Hi Will...so glad to hear from you, but so sorry for your news. I am attaching a message a soldier wrote who is over there now that might help out a bit....it's a beautiful note he wrote about why he is there.....I think it's echoed by most who are currently there, have been there or might be there....God Bless you Will and stay strong...we are all so proud of you, even those of us who don't know you personally!!

Courage
I'm not a hero.
That is to say, I don't think of myself that way. I don't seek out danger. I'm not the type of guy who is always looking for the next adrenaline rush, or the latest thrill sport. I generally avoid dangerous activities.
I'm not a coward, either.
I'm not fearless. I realize, every day that I am here, that my life is in danger.
There is no way to avoid this conclusion. I'm told to wear body armor and a helmet. I carry a weapon. We build fortifications. I lug a pack full of chemical protection gear everywhere I go. I've received so many shots, I feel like a pincushion. Sometimes, when I have a moment or two to think about it, I feel a little bit scared. Frankly, only an idiot would not be afraid under these circumstances.
But I do have courage.
Courage is not the absence of fear. To the contrary, courage involves recognizing danger, but acting on the realization that danger must be confronted -- or it will find you when you are least prepared.
I didn't come here looking for a thrill.
I'm here because there is a hole in the ground in New York, where a couple of the world's tallest buildings used to be.
I'm here because I knew some of those people in the Pentagon.
I'm here because my seven-year-old nephew has nightmares about terrorists.
I'm here because whether Saddam is responsible or not for those terrorist attacks, he has the will and is developing the means to do much, much worse.
I'm here because if History teaches us anything, it is that evil men cannot be deterred by sanctions, containment strategies, diplomacy, resolutions, or weapons inspections.
I'm here because I don't believe in appeasement.
I'm here because someone has to be.
I'm here because I was called.
I'm here because I have a job to do.

I'm sorry you have to stay there longer, it breaks my heart to know that so many of you won't be coming home this year, be strong as you have been, God will guide you, give you strength and lead you to where he wants you to go, have faith, things happen for a reason. I hope you and all the soldiers serving overseas know how much we respect and admire you for taking the role of fighting a war that was not ours to fight, we love you, respect you and admire you for all you are doing, and for all you continue to do.

May God's peace, strength, ehalth and wisdom be upon you and all those serving with you.

with love,

Paola

Hi,

Just a note to say thank you for what you are doing. It can't be easy and I can't even begin to imagine everything you must be going through. Thank you for your courage and committment. I trully am grateful.

-K

Hi will;

I was going to write to you later today, but you beat me to it. I was just going to let you know that you and your guys are never forgotten. Your always in our prayers and our thoughts. September 11, has to be tough on all of you over there, the frustrations are endless I am sure. Your a good man, so I have faith that you will be able to overcome and get through any obstacles.

love debby

Will,
Read the same thing in the paper last night. What followed was a very long stream of cuss words as I realized the implications. And not only is not from day of deployment, it's from the day in the "Iraqi theater" as they like to call it (I'd be asking for my damn money back after that show). More cuss words....
So much more to say but you know how the company frowns on internet use....
But I will say, I am so glad you still have your sense of humor. If you can end these profound rants with lines from Airplane, there is always hope.
Keep the faith. It too has a lot of why's but seems to work out ok in the end.

Ahh Will - we all know what you're ranting and raving about. We know you love this country and what it stands for or you wouldn't be over there in the first place (See Venting)

It's about people in the 5 sided building making decisions everyday that affect so many dominos down the line - while we're wondering WHY (See bottom of the domino pile).

Hang in there Will - like childbirth - it will be over soon.

Hi Will,

Glad to hear from you again. The latest news really sucks but go figure. Nothing that has to do with the army or the government seems to surprise me anymore. It is hardest to deal with the things you have no control over - you just have to think that this is not what you had in mind when you signed your name on the dotted line. I asked myself "Why?" but I just can't find a logical explanation for the situation you are in. You can't question it, you just have to live with it and trust that there is a good reason why you have been chosen to endure this journey. I guess maybe we will understand later.

