Good News from Iraq: 23 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Karmah terrorist safe house destroyed following Iraqi Scout, U.S. Special Operations Forces raid.

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Iraqi Army Scouts, with U.S. Special Operations Forces as advisers, conducted an intelligence-driven helicopter assault in western Iraq Aug. 21, resulting in the elimination of a suspected weapons cache and the destruction of an insurgent safe house.

Forces conducted a targeted raid at a residence in the vicinity of Karmah suspected of being used by foreign fighters and al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists. While clearing the building, the assault team noticed that the floor in the main room of the structure had recently been dug up and fresh cement covered the floor with wire leading out of the house.

Further investigation revealed the presence of a command detonation wire and the area was immediately evacuated. After ensuring full accountability of all forces on target, close air support was called in to destroy the target and multiple secondary explosions were observed by the assault force.

Although no insurgents were on target at the time of the raid, intelligence sources reported that the former safe house was being occupied by foreign and Iraqi-born al Qaeda members. It was also a suspected storage location for weapons caches and believed to be the point of origin for launching mortars at the Iraqi Police Station in Karmah.

No civilians, Iraqi Scouts or U.S. Forces were injured during this operation.

Perfectionism and Privacy

Well, after all this time in therapy (OK, so it really hasn't been all that long), it turns out a good deal of my problems stem from me being a perfectionist! Go figure! I've known this for years.

But week after this "major breakthrough," I am still thinking about what this really means for me. And this may sound really bizarre coming from someone who posted this yesterday, but ...

I am a very private person.

So yesterday at the post office while mailing my SAG cards, I was trying to reconcile my private tendencies, my blogginess, and my perfectionism. (Isn't this what you all do while waiting at the post office???)

I came up with this thought. The blogging is helping me recognize that I am not, do not have to be, and in fact would prefer not to be ... perfect. I think that my (old) desire to be a "private person" and not share with others was just so that I did not have to show anyone -- myself included, perhaps in particular -- that I was something less than perfect.

So I guess blogging is really helping me come out of my shell, or more accurately for a butterfly, my chrysalis. Who would have thought.

and the cards continue

Sent 14 more cards off to MaryAnn at Soldiers' Angels Germany yesterday. I even marked #300 on the back.

Running Total: 306

Good News from Iraq: 22 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Four caches discovered in the Diyala River Valley during Operation Lightning Hammer.

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Soldiers assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered four weapons caches in Qubbah and Mukeisha villages, in the Diyala River Valley, Iraq, during Operation Lightning Hammer, Aug 18. While conducting a clearance operation in the village of Qubbah, Soldiers discovered two caches consisting of small-arms ammunition and magazines, 20 sticks of dynamite, detonation cord, 78 blasting caps, one pistol, a suicide vest carrier, six DVDs of suicide bombers, land contracts to rent land to members of the Islamic State of Iraq, propaganda encouraging extremists to kill Coalition Forces and a Wahabbist handbook. Two other caches were discovered in the village of Mukeisha, which contained 14 Katusha rockets, 10 rocket-propelled grenades, 20-60mm mortar rounds, five 60mm mortar tubes, eight sticks of dynamite, and a DSHKA anti-aircraft weapon system. “The discovery of these caches will significantly degrade al-Qaida’s ability to conduct operations in the Diyala River Valley,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander. “Taking away their weapons systems further allows the local and provincial government to begin rebuilding the systems that provide essential services like food, water, and electricity to the citizens in this area.”

Offensive Office Odors

OMG! I am about to suffocate in the overwhelming smell of someone's cologne. I should not be able to smell you from behind a wall.

My cubicle is next to a conference room. With the strength of the aroma wafting this way, you would think that the person must have walked by me. But no! The door to the conference room is at least 20 feet from me.

I may gag to death today.

More UGGGG!

There is just no getting around it ...

**for mature audiences only**

I miss my husband in more ways than one. And I am completely willing to admit that I am hitting my sexual prime just as he is gone for extended periods of time. And that is bad.

But I figure I know what it must be like to be inside the mind of an 18-year-old boy. My goodness, how do they ever getting anything accomplished? I haven't a clue.

So when Jack Bauer sent me this Fox News headline, I just about fell over.

Need Another Reason to Have Sex?

Um, no I don't need another reason! I have plenty of reasons and desires thank you very much. I just need the right someone to have sex with!!! Can't the universe give me a break here??? Ugggg!

Of course, Jack Bauer finds this all very amusing, and I've just set myself up here for some intense teasing by him.

Excuse me while I go bang my head against the wall for a while.

Good News from Iraq: 21 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Concerned citizens lead Iraqi Army recruiting drive.

KALSU — As concerned citizens stand up and secure their homes and communities against terrorists and militias all across North Babil, they are also standing up and leading the push for legitimate security forces in the area.

Iraqi Army recruiting has reached a near record in the city of Iskandariyah and the surrounding areas thanks, in large part, to concerned citizens wanting to do more to help their families, friends and neighbors in the fight against militants.

“More than 1,400 people have made the decision to join the Iraqi Army during the five-day recruiting drive,” said 1st Lt. Tyler Mitchell, of Wasilla, Alaska. “Due to sectarian violence, this is the first recruiting drive we have had this year.”

The drop in sectarian violence can be attributed to an increased presence of Iraqi and Coalition Forces patrolling the area. With the increased patrols, ordinary citizens feel more secure and are willing to come forward and help the Security Forces, Mitchell said.

One major area of help has come from volunteers in the Concerned Citizens Program, providing security against the Sunni insurgents and Shia militias that have plagued the region.

“As the citizens began standing up and taking back control of their communities and villages, the Ministry of Defense said it was finally time to hold a recruiting drive,” Mitchell said. “Once the recruiting drive was OK’d, we started publicizing it pretty heavily.”

Using fliers and loud speaker announcements, 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Divisioin and 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, spread the word throughout the area, and people turned out in droves. Not everyone was accepted because of age limitations, weight problems or illiteracy, but those not accepted were told about the Concerned Citizens Programs sprouting up across the region.

“If the men who were turned away by the initial recruiting drive are accepted into one of the Concerned Citizens Programs and prove their worth, hopefully that will lead to a contract in the Iraqi Security Forces,” Mitchell said.

“The men who signed up are the same men who have lived under the threat of murder and intimidation for nearly a year,” he continued. “They are tired of being scared and they want to be a part of something bigger. They want a change and they realize that the time is now.”

Happy Half-iversary

Happy half-iversary Jack Bauer.

Eight and a half years ago we married. It was a wonderful day.

And I love you more today than ever before.

An eight years ago today we embarked on another adventure ... and look how well that turned out! =)

Hugs and kisses and such to you.

Good News from Iraq: 20 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Weapons cache found in Adhamiyah.

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops uncovered a weapons cache in an eastern neighborhood of the Iraqi capital Aug. 15.

Military operations in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah District by Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment led to the cache. The Soldiers found the cache after searching an abandoned house.

The cache included five AK-47s, 10 magazines, dynamite, hand grenades, an 82mm mortar system with 38 rounds, improvised explosive device components, 17 rockets, a roll of detonation cord, 13 shotgun shells and one machine gun.

"You know what you are doing"

Finally, after 14 months of Introductory Yoga, I heard this compliment while doing a pose.

I took the yoga intensive and now starting Sept 10, I am moving up to Yoga I.

Gotta love the pace of Iyengar Yoga.

Good News from Iraq: 19 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Tip leads to largest cache uncovered in western Baghdad neighborhood.

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Soldiers uncovered the largest weapons cache found to date in the Ameriya neighborhood Aug. 14.

