It’s been a long time coming, but the end is finally here.  Our counterparts started showing up a couple weeks ago and we are in the process of completing our transition.  As part of our transition as a medical platoon, we completed our 14^th medical screening mission.  With the exception of having twice as many soldiers, there was really nothing different from the last 13.  It is my hope that we were able to pass on enough information and lessons learned from our experiences on med screens so that they will be able to continue on with them.  There was only one IA medic treating patients, but he was still able to see 183 people in just a couple hours.  Through our 14 missions we saw over 2800 local nationals.  As always, the toys, dolls and candy really make the mission what it is.  Hopefully those are the things the children will remember about US Soldiers 5-10 years down the road.

As far as getting out of here goes, we have just over a week left, which we’ll spend packing and cleaning our platoon equipment and personal gear.  Tomorrow will be our last mission to fully integrate our replacements to the lovely city of Mosul.  After that I guess I’ll just be hanging out at the gym.

It goes without saying that I’m eager to return home.  Surprisingly, the year has passed quicker than I expected.  It seems like just a few months ago we were landing in Kuwait, but then again, that could just be the heat warping my brain.  Although I have seen the weather reports for the US and it doesn’t seem like I’ve got too much room to complain.  Anyway, I can’t thank you enough for all your love and prayers.  Without a doubt, your support made all the difference this past year.  This will be my last email to the group as I attempt to make room in the office for my counterpart.  My thoughts are always with you and hopefully I’ll be able to see you all when I’m down in WA and ID in September.  My best to you all.

Signing out from Mosul.

Brett

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