Back from Okinawa

Finally back to the states. It was certainly a bittersweet goodbye to Okinawa, and I will miss the ER, the staff, and the patients, but I am glad to be back on US soil!

I was told last year when I was getting ready to go to Okinawa that military personnel assigned there either "find the bottle or find God." I am happy to say that I found P90X and a spin class instead! I think it was certainly much healthier for me!

I did, however, have to put in a couple of pics of the Corpsmen Cove, our local all-ranks "club" on base. I did get to go there a few times,though, including the official command Hail and Farewell in August and when Steph came to let her sample one of the local brews- Orion (pronounce "oh-ree-on" not "oh-rye-on."). Although it is no JT's, it does have a certain "uniqueness" being a converted 1950's Quonset hut.

It had been months since I had Mexican food, so I began in San Diego how I left- by going out to Mexican food downtown. Boy, I never realized how much you can miss chips and salsa growing up in Phoenix.

Only a couple more days until I get to see Steph! Yea!

LCDR Butler

Leaving Okinawa

Finally, the day has come to check out of my "home" for last 9 months! My bike, a suitcase, and some kitchen/workout stuff got shipped back last friday. I was kinda bittersweet watching them pack up.

Another ER doc, Heather and I had our "Farewell" party last friday and enjoyed watching a fire-eater and our last true Japanese Karaoke with some of the corpsmen and Japanese interns, and other doctors. Yoshi is singing a beer drinking song "Orion" (the local brew). You can hear the song (I am told) on Utube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGLvF0c7N4k&feature=related

On my last day of work yesterday, the Japanese interns gave me a "Jinbei" and made me wear it in the ER! The staff had cake and food and many well wishes. Again, a bittersweet ending, but I can't wait to get home to see Steph, Ben and Morgan. Only 4 more days! YEA!

LCDR Butler

UofA 34 Iowa 27 CATS WIN NAILBITER!

UofA vs Iowa

Finally, AFN (Armed Forces Network) announced the time for the UofA/Iowa game for this weekend. Whew! I was getting worried that it would not be on. I will be glued to my (19 inch) TV in the BOQ! Unfortunately, I will not be at the game in person. My family will be there rooting on the Cats, as will "in-laws" from Iowa rooting on the Hawkyeys! It is sure to be a great time! Have fun!

GO CATS!

LCDR Butler

Thanks to all for all my birthday cards, presents, and well wishes. They have finally stopped trickling in, and totalled 25 cards and two new t-shirts. The cards were very funny and I appreciate everyone for making my 42nd birthday special despite being spent halfway around the world and without family!

My shifts are trickling down, and I am left with only two 8-hr shifts to go in the ER. Wow! The last 9 months have really flown! I had my last ER staff meeting last week, and the staff continues to make me feel appreciated and wanted by asking me to stay. I took the opportunity to thank all of THEM, as a soon to be civilian again, for their service to our country, as they do a fantastic job every day and don't always get to hear that. Although I certainly appreciate the sentiments and compliments, I truly can't wait to get home soon to my wonderful family, who have been so supportive during these 9 months.

I can't believe I am going to miss the UofA/Iowa game by less than a week, but that is the case nevertheless! I know all my immediate and extended family will have a great time being rivals for a day, and rooting on their respective teams. I will be cheering for the Cats sunday morning Okinawa time during the game and wearing my colors proudly!

LCDR Butler

9/11

It's the 9th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, and it seems like only yesterday. I remember quite vividly watching it unfold on live TV that Tuesday morning. I remember the shock and sadness and helplessness I felt. Hundreds of thousands of people have died since that horrible day. I have friends and family of various religions and political beliefs, but I ask all of you today to keep the goal of peace in your thoughts, prayers, and votes. However, until we achieve peace, please keep your thoughts and prayers with our service men and women, who quite literally put their lives on the line every day in service to our country and our way of life. They do this voluntarily, and deserve our thanks and respect. Godbless all of them and their families. Rest in peace to everyone that died that tragic day and since, all around the globe.

LCDR Butler

REALITY CHECK

Today was a very big reality check for me. This was the first time I personally knew someone who was killed in action. Today was the memorial service for a young Corpsman that I worked with for 3 months when I first arrived. I did not even realize that he had been gone that long when I read in the paper recently of a young Corpsman that had been killed in action in Afghanistan on Aug 27th. It couldn't be MY corpsman, could it?!!? Then, yesterday, I received the email notice of his memorial service today at the chapel. KIA at age 20. I now realize just how dangerous their job really is. Navy Corpsmen go out fighting with Marines, but then also are responsible to selflessly care for their injured Marines while ignoring their own safety. I can't think of a more dangerous situation. More dangerous than the Marines have themselves. He was barely 3 years older than Benjamin. He was buried in Arlington on his 21st birthday. My friend Rob, was in attendance.

Life is short. Live like you're dying... we all are.

Godbless you HM3 Swink, and thank you for your service. You will be sorely missed.

LCDR Butler