Letter 3

Fort Lewis, WA

September 24, 2008

Hello Everyone:

I cannot believe that is has been 2 weeks already since I last wrote. It is hard to describe the phenomenon of “ground hog day” when deployed. I honestly have all but lost track of what day of the week it is. Everyday is the same day…we get up at the same time, put on the same clothes, eat the same stuff at breakfast, do a similar event during the day, eat the same stuff at dinner, go to bed, and repeat.

I received multiple emails from people asking me what my opinion is on the current Presidential election, as many want the opinion of a soldier getting ready to go overseas. The truth is that the soldier’s viewpoints are as diverse as the general population. They run from the far left, to the far right and everything in-between. Honestly, I wish I had an answer that worked for everybody, but the one thing that I can say is to vote. I am willing to risk my life, and thousands of soldiers before me have already died so that we may have this freedom. I was in Afghanistan during its first ever free election and the risk of getting killed was very high for the locals who voted...more than 95% of the country voted in spite of the risk...they wanted to feel that freedom. We should not take it for granted. I feel very strongly about who I am going to vote for, but it comes from research on the topics. I suggest finding the platforms of the candidates, find 5 or more topics that are important to you and form your opinion then look at the platform positions. Make your informed decision based on the issues, not based on media, friends, how they speak, etc. Make it based on what you know, not on what you think you know! There are lots of websites that will have the platforms, just make sure that the site is not biased. I like http://www.votegopher.com/ as a neutral site.

Did you know that it is actually against the Uniform code of military justice (UCMJ) for a soldier while “on duty” or in uniform to speak on politics…endorse a candidate/speak against the President. Next time during the State of the Union address, watch the soldiers (Joint Chiefs) with their applause…it is only on non-partisan issues.

Many of you reading this were “with me” during my first deployment, and/or followed the entire process with baby Qudrat. I spoke with Stacia Mathews (Channel 6, WRTV in Indianapolis, IN http://www.theindychannel.com/), and she just finished a follow-up story on Qudrat and his family. I thought I would include some of her email to me in this letter:

"Last Friday I did a follow up story about Hakim Wardak [Qudrat’s father] and all that has resulted from that initial exam, medical journey and Hoosier generosity.
Jim Graham told me Hakim, Tasbara [Qudrat’s mother] and their youngest daughter moved back to his village in Northern Afghanistan. He used the money Hoosiers gave to give back to his community.He went back to college for two years. Then he opened a school (shaded by thicket only) that's attended by 120 kids ... 40% are girls.He teaches in the morning and runs a medical center in the afternoons.Rotarians bought land to build a well for fresh drinking water.Right now women walk a mile to the nearest river for water, but it'scontaminated and Hakim has been treating children with cholera.Rotarians are trying to collect more money to build a school house sothe kids will have class indoors.What we didn't know is that Hakim had eight kids before Qudrat.Jim said he was too ashamed to tell us how poor he was; the familyseparated to keep from starving to death. He was able to reunite with six of them.Right now it's too expensive to move to Indy, but Graham hopes Hakimwill be able to come back for a visit.He could have kept that money for himself, but he didn't.It's an incredible story."

I wanted to add a few comments to Stacia’s update that I think is hard to fully grasp. The poverty in Afghanistan is beyond comprehension. The World Health Organization has listed Afghanistan as one of the 5 poorest nations in the World. Hakim was given a huge amount of money by their standards, and could have easily used it for his personal gain and for his family. He did not, as he understood that it was the generosity of the Americans that tried to save his son, and help his family. Look at the “butterfly” effect that has taken place simply because I chose to treat him when he came to our gate….then all the people (Americans/Hoosiers) that have been involved after the initial visit that has lead to the above. This is what our country is all about! This is the America that I defend, the greatest and most compassionate country on the Planet. Thank you Stacia for the update and please let me know if you hear anything else and I will keep everyone on this blog “informed”.

