Sandbox Chronicles

2006-03-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

A Happy Ending...
I must pay credit to the patriot of my heart today. The "someone special" who was the source of strength and courage during my time in the sandbox. Every good Hollywood Movie, including even some of the greatest War Movies always needs a romance plot. But the truth was my movie was really a romance. Here was my "Welcome Home Treat" that I looked forward to, Leah. We met on the beach in NC days before I shipped off to Iraq. We scratched our heads in amazement on how we'd fallen for each other so quickly and how cliche it seemed, "girl meets boy, boy goes to war." We had no idea what this had in store for us. So we went with our hearts and lived out my last days in the states to their fullest. Every one of the 176 days in theater I carried a laminated picture in my breast pocket, next to my heart with a little note that she had scribbled out and secretly tucked away in my gear the day I left. This was my secret on how I kept my sanity during my time over there. The seperation had its pain and struggles but like all good movies, the ending was enchanting as we reunited in NC three days after my return. Then I joined her in Portland for some much needed quality alone time at the Oregon Coast and in Portland for 10 days. I'm looking forward to our sequel... Part 2, that follows the wacky, wild, comedic and struggle of an epic I experienced during my almost 6 months in the "Sandbox".

Happy together at the Widmer Pub in Portland, OR.

2006-02-23T09:25:00.000-08:00

FINALLY I"M HOME!!!- Well after a grueling but rejoiceful 16 Hour flight we arrived back at Cherry Point Air Station, NC on Tuesday morning! I've spent the my first 48 hours have been spent getting used to driving again and getting settled back into my normal schedule. It is good to be home!

2006-02-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

ALMOST HOME...Start of a long 36 Hours home- Loading buses on Monday 20 Feb to start the long day processing & inspections at U.S. Customs before departing for the U.S.

2006-02-19T00:11:00.000-08:00

Close Call- A view of CWO John Walter from Long Island, NY, who is a Platoon Commander with the 9th Engineer Support Battalion. We met and became friends early in my deployment when he was helping out with Engineering projects at some of the Iraqi Bases. John has also been leading his Marines on vital road repair projects in some of the most dangerous parts of Iraq in order to keep supply lines open. John has survived many IED Attacks during his 2nd tour to Iraq. I had to share his recent "Close Call" story. While chatting with one of his Marines near their Cement Mixer working on a road project near Ramaidi a sniper's bullet whizzed by his head and marked the spot you see in the photo. John has 4 more weeks before he returns to Camp Pendleton, CA then he is scheduled to return to Iraq in September for his third tour.

2006-02-18T02:00:00.000-08:00

Chillin in the Paradise Sands USO Club Kuwait. Here is one for the USO who have built an awesome club for service men and women to relax at while waiting to transition either into or out of Iraq. This spacious club offers decor donated by Ikea, (3) huge 40 Inch TVs playing movies, Playstation and Xbox Game stations, 10 Laptops for surfing the internet, phones to call home on and couches and cusions galore. All this with dim lighting and rules that prohibit the wearing of boots or shoes (only socks) So we are spending our last day in the Middle East chillin but not illin!!

2006-02-18T01:30:00.000-08:00

Another view of the Paradise Sands USO Club...

2006-02-18T01:00:00.002-08:00

Arrival at Camp Victory, Kuwait!!

2006-02-18T01:00:00.001-08:00

Groggy and ready to get the heck out of Iraq on a C-130 Transport Plane to Kuwait!! So Long!!!

2006-02-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

Arrived at Kuwait!!! We were got woken up at 1:30A and told they were putting us on a flight to Kuwait that was leaving in 90 mins. So in wee hours we flew out of Iraq after nearly 6 months. Some pictures from our flight...

2006-02-17T04:23:00.000-08:00

Greetings from TQ (Taqquadum)! Day two of waiting to catch one of these planes to Kuwait. As of know will be home on Tuesday 21 Feb!

2006-02-16T05:01:00.000-08:00

A picture from earlier in the week. With all our waiting to go home time, my buddy Jerry & I have been participating in our very own "Lost' Marathon. Thanks to the wonders of modern technolgy, we were able to download all the episodes from the first season and 6 from the second season.

Last night we started our trip home with our 30 minute helo ride from Camp Fallujah to Taqquadum (TQ) Airbase. We are now waiting for our flight to Kuwait, which should be on either Friday or Saturday. My last 4 days in the Middle East!!

2006-02-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

For today as I come home in 10 days... I was touched by a story on MSNBC while ate chow yesterday where they were mentioning a fundraising drive for the Service men coming home who need intense rehabiltation. So today do your part and support the true heroes...

Hundreds of U.S. servicemen and women have come back from Iraq and Afghanistan with serious injuries, including lost limbs and trauma. Unfortunately, there aren't currently enough places for them to get better and adjust to a drastically changed life. That's where the Fallen Heroes Fund comes in... they need just under $5-million to reach their goal to complete a brand new facility which will be located at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. If you would like more information on this project, go to the website at www.fallenheroesfund.org or you can call 1-800-340-HERO.

