The Last Rotation: Afghanistan - A War Diary by Scott Oikle...

The world changed on Sept 11th 2001 and again May 2nd, 2011 but for me, the real transformation unfolded over months of training, deployment, and the long journey home. This war diary is not just a record of events but a reflection of the duality of life in service—a world where chaos meets connection, where exhaustion coexists with resilience, and where longing for home becomes both an anchor and a driving force.

The days spent in Afghanistan were relentless, filled with moments that tested the limits of endurance, courage, and humanity. From the first rocket attack to the sweltering heat throughout Ramadan, the tempo of life left little room for anything but physical and mental survival. Yet, even in those harsh moments, there were glimpses of light: a call with my spouse, the laughter of comrades, the small victories that reminded me of what I was fighting for.

The journey back was not just about returning to familiar surroundings but also about reconciling the person I was when I left with the person I had become. The toll of missed moments—birthdays, milestones, and quiet nights at home—was palpable, but so too was the gratitude for the love and support that carried me through the hardest days.

Now, as I look back, I am reminded that war is not defined solely by its chaos or its cost but by the strength it demands and the bonds it forges. This diary is a testament to those who serve, to the families who wait, and to the enduring hope that even in the darkest places, there is a way forward.

To those who walk this path, may you find your light amidst the shadows. And to those who listen to these words, may you remember the stories of those who have carried the weight of service, not for themselves, but for a better tomorrow.
This journey has changed me, but it has also taught me the value of what I left behind and the power of the connections that bring us home.