The big news for this letter is that we have finished all our official training before we make our move into Iraq. The past two weeks, our training cycle has increased dramatically. Most of our training has been with infantry tasks, but what is interesting with this training versus when I deployed 4 years ago is the more realistic situational training. The U.S. has employed many Iraqi’s and brought them to various mobilization sites. We encounter them in various “training lanes”. We have to use our interpreter, and work with them as we would overseas. The picture below shows how fast and chaotic events can occur. The first picture was at the gate to our base. The group of “locals” are protesting the fact that we increased our searching of their village, which is just outside our FOB (Forward Operating Base). The reason for our increased movement was that insurgents have been moving into the area and mortaring our base.

The villagers were chanting, and protesting. Of course most of them were armed. Suddenly, mortars started going off and our base started taking small arms attacks. The picture below is some of the chaos the ensued.

This was just after a mortar landed close to the civilians. Obviously, some of them were hurt. What made it real was the blank ammo, the “actors” playing their part. Look at the lady in the middle holding her baby. She is yelling as her husband was injured. She is holding a baby that is loudly crying (it had a speaker). Our soldiers were trying to get to them on the other side of the wire, but there was a sniper that had a line of site just outside the truck and wall. Additionally, there are injured locals in the way to pull the gun-truck out to suppress the sniper…what to do. Of course, while our soldiers are trying to figure this out, mortars are going off, and small arm fire is coming from the village. This picture is actually taken from a guard tower that is firing at the sniper position. It makes me anxious just writing about it, but this is what our soldiers are facing and the training really has been very good to help us deal with impossible situations.


Here is Baji village from the same tower that took the pictures above. If you look closely you will see a foot patrol entering the village on the right. We of course are worried about taking fire from the large Mosque, as we are not allowed to engage that building. Look at the all trees! It really is actually very pretty here.

Below is a scenario that we set up a quick traffic control point to screen some vehicles and personnel. Again, these were real Iraqi citizens and they spoke Arabic, and we actually had to use our “terp” to speak with them.

Below is a picture of Mount Rainier. It is taken from our training area at Fort Lewis. The picture does not do it justice, but it is a pretty amazing site, especially with all the trees.


We finished the infantry part of our training with a lot of convoy operations. This was all with gun trucks (Humvees with large weapons in the turrets). This training was very good, and it is an amazing experience to be in one of these trucks when it is firing live ammunition. It is amazing at how fast one can become desensitized to mortars, and the sound of gunfire.

The last 3-4 days we have been doing our medical training, and simulation of clinic operations. This involved general sick call all the way to mass casualties with critical injuries. All the patients, even the simple sick call patients were moulaged. The make-up was so well done that I almost forgot that they were not real patients. They stressed us as much as possible and it was actually fairly difficult. Just know that the soldiers are being trained well, they are learning how to fight with deadly force, but at the same time provide compassion.

Tomorrow starts our four day pass before we are shipped overseas. I am excited to finally get to see my wife, but it is also hard as I do not get to see my kids. Additionally, I have to say good-bye again which is always difficult, especially, when you know that this good-bye is it for a very long time to come. We did just receive the news a few days ago that it looks like we are going to get our two weeks of leave while we are over there.

I think I am going to end my blog with a “shout out” section. First, I have to give kudos to my PA1 students for enduring several lectures with mortars going off in the background. That is the level of my dedication to teaching! I want to also thank a specific anonymous PA1 student who sent me a note in the mail that I appreciated more than words can say…thank you, I appreciate your words, prayers and encouragement. Thank you to the Sundance spa guy for helping my wife with my large outdoor bathtub (I would call it a hot-tub but it does not seem right with 4 Barbie dolls, a snorkel, and plastic fish floating in the water. Finally, thank you to everyone who has brought foot and helped with my kids…and dogs. I know that I have forgotten many, but I will “get you next time”

Finally, never forget our soldiers and their families. Never forget the sacrifices of a few for the freedom of many. Never allow anybody to let you think you do not live in the greatest country on Earth. Do not ever lose faith or trust in America, we have always prevailed. Be proud of your country. Please remember my family in your prayers, and throw a thought and prayer my way (and for the soldiers) if you think of it. My next letter should be from Kuwait.


Captain Mike Roscoe

Letter 2

September 11, 2008

Fort Lewis, Washington
Blog address: buprofessor.blogspot.com
www.butler.edu/cophs link to my blog on the left side.

