BALAD, Iraq –
Senior Master Sgt. Mark Lounello
Home Unit: 192nd Fighter Wing Chapel
What do you do? Chaplain Assistant
What's a day in the life like ... while in (where ever)? Working in the hospital caring for the caregivers and the wounded warriors, drama, stressful, full range of emotions
What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now? The faces of the Soldiers, Marines and Airmen I encountered and the sense of purpose serving my country as an Iraq War Veteran
What's the most useful item you packed? My Bible
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? When we got hit with a week-long sandstorm
What has been the highlight of your tour? Recognizing several Airmen as unsung heros at the Top 3 meeting, being part of several Purple Heart ceremonies, and Patriot details for the fallen Soldiers
What's the worst part of the deployment? Watching a Soldier on his third tour with 10 days left to go back home, die by an improvised explosive device explosion
What new survival skill have you learned? Don't count the days make the days count
What do you do during down time? Work out, read the Bible, spend time mentoring young Airmen
What is the first thing you will do when you return? Hug my grandchildren
What is the first thing you will eat when you return? Chipotle Burrito
What insight/experience will you take away from your time over there? Live one day at a time, cherish everyone of them, and never take your family and blessings for granted