Good News from Iraq: 17 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Girls’ School Gets Computers, Furnished Internet Center.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — While the school’s infrastructure may be behind the times, students’ education has been thrust into the modern era.

The Al Kut Girls Secondary School received an Internet center complete with 10 computers and furniture. The school, established in 1932, educates 1,000 females, grades 10 to 12.

The center will be used by female students throughout the province, said the school manager, Zahrah Aljdrey. Students will now be able to do research and work on projects. The center will also allow the girls to complete exams they would otherwise have to travel to Baghdad to take.

Aljdrey said the computers will help students get a better education and will give them the opportunity to learn about different cultures.

For Sgt. Amanda Timmer, the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team head of women’s initiative and program manager, the project provided her with a feeling of satisfaction.

“It was great especially after talking with the girls and seeing how optimistic and energetic they were,” Timmer said. “It was as if they could sense that the world was at their fingertips. Like they knew they were the future of Iraq.”

“They already had the initiative, but this gives them the tools to help accomplish their initiatives and ambitions,” she said.

The project was a cooperative effort between the Wasit PRT, the Wasit provincial council and the Iraqi Director General of Education.

Good News from Iraq: 16 Mar 2007

From MNF-I, Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team recovers weapons cache in Al-Iskandariyah.

BALAD, Iraq – A Hillah Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team recovered a weapons and munitions cache in Al-Iskandariyah as the result of a tip from a local citizen March 13.

Following up on a call from a citizen to the ISWAT tip line, a Hillah ISWAT team conducted an Iraqi-only operation and recovered what they believe to be an al Qaeda in Iraq weapons cache for use against Coalition forces bases in north Babil.

The cache consisted of nine 122mm rockets, two 122mm artillery rounds with detonation cord, one 152mm artillery round with detonation cord, and four artillery fuses.

Good News from Iraq: 15 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Significant caches found in Anbar.

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – Iraqi Police discovered two significant weapons caches in Anbar Province over the past seven days.

The first cache was discovered west of Rawah, March 7 and the second in Fallujah March 11.

Hassa IP, near Rawah, discovered and reported a weapons cache on a farm. A Marine unit launched a mounted patrol to investigate the report. Marines confirmed the discovery, and an explosive ordnance disposal unit’s support was requested.

At the site, a young sheep herder directed Marines to three more caches. The boy claimed to have seen the farm’s owner bury items at night with a bulldozer. The caches had all been emplaced within the week but the majority of the items buried were unserviceable.

The first cache consisted of 42 PG9 rockets; Chinese 60mm HE mortar rounds; Russian 82mm HE mortar rounds; 1,200 7.62 x .39 mm rounds; 1,300 non-electric blasting caps; 47, 14.5 mm rounds; 720 Russian PD fuses; 264 PG15 Propellant Cartridges; 80 Russian hand grenades; a Russian AT-3B Sagger guided missile; a Russian AT-3C Sagger guided missile; and a couple Russian practice Sagger guided missiles.

The second cache consisted of 300 electric blasting caps, 300 improvised squibs, Russian PD fuses, Russian 82mm HE mortar rounds, 200 Spanish PD fuses, 188 Yugoslavian PD fuses, 250 non-electric blasting caps, and 28 Chinese 107mm HE rockets.

The third cache consisted of 41 Russian 82mm HE mortar rounds, 19 Chinese 60mm HE mortar rounds, and a DShK tripod.

The fourth cache consisted of DShK anti-aircraft guns, Chinese 100mm HEAT-T projectiles, and a Russian practice Sagger guided missile.

A follow up cache sweep conducted by EOD March 9 resulted in the discovery of seven additional cache sites in this area.

The first cache consisted of 82mm mortar tubes and 60mm mortar tubes.

The second cache consisted of 39 Russian mortars; 82mm HE; 2,000 7.62x54mm ammunition; and 2,000 7.62x39mm ammunition.

The third cache consisted of 10, 70mm HEAT PG7M Russian rockets; 64mm HEAT PG-18 Russian Rockets with launchers; 82mm HE O832D Russian mortars; 24 85mm HEAT PG7 Iraqi rockets; 73mm HE OG9 Russian projectile; 40mm HE OG7 Bulgarian grenades; 100 14.5x114mm ammunition; 73mm HEAT PG9 Russian rockets; 1,000 7.62x39mm ammunition; 100 electric detonators; 30` leg wires; and 60, 1.25 lb TNT Blocks.