Acting on a tip called in by a resident, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces conducted a search in the western Baghdad neighborhood, uncovering the cache in a woodworking shop. The Soldiers uncovered the cache, after finding a fake floor board in the shop.

The cache contained 265 mortar rounds of various sizes, 47 rockets of various sizes, 22 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, more than 50 land mines, 300 pounds of homemade explosive, more than 150 pounds of other explosive material and more than 70,000 rounds of small arms ammunition.

An explosive ordnance team was called in to evaluate the cache. EOD blew the ordnance and weapons on site.

Some people get it, some don't

Yesterday, I went for a pedicure and mini-facial. A little me time. Relax, enjoy myself, self-indulgent me time.

I get to the spa for the pedicure with the same 50-something, Russian lady I had last time.

Lady: "I see you are still working on card, no?"

BW: "Yes, they never end."

Lady: "Ah."

BW: "Yes, they are cards for Soldiers."

Lady: (blank stare and silence)

Not another word was said during the hour-long pedicure. I wrote 10 cards.

Then I left and went to the Origins corner at Macy's for a free mini-facial. (Origins does these promotional events every so often. I would highly recommend checking it out for a little extra special free pampering.)

The young clerk was bubbly and politely curious. She complimented me on my grandmother-in-law's bracelet. So I told her about it. She noticed my husband's name on the deployment bracelet on my other wrist. So I told her about this one too. She started off by saying, "thank you for your husband's service." Then she paused, tilted her head, thinking for a moment. She got it. She said something like this:

"You know, we thank our servicemen all the time. We never thank the families. And the troops would not be able to do what they do without the support of their families at home. So thank you. I appreciate what you do too."

I started to cry. She started to cry. It was nice to meet a stranger, with no military connections, who actually gets it.

Oh, and the rest of the facial was relaxing, my make-up looked great, and made an appointment for the next one.

Good News from Iraq: 18 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Weapons recovered, suspect seized in raid.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq — Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division and the 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division captured one suspected insurgent and recovered a weapons cache during a raid in eastern Baghdad Aug. 16.

During Operation Chesterfield in the New Baghdad District, Soldiers of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment based out of Fort Riley, Kan., and attached to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, joined with their Iraqi counterparts in capturing the suspected insurgent, recovering two AK-47s, two pistols and 900,000 Iraqi dinar.

The suspect is being held for further questioning.

The capture comes as insurgents have stepped up their activity against Iraqi civilians and police officers. U.S. and Iraqi forces have responded by driving into insurgent strongholds and setting up combat outposts and joint security stations as part of the Baghdad Security Plan to secure the capital.

Friday Fun Fact

You have probably already figured this one out about me.

I like to be a wee bit naughty from time to time.

Here is a naughty and outrageous stunt from my long ago high school days.

One Friday night while I was a junior in high school, my friend (I'll call her Shelly) and were sitting around her bedroom bored and wanted to see how far we'd go. You know, double dog dare and all. We devised a plan to take place in public that would make people stare at me and wonder if I was for real. Shelly didn't think I would go through with it.

The look had to be just right. Big hair (it was the late 80s), heavy black eye make-up, super short skirt (I could pull that off then), shredded black nylons, and the highest heels we could find. And no super slutty look would have been complete without some dark sunglasses.

Next, we had to have the right car. Shelly's mom drove a 1988 Nissan 350Z, white with red interior. Perfect.

As we got in the Z and drove to the chosen location, my heart started to race. "Will I actually be able to pull this off?" I wondered, anxiety beginning to set it. Within a few minutes, we pulled into the shopping center. Game time.

Shelly peeled into the lot of the 7-11 and slammed on the breaks and we screeched to a halt intentionally crooked taking up at least 2 spots. I could see heads were turning already in the store. I exited from the passenger seat, calmly, strutted into the convenient store with a list of 3 items to buy.

There were about 10 customers inside and I was hoping my interaction with them would be minimal as I gathered the requisite trove. First up, gum. Easy enough. I spotted some Big Red, my favorite.

Next, condoms. Having never purchased condoms before (let alone had a need for them) I strolled through the aisles looking for them. On my second pass, I found them and picked up Trojans (what else).

Lastly, cigarettes. As if the condoms weren't bad enough, I know had to ask for cigarettes and get the order right. Being a nonsmoker at the time, I had never bought cigarettes.

"Marlboro Lights 100, please," I requested in my most confident adult-like voice.

"Excuse me?" replied the 20-something clerk behind the counter.

"Marlboro Lights 100," I repeated slightly indignant hoping that would lend a more confident air about me.

The clerk grabbed a pack from rack and asked if there was anything else. "Just these," I said as I laid down the gum and condoms. He rang the purchase up, I paid, and strutted out the same way I came in. Heads were still turning. I got back in the Z and Shelly peeled out.

We laughed the whole way back to her house. We threw away the condoms, gave the cigarettes to some smoker friends, and enjoyed our Big Red.

And more on cards: Bauer Cards

So today is the last day I am mailing a card to Jack Bauer. I will resume in 2 weeks and will start sending them to the new address. (I guess this really means this current deployment is almost over.)

Like I said the other day, I will continue to write the cards and then send them all at once to the new address. Then I am doing my writing for me and Jack Bauer will get the benefit of a bunch of pretty cards.

But I had an even better idea ...

e-cards.

Hehehehehehehe

:o)

Another shipment of cards

I sent off another package to Soldiers' Angels Germany with 14 cards of encouragement for our wounded warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

When I started this a couple months back, I would never have thought I would have enjoyed writing these cards so much. I never expect to hear from any of them, but I imagine that a pleasant butterfly card with nice note will help bring a moment of relief, of smiling, of not grimacing in pain, of lightness of heart. That makes it is all worth the effort.

Running total: 292

Good News from Iraq: 17 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Concerned citizens hand over weapons cache to coalition forces.

AL-OWESAT— A group of concerned citizens recently found a weapons cache along the Euphrates River and later brought it to coalition forces.

Soldiers of Company D, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, N.Y., were at Iraqi Army Patrol Base Samir, near the village of al-Taqa, when a group of local citizens brought the cache to them.

The cache contained 220 pounds of homemade explosives, seven 155 mm rounds, seven 120 mm rounds, 12 14.5 mm heavy machine-gun rounds, two steel-pipe directional charges packed with homemade explosive, 60 57mm mortar fuses, one 82 mm mortar tube, three homemade hand grenades, nine rocket-propelled grenades, two 88 mm rocket fuses and nearly 1,300 feet of detonation cord.

The weapons turn-in occurred within a mile of the site where Spc. Alex R. Jimenez and Pvt. Byron W. Fouty were captured on May 12. Search efforts continue for the missing Soldiers.

The cache was secured for disposal by an explosive ordnance disposal.

Voice on Voice Contact???

What was that?!? Did Butterfly Wife actually hear dear sweet Jack Bauer's real voice yesterday or was that an auditory hallucination?

Nope it was real. Of course, I cannot prove it. But I know. It was the first voice on voice conversation we had since May 7 when we did a phone interview together, during which he constantly broke up and eventually we lost him. But otherwise I have not heard his voice since he said good-bye at the airport March 6.

He sounded exactly the same. But it was sooooo nice to actually hear this voice. When Bauer and I IM, I hear his voice in my head, so in my mind it is as though we are always talking. (Insert obvious crazy girl hearing voices joke here.)

Within a few minutes though, we were already frustrated by the delay and so hung up to IM some more.

I hate to think that we'll never be able to communicate other than by IMing. But that would be a funny sight to see! :D

Another note to a doggie daddy

Moo and Bear sat down long enough yesterday to write a little note to their daddy. They asked me to post it here so that Jack Bauer could get the note that much sooner.