Everyone:

I hope this letter/blog finds everybody well. Usually, I try to keep these entries spaced about 2 weeks apart, but I wanted to go ahead and send this one out a bit early to spend a few minutes talking about September 11th. I hope that you have not forgotten! I have added some pictures below that I know effect me deeply. To look at these pictures brings back emotions and memories that I will never forget.

This is special to me as it is what changed my life. Four years ago to the day I stood in Kabul, Afghanistan preparing for the first free election in their country. I was there to fight terrorism to keep all of our families safe. Here I am three years later preparing to go to Iraq to help fight for a people to regain their freedom, and again to keep all of our families safe from those who would gladly hurt our loved ones. The pictures above demonstrate what evil in men’s hearts can do. Please NEVER FORGET what happened on this day in 2001. Never forget that it is not the United States that “asked” to be attacked, it is not our fault that innocent women and children were murdered. It is not America’s fault that there are terrorist in the world that would rather kill then talk. Please do not forget…please do not subscribe to any opinion or belief that would have you believe any of these things.

On my blog site, there was a post that I want to take the time to answer. It was in regard to my comment in my first letter about my statement “doing the right thing is always hard, and serving my country is bigger than my family and my wants…” The post was essentially asking about my priorities and how perhaps the Army and what I am currently doing is not “in-line” per se with Christian values that should be God, vocation (spouse), children, and then avocation (job etc). I think this is a valid question, and I will address it as I see it.
First, I believe that God guides all of our actions. He gives us choices, but his hand is always present. I actually decided several times not to join the military, but it kept coming around and around…it is as if God was hitting me on the head until I finally learned to duck. When I was in Afghanistan I took care of so many Afghans, including baby Qudrat. I was able to help get four very sick children back to the United States for life saving surgery. I went to numerous refugee camps and provided medical care. I went to orphanages and distributed tons of donated items to kids who had nothing. I have seen and felt hope return to people who have had nothing. I have seen first hand what is capable by caring, compassion, and love. This is what my experience has been with joining the Army. I have spent days with Afghans, and I have eaten with them, slept with them, and talked as a father, as a son, as a brother to many. I still receive emails from some that I met while I was there. I even received pictures from Qudrats family of their new daughter, who was born after Qudrat died. I have taken care of many injured US soldiers, most being kids who are serving their country. I feel the presence of God with me everyday with what I am doing in the military. I believe that God is the one that guided me here, and to not be here would be to not be serving God first. The fact that you are reading this blog and thinking about our soldiers and the people is an example of what I believe to be God’s mission for me.
Second, is the concept of vocation, and serving others. It is indeed hard to not be with my wife and children. I feel that I am serving them by keeping them safe. I am here to protect your family not just mine. I have met first hand true fanatical Islamic militants and Taliban fighters. Make no mistake they would kill your children if they could, I am here so that others do not have to be. I am willing to die for my children; I am willing to die for your family and children as well…without regret. Serving my country is like serving the Church. It is not a place as much as it is a community. We as soldiers tell you to sleep well at night, for we will watch over you and your families…even at the cost of our life. That is what the American soldier does. So I feel that I am fulfilling my vocation to my family and selfless service to others. Additionally, I am teaching my children what it means to serve others, even if it is hard, even if it hurts, or even it is not what we want to do. I do not want to be away from my family, my job or my “life” But this is what I mean by “bigger then me”.
Finally, there is the idea of avocation such as a job or a career. This is not a factor for me. The Army is not a job to me. Yes, I get paid, but I am not a mercenary. I serve my country because I believe in my country. I believe that I am keeping you and your families safe. I believe in the young soldiers who are serving. I believe that freedom is not free, but paid for by the sacrifices of others. My final comment is to again look at the pictures above, feel the pain in your chest, the tears that come to the corner of your eyes, and I ask to Never forget what and why we serve.

