Day 410: Mission Complete

My journey has finally come to a much anticipated end. And with 10 fingers, 10 toes, 4 limbs, and my life intact I have nothing more important to say than, "Thank you Lord!" Not only for my life that He has so mercifully preserved, but also for the life lessons and the opportunity to use this deployment as a way to encourage and inspire those who may be going through their own version of a "deployment". Knowing that there were family and friends following closely along with me as I journeyed "through the sand" assured me that I was sent there with a purpose much greater than what the Army had in mind for me.


I cannot end this journey without saying "Thank you" to those people whose prayers, support, and love have allowed to me to maintain my sanity these last 13 months.

To Gemma, Max, and Maya - to my most precious gifts that God has given me. Thank you for your strength, support, love, and the amazing ability to adapt to a life without me physically in it. Every second of every webcam minute and every crumb of every carefully packaged cookie that was ever sent to me reminded me of how blessed I really am, and how much God was truly watching over me.

To Mom and Dad - thank you for your unwavering support, as even in your quiet, humble ways your love speaks volumes to me. To Mom and Dad Miranda, a special thanks for your watch and care over Gemma and the children. I will never forget your generosity and thoughtful prayers this past year.


To my Family - I wish I could personally thank all of you, but that would take a while and frankly I'm exhausted. But really, every thoughtful word that was spoken, written on a card, typed on a Facebook message or blog comment, or expressed to me via a care package was an uplifting moment that would energize me for days. Thank you.


To my Friends - It was a joy to stay in touch with and reconnect with so many of you. By the way, you are all directly responsible for my Facebook addiction. Your timely words of encouragement through e-mail or even the occasional "Like It" in response to my status changes on FB made for a more pleasant day. Thanks:)


As I sign off and maneuver my way back into the "real world" I pray that this small life snippet of what I have been through has allowed us to grow closer as family & friends. You have followed me through times of great fear, frustration, pride, happiness, sadness, loneliness, impatience, courage, and accomplishment. In sharing a time in my life when I was most vulnerable, I was reminded that through dependence on others, there is great strength. Thank you all for being a source of that strength. Thank you for seeing me "through the sand".

"Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions,with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."
I Corinthians 12:9,10 NASB

Day 406: Gear Drop

I wanted to share one of the most exhilarating days of the whole deployment...GEAR TURN IN DAY! I finally returned all the combat army stuff that was given to me, the knives, canteens, gas masks, gloves, shirts, pants, cold weather clothing, extreme cold weather clothing, wet weather clothing, extreme wet weather clothing, extreme cold & wet weather clothing, fire retardant uniforms, body armor, boots, gloves, goggles, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, hiking packs, duffle bags...EVERYTHING! Check out some of the action.

An overview shot of the whole process

So excited to give it all back!

...I know that 500 dollar flashlight is in here somewhere!?!


Found It! That was close...

With a huge sigh of relief, and a few days from being reunited with Gemma and the kiddos, I'm as high as a kite on marijuana. At this point I'm trying to relax and enjoy the downtime. The journey is almost over and I know many of you are right there alongside me for the finish...

I hope many of you have been encouraged or touched by the deployment stories as it was only in knowing that I had family and friends supporting me did I make it through. I also hope that you have been blessed by the Scriptural references as they possess great power and wisdom essential to our daily existence. I know they kept me alive!

In sharing my experiences and bringing this exciting life chapter to a close, I now realize that trials are a fact of life and not an arbitrary run of bad luck. Trials hit us often when we least expect it and usually at a time no where near impeccable. My advice is to embrace it. Know that these seemingly life-altering, energy-depleting, earth-shattering events are mere inconveniences when you look at the big scheme of things. God allows trials for the purpose of maturing us, and to prepare us for a life that pales in comparison to this one.

