To start with I’m no writer.  I’m just the average soldier that’s trying to get by on an under payed salary, brought to you in part by…   never mind.  The events you are about to read, are true.  Names will be changed to protect the innocent, but the situations and actions that happened, will be held to actual fact. 

     “Are you ready to do this?” Exclaimed Sean, in an overly zealous voice.  “Yeah sure, whatever man, i just want it over with.” I replied dejectedly as we picked up our bags and moved across the flight line towards the civilian contracted air liner.

     “Come on Doc.  You know you’re ready to spend an entire year with me.”  Sean Said with a devilish grin as he passed of his duffel bag to the soldier on the detail responsible for loading them in the air craft.  I smiled and returned the comment with a witty one i was saving for such an occasion.  “I sure am, and i can’t wait until i can cuddle up in your arms, and hold you tight when you get cold, and make you feel loved.” I said jokingly.

     By the way, for those who don’t know.  The majority of combat arms jobs in the military, act homosexual, even though they’re not.  Why? Might you ask.  I have no clue.  Maybe it’s just something to do.  But i Digress.

     Sean looked at me, and smiled as he said “whatever you say little spoon.  Whatever you say.”  I passed of my bags as i rolled my eyes at him.  I knew it was going to be a long flight.  12 hours to Germany, then four to our next stop, then two more to the staging area for Afghanistan.  And once it was all said and done, a 30 minute ride to our final destination.  As i began to mentally prepare myself for this great adventure, i figured I’d add a little medicinal assistance as well.  I mean come on.  I’m a medic.  It’s what i do right?  So i reached into my pocket and pulled out my benedryll and popped two, then washed it down with a splash of water.  As i got comfortable i felt something wet enter my ear.  “Yeah, you like that?”  exclaimed another soldier in the company i was attached to, as he proceeded to wiggle his soaking wet finger in my ear.  I jerked away and spun around to see waffle. 

     “Damn it Waffle!  what the hell are you thinking?” I asked in a very annoyed voice.  “Ummmm nothing.” He exclaims with that very common shit eating grin known to the members of the military all so well.  “All ear banging aside.  You got any drugs Doc?”  “Yeah, take these.” I handed him the maximum daily dose of benedryll and said “Here, take these.”  He looked at me with a questioning look on his face and whispered “All of them?” As a confused look made it’s way across his face.  “Yeah.” I said in a long drawn out voice as i squinted my eyes and gave him a very sly look.

     To my suprise he took them all.  Not that i’m complaining because he didn’t say a word the whole 12 hours of the first flight.  I layed my head back and got ready to go to sleep.  As i closed my eyes, the only thought that went through my mind was, what the hell did i get myself into?