Every now and then I get a chance to sit under the stars and enjoy a big fat ceegar. Last night was one of those opportunities.

The air was crisp, cold, and clear. It seemed as if I could see every star, every constellation hovering in the heavens above. As I listened to the rhythmic sounds of rotary winged aircraft sail through the dark and watched the cobalt smoke from my Montesino Robusto lazily float up to the big dipper, I found myself reflecting, comparing the then and now.

Now, I am in Iraq. Then, I was in Afghanistan. Then, as now, we were at war. Then, as now, an enemy lurked in the shadows, planning, waiting, killing. Then, as now, our will was tested. Then, as now, we succeeded more often than they.

Then, we deployed with very few combat veterans in our formation. We went in wide eyed, with preconceived notions, anticipating things we could only imagine having little previous experiences. We were confident, we had trained together for years, but our comfort zone was minimal.

Now, we deployed with more than half of our formation combat veterans. Many on their second or third tour, some their fourth. We came in less nervous, wondering not as much, with a greater zone of comfort. Our training measured in months, not years, yet we remain confident.

Then it was a long twelve month deployment. Now it is just fifteen months.

Now, as then, we miss our families. Now, as then, we long for home. Now, as then, it hurts like hell to lose one of ours. Now, as then, is our time to make a difference, to make history, to triumph good over evil. Now, as then, we will accept nothing short of victory.

Then, the support on the home front was tremendous. Now, that support remains tremendous.

Now, the politics surrounding our efforts stink, just as it stunk then.

Then, I served alongside heroes, just as I do now.

Every now and then a good cigar and quiet reflection helps put things into perspective. Sgt Hook out.

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Posted by Hook @ 0656 zulu | | Permalink
This post is filed under: GWOT & The Soldier

The Thunder Run linked with Web Reconnaissance for 12/10/2007

Thank you ~ just, thank you.

Comment by Flag Gazer — 10 December 2007 @ 0802

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Now, as then, we Thank You (and the troops and families) for all that you do……

Here’s to many MORE good ceegars under the stars. Just hope the bulk of them are shared with your family listening to some great music and sippin’ a nice somethin’ somethin’…

Comment by Tammi — 10 December 2007 @ 1126

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Thank you, Sgt. Hook.

Comment by Pixie — 10 December 2007 @ 1409

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I’ll be needing an address to put on that box of ceegars I’m sending to you.

Comment by marcus — 10 December 2007 @ 1428

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Sgt.Hook, then in Afghanistan, now in Iraq…. You make us soooo proud! Then and now…

Comment by Ky Woman — 10 December 2007 @ 1444

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Web Reconnaissance for 12/10/2007

A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day…so check back often.

Trackback by The Thunder Run — 10 December 2007 @ 1543

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The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the - Web Reconnaissance for 12/10/2007 A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day…so check back often.

Comment by David M — 10 December 2007 @ 1556

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Thank you isn’t enough from our side of the pond, but we really, really do! Glad you get those “ceegar” moments.

Comment by MissBirdlegs in AL — 11 December 2007 @ 0214

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God bless you and keep you safe, Sgt. Hook, and all our military serving today.

Comment by Cheryl — 11 December 2007 @ 0214

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Now: I keep you ALL in my heart, every triumph, every joy, every sorrow, every loss.

Then: You are ALL part of who WE all are, wherever, whenever you ARE.

Bless you..

Brat

Comment by brat — 11 December 2007 @ 0407

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And as long as you (all of you) are there, we will be here. And grateful for every single one of you.

Comment by Barb — 12 December 2007 @ 0619

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