International 5k Champion

23:01 was the time I crossed the finish at the Ali Al Salem, Army Base 5k Race. The Japanese took first in the men's division but I took the gold for the United States. The things I do to keep myself busy in Kuwai! I even have a t-shirt and medal as a life long reminder of my international success. Whew...so yes, I'm still in Kuwait and I'll just stop estimating my date of departure now. It will occur sometime between now and the end of the month...

So the inauguration of our new President is today and from our perspective, the military will move forward as it has over the past seven years, seeking out terrorist threats, deminishing hatred and torture and death in war-forsaken countries and protecting the most incredible country on earth, the United States. And, as our economy continues to teeter on deflation, the U.S. military provides a sense of financial security for not only our service members but also the thousands of companies worldwide who employee people to support our efforts. I read an interesting article yesterday and it talked about the value of the U.S. Dollar. The value of our dollar isn't weighed against gold, diamonds or oil. It is dependent upon the U.S.'s ability to continue to protect those who cannot protect themselves around the world, to protect the international waterways for trade, to provide aide to those who are injured or helpless and to stand up for civil rights regardless of religion, race or gender. America's value is dependent upon the military, the U.S. government and those who support us.

A saying here in Arabic that is used to express hope in the future is, "In sha' allah" (Inshalla), "God's Willing". Hope all is well at home and if anyone is preparing a meal soon, take a moment to give thanks for the ability to open a refrigerator, turn on a stove and pretty much eat any type of food you would like. Also, that the water in the faucet isn't contaminated and you can flush a toilet.

Take care.