It is a postcard with a garden reflecting pool on the front.

Dear Daddy,

We want a pool in our yard. And no matter how much we dig we just cannot seem to get the water to remain in the holes. You'll make us a nice pool when you get home. Mommy says she's too busy. We love you daddy. Thank you for keeping us safe! =)

Love,
Moo & Bear & cat too

Good News from Iraq: 16 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Citizens help turn tide against insurgents.

BAGHDAD — Local citizens fed tips to Soldiers from the 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, which led to the finding of four weapons caches and the detaining of two suspects in multiple operations north of Baghdad, Aug. 8 and 9.

Troops from Battery B, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, attached to the 1st BCT, acting on a tip from a neighborhood watch volunteer, uncovered an improvised explosive devices cache near the town of Sab Al Bor, Aug 8.

The cache included five complete IEDs and 12 incomplete IEDs. The cache also included 20 munitions of varying sizes, 100 pounds of homemade explosive, one can of nitric acid, some command wire as well as the tools necessary to manufacture IEDs.

The same day acting on a tip from a volunteer, Soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, also of 1st BCT, found a 100 millimeter projectile, 10 80mm mortars, six IED timers, two rocket-propelled grenades and an accompanying booster.

In two separate incidents also involving information garnered from volunteer sources, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, working with their Iraqi counterparts from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized), unearthed two caches and detained two suspects.

In the first, while draining a canal, engineers from 2-8 Cavalry's Sapper Company found three 60mm mortar rounds, two 82mm mortar rounds, one 120mm mortar round and one 122mm projectile Aug. 9 near Kem.

In the second find, during a cordon and search, 2-8 Cavalry troops and Iraqi troops found 1 sniper rifle with two scopes, one AK-47 assault rifle with five magazines, a 9mm Glock pistol, a hand grenade and detained two suspects in connection with the cache near Al Dhabtiya, also on Aug. 9.

All of the finds were further evidence of Ironhorse Soldiers' success in working with Iraqi communities and volunteers to root out insurgents and extremists alike, said Lt. Col. Peter Andrysiak, 1st Brigade Combat Team's deputy commanding officer.

"Cooperation by citizens and their volunteer security roles is what will turn the tide in securing Iraq," said the Austin native. "We have the largest reconciliation and volunteer movement in Multi-National Division-Baghdad. We fully support Iraqis taking an active role in securing their neighborhoods, towns and villages to stop the violence which hinders the government's delivery of essential services and an environment that enables small business opportunities and growth."

Local Iraqis have grown tired of the al-Qaeda stranglehold and they are taking back their communities and their lives, according to Andrysiak.

"Their efforts, along with that of the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, may prove to be the turning point," he added.

Something must be wrong with me

I ironed a pair of pants today.

Crossing the day off

On my MLB schedule at work, I have today highlighted. It has been highlighted for the last 5 months.

Today was supposed to be the last day I was going to send mail to Jack Bauer.

But life had other plans for us. So I am sending a card today, keeping with my normal routine. A few more cards this week, then a 2-week hiatus. Although I am thinking I will continue to write them, just not mail them. Then put them all in a big envelope and ship them off to the new address.

Good News from Iraq: 15 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Troops uncover cache, capture two suspects.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYA, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers uncovered a weapons cache and captured two suspected insurgents during raids in eastern Baghdad Aug. 14.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Riley, Kan., and part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, detained two suspects and recovered two large civilian trucks, six rifles, one homemade silencer, .308 sniper rounds, two bolts and one bandoleer of ammunition in an operation in the New Baghdad District of the Iraqi capital.

The two suspects are being held for further questioning.

The captures and cache discovery came as a result from a tip received from a resident of the area. Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces continue to reach out to Baghdad residents, encouraging them to turn in insurgents. These tips, together with other intelligence-driven efforts, have led to a steady increase in captures.

Hello South Dakota!

Now I have had visitors to the blog from all 50 states.

Yeah!

:o)

Got plenty to say. Just not enough time.

Been SUPER busy. Which of course is a good thing during a deployment.

Here is the quick run-down of what's on my mind.

Got a massage yesterday. Very intense, hard massage. By a man. Many issues to discuss there regarding men - let your imagination run wild until I gather up the courage to discuss s-e-x here.

Today is the last day of class with one of my favorite Pilates instructors. I am giving her a butterfly card. She is the chair Pilates instructor and is wonderful. She has a great personality, is very encouraging and kind and engaging. And she is running of to grad school about 4 hours away. One more person in my support system GONE.

And speaking of gone ... I have an appointment with my therapist today and then only 2 more before she moves off the mainland. I should get some referrals today. Hmmm.

And I am feeling really, really tired of explaining to people my situation and listening to their advice about what I need to do to connect to people ... in person. Well, let's see, I have yet to encounter any milspouses in Middleville. And not for a lack of trying either. As I was telling another blogging milspouse yesterday ...

People [person may be more accurate] in my real life have expressed concern that I don't interact with enough real people. But these are people who are not able to understand military life and certainly don't understand how insanely isolated I am in this deployment. I could talk to 100 people today and I would still be isolated. So, yes, I spend a considerable amount of time physically alone, online developing relationships with people I hope to meet someday, people that understand what deployment means, who don't try to pass judgment on my military life, and not with people who attempt to justify their lack of understanding me, deployment, and the war in Iraq.

... So finding a new therapist ... well, I will need therapy for that process alone. I think I just might have to pray that I am led to the right one first. I don't know if I have the energy to "shop" for one. Same thing with "friends." Sometimes I wonder why I would even try to make new friends/relationships here when I have no intention of remaining here. I can move all over the world and my online friends will be right there with me. I don't know. I am just feeling tired and discouraged to look for new here. Develope and maintain old, fine. I love it. Just got an invite to dinner with some girlfriends. I cannot wait! New, it is exhausting thinking about it. Stumbling into it, fine.

I'll just end there because I am rambling now.

Good News from Iraq: 14 Aug 2007

It's a two-fer!

From MNF-I, Desert Rogues uncover two cache sites.

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers uncovered two
weapon caches in the western Baghdad neighborhoods of Adl and Khadra
Aug. 10.

Acting on tips, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment “Desert
Rogues,” attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, raided
a home in the Adl neighborhood and discovered the first of two cache sites. The
abandoned home contained 51 artillery rounds and 30 pounds of homemade
explosive material.

The second cache site, located in Khadra, consisted of 27 pounds of
homemade explosive material and a pre-fabricated improvised explosive device.
An assortment of other bomb-making materials was also found at the second
abandoned home.

An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the caches with controlled detonations.

Fifty-one artillery rounds are lined up for inventory and destruction in a controlled
detonation by an explosive ordnance disposal team Aug. 10. The artillery rounds
were found in an abandoned house in the western Baghdad Adl neighborhood
following a targeted raid by Coalition troops. This munitions cache discovery was
the first of two caches uncovered by the “Desert Rogues” from the 1st Battalion,
64th Armor Regiment.

From MNF-I, Volunteers reveal multiple weapons caches north of Baghdad.

BAGHDAD — Volunteers fed tips to Soldiers from the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division which led to the finding of four weapons caches and the detaining of two suspects in multiple operations north of Baghdad Aug. 8-9.

Troops from Battery B, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, attached to the 1st BCT, acting on a tip from a neighborhood watch volunteer, uncovered an IED cache near the town of Sab Al Bor Aug. 8.

The cache included five complete IEDs and 12 incomplete IEDs. The cache also included 20 munitions of varying sizes, 100 pounds of homemade explosive, one can of nitric acid, some command wire as well as the tools necessary to manufacture IEDs.

