2020 : Vision

2020 : VISION

Well, I took a whole year off from posting on Facebook last year in 2019.  It came out of wanting to dedicate more of my energy to our family, friends, and day to day life.  It was, simply, an experiment to see life before FB.

I thought to myself how cool it would be to complete a year, without posting on FB. Then, afterward I would have some great revelation that I would share.

No... not so much...

NO, great epiphany. No, huge revelation to share.

During my self-imposed exile, I discovered this...

• I noticed immediately the impulse to check my phone repetitively began to diminish until I didn't even think of Facebook and/or some one's FB post. (tip: Deactivate)
• I didn't find myself looking for that new meme from that FB meme master, that just crushed it.
• I didn't find myself comparing in general as much
• I didn't stand on my own soap box as often
• I didn't read a post and immediately take it out of context
• I didn't find (as frequently) those that I didn't agree with, 'cause I didn't have to read it 
• I didn't find (as frequently) those that I did agree with, 'cause I didn't campaign for their approval
• I did miss out, unfortunately,  on the important life events of others
• I did miss being able to see a glimpse, of the lives of those with whom I had connected with, here at home and abroad(past and present).
• I found myself being able to fellowship with others more often than before and even if it was just a phone call or a text

Upon my return, what I did discover was no surprise...

• I still dislike political posts - mostly the comment(s) following
• I still dislike posts of people getting on their soapbox - even though I have stepped up on a few of my own
• I've come to realize there seems to be more shared memes than original post(ugh!)
• I still enjoy reading and seeing posts of people's lives (good times/hard times) and being able to gesture my support in some way
• I still enjoy the posts, of those inspiring themselves or others
• I love being able to feel as if I am a part of those sharing their travels and adventures
• Thankful, that I'm able to reach out and to be reached if needed
• Thankful, their is a platform that one can use to re-connect, connect, and/or stay connected with people in our life(past/present). 

I don't feel as if I could write in a post truly all the points that could be made from a year without posting on FB or scrolling through my FB news feed.

The absolute thing I do feel, is that I am thankful to God, for my family and friends past and present, those whom I see often or not enough, those whom I've connected and/or reconnected with, and lastly thankful to those who cared for me as if I was family or a friend... I hope that I did and/or can reciprocate the love and friendship...

The way I'm looking at it: Phones,Pagers,Cellphones,Texting, PCs,Internet(Online),(AOL)Chats,IM/DM,Myspace,Facebook is what we use(d) to connect with others and it can be used in different ways... bad ways... good ways... however ways... or not in any way...

So, use it or not... don't you worry though we'll be finding something else soon enough... (SnapChat, Instagram) Don't even go there with TikTok...😜

All the best to you all in the year 2020...

50 didn't come easy...

The big 50... with my best friend and love of my life...

Flight Paramedic FP-C : 2020 Update : Dad we got our wings

I GOT MY WINGS TODAY! FP-C Flight Paramedic 10.2019.

This was bittersweet. This achievement was a pinnacle of years of learning, training, and of service. I wanted to obtain my FP-C while my Dad was still here with us. I wasn't able to do it before he passed.  But I kept studying... until both he and I had our wings... Love you Dad...

Honor the art... not the people... if you honor anything at all...

History Repeats: History has never changed(?) Be careful who you place on a pedistal to honor. Like Father Like Son, sometimes this is for the best. However, at other times it is not. With the recent tumultuous events in the jiu-jitsu and grappling world many are shook. But it's nothing new. In fact, many of us seem to honor those who are not honorable. We choose to forget that most of what we learn is not a gentle art. It's about fighting... That's why, I feel it is important that you personally have to choose what it means to be a fighter/martial artist.  Then use discretion and wisdom when you choose to honor individual(s), affiliation(s), or system(s), or tradition(s). You can honor the art(s) you choose without honoring those that don't deserve it... You deserve to find your way... 

(The link below will educate you on something that I found) Honorable People (? Questionable)  vs. Honorable Art(s) (Absolutely)

Last note: I've traveled the world and have met some of the nicest people. But one thing that has always stuck with me is when I've met an operator(s) in the military field or in austere environments. There is someone that is always "badder" than you, and most don't train to fight, they train to kill and they have killed many... So, can you truly be the "baddest" person on the planet...?

BE H.L.T(Humble, Learn, and Train)

Honor the art... not the people... if you honor anything at all...

