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     After 18 months away the 1-184 IN returned to the sunny shores of California last Monday.  It has only been a week since A Co touched down, but when I look back at my days in Baghdad they seem somehow vaugely unfamiliar.  It is almost as if I were watching the actions of an unfamiliar other move through my memories. As the memories reconsolidate I will be posting again to finish filling in all the gaps in our deployment... but for now I am just enjoying the free air.

Comments

[Navig8r]

Dan, Still waiting for that book! When are you going to get an agent and get busy? I want an autographed copy. Don't keep your writing talent to yourself, share it with us.

[Max Westphal]

Welcome back.... You should tell others about your experience on http://www.militaryconnection.com/

[BEHRINGER SGT]

LOOKING FOR RANGERS WHO SERVED IN PUERTO RICO ( AT ANY TIME ) " LEAD THE WAY "

[Military Personal Checks]

Keep up the good work. You guys are the heroes. Risking your lives every day, its nice to hear that you made your way back and have had some time to enjoy some freedom

[kevin]

First of all I want to thank you for your military service!!! You are a great American!!! I am a new soldier in the Army National Guard (Airborne 11 Bravo Hoo Ahh!!!) and am gearing up for my first deployment to Iraq at the end of this summer with the Washington National Guard. I have recently had a book published called “Homeless Across America.” It is my story of a trip I took last summer before going to boot camp at Fort Benning Georgia. I had actually lost my house as a result of a nasty divorce and I decided that with the time I had before leaving for my training I would drive a loop around the country and see what it was I, and you were fighting for. I can attest that after finishing my journey I was even more confident that I had made the right choice to join your ranks and as Toby says beside my brothers and my sisters proudly make a stand!!! If you feel so inclined please check out my blog at http://homelessacrossamerica.blogspot.com/ Again, thank you for your service and thank you for going before me. May God bless you and God Bless America!!!!!

[gothic]

it is not easy to read your blog, god bless you and your family

[va purchase loan]

Thanks for your service. God Bless

[Kim Cross-Aurora, CO]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your service to this country. It is truly appreciated. God Bless you and your family.

[Vanessa]

Dear Danjel, I found your blog about your homecoming to be a truly inspiring story. I thank you for your service to our country and hope that you can spend the rest of your life in peace. I found your blogs to be very interesting and insightful. I found your take on your memories of your actions in Iraq to be amazingly descriptive. Thank you for your time and effort.

[Vanessa]

Dear Danjel, I found your blog about your homecoming to be a truly inspiring story. I thank you for your service to our country and hope that you can spend the rest of your life in peace. I found your blogs to be very interesting and insightful. I found your take on your memories of your actions in Iraq to be amazingly descriptive. Thank you for your time and effort.

[jennchez]

welcome home!! thank you for our freedom, may God bless you and yours!

[Dr_Dan]

First, Welcome Home and Thanks! Second, for those interested--I'm doing some research on TRICARE military health insurance program at http://tricare.wordpress.com Thanks.

[Linda]

Dear Danjel, Merry Christmas Danjel. Once again our thoughts turn to those brave troops who are standing watch for us tonight. May God bless them and you as you stand tall against a relentless enemy. Take care and know that your sacrifices will never be forgotten. I hope you are enjoying your time home with your wife, riding your bike into the hills, lifting weights, raising Koi and enjoying your freedom. Thank you!

[John Slimak]

A little late but hope you still get this - Welcome Home from an ex- 10th Mountain Division Soldier. And yes there is opportunity after…

[SGT. Mick]

As usual, the days march on and our days in the sun become more like a dream. Those memories we embrace are now what we will have forever in our minds as true examples of sacrifice, exhileration, depression, and brotherhood that many will never know. Our old "Killer" Company is now spread between Iraq, on the way to Iraq, and for the lucky ones....finally home. I get word from the guys over there and at times I wish I was there again doing what I was born to do and protecting my family. I guess no matter what our age, we all grew up together "in country". Here it is almost 2 years since our return and I can honestly say that the guys I got along with the least with in civillian ideals would be considered my best friends. I will always remember our days together, those that we lost, and those of us that made it through with the help of each other as the finest days of my life. I read this blog frequently just to remember the times and dates since they all melt together in one large pot in my mind. The CP, Dora, the FOB, and any peice of soil/stretch of land we called ours. I'd like to think we made a difference even when we didn't want to.May we all walk and live in peace with memories of what we accomplished together and those who have redeployed and our brothers in arms currently serving return home safely to their families and friends.

[phill kross]

'I WILL BE YOUR SOLDIER' - performed by Phill Kross ***dedicated to all those who serve and defend our freedom!*** http://youtube.com/watch?v=MrdE4QkxeN8 you can grab the song from http://myspace.com/chrisrojasmusic -->post it on your page! --->send it to friends! ---->spread the appreciation! ----->tell the story that's unwritten! request it at your local radio station! dedicate it to a loved one!

[Derek]

Hey I don't know if you remember me or not. Just checking in to see how you're doing. I guess there is no reason to update this site anymore as that part of your life is over ? Well best wishes to you and your family hope all is well Derek

[rogue gunner]

Welcome Home, God Bless America & Great Britain on the War On Terror, Mack.

[Joe B]

Welcome Back. Thanks for keeping us updated during your service.

[Unfiltered and Real]

Welcome back. Thought I'd share a video I made after getting back about a year ago. Hit me up if you have thoughts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAzXAV1Lzzs

[QofD]

WOO HOO! Welcome home!

[Rosemary]

I can never express how grateful I am at all that you do quite right, so I will just say thank you and Merry Christmas!

[Linda]

Merry Christmas, Danjel. I am so glad you'll be home sharing your holidays with your family. You deserve all the best for your new year. Hopefully you'll have a chance to relax, ride that bike into the foothills, watch your koi, watch the sunsets over the ocean and just rest. Peace. Your friend, Linda

[Tony Bucaro]

First I want to say WELCOME HOME! From one Infantry Veteran to another I want to say thank you for everything you have done and will do in the future for our great country and for myself and my family. I enjoy your blog alot because it allows me to see the inside of Iraq and what our brothers and sisters are going through over their first hand. Times have changed so much since I ETSed and in many ways I wish I could go back in. I miss the "battle buddy system" the Army tought us. You can't find that in the civilian world. Take care and God Bless!

[Weaser]

Hello T6 ...where ever you are. Yes, after all this time we still check in on you. Hungry for your thoughts. You left quite an impression. Hope you and your friends are well and enjoying life. You deserve it.