The same day acting on a tip from a volunteer, Soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, also of 1st BCT, found a 100 millimeter projectile, ten 80 mm mortars, six IED timers, two rocket-propelled grenades and an accompanying booster.

In two separate incidents also involving information garnered from volunteer sources, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment working with their Iraqi counterparts from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) unearthed two caches and detained two suspects.

In the first, while draining a canal, engineers from 2-8 Cav’s Sapper company found three 60 millimeter mortar rounds, two 82 millimeter mortar rounds, one 120 millimeter mortar round and one 122 millimeter projectile Aug. 9 near Kem, Iraq.

In the second find, during a cordon and search, 2-8 Cav. troops and Iraqi troops found 1 sniper rifle with two scopes, one AK-47 assault rifle with five magazines, a 9 millimeter Glock pistol, a hand grenade and detained two suspects in connection with the cache near Al Dhabtiya also on Aug. 9.

All of the finds were further evidence of Ironhorse Soldiers’ success in working with Iraqi communities and volunteers to root out insurgents and extremists alike, said Lt. Col. Peter Andrysiak, 1st BCT’s deputy commanding officer.

“Cooperation by citizens and their volunteer security roles is what will turn the tide in securing Iraq,” said the Austin native. “We have the largest reconciliation and volunteer movement in Multi-National Division-Baghdad. We fully support Iraqis taking an active role in securing their neighborhoods, towns and villages to stop the violence which hinders the government’s delivery of essential services and an environment that enables small business opportunities and growth.”

Local Iraqis have grown tired of the Al Qaeda stranglehold and they are taking back their communities and their lives, according to Andrysiak.

“Their efforts, along with that of the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, may prove to be the turning point,” he added.Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment working with their Iraqi Army counterparts in the 3rd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) uncovered two weapons caches and detained two suspects near the villages of Kem and Al Dhabtiya, Iraq Aug. 9. Pictured above are several of the weapons found by the battalion’s troopers. The weapons were found thanks to information provided by local volunteers.

One last package to Anbar

I am about to send the last care package to Jack Bauer of this deployment.




We've got 3 pounds of Kaldi's Highlander Grogg.




Trader Joe's Just a Handful of Dry Roasted Unsalted Almonds. Nice handy snack packs of nuts. Would have probably been great to take on missions. Too bad I didn't think of that before now. Oh well.




More shampoo. Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Shampoo x2. I think he asked for 4, but Whole Foods didn't have 4. So what other organic hair products does the modern warrior get??? How about Avalon Organics Awapuhi Mango Moisturinzing Shampoo and Nature's Gate Organics Moisturizing Shampoo in Chamomile & Lemon Verbena. (And yes, I flat out lie to the USPS about shipping liquids. Hey, but I double-ziploc the bottles. Doesn't that count for something?)




And to sweet the box, I topped it all off with some more Jolly Ranchers and a special note from me.

Good News from Iraq: 13 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, 30 suspects detained in raids targeting al-Qaeda and bombing networks.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 30 suspected terrorists during operations around Iraq Sunday targeting bombing networks and senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Coalition Forces raided a series of buildings north of Karmah targeting terrorist operatives working for the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the area. The emir’s network is responsible for car bombings, including attacks using chlorine. Ground forces detained 17 suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to the network.

During an operation south of Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting an explosives expert believed to be part of the Baghdad car bombing network. In a nearby operation, Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist involved in weapons trafficking for al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Coalition Forces targeted close associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s senior leaders during operations in western Baghdad and Mosul. The ground forces detained two suspected terrorists in the two raids.

Northeast of Samarra, ground forces raided several buildings associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Samarra. Two men were discovered outside the buildings and were detained. Coalition Forces targeted the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Tikrit with an operation there that netted three suspected terrorists.

“Our operations continue to target those who associate with and work for al-Qaeda in Iraq’s leaders,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “The pressure is on, and we are keeping them on the run.”

At what temperature do Jolly Ranchers melt?

I have no idea hot it must get for Jolly Ranchers to melt to the inside of a flat-rate box.

But apparently that is what happened the last time I mailed a package to Jack Bauer.

14 is the new 13

So for a while there I kept sending 13 cards at a time, but I am on to a new phase of my life: 14.

I sent out 14 cards of encouragement to Soldiers' Angels Germany on Friday.

Running total: 278

Good News from Iraq: 12 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Concerned citizens bring cache to patrol base.

PATROL BASE INCHON, Iraq — Citizens tired of terrorism in their communities brought 185 cans of ammunition to Coalition Forces Aug. 9.

Two men from the town of al Taqa delivered the ammunition to Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) working at Patrol Base Inchon, located along the Euphrates River.

The ammunition was for use in Soviet-made DShKa heavy machine guns, and each ammunition can was estimated to contain 40 rounds, for a total of 7,400 machine-gun rounds.

An explosive ordnance team disposed of the cache in a controlled detonation.

Insurgent Mice Attack Camp Toenges

Early Saturday morning, a rogue faction of the insurgent mouse group Miki al-Meese invaded the grounds of Camp Toenges. The rogue faction dug in deep in an effort to evade Camp Toenges security forces, but to no avail.

CPT Moo Dog, the ground force commander, was able to smell the insurgents immediately. "They smell bad," CPT Moo said through the use of a translator. "They are outside all the time and don't clean themselves, so they are easy to pick up on."

Once spotted, CPT Moo rooted out the vermin from their position and had them on the run. They holed up under the cement sidewalk. CPT Moo had them cornered.

Unfortunately, CPT Moo failed to utilize unit standard operating procedures by not calling in the RDT, rodent disposal team. Fortunately, HH6 Butterfly Wife was also in the AO and spotted this infraction. HH6 BW, as she prefers to be called, counseled CPT Moo to cease and desist as her action were on the verge on violating Article 92 (failure to obey a lawful order) of the UCMJ-D, the code as it applies to dogs.

CPT Moo, dedicated in her efforts, had to be forcibly removed by HH6 BW. Once returned to the TOC, HH6 BW further counseled CPT Moo, who persisted in her efforts to return to finish off the insurgent mice. HH6 BW reminded CPT Moo who was in charge and that she was being insubordinate. CPT Moo finally gave up her efforts, and crashed defeated on the TOC floor.

Throughout the mission SGT Bear remained asleep in quarters.

Warning signs

I really think my life needs these following warning signs ...

*WARNING, WALLS MAY BE CLOSE THAN THEY APPEAR*

*BEWARE OF FALLING WALLS*

*HELMET ZONE, HARD WALLS AHEAD*

*WALL JUST AROUND THE CORNER*

The walls seem to be coming at me awfully fast and out of nowhere. Ugggg!!! I am exhausted. Maybe it is the heat. Maybe it is the challenge of finishing up this current deployment and starting the next one. Maybe it is a combination of the two. There are so many big and little changes going on around me I think I must be some kind of wall magnet. All I know is that these walls hurt and keep putting me on my butt.

But I will just keep rolling with the punches. Punch back in my own way. Move like a butterfly, sting like a bee. ;-)

Good News from Iraq: 11 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Soldiers apprehend bicycle bomber.

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers apprehended a suspected terrorist transporting bomb-making materials by bicycle during an operation in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah District Aug. 9. The suspect was carrying approximately 30 pounds of homemade explosives in his bicycle basket when he was detained at approximately 8 p.m. Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, detained the suspect after being tipped off by concerned residents.

A platoon from Troop B, 3-7 Cavalry was on patrol when they received information that a bomb was being transported by bicycle to a local mosque.

