When all else fails

Chapter 9

"HN Fredrickson, welcome to 1/2." Chief Smith states sitting behind his desk. "we have assigned you as a line Corpsman for Alpha company. They are in the field for a couple days so when they return HM3 Sheppered will introduce you to the unit commander. For now you will be in the BAS helping with sick call and learning the way things work here. Any questions?"

"No Chief I am just eager to get started" I simply state

"As you are probably aware, we are getting ready for deployment in a month there is still a lot of training you will need to go through before we leave. Alpha company will insure you are trained in all that is needed before departure. You aren't the only new member to their company."

"I understand and I was maid aware of that as I was checking in. thank you for all the information."

"not at all I want your time with us to be successful. Head into the BAS find HM1 Baker he will let you know what to do."

"Thank you chief" I say as I turn and head out of his office. As I step into the BAS I quickly find HM1 and introduce my self.

"Well sick call is over for the day. We are working on organizing for the deployment. HM3 Shults is in the supply locker why don't you see what you can do to help."

I find the supply locker and start helping. The next 3 days I spend in sick call and in the locker moving and unpacking boxes just to pack them in another box. Its tedious work but I can tell that I am helping a lot. The good thing about being at a command and not in school is I can go home every night. I am free from work at 4:00 PM and its like everyone gets out at exactly the same time. The traffic is horrendous. I get home about 30 minuets after Carol gets home.

"What the fuck took you so long getting home." Carol yells with her arms crossed.

"The traffic coming off base was horrible." I say simply

"Yeah that's what they all fucking say. Who did you find?"

"seriously no one Carol. I came right home as soon as I was released."

"Yeah whatever. Dinner is ready" she turns and walks into the kitchen.

"Dinner sounds amazing. Thank you"

We sit down in the living room flip on the TV and just relax and talk about our days. "Wait so your fucking deploying in what a fucking month. What the fuck am I going to do" she says as I can tell she is starting to get irritated.

"well we knew when I was stationed with, the marines there was a likely hood that this would happen. We will get thought this I promise." I say sympathetically as I gently place my arm around her shoulder pulling in for a hug.

She relaxes into my embrace and we finish our show like that. After the show we head to bed. The next 3 days go by the same way. When Alpha company returned, I was quickly introduced to the company commander, and assigned my squad. My eight-man squad is going to the rang the rest of the week I am instructed to gear up and go with them.

At the range we are learning and practicing clearing rooms and houses. As well as practice shooting and quick and effective ways to drop an enemy. Each night we don't get back to the unit until 4:30 and it takes and hour and a half to clean my rifle and check it in. of course, I gave Carol a call before as soon as I knew I was going to be late letting her know. It didn't seam to matter much as soon as I got home, she blew up on me accusing me of cheating again and going back to my diapers. As I try to explain again why I was late I quickly learn that it doesn't matter what I say. So, I just let her go off and blow her steam.

As the weeks progress and the time for departure our field ops become more and more frequent to the point, I am away from home more often than at home. I lean that PT with my squad and company is a pain a lot harder than when I was in school, but it is needed. I am expected to go as far as any of my marines and back if they get hurt. I get really good at the range.

When I a home I try to make the best of it. And show her all the love I have for her. Even when it seams all the love is one sided. Once a week we would gather all our gear, and have it inspected to insure we still had it all.

As the day of my departure arrived things had settled down between Carol and me. She drove me to the unit to see me off. I introduced her to some of the members of my squad. We ended up hanging out with PVT Patrick Jessup. He had quickly became one of my closer friends.

"Damn doc you got your self a good woman" Patrick whispers in my ear.

"Yeah I found my self a real catch didn't I" I say back as I glance at her.

"what are you too talking about over there?" Carol says gently elbowing me in the ribs.

"oh, nothing just how much I love you" I say bending over to kiss her.

"Ok you two that's enough" Patrick says as he chuckles.

"You just keep this idiot safe out there Patrick" she glances over my shoulder looking at him.

"Oh you know I will do my best."

We get called to muster up and start to load the busses. I give Carol a kiss as I get in formation. We load the bus and as we start to drive off, I watch out the window and see Carol crying. I sit back in my seat and relax for the drive to the plains we are taking to Iraq.

"Don't worry Doc, you will see her again" Patrick says as he relaxes into his seat next to me.

"I know, I know still just my first deployment and not all that easy." I say with a sigh.

"I know, its mine also. Just ain't leaving anyone behind"

"I am starting to wonder if its not for the best" I say with a chuckle.

"No, you have the better deal. I am going to get some shut eye. Make sure I am up when we get there."

"you act like Gunny would let us sleep though" I say as I laugh.

When we get to the airport we file of the bus and go straight on to the plane. we take our seats. As I watch the ground move by faster and faster then start to drop away from us as we take off. My thoughts turn to what we are headed off to do and where we are going.