Michelle Malkin » “Back in the suck”

“Back in the suck”

By Michelle Malkin • February 4, 2008 07:48 PM

Milblogger Teflon Don is headed back to Iraq–this time as an independent civilian photojournalist. Check his site for reports you won’t see in the MSM.

From his announcement post:

I learned some things the last time I was in Iraq- I learned of courage, and brotherhood. I learned that there is no glory in war- there are few heroes, and many decent, ordinary men too stubborn to realize that their actions are irrational, dangerous, and, well… heroic. I learned of emotional agony and of empathy; I also learned how to be callous. I learned how to tell someone with your eyes that you would kill him if he didn’t cave. I lost some timidity, and gained self-respect. The war did not make me a man- rather; I learned through the war some essential elements of manhood.

There must be a name for this sickness, for this consuming malady that compels some few of us back into the conflict, back into the desert. It feels like a mild form of addiction- there’s the drive to get more of it, and the rush, and the memories. It comes without the wasting, without the needle marks (that’s a lie, actually- I have a wicked bruise in my elbow right now from blood tests), but it brings its own scars, flashbacks, and dementia. There’s something very existential about it- I am forever the sum of my experiences, after all, and time spent in austere environs, separated from my comfortable life and often in the heat of combat certainly qualifies as life experience.

I’m happy to be on my way back again…

…Once I get to Kuwait, I will likely be unable to update for some time. I’m told that the damaged cables the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf have brought internet access in the region to a virtual (heh heh) standstill. In the meantime, spread the word that Teflon Don is back in the suck and blogging again.

Posted in: Iraq, Milblogs

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#1

On February 4th, 2008 at 7:56 pm, John Ansell said:

Stay safe Teflon Don.
#2

On February 4th, 2008 at 8:08 pm, ajmontana said:

ditto that john and God Speed.
#3

On February 4th, 2008 at 8:10 pm, Blind_Mule said:

May the armour of God protect you and keep you safe.
#4

On February 4th, 2008 at 8:17 pm, TXRose said:

Prayers for you and as ever, for our troops.
#5

On February 4th, 2008 at 8:18 pm, docflash said:

Its not a sickness,Im in my 31st year of active and reserves,3 wars,my wife has said for years that we have a glitch,a character flaw and there is nothing you can do about it.Born with it,God speed Don.
#6

On February 4th, 2008 at 8:22 pm, The Raging Republican said:

“Back in the suck”

Yeah, I think that is what Billy Boy is going to be saying if his wife can get him back into the Oval Office.
#7

On February 4th, 2008 at 8:31 pm, winemkr said:

It’s called “Living the Dream”.

At least that’s what we called it in the smaller specialized units of the military.

Welcome to the club.
#8

On February 4th, 2008 at 8:46 pm, zorro said:

Check his site for reports you won’t see in the MSM.

He’s on the list now. Thanks and good luck.
#9

On February 4th, 2008 at 8:48 pm, Barry F. said:

Be safe, Don. May you have an uneventful trip to and from Iraq.
#10

On February 4th, 2008 at 8:54 pm, twiggman said:

Good luck and please be safe Don…
#11

On February 4th, 2008 at 9:05 pm, UberInfidel67 said:

#5…I wouldn’t call it a flaw. Maybe…..”a positive character trait”? May they all be made of Teflon.
#12

On February 4th, 2008 at 10:16 pm, nbarry said:

“When you pass through the waters, He will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not flood you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, neither shall any flame come upon you.” Keep the faith.
#13

On February 4th, 2008 at 10:16 pm, Snooper said:

Always Embrace The Suck.

HOOAH!
#14

On February 5th, 2008 at 10:21 am, jungatheart said:

Don’t forget to take your wheelbarrow with you. Without it you won’t be able to carry your balls around.
#15

On February 5th, 2008 at 1:12 pm, MDH3 said:

Godspeed, TD. Looking forward to the dispatches.
#16

On February 25th, 2008 at 10:47 pm, Terry_Jim said:

God Bless you!
May the promise of
Psalm 91 be yours.