On Christmas Day, 2009, I am sitting here at work in Helmand Province, Afghanistan (also known as ) File:Flag of Afghanistan.svg . I am in Afghanistan serving in the capacity of a United States Marine, not as the Head Water Polo Coach for the Afghanistan National Water Polo Team. I have been here since the beginning of last month and am missing the entire holiday season. No Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Easter, birthdays, and special events to be spent with my family. I am missing even more of my children's' lives.