The fourth cache consisted of a machinegun and 500 7.62x54mm ammunition.

The fifth cache consisted of 255 82mm HE O832D Russian mortars, 55 73mm HE OG9B Bulgarian projectiles, 73mm HE OG9 Russian projectiles, 40mm HE OG7 Bulgarian Grenades, 34 250m spools of black detonation cord, 1,000` red detonation cord, 200 Russian fuse projectiles, PIBD GPV2, 150 Russian Fuse projectiles, PD GO2, 37 PG15 propellant cartridges, 150 14.5x114mm ammunition, 160mm mortar primary cartridges, 200 electric blasting caps, 160mm mortar long range charge increments, 200 non-electric blasting caps, 130mm Illumination S2 Russian projectiles, 152mm HE M88 former Yugoslav projectile and a 130mm HE OF482M Russian projectile.

The sixth cache consisted of an RPG-7 launcher.

The seventh cache consisted of 70mm HEAT PG7M Russian rockets, 85mm HEAT PG7 Iraqi rockets, 68mm HE 26P French rockets, 251 60mm Type 83A Chinese mortars, 105 82mm HE O832D Russian mortars, a 64mm HEAT PG-18 Russian rocket, 23 57mm HE S5M0 Russian rockets, a 75mm HE bounding Type 69 Chinese rocket, 425 PG15 propellant cartridges, a 73mm HE 346E Russian projectile, 34 40mm HE OG7 Bulgarian grenades, 235 Chinese mortar fuses, PD MP4, a 100mm Illumination Type 71 Chinese mortar, 21 160mm HE F853A Russian mortars, 200 UZRGM grenade fuses, 1000’ yellow detonation cord, a 64mm HEAT PG-18 Russian rocket with launcher, RPG-7 launchers, 22 pounds of stick propellant, 40 pounds PE-4, 25 pounds aluminum-based HME, 230 160mm mortar increments, 160mm base propellant cartridges, 50 Chinese mortar fuses PD MP1B, 100 Russian fuse projectiles PD GO2, 3,600 7.62x39mm ammunition, 600 9.3x74mm ammunition, 300 .22 Caliber ammunition, 500 9mm ammunition, HE F1 Russian hand grenades, a AK-47 Russian assault rifle, an MG3 German machine gun, an MG42 German machine gun, an SKS Russian carbine, a PPSh Russian submachine gun with drum, a PKM Russian machine gun receiver, a RPD Russian light machine gun, Sterling British submachine guns, a G3A3 German battle rifle, binoculars, night vision scope, mortar sights, sniper sights, a non-functioning suitcase IED and 60mm mortar tubes.

Hassa IP has taken the owner of the farm into custody.

The Rawah combined cache find items weigh more than 2,600 pounds. This combined cache totals more than 8,800 items.

The Fallujah IP discovered another weapons cache while conducting an intelligence-driven dismounted cache sweep of a city residence March 11.

While searching the residence, Fallujah IP discovered the weapons cache in a room hidden behind a false wall. Inside this concealed room there were two spider holes that contained additional items of the weapons cache.

