Sunday, April 26, 2009

Going to Afghanistan

As some of you may remember, in June of 2008 I started a four month stint in Iraq. Well, of course that has come and gone, and now I have some new, exciting changes in my Army career. Foremost amongst these has been a change of station to Ft. Richardson in Anchorage Alaska. Having been previously stationed in California, Texas and Georgia this was quite a change. I really didn't have much of a chance to enjoy it, however, as we shipped off to Afghanistan about 45 days after my arrival. Currently, I am at Bagram Air Field, in transit to my final destination.
This deployment will be much different than my previous. My new unit is part of an Airborne infantry brigade, and is thus much more tactically oriented. What this means is that I will be "outside the wire" on a regular basis and much more "in harm's way". Also, this will be a 10 month deployment as opposed to my short time in Iraq.
While I am somewhat nervous about my new assignment, I am excited for the new opportunity, and looking forward to exercising my skills in a tactical environment.
On a Masonic note, I have met several military Brothers, and hope to meet more during my time over here. I know that there are several military Lodges in Afghanistan, and perhaps I will have the opportunity to meet with these Brethren. I also hope to further my Masonic education. My Masonic reading list for the 10 months includes Manly P. Hall's "The Secret Teachings of all Ages", WL Wilmshurst's "The Masonic Initiation" as well as a couple of texts on Hermeticism and my Builders of the Adytum lessons. Hopefully, without some of the distractions of normal life I will be able to profit from these works.
During this time my postings here may be sporadic, but I will attempt to step up my output a bit. I would appreciate any positive thoughts/prayers/whatever on behalf of myself and my family.