I started out with a patriotic theme; it was, after all the Fourth of July. I figured I would end with a patriotic theme. I will rely on my own story of patriotism and my time in the army. My Desert Storm career will be the focus of my post.

The unit I was in for Desert Storm was the 3rd Armored Division, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. Iwas assigned to 143rd Signal Battalion. We were tasked with providing communications for the forward deployed M1A1 Abrams equipped division.

I flew over in a C-141 Air Force Transport Plane, nice accomodations.

I wasn't anticipating being to close to the "front" but I crossed over to Iraq with Abrams tanks abreast of me.

Drove through some nice communities and made some friends.

But most of I left with a souvenir, circled in red on an MRI.

Government Mascots

Something I found quite interesting while doing some research at work. My department, the Department of Homeland Security, has a mascot. Not only do we have a mascot but we have a full family of mascots. We have Rex the father, Purrcilla the mother and the Rory and Hector, Rory's friend.

What's even more incredible is there are other government entities with mascots like McGruff the Crime Dog from the National Crime Prevention Council.

We also have Yucca Mountain Johnny from the Department of Energy and of course, Smokey the Bear and Woodsy Owl from the US Forest Service.

So, are these good public awareness campaigns or a waste of government funds? You decide and let me know what you think.