I enjoy going to the gym daily and working out. Will be really glad to be back in the states after this mobilization. Also here is something I wrote.


Soldiers Mind In A Combat Zone

All alone in a country that I'm unknown. No one to talk to, no where to go. As I live in my hooch waiting on our next mission to take place, my mind drifts back to home, where I am known by family and friends. It is so lonely and so different.

All I can think about is how nice it is to know that I am here so others back home can sleep in peace and enjoy their family and friends and the freedom they take for granted but enjoy and don't think twice about what is given for their wonderful lives. I am here for all Americans no matter if they like the soldiers or not. We are here while they are there with only worries of how much money can be made and how much more they need to get what they think they need.

A soldiers mind in a combat zone is living life day-by-day seconds-by-seconds at any time their life could end or even their battle buddy's life could end. Wondering each time they leave the wire "Will I make it back?" "Will I see each person make it back that is here with me or will they get injured or even killed?" Another question in a soldiers mind is "What is going to happen outside the wire once I leave for this mission?" With all these thoughts you also think "How is my family?" "How are my friends?" Another thought that crosses a soldiers mind is "What all have and what will I miss?" ,a graduation, birthday, anniversary, a child's play, marriages, funerals, and many other special occasions that people take for granted and make up excuses on why they can't make it. What changes have we missed, each day we miss is another day that cannot be made up, just like each occasion missed is another occasion that cannot be made up.

A soldiers mind in a combat zone is loaded down with thoughts that some cannot imagine. A soldiers mind has to forcefully be cleared to the best of their ability so they can maybe see another day. Only problem is these thoughts are always there. All that a soldier can do is try to put it at the back of their mind, but these thoughts are always going to reappear.

SGT Yost, Donald "Havock" W.
Wrote on 21 April 2007
Kansas Army National Guard
Stationed in Camp Adder, Tallil, Iraq
Doing Convoy Escorts