The Patriot Files Forums - A Letter from the Brad!

wow - to think that today is the first time that I ever saw this thread! Even if it's only around two years ago... it all still feels pretty nostalgic! Fun to be able to look back at when I was looking forward! Answers a lot of questions about some extra attention that came my way in basic training!

Also funny to look back at the stuff that I thought made life so difficult back then - that was all fluff and nonsense back then - issues that would be resolved by 'lights out' and a memory in the morning!

Next week I am conducting inventories to take-over my second platoon... the official transition won't be until after a new butter-bar (did I ever mention that mine faded to silver last FEB?) takes over my vertical construction platoon. I'll be taking over a horizontal construction platoon (earthmovers). I'll greatly miss my 'Linedogs' in the last platoon - but will still be in the same company.

I'm sure it goes without saying that the challenges since I took over a platoon last September were great. I was sure that taking over a platoon that had been in Iraq for 8 months when I my DCU's still weren't even faded in the desert sun and abrasive dust would be the toughest part... but being a platoon leader back in the states has been much more difficult!

We came back from the desert with our most serious injuries being a part of a nail-head in an eye (healed fine) and some bad backs from construction. I was sure we were in the clear but right-away on block-leave we lost a 19 year-old specialist to drunk-driving. The legionaires gave me the honor of presenting his colors to his father. Words cannot begin to describe this.

He was an outstanding Soldier - stayed up all night with myself and an acting squad-leader (reg squad leader on leave) finishing a construction project on LSA Anaconda in Iraq. Was his idea.

Then I discovered the joy of new privates - I have a lot of stories on this - but I won't tell any at all... but I've been making lot of random trips to the courthouse and hospital... and given character testimony at a courts martial.

My CO pulled me aside to give me what he described as bad news last week. Although he was recommending to have me switched into the XO slot next summer - it looks like personnel-wise it won't work out. I professionally acted disappointed - but was thrilled....! That means that I'll most likely be a platoon leader for the entire next Iraqi freedom tour! Supposedly it's really good for a career to have some XO time - but I thnk I'll be better off to be able to boast PL time with two different types of platoons in two different tours of two different parts of Iraq.

Anyway - that's my story for now. Thanks PF for the support.