CCEMT-P

UMBC  CCEMT-P 2016 

I want to thank my wife Donna and our children and my parents Robert and Jan Sherrell.

I was really on the fence about taking this program. It was a course I wanted to pass for a very long time.

After getting back for Kurdistan, Iraq I had some free time. I had an unscheduled chance of taking this course.

I had been preparing for this course during my time working in Saudi as a paramedic, but life happened and I wasn't able to take the course then.
I continued studying throughout my time in Kurdistan, Iraq, but NREMT-P re-certification and other re-certification came up as well.

But, here was an opportunity to take this course in Kinston NC at Lenoir College. I started the potential process of taking this program while I was still in Iraq, but didn't finalize it. Kevin Justice and the crew in Lenoir were amazing and helped my wife and me set this up. Kevin was like, if you are able to get here, just show up and we will take care of the rest. All I had to do was get there...

That is when you start looking at the big picture, the cost and passing...

I truly doubted myself to the point, where I was about to miss out on this opportunity to achieve this goal.

The real reason I'm writing this is to express, not only my thankfulness of achieving this goal, but my thankfulness to those who told me I could still do it.

My wife Donna of course kept telling me that there would be no better time than now and that I could do it. But I would tell her , "it's a lot of our resources and time and what if I miss passing it?" She said "even if you do, it's all good, you know where you at, and then you will knock it out again if you have to, but go do it."

My parents Robert and Jan Sherrell on the last few days before I had to decide, whether or not to take the program, surprised me. They gave me a gift that told me that they believed in me. I was to tears thinking how thankful I am to still have parents that still, to this day encourage their children, their adult children.

Then there is that special shout out to my boy Sam Greco in Saudi, you know how long I've waited to knock this program out. "thank you for all the help."

Then to my table mates... Sandra Arnold and Diane Sparano... thanks for great classmates...
and study partners...

Thank you Father God, please continue to encourage me and others to aspire to help others by learning and knowing how to help them and to never forget it is for your glory we do things, Christ Jesus name, Amen...

SAR SARI MIN - SAR CHAVA KURDISTAN "Forever in My thoughts and Eyes Kurdistan"

 SAR SARI MIN - SAR CHAVA KURDISTAN 2016

"Forever in My thoughts and Eyes Kurdistan"

Until next time...

When I first, came to Kurdistan, I was fortunate enough to accomplish two "check-off's" on my list. 

I remember telling Donna after watching some show on NAT GEO, about the Palms Island in Dubai, UAE, I am going to go to Dubai one day and I am going to that man made island one day. I know, "Okay", right(?)

While I was still in Saudi, RMSI called me up and interviewed me via skype after applying for the position, on a friend's recommendation, way before, I had applied for the position in Saudi on another friend's recommendation. Obviously, it went well, but I couldn't leave Saudi fast enough.

When, I went for my induction for RMSI, I was so excited that it was in Dubai. I also remember telling a dear friend at work kind of the same thing I told Donna. "Girl, I am going to that Palms Island one day". I am sure she was like "hmm hmm cra cra." But, she did tell me when you do, I want that picture. 

So, I did go to Dubai, I do work for a company that has a base in Dubai and I did get on that Palms Island, and stood in front of the Atlantis of Dubai, UAE.

Then, it was time to go to work. What an immediate difference it was for me in how Kurdistan was compared to where I had just left. 

I immediately also noticed how beautiful this wonderful country is, with its' gorgeous and epic mountain scenery. I was so fortunate that my first "gig" was to support a seismic expedition. I was able to travel within the country of Kurdistan, and can only wish that I could give you my eyes and memories of all the beauty I witnessed. 

Shortly, after my first "gig" the bad guys came close enough to making some trouble in Erbil, Kurdistan. 

  

Thankful, that sooner, rather than later, that the US and US coalition forces along with the Peshmerga of Kurdistan repealed the bad guys. But prior and soon after a lot of business and people moved on and pulled out of Kurdistan. 

For a few of us, we were able to stay on and hang in there. We rebuilt, re-branded, and charged forward. 

International SOS Erbil , Kurdistan (Medical and Rescue Services) 2016

My brother Ahmad, forever "take care."  All the best bra! Never forget!