The weapons cache consisted of Iraqi fragmentation grenades, an RGD-5 Soviet hand grenade, British hand grenades, RKG-3 HEAT Soviet hand grenades, Yugoslavian hand grenades, Soviet hand grenades, 29 Soviet bomb HEAT/fragmentation PTAB-2.5kg, 48 PTAB fuse I-351AMs, 93 fuses, French 68mm rocket SPAMVs, 19 57mm HEAT S-5Ks rockets, a 70mm SA-6 Soviet guided missile, 22 73mm HE Soviet RPG OG-9s, 73mm Soviet PG-9s, 73mm PG-9 Soviet practice rockets, 70mm HEAT Soviet PG-7 rockets, 70mm practice Soviet PG-7 rockets, 44 rocket propelled grenade motors, 75mm APERS/bounding Chinese Type-69 rockets, 30mm HE Yugoslav rifle grenades, 40mm M62 illumination Yugoslav rifle grenades, 39 82mm HE mortars, Recoilless rifle propelling charges; 2,500 electric blasting caps, a couple pounds of PE-4, 500 mortar increments, several pounds of loose propellant; 5,000’ yellow detonation cord, 75’ red detonation cord, several pounds of various chunks solid propellant, striker release UZRGM Soviet grenade fuses, several pounds of unknown HME, 55gal drums containing small arms ammunition, RPG launchers, assorted rifles, a Sabot round, bayonets, miscellaneous Iraqi Army uniforms and uniform items, various leather and nylon tactical gear, mortar sights, RPG sights, rifle scopes, thermal battery, license plates, Motorola CP340 hand held radios, a Multi-tester ASWAR model DT-830D, US communications batteries Ultra Life, telephone car charger, Senao LRCT hand set batteries, LRCT base stations unwrapped, LRCT hand sets, 9V GETTOP batteries, a box of latex gloves, washing machine timers, unknown documents, a Soviet striker release UZRGM and a cassette tape.

An EOD team collected the weapons cache for disposal.

A knife for a butterfly wife

What more could a butterfly wife want than a pink Benchmade pocket knife. Mind you, the Benchamde logo is a butterfly. And I did just severely slice my thumb with a knife.

Good News from Iraq: 14 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Salman Pak market opens for business.

COMBAT OUTPOST CARVER — A new market opened in Salman Pak March 11 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by leaders of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, local citizens and council leaders.

The market consists of seven stores including two restaurants, a supermarket, an electronics shop, a photo shop, a sweets store and a cell phone store.

Capt. Mathew Givens, projects planner for the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, said planning for the market began last December when 1-15th Inf. Regt. Soldiers in the area saw run-down shops where the new market now stands.

Givens, a native of Columbus, Ga., said the stores had potential to be revitalized and turned into a thriving shopping area.

“We chose the area because there is so much going on and it is at the beginning of the main part of town,” Givens said. “The JSS (joint security station), the government building and the Salman Pak Fire Station are right across the street. It’s in a central location.”

Leaders of the 1-15 Inf. Regt. provided store owners with microgrants enabling them to refurbish their stores.

“The electronics store owner bought more work tools,” Givens said. “The cell phone store owner bought a display case. (The restaurant owners) bought refrigerators and tables and chairs so people can sit outside and eat. They were also able to design their own store front signs. Out in front of the market is one central sign with all the store names.”

Fathil, owner of the al Ressala restaurant, said before the project, his store was too small and lacked necessary equipment.

“With the microgrant,” he said through a translator, “I bought more equipment, the sign, a storage shed and tables and chairs. People like to come here now because they can sit out front of my restaurant and eat and rest.”

Construction of the $240,000 refurbishment began in early February, Givens said. In addition to the stores’ interior renovations, the outside of the market was painted and a raised, cement walk with a rubber, non-slip coating was added to the front of the building.

Givens said while the market is not 100 percent complete, each store is fully operational. He said lights and cement garbage cans will be emplaced soon.

Givens attributes much of the success of the project to the improved security in Salman Pak.

“We could not have done any of this without the improved security in the area,” he said. “Before, the market was dead. No one wanted to shop here because it wasn’t safe. Now they are coming back because they feel safe.”

After the opening ceremony, Salman Pak leaders were invited back to COP Carver for a luncheon hosted by Lt. Col. Jack Marr, from Minneapolis, commander of the 1-15 Inf. Regt.

Before the chicken, lamb and rice spread was served, Marr welcomed Gen. Jassem, commander of the 9th Iraqi Army Division, and Gen. Abdullah, commander of the 1st Brigade, 9th IA Division, whose unit recently assumed responsibility of Salman Pak from the outgoing 1st Brigade, 1st National Police Division.

Jassem said he wants people to come visit the Mada’in Qada to see the improved security.

“The efforts of the good people in the area are not lost,” he said through a translator. “People ask me, ‘Is the area safe?’ … I tell them, ‘Yes, it’s safe.’”

The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

A Day of Rest

I have given myself a present. A good 10 hours a week from Friday. How do I want to spend this Me time? Massage? Probably. Pedicure? Definitely.

But what else? A facial? A mud wrap? Walk in the park? Read a book? Take a nap? Do I want to structure my time or just go with the flow?

