rjjammer Posted December 19, 2015 #1 Posted December 19, 2015 Everyone, I guess I should explain, last March I received a call from a friend and co-worker. He asked me to come back to Afghanistan to head up the security on Camp Falcon. Even though I said I wouldn't go back, I did. Another 9 months in Kabul. I haven't been on this site since I left. The internet in those places don't always work. Well I just made it home, we closed the camp. The US Government gave the whole thing to the Afghans. The drawdown was complete the 16th. 350 personnel left Kabul. When I reflect on what has transpired since 2004 when I first went over there it makes me wonder if it was worth it. I have two grandkids now... I fulfilled all my promises to my bride... Lost my Mom and both Grandparents. I lost 24 co workers, three team mates and one close friend. I have more wrinkles, cant see as well but I did lose 30 pounds and am in the best physical condition of my life. Looking at it now all I can see is that time is short and I better enjoy the blessings I have here before they are all gone. So here I am facing a number of decisions, the main one is what do I do now? Maybe retire? That looks like the best option as I am pretty sure I will have trouble in the work force! I will take a couple months and catch up on projects that were pushed back forever. Catch up on the goings on here and maybe finally go on a ride with some of you, a rally or ??? I am definitely going to have to practice on the Venture. I haven't ridden at all for a long time. If I don't ride the thing soon I will have to get rid of it so it doesn't just rot in place. I know the tires went on in 2000 they have about 480 miles on them. I have some tinkering to do to make it safe for sure. One question? Where do I post a number of good parts to give away? Anyway, I'm am back and hi to all I am looking forward to chatting with you. Hi to my fellow Wisconsinites! Stay warm! rjjammer
eagleeye Posted December 19, 2015 #2 Posted December 19, 2015 Glad your home safe, and in Wi. I don't need to tell you that it will be a while before you take that venture out, but i think I'd replace those 16 year old tires. I think that there is a pass it forward thread here for those parts. Try and look it up.
etcswjoe Posted December 19, 2015 #3 Posted December 19, 2015 Glad to have you back!! The Pay it Forward section is here: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?179-Paying-it-Forward
OrlinEngh Posted December 19, 2015 #4 Posted December 19, 2015 Welcome back, and I agree on the new tires, Maybe you can make it to Viroqua if you are going to be out riding those Wisconsin roads. We do have a few gatherings here during the riding season and everyone is allways welcome. Orlin
cecdoo Posted December 19, 2015 #5 Posted December 19, 2015 Welcome home and Thank You for your service! Glad you made it back safely, I am sure it will be an adjustment returning to the States hopefully all goes well for you. Look forward to meeting you. Craig
cowpuc Posted December 19, 2015 #6 Posted December 19, 2015 Indeed, home RJ:group cheers: and a huge THANK YOU for doing your part in maintaining our way of life my friend. Hopefully everyone living in one of Earths country's where freedom still shines realizes how thankful we should be for individuals like yourself - I know I sure am:uk2:!! Hearing about the loss of some of your family members and brothers in arms while you were gone deeply saddens my heart, wish there was something other that telling you that you have my condolences that I could do. Hoping and praying that knowing you have my/our thoughts and prayers while you work through the grieving process now that your back home will help in some small way. Looking forward to chatting with you here on the forum my friend, oh, what the heck,, may as well get your return to your family here started off right,, looking forward to chatting with you ya lop eared varmint ! If ya need any advice on your scoot, count me in as one more than happy to help:thumbsup:! Also look forward to meeting up with you at a rally or two as soon as our resident Fool stops playing with his infamous Wisconsin White Washer and summers warm sun makes riding doable again. Matter of fact, we would be honored to have you shoot up to Michigan and enjoy one of "Puc's Greet - Meet and Eat Meats" with us. All the best Hot Dogs you can eat - combined with all kinds of smiling faces of the greatest bunch of other lop eared varmints known to man will make the journey well worth your time - guaranteed:thumbsup:!! Bring your lovely bride along too RJ, she will be well fed and find LOTS of fellow lady friends that will help her keep her sanity while us men folk make a valiant attempt at driving each deeper into lop eared varmint land!! Great to hear from you! Puc
Larry1963 Posted December 20, 2015 #7 Posted December 20, 2015 Welcome back, thank you for your service to the our find country.
Eck Posted December 20, 2015 #8 Posted December 20, 2015 Many many thanks for your service and your support to the others in the fileds. Glad you are back home safe and sound. Best wishes for the best ever Christmas for you and your family included. Again, THANK YOU!
GeorgeS Posted December 21, 2015 #11 Posted December 21, 2015 Welcome back. My advice is find a good , used, low milage, 2nd gen Venture, and Hit the road this Spring !!!! C U down the road my friend !!
dacheedah Posted December 24, 2015 #12 Posted December 24, 2015 grab some R & R, slowly hit the honey do and ride to unwind
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