"For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

II Corinthians 4:17,18 NASB

Day 403: Transition

Welcome to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, home to the Warrior Transition Program (WTP). Being deployed in an army uniform provides many challenges to a Navy sailor as we often have felt like fish out of water...hahahaha...man I've still got it! In an effort to ease the transition back to Navy life as I knew it 12 months ago, this 5 day program was set up to help us sailors relax and reflect on our deployment and how to use our experiences as a way to enhance the lives of our friends, families, and fellow Sailors. Workshops on post-deployment stress, adjustment issues, and reintegration tips are just some of the topics covered. Sounds like fun. It also serves as scheduled, mandatory "me" time in preparation for the onslaught of social gatherings, kiddo activities, and "honey do" errands that are waiting for me.

Here are the highlights of my INTENSE schedule that I have been subject to thus far:

Day 1:

Flight arrives from Afghanistan
2 hour bus ride to Camp Arifjan
Brunch
Discovery of Free Milkshakes
Did I mention FREE milkshakes
Shopping for work out gear that doesn't say "US Navy" on it
Table Tennis
WiFi internet at Starbucks
Table Tennis
Dinner

Day 2:

Cleaning my Pistol and Rifle
Weapons Inspection #1
Re-Cleaning of my Pistol and Rifle
Inspection #2
Re-Re-Cleaning of my Pistol and Rifle
Asking someone who knows what they are doing to help clean my Pistol and Rifle
Inspection #3
Lunch
Catching highlights of the US Open
Working Out
More window shopping
More Internet at Starbucks
Dinner

Day 3:

Gear Turn-In - Yay!
Weapons Turn-In - Double Yay!!
Lunch
Powerpoint Presentations/Workshop
Internet Time
Hit the Gym
Dinner

Day 4:

Interactive Workshops - sharing of deployment experiences
Down Time
Lunch
Medical Outprocessing - make sure I don't have PTSD
Post Office errands
Dinner

Day 5:

Guam or Bust!!

Day 401: Happy Birthday Maya!

If you were to ask me what the most significant, life-changing event I had experienced this past year was...it would have nothing to do with my career, deployment adventures, awards, or promotions. But, it would have everything to do with the most precious baby girl that came into my life on August 28, 2008 just several weeks before I had to leave for Afghanistan.



Through pictures and the technological miracle of web cam, I have been able to watch my little girl reach her developmental milestones this past year all culminating with the celebration of her first birthday. From her first smile, to watching her crawl, then sit up, eat solid food, and eventually walk...I have been blessed with the experience of being a proud papa despite being thousands of miles away.


I still recall the moment I held her in the airport when I came home for R&R, and watching her as she looked into my eyes trying to recognize me. She didn't cry, she didn't even ask for mommy, she just stared at me as if she knew I was someone that she could trust. One of those daddy moments:)



Knowing that I will be able to hold her again in a matter of days has made this birthday that much more special for me.


Maya, I love you so much. Daddy's deployment is almost over and I'll be able to be with you for so many more birthdays to come. I hope to help you grow into a beautiful young lady who will fear God and love others. Happy 1st Birthday!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth."
3 John 1:4 KJV

Day 398: Home Bound

My bags are packed and I have finally left Camp Clark. I thought this day would never come, but low and behold I am now in Kabul which is the first stop in a series of several outprocessing venues. Just to be able to sit and relax in a place where indirect fire attacks are much less frequent has afforded me the opportunity to take a huge sigh of relief!

My Ride Out of Clark

From here I'll be heading to Bagram Air Field, stop #2, and then on to Kuwait where the Navy has scheduled some much needed decompression time before we are reintegrated back into the world that I had left behind. I'll be sure to let you in on the fun when I get there!

Bags are Packed, Bagram or Bust!!

