The last time I saw Seth was December 2005 right before he left to serve in Iraq with the Minnesota National Guard. His wife was also there but in a different part of the country. After their extended tour in Iraq, she’s has recently moved to Kuwait and Seth was able to move to Utah briefly and now he’s at a base in Wisconsin. He took his short break to come back home. For his first night back I took him out to the Jax Cafe for a couple drinks. He goes back to the base soon and will return fully to civilian life at the end of July.
Pretty powerful conversations. Talked about the feeling of missing the rifle that has been at his side that’s no longer there. Discussed the fact that there isn’t any roadside bombs in Minnesota and how many soldiers come back and have problems getting used to driving here comfortably. Lots of stories about other soldiers and some of his friends that lost their wits, limbs or their lives over there. He wears an engraved armband on his right hand dedicated to a friend KIA.
Most of the conversations ended up turning to how fucked up Iraq is.
Even though he’s been married since 2003, him and his wife have spent most of their time in either Kosovo and Iraq. Most of all, he can’t wait to start having a normal married life again.
Man, am I glad he’s home safe. Today is his 28th birthday.
To everyone in the military, thank you for your service. It’s incredible the stuff you guys go through.
Comments 1
Good to hear about Seth’s return. I figure I haven’t see him since he graduated back in ‘97. Thanks for the update.
Posted 28 Jun 2007 at 11:06 ¶Post a Comment