I am almost certain Thanksgiving is tomorrow because I remember it being on Thursdays in years past.  According to my wife, Christmas is cancelled.  However, I think Thanksgiving is still in effect.  While the rest of the U.S. is preparing for a feast or some kind of shopping, my platoon will be on the way to COB Speicher again.  This time, I won’t be going.  Not because of what day it is or that I am avoiding responsibility, but because of my place within the platoon.  I am not the only leader in this band of 41 and many times follow the guidance of the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO’s).  A lieutenant is junior to them in time of service and technical knowledge, but senior in rank and responsibility.  Because of this, I walk a delicate line between leader, manager and follower.  I also can’t go on every mission for more reasons than becoming a micromanager and a general annoyance to my guys.  Frankly, I need the rest.  It is going to be a long nine months and I will probably need some sanity for the back end.  Looking to next fall, I am already planning our extended family vacation.