I went to a deployment ceremony this afternoon. Of the many taking place this week, it's the only one I'll attend. The ceremony was for the unit I deployed with in 2004.

I've changed units a couple of times and got my third rocker since we got back in early 2005.

When they first came up on an alert order for this mission, they asked me to transfer back. I declined.

It was a difficult decision, opting not to go. But honestly, I'm surprised my wife made...