“We set up a screen around the area where we knew he would be, so that any direction he took off in we could grab him,” said Pittsburgh native 2nd Lt. Kyle Graham, who led the patrol.

Once they spotted the bicycle, the Soldiers gave chase in their humvees and cut the suspect off near a market. Graham, a former football player, was halfway out of his vehicle before it had stopped. He exited the truck and wrestled the startled suspect to the ground.

The man was immediately detained, and is being held for further questioning.

Friday Fun Fact

So last week I told you that I cannot keep a secret. Well, here's another thing I cannot do.

I cannot tell a joke.

Sad, pathetic, I know. But I simply cannot do it! If my life depended on it, I would die.

Of course, Jack Bauer finds this terribly amusing, and busts out laughing every time I even try. Hmmm.

What's with these meme thingies???

I have decided I must not be much fun. I'm not a big fan of doing these meme thingies. So when tagged by Mel several days ago to do this middle name one, I've been hemming and hawing about how I could do it in my own butterfly way.

Here is the original rule: Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of their middle name.

But as you might have figured out by now, I don't necessarily like to follow the rules. So in keeping with the spirit of the meme, I am going forward with it. First, I had to decide what would a butterfly's middle name be. I decided on three that are appropriate to me and I might have said at some point, "Oh, that's my middle name." Second, I had to do something different from listing one fact for each letter. So here you go. You figure out what my middle names are. :D

Simple and sensual, so young

Teasingly rough (oops!) under bare-laid emotion

Not an underdeveloped girl; how thoughtful, yes?

And of course, I am not tagging anyone. But if you want to borrow/steal this, be my guest.

Good News from Iraq: 10 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Raid uncovers large cache in southern Baghdad.

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops discovered a large weapons cache during a raid in the West Rashid District of Baghdad Aug. 8.

Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, raided a house in the Aamel neighborhood where they found a cache hidden behind a false door blocked by a refrigerator.

The Soldiers found an 82mm mortar tube, a 60mm mortar tube, 16 60mm mortar rounds, 53 82mm mortar rounds, seven AK-47s, three Type- 85 sniper rifles, a PKC machine gun, 18 cans of ammunition, 14 AK magazines and a pair of binoculars.

The unit also found two 107mm rockets and a launcher at the site.

The munitions were taken to a Coalition Forces base for disposal.

It's Official

Jack Bauer got his next set of orders.

But on the bright side, we've got less than 12 months to go. Which is 12 months for more "me time."

More time to focus on Pilates and yoga and being physically and mentally healthy.

More time to do things around Middleville.

More time to get the house ready to sell before a probable first PCS.

More time to get our finances in very tight order.

More time to _______.

Help me fill in the blank. What other positive things come from this second deployment?

Good News from Iraq: 9 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Puppets help U.S. troops reach out to children in Baqubah.

BAQUBAH — During a recent mission with the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Soldiers in Stryker vehicles entered Buhriz, near Baqubah, prepared for a firefight.

Two Stryker vehicles blocked the street. Soldiers scanned the vicinity, checked roof tops for signs of the enemy, and cleared the building before entering.

Inside, eight-year-old Iraqi school children looked on in shock, as the U.S. Soldiers went through their school with weapons at the ready.

Two terrified little girls attempted to exit the classroom as the Soldiers made their way through the school.

This reaction was something 1st Sgt. Bruce Reges, first sergeant for Company C, 431st Civil Affairs Battalion, from Little Rock, Ark., was not accustomed to.

The National Guardsman and part-time college professor from Big Rapids, Mich., was accustomed to walking into a classroom to find students eager to learn, not run away from him.

“They see us as extremely (good) at what we do – finding the enemy and destroying their ability to fight,” said the 55-year-old. “Innocents get caught in the crossfire. The bad guys tell the kids we will kill them if we catch them.”

Reges came up with a way to help ease their fears when dealing with Soldiers.

“We needed some way to let them know we are human too – fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers,” Reges said. “So, I thought two small puppets in my cargo pocket would be helpful in bridging the gap.”

He said that if the children could see U.S. troops as human beings, they would be less afraid to see Soldiers in their town.

And that is how the pocket puppets idea was born. With the help of his 80-year-old mother, Jean Reges-Burn, the idea has sparked a movement to supply puppets to other civil affairs and medical Soldiers working in Baqubah. They call the outreach program “Peace Through Puppets”.

Reges initially distributed two-dozen stuffed animal hand puppets to Soldiers in his unit. He said the puppets have helped Soldiers build hope, extend compassion and overcome the language barrier.

“When I see a child, I stop and reach into my cargo pocket. I pull out a small puppet. The reaction is immediate,” Reges said.

He said the response has been nothing but positive from children and the adults that are with them at the time they receive the small gesture of peace.

So far, Regis estimates he has given out about 200 pocket puppets.

“I feel small things will make the difference here. This is a small thing, but you never know where it will end.”

“Peace Through Puppets” is a volunteer, non-profit organization staffed by mothers, wives and friends of Soldiers serving in Iraq. For additional information, log on to www.peacethroughpuppets.com or e-mail Peacethrupuppets@aol.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Random thoughts

I am sitting here trying to figure out what to write about when there are so many things popping around in my head.

First, this weather here in the middle is oppressive. I hate these dog days of summer because I cannot walk my dogs in this heat. I live in the city and we get a nice heat island effect. This morning at 0430 at Camp Toenges it was 85 degrees. Ugggg!

Second, I "confessed" to my blogginess to my super secret boss. (See, I said I was bad at keeping secrets.) I told him that it was like having someone look through my underwear drawer. So, welcome super secret boss. I suppose you can choose your own identity if you want to post comments. But you cannot take "Bauer," that belongs to my husband. And remember that Bauer reads this blog so watch your mouth. ;-)

Third, last night I had a crazy thing happen, which was accompanied by a crazy thought. I have for the most part been feeling fabulous. But last night, I was in the middle of a phone call with a guy friend when the power went out, call dropped. Now, usually in the summer we'll have little power surges, but this was a full, all power off, blackout. After I suddenly needed the flashlight and could not remember where it was, I had a crazy thought: "OMG! Someone cut the power and is breaking in!" Luckily, I remembered that I am a person who does well in a crisis and went into crisis mode. But by the time I stood up and stepped over Moo, the power came back on. Phew! But I hadn't had a moment of fear of my personal safety in I don't know how long, even though I have lived alone for some time now. And I called the friend back and all was well.

Good News from Iraq: 8 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist captured during Marne Avalanche.

KALSU, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces and Paratroopers captured a suspected al-Qaeda terrorist wanted for a string of attacks against the security forces and citizens in North Babil during Operation Marne Avalanche, August 5.

The Iraqi Army, police and Paratroopers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted an early morning raid in Snadeej near Jurf As Sukhr to capture the suspected insurgent.

“More than 50 IPs, 20 IA soldiers and 50 paratroopers participated in the operation,” said Capt. Henry Moltz, commander of Company A and Midlothian, Texas native. “The populace was very receptive to the ISF-led operation and a local source pointed the man out to us.”

Thanks to joint operations like this one, the Jurf As Sukhr area is on the road to security and stability, Moltz said

“This operation marks 50 days in Jurf As Sukhr with no attacks, as compared to six months ago when there was at least one attack every day,” Moltz said. “The drop in violence is a testament to the Paratroopers and Iraqi Security Forces who have embraced the Joint Security Station concept and who have trained and fought side by side.”

The JSS isn’t the only key to success in the area. According to the soldiers and Paratroopers who work in the region, citizens are a big factor in their success.

“The people in Snadeej and Jurf are tired of violence,” said Moltz. “They are tired of being scared. They want a better life.”

