A Cold Beer

Something about the 4th of July always strikes a chord with my heart.  I think of the National Anthem, and all the suffering and scarifies and risks that people before us had to take - really had to put themselves and their families out on the line.  And while I am sure the impetus for this new nation included all the usual human motivators (money, power, etc) there was also the idea that people could govern themselves, and be free to forge their own futures.  That is pretty radical.

We had fireworks, sort of, we think the EOD (the guys who defuse the IEDs) were authorized to blow some stuff up, and they did, and shot some flares.  It was a short display, but an absolute pleasure.

We also had some NA beer at the chow hall.  I loved it.

I have started reading For Whom The Bell Tolls by Hemingway.  Wow, that guy is dark.  Why I keep reading books about the ugliness of war, I do not know.  If any one knows about a classic book with lots of non death related humor I would love your suggestions.  I had start reading the Iliad by Homer, but was not enjoying it, just a little above my mythological knowledge.

We have some new nose art for one of our aircraft.  Nice job Mr. W and Mr. E.

This is the tail, recognize these characters?

Something about rainbows simply amazes me, truly one of this worlds wonders.  I could discretely see every color in vivid definition.  If you look close, you will see two rainbows.

Well, I know you all are praying for us.  Thank you.  Please pray that we keep our chins up and smile at one another.  Might as well make the best of this whole bit.