In 2006, I returned home upon completion of my first tour of Iraq. It was an interesting experience, and one which could've been much worse if not for the support and encouragement within my platoon. I have a connection with 15 other men that no one - not even other soldiers in my company - can say they experienced. Even when the heat won't let up, nor will the work, and we never hear an end of the complaints and criticisms of our fine work, we always had each other to lean on - to help us understand and allow us to express our frustrations. I can remember many a conversation surrounding friends and relatives and associates back in the good 'ole United States while sweating profusely under the unrelenting heat; exploring possibilities and goals with younger soldiers, and laughing at the anecdotes of my superiors. Anything to remind us of who we really were, and the importance of surviving X many months left.

Since then, some of us have been transferred to other bases, some promoted to better positions, and some just moved around to other platoons. I have been given an opportunity to expand my abilities, but at the cost of leaving a cohesive unit; I hope I can lead my soldiers as well as my leaders led me.