A friend I have known since I was a child was involved in heroic incident in Iraq last week.

My friend, Private Stephen Tschiderer, a medic in the National Guard, was shot in the chest by a sniper in Baghdad during a routine patrol. Steve fell to the ground, quickly got up and took cover. He was wearing body armor, and fortunately, the bullet did not pierce it.

Steve alerted his fellow soldiers of the sniper's position in a van nearby. They were able to track the men down. Steve followed the trail of the wounded sniper, and he handcuffed the man. Steve then treated the wounds of the man who shot him. Although this man attempted to take Steve's life just minutes before, Steve was giving him medical aid. It was an extremely honorable, courageous, and heroic act. Steve carried out his role as a medic in difficult circumstances.

The bullet nicked his thumb and hit his heart, but all he received was a bruise. He's already back on duty.

The insurgents involved were taping their actions for training purposes. The army got the tape, and they released the video of Steve getting shot. Steve was shot with a Russian sniper rifle called a Dragonoff. It's meant to pierce body armor, but fortunately, it failed in Steve's situation.

This wasn't the first amazing thing Steve has done. He's also saved the lives of Iraqi children injured in a terrorist attack. Back at home, he is a volunteer firefighter. On the day after he graduated from High School, he missed graduation parties to help the victims of a bus that flipped off a highway exit ramp.

I miss Steve and I hope he comes home safe and sound. He's an incredible dude. I hope his story receives some more press. Everything in the media these day's concentrates on the negative things.



The article, video, and detailed account

Hellllo there

I've been having a good time in Bermuda. Yesterday, I went fishing in the ocean for the first time in my life. It was a lot of fun, I caught a bunch of fish, and my wrist was certainly sore. I even got to eat the fish I caught. Today I went scuba diving for the first time, and that was a blast as well.

Bermuda is a cool island. The arhitexture is very interesting, the beaches are beautiful (pink sand), and it's very relaxing. I'm still intrigued witht the blue and turquoise water, it's stunning. The reefs are beautiful too.

I wish I could have went out and met more of the local people, but the family I am here with already made a lot of other plans. I've got to mingle with the taxi drivers, which has been a good time.

Flashbacks of Malaysia have been going through my head all of the time. The temperature is similiar, similiar plants, creatures, nice clouds, motorbikes, and beautiful beaches.

I'll get some pictures soon!

peace!