I know I've said things are busy, but they really are. It is unbelievable what we, as a nation can bring to bear. Flying is steady for now. It's amazing watching the flights depart here. Small bands of two or four Marines or Airmen blasting off, afterburner flames lighting the runway, leaping into the burnt-orange sky, to join up with a few others and enact the will of a nation.

Sometimes I am one of them.

I have carried an American flag I bought years ago with me on every flight. It's the one in the pictures. Going through arming, on the way out to the runway, I hold it up for the Marines to see. Generally I don't experience many "soft" feelings out here, but the look on their faces causes my heart to skip a beat. Every time.

Most of us are tensing up and mentally preparing for what may happen. I am. I am in the right spot and making a contribution that took years to develop. I am making a difference. I can do this feeling secure that my family and friends are safe and supportive. From that bedrock I can extend my abilities and concentrate on what needs to be done. By providing your support, you've made a difference too. And don't worry about me either. I'm 37 now. ;)

If you have any doubts about what I or we are doing, remember the person ruling this country gassed his own citizens and uses terrible crimes to keep the people in line. I think some in our family have experienced this first hand and know someone has to act. We will only have ourselves to blame if we don't act now, when we have the ability. I hope this can be explained to my kids and others. I sleep well at night (as well as can be expected on a cot in the desert) knowing we are doing the right thing. No one else has the ability to do this. Or does it seem, the fortitude.

Take care and keep writing,

Rob