Sometimes when what you are fighting for gets lost in the haze of politics, you can always break the reason down to its most simple and basic, the man next to you. Route Clearance is probably one of the most nerve racking things I have ever done in my life, while most of the uniformed services try to avoid IEDs, we were trying to find them. Our job was unique because results weren't 10 years away in the news, they were right there in front of us and it gave us a definite purpose and direction. Seeing the positive impact it had on the Marines in the area was a great feeling, to know that they could focus on the mission and not have to worry about what was lurking below their feet. Being my first deployment, my time in Afghanistan taught me that I needed to stop taking even the smallest things for granted, that every little thing in my life at home was a gift that can be taken away at any time and to appreciate each hug from my wife and daughter like it could be my last. My deployment has made me a better overall person and a much more attentive husband and father and I know I am very lucky that what I brought home with me was a new view on life. A much more positive one.