Day 393: Election Day

Today, was Afghanistan's election day. In a country that has been struggling to be an independent, self-sustaining nation, and a government that is trying to give the power to the people, there is an obvious importance in the success of this national election. For us Americans, a typical election day is a short walk or drive to a local polling place, votes are cast electronically, you get a nice sticker that says "I Voted", and we are back home in time for dinner. Here in Afghanistan, people cast their vote at the risk of losing their life as anti-Afghan forces will stop at nothing to instill fear in the people and defy the Afghan government through direct attacks on districts where voting is taking place.

An Afghan Police Officer stands watch at a polling place

President Karzai on the campaign trail


Local polling place monitors, moving ballot boxes

For us Americans forward deployed in Afghanistan, we also are on high alert during election day as American bases are also targeted during this critical period. And what do you know...in the last 24 hours, we've been attacked 3 times! Glad to report that no one was hurt, but it just reminds me that there is still much to be done.

Our Election Day Bunker

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!"
Psalm 91:1,2 NASB

Day 391: Promotion

I've experienced various milestones in my lifetime, my first day of college, completing internship, my first day as an unsupervised doctor, watching Gemma walk down the aisle, and becoming a father . In the military, we often experience similar achievements such as receiving a personal award/medal, earning a sterling evaluation, or a rank promotion. Today, I was blessed with a 2-fer. On the brink of completing my first deployment, my boss comes up to me during dinner and congratulates me on my promotion to the rank Lieutenant Commander! I thought it would be special to share this experience with my family and friends who have been following me on this long journey.

I, Michael G Mercado, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, and without mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

Day 386: Achievement

Today, marks my final day of mentoring duties and has been a day that has been highly anticipated by many of the Afghan medical staff. Certificate presentation day:) Afghans love, I mean LOVE, being presented with certificates of achievement. If they could wear it on their uniform I'm sure they would pin it on somewhere! It was indeed an honor to present them with a small token of appreciation for the 10 months that they have worked with me.

Attention to Award!

A Job Well Done

Looking back at the things that we've accomplished: the medical training classes, working side-by-side on trauma cases, cleaning warehouses, providing humanitarian care to the local populace, and adding improvements to the clinic facility, I can honestly say that I will be leaving behind a clinic that is better equipped to accomplish it's mission than when I first arrived.


As long as we, both Afghans and Coalition together, continue to take even small steps in the direction of progress. We will undoubtedly reach the goal of having the citizens of Afghanistan relinquish control of their country, and we will finally go home.

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things;
I will put you in charge of many things."
Matthew 25:21 NIV

Day 383: Meritorious Service

Being in the Navy for more than 5 years I have seen many awards ceremonies for sailors. As a medical officer, I noticed that military decorations don't come along too often for young Navy physicians as up to this point my Navy uniform is essentially bare. Well, my time has finally come. In exchange for being away from family, friends, and being in harms way for a prolonged period of time...I get to have my first military decorations presented to me. In a way, I was reminded of the feelings that I felt during previous graduations, the sense of accomplishment, the sacrifice, the hard work, and the thoughts of the future that lies ahead.

As part of my blog entry, I went ahead and posted the official citation of the 2 personal awards I was given.

THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

For exceptionally meritorious service while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Camp Clark Medical Officer in Charge and Combat Clinical Operations Advisor, Afghan Regional Security Integration Command-East, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. Lieutenant Mercado's tireless efforts, dedication, professionalism, and clinical acumen greatly contributed to the health and welfare of Camp Clark personnel, and the overall success of the Brigade's mission. His performance of duty in a combat zone reflects great credit upon himself, the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, the United States Central Command, and the United States Navy.

MILITARY OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL

For selfless service, and volunteering over 600 hours of his time in care of the people Khowst, Afghanistan. Lieutenant Mercado prepared an abandoned building for use as a medical clinic and humanitarian distribution center for villages in the Nadir Shah Kot district. He coordinated medical care, as triage, pharmacy, and humanitarian aid coordinator, to over 2000 local nationals and distributed over 20 tons of humanitarian assistance over an 11 month period. His tireless efforts led to the donation of an additional 10 tons of supplies in direct support of the humanitarian efforts of the clinic, local Shuras, and Spera COP which has made a lasting impact on the relations between the local populace and the Afghan National Security Forces. His volunteer service in support of the Afghan community and combined counterinsurgency efforts reflects distinct credit upon him, the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, the Central Command, and the United States Navy.

