Happy Birthday America!

So here it is, the birthday of this great nation. The first thing I would like to do is take a moment and remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and liberty. Second, a moment to those of us still over here in Iraq fighting for freedom and democracy, so that the people of Iraq may know and feel the joys of freedom that most of us take for granted every day of our lives.

On to other things. As Proud Mom had mentioned in previous blog comments, I have made E-5 on the last cycle. There were a couple of us from the Casevac crew that picked up rank this go round. 3 E-5's, and 4 E-4's. It was actually a very good advancement cycle as far as corpsman are concerned, especially with the merger of the DT and HM rates over the past year. Now all I have to do is finish up my associates so I can put in my package to become a P.A.. On top of making E-5 I also completed the PQS, written exam, and Oral Exam Board for The Fleet Marine Force (FMF) pin. Wearing this pin tells everyone that you have served alongside marines and you know basically more about the Marines than a Marine knows. LOL. I found that last part out by asking a couple of the Marines around here about some of the stuff in the book and they couldn't tell me. I have a couple of photos from my Pinning and frocking ceremony. I hope you enjoy.

This is a pic of SSGT Kilgore pinning my FMF pin on for me. SSGT was with the squadron I deployed to Iraq with last year.

This pic is of HM1 Thomas pinning my HM2 on for me...

And last but not least...


Later,

HM2 (FMF/SW) Joshua Christie

Few, Far, And in Between

Oh yes. This is how it's going to be while I'm out here. Do to the fact that trying to get on a computer at the internet place takes almost 1 1/2 to 2 hours and lets not forget the office computer. There is only one computer for about 30 people to get on and check their e-mails and what not. I had purchased a thumb drive so I could type my blog on my computer and then just upload it on here but it has seemed to have disappeared (sticky fingers McGee).

I just figured I'd stop by and let everyone know I have made it back to the sand box. I know all your prayers and wishes are here for me and I thank you for them. If youd like to contact me the e-mail is joshua.christie@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil . And to my loving wife I love you and miss you.

HOW DID I GET SO LUCKY?

Later,

Joshua

Changes....

As you can tell I'm trying to spice up the blog page. So over the next couple of days you'll see a couple of changes here and there. Just hang in there with me. I'll also get those pics I promised earlier. I'm more worried about doing things to the page that I will not be able to do in country.

Joshua

Face Of The Earth!!!

Fell off. Fell off. Fell the hell off!

Thats exactly what happened. I have been so busy the past few months since returning that I haven't really found the time or the words to really have a good blog. Sean (docinthebox.blogspot.com) has been poking me with a stick for the past month or so to let everyone know what I have done in my last three months of being home. There are only two things that I feel are of real importance. I am now a married man! On Jan 7th, 2006 I got married to my girlfriend of two years. I met her family over Christmas leave and asked her to marry me on christmas eve. I had to get the ok from her dad before I even thought about popping the question. I have some pics but will have to post them later when I get on my personal computer.

The other thing of great importance is my return to the sand box. I will be deploying again the first week of Febuaury to Al Taqqadum, Iraq. I will be flying in the CH-46 as a casevac corpsman. Which is basically an EMT of sorts. We fly into the battle zones and pick up wounded and treat them as we fly them to a higher echelon of care. So after much deliberation with the wife we decided it would help us as far as the money for our first home. So, here we go again for another 6-9 month deployment. So the next time you read from me it will be from the sand box.

Joshua

DING! Fries are done..! You have to read Doc in the Box to understand that last part.