"I've learned that terror doesn't happen because some group of people somewhere like Pakistan or Afghanistan simply decide to hate us. It happens because children aren't being offered a bright enough future that they have reason to choose life over death." ~ Greg Mortenson
The fight against terrorism and Islamic extremism will not be a kinetic fight, rather it is an economic fight. A fight to offer future generations a reason to choose life over death. A future that offers an appreciation of life and affords the opportunity for all to earn a respectable living. This means we need to expand efforts to provide quality education and access to energy/technology to younger generations across the globe. Men such as Greg Mortenson are doing just this, and it is more important to a lasting solution than the kinetic operations of the military.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Hoiliday Greetings
Happy holiday greetings to all! I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. 2008 has been a hectic and adventurous year for me.
As many of you know, I returned from deployment in Iraq in late 2007 after spending 15-months with 2-227 Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Lobos!). We supported Multi-National Division – Baghdad with air medical evacuation, troop transport, and command movement during the surge of forces that facilitated a significant decrease in violence in the country.
Upon redeployment, I took the time to acquire some new furniture, paint the rooms of my house in Texas, and learn to do crown molding (Thanks Aaron!). I also trained for and completed the Austin Half Marathon with fellow Lobos Josh Madlinger and Megan Robillard (who gets a shout out as the Modern Bride of the Year!). Shortly thereafter I departed Texas to report for duty with 2nd Infantry Division in Korea.
While home on leave, I took some time to craft some furniture with my step-father Jim – making a coffee table, end tables, and a TV stand. I think they turned out pretty well!
Life in Korea has been an interesting experience thus far, though not so much due to my job. I am assigned as the Special Security Officer – probably the last job in the military intelligence field I ever wanted, but I am trying to make the best of it. I am stationed at Camp Red Cloud in Uijeongbu – approximately 20 kilometers north of Seoul. I work primarily in a bunker, but I live very close to the driving range and golf course. Unfortunately, this has not helped my golf game much as I recently took dead last in the Camp Red Cloud Club Championship – receiving the coveted bowling ball prize.
I have also taken the time to participate in a number of run and team triathlon events. My team – with Paul Lashley and Alex Glade – placed first in the mixed division at the 2nd Infantry Division team triathlon and 2nd at the 8th Army competition. I also had the pleasure of completing the 10 kilometer GeyonGi Peace Run near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in northern Korea – placing 57th out of over 2600 runners. I am currently training for and plan to compete in the Seoul Marathon (full) this spring.
I have submitted and had approved my resignation request – to be effective 1 July 2009. I should depart Korea in mid-May on transition leave. I have submitted applications to Stanford Graduate School of Business, Chicago Booth School of Business, and Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. I plan to pursue my Masters in Business Administration (MBA), focusing on entrepreneurship. My goal is to enter the alternative energy industry after graduation and to eventually own my own company pursuing innovative solutions to the growing energy demand. I recommend the book Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas Friedman to anyone interested in the energy challenge we face today and into the future.
I would also like to recommend the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. The book chronicles one man’s journey that turned a failed attempt at climbing K2 into a lifetime dedication to building schools for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan (over 70 to date). Having been to Pakistan to support earthquake relief efforts in 2006, I was particularly inspired by this true story when I came across the book while in the Atlanta Airport earlier this year. I also encourage people to consider Greg’s foundation, the Central Asia Institute, when looking at charities: https://www.ikat.org/. It is my firm belief that efforts such as this are essential to finding a permanent solution to extremism.
I have had the opportunity to explore Seoul and visit the DMZ (even technically standing on North Korean territory). I also traveled to China over Thanksgiving!
Looking ahead to 2009, I plan to be on leave in February – visiting the schools I am offered admission to and choosing one. Again, I should be on transition leave in May. I have no plans right now for next summer – but I plan to enjoy the time before school starts in the fall!
I hope all is well with everyone, that you had a wonderful 2008, and have an even better 2009!
As many of you know, I returned from deployment in Iraq in late 2007 after spending 15-months with 2-227 Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Lobos!). We supported Multi-National Division – Baghdad with air medical evacuation, troop transport, and command movement during the surge of forces that facilitated a significant decrease in violence in the country.
Upon redeployment, I took the time to acquire some new furniture, paint the rooms of my house in Texas, and learn to do crown molding (Thanks Aaron!). I also trained for and completed the Austin Half Marathon with fellow Lobos Josh Madlinger and Megan Robillard (who gets a shout out as the Modern Bride of the Year!). Shortly thereafter I departed Texas to report for duty with 2nd Infantry Division in Korea.
While home on leave, I took some time to craft some furniture with my step-father Jim – making a coffee table, end tables, and a TV stand. I think they turned out pretty well!
Life in Korea has been an interesting experience thus far, though not so much due to my job. I am assigned as the Special Security Officer – probably the last job in the military intelligence field I ever wanted, but I am trying to make the best of it. I am stationed at Camp Red Cloud in Uijeongbu – approximately 20 kilometers north of Seoul. I work primarily in a bunker, but I live very close to the driving range and golf course. Unfortunately, this has not helped my golf game much as I recently took dead last in the Camp Red Cloud Club Championship – receiving the coveted bowling ball prize.
I have also taken the time to participate in a number of run and team triathlon events. My team – with Paul Lashley and Alex Glade – placed first in the mixed division at the 2nd Infantry Division team triathlon and 2nd at the 8th Army competition. I also had the pleasure of completing the 10 kilometer GeyonGi Peace Run near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in northern Korea – placing 57th out of over 2600 runners. I am currently training for and plan to compete in the Seoul Marathon (full) this spring.
I have submitted and had approved my resignation request – to be effective 1 July 2009. I should depart Korea in mid-May on transition leave. I have submitted applications to Stanford Graduate School of Business, Chicago Booth School of Business, and Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. I plan to pursue my Masters in Business Administration (MBA), focusing on entrepreneurship. My goal is to enter the alternative energy industry after graduation and to eventually own my own company pursuing innovative solutions to the growing energy demand. I recommend the book Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas Friedman to anyone interested in the energy challenge we face today and into the future.
I would also like to recommend the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. The book chronicles one man’s journey that turned a failed attempt at climbing K2 into a lifetime dedication to building schools for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan (over 70 to date). Having been to Pakistan to support earthquake relief efforts in 2006, I was particularly inspired by this true story when I came across the book while in the Atlanta Airport earlier this year. I also encourage people to consider Greg’s foundation, the Central Asia Institute, when looking at charities: https://www.ikat.org/. It is my firm belief that efforts such as this are essential to finding a permanent solution to extremism.
I have had the opportunity to explore Seoul and visit the DMZ (even technically standing on North Korean territory). I also traveled to China over Thanksgiving!
Looking ahead to 2009, I plan to be on leave in February – visiting the schools I am offered admission to and choosing one. Again, I should be on transition leave in May. I have no plans right now for next summer – but I plan to enjoy the time before school starts in the fall!
I hope all is well with everyone, that you had a wonderful 2008, and have an even better 2009!
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