November 26, 2008, the day before Thanksgiving, should mark my final day in uniform. I'll still be on the payroll for the following three months as I burn up the vacation time I've been ratholing in preparation for this long anticipated event. 22 years is enough.

I have been determined for a number of years to never work for someone else after I finish this gig. If there's one thing for certain, it's that 20 years in any branch of the military will damn sure cure you of ever wanting...

The players are assembled. This is going to be cool. Man oh man I can't wait.

Who: If I told ya, I'd have to kill ya
What: It's a secret
When: Okay, I'll give you that one. Early November.
Where: On the internet, dummy
Why: Because I can!
How: With a little help from my friends

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...