Leaving on Jet Plane

One year.

In real life...that's not that long...is it? Well, for a Soldier in Baghdad...it's an eternity. And now...it's over.

We had our going away lunch this past week. I really am not a fan of the public forum for that kind of thing...I would much rather just slip out quietly and not make a big fuss over it. Ah...but as we all know...the Army is about making a big deal of comings and goings.

So, to start things off, we had the presentations of our certificates the evening before our lunch. This when all the people that work near you, but never really talk to you...tell you how nice it has been serving with you for the last year, and then give you a piece of paper to prove it.

A lot of nice things were said. And for the most part, I could tell that they were heartfelt. The Colonel that runs the Intel section...to whom I was tasked out for the year...talked about how the team functioned well and she never left wondering if things were OK in the evenings because she knew that SFC Newman, and the Night Crew, were more than capable of taking care of things.

I smiled...because she was right. We could take care of anything that came our way. The Night Watch Cheif of Operations...another Colonel, and a very big, and intimidating man, whom I worked directly for durring the majority of my time...was always quick to call SFC Newman to "Front and Center" to answer a question or give an Intel assessment.

He called me down one night when we had a "situation" going on. He asked me what Intel thought of it, and began to reiterate to him what the assesment had been from the Main INTEL section over at Camp Victory. He listened, and then said..."OK...so what do YOU think?"

I was taken aback. He looked me in the eye and asked me..."In your personal opinon, SFC Newman, is this worth persuing?" Without blinking I answered, "I'd go get him myself, if you want to drive."

He smiled...and from that point forward...I was his Intel guy. He came to me first for everyting Intel related.

There was another Colonel...(Yes, this is the third...I worked in FORCE Headquarters...Colonels came cheap there)...who had the same type of working relationship with me, when I worked days and he was the Day Chief of Operations. He switched positions...but continued to use my section for Intel.

We worked so well together that he even said that I should go work for him. I ran that by my wife...who asked, "Where is he stationed." I told her he worked at the Command Sergeant Major's Accademy, in Fort Bliss. She replied simply with..."But, that's Texas."

He and I talked for a while, and he...too...had some nice things to say. I smiled every time one of them said how well I did.

I know I am good at what I do...but I also know it isn't just me. The best conductor in the world can stand in front of the orchestra and meaure out each note of the ensemble in perfect time...but if he doesn't have very talented people playing the instruments...he's just a guy standing up there waving a stick.

That's how I feel about this last year. I was the conductor. I told my crew when to send a report, or when to hold off. I told them which guy to look for mor information on....and which guys to not spend too much time with. I work with very talented people...and if it wasn't for them helping to make me look so good...I would just be a guy standing there waving his stick.

The last year has taught me a lot of lessons. I have learned SOMETHING from almost everyone I have come in contact with. Some of those lessons were good...and some were bad. But I learned from them all.

I have learned how to listen, even when I know I am right. I have learned to let others feel like they are in charge of the situation...even when they have no clue as to what is going on. I learned that no matter how hard you try to teach some people...they will never learn...because they refuse to follow before they can lead.

My perspective has changed...I have changed. I have lived in some of the worst conditions imaginable...and worked in some of the best. (My office used to be a ball room in the Presidential Palace for crying out loud...that's not too bad!) I have grown...I think...as a person.

I have learned to cherish what I have at home, and appreciate what I have when I am gone. I have learned the importance of telling little ones to have Sweet Dreams, and the effect it has if I am unable to do so.

I have watched my children grow in pictures and on the webcam...and somehow feel closer to my family than ever. I have learned that they can go on without me around...but they can't wait for me to get back.

I have learned that absence makes the heart grow fonder...and comunication makes the relationship stronger. I know that I can survive on my own...but that I am better with my soulmate.

Someone asked me if I would do it over again. I would. I have learned so much and had an impact on something. I am leaving a different Iraq than the one I came to last year. I have a hard time thinking that we have not made ANY impact on the people of Iraq. But, I question if we have made enough of an impact...or the right kind.

Now...for me, at least...it's over. For now.

I have clearly had a lot to say...and I don't think I'm finished. Just because I am leaving Iraq, doesn't mean I'm done saying all I have to say. If you're interested...keep watching this space..I may still have a few things to sound off about.

As for now...I'm heading home. I can only hope that the men and women I leave behind stay safe and get home soon. They are capable...talented people...and I'm better for knowing them.

To my family...get the grill ready. Daddy's coming home and I really want a decent burger! They say you can't make up lost time...but I sure as hell am going to try with every moment I have. I know my kids are dying for me to be back.

As for me? Well, tonight...I'm leaving on a jet plane.

SFC NEWMAN
OUT