During Operation Marne Avalanche, the Paratroopers of the 4th Brigade have killed 16 insurgents, conducted numerous precision raids, captured more than 110 insurgents including eight cell leaders and other high value individuals.

I met my first milblogger

I must actually exist because I met another blogging milspouse this morning. Sarah at Trying to Grok was in town and we met for coffee. Super nice and down to earth, we had a great chat.

Now I want to meet the rest of you!

See you all soon. :D

More on cards

Yeah. These posts about cards are getting a tad bit repetitive, aren't they? But too bad. :P

Yesterday, I shipped off another 14 cards of encouragement for Soldiers' Angels Germany.

Running total: 264

Good News from Iraq: 7 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Citizens oust terrorists from mosque, help uncover weapons cache.

BAGHDAD — Fed up with violent and indiscriminate terror tactics, a group of more than 80 residents of the Adhamiyah district, on the east side of the Iraqi capital, banded together Sunday to oust suspected terrorists from a local mosque.

The uprising led to a string of events over the next 12 hours that ultimately resulted in the arrest of 44 suspected terrorists and the capture of three weapons caches.

The initial takeover of the Abu Hanifa Mosque occurred at about 2 p.m., apparently triggered by news that terrorists had murdered two relatives of a prominent local sheik. As the news spread, angry residents joined the sheik to storm the mosque, long believed to be a sanctuary for terrorists operating in the area, and ousted the suspected terrorists inside from the building.

Iraqi Army troops from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Infantry Division, responded quickly to control the situation and secure the area around the mosque. Residents led them to several individuals among those ousted from the mosque who were suspected of being involved in terrorist activities. Thirteen suspects eventually were detained.

After order was restored, the Iraqi Army received a tip about a weapons cache hidden near the mosque. At about 7 p.m., Iraqi forces returned to the Abu Hanifa Mosque and uncovered a massive illegal weapons cache in an outside courtyard. The cache contained several already-assembled improvised explosive devices, dynamite, mortars, rockets, landmines, bomb-making materials, and various weapons.

Shortly after midnight, acting on information volunteered by Adhamiyah residents, Iraqi and U.S. Army forces from 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, mounted a combined cordon-and-search operation of the Al Assaf Mosque, in the nearby Maghrib neighborhood. Iraqi Soldiers entered and cleared the mosque and who took three suspects into custody.

Immediately afterward, Iraqi and U.S. forces returned to the Abu Hanifa Mosque area to investigate reports of additional weapons caches. Iraqi Soldiers again entered the building to search the mosque compound and the cemetery behind it.

They discovered two more weapons caches, which contained two IEDs, 16 mortars, two hand grenades, a sniper rifle, remote detonation devices, radios and more than a dozen weapons. Twenty-eight suspects were taken into custody.

"I think this was a turning point," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeff Broadwater, commander of 3rd Battalion, 7th Cavalry. "The people of Adhamiyah have made their stand, and they've showed by their actions that terrorists are not going to be able to come into their backyard and engage in violent acts any longer."

That vulnerable feeling

Yesterday was a rather interesting emotional day.

It started off great. I had breakfast with a girlfriend, which was wonderful. I made some absolutley delicious Hello Dolly Bars from a recipe I found through ADOD. I delivered them to my neighbors who cut my lawn. I did some work on that super secret project (which is going super secret well).

Then BAM! That stinking wall hit me. And it seems to really come on that fast. I was sitting here, staring at my computer, longing for something, for someone, that Jack Bauer someone. He has had some communication issues in the last few days and so our regular communications have not been regular. It has been hard for me to tell how much I depend on those IMing sessions to help keep me balanced. I always think that they are for HIM, not me. But today, I realized they are for ME too. And that is OK.

I'm not perfect. I am vulnerable. And from time to time, despite feeling fantastic 99% of time, and feeling on top of the world, life will jump out and surprise me, just to make sure I am paying attention.

So in order to feel better I took a long hot shower and used a nice Origins body scrub to polish myself up! What a nice treat. So glad I did that. I'm all nice and super smooth now.

And there you have it. =)

Good News from Iraq: 6 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, MND-B Apache crews destroy rockets.

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Apache helicopter crews destroyed three enemy rockets and damaged five more at approximately 1 a.m. Aug. 4 southeast of Baghdad. The aircrews from the 4th “Guns” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, responded to a request for support from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
The ground unit had positively identified eight enemy rocket systems, set to launch by a timing mechanism. “The cowardly insurgents abandoned their eight rockets, but Coalition Forces wanted to destroy them as soon as possible to prevent them from launching,” said Tampa, Fla., native Maj. Justin Hall, operations officer for 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ACB. “The Coalition Forces chose AH-64Ds and called the Big Guns, and within minutes, Big Guns (fired on) the eight rockets and launchers.” Cleared by ground forces to engage the target, the air crews fired on the rockets, destroying three and damaging the other five. The ground unit’s EOD team later conducted a controlled detonation of the damaged rockets.

The Butterfly House

Nope. Not my house. That's Camp Toenges.

This is THE Butterfly House. It is part of our botanical garden organization. And I took myself on a date there on Friday. And it was amazing.

They have a tropical conservatory with as many as 60 different butterfly species. And about 1500 butterflies!!! Oh my. It was a magical experience. I did not have a camera with me so I don't have any pictures to share, but I am sure I will be back to spend more time with my "kind" and I'll get some pics then.

One downside: Disappointing card selection. Doh! :O

And the cards continue

I am getting lazy. Not about writing the cards, but about telling you about them! That is probably not accurate; I've just been very busy. And busy is good. :D

On Friday, I sent another 14 cards of encouragement off to MaryAnn at Soldiers' Angels Germany.

Running total: 250

Good News from Iraq: 5 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Army engineers near 4,000 complete Iraqi projects.

BAGHDAD — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division, completed 112 construction projects between June 30 and July 27, 2007 – bringing the total number of completed projects to 3,998.

Currently, there are 576 construction projects ongoing – all funded through the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund, the Development Fund for Iraq, the Commander’s Emergency Response Program, the Economic Support Fund and the Iraq Security Forces Fund.

Water projects that were completed this month include three network projects in Sadr City in Baghdad Province – each totaling $1.9 million. Each potable water project included laying water pipe mains, water service connections, fire hydrants, and feeder pipes and connections, plus all associated facilities for the Baghdad Amanat. The three projects will benefit more than 60,000 Sadr City residents.

Three rural water projects also were completed in Al Anbar Province – Al Kanater, Al Thabtea and Al Sekar. Each project – costing $180,000 each – installed rapid filter systems with a 45-gallon water capacity to each area to provide safe, potable drinking water to more than 12,000 area residents.

Two road construction projects that were completed this month include the Mosul to Baghdad paving project ($1.71 million) in Salah ad Din Province, and the Showairrej to Tak Harb paving project ($1.5 million) in Ninewa Province. Both projects will improve safety travel conditions for residents and contribute to better economic activity. ...

Good News from Iraq: 4 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Coalition raids nab 33 suspected terrorists.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 33 suspected terrorists during operations Saturday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and its associates in Kirkuk and the Tigris River Valley.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured the alleged leader of a terrorist group responsible for placing improvised explosive devices. The ground forces detained a second individual for his ties to the group, which is linked to al-Qaeda in Iraq.

During a raid on several buildings west of Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces detained 20 suspected terrorists for their association with the alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the northern belts around Baghdad. Intelligence reports indicate the terrorist leader’s network is responsible for extortion, kidnappings, training female suicide bombers and vehicle-borne IED attacks using chlorine. One of the detainees led Coalition Forces to a nearby cache of IED and bomb-making materials, which an explosives team safely destroyed.

