Perspective...

by SFCBurkhart on Sep 14, 2009 10:35 PM CDT

As I sit here in my home, comfortable and with all the amenities that I need to survive as a human being, I am submerged in perspective. I am as big a Chiefs fan as any of you all, and this is the first and last site I visited daily. Yes, I said visited in past tense. I have been in training for a deployment to Afghanistan on a route clearing mission looking for IED's for the last month. Today is the first day I have had a chance to even look at the site, much less any other site. I leave for good on Friday and as I look around I have gained perspective on many things, football simply being the one I chose to write about here.

I can easily get wrapped around the axle about any and everything Chiefs, from signings to play calling all the way to griping about construction and parking. I have made such big deals about the absolute smallest issues. Issues that once seemed to be a priority. So I get home today for a four day pass before we roll out and I obviously want to check AP and all it's archives to catch up on the last month of Chiefs football. As always good stuff. The post that stuck out to me was Laniers post about cleaning up the threads and some other commentors that agreed. My point is this....at the end of the day, it's football, a game, a pastime, a hobby and a lifestyle for some, but a game nonetheless. Am I pissed about the loss? Hell yes. Do I expect more? Hell yes. Am I pissed about missing the whole season, ( especially since I bought season tix )? Absolutely yes. Am I worried about it? No. All I am worried about is making it back home safely along with all 30 of my men. I never realized how big of a deal I made about a sport for Gods sake. I will always be a Chiefs fanatic. I will always come here to AP and comment and read posts. I will continue to buy jerseys and beer and brats and scream and yell. However, from this point forward I will do all of those things with a bit less emotional intensity. Its a game fellas, a game we all love, live and breathe but a game. Enjoy it, love it, hate it or breathe it. Just remember, it's a season that lasts, at best, six months. Life happens every day.....................................................so sit back, relax and enjoy the game.

So long for now AP. Next time I post it will be from the beatiful mountains of Afghanistan, just coming in from looking for IEDs all day.................my perspective

Peace

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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Stay safe

And good luck out there

Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes; after that, who cares?! He's a mile away and you've got his shoes!

by SuperTurtle on Sep 14, 2009 10:41 PM CDT reply actions

The very best to you Burkhart. You'll be in my prayers and thank you for your part

in keeping us all safe back here (where we get to enjoy our Chief’s in a safe place).

by jcox31mc on Sep 14, 2009 10:46 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Keep Yourself Safe Over There

And don’t watch too many of those Afghani man-dance videos in garrison if the Army is still being draconian about soldiers porn…those things will mess you up. :)

Make sure you give us a shout-out when you get back as well…we’ll all be thinking good thoughts for you.

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.

by UCrawford on Sep 14, 2009 10:49 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Good luck Burkhart

From what I hear through the Guard, Afghanistan’s a pretty choppy place right now. Stay safe man.

TOUCHDOWN! KAN-SAH-CITY!!!

by TheScootness on Sep 14, 2009 10:53 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs

Thanks Burkhart

You are giving us a personal sacrifice that most of us will never comprehend. Yet we all reap the rewards from it every day. Stay safe and return soon.

All losses in the 2009 season will be Herm and Carls fault.

by Idahochief on Sep 14, 2009 11:02 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Stay safe out there

Holy Shit!!!...Peterson resigned...Am I dead?...Is This Heaven?

by RoyalsFanStuckInCardsLand on Sep 14, 2009 11:13 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

A sincere thank you for serving our country!

Stay safe and get back soon! Hopefully you’ll be back for our Super Bowl run next year.

by jboot1 on Sep 14, 2009 11:19 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

i love perspective. i frequently forget about it. good luck man. i’d make the enemy sympathizers hold hands 50 yards across and walk the roads 100 yards in front of our boys. that would clear those cowardly IEDs out.

by raven on Sep 14, 2009 11:21 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Thank you!

Stay safe and I pray GOD put his protective hands over you and your men.

"Leave the gun. Take the cannoli."

"Mr. Pioli is a man who insists on hearing bad news immediately."

"Never tell anybody outside the family what you're thinking again."

by Don Piolie's Consigliere on Sep 14, 2009 11:46 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

I posted on the other post

Make sure we get an FPO or APO address or at least email.

We should make sure that our Chiefs fan troops get some kind of care package from us while the serve. It means alot to them.

Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...

by cpa913 on Sep 14, 2009 11:56 PM CDT reply actions

Great idea on the care package for chiefs fan troops

I’d definately be willing to contribute.

Thanks so much for your service and for helping us keep perspective. Stay safe.

by mightykc on Sep 15, 2009 12:43 AM CDT up reply actions

I support that!!

Penn State to Kansas City...Always a winning combination.

by YNinja on Sep 18, 2009 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Godspeed Brutha

May the wind always be at your back and the stars shine bright to guide you through the darkness. God bless you and guide you in your journey back to the states…

Put this in your pipe and smoke it:
1. Chiefs will be at least 8-8 and vie for division champs
2. DJ will break out and finally have his year
3. LJ returns to form
4. DBowe drops will reduce

by kcchiefsfan72 on Sep 15, 2009 12:04 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs

Stay safe, and Come back safe

“I think back on my life,
my small fears,
the ones that seemed so big.
Of all the things I had to get and learn and teach….
There is only one great thing
the only thing.
To live,
To see the Great Day that dawns,
and the light that fills the world.”

by Eastcoastransplant on Sep 15, 2009 1:27 AM CDT reply actions

Stay safe

Really appreciate everything you guys do.

"The first step to penetration... must not be lateral"
-Confucius, in contrary to Glenn Dorsey lining up in the 2-tech

by ArrowSpread on Sep 15, 2009 2:50 AM CDT reply actions

Absolutely right Sarge about it just being a game....

