I'm still alive and I'm still in Afghanistan. I won't be here for too much longer. The deployment is drawing to an end. I just went down to Helmand Province. I flew down on a British Sea King helicopter. Not the best ride in Afghanistan, but it beats walking.

And no...I didn't see any royalty.

Some of the friends I have made here are leaving. I'll miss them, but I'm glad they're going home. A year is a long time and they need to be home with their families. Also, their departure means mine is just around the corner!