Giving $10 does not support the war or any political agenda.. it just helps out someone who has paid ultimate price with their future lives.

2006-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Well here is my truly best friend in Iraq, Jerry Aymond & I doing our morning blogging. We have been friends for over a year and half working together on the Battalion Staff before coming out to Iraq together. He's been doing almost the same line of work as myself working with the Iraqi Army all over different parts of Iraq so I thought I'd share his blog site with you- www.aymondj.blogspot.com so you can get his perspective on things here also. Enjoy!

2006-02-07T23:46:00.000-08:00

This little "Super Monkey" adorns the wall of our bunker/office where we check our email and type our last bits of paperwork as we wait to go home here at Camp Fallujah. Who I can credit with this adorable artwork? - A complete mystery. Left for us by Marines that left sometime last year. But you have to love the artistic creativity of Marines and what they do to keep sane... where in Corporate America could you adorn such a motivating picture?

2006-02-07T23:25:00.000-08:00

This immpressive monster roaming around the streets of Camp Fallujah is a prime example of how our technology is attempting to keep up with the IED tactics of the insurgents. 3 years ago we would have never imagined patrolling around in such a futuristic vehicle but now they are here in such a short time. The realization that I'm still in a war zone hit me yesterday as some of my fellow Lts and me were loading up storage boxes with gear to be shipped home when a zoom sound flew by us, about 500 meters in the distance. It was an incoming mortar round from the insugents that exploded in the middle of no-where. There are booms and thumps all day here at Camp Fullujah, but usually out going Marine Artillery on some suspected insurgent hide out or just one of the daily test fires. We all looked at each other and shrugged not even thinking twice. In the past 6 months indirect fire (Mortar and rocket) attacks against U.S. bases out here have dramatically dropped off, which does show progress. But I was only concerned that I didn't have my camera to capture the fire ball and plume of smoke of my first visual witness to an attack since I've been here.

2006-02-06T23:14:00.000-08:00

Well we have completed the first day of classes to prepare for our return home. Today's class was titled "Return & Reunion". It covered such important topics of how to talk to your children when you see them and knowing the 5 "Love Languages" so we'll be better in touch with our "feelings" when we see our spouses, partners or whoever. At first it seems quite cheesy but in many ways does help to set your expectations for coming home. I have to admit the Marine Coprs seems to have gotten this one right for helping us all adjust to coming back home.

2006-01-31T10:10:00.000-08:00

As I find myself today at Camp Fallujah waiting to be home in less than three weeks, this classic snap shot sums up my entire Iraqi experience. It will be probably last picture of Iraqis as I transition home.

The Iraqi Jundee (Soldier) comes in all shapes and sizes but overall they are heartwarming, friendly, resourceful, oblivious, clueless and slow. This soldier complete with all his american funded gear, including the infamous "Ass Bucket" hanging off the top of his pack, waits on the flightline for his heloride out west. (explanation of the "ass bucket" would require entirely too much description of Middle Eastern Bathroom habits).

But now my attention turns away from daily frustrations with higher headquarters in Baghdad and training Iraqis preparing to take over the war from us to now writing after action reports, collecting up my thoughts on what I've done here and attending the numerous required classes we Marines are required to attend to "help" us with our transition back to the "Real World". Classes like how not to drive your civilian car like a Humvee through the streets of Baghdad, when you get home and to understand that just because you survived Iraq, doesn't mean you are invinsible when you get back on U.S. Soil.

One decision I've made from my experience here is that I plan on never renewing my Cable TV. From time to time I have caught the news reports on TV as we eat or meals in the chow hall. The observations of the Mainstream media of what is going on here in so out of touch with reality. Today's reports were all about the ABC reporter who was wounded in an IED attack. Yes a tradegy but unfortunatley they seize it as a great opportunity to sound the call that Iraq is more unsafe and unsecure than ever before (Christianne Ampour-CNN). Nothing can be so far from the truth. Yes there is a war going on here and things are fucked with people dying daily but more unsafe? All I can tell you is that from all the places I've visited in all Iraq, all have improved since I arrived here in September. Have we seen any reporters venture to see the training of Iraqi forces and the slow but definite progress being made there? No. Only quotes from experts. So I'm giving up Cable TV and instead will depend on high speed internet and DVDs for news and entertainment. The only tough part about such a sacrafice will be the new upcoming season of the Sopranos. What will I do?

2006-01-31T10:06:00.000-08:00

Marine Helos waiting to depart the flightline at Al Asad Airbase with Iraqi Troops.

2006-01-31T10:03:00.000-08:00

Iraqis are led on to awaiting CH-53 Super Stallions for the flight west.

2006-01-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

Iraqi troops debark from the belly of a C-17 as they are moved to awaiting Marine CH-53 Helicopters for the 1 hour flight west to Al Qaim.

2006-01-31T09:46:00.000-08:00

Air Force C-17 Transport plane arrives with Iraqis from the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Division at Al Asad Airbase from Numaniyah.

2006-01-31T09:42:00.000-08:00

My view of the Marine Door Gunner as we fly back to Al Asad Airbase on Friday.