Will, you and your troops are in my thoughts and prayers, always. Take care of yourself and your soldiers. Looking forward to your safe return, whenever that might be. Miss you!!

Luv,
Beth

Will,
Sorry to hear that you'll be celebrating your birthday in country. I believe the decision to keep all of y'all there longer will help build a good foundation for the long haul. You've done so well and if you teach the newbies that come over all you've learned, then when you do come home none of that knowledge will be lost.
Thank you for what you're doing.
Thank you for showing a strong front to all the people who want to hurt the US.
Thank you for helping stabilize a region of the world that has so much potential for either slipping away into anarchy and terrorism or evolving into 21st century democracy, justice and freedom for ALL.
You're making a huge sacrifice, I know, and I wish all of you were home but I'm so glad you're there making the a positive affect on the future. You guys & ladies are awesome and I'm really proud of how much you've done. I'm hoping that your time there will eliminate future terrorism.
Hang in there.
Be safe & Peace be with you. Mels

Hey Will,

Probably see you over there sometime on the rotation.
If we don't get sent to Bosnia/Kosovo instead.

Stacy
TXARNG

Will,,,this is my first time to post on your site but I had to let you know on this day of all days that you are NOT forgotten nor is what you do in vain,,,I look at my 2 children and hit my knees in thanks for what you and others are doing for this country ,,,please don't ever think you are forgotten or unappreciated,,,you and men like you are what makes me proud to be an American,,my only wish is that you and all the others come home safe to your families,,,God Bless You

Will,
My husband's an MP in Baghdad, who happened to be at Ft. McCoy the same time as you (and I guess will be returning the same time as you). Your experiences there, and your arrival in Kuwait sounded just like they were written by him. His return date just changed from Dec 7 to Apr 6. I wish I could be as understanding as you, but I am having a really hard time. I've enjoyed reading your blog for months now, especially since your attitude about things reminds me so much of my husband's. Keep blogging, if for no other reason than to give me a connection to him. Stay safe, and remember that I and alot of other people are praying for you and wishing you the best.

Hi Will,
I'm so sorry to hear that your deployment was extended to a full year. On this 2-year anniversary of 9/11, I feel so very grateful and humbled by all the things you all are doing over there.
Because of your sacrifices and duty, our great country remains free. You'll not be forgotten, ever.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. You have such a good attitude about everything. Don't lose that. I have a feeling you are excellent for morale over there.
I hope and pray that the year thing changes, and you all actually get to come home real soon. You never know...
Just know that this Navy veteran/reservist appreciates your time and sacrifice. Hang in there, and stay safe.

Unbreakable Will,

You must continue to write as putting a "human face" on the soldier's experience "drives it home" to the folks who can and will speak out on your behalf.

When confronted with the incomprehensible - that which confounds me and set's me back - I allow myself initial reaction. If after that I have not adjusted to reality and am making my ownself miserable I made up a shortcut to attitude adjustment:
"There is no Y just move straight from X to Z - this is the route to X2Z"
Easier said than done, I know, (and corny as hell, I admit) but preferable to driving myself mad with frustration.
Y's act as barrier's (looking at the past)whereas "How's" help me to remain open to possibilities.
Now that the shit has indeed rolled down hill, "Szaffie's Suds 4 Soldier's" will roll out this weekend.
See my blog for details

Couple jokes-n-pokes to lighten your load -stp-
Uh Will dear, at 30 years of age, in the age of safe sex, I would hope that you would know what a condom feels like, ehem. If not I recommend a "trial run" ...in the off chance that you get one of those RnR trips to Germany that I have been hearing about. This would be your opportunity to celebrate your Birthday(s) in Wild Will style and...well... you take it from there...you've got that part covered, I'm sure...ehem

Oh- and this is has been stuck in my craw for a good long while, if you will permit me Will, I will rant a bit when I say: For the record, once and for all, de-bunk and slam dunk the naysayer's when I ask "Who is the Weekend Warrior now, mf-er?"

