Day 137

So far in this blog, things tend to just present themselves to write about. You've seen the posts...they aren't short and I've got plenty to say. Not so these days...I feel like I'm running on cruise control right now and just don't have much to say. Days are long, days are busy, and I'm making a difference through what I do. All in all, though...pretty uneventful. Without a doubt, I'm considered the subject-matter-expert when comes to getting many assets into this country fastest and most efficiently. On cruise control, I find the job easier and easier everyday yet it is growing exponentially. What I turn over to the lucky person who relieves me will be a monster...but it'll be strong and healthy. So, as things are cruising, everyone in my office is looking to the future...

Future...the only thing any of us care about in the future is going home. As that time approaches, I can sense that attitudes and the fun factor will increase. Even though it's still a ways out, the knowledge that we're all on the downhill slide helps everything. Part of planning our departures is awards. There are some medals we earn just for being here like the NATO medal, the Afghanistan Campaign medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and if you recall a LONG time ago, I earned my ribbons for the M4 rifle and 9mm handgun. So there's 5 right there. The other awards in the making are commendation medals...pretty high up medals and will be higher than anything I've ever received in my 14 years of service. Since only we know what we truly do in detail, we often write up our own narratives then route that input up the chain of command for approval. If all goes to plan, I'll receive two commendation medals...not one. One will be a joint medal since I work in a joint environment (all 4 services: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines) and the other will be Army specific one since I am so heavily involved with them as customers. I'm estimating now that I will have provided over $40 million worth of material by the time I leave. That starts at the order and tracking that all the way until it hits the ground in country. I really didn't realize how much I've accomplished in the short period of time until I wrote it all down. I know now that when I leave, I will feel good about being here and what I accomplished. I will be confident in my service to the warfighter and that was the goal all along. I can only hope the momentum continues once I leave.

Like I said, the day was uneventful and we escaped from the office sometime between 6 and 7. Back at the room, I downloaded some apps, watched some TV, talked to my youngest brother who called me on Skype, and wrapped up my blog post for the night. Really...that's all that's to it! Hump Day done and downward slide to the weekend. Time for bed...

Goodnight, everyone.