2006-01-31T09:13:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, I flew out of Al Qaim after spending one night there and assisting with the movement of the first waves of Iraqis from our Brigade's deployment. I then spent the weekend working out of Al Asad Airbase assisting with the continued movement of 2200 Iraqis from our Brigade to Al Qaim.

2006-01-26T12:39:00.001-08:00

Posing with two fellow Marines and the Iraqi Battalion Commander that I accompanied on the Advance Party into Camp Al Qaim.

2006-01-26T12:39:00.000-08:00

We finally arrived at Camp Al Qaim today with the advance party of Iraqi troops. The weather had us stranded at Al Asad airbase while we waiting for a sand storm to clear out of the area.

2006-01-22T21:41:00.000-08:00

Well last night we had dinner at the Iraqi Restaurant on base for a little going away for me as I depart for Al Qaim today. The food was actually wasn't too bad- with lots of bread and humus. We had about 25 American civilian truck drivers show up that were staying the night as they were dropping off supplies. I will have a tough time updating my blog for a few days so you all may not hear from me for a few days. Peace Out!

2006-01-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

View of restaurant.

2006-01-22T03:54:00.000-08:00

Well today, sadly I had to sit Daisy down and break the news to her that I'd be heading home soon and unfortunately leaving her here in Iraq. She took it well knowing I had my own canine love at home named Roxy. Our team will not be able to take her to Al Qaim with us b/c Marines do not allow dogs on the camps out there. That I believe is bullshit b/c of the morale benefit such a dog can bring, but they are banned for health reasons. So usually the only canine contact we get on our U.S. bases and camps here are with the unfriendly, handler hogged, K-9 Dogs. She understood us leaving and said she had to stay here in Numaniyah anyway and make friends with the next set of Americans that will move into our trailer park. We have already made sure they know about her and her pups. It will be hard saying goodbye to her tomorrow but I know she will do just fine as long their are Americans here to take care of her. Her friendly and carefree attitude give her an ability to win over the hardest Marine or Soldier. As she realizes, we are far more soft and willing to part with our food than the Iraqis are.

2006-01-21T03:34:00.000-08:00

A Blurry shot of my room mate and me with our favorite Iraqi- LtCol Jameel! This was the second picture of a far more previous stoic poise we had in our first shot, that came out to blurry. I must say as my time in Iraq ends I think the moments with this guy will stand out in my mind as some of my funniest times with Iraqis. He is serious when it comes to getting work done but he is always up for a laugh and getting us to smile. My roommate has worked with more then me but we are always sharing stories about what he'd done that day to make us laugh. For me I won't ever forget the moments where I'd be at my desk and I hear "ROssss, ohhh ROssss, PT?" with his crazy and cookey little arab accent. Trying to keep your professional military bearing and not laugh or smile is impossible- I just lose it as I am here in this blurry picture. Then he'd pull out an apple for me. Iraqis love to present us with gifts of food daily, from Apples to small little cartons of Banana Milk.

2006-01-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

Well I'm sorry I haven't had much chance lately to update the blog. I've been busy with last minute preparations trying to get my Iraiqi communications guys squared away before their upcoming deployment. Todays picture is from a few weeks back that I hadn't got to post. These are some Iraqi Officers playing cards and having some laughs with us so I had to get a picture. It seems I've found an audience for my great sense of humor and wacky comments. I just try saying them in Arabic and its always a great laugh. So I may decide to take my show on the road we'll see! Well on Monday, I'll be flying out to Al Qaim for a week to 10 days until I start finally heading home. Our Brigade starts deploying to Al Qaim finally next week. Al Qaim, is located on the Syrian border in the violent Euphrates river valley which has been the main smuggling route for foreign terrorists into Iraq. In October & November elements of the Marines Regimental Combat Team-2 sucessfully completed operations clearing out this area and killing over 300 insurgents. As they cleared out the area block by block they placed outposts throughout the area with Iraqi troops to keep the area secure. So far since then, the changes have been dramatic with attacks dropping off dramatically in the area. We are hoping that as our new Iraqi soldiers move into the area that it continues with its rehabiltation.

2006-01-16T02:30:00.000-08:00

Today was day one of the Iraqi's Final Exercise here at Numaniyah. Within a few weeks they will deploy out to the precarious western province of Al Anbar. In this picture, our Staff interacts with the Iraqis in the 3rd Brigade, 7th Division's Combat Operation Center. My observation of the Iraqis and their preparation before a big event is that it reminds me of my college days when I'd leave term papers until a few days (or hours) before they were due. Fortunately I have worked in recent years to relieve myself of this poor habit. But with that, I'll spare you the boring details of the morning as we struggled to teach the Iraqis the importance of Spot Reports, giving orders, and the various status reports that higher headquarters constantly demands. Blah! Blah! Blah! Instead I'll tell you that I love my daily interaction with the Iraqis for the most part, but I have grown weary and tired of trying to have to conform to our archaeic administrative system when it comes to the way we are rebuilding the Iraqi Army. But then at times, hope will rush through me when I'm impressed by little things, like how well the Iraqis set up their COC last night or that they will impress us with how well they pick up on things. Their methods may not be quite up to American standards but I'm begining to believe that the secret to Iraqi independence and us getting out of here is keeping expectations low. 5 more weeks and will be behind me.

