Endings and Finalizations

Hello friends. Yesterday, the 26th I received my FMF pin. We also took our last pictures as an ANA group.

Below, our ANA training group posing for one last picture. We will disband tomorrow. We have had a good time and worked hard. Hopefully, the ANA have learned something and will be prepared to defend their nation as we (NATO and ANA) work together in the future. I certainly learned a lot and had some great experiences. I am back row 2nd on the left.

At the risk of offending you all, I was trying to get this picture the first day I saw a TATA truck. It ended up taking me 5 plus months to get it.

Below is CDR Tucker, LCDR Chaplain Coffey and myself the day we received our FMF pins. Note the large shiny gold pins on our chests.

Me getting pinned by the C.O. In the past they used to punch you in the pin before they put the backs on them so they would puncture your skin and make you bleed. That unfortunately didn't happen. We are living in a softer time.

All the officers attended. It was quick but a proud day. The Marines are all flattered we got it. It took a lot of studying, we had to run Marine Corps standard physical fitness test, Hike 6 miles with a pack and generally carry ourselves in a Marine Corps manner.

Gratitude and Apology

Let me start off by saying thank you to Mrs. Kawa's class for the wonderful Valentine's box. I loved the candy (obviously) and the valentines. All those artistic and creative, handmade valentines were a great pick me up that everyone here loved. I really appreciated receiving a package from a class who don't even know me, from thousands of miles away. I hope you kids continue to keep that same spirit of giving throughout your lives, it will serve you well. Thanks for all you do and a late Happy Valentines day to you all!

The incredible valentines and a picture of the class!

O.K. so I am sorry it has been so long since I blogged. I had IT problems and then got complacent. Below is the Hind. I have had pictures of it before, but not so close. This is over on the ANA base.

Me our interpreter and one of my corpsman. Just posing with the great Russian helo.

A few weeks ago I went down to a place called Dwyer to help set up an ANA camp for them to move in. Why is a Dr. doing this? Good question but it was a fun trip and I enjoyed mixing it up. This room is where we stayed. The focal point of the picture is the metal stove we used to burn wood. This was the only heater we had down there. Pretty fun. Pictured are two of my Marines and our interpreter.

So, I am sorry for the delay and hopefully will have more to show you soon.