Reading majic's journal

Life is good, I really can't complain and I'm already on my way to writing yet another chapter. After spending a year in Korea I finally left on September 17th, I flew to Hawaii again for a 30 day vacation. The wife and daughter flew out and I got my official government tickets to fly through Honolulu so I could take leave. We all met up at my moms house in Mililani for the second time this year. Mililani is on the island of O'ahu which is the most populated island of Hawaii. It was bloody hot and I didn't catch much fish. That kinda sucks but the time was more about spending with my mom, sister, wife and daughter. I had a really good time, took lots of pictures and chilled out in the best place imaginable.

In the back of my mind throughout the vacation was what was going to happen once I returned home to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I had official orders to the 82nd Airborne Division. If I was told a year ago I had orders to the 82nd, I would have freaked out. However, this year is a little different. I don't freak out at the unknown like I used to. I suppose I've learned to deal with it on a much more mature level. Don't get me wrong, I still have trouble accepting the unknown and will from time to time get extremely nervous but I've developed some better tools to deal with it over the last year. I'm rather proud of myself even if I do say so myself.

I returned home on the 16th of October and reported into the 82nd on the 17th. Nothing too different, I kinda had it all pictured correctly. I was terribly out of shape from sitting on my ass for what it seems like a year. That has put me behind the power curve a little but I've done ok under the circumstances. I've ran 12 1/2 miles over the last 4 workdays and haven't died yet soooo... The real kicker is the unit within the 82nd I was assigned to. I was figuring I would go to a Signal Battalion since I'm a support guy who works everything computer related. However that was not the case, my eyes opened up wide and I got extremely excited when I heard that I'd be assigned to the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment. Not only was this totally unexpected but it would seem as though I am their first computer support dude ever. This is fucking exciting, I'm gonna be ground pounding with the grunts kicking ass and shooting people in the face. I'm stoked, I am still in shock and awe. I'll manage computer assets for a Brigade size element. This is more than I can imagine, I will truly be an "Army Of One".... Fuck, I can't contain myself.

I could not have imagined that this would have happened. Not only will this be a challenge but we will see if I have what it takes to hang with the "Real Boyz!".

story at 11pm....

How I've missed you!
I'm glad things are well.

For my next trick, I shall make you all disappear.

Last night I had a night jump. I exited the aircraft at about 9:00pm from 800 feet and it was about 20 degrees outside. The sky was crystal clear and there was almost a full moon so I could see the dropzone just fine. I had a soft landing and ran about a mile and a half off the dropzone to the parachute turn in point. Was a rather wild experience. It had to be the coldest night I've ever jumped on. I'm so glad it's over with!!!

(My actual age surfaces)
...that is so cool.

For my next trick, I shall make you all disappear.

This post was edited by Stoic_Slaughter on Dec 21, 2004.

Well in the end it wasn't meant for me to reenlist. I suppose the best route for me to take was to get out and take my chances with life. There are many men that are more qualified to serve this great country of ours. I did my little part and now it's time for me to move on...