2006-01-16T02:18:00.000-08:00

The Iraqi Operations Officer plots unit locations on the battle map in the COC.

2006-01-14T22:14:00.000-08:00

Well one thing for sure you walk around this place with a camera, you will always find great shots of Iraqis doing "interesting" things. This Military Policeman is responsible for guarding the entrance to the small American Chow Hall. Today he decided to perch his post high above the gate on top of the 4 foot Hesco Barrier. Today is also Sunday, the first day of the week for most Arabic countries. Only little more then half of our 2,500 Iraqis have returned from their 1 week vacation. Apparently as we painfully learn, the Iraqis like to operate on their own schedule. InShaLa! 5 Weeks until I escape this Madness!

2006-01-12T08:06:00.000-08:00

Much better picture today of Mom and the pups. Well Daisy and her 4 pups are doing well. We went ahead last night and built a roof over her den with some wood and a poncho. Then we carefully moved her and the pups as we layed down an old sleeping bag for them. It was good timing b/c last night we had a huge storm come in with a torrential down pour of rain. It was amazing to see mom and her pups doing well from the storm this morning.

2006-01-11T03:27:00.000-08:00

I managed to entice Daisy out of here den for just a few moments with some "Juicy Summer Sausage" from a care package, so I could snap this quick picture of our new arrival to the camp. We are all happy to be witness to at least one miracle in this country.

2006-01-11T03:23:00.000-08:00

Well I'm happy to announce that Daisy finally gave birth to her litter sometime early yesterday. We all had our suspicions that she was about to give birth when she was running around crying early yesterday morning. Then today while walking around our trailer camp, I saw her running into a small gap in our defensive wall and wondered what she was doing. Well there they were, 4 beautiful pups crying for mom's attention and milk. We are all pitching in to make make sure these little guys get a start in their new life. Daisy is very trusting of the Americans that want to take a peak but not of the Iraqis... she won't let any of them get within 50 feet.

2006-01-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

Many of you may have seen my post during the begining of December regarding my fellow Lt. Ray Baronie. He had trained over the past year and traveled over to Iraq with me in September. Ray was seriously wounded on Dec 1st in Ramaidi, when the truck he was traveling in was hit by a rocket, over turned and caught fire. The driver, who sat next to him was killed. Ray was pulled from the wreckage by another Marine from my Battalion, Sgt. Davis. He has spent the past 6 weeks in Hospitals in Germany and Bethesda, MD receiving numerous surgeries to help him save and regain use of both his legs. As you can see from the recent picture he is doing well and is in good spirits!

2006-01-09T05:43:00.000-08:00

Posing on an Saddam era Iraqi T-72 at Taji.

2006-01-09T05:39:00.000-08:00

The Taji Wastlands- I got back from another weekend trip to Taji on Monday morning. This time I had a little more time to take some pics of the "wastelands" that are all over the base. During the Saddam era, this base had served as HQs for the Republican Guard and also for as research center for rockets. Thus during the invasion the base was bombed extensively or literally wiped off the map. Parts of the base are roped off with numerous destroyed buildings and destroyed tanks and armored vehicles littering all of the place. Its like being in some "end of the world" sci-fi movie.

2006-01-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

Speeding through "Scania," south of Bagdad. Scania is a huge truck stop for American convoys running along Highway 25, which is a freeway that almost resembles I-95 at night (with all military convoys). You are amazed by the amount of supplies being moved every night in these convoys. Truck after truck of everything.

2006-01-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

Pulling into a defensive position while waiting for the Iraqis to repair one of their vehicles. We are sitting ducks for over twenty minutes along Route 25 in one of the worst places west of Baghdad. A few minutes later up the road a convoy is hit by an IED traveling in Northbound lanes. But no worries just sit tight and listen to the music to relax your mind in your buttoned up "Brandnew!! American General Up Armored Humvee!"

2006-01-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

Rubish fires along our route passing in the Western Suburbs of Baghdad. During our convoy home from Taji.

2006-01-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

All of us looking so serious ready for our long trip home back to Numaniyah. The trip back wasn't as bad only 7 hours and I was in bed before 4AM.

2006-01-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

This one needs some explanation. While waiting for all the vehicles to be refueled for the return trip home to Numaniyah, I went to the refuelers shack where the workers from Pakistan rested while refueling U.S. and Iraqi military vehicles. And there he was, a nice sweet distraction from the thoughts of long ride home that night, through all the IED alleys, The Pink Panther!

2006-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

"Ok... you want one behind the wheel but this is it. No More pictures."

2006-01-05T08:58:00.001-08:00

Ok.. one more with your friends. But that's it!

2006-01-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

Ok... you want one too? Alright one more.

2006-01-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

"Mister! Mister! One picture of us!"