But why does it make so many of us CRAZY stupid about it?

Take Care of yourself and God speed….be lookinig forward to see you again soon on AP! Good to Go……

Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.

by aPacificChief on Sep 15, 2009 3:40 AM CDT reply actions

Hehe...You said Sarge.

I’ve tried bringing it back. I usually get smacked or get a “say it again and you’ll be doing pushups until your arms fall off” look, so I don’t do it again. But damnit…Wish I could call SOMEONE that.

If I ever become an NCO, I’m going to let everyone call me Sarge.

Penn State to Kansas City...Always a winning combination.

by YNinja on Sep 18, 2009 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Keep up doing your job and Sarge it is :)

Sgt YNinya has a ring to it!

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 18, 2009 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Take care

Keep your head up and ass down. I know it is hard, because I was deployed 3 times. Time does fly by, but especially when you are able to follow AP and the Chiefs. Do your best and keep that perspective sharp. Your family and your guys are the most important things you have. God bless and be with you all.

by TXChiefan on Sep 15, 2009 6:30 AM CDT reply actions

Thanks Burkhart!

Very wise words. We’ll keep you in our wishes and prayers.

by ChiefsDude on Sep 15, 2009 8:45 AM CDT reply actions

Thank you for making such a huge sacrifice for our safety.

Very nice post. You are absolutely right.

Wrecked!!!

by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 15, 2009 8:58 AM CDT reply actions

Thanks Burkhart

Keep your head on a swivel

by Fourstrike89 on Sep 15, 2009 9:50 AM CDT reply actions

Good luck Burkhart

Stay on the true mission and bring all of you home safe!

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 15, 2009 4:54 PM CDT reply actions

stay safe...hurry home...

and most importantly….THANK YOU…for your service. Thank you for making it possible for us to continue to enjoy the freedom to watch football & bitch about it, because as Americans we have that right thanks to men & women like you.

You make us proud!

by HeatherChiefsLvr on Sep 15, 2009 5:10 PM CDT reply actions

buckhart

yes i am not a kc fan but peopie like u are the real heores in this countary i tharnk u for u seaveice

okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule

by j-man on Sep 15, 2009 6:46 PM CDT reply actions

My father was in the military

for 24 years. I’ve met many people in the service throughout my life that I have the utmost respect for. I have the same respect for you Burkhart. Very good post here, and something that I feel Chiefs fans on this site needed to hear. God be with you and your fellow soldiers. Take care and we appreciate all that you do….

by Hail2DaChiefs on Sep 15, 2009 6:48 PM CDT reply actions

Stay safe and be careful

We want you and your men back here to enjoy more chatter after your deployment! :)

Winning begins with Attitude - 2009 Chiefs 12-4

by Lanier63 on Sep 15, 2009 10:13 PM CDT reply actions

Keep safe out there

Thanks for all you do.

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Sep 15, 2009 11:38 PM CDT reply actions

many prayers and well wishes to you!

Can’t thank you enough for your service to our country. You are exactly right, it is just a game, and it is wise to maintain a certain perspective. I would love to be the first to buy you one of those beers when you get back!!! stay safe, and God bless!!!

by dr. kill 4 on Sep 16, 2009 10:06 AM CDT reply actions

Peace,

be safe and know that you are greatly appreciated for covering our front and backside

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the CHIEFS!

"There are few secrets in football. So execute." ~Coach Stram
"I think it's the fans. The place is crazy. It's a good crazy, if you're Kansas City." ~Coach Schottenheimer
"Playing for Hank was like taking an advanced course in football." ~#63 Willie Lanier

by Bad Medicine on Sep 16, 2009 1:45 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks

You’re a true hero, stay safe and come back to the home of the CHIEFS

Matt Verderame

by Flowers24 on Sep 16, 2009 5:43 PM CDT reply actions

Well, Sergeant First Class Burkhart

We have extended many good wishes and we expect a First Class report when able to post. The Chiefs and AP will do everything possible to make your return triumphant.

And we expect some converts to the Chiefs from your captive audience in Afghanistan.
We DO expect some new Taliban members to AP nation. J/K

But if I were to apply would the Army take a former member a little over the hill, a little old, and more than capable of returning to the fight for America. Maybe a reference?

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 16, 2009 8:03 PM CDT reply actions

Oh man

Stay safe, I say keep your weapon loaded. Hope to see you back here soon.

by GonzosDirtyTrailer on Sep 17, 2009 6:37 AM CDT reply actions

You're 100% right

I was never in what some of my friends call the ‘real military’ (I was in the Air Force, aka, Chair Force, aka Air Farce) in a desk job so I have no idea of what it’s like to be under fire (much less stare a bomb in the face) but I appreciate what it’s like to go TDY. I hope you have a safe tour!

by ZakInOmaha on Sep 17, 2009 9:44 AM CDT reply actions

Great Post SFC Burkhart

From a Marine veteran and lifelong Raiders fan. Everything you said is right on. I might be on different sides in our rivalries (Raiders vs. Chiefs, Marines vs. Army). We all need to remember it’s all in fun. There are many things going on in this world that we should be more worried about than these games. It’s definitely fun to talk some smack and all but like SFC Burkhart said, keep it in perspective, it’s a game. I’m going to recommend this post on Silver and Black pride, I know we have some fans that need to read it. Really, I think every football fan should. I wish you and your men the best. I hope to be able to talk some trash to you about the Raiders when you get back home safe. Thank you for your service.

by Bay2NY on Sep 18, 2009 11:49 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs