What was something you did while deployed that made it feel kind of normal?

TSgt Frank Shirley -
Lmfao!!!!! Even harder that the good Major has no clue!

That makes 2 of us without a clue then, because in the roughly 8 of my 20 years in service spent deployed and separated from my family, I never thought of meeting the goat, sheep or other of my dreams. So if that's a standard joke I must have served in a different universe, which would exclude me from the "we" that you refer to. Maybe it's a USAF thing that us USMC types can't relate to. I always missed my wife and family but never had any ideations of carnal knowledge with anything on 4 legs. Since the TSgt has chosen not to qualify his remark personally I still have no idea what he alludes to, but understand what the Major is talking about firsthand and enjoyed his response.

PO1 John Juarez - The Major had a clue, I just didn't appreciate it. Because someone can say something doesn't mean they should. I try to conduct myself better than a 14 year old in the locker room. Clearly after thinking about it the TSgt thought he probably showed his ass since he chose not to respond.

Maj John Bell - Sorry Sir - no idea what the initial comment was that I was LOLing about. I no longer see it.

MSG (Join to see) - WOW! That must have been sooooo awesome.

That's a "once in a lifetime encounter" there. Most will never share that bond, let alone being in the same camp.

We had a CSM from Illinois Army National Guard whose son, also deployed, came to see him during Christmas. Getting together was a testament to the brotherhood we all enjoy. Christmas 2006, FOB Echo, Diwaniyah, Quadasiyah Province, Iraq, MND-CS

LTC Michael Hrycak - The Command Sergeant Major is in the black fleece, and I think his son is the Soldier standing to the left, his colonel is in between them (standing).

I have always been of the opinion that the "no booze" rule was definitely in the lead for "Stupidest Holdover From Desert Storm". Taking away soldiers' historical ability to self-medicate (in moderation) for stress because of the hypocritical ruling regime of a neighboring country never made much sense to me, SSG Steven Mangus, at least not when the only alternative was prescriptions for all sorts of psychotropic drugs.

1LT William Clardy - Fully agree

TSgt Frank Shirley - But you can send mouthwash and medical supplies though.

I enjoyed the local culture in the day and the evening I enjoyed oh never mind.....