2006-01-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

Taji Roadtrip- Later in the day I am back with my Iraqi Communicators b/c guess what? After a 11 hour trip, the Micromangement bureaucracy of Iraq that I so love, decided the day before to cancel my seats for my six students for the January course. After an hour of frustrating arguments going no where I am forced to bring them home later that night on our return trip. But oh how they love to have their picture taken. After this first shot... everyone wants their picture so I now will face the "Mister Mister, you have picture?" for the few weeks. Enjoy the shots.

2006-01-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

One of 4 huge American "only" chow halls at Taji. This base is the largest in Iraq and I was one of maybe three Marines I saw during my day there. KBR (Kellogg Brown & Root) the civilian contractor that provides almost all life support to American forces (excellent stock tip!) provides excellent food. For guys like us from Numaniyah, where our chow is provided by the Iraqis, its like stepping into heaven... mmmmm cheeseburger.

2006-01-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Lt. Inkenbrandt, who is in the Indiana National Guard, works with me on the Brigade Staff as the G-4 Logistics Advisor. With him are two Iraqi Lts who rode in our Humvee on our convoy up and back. We all had a great time as I introduced the Iraqis to some American musical icons like Snoop Dog and Busta Rymes during our long trip (they prefer Hip-Hop it seems). They eventually tired of the American music as I tried some Coldplay and Tori Amos. I had manged to hook up my I-pod to our Comm Headsets in the vehicle and listen to music while still monitoring the radio nets. Everything from classic Nine Inch Nails to Enya is perfect for setting the mood for a great night cruise in Iraq!

2006-01-05T08:29:00.000-08:00

Smiling with my Iraqi Counterpart and fellow Communication Officers at Taji. We just completed our 200 Mile, 11 hour journey, it is just before 7AM. (Yes it seems that you may be able to get there faster on a moped) I am amazed by the smile on my face but these guys are great and make me laugh. The days memory between us is me telling guys in Arabic "I am pregnant," and pointing to my belly just to get them to laugh. It is great, they seem to love my crazy sense of humor. The laughter from these guys was amazing and they loved it. They wanted me to keep saying it to every Iraqi who walked up to us.

2006-01-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

A view from my desk. If you at all wonder what it's like in my office and what madness transpires around me on a daily basis, this will be my best attempt to describe it. Please bear with me for I am reaching back to my high school creative writing class days to best put this together. Also please keep in mind that this raw as it can be seeing no editor's pen and a little gritty.

2006-01-03T05:29:00.000-08:00

The Brigade Headquarters office of the Iraqi Army's 3rd Brigade of the 7th Division. A scene that can only described as "colliding forces" of chatter. The first thing you notice when you awake from your trance of work is that you are maybe one of two or three Americans at best in the office. Then you'll try your best to tune into the multiple Arabic conversations going on around you. Attempting to try and understand what they are talking about is impossible. The speed and rapid clacking of their tongues as they spill out words like "Hassah Clak Clak wahl Hafffa" or "Tujah Halfan Wallasa Ka Hammsa" I can assure you that I have no idea what these phrases mean or I even if I'm getting it right trying to repeat it for you.

In the background the mood is set perfectly to Arabic pop music which is an a sound with a mix of traditional drum and bell rhythms and chants mixed with contemporary R&B sound. The music plays constantly one song after another. And we do a great job of just blocking it out. The Iraqis love to watch Arabic music videos on their new Dell Desk top computers with 15 inch flat screen monitors. When they don't have work to do or they just want to pass the time they crowd around one computer. Maybe 3 to 5 of them and they stare obsessively at the dancing of beautiful Arabic women from countries like Dubai and Lebanon. The "Arabic" Britney Spears' and Jessica Simpson's, its so nice to see that part of joining democracy means having important Pop Icons.

2006-01-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

We have been working together long enough to have cut out all the small talk about how life is like where we are all from. The office has now moved into your normal work space where people just get done what they have to do. We are the only ones with internet so from time to time I see one of the Iraqis trying to peer over your shoulder to see what you are looking at on your screen. Since the written words of English are completely foreign to them they usually get bored and stop looking.

The brightest spot in our introduction of democracy to Iraq is the curiosity of pornography by the Iraqis. The older Iraqis it seems have no desire to see such crude images but the younger Jundee, will be abrasive and forward enough to approach you and ask, "Mister Mister, ask you question? then they will continue with "You have sex pictures?"

The first time I was approached with such a question I was totally shocked. I thought at first that this young Iraqi was about to ask me about life in America or something about being a Marine and then I was impressed with English. Then, I was almost disgusted with the question and saying to myself "do I look the kind of guy that has this kind of stuff?" Of course I sent him on his way, sadly empty handed.

Well I know my comments and observations may be a tad bit raw and perverse. Maybe a bit on the negative side of American culture and democracy. Don't get me wrong I think we are doing a great service to these people here. The way its being carried out from time to time frustrates me b/c I feel that we as a country didn't prepare ourselves for what we were about to step into almost 3 years ago.