I am totally open to suggestions and would love to hear what you might do with 10 hours, a car, and a budget of say $400.

More cards

I sent 13 cards to Soldiers' Angels Germany for our wounded soldiers.

Running total: 841

Good News from Iraq: 13 Mar 2008

From Reuters, Fallujah Fun Run.

I always like to bring stories from Jack Bauer's old stomping ground. It is a slideshow so you will want to click and look at the few pics that are there. And it seemed really appropriate given this latest "heading to the finish line" theme I got going on. :D

Ready for a rest

Yesterday I was typing out my response to a friend who asked how I was doing. And it got me thinking a little more on this post that I had already started.

How am I doing? Just a simple question. But she was really asking -- not fake asking that we do all the time when we come across someone we haven't seen in a while -- and she knew that there would not be a short or simple answer. Not from me.

But this is what I wrote, name changed of course.

I'm doing good. Depends on the day mostly. Jack Bauer is on track to come home like we planned. I can't wait. Really, some days I just feel like giving up and feel like I will be stumbling across the finish line. Other days I feel great and strong and feel like I have a sudden burst of energy that will get me that much closer to the end. But today is a good day.

I realize, and maybe I am just slow in coming to this, that I have been super "on" for the most part for the last 26+ months. I am tired of being so "on" all the time. My light is dimming. I need to converse some energy to make it the last mile of this deployment race.

Some more me time is in order. Now I need to figure out how to schedule it.

Good News from Iraq: 12 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Haditha girl returns home after heart surgery in U.S. (Note: Just about every major news outlet has carried this story. I am just behind the times on this.)

HADITHA, Iraq – A two-year-old Iraqi girl returned to Haditha March 7 after undergoing open-heart surgery at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University.

Ala Thabit Fattah, the girl’s father, and several family members traveled with Marines to Baghdad International Airport to meet Amenah, who departed Iraq Jan. 22 with his wife.

“I am very happy. I was very worried that my daughter would not come home alive,” Fattah said. “I am very grateful for the great treatment the American people gave to my family.”

The family then flew to Al Asad Airbase in Al Anbar Province, where they boarded an MV-22 Osprey for the final leg of the voyage to Haditha.

Back home, the family served a dinner in her honor.

“I’ve got four children, two boys and two girls myself; I was very happy to see a father, mother and child reunite,” said Maj. Kevin Jarrard, Company L’s commanding officer and the architect behind the medical effort.

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, which is assigned to the Camp Pendleton-based Regimental Combat Team 5, discovered Amenah on a routine patrol through the city. They noticed her extremities exhibited a bluish hue whenever she exerted herself. The battalion surgeon, Capt. John Nadeau, recognized the gravity of her condition and coordinated arrangements with the medical staff at Vanderbilt to perform a surgical procedure to remedy her heart defect.

The 35-year-old Gainesville, Ga., native, Jarrard choreographed the international effort to transport Amenah to the United States and oversaw the entire operation. His wife, Kelly Jarrard, raised the funds to finance the journey on both ends.

“Thank you is just too small of a word to express how I feel,” said Amehah’s mother, Maha Muhammed Bandar.

When Amenah arrived at Vanderbilt, doctors discovered, among other things, her heart was turned backwards. Nevertheless, the Feb. 11 operation was success, and Amenah spent the rest of her time in America recovering.

The progress wrought in Haditha by the Marines and their Iraqi partners over the last several years fostered an environment in which a humanitarian operation of this nature was possible.

“Haditha got really bad in 2005. All of the government facilities (hospital, Iraqi Police) were useless because insurgents controlled the town. If anyone spoke out against the insurgents, they would either threaten the person or kill them,” Capt. Samir Miflih, a local government official who attended Amenah’s homecoming. “At the end of 2006, the Marines who used to be here helped organize the police system again and encouraged the people to return to work.”

Haditha is now a reviving city on the verge of Coalition force demilitarization and Iraqi lead with regard to security and municipal governance. This city’s success is the result of this cooperative effort, such as with the care of Amenah.

“I am very thankful for Jarrard, Nadeau, and I consider all the Marines in Haditha father to Amenah, and I will do anything as a return favor for the generosity of the Marines helping my family,” said Fattah.

