Bronco Five Out

These last few weeks have been a nightmare and I am very glad to be where I am now, which is counting on just a few fingers the number of days I have left in Iraq.  I will shortly be traveling from Balad to Ali Al Saleem airfield in Kuwait and then on to Ft Carson Colorado as a member of the advanced party in preparation for the re-deployment of the 1835th Med Det CSC from Iraq back to home station (Aurora Colorado).  Deployments are tough for everyone and I am finding that one is not necessarily easier than the next.  During my first deployment, I often felt like my life was in danger due to indirect fire attacks from the enemy.  I remember literally waking up and kind of being surprised that none of the mortars from the night before got me.  We have only had a few close calls this time around and for that I am very grateful.  During my second tour I have had a lot more administrative BS to deal with.  I have also found that you win few friends as the Detachment XO and that you often carry a target on your back so to speak.  As the 1835th is from Denver, we have always used the call sign "Bronco" in honor of the Denver Broncos.  As the XO I carry the specifier "five."  It is with great honor, satisfaction, pride, and relief that I am now able to announce:  "BRONCO FIVE OUT"