I'll close with the classic story of American assistance that I wish on my life I had captured with a picture for my blog. Yesterday a great National Guardsman from Portland that I work with here, came to me with a three ring report cover and commented, "Sir, I'm about to undertake an important mission here instructing our Iraqis on a vital piece of administration." I raised an eyebrow wondering what he was about to reveal. Behind his back he pulled out the report cover and a three ring hole puncher. "How to use one of these." I though he was joking but sure enough moments later with the help of one of our interpreters he was having a period of instruction on the correct placement of your three holes and placing your vital documents in the report cover. Welcome to the civilized world Iraq!

2006-01-03T00:47:00.000-08:00

A late night home... after all the pics, all the peeps along the road into Iraq. The night ends with disspointment that my $200 Digital camera is just not able to capture a picture as my eyes see it. I wanted a picture of the inside of this humvee with all the lights and nightlights cascading upon the road ahead of us. Well I guess this will have to suffice.

2006-01-03T00:42:00.000-08:00

A convoy pic11

2006-01-03T00:38:00.000-08:00

A convoy pic10

2006-01-03T00:36:00.000-08:00

A convoy pic9

2006-01-03T00:34:00.000-08:00

A convoy pic8

2006-01-03T00:33:00.000-08:00

A convoy pic7

2006-01-03T00:29:00.000-08:00

A convoy pic6

2006-01-03T00:26:00.000-08:00

A convoy pic5

2006-01-03T00:23:00.000-08:00

A convoy pic4

2006-01-03T00:21:00.000-08:00

A convoy... pic3

2006-01-03T00:18:00.000-08:00

A convoy pic 2

2006-01-03T00:16:00.000-08:00

A convoy through the southern Iraqi countryside. Yesterday I got take an uunexpected convoy for the day and returned late last night. Something about driving through Iraq, you can peep into peoples lives. Through the 1 inch thick bullet proof glass on this massive, heavy armored Humvee on seconds of a view as you speed through at over 50 MPH. Through your mind flashes all the "what ifs?" For a while I just got caught up staring out my pasenger side window and tried my best to catch pictures of what we passed by... enjoy the show all in order.

2006-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

A glorious Iraqi Morning on New Years Day morning 2006. Well this picture should make Americans feel confident about the direction of Iraq in 2006. Reason being it shows an Iraqi Sgt correcting two Jundee (Soldiers). This has been a constant struggle for us getting the Sgts and NCO's to take charge and show some leadership. Finally it seems they are starting to take charge. So of course you won't see this picture on any of the US Media Outlet at home, all you read on today's headlines is "12 Car Bombs in Iraq!!" but of course no mention with that in fact no one was killed.

2006-01-01T23:49:00.000-08:00

New Year 2006!! Well as you can see from the picture my New Years Celebration took place in bed (alone of course) Some of my fellow American servicemen tried in vain to usher in the new year by running around the camp yelling �Happy New Year,� but is brought little reaction for most of us as we slept through it. I awoke for a few moments as I rubbed my eyes and thought back to the past New Years celebrations and where I was. It was an interesting exercise in looking back at your progress through life.

2005-12-28T04:32:00.000-08:00

Well it seems Daisy has made the headlines again. She is doing well keeping us all in good spirits. Lately I had been doing my best not to mention her obvious weight gain but then she came to me with the news. It seems her frolicking around has gotten her into trouble and she appears to be "expecting," shall we say. We are all not sure who the father is because there are few gentleman she keeps company with. I am concerned for such a sweet girl having to raise pups in such a hostile environment, but as sweet as she is, she puts up a good fight against the other dogs in the area when she's defending her food. Must be her motherly intincts kicking in. I'll be sure to keep you all updated with her upcoming birth announcement!

2005-12-24T23:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas Caroling in Numaniyah- This Christams Eve it seems a joint Army-Marine Team decided to spread Christmas joy about our camp at the stroke of Midnight local time. Unfortunately b/c of poor planning and support from higher they were only able to sing one Christmas song, "Jingle Bells" and they were lacking proper singing lessons. But with an important mission, at the stroke of midnight they started making their way around the camp to the Iraqi tents singing their only song Jingle bells. I would be interested to find out from our fellow Iraqis what they thought of these jolly fellows but I'm sure they have a good idea of how we Marines celebrate Christmas. Then they went door to door in our trailer park spreading holiday joy about our trailer park. When looking at this picture you can pick out the Marines (crazy ones) and the National Guardsman (in the back). The scary part about this picture is that this activity involved no alcohol... just pure Marine Corps madness!

2005-12-24T23:12:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus comes to Numaniyah- Well this Christmas Eve we lucked out with a visit from Kris Kringle on his way to North America. Unfortunately b/c of the current security threat we had to settle for a "blow up" version of him. (In case you are all wondering we don't have to many blow up friend over here so please don't get that idea.) But I got my picture with Santa thanks to some of my fellow Marines who let me get a picture with no charge. I was a little too old to sit in his lap but I did give him my list. From what he's told me, I've been pretty good this year so I've been very fortunate this Christmas but I have two months to wait for my real "Present".

2005-12-22T05:29:00.000-08:00

A poem forwarded to me by a fellow Marine...

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.
It's my duty to stand at the front of the line
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,

Then he sighed,
"That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother
Who stand at the front against any and all
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.