Huh. Well what do you know about that.

I've been here for a year. Holy moly.

Here's the post that started this blogging journey.

What a year. Made some great friends. Made some great connections. Wrote a lot -- almost 1,000 posts. Had a lot of visitors -- over 30,000 (yeah, I came to sitemeter after I started with the other stat counter). Did a lot of expressing how I really feel, good, bad, ugly, silly, happy, sad, deep, senseless, coded, frustrated, scared. I've shared highs and lows. It's all good though.

I haven't gone back over many of my old posts, as I like to keep moving forward. And I honestly haven't made the time to slow down long enough to really look back.

Thank you all for being here, supporting me through it all. Your comments have meant the world to me.

Good News from Iraq: 11 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Women’s Engagement Team Hears Concerns of Iraqi Females.

AL TAQADDUM — A team consisting of five female Marines from the 1st Marine Logistics Group and two female interpreters recently conducted a census patrol in a nearby town here.

The Iraqi Women’s Engagement Team (IWET) was able to meet and talk with the local Iraqi females one-on-one, segregated from men.

A variety of topics were discussed, from any assistance they may need to how the American military has helped them make a better way of life.

“It was an eye opener,” said Sgt.Veronica Deleon, 26, a member of the IWET, from Bassett, Calif. “We realized Iraqi people are ordinary individuals that want an opportunity at life and a future for their children, just like we do.”

The IWET was able to meet with more than half of the female adult population of the town.

Before enjoying a traditional Iraqi meal and Chai, the IWET questioned the Iraqi women about what issues they may need assistance with.

The items brought up repeatedly were the need for better electricity, financial assistance, medical facilities and chlorine tablets for their drinking water.

Regarding the electricity, they said they only have power a few hours each evening. The U.S. military recently provided them a generator, but they can’t afford the fuel to run it. An elderly lady from the town said, “The Americans helped us. They got us the generator, the least we could do is provide the fuel.”

Many of the women have husbands who have either been killed or are detained. Because of this, the women are in need of financial assistance.

One woman said her husband has been missing for over a year. He left behind seven kids whom the wife is trying to provide for. She said the Iraqi government gives her a bit of money each month, but the amount falls far short of what she needs.

There is also a great need for permanent medical facilities in the town. The Iraqi government provides a “traveling doctor” who visits every now and then, but the women expressed their need of a permanent facility, to include a doctor specialized in female needs.

“The closest medical facility is in Tourist Town,” one said, “but that’s too far to walk for those of us who don’t have cars.”

She mentioned a young boy in the neighborhood who fell off a roof a few months ago. He is in need of surgery for damage done to his eye and a hole remaining in his ear. “We can’t get him to Syria because we don’t have a car and if we were able to get him there, we can’t afford the actual surgery.”

The American military, when brought to its attention, nearly always assists with incidents requiring minor medical attention. On many occasions, seriously injured or ill Iraqi citizens have been transported to Coalition hospitals and even to the United States for treatment.

Another young boy in the town had recently submerged his hands in hot cooking oil. “The Americans, you helped him. He is doing much better. Thank you very much for helping him.”

They also expressed their need for jobs. Since a few of their husbands are missing or detained somewhere, the women want to work to raise money for their children to eat. Several were excited, upon hearing of a possible job opening in a hotel in nearby Tourist Town.

Another woman, whose two sons had recently received jobs in Tourist Town cleaning, said things are looking much better in Iraq. “With the American’s help, Baghdad is even getting better.”

“I am really thankful for the projects in Habbaniyah. Both my sons have jobs because of you. The Americans always help me. The Americans care for us more than our own people. They give us mercy.”

“(The visit) made us aware of why we are here and how important it is to conduct these missions so we can continue to earn and keep their trust,” said Deleon.

Editors note: the names of the Iraqi women and children are withheld for their protection.

The LAST big care package

I swear this is it. No more big care packages to send after this. Maybe some coffee but that's about it. Meaning, THIS.IS.IT!!! Woohoo!

Jack asked for flavored nuts from Trader Joe's. Let's see what we got ...