Coalition Forces conducted coordinated raids in Baghdad and Tarmiyah targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir believed to administer Shari’a law in the northern belts around Baghdad. The ground forces detained two suspected terrorists during the operation.

In Bayji, Coalition Forces conducted a precision raid targeting a sniper cell leader associated with an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir in the area. The ground forces detained four suspected terrorists associated with the alleged leader, who reportedly oversees 35 snipers.

Iraqi and Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq media emir believed to operate a media cell in Kirkuk. Three individuals were detained for their alleged association with the media cell. Iraqi and Coalition Forces detained two people during a nearby operation targeting an IED cell member believed to be part of the terrorist group responsible for the Jul. 16 vehicle-borne IED attacks in Kirkuk.

“Al-Qaeda’s leadership is on the run, just like they fled during the opening phase of Operation Arrowhead Ripper in Baquba,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue our operations to hunt them down wherever they hide.”

Friday Fun Fact

"Can you keep a secret?" When asked this question, my response should always be a resounding, "no." Because I cannot keep a secret. Or more accurately, I have trouble keeping other people's secrets.

It began when I was about 2. I went shopping with my mom and my sister for beer glasses for my dad for father's day/birthday/whoknowswhatday. Before we entered the house, I was explicitly told not to tell dad what we got him so it could be a surprise and that we needed to keep this secret. Apparently with great enthusiasm at the prospect of having a secret, I immediately ran into the house and told my dad he was getting beer glasses and that it was a secret.

I have never lived down this incident.

I do have a problem of saying too much. If you want something to be kept in my confidence, I need to be explicitly told so. Although as I have gotten older, I do seem to have developed some skill to talk less and thus not blab. As much.

What can I say? I like to share. :o)

What am I looking for?

I am looking for South Dakota and Rhode Island.

"Huh?" you ask.

I love my sitemeter. And I love geography. I've been keeping track of the location of my visits and I have had visitors from 49 states. Now, I just need to get someone from South Dakota here.

One of the first things I posted about was playing the license plate game. Been a while since I updated that, but there were only 3 states left. I saw Montana while I was out in CA; if I counted this it would be a violation of my rules of the game as I was trying to find all 50 here in Middleville. Then a week or two ago, I found myself going the wrong direction so I pulled into a parking lot, and BAM, there was a West Virginia plate (nah, I didn't run into the car, but I understood why I was going the wrong direction). Later that same day, BAM, there was another. So that takes my list down to Rhode Island (and an asterisk next to Montana).

Good News from Iraq: 3 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, 950 pounds of explosives found.

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, along with their Iraqi Army counterparts, discovered two large homemade explosive caches during Operation Rogue Stomp from July 29-30 in the Baghdad neighborhood of Jamia.

Troops from 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 6th Iraqi Army Division and the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, made the discoveries during their two-day clearing operation.

The first cache, more than 400 lbs. of homemade explosives, was found on the evening of July 29. Military working dogs assisted in the find, and an explosive ordnance disposal team conducted a controlled burn of the substance. The explosives detonated, destroying the abandoned house where it was discovered.

The second cache netted 16 bags of homemade explosives, totaling 550 lbs., along with a rocket-propelled grenade and other IED-making materials. An explosive ordnance disposal unit performed a controlled detonation of the bomb-making materials.

Both caches were located close to the newly constructed Coalition Outpost Lion. That outpost serves as the Iraqi Army’s primary patrolling base for operations in and around the Jamia neighborhood.

More than 2,000 lbs. of homemade explosives have been confiscated in Jamia by Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces in July.

Construct Destruction

Ever have something happen to you that you really couldn't explain? So then you create your own reason for why it happened? And then believe that reason for 25 years only to have it dispelled over coffee with a girlfriend?

Well that happened to me this past weekend.

I was out to lunch/coffee/chatter time with girlfriend when we were talking about her work. She has recently completed a certification program in gifted and talented education. She is a very bright woman, but she was telling me how she got labeled in primary education as a "dumb kid". Needless to say, she is not dumb by any stretch of the imagination. So I told her about how I got into GATE when I was in 5th grade.

You see, I was sick (with who knows what - probably starting my period for the first time, but that is another post) while we were doing state standardized testing. Instead of something like 3 days of testing, I took 1 day. I knew that they drew the GATE students based on these test scores, so when I was called to participate, I figured there had to be a mistake. I mean really, how can you pick a student to be in GATE after 1 day of a 3-day test??? That just had to be a mistake.

So I proceeding through the rest of my education, believing that the reason I got labeled as a "GATE" student was based on a mistake and I was going to have to work harder than everyone else to hide that mistake. (Wow, I just realized right now that this is what I did. I guess AWTM is right about this therapeutic stuff, huh?) I took advanced classes throughout middle school and high school believing in this mistake. I did well in school, don't get me wrong (and I am trying not to brag here - so please don't take this as bragging), but it never seemed like I was smart enough. Of course, that was all in my head. I realize that now.

Fast forward to the present day ...

So I tell my girlfriend this and she looks at me kind of dumbfounded.

I was like, "what?"

GF: Um, I hate to break it to you, but that was no mistake.

BW: What do you mean? Of course, it was.

GF: No, it means that you must have done phenomenally well on that one day of testing if that was the primary basis of the decision.

BW: (brow furrowed, lips pursed) Hmmm. But I have been telling myself that it was a mistake for the last 25 years.

GF: Sorry to break it to you, but you were wrong.

And there you go. I had this whole little construct created to explain that part of my life. Now it is gone. Hmmm. Is it really possible that maybe, just maybe I have been "smart" this whole time?

Anyone else ever have that kind of experience, where a personal myth was crumbled lickety-split???

Good News from Iraq: 2 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, MND-B Soldiers find large weapons cache near Falahat.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers found a large weapons cache near Falahat, Iraq July 30.

While conducting a dismounted patrol in an area just outside of the village, Soldiers from Troop D, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, uncovered a cache consisting of 155 Russian-made 57mm mortar rounds.

“This is an extremely significant find which will keep weapons out of the hands of Al-Qaeda operatives who would have used them in attacks against innocent Iraqi civilians, Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces,” said Lt. Col. Peter Andrysiak, deputy commanding officer of the brigade. “Since establishing a patrol base here, our troopers have found seven caches within the past month.”

“Two of those caches were found with the help of local neighborhood watch volunteers who are fed up with sectarian violence and want to keep their community safe for the sake of their families,” added Andrysiak.

Iraqi Security Forces are currently investigating to find those responsible for storing the mortar rounds.

Another bites the dusta ...

Another bites the dust

And another one's gone

And another one's gone

Another bites the dust.

. . .

Another bites the dust

I paid off another credit card today.

And another one's gone

And another one's gone

Another one bites the dusta.

;-)

Good News from Iraq: 1 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 13 al Qaeda in Iraq suspected terrorists in early-morning raid.

TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, along with U.S. Special Forces advisors, conducted an early-morning raid July 30 detaining 13 in an effort to disrupt terrorist weapons smuggling and early warning systems in the Nidah Area of eastern Iraq. After clearing six buildings, forces detained the primary target, along with 12 others. The suspect is thought to be a key member of the terrorist criminal network of al-Qaeda in Iraq operating in the Mandali area. He is also suspected of engaging in improvised explosive devices and vehicle born IED activity; as well as mortar attacks, small arms attacks, murder, kidnapping, ransom, and intimidation of local citizens. Along with the suspected terrorists, two AK-47 assault rifles, three cell phones and a pick-up truck belonging to one of the detainees were also confiscated. No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured during this operation.

