It is really heating up over there and I am talking about more then the weather. Although I imagine the summer weather has got to be rough on these brave men and women standing in harms way. God bless our troops! I now have a US flag that I display in my office. It helps remind me everyday! I just can’t look at it without feeling pride and offering prayers. Please say a prayer for our troops, it is going to be one hell of a summer.

It just starts to be bad in June. July and August are obviously the worst. In June you can still find a little relief in the shade. Have you ever been grilling and felt the heat from the coals make your fingernails ache? That's the feeling you get as you walk across the pavement in the August heat.

One good thing was that where I was, Cuban cigars were readily available and quite affordable. I thought that they were counterfeits at first but the first time I tried one, I knew...these were no counterfeits! I regularly had Montecristos, Romeo y Julietas, Cohibas, and more! I was AMAZED that they were also in very good shape. I never smoked one that was damaged from being dried out.

I'm home now, safe and sound, and not going back. I also pray for everybody over there. Not just soldiers like me but the contractors who are sticking their necks out to make a buck and also make life a little better for everybody.

We should also remember -- especially given the recent accusations of troop misconduct -- that the alleged actions of a few shouldn't taint our perceptions of 99% of our good men and women in uniform. It's not just a tough job over there, it's harrowingly life-changing. I'll certainly be sending another few boxes of cigars over there this summer as a very small token of my appreciation.

Thanks guys.......

TheMonk, great thread my friend..