• Traditional Thai Lime and Chile Peanuts
• Thyme for Rosemary Nuts x3
• Capitola Cashews (cashews, pineapple, peanuts, lemongrass, chile, sesame seeds
• Habanero Pistachios
• Sweet, Savory & Tart Trek Mix
• Salty, Sweet & Nutty Trek Mix
• Sesame Honey Almonds
• Black Peppered Cashews
• Wasabi Tamari Almonds
• Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews
• Thai Lime & Chili Cashews

That's like a lot of nuts. I sure hope Jack Bauer and the CTU Gang like them.

But of course, I included a few other things from Trader Joe's ...

• Cape Gooseberry Fruit Bar
• Mango Fruit Bar
• Dried Rainer Cherries
• Ginger Chews

I also hit Target ...

• Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment
• Archer Farms (Target Brand) Chocolate Chip Pecan Petite Cookies, Double Peanut Butter Chewy Soft Baked Cookies

And I had to throw in some College Farms Organic candy to fill the nooks and crannies ...

• Chocolate Mint x3
• Luscious Lemon x3
• Strawberries & Cream x3
• Vanilla Caramel x3

And a few magazines ...

• Consumer Report 2008 Best & Worst Cars. Wanna make sure we are on the same page for buying a new car when he gets home.
  
• Warrior Citizen
• National Geographic
• Bark

So that is it. The end of the BIG care packages. And one step closer to him being home. :D

Good News from Iraq: 10 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Weapons Found Near Babbahhani.

FOB KALSU — Based on a tip, Coalition forces found a weapons cache containing (20) 100 mm guided Cobra missiles near Babbahhani, March 4.

Soldiers with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, currently attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, made the discovery.

“We have to continue to take steps to create a better environment for the Iraqi people and Coalition forces,” said Sgt. 1st Class Xavier Perdue, from Philadelphia, 2nd Platoon sergeant.

The old and unserviceable missiles were disposed of by an explosive ordnance disposal team via controlled detonation.

Flowers for Lemon Stand

Since she did such a nice job of virtual flowers for me, I thought I'd return the favor.

Here are Flowers for Lemon Stand.

Get well soon.

I miss your lemonade.

Take care, my friend.

A friend in need

Our friend Lemon Stand is under the weather and unable to blog. I don't know about you, but I sure do miss reading her funny positive outlook.

I posted over over at her place. If you would like to leave her a note to let her know we are thinking about her, I'll be sure to pass it along.

Good News from Iraq: 9 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, East Rashid Goes to Voting Booth.

BAGHDAD — In the United States, “Decision ‘08” is getting into full swing with political parties holding primaries and caucuses in states around the Nation. In southern Baghdad, the story is no different as the people of East Rashid held elections this week to determine who will represent them to the Government of Iraq.

The people voted on seven representative positions: chief, first vice, second vice, terrorist casualties, security, essential services, and a mediator for the people.

Brig. Gen. Saad, the executive officer for the 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division, said the neighborhoods having a security representative will help his shurta (police) better do their jobs.

“It will be easier for the people to contact us,” he said. “They’re going to be able to give us information and tips that we can use to guard them.”

On March 5, Southeast Rashid held its elections, and the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 10th Iraqi Army Division Commander, Lt. Col. Hadar, had advice for the elected officials.

“Take care of your people and serve the people in your neighborhoods,” he said. “Today is a big step toward bringing reconciliation to everybody in the neighborhoods.”

Saad, whose unit is largely Shia operating in a Sunni area, said his police will now serve as an intermediary between the people and the Government of Iraq, which will help the representative council.

“We will pass their information to the prime minister office,” he said. “They will provide whatever this council needs so they will have the ability to do their jobs.”

Even though the newly-appointed representatives were the winners of the elections and it is still a process in progress, Hadar told the people of his area they were the real winners.

“Today is a great day, and it does justice to the people living in the area. The Iraqi government, Iraqi security forces, Coalition forces, and the good people living here have already sat down together for reconciliation,” he said after the elections were complete. “This is a big victory for all of you because you will have the people from your area represent you and take your voice to the government. This gives you the power to solve your problems.”

A friendly reminder

When you are moving your clocks forward this weekend, replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Good News from Iraq: 8 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Sons of Iraq Turn in Cache.

