27 Days and a Wake Up

Holy Dust-Storm, Batman! I woke up this morning and realized that my good friend (the other Ushiku) and I have slipped underneath the thirty-day mark - we are on that short terminal glide path to the end to this carnival. And it can't come a moment too soon; we have been working non-stop for months now (without a break). We have been fighting the good fight - tedious but important stuff - but it is finally time to start handing off the baton to the next group, and head home! I still am not able to believe that in less than four weeks we will be heading back - and that is a good thing, because we have to keep our head in the game and give 100% until the very last second because there are folks who rely on what we do (whatever it is that we do...). It has been a honor to work with a lot of the folks that I have met here - and it has given me hope that what we are doing in the CENTCOM AOR will still work out - it is a messy, dirty business, but take heart that a lot of talented, hardworking people are giving their all everyday. I know it sounds sappy and a lot like cheerleading, but that is what I have observed. Believe me, there is a lot that can be improved upon, and we have a long way to go, and we can still blow this thing if we don't decide to stick it out - but don't get discouraged by what you read or hear in the media - that is not the full story - and regardless of whether you agree with us being here or not, please know that there are a heck of a lot more reasons for us to be here than not. I don't usually get up on the saopbox here - please forgive me - but after seeing so much, I just wanted to express it.
For all of you - friends and family - you have been the best, and I appreciate all of your support! I look forward to coming home, and eventually to see you all.
One more thing - when I return home I will be commissioned as an Ensign (oooo, scary!) - and I would like to invite you all to come out and see this happen - it will be no big deal (just taking an oath), but it has been a long road to get here, and I would like the chance to share it with you all (there will be yummy eats and some nice libations, too!). Hope to hear from you all and to see you all soon!