Transition time…sorry for the “heavy” material above, but I wanted to share some deep passionate opinions that I hold. Over the past two weeks we have settled into a very much regimented routine. We get up at 5am (0500), have a formation, eat, get “geared up”…which means put on your heavy body armor, Kevlar helmet, gas mask, weapon, and an assault pack (backpack) of lots of additional gear. We then proceed to train all day on various tasks which I have included below. Then we come back “home” and eat and get out of our gear that gets very heavy and is incredibly hot…even though it has been cool here, I still manage to sweat through my undershirt and my top almost every day.
We received our “updated” body armor which actually means “more pieces”. Here I am after putting it together for the first time.

Cozy…I think it feels like what the old samurai warriors must have felt like. It has additional plates on my sides, and shoulder pads. Additional neck pieces have been added as well. I think it is close to 50 pounds when all the pieces have been added. Here are all the medical professionals in gear just after our formation.

I have no idea how I could actually treat a patient with all this gear on. Fortunately, we only have to use all the pieces when we are doing convoy operations. Here I am learning the great life saving procedure of how to clear the ER waiting room of minor complaints.

Yes, that is me throwing a grenade (training grenade). They actually have a small explosion/pop. Let’s take a moment and look at this picture…why does the instructor have a look a pure terror on his face? Maybe, it is my “pouty” lip…Maybe it is that he was afraid that I weighed so much with my gear that I might fall backwards like a turtle and not be able to get rid of my grenade.

Anyway, from the grenade range, we had to hurry to the chemical weapons training. This is the station where they call “gas, gas, gas” and you have like 8 seconds to get your mask on and fully cleared and secured. Here I am with 1LT Welch.

“The force is strong with me” At least that is what I was told while attending the Darth Vader look-a-like class.

We also spent an entire day doing “combatives”. This is a fancy way for saying hand-to-hand fighting. If you have ever watched ultimate fighting, it is essentially what we learned. All the submission holds etc…let me tell you they work! I did have some pictures…let’s just say that the editor got to them and they did not make the blog. (I tapped out). However, there were two signs at the gym that I thought were priceless (or I am just a geek). Here they are…love the military!


For my PA students, what is wrong with this sign?....if it is 100% of everybody…is it still random? I know, I am a big geek. The next sign also made me laugh…

What is up with the dramatic last sentence? It is as if there might be some confusion about the fact that there will not be water… can you see Forrest Gump raising his hand (use your Gump impression)…”Excuse me sergeant, when you say there will be no water in this facility…do you mean that there is also no bottled water in the Dasani bottled water machine that I see through the window?”.…Shut up Gump, that is a dumb question…”yes sergeant….but I have to pee”

I almost forgot…I was successful in my quest to “acquire” a desk for my closet office. Check it out:
This desk is solid steel…I think it would survive a nuclear blast. Anyway, it just “showed up” outside my make shift office one day. I was told not to ask…so I don’t ask. Except that I am on the second floor and I have no idea how they got it up the stairs. It does make my life much easier, although it is very difficult to lecture to a laptop in a closet…and not sound like I am lecturing to a laptop in a closet.

I wanted to close with another picture of all the PAs on this mission.
The PAs are from left to right: 1LT Travis Welch, who is an orthopedic PA, who specializes in the spine and a graduate of the Butler University PA Program. I am next, and I think you know enough about me. To the right of me in the picture is Major Jeff Romig, a family practice PA from Illinois. Finally on the far right of the picture is Bryan McFarland, another orthopedic PA, but he specializes in the hand. He also graduated from the Butler University PA Program. We have a great crew, and I am looking forward to actually getting to work seeing patients.

I have another two weeks of intense training, then I get to have a pass and see my wife before I deploy overseas. The pass is 4 days…I am really looking forward to it, but it feels like forever before it gets here. I think that I will close this letter for now. Please continue your thoughts and prayers for my family, as well as, the families of all the soldiers here. Take a minute to remember the victims of 9/11 and all the soldiers who have died defending our freedoms.
CPT Mike Roscoe

Please see my blog or pass along the address:
Blog address: buprofessor.blogspot.com

www.butler.edu/cophs then link to my blog on the left side.

