Happy 4th of July from Iraq!

Happy 4th of July from here in Iraq!  It was actually hotter here than it was in Phoenix today (over 130 in the sun).  My run at 0430 was still cool in the 80's, however.  I also had the opportunity to make a quick flight home to support my sister-in-law Kelli in the Arcadia parade.  Luckily the fast military flights got me there and back before I was listed as AWOL!

We are able to remain social here as well as keep up the Navy tradition of drinking to celebrate events, both social and ceremonial.  For example, we enjoyed a beer pong tournament tonight at our 4th of July celebration…..

We also enjoy Friday pizza nights (made in an actual brick oven out in back of our hospital) followed by a movie.  Our first movie was Jumanji (the remake) three weeks ago followed by Black Panther last week.  Steph commented that it "really does look like M*A*S*H !"

 

Movie/pizza nights on Fridays are followed by Pancake Saturdays, which, of course, include wonderful and delicious Mimosa's!

 

 

Finally, as I said at the beginning, even Navy ceremonies, such as the promotions we had this week, had to includes drinks.  A nice refreshing beer float in my case!

 

 

It is nice to remain social and keep some semblance of the normalcy of home, even where we are across the globe serving our country.  Everywhere around the base were patriotic flags, letter, colors, and reminders of what our families are celebrating back home.  Please remember those in harms way over here and around the globe and keep us in your prayers that our medical skills will never be needed, but that if they are, may we be ready and able to skillfully take care of those who risk their lives everyday so that everyone back home can enjoy the lives we enjoy and all too often take for granted.  Happy 4th of July and God bless America!