................................

I guess congratulations go to you for your work over there,but you probably should of come home after your tour.You might want to seek out some counseling when you get back.
I just read a book,the faithful spy by alex berenson.Similar story line as you fitting in back into the states after being in Afghanistan for a prolonged time.
Good luck
Bob
 
From one smoke eater to another, welcome home and well done. Good luck in testing for a job. :thumbup:
 
Welcome home, John, and thanks for all you've done. I hope you're able to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and that you are able to take the peace you find in simple pleasures forward with you in starting a new life.
 
Glad you are coming home safe, thank you for the work you have done over there! I when you come home you can start your new life in the best way possible! I am sure it will be hard to get yourself used to being back here, but in time i bet you will be fine! Good luck with your pool room! i am sure it will be awesome!
 
runout1961 said:
Thank you for the words of encouragement my friend, but I am a civilian over here with an open ended contract. So basically I can leave whenever I want. But on the flip side they can fire me whenever they want.
But I think I'll be good. It will be an adjustment though. I am sure once I get my home pool room set up that will help!!!
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Just like all the jobs here in the US.....My advice since it sounds like you may have some issues. Seek out a counselor that specializes in PTSD. Not everyone, but alot of military, and contractors will have some form of PTSD when they come back. Just by your 1st post, it sounds like you will need some help to cope and adjust.

I am a Vet Counselor with the VA and I see this on a LARGE scale each and every day....the people see the death toll, they done even have a CLUE as to how much bigger the problem is with returning Vets and their social problems.

If you want, pm me the location you will be in Texas and I can get you in touch with a reputable PTSD couselor if you ever need it.

Also, have you thought about applying for a job as a Smoke jumper in Alaska.......I was stationed in Alaska for 5 yrs and that is such a peaceful place. and they make excellent money as well.

If you need, me, I am here!

Shawn
 
Welcome Back!!
As we live our lives and create different relationships with life itself, the difficult task is finding/realizing what is most important to us and what makes us happy and happier. As a young man it sounds like your well on you way, your difficulty will be staying on tract as more possession accumulate and more opportunities arise. Having two daughters (24 & 26) with one now a licensed nurse (as of last Monday) and the other going for her Masters Degree I'm well aware of your person. Good luck and make it happen.
 
runout1961 said:
Well folks, like the title says I have been in Afghanistan working as a civilian contract firefighter for 3 years and 4 months.

I've wanted to come home for a long time now but never found the courage to actually do it. I even posted a thread lsimilar to this one in this section some time ago. Some things happened back home and I am pretty much being forced to come home. Maybe this was the kick in the butt I needed to leave this place.

I have seen some things over here that I do not ever care to remember. Being in this country has been a very humbling experience for me. Some folks in the States really do not know how good they have it. It actually used to anger me when I was home on vacation and to see how ungrateful some people are. I would love to bring them here for a few weeks. They would never complain again.

As weird as it sounds I am more grateful than anyone will ever know for my time spent here in Afghanistan. It has made me realize how lucky I am to be from the best country on earth. To be at my house with the grill burning hot, a beer in my hand and the west Texas sun on my face will be a dream for me. It's the little things that we all sometimes take for granted sometimes. I will no longer have to take a public shower, no more shower shoes in the shower, no more porta-potties, no more DFAC food, I will get to use REAL silverware instead of the plastic crap in the bag, no more MRE's, no more walking outside in 2 feet of snow at 3 in the morning to take a piss, no more helo rides, no more convoys...I can go on and on.

I should be home in Texas around the 28th of February. Then on the 10th I will start my drive from Texas to Jersey to visit family and also attend the super billiards expo like I do every year.

I am unsure what it will feel like being back in the Motherland for good. Between my job here and the Military before this I have not lived in the States since I was 18. I am 26 now. I feel a bit scared as this is all I know. It's sad to say that a war zone is all I know, but it's time to come home.

When I do get to the house I plan on partially converting my garage into a pool room. I would like to buy a Diamond Pro-Am for the house with pro cut pockets. I will buy some insulation stuff for the garage door, sela the sides and bottom of the garage door, re-inforce the insulation in the walls and attic, add some carpet, run hvac to the garage and I should be good. Being that I love playing pool so much this was one of the things that kept me going, that I will someday have my very own table in the house. I cannot wait!!!!

I know this was a bit long and if you have read the whole thing I appreciate you listening. Just had to get some things off my chest.

John
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Welcome home.
 
I hope your return to the states is a smooth transition for you, John. Thank you for what you do to preserve humanity and safety.

I'm sure you will have no problem finding something suitable as a job when you return. I agree that counseling will probably be very beneficial, but only you know your mind.

Best wishes to you!
 
Welcome home and best wishes on a safe trip. I've always enjoyed your posts and hopefully someday we can get a chance to hook up for pool and a couple of beers.

Take care,
JimmyK
 
My friend

I will be glad to see you come home John, you know that. We have become pretty close friends over the last couple of years. Your calls at night have made my day more than once. I will be glad to see you out of harms way. I beieve you will be alright, you are such a well grounded young man. If there is anything you ever need or someone just to talk to I'm here.
TOMMIE
 
Welcome back. Thanks for supporting our troops during their difficult mission.
 
Well, if it will make the transistion easier, your new JB case will be waiting for you and you can cuddle up with the supple oil tan leather and feel secure. Then go out and grill a steak!
 
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