Letter 1

August 31, 2008
Fort Lewis, Washington

Everyone:

This is my first letter chronicling my journey to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The intent is to tell my story as I am living it…for better and for worse. This letter is staring off during a very difficult time for me. Minutes ago I said goodbye to each of my four children, and to my wife. I wish that I could say that it is easier doing this a second time but it is not. In fact, I have found it to be much harder this time. My children are older and I have grown much closer to them. There are times when I feel as if my heart has been ripped from my chest, and I find myself wishing I did not have to leave my family. However, doing the right thing is always hard, and serving my country is bigger than my family and my wants. God does not hand us trials that we cannot handle.

These emotions are tempered by the pride I have in serving my Country, the pride in knowing that I will be caring for our soldiers. I take comfort in knowing that my family will be taken care of and all the amazing support that my family and I have received from Butler, from St. Thomas Aquinas, and all the surrounding community. I am amazed at how strong my wife is, how she can essentially be a single working mother of four…and do such a fantastic job. I cannot fathom the professional phase PA students throwing a surprise going away party and providing a digital camera so that I can share pictures with you. I cannot fathom the COPHS community and the office of Advancement throwing a surprise party and donating the funds for my family to get a flag pole for our yard. The meals that the parishioners from St. Thomas have already started to bring to my house. Simply put: THANK YOU…I love each and every one of you. We (my family and I) cannot do this without you, and our soldiers are only as strong as our community.

Below is a picture of Shelby and I at the farewell ceremony at Camp Atterbury.

If you look closely at the picture I believe the lead singer of Megadeth (rock band) is standing against the wall. Anyway, we left Camp Atterbury and flew in the middle of the night to Fort Lewis, Washington. It is between Tacoma and Seattle. The weather here cannot be more different. It has been in the 60s and 70s during the day and cold at night. This morning I saw my breath at our morning 5:30 formation.

This base is very old. We are living in barracks that were constructed for WWII. My uncle who served in Vietnam actually stayed in these same barracks. Below is a picture of my building….I think, they all look the same.

If you turn about 45 degrees to the right of the above picture, you get the picture below:

At the other end of my building here is the view:

I think you can appreciate all similar all the buildings are to each other. The last building on the left (the small one) is actually our chow hall. We share the chow hall with a large group of Air Force soldiers and some Navy soldiers. I am sure that the Air Force is getting paid substandard housing as there is not a concierge available.

It is actually really pretty here. There are trees, specifically pine trees everywhere. The weather is pretty nice, and I am able to work on teaching more class at Butler with relative stability. Speaking of that let me show you my desk that I have been using to teach from…I have made a deal with some crusty old supply sergeants and they are going to work to get me a “real desk”

Yes…It is three old footlockers in a closet. Hopefully, I can “upgrade” with my supply deal. Those of you with a military background know how important these “black ops” are. Below is the barracks that I am staying in from the inside.

Notice the strong decorating influence of the “barn motif”. The person looking back at the camera is 1LT McFarland, another PA…nothing but the best for our fine medical officers. Major Romig and I have it slightly better as we are “Senior PAs” and “higher ranking”. If I turned 180 degrees, there is my lecture closet and another small room where we get to sleep. Below is my bed and just out of view is Major Romig’s bed.

It really is no different then all the other beds except we do have a door. I must show you our latrine…I know who wants to see a bathroom? Well, from my previous deployment, it was actually one of the most common requested pictures…really!

I think that there might be two more sinks on the left side. To the right is four stalls with doors! Moving past the washer you move to below:

Cozy is the only word to describe the showers…yes that is the wall to the left…there is actually one more shower head that you cannot see. We have to set block shower times for obvious reasons. Actually we are better off than the other barracks as we only have 22 guys in our building. It will actually be nicer once we get to Iraq.

We have been training but the days have still been slow. We did receive our new body armor and I feel like a Middle Ages knight as it takes at least two people (squires) to get into the system. I will save that for the next letter. I hope everybody is doing well. I miss everybody…sorry PA1 class that I am not there, but I hope you are enjoying my lecture videos. Yes, I actually do laugh at my own jokes. I will try to get another letter out within the next two weeks. Keep praying for Shelby and the kids, if you have time throw a prayer my way as well. Remember to keep the soldiers in your thoughts as well.


CPT Mike Roscoe