So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust
That we mattered to you, as you mattered to us.

WE ALL NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR

MILITARY PERSONNEL EVERY NIGHT!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !!!

2005-12-22T05:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday started classes for the Iraqi Communication soldiers in the Brigade that I advise. It has been challenging. We are providing the Iraqis with some very high tech gear and it has been tough training them on how to use it with the obvious language barrier. They lack the ability to understand some important technical aspects. It can be frustrating at times b/c it gives me a feeling that we as a country seem to be overwhelmed by the task of rebuilding this country. There are times where the task seem daunting from my perspective. The bureaucracy that has been established in Bagdad's Green Zone can be so slow to respond and out of touch with unrealistic expectations. I could go on and on. I can't wait to be away from it all. But there are those times where you see the gratefulness from the Iraqis we work with. The Iraqi soldiers I have worked seem to really like us and are thankful for the help we provide them. People need to know that Iraqis have struck me with their kindness and the size of their hearts.

2005-12-22T05:06:00.000-08:00

Marine MiTT (Military Training Team) Escort vehicle for the Iraqis. Note the extensive armor. This thing is like a tank.

2005-12-22T05:01:00.000-08:00

Iraqi troop transport moving out with jundee recruits for the rifle range. These trucks will get extensive steel plated armor before their deployment to the fighting Al Anbar Province.

2005-12-22T04:57:00.000-08:00

Well I have good news. Many of you may not know that embarrisingly I did not know how to drive a stick. Well here in Iraq on the bases we have what we call NTVs Non-Tactical Vehicles, that we drive around on post b/c the bases are so huge. So here at Numaniyah we have some "Wazzes" as we call them which are a small Russian built jeep type vehicle. This thing is perfect to learn stick on. Well after a week of driving I think I've almost got it. This picture of course is not me in the driver seat but my roomate and his interpreter in the drivers seat.

2005-12-20T02:52:00.000-08:00

The Joint U.S.- Iraqi Brigade Staff Meeting- A few weeks ago we started joint Brigade Staff Meetings where we show our Iraqi counterparts how to have a proper staff meeting and inform the Brigade Commander of the daily status of his Brigade. The entire meeting is done complete with Arabic and English Powerpoint and an interpreter who translates the meeting for us. Some days they go smoothly and it is over within one hour. But lately as the Iraqis have been gaining confidence about what they want to discuss and now they have been pushing to 1 1/2+ hours. You get a certain good feeling at some of these meetings that the Iraqis are happy and grateful of the help they are getting from us. And you start to feel pretty good when you start seeing your counterpart knowing how to brief his commander on his specialty.

2005-12-13T04:48:00.000-08:00

Like I have mentioned before, the Iraqis love to have their picture taken, so watch out if you take out your camera. So it actually makes it challenging to take candid shots during the day because they really want to clean themselves up, pose and not get taken off guard. Today�s picture I thought I�d post because I snapped this picture a week ago at the insistence of some of Iraqi soldiers that work across from me in our office. Since then they have badgered me daily for a print out. But I don�t even have access to a printer for my own pictures I try and explain to them in my broken Arabic. It seems the phrase �Inshala,� (God Willing) doesn�t seem to work with everyone. Big takeaway from this� is always, always be careful what you casually promise and Iraqi he will not forget.

2005-12-13T04:38:00.000-08:00

Today I had my second try at our local Iraqi Barber Shop. The first haircut a few weeks back, tragically ruined my precious �Flat top� haircut. My first three months of haircuts have been ok with the base barber shop at Al Asad and its imported Indian Barbers having gained remarkable experience in giving pretty good flat tops with all the Marines on base. But when I stumbled into our local Iraqi barber shop here on the Numaniyah Base a few weeks back, the Iraqis made their best attempt at the �Flat Top,� which came out, let�s just say, a little uneven. Today�s haircut I went with an interpreter and instructed them to please just take a little off the top. It worked and now a have somewhat decent haircut.

2005-12-11T04:10:00.000-08:00

Well I have a confession to make. I've met a little lady over here in Iraq that I have taken a liking to. Her name is Daisy. I secretly named her that this morning after deciding that she needed a name. Please keep this between us about her name being "Daisy," I'm afraid that if the Marines and Soldiers found out that I've named her Daisy they'd all find me weak for using such sweet name out in this harsh place. Daisy in recent days has moved away from her fellow stray pack members where they would beg for food outside the chow hall and come down to our "trailer park" where we live. She loves to come up to any of us with her tail wagging with excitement. Many of us have found a special place in our heart for this little friendly lady. She seems to know everyday that when she walks up to one of us, that we need a little reminder of someone special at home. What a treat. She also, believe it or not is the first dog that seems to know english and arabic.

