Colleen left the IZ three days ago, and this morning, for the first time, I wasn’t surprised by the sight of her empty bunk. The first couple of nights were pretty rough; I was very lonely and found that I couldn’t get the “Saying Goodbye” song from The Muppets Take Manhattan out of my head.

Colleen is embarking on a journey that, to me, makes her awfully courageous – she is walking away from a good corporate job to become a full time student again. Resurrecting a dream that she pushed aside ten years ago, she has entered an accelerated education program that will result in her becoming what she has always truly wanted to be: a nurse. I can’t think of a more honorable and desperately needed profession, and Colleen has all of the skills to do it well.

So I ask all of you, my family and friends, to keep Colleen in your thoughts and prayers as she makes this incredible transition. And selfishly, if you could pray for me a bit as I finish out my tour here, I would appreciate it as well. Despite the fact that I can now control the air conditioner, my little home away from home is not as warm and welcoming as it was when I shared it with “The Princess”.

Best of luck, Colleen, and we’re all very proud of you!!

“Together We Go.” The MNSTC-I motto has drawn snickers from many as it does sound decidedly unmilitary. However, a sad event has caused me to ponder its true meaning, and how it affects us all.

Today, we held a memorial service for Air Force Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Christopher Frost, who was killed in the line of duty four days ago. Memorial services are difficult by their very nature; the roll call drives the painful point home.

“Staff Sergeant Frost!” Silence.

“Staff Sergeant Christopher Frost!” Silence.

“Staff Sergeant Christopher S. Frost!” The rifles fire, Taps is played, and our hearts quietly break.

SSgt Frost was the editor of The Advisor, a publication released by the MNSTC-I public affairs office. Its purpose is to highlight the accomplishments of the Iraqi Military and Police Forces, and the advances that they have made in their quest to assume full responsibility for the security of their country. SSgt Frost, who routinely reported on the Iraqi Air Force, was aboard one of their helicopters when it went down during inclement weather. He died alongside seven Iraqi airmen, whose story he was undoubtedly planning to tell.

Together We Go. Every day, we fight alongside our Iraqi brethren, whether on the battlefield or in the office. At their side, we encourage them in their successes and console them in their failures. We argue and plead with them when they’re off course. We celebrate their victories. It doesn’t matter if we’re here five more years or fifty. Their futures are linked closely with our own, because when they’re capable of managing operations within their country, we can return to ours.

Together We Go. SSgt Christopher Frost exemplified the spirit of MNSTC-I; may we always remember his example and be mindful of his sacrifice. Please pray for his family and friends as they mourn the loss of a hero.