second year in a row and will possibly miss a third. I'll miss the 4th of July. I'll miss my brother's first high school football game even though he never missed a single one of mine.

What is it good for? Lots of things actually. Like padding the wallets of arms and military vehicle dealers. Thinning out the herd. And it sure slims up those election polls. And what of those on the front lines? What is war to them? Well having seen it I'll tell that it's not all it's cracked up to be. I'll tell you one thing war is good for: showing you who your friends are. For instance, when someone you have much care and respect for, who tells you before you leave to keep in touch, doesn't answer your calls or return your emails.