Greetings from Spain

[SOLER]

Hello folks.



Here I am in Spain yet again, getting ready to fly down to the "sand-box". There are worse places to be, but this place is getting old. We fly here to stage from here to the "sand-box. " I keep trying to tell myself that this is all worth it. I don't think enough people in Iraq or the surrounding region appreciate what we are doing. I keep thinking that if they really wanted their freedom, perhaps they would have done a little something themselves. That's what our forefathers did over 200 years ago. They were tired of how they were governed, and did something about it, risking everything for something better. I just think that if they aren't ready to fight for it themselves, then they aren't ready to have the freedom.



Plus, I just missed my anniversary for the third time in a row. That sort of stuff is getting old. I won't complain too much. I know that there are plenty of folks who have been living in the desert for months. I have been giving them a ride!! And I know they have missed even more... like births, kids' birthdays, missing their first words, steps, etc. At least I'm only gone for a few days/weeks at a time. Still... .



I can hardly wait for my next assignment!



Oh well. I'll quit ranting. I guess the real reason I'm sick is because I just bought a bunch of goodies for my new truck. They are supposed to arrive this week(my gauges from Geno's arrived today ) and I'm not home to put them on



The weather here is nicer than it is in Delaware, at least.



SOLER

 

[fkovalski]

Contrary to what the mainsteam may be reporting, there are quite a few of us who are very proud of what your job requires. Keep up the great work!

 

[RBSOB]

Soler, many, many of us here appreciate what you and all of our troops have accomplished. Keep up the great work and remember, that even if the indigents of the "sandbox" are un- willing to help themselves (fight for freedom), your efforts are critical in keeping the terrorists at bay on their own turf, er... sand. Then get back here and "bomb" that truck! Jim G.

 

[socal_rattler]

Soler, I am ex-AF and was stationed in Torrejon, Spain a few years ago. Don't know where you guys are going into now, since Torrejon is closed, but I imagine it is Zaragoza.



As others mentioned here, the vast majority of Americans appreciate the sacrifices our military endures, even if some do not necessarily agree with the reasons why we are there. It can be a tough, thankless job, but I for one am very glad there are guys and gals like you that are willing to give everything in service to your country. When you look back on this time in your life many years from now, you will be proud of what you have done.



I have recently been watching a series on the History Channel called Iraq One year later. I am continually amazed by some of the stuff the Army and Marines went thru on their way to Baghdad that never got reported at the time.



Hang in there and be sure to tell your passengers to be safe and I for one am proud of them.

 

[JSykes]

SOLER,



I know it is overwhelming when the media keeps portraying the military as the bad guys. In my opinion, the media is the bad guys. I throroughly respect you guys and gals for what you are doing. You guys are doing a great job all over the world. I appreciate you guys keeping this place safe and risking your a$$es.



I salute you, your fellow soldiers, and their families.



Stay safe,



Jay

 

[Mike Ellis]

Keep up the good work Soler, we are behind the troops 100%. Take care, and check 6.

 

[dpuckett]

SOLER,



Tell everyone in your unit thanks from the Swamp of MO. Were it not for your valiant efforts, we would be in a worse fix than we already are. The news media are such a$$holes; but bad news sells more papers/ gets more ratings than good news . I'd like to hear about the terrorist training camps you guys take out once in a while.



Too bad about missing your anniversary. Maybe you should change it



Daniel

 

[cap-n-cray]

SOLER,



Keep your head down. I thought you would have your rear window in first and tell me about it. I got mine a week ago. The box almost did not come with the window, but the window is fine. I had to email Rob to get the instructions. The instruction must have leaked out during shipping. I don't think I can wait till you get back before my windows installed



Gods speed.



Cary

 

[SOLER]

THANKS

Thanks a lot y'all. I appreciate it a bunch. Well, we made it to the "sand-box" and back safely. We're back in Spain again. Hopefully back home in a day or so. Lots of crews that want to go home as well, so we all just get in line and hope we line up against a westbound mission.



Cary, I almost had a window shop install mine, just because of time constraints. I'll hopefully do it myself this week if I get home. I have a few other projects lined up as well. I got my gauges, and my grill guard is on its way (anniversary present from the wife--I got her some Spanish pearls today!). I'm also in the process of building my bed rail covers and headache rack. The bomb bug bit hard on my '01, and so I can't hardly stand my stock truck right now





Well, thanks again.



SOLER