I think about the smells. That Army Smell of must, of copper... of Gunpowder. Of Copernhagen mixed with gun cleaning oil, and old beer. I think about walking around in BDU's so crisp they cut you. Or walking around in BDU's that are so old they're almost falling off, but they're your favorite set 'cause they fit so nice. Of wearing that PC that almost stands up on its own 'cuase you got it rolled just right. I think about the Barracks parties... the stupid ♥♥♥♥... taking a huge ♥♥♥♥ in the latrine and leaving a note on the ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ that says "Don't flush for 24 hours... let the little guy have his freedom".

The adrenaline of having bullets snap over your head on a live-fire. Smelling the air from the side of a Blackhawk while flying around... and staring at the treetops under your boots on a SPIE rig.

Smelling jet-fuel in a Bird. Sleeping with your head on your reserve in flight. The rush of the air and everyone's ears popping when the jump doors opened. Hearing that call "ALL OKAY JUMPMASTER" and knowing that in 30 seconds you'll go from roaring chaos to quiet blissfull peace while you plummet to earth...1....2....3....there's the canopy.

Multiple smokings in the Pit, but getting to do it to others as you grow in Batt. Having the closest friends in your life near you, and saying "WHat's UP ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥" by way of greeting... but it meaning "You're closer than my own brother, because I'd give my life for you to make sure you go home" and knowing he's saying the same thing.

Walking along and seeing an officer and saluting with "Rangers Lead The Way Sir" and meaning every word of it. Seeing your Privates hang on every word of yours, and only comparing that feeling to having kids, because you love them as much as you'd love your own kids, and almost more, because you'll be asking them to trust you and follow you into combat.

Seeing Civilians here whine about having to walk up a flight of stairs becuase the elevator is down. Hearing them talk about their self-worth in terms of how much STUFF they have. Seeing them expect something they haven't earned. Not knowing the meaning of the word "HONOR". Having an ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ walk into my office, see my Beret... and grabbing it without asking and holding it like a dead rat. Then seeing him try to put it on his head, and complaining when you reason with him by way of a fist on WHY rudeness is not tolerated.

Having girls look at you, and the guy next to you, and picking him because he's got that nice new Porsche, but he's a liar and a cheat. Not that that matters to them though... they are the same way. Telling someone you'll do something, and then actually doing it...and them being surprised because you're the first person who actually followed through on your word.

Yeah, I miss it.

I'm on the Right... Good Old Days
Video I cut together right after Iraq
This still gives me chills