Torn - Anxious but don't want to leave family!

Under three weeks until I leave! I'm just trying to get in shape and ready for training again. Heading to Camp Atterbury, Indiana in the middle of winter doesn't excite me too much but it's the price to pay. I'm waiting to see what President Obama is going to do in Afghanistan. I think we need to follow the advice of General McChrystal. He's on the ground and an old school warrior so I would be proud to serve under him. I'm busy brushing up on Afghanistan Culture and history. Trying to learn all I can. I will be in a Provincial Reconstruction Team so hopefully I can do some good and be able to look out for my junior "Troops"!

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear" - Ambrose Redmoon

Go Ask the Chief

Oh, another update, I was advanced to Chief (E7) last year!

Afghanistan!

Wow, it's been a while since I've been on here! Update: I didn't go to Iraq. I went to train for Iraq and my orders got cancelled. Then got orders to the Horn of Africa. After training for that mission, I saw a chance to be able to go home and spend more time with my family and get the orders I wanted to Afghanistan, so I jumped on it. So, now I leave soon to train AGAIN but for Afghanistan this time. Hooah! Go NARMY!

Sacrifices

I feel like I have missed so much of the lives and events of those I love because I am in the military. This is one of the biggest sacrifices that I have endured. I miss Tom and Kelsey and want them to know I love them. I want to thank my wife and kids for all of the sacrifices they have to endure to support me. I know they miss being near family and attending family functions, feeling unsettled and not knowing where they will live in a few years and the many other sacrifices they make regularly. My hat is also off to all of the military families that sacrifice the same and more!

I want to apologize to my family and friends for not staying in touch. I get into my own little world and don't put forth the effort to call or write. I know it's not New Years but I am renewing my resolution to stay in touch better. I love you all and hope you will forgive me.

Miss you Dad

James Franklin Halterman

September 5, 1937 - June 26, 2007

"Rest In Peace Dad,

I love and miss you!"

A Day at the Office

Headed to Iraq!

I have received orders to Iraq. I leave for training in September and I'll be in Iraq by the New Year. When asked how I feel, I'm torn. I am excited and feel it’s about time. It’s my turn! I feel sad because of the worry I will cause my family. I am grateful for a family that is willing to sacrifice for me to serve and do what I believe is necessary. I am thrilled to finally be doing something that matters, at least to me.

Whatever may come of this adventure, just know that it is something that I feel compelled to do. It is what I want to do and because of this I feel selfish. I will be forever thankful to everyone that supports me and stands by my decision to serve in Iraq.