Larry, can't wait to see you in the USA, and we can "beast out" at the gym. All the best bra. Likewise never forget"

Amer, soon friend wherever you may be... Daewood, all the best... Also all the best to all my Kurdish brother presently there in Erbil and the ones from the past.

 But, during the acquisition of RMSI by International SOS, I was placed in my new home.

HKN ST1

Abdullah Hussein and Buhaadeen Mustafa 

Brothers what can I say, I can't say enough, it would fill this page. I thank you both for being the men you both are and for being there not only for our patients, but for me, as a friend. 

"God's Blessing on you both"

To my International SOS family. As you can see above, so many memories. We will have more, I am sure. So, not good-bye but until next time. Thanks to all the Doctors and Managers and Staff there at the Erbil clinic and abroad.  Sincerely, "All the best", you know that, brothers and sisters...

For all our upper leadership: Thank you. Thank you for everything and the support and wisdom.

As the sunset I leave you with these last words.

Click play for my final farewell

My journey here @ HKN in Kurdistan Iraq is soon coming to an end for now. I have truly learned a lot from great mentors like Bob, Blair, Dave, and Ron from HKN. Thankful for HKN for the opportunity to serve them and their people. Bill, HSE  and all HKN HSE guys, Mike, Philip and Stig, thank you for your support and help. HKN security always the best to you gentlemen. That goes for all the HKN, Oilserv, VSC, and Dozvan personnel thank you. Also, the mentor-ship from VSC Darran, then his father John, when I first got here, will always be appreciated. VSC Sam and Charlie thank you as well. "Tickety-Boo" 

Then to all my Kurdish family here, I thank you, all of you, for welcoming me, being patient with me, and truly showing the heart of Kurdistan through each one of you. (Manager, Security, Driver, Cook, Helper).   

"Same Same"

"No Doctor, My name is Roger, we are brothers"

Dave Taylor, 

It has been a pleasure being your back to back. My family and I are forever thankful to you. When my Dad was deathly ill, you stayed without a second thought. Also, I hope that I have reciprocated our friendship. I could say more, but again, it would absolutely fill this blog. You know, too many people go through life being without a heart. I have learned after losing son(s) that you may never get the chance to say what you  wanted to say to someone. It is hard to say "farewell" to you. You are a friend, forever. My friend until next time, all the best for you and your family. If it works out, we'll meet up one day in Vegas with our families. Mahalkita Kuya Dave. Bahala na.

To all:

I truly feel I have been able to be who I am, and again give to others, my very best at times. By the grace of God, I am so thankful for the opportunities I have been giving. So, thankful that God allows me to help others. So, thankful for the friends who have become my family. There is a saying here in Kurdistan:

"Hami tbl nashti ek"

(All the fingers not the same)

Basically meaning not all people are the same. There are good and bad, in all people from anywhere. No matter where you are in the world, some people you either grow to love as brothers or sisters, and then their are others, the "not so much". However, there is another saying here in Kurdistan: 

"Am ek khezanin"

(We one family)

Though we may not all be the same type of people or come from the same background or belief, we truly became one family.

So, International SOS, and my HKNST1 family, and for everyone (even those, "not so much") my farvorite saying of all: 

"Salmati bota dkhazm"

(I wish you good health) 


"There will always be more of us that choose love over hate". I am so thankful to continue to meet beautiful people from all walks of life. I truly believe I am because we are... peace to all...
 Love God, Love People, and Serve the World

Until next time...
Unless, if any of you, are ever in the United States of America and near the "cornfields" of NC, come on by, we'll leave a light on for you...

Happy Fourth of July 2016! From Kurdistan Iraq!

Happy 4th of July, 2016! Independence Day! From Kurdistan Iraq!

I can sit here in Kurdistan Iraq, and imagine myself somewhere, some beach. Or, at my wife's Uncle Joe's massive 4th of July celebration. I must say, the best Fireworks... I can imagine just being with family and friends. Oh, boy, can I smell the cookout: the burgers, the hot dogs, and barbecue...

Though I am not there this year to celebrate in person, I was very fortunate enough to have some fellow Americans and one Scotsman to take a drive and have our own little celebration of Independence from the routine.

Also, spent a wonderful evening after dinner of drinking chai and talking it up, with my brothers from around the world.

So, from all of us here, Happy 4th of July, celebrate it big and strong and proud. Fly the red, white, and blue. "Old Glory".

(Rog, Bob, Ron, Charlie 2016)