The update

I am sorry I haven’t written in so long. The reason for this is because I have been busy with my parents and the army. The last time I wrote, my parents had just arrived in the country. I had a fun two weeks with them, showing them all I could do and what I have learned. It was a lot of fun seeing them, and time really seemed to fly by.

Then, when I got back to the army, I learned that I would have another chance to see them again real soon. In fact, within three weeks I was back with my family and this time back in the US. It was a lot of fun to be back home and see how much has changed. It was also great to finally sit down with my old friends and enjoy some catching up time.

During the three weeks in the army, I did not achieve much. I am suffering from knee problems and have gone to see multiple doctors on this. Since most of the doctors are Jews, I never get the same opinion twice. Because of this, I still do not know what is wrong with my knee or how to begin to help it.

With the knee usually acting up either randomly or after a long walks or with weight, my commanders decided it would not be a good idea for me to do everything the unit was doing. The reason is because while the army is a great experience, it only lasts three years and not the rest of your life, like your body.

So, while everyone was out in the field learning new things, I was busy at base doing a mixture of kitchen duty and guard work. I can now say proudly that I can cook French fries and French toast :) It was also during these three weeks that I met with different army leaders and discussed my situation with them. The first one I met with was the MP (officer of all my pluga, around 150 soldiers.) He said that it was a real shame that I was injured because I was one of the better soldiers and have excelled nicely. However he said that since your body comes first, I would no longer be in the unit and a have a combat role in the army. He then asked me what job I would like. I told him I wanted to be a paramedic in the unit, so that I could do what I wanted and still see my friends. He said that was a noble job and would help me achieve this new goal.

Then, a few days later, I met with another head general. He agreed with my MP that the body comes first and that paramedics were a great job. He to promised to help me any way he could and said that it will all turn out ok in the end.

Then last week Wednesday, I went to a base in the south and met with the Magad (head of the entire Special Forces Nahal unit) and he said that due to medical reasons I would not be able to continue with the unit and in a combat role. He said that I would be spending the next few weeks working in the medical clinic on base and that as soon as the next wave of medics were sent to the course, I would be as well. Then when I am done with the course and if there is still a spot open in the paramedics course, I will be sent to that job.

I was so happy to finally be doing something I wanted. I was also sad to be leaving my friends. I’m upset, that I’m leaving my friends. It’s amazing that almost after a year; the bonds we make in the army are so close. This bond that brings two people closer together then friendship or brotherhood ever could. This is what I’m the saddest about leaving.

However, with medic’s course and then paramedic’s course on the horizon, I know everything will turn out ok.

Some other highlights of the week:

Tuesday:

Everyone who was on base and didn’t go out into the field went on a trip to visit families whom have lost their children in the Nahal Unit. We went out to a hotel, which was paid for by Nahal and was hosting the families, and went on a trip to a historical sight. We then went back and talked with the families and ate with them.

Thursday:

I said good bye to all my friends and my commander