LMC update

Robbo's post below and a faithful reader's response prompts me to explain the light posting over the past several months. The transition from military life in the sandbox back to civilian life has been busy. I have spent extra time with Mrs. LMC, the Future ROTC Scholarship Recipient, and Our Little Debutante. Much time has been spent reviving the law practice and immigration has taken its place in my bag of tricks. My efforts are beginning to bear fruit, much to the relief of all concerned. The Reserve career is up and running again with activities divided between a graduate program through the U.S. Army War College and my role as my Reserve command's emissary to TRADOC. I enjoy it but I am ever-conscious of being closer to the end of my military career than the beginning. I joined the American Legion and the VFW, although I wonder when I will fit them in.

All things considered, I am no worse for the wear for my sojourn in the Middle East, with the exception of a little hearing loss and an unbreakable habit of "combat-parking" the cars. I marvel every day at the things we take for granted that are almost unimaginable luxuries to the people of Iraq--most of all the very freedom that has propelled this nation to a standard of living unknown in history. My wonder is tempered by the knowledge that the world is a very dangerous place, evil men hate us, and freedom must be guarded with unending vigilance.

Much has been said of the younger generation, the twentysomethings--that they are slackers, less disciplined, less capable of shouldering the burden passed down to them. I saw the best of them in Baghdad and I am here to tell you they have what it takes to "bear any burden, pay any price, support any friend, oppose any foe, to ensure the survival and success of liberty." I am proud to say I was with them.

Old Glory flies on a new flagpole in front of the post headquarters, located as always amidst the vast real estate holdings which comprise Fort LMC. It is an all-weather flag and a light shines on it every night. It will stay there 24 hours a day, every day, and nothing less than a hurricane coming ashore will persuade me to take it down. One of these days I will place a marker at the base which will simply read: FOR THOSE WHO SERVED.

I will endeavor to post more often and there is much which deserves comment. Please be understanding though if I often dwell on things people prefer not to discuss. We are at war and we had better not forget it.