A post-awards ceremony picture with my good friend,
Verdell Mitchell


The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
Psalms 18:20 NIV

Day 382: Short Timer Syndrome

CASE: 31 y/o male, Navy physician who has been deployed to Afghanistan for a year in support of US Army operations. As his first deployment, he has been assigned to a small forward operation base in the Southeastern province of Khowst where Taliban activity is highly prevalent and mortar/rocket attacks are commonplace. After 10 months of mentoring Afghan Army soldiers, running into bunkers for cover, eating with plastic silver ware, being subject to dial up speed internet, and providing medical care for US troops, he has now been offered to be released from theater to be back home with his family within the next 2 weeks.

A Popular Depiction of a Short Timer's Calendar

Since that time he has been experiencing a myriad of symptoms to include a heightened increase in morale, anxiety, restlessness, euphoria, and an intense urge to do nothing. He is often seen with big smile on his face as soldiers walk by him and refer to him as, "Short Timer", not realizing that they are only exacerbating his symptoms further.

DISCUSSION: The Short Timer's Syndrome, or STS, was described and studied in the military especially during the first 2 World Wars. The STS has been well-documented in every military conflict since that time. Associated with longer tours of duty, the STS is described as a shift in morale, rise in anxiety, and a withdrawl from commitment to combat. In many cases, the soldier has lost so much combat effectiveness that they had to be moved to noncombatant positions as the end of their tour approached. The behavioral patterns noted among short timers in the military can be dramatic, such as this classic description from 1967,

"There is the period of anxious apprehension, a potentially severe syndrome of emotional distress beginning mildly two to three months before rotation,but usually occurring obviously in the last three weeks of the tour and most marked the last three days prior to rotation. Irritability seems to alternate with euphoria. Pacing is a common sign. Quiet hard working individuals who for eleven and three quarters months have put up with deprivations, long working hours, and continually increased demands will suddenly behave in a rather inappropriate manner.”

A Classic Case of Severe STS

References:

Stawicki, SP. Short timers syndrome among medical trainees: Beyond Burnout, OPUS 12 Scientist 2008;2(1):30-32.

Day 377: Peace

Well I'm back in deployment mode (sort of) and ready to take on these next few weeks before finally going home:) Things have been rather slow around here as I have already passed on most of my responsibilities onto the new medical provider who arrived just before I left on leave. I actually feel rather out of place being unemployed.

Today, was actually fun as we opened up the doors of the Camp Clark Community Clinic once again to distribute the much desired humanitarian supplies in the form of school supplies, shoes, food, and water. As I stood and watched the kids with their enthusiastic smiles and infectious energy I realized that I never got to catch even a few seconds of it on video.

What you hear them saying is, Walaikum Salaam translated "And unto you, peace" , a response to the typical Muslim greeting of Salaam Alaikum - which means "Peace be unto you".


I've repeatedly used this greeting not realizing that what I was saying was so much more than a mere "hello". I was wishing them something that they have been longing for, something that I am here fighting for. As I reflect back on the things that I've accomplished during this arduous deployment I can only hope that the work that has been done here will bring them ever so closer to a life full of peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NASB

Day 367: R&R

I just finished my 2 weeks of R&R aka rest & relaxation/recuperation time with my family who is situating nicely on the island of Guam. The worst thing about being there was knowing that it would all come to an abrupt end, and I would eventually find myself back in Afghanistan:( Well, that time has come and after close to 30 hours of economy class seating I am now in Kuwait waiting for yet another cramped flight to take me back to Afghanistan.

