Well, I don't really know where to start. Hope today finds everyone doing well. I have dropped out of the social circuit for quite a while and I haven't talked to or seen almost everyone I know. For that I apologize to all who shall read this. I have tried to keep myself busy with the whole re-deployment from Iraq and starting to get everything back in place that is supposed to be in place. Plus on top of all that stuff, I have placed myself in the ASAP program, seeing a psychologist, and seeing the TBI clinic. For those who do not know what any of that is......ASAP Army Substance Abuse Program, TBI Traumatic Brain Injury. The ASAP counselors seem to think I need more help so they are talking about enrolling me into a 2 week program somewhere in Virginia, I not really paying much attention to that part and neither is my chain of command. The whole TBI thing, .......What can I say about them........I don't think they even know what they are doing. Psychologist, I see them every 2 weeks, ASAP everyday, TBI every week or so. I am slowly working through all my issues, lol. At work I had to give up 2 of my NCO's since I did have 4 underneath me. I also just had a soldier of mine pass the board with flying colors and he is now PCS'ing to Germany. Another soldier of mine is having some major issues and we have started the paperwork process to remove him from the Army. Another of my NCO's has volunteered for Special Forces and has started all of that training. More or less leaving me with, right now, 1 NCO and 2 soldiers. Dramatic difference since I had an 11 man squad in Iraq. I just left the board this morning with my former NCO, he did not make it. His nervousness completely undid him. So he will try again next month. I have also been looked at for promotion this January, I did not make it either. But that is no big deal for me, that was my first look, and almost no one makes it on the first look. Hopefully by next January I should be able to make it. According to my previous platoon sergeant I should have no problems. I am also on orders to go to Drill school. Something I have never wanted to do in the Army. So I am currently fighting that issue, so far no luck, still going. Things have been pretty busy here in Ft Riley, what with the whole re-deploy, re-integration, find training aids, get trained, keep the soldiers busy. So anyways, I have been busy with work related things and that is about it. I completely removed my self from any social activities as I said before. I have lost a few friends because of that and right now I really don't care. I guess I am not in any sort of mood to be around people or talk to too many people. I have been able to re-acquire my AKO access and I have been reading all the email's that you all have sent this way. I just have not responded to any of them, sorry. I am going to try and include some pictures of myself so you all can see what has changed about me or whatever. I not sure if I can or if this will work, but if not, then I will send out a second email with nothing but the pictures. But, again, I am sorry for not responding to any one or anything, I am working on my social skills I guess. 

SSG Rice, Michael
HOW DO!