Red joined Foothills CrossFit and was soon shipped off to Iraq. She has been CrossFitting while there and will be returning to Foothills soon. Here are some pics from the 4th of July. Picture of one of our F-16's in the HAS (hardened area shelter).

The next pictures are looking directly at the same HAS from about 150 feet, and again from about 350 feet. Our pilots were out and about checking out the lovely cloak of darkness. I think I actually prefer the storms. It's almost like Colorado - really hot without relief, then the storm comes in and we get some reprieve to about 100 degrees. The sandy days feel like a cool summer breeze in comparison to the Hell degrees hot that feels like you're sitting in an oven.

When days are like this, we don't fly. No one flies. Nothing and no one in or out of the immediate area, including patients. Of course if there is an emergency of any sort, we will make the magic happen. We've been pretty lucky with a lack of emergencies...so no flying. We're out of some simple things like fresh fruits and veggies. No lettuce, tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew - but we are still being very well taken care of. Kerchiefs and eye protection are abundant to protect our eyes and lungs. We typically have a ton of respiratory complaints coming into the clinic and the ER following dust storms like this one. It's lasted for 3 days so far, and looks like we'll have a few more days of it. Today is the most severe by far.

The time is winding down and I'll be heading home soon.

It is bitter-sweet, as I feel that there is still something for me to do here, yet I miss home as well. I have made some incredible friends, pushed myself in ways I never thought possible, and have learned a great deal (even under some very stressful working conditions). I'm reminded daily of the importance of the 'little things' in life and how important it is to make every day count. In my line of work, that philosophy is always on the forefront of my thoughts, here is is even more potent.

Thanks Red for everything you all are doing to keep us safe!