Hey Will,
Your not alone in this. Tonight I recieved word from my boyfriend's mother that he too is over there until March/April of next year. I wish he would have joined the AirForce. The family and friends back home feel your pain, though we don't full understand it. We will see you through this and a wonderful return home to your friends and family. Keep your head up solider and don't take it out on any camels or NCO's or anything like that.

Always Reading,
Natalie

I know nothing I can say can make it better, but goddammit I gotta try.

My two boys look up to guys like you. You are their hero.

God bless you.

Hi Will,
it is a shame that they changed to you all being there a full year in theatre. Man, time to get your money back.
I have read your journal for a long time now, my boyfriend is also in the 'theatre' and your writing just gives me another connection to him and whats going on over there. Ohhh...and i am not so sure joinging the Air Force would make any difference, he's been there 7 months now with no end in sight and no rotation date, seems AF sucks just as bad when it comes to reserves.
Hang in there and..well i was looking for something bright to say..but...well hang in there.

God bless all of you

You are still there. We are still here worrying about you. Let all our words of encouragement be a light for your heart.

Hang in there Will. I just returned from there in July and no how hard it is for you guys. I pray that each of you will return home safe and quickly. It seems that we all got the shaft on this one and just for the record the USAF is getting extended over the 179 mark also. Stay safe

Dear Soldier & Fellow Compatriot,

Please join with us and bloggers around the world in supporting the Iranian people against a brutal fanatic terrorist clerical regime that continues to support terror and make problems for not only peace but also for American soldiers and others who are trying to assist the Iraqi people!

Join BLOG-IRAN at http://www.activistchat.com/blogiran and help free the Iranian people... LETS BE THE VOICE when everyone else is SILENT!

In Unity & Struggle,
Haleh

Hang in there, Will. Words cannot begin to express our thanks to you and the other soldiers over there. My son is currently deployed in Iraq - he has been in country since April - so we truly share your pain. Bless you and the other members of your unit.

Sue in Omaha

Ahhh, Will....

Since I didn't get a chance to read this right away, and now it's a few days since you posted, everyone else here has said pretty much all I would.

Try to keep your spirits up, though I know it must be tough to do so right now. Just remember that more than your loved ones and friends in real time are pulling for you and your men....you've got your internet 'family' too now!

Prayers, Thoughts, Hugs, and Godspeed,

Judi

Will,

Hang tough buddy. Our thoughts are with you and the guys. I'll bet you will have a great homecoming along with some catch up time in the bar for your 31st!

Will -
Wonderful. Thanks for helping me to understand what's really going on. Your writing is full of humanity, a rare commodity these days.
I am writing a play in Los Angeles, and I'd like to include some of your journal in the show. I would credit you as the author of these sections. I think your words come from a more real place than I could. If you have a minute, please let me know what you think.
Stay strong.
Regards
~ E

Hello Will,
We are very sorry that you feel blue,we believe that you celebrate your next birthday in Winsconsin.We don't imagine you again in the uniform.Everything has beginning and an end.We don't know the time that will pass before return to home,but patriot soldier,to serve and defend your country,to do justice where there isn't, it's honour.You are in a good mood.The life is precious it's great responsability to decide for others but it's to trust,example:if you are at the top staircase and the ufficials over you are under who catch you,do you leave drop trusting that they don't drop you?Smile,because a day you'll look back and you'll see all that is part of your life, also the banal think are very important.Maybe you never tell you "I'm not alone" it seem banal but it's important,Why?Because you aren't alone!You don't forget that God is forever with you also when seems impossible.A day we are up on the train,our carriage is empty.At the following stop arrive a boy,high,he is sitting in front us and look us.The time passe he stand up and goes toward the exit but we have noticed that he look us again,he was sad.The train arrive to the stop and little people go down.We look for the window the boy.He isn't go down.It's impossible see him,The doors are close the train retake his run.We decide of examine all carriage but he there isn't on the train, where he is?Who he is?We think that all this there is but don't see.do you see God?
P.S.:Our english language is little correct,but we have understand ,do you decided to stop smoke?Continually is for it is promise of boyscout?you tell has later on if the cigarettes are in the pocket or waste paper basket.
two don't fierce smoker.
Adriana and Milena
CIAO

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