from the front Published Oct. 31, 2007 GARDEZ FOB, Afghanistan -- Name: Lt Col Greg "Patch" Patschke Deployed unit: 4 BCT, 82 ABN DIV Home unit: 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron Job description: Brigade EWO: Provides EW expertise for ground component commanders; Integrates EW into the Ground Scheme of Maneuver; Directs operation and maintenance of EW systems What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now? The awesome people I worked with and traveling around the battlespace in Blackhawks What's the most useful item you packed? A sound machine What do you wish you had packed? Noise cancellation headphones When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? When rockets and mortars were fired at my Forward Operating Base What's the best part of the deployment? Working with the Army, knowing I'm doing my small part to help the Afghan people The worst part? Being away from my wife What new survival skill have you learned? How to sleep while extremely loud snoring soldiers are in the room and to never leave my office unlocked in the presence of army personnel What do you do during down time? What down time? What is the first thing you will do and eat when you return? Reaquaint myself with my family and eat a quality steak (cooked to my liking) with real metal utensils.