You may be wondering what exactly did I do for the 2 weeks that I was there. If you could imagine with me the things that you would do if you were away from "normal life" for close to a year, and I would bet that your list would share some things in common with mine. Here is my R&R intinerary in no particular order...


Hugged Gemma and the kids over and over again, hugged a former military Vet, took walks in civilian clothes, ordered food from a menu, took a deep breath of fresh air, drove a car, pushed Maya in a stroller, pushed Max in a stroll, went for an outdoor jog on a paved road, arranged for our internet and phone to get installed, renewed our lease, went grocery shopping, had my Navy uniform pants tailored, picked up packages at the post office, sent off packages, went to church, sang a solo for church, enjoyed church potluck, went out to eat at most of my favorite restaurants with my favorite people, took Gemma and the kids to Underwater world, enjoyed an oceanside sunset...


...spent time with my mom who was visiting, enjoyed several servings of Halo Halo, played Nintendo Wii, watched the Food Network, read bedtime stories to Max, took Max to the library


...tried to get Maya to walk before leaving, but I wasn't successful, cleaned up the kids' play area, gave the kids baths, gave Max toothbrushing tips, changed diapers...lots of diapers, reconnected with family and friends, got sunburned from swimming at the pool, drove around the island, attended a birthday party, watched Max try and hit a pinata, attempted to ride a skateboard



...bowled a >150 game, helped Max bowl...he converted a difficult split, had the youth over for bible study, worked on helping Gemma unpack, went shopping for new sunglasses, was in awe of just how fast cable internet really is, played with Gemma's cool SLR Nikon camera, had Miyosaki Butterfish at Roy's Restaurant, had Salt & Pepper Tofu from Shirley's, walked around Chamorro Village, checked out the carnival, enjoyed the Liberation Day Parade...man I'm pooped.

Will be back home soon!

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30 NASB

Day 350: Home Again

I'm home! I'm home! I'm home! Words cannot express what I've been feeling since I held my family for the first time in almost a year. With that emotional high, I will take a break from the blog to spend 15 wonderful days with my Gemma, Maxwell, and Maya Lourdes back home on the island of Guam. No mortar attacks, no convoys, no shower shoes, no weapons...ahhh paradise!

Day 347: Journey Home

As I am sitting here in my temporary hotel room here in Dallas, I finally have a chance to chronicle the first leg of my journey home...


July 3rd: First stop, a 10 minute Chinook helicopter ride to Forward Operating Base Salerno. As I was ordering a Subway sandwich, a rocket attack occurred. I hit the quickly hit the ground and pulled a civilian reporter down with me who was also in line ordering a sandwich. I think she was mad because I may have reaggravated a prior knee injury...one of the hazards of being out here I guess!



July 4th: I then caught a Black Hawk helicopter ride from Salerno to Bagram Air Field (BAF). A very scenic flight. I wish I had pictures. While at BAF I enjoyed a DQ Butterfinger Blizzard as well as 4th of July celebration lunch before flying out to my next destination...


July 5th: Kuwait...I've never been there before, but all I could think of is HEAT! I think it was 120 degrees there. It was not that exciting of a stop...lots of paperwork, briefings, customs, and crowded transient tents. The coolest thing there was a large concrete barrier of the Guam flag...reminds me of home!


July 6th: All I have is 2 words. FIRST CLASS! I finally scored some first class seating on the plane home from Kuwait to Dallas. Ahhhh...now I see what all the fuss is about. Plush leather seating with Lazy Boy recliner features, talk about comfort. Included a nice sunset view as we flew over Germany.



The first half of my journey home ended with a warm homecoming by some very grateful Dallas residents. As we walked out of baggage claim we were greeted by loud cheers, balloons, handshakes, cameras, and even candy bars. For a moment, I felt like a celebrity:) Above is a picture with some very enthusiastic kids...

Man I'm beat! Can't wait for tomorrow...Guam here I come!