While in Iraq there are things that you become disconnected with being so far away from home. Events of this past week has brought those things back into sharp focus. Two events stand out in my mind, one good and one sad. I got the announcement from a friend that I deployed with in 04 that he and his girlfriend have announced a wedding date. They are two great people that will be very happy together. I wanted to pass my congratulations to them and I very much look forward to their upcoming wedding once I get back from Iraq.

The second is one of the sadder events that I have had to deal with. I found out that a former student and fantastic young man passed a week ago. I have been trying to figure out how to express my feelings to his family, and I cannot. I know that he was a great young man, served his country on uniform and was preparing for another deployment to Iraq. It is hard to grasp from such a distance the sadness that is being felt by the community and the people that knew Ted well. My deepest sympathies go to his family and his friends, I wish I could have been there to support all of you.

These types of events remind you of what is important; family, friends and the events that define life. I wish everyone health and healing in the times that cause both sadness and great joy.