2005-12-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

Posing at a memorial sign at Logistics Base Scania during our day trip. Last week I had the chance to ride on one of our weekly day trips to the two closest Coalition bases- Camp Diwaniyah & Scania. This gives us a chance to hit an real KBR chow hall with all the great food that we'd usually get at a normal base, buy some essentials at the PX and unwind away from the Iraqis for a day. The base comes complete with a huge Iraqi market where you feel like you just have stepped into a Indian Jones movie with all these Arab merchants hounding you for your business. Our one hour armed convoy there, takes us through some of the "safest" parts of Iraq in the south about 1 hour from Baghdad. There are rarely any attacks in this part of the country and it hopefully is a taste of what the rest of the country will be like one day.

2005-12-08T07:50:00.000-08:00

Scenery along our route.

2005-12-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Children wave for candy as our convoy passses through a small village near Diwaniyah.

2005-12-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

The famous sign posts pointing to all points away from Iraq and home for U.S., Polish, Bulgarian, Romanian, and El Savadoran troops serving at Camp Diwaniyah.

2005-12-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

View of main street at Camp Diwaniyah

2005-12-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

Entrance to Bulgarian Army Garrison at Diwaniyah

2005-12-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

Making turn for Diwaniyah

2005-12-06T04:39:00.000-08:00

End of day promotion for Marine Sgt with Iraqis from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 7th Division observing at attention.

2005-12-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

The Jundee and their new AK-47s

2005-12-06T04:28:00.000-08:00

Jundee Rifle Training

2005-12-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

Today I found that a good friend and fellow lieutenant from my battalion (1st Battalion, 10th Marines) was severely wounded in an attack on a convoy he was riding with. He is has suffered major traumatic injuries to both his legs but he is lucky to be alive as medical personnel work to keep save his legs. He was airlifted to Germany to receive advanced care and surgery before being flown onto Bethesda, Maryland for the long road of rehab ahead of.

This has suddenly woke me to the harsh realities of this war. Ray and I had worked together on the battalion staff for the past year and trained together as we prepared to depart for Iraq. He flew over with me to Iraq and spent a week with me at Fallujah as we got ready to take on our assignments as Liaison Officers. Back in September after dropping him off in Ramadi I shook his hand and wished him well as I jumped on my convoy for Al Asad Airbase. That was the last I saw of him. And now he is fighting a very challenging battle as he struggles to put his life back together after suffering from these horrible injuries. I ask that you all say a prayer for him and for the thousands of others that are also struggling with similar struggles. These are our heroes, these are the ultimate patriots which have sacrificed limb and health in the name of our country.

2005-11-29T04:17:00.000-08:00

Little Donkeys snacking on trash.

2005-11-29T04:14:00.000-08:00

Today's adventure- "The little donkeys.
Well this afternoon I heard that at the base garbage dump you can see the local Iraqi villagers scavenging trash. Nothing new we throw lots of valuable stuff that they use. But what was unique about the Numaniyah base dump is that the villagers had little donkeys that they use to haul their findings. So I had to see for myself, so I went down for look. Enjoy the Little Donkeys!

2005-11-28T04:14:00.000-08:00

The wretched Iraqi House Fly. Today I must bring attention to this resilient, annoying, adaptive and persistent beast of an insect. I have been told that I am fortunate to not be here later when in the summer months these vial beasts run rampant. But the ones that still remain now this late in the year seem to be the survivors. The weak it seems have died of various causes or been caught in the numerous sticky fly traps that seem to inhabit every room or porta-john over here. They will continually harass you to no end. You find their ability buzz literally into your ear, swim through your hair and hover in front of your eyes and then egress from their attack as you stumble to swish away this pesky insect. Then when you think you have staked your claim or scared them away they come right back for more minutes later. They seem to have evolved well beyond their North American and European cousins. A product of the harsh environment they have mastered. They also seem to show up in the oddest of places. From the air conditioned office to the inner bastions of your fortified, airtight "Up Armored Humvee". I hate to report this but it seems some of them have mastered the ability to fly at night b/c I have woken up from my restful sleep to the feeling of something crawling around my head. I would wake in a panic, thinking that this is some kind poisonous scorpion or threatening insect that we had been warned about in numerous pre-deployment classes. But then I would only find that no, it is only the annoying, resilient, adaptive Iraq House Fly.

2005-11-26T22:13:00.000-08:00

Today's picture- A view of the Numaniyah Base Mosque. You know when ever you watch a movie set somewhere in the Middle East, the soundtrack will always set the scene with the some random Muslim prayer song playing in the background. The irony is that it is true. This Mosque is located approximately 1-2 KM from out living quarters however because of the amazing sound system you are able to clearly hear the morning call to prayers for about 15 mins every morning at about 5AM and at Noon. The Humvee parked nearby has the standard "Danger Stay Back" sign that we have on all our vehicles to keep back drivers from our convoys to prevent suicide bomber attacks .

2005-11-25T04:44:00.000-08:00

A Traditional Iraqi lunch with fellow U.S. Officers from the MITT. Todays's lunch was in honor of the graduation of the 100 Iraqi Soldiers from the 3 week NCO Course.

2005-11-25T04:38:00.000-08:00

Home sweet home in the US trailer park.

2005-11-25T04:34:00.000-08:00

New recruits marching to chow.

2005-11-25T04:31:00.000-08:00

New Recruits being processed.