1 down......23 To Go.......but who's counting?

I’m sure many of you have logged on this week only to find I had not updated my blog.  Well, without further ado, let me fulfill your greatest desires…..

Week 1 has come and gone, as has my predecessor, Lt Ryan McGaughey, thus leaving me fully responsible for accomplishing more than I thought possible.  Training with him went well.  I was fortunate to have 5 full days of turnover, which is usually unheard of.  Normally you would be lucky to get 2-3 days.  All-in-all I feel fairly comfortable with what will be required of me.  Granted, I am certain there will be things come up we never discussed, but I am surrounded with great people who are willing to help.  Tomorrow I am going to begin my exercise routine.  This will surely help the time pass faster and be a great stress reliever.  The commander’s intent is that we work six 12 hour days and 1 half-day.  This week was closer to 14 hour days (0600-2000), and 8 hours today.  I hope as I get more familiar with my responsibilities I can keep it closer to the 12 hour mark.  Here is a picture of my home for the next 6 months as well as Ryan and I by our hospital sign.

 MRAP: Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles are armored fighting vehicles whose designed purpose is surviving improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes.  These things are all over this base, and let me tell you, they are bad mamma-jammas.  It’s cool to watch 15 of ‘em rollin' by in a convoy.  These bad boys are able to drive over most IEDs, take extreme explosions, but save the lives of the warriors inside.  We had 4 patients come in this week that were in one that was hit by an IED, and nobody was killed.  In any other vehicle we would have had 4 caskets to send home.  Granted, they were banged up pretty good and had some broken bones, but they were alive.

What I have come to realize, now more than before, is these terrorists are indiscriminate killers who have no respect for humanity.  I’ve already seen the effects of their senselessness.  Within the clinic, we also see Afghan nationals.  Partly to keep our docs busy and current, but also as a service to the residents of the country.  Last week 2 kids under age 10 came in as a result of a suicide-bomber.  One child will make a full recovery.  The other is paralyzed.  Additionally, I saw my first amputee.  He was also an Afghan national whose job was that of mine-sweeper.  I saw him being wheeled down the hall, in shock, as he had his foot blown off.  This will likely be the only time I post details about the injuries I see, but wanted to give you a glimpse into what it is we are experiencing over here.  This is a dangerous place, and certainly not one for the faint of heart.  The next time, and every time thereafter that you cross paths with a member of the military, I’d encourage you to thank them for their service.  Tomorrow, as you are enjoying your time with friends and family, remember those who have served so that we can enjoy the freedoms we do.

Quick trivia question.  Can you guess what this flag is made of?  Hint: the construction supplies were acquired in the public health department.

I guess that is all for this week.  Thank you for your prayers and support, it makes a difference.  I know that I am engaged in a good cause and that I can have a positive impact on the lives of those we are serving here.   Please continue to be mindful of me and my family.