A Soldier's Journey: Stephen M. McGowan

Some of the female medics I know have signed up to be in the "Lioness" program. The Lionesses go with infantry units and deal with the women and children they come in contact with during raids etc. I will be teaching a class for them on operating in close combat. It's kind of funny since I'm a medic. But, I was requested because, as scouts, we are outside the FOB [Forward Operating Base] more than anyone else. So I will be passing on some of my experience here.

I hope all is well back in the States. I miss you all and hope to see you soon.
Love Stephen

The Elections
2/01/05

Hello to Everyone,
Well the elections are over, as I'm  sure you have seen on CNN. Thankfully, they went off with little interuption. Only a few small problems, but nothing too big. The only unfortunate part was that only 1500 people voted. That's about half of one percent of the city's  population. So I wouldn't necessarily call it a success, but it was the first real election here. So now they can begin to write their constitution. Next December will be the presidential elections. … Some  people are disappointed at the election turnout, but you have to understand the society we're dealing with. These people have never had even a taste of the freedom we are offering them. They have never had a country of their own that was worth fighting for. It's like offering a book of wisdom to a blind man. It's useless without helping them along. But, I do know this country will be left better than we found it. So I will continue  to throw on my flak vest and pick up my weapon each day, head  out the gate, and try to get them one step closer to freedom, and myself one step closer to home. Take care all.
Stephen

A 'Funny' Thing Happened
2/11/05

Hello Everyone,
Cruel irony reared it's ugly head the other day. ... A buddy of mine, Sgt. Pope, got hit with an IED and took shrapnel in the foot. He's fine, but he got sent to Germany for some surgery. The "funny"  thing was it was one day before he went on leave. So my fingers are crossed that I don't share the same fate because I laughed at him. So I hope my Irish luck holds out. That seems to be it for now. I'm still counting down the days (18) until I can see you all again. Hope this finds you all well.
Stephen