A lot can happen in 10 years. . .

10 years ago I was early into my second combat deployment based out of Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq. On this day September 13, 2006 we were coming to a stop in our usual "dinner spot", an area overlooking the roadway which we were tasked to protect and keep clear of IED's and danger. As our truck came to a stop a boom filled the inside of my helmet as if a Firecracker had been placed under my helmet next to my ears.

Oil was pumping onto the windshield, ears were ringing, and it took me a few moments to realize what had happened. That morning we had conducted a Memorial Ceremony for PFC V. Frassetto whom had passed away 6 days prior from within a Humvee's Machine gun turret. I instantly turned and started clawing at my Machine Gunner's Legs to ensure he was ok. I couldn't hear his responses, but knew he was ok once he began kicking at me.

That night, we were in a mine field. Anti Tank mines stacked and scattered around us.

Over the last 10 years I have navigated my life using many of the lessons I learned that night.

1. Never be complacent: That evening we had stopped for dinner at the same exact spot we had stopped every day. We had let ourselves become predictable to our enemy. In business, life, relationships, and everyday responsibilities I am always aware that complacency can be dangerous. In the Marine Corps we stated that "complacency kills".
2. The people around you are the most important: In those days I relied upon the men who I ate with, slept with, showered with, and waged war with. My family was important, but I had to find the ability to trust and support the team I had created around me. My job today I challenge myself to surround myself with people I trust, people who I can rely upon, and people who are going to challenge me as my brothers once did. In reality we spend more hours a day with our colleagues than our family. We need to surround ourselves with quality people in and out of the workplace.
3. Live life as if no one is shooting at you or trying to blow you up: I guess it goes to say that when people shoot at you or try to blow you up every day life can be stressful. I try to live my life every day with the acceptance that life is just not that stressful. When life tosses me a tough day... I tell myself "at least nobody shot at me today.".

Semper Fi and RIP PFC Vincent Frassetto