FOB HAMMER — The Sons of Iraq (SoI) of Sabbah Nissan, a village southeast of Baghdad, recently brought in a large weapons cache to Soldiers of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery at FOB Hammer.

This was the most recent of 13 weapon caches the SoI have brought to Battery A since the inception of the SoI program in Sabbah Nissan.

The cache consisted of 28 rocket-propelled grenade motors, five 125 mm artillery rounds, two 60 mm mortars, one 125 mm HEAT round, one 82 mm mortar, one rocket-propelled grenade warhead, two fuses and a 155 mm round.

“The Sons of Iraq have given us two caches this week,” said Spc. Andrew Watson, from La Porte, Ind., Battery A. “They have given us about one a week, but this was one of the largest.”

Watson said that the Sabbah Nissan’s SoI performance has improved consistently since they began working with the battery.

“At first, they weren’t very organized,” he said. “Many of their leaders had previously served in the Iraqi Army and they have used that training to instill more professionalism in the group. They have been trained and have come a long way from where they were. They are a lot more proficient in everything they do now. They have seen how we set up water drops and vehicle searches and are doing a good job of doing those on their own now.”

Pfc. Robert Meadows, from Jacksontown, Ohio, Battery A, said residents in the area have become more comfortable with 3rd HBCT Soldiers and believes that has allowed Battery A and the SoI to find more caches based on information provided by them.

“The people here are very friendly,” Meadows said. “The children in the area wait for us along the side of the road and salute when we drive by. The adults wave when we are out. I’d say we have a good relationship.”

Many of the Soldiers believe the area is improving and will continue to do so in the future.

“I think things here will keep improving after we leave,” said Spc. Alex Katsan, from Grafton, W. Va., Battery A. “We are helping them less and less every time we go out. I can see them standing up and doing things on their own without our help.”

Watson pointed out the SoI improvement as an example of progress happening in the area without the 3rd HBCT’s assistance.

“Sheik Kassam (leader of the SoI) is willing to work with us because he knows that we will do what we say we will and we are only here to back up what he is trying to do,” Watson said.

The good relationship that Battery A has built with the local population, he said, will only help further the progress of the area.

“The people here are working hard to secure their area and improve their quality of life,” Watson said. “Anything we have done to help them has been appreciated. I think they will continue to turn in caches and keep the area safe so they can keep moving forward.”

The 789th Ordnance Company (EOD), from Ft. Benning, Ga., currently attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, secured the cache for future disposal.

Well, well, lookey here

So I am starting to pick up a bit more around the house, making dents in my piles of paperwork. In fact, I made enough progress this week that the cleaning lady was able to do her job.

She cleaned underneath my ottoman, which surely she had been frightened to move for the last 3 months.

She found a pair of earplugs, a travel-size bottle of lotion, a paper clip, and ... the Kama Sutra card deck that I bought for fun while Jack Bauer was home. Nice. I had wondered where those had gone. :D

Good News from Iraq: 7 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, The Thunder Rolls: Taji Rail Lines Open for First Time Since 2003.

CAMP TAJI — The railroad lines of the Taji Qada, north of Baghdad, have laid dormant since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, but as a result of the efforts of Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, the first train let loose a thunderous blast of its horn March. 5, as it slowly rolled through the gates of Camp Taji.

"This particular train … is part of a proof of principle,” said Cpt. James Kerns, a Harrison County, Ky., native, who serves as the assistant operations officer for the Base Defense Operations Command (BDOC), Multi-National Division – Baghdad. "(This mission was executed) to facilitate the Iraqi railroad infrastructure improvement so they can, in the future, utilize the train and rail system to carry goods."

With a functioning rail system, the Iraqi Security Forces can benefit from the results as well as the people of Iraq.

"It's an enduring mission. The Iraqi railroads are being put back in, and it's going to change the face of Taji," said Maj. Henry McNealy, a Dewey Beach, Del., native, who serves as the operations officer for the BDOC. "It'll become a consistent train; hopefully, over time, the infrastructure of Iraq will be rebuilt."

The train is a big piece of getting Iraq back on line, McNealy added.

"Every year, something big usually happens – last year it was getting the oil lines back up – the electric lines running again, and this year it'll probably be getting the rail going all the way from Mosul to Baghdad – being unimpeded by criminal elements, al-Qaeda in