More Cards

Sent off 14 more cards to Soldiers' Angels Germany today.

Running total: 236

Precious time.

Another month is finishing up. Just time to pause and reflect a bit. I am amazed at the journey I have taken in the last 19 months. But I am also looking at the amount of time I spent with Jack Bauer in the last night months. Six months after we got married, we packed up and moved from the West Coast to the middle to attend law school. We spent all day every day together. And by the time we had made it through the bar exam and started jobs, it had been a full 3 years. It was a precious gift that at the time we both recognized.

But I never imagined the universe would want to balance that back out someday.

I actually sat down yesterday and tried to add up all the days we have spent together in the last 19 months. Here's the breakdown.

2006: 36 days
2007: 15 days

It was more than what I had thought. Luckily, while he was in preparing his unit in Westville, we were able to spend some time together - even if it was at my aunt's funeral in California. Eleven of those days in 2006 were from him taking 2 weeks of training about 2 hours from Middleville and we were able to coordinate time upfront and weekends. Precious time.

And looking ahead. Twelve months to go, we think. His current unit will leave and he will move to the new unit. He is looking forward to the assignment and I am excited for him. I love to see him feel passionate about his work. That will help the time pass for both us. I am staying extremely busy these days. Exciting opportunities are presenting themselves for me too.

So the next leave, no telling when that will be, I will do what I can to take off as much time as possible, so we can have every day together. More precious time.

Good News from Iraq: 31 Jul 2007

From MNF-I, ‘Operation Iraqi Heart,’ U.S. Special Operations Forces, Army Civil Affairs aid Al Anbar child.

BAGHDAD – Even though she’s surrounded by war, Dalal is not much different than
other children her age. She likes jumping rope and Cinderella and enjoys reading and drawing. Her favorite classes are religion and language and she recently completed second grade -- earning perfect marks in all her studies. But, unlike many of her peers, the 8-year-old Iraqi has also fought a life-threatening battle from within since birth.

Due to the efforts of a U.S. Special Forces medic and U.S. Army Civil Affairs
noncommissioned officer, all of that changed recently and Dalal was granted a new
lease on life.

July 23, Dalal received an operation in Amman, Jordan, to correct a heart defect
known as Tetralogy of Fallot. The congenital disease causes a decreased flow of bloodto the lungs, as well as mixing of blood from separate chambers of the heart. Left unattended, Dalal’s prognosis could have been death around the time she hit puberty.

“We had to close a hole in one area of her heart and patch and enlarge another
area,” said Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Khaled Salaymeh shortly after the operation. “She was fully awake shortly after the surgery and doing excellent.”

Dalal’s journey to the operating room began in Western Iraq several months ago.

“The previous (Special Forces) team here discovered her,” said Army Staff Sgt.
Joe Murtaugh, a U.S. Special Forces medical sergeant assigned to the Al Anbar
Province.

“Her father had an electrocardiogram from when she was 3 years old diagnosing
her with the condition. Since so much time had passed, they had him take her to where she could get another test and the diagnosis came back the same.”

While reviewing Dalal’s medical records, Murtaugh found an e-mail address for
the International Organization of Migration in Jordan and contacted them for assistance.

“They directed us to several contacts but the most important was Marikay (Army
Staff Sgt. Marikay Satryano). She took care of all the logistical details in Jordan and
even arranged for three organizations to cover the $8,000 cost of Dalal’s Surgery.” ...

Read the rest of the story here.

"Uncertainty Itself is Pain"

I was listening to NPR on my commute this morning, when I heard this piece about how adaptable humans are and how we are probably the most adaptable species there is. Something the interviewee said stuck with me throughout my drive.

"Uncertainty itself is pain."

I think that says a lot about living with anxiety. And certainly explains why it is that, from time to time, my something hurts.

Sounds of the Homefront

I read this post by Triple E over at Oh! That's Gonna Leave a Mark about thinking she hears the sound of her husband's car coming up the driveway. At the time the only thing I could think of was that I always seem to want to call Jack Bauer on my way home from work. Well, obviously I have not been able to call him since last September when he left the States, but that has not diminished my desire to do so.

But I got to thinking a bit more about this later.

I hear sounds and think Jack Bauer must be close. Except rather than being in person - we don't have a driveway nor do we have a second car - these sounds all come from my laptop.

Pings, dings, and dongs. Each sound tells me he might be online.

Jack Bauer and I use Skype as our primary method of IMing - definitely has great emoticons. It makes distinctive noise when someone comes on, and despite being in other room, I can hear it, and I quickly stop what I am doing and go check to see if he is on.

Skype also has different sounds for the entry of a message: one for outgoing and one for incoming. It is that incoming sound that makes me smile every time I hear it.

The third sound is from Google chat. It is VERY loud and actually an unpleasant sound. It is most jarring when I am on Skype with Jack and someone else is trying to IM with me in Google. (Besides that is terribly confusing and anxiety-provoking cuz I am afraid of typing the wrong thing to the wrong person. That is another post for another day.)

Lastly, there is the sound when email arrives. A lovely sound indeed. Someone is reaching out to me.

These are the sounds I hear as I move around my silent life. The sounds I hear that remind me that my best friend is not by my side. The sounds I hear that bring me as close to him as I can be at this time. The sounds I have chosen to accept as a substitute for his voice, his presence.

And I hear then all the time, even when they aren't actually there.

Pings, dings, and dongs.

Good News from Iraq: 30 Jul 2007

From MNF-I, Balad F-16s destroy terrorist training camp.

BALAD AIR BASE — F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here destroyed an al-Qaida training camp southwest of Baghdad July 21.

In a coordinated attack, joint air terminal controllers on the ground cleared seven F-16s to drop 500-pound and 1,000-pound guided bombs on the terror complex near Karbala.

The precision-guided weapons destroyed the target, degrading al-Qaida's ability to mount attacks on the Iraqi government, coalition forces and innocent civilians.

The destruction of the terrorist facility is part of aggressive and comprehensive operations to hunt down, capture or kill terrorists trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq, said Col. Charles Moore, the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group commander. ...

A Sandal Solution

Well BFF dragged me out to go sandal shopping . Good thing too cuz I might have never replaced those broken black sandals. Here is a fairly bad picture, but at least it is something.

And a Package TO the Sandbox

Here's the latest installment of what I am sending to Jack Bauer.

Candy, candy, candy. I figure this is most likely one of the last shipments to him at Camp Ramadi. Not having much of a sweet tooth himself, he can share it with his guys and send it out on missions for the children.

Gotta throw in a few other things for good measure.

• Chinese Feng Shui Hand Carved Jade Luck Charm for Good Health. Why the hell not?

• Herban Cowboy Shave Cream (100% Healthy & Vegan) and Milled Soap (70% Organic). They were free samples given out at Whole Paycheck. (I would have inserted a picture here of the products in use, but the pictures were split into a top half and a bottom half. Sorry ladies, you will just have to click to see the HOT men using these organic vegan products.)
  

• Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Creme x3. I understand it is quite dry over there. :)

• Magnetic Yoga. Which consists of 63 square magnetics of different poses. He is hoping to do yoga with me when he gets home.

• A magnet of a shar-pei with the quote, "Did you ever stop to think, and then forget to start again?"

• Kaldi's Highlander Grogg. I guess that 5-pound bag is disappearing rather quickly. (I love this coffee.)
  
  
  

So what candy and how much?

• LifeSavers Fruit Tarts

• Altoids Mango Sours

• College Farms Organic Hard Candy x7

• Jolly Ranchers, 3.75 lb bag

That's a lot of candy. The box weighed almost 10 pounds.