O.K. so here I am in Iraq wearing these boots that are squelching my feet. In fact, there are now several blisters - one of which has opened and is painful, making it difficult to walk. Besides being unbelievably embarrassing among such large numbers of competent men and women, I had to debate with myself whether I should say something to anybody. I felt like it was such a small matter and to say anything would make me look like a whiner compared to what they all go through.
Well, eventually, I asked Mark Martella of Glenolden for some help. He took me over to some Navy medics, who suggested I keep them clean, try to air them out and put some antibacterial lotion and band-aids on them. As minor as it was, they never laughed at me or made fun of me. Considering what they see, that's pretty professional.
And, having done just that, while still raw, my feet are starting to get better.
Besides, my roommate, Danielle Wolack, a pilot from Reading, Pa. and another pilot, Susie, took me to the general store to get some first aid supplies. Seeing some chocolate chip cookies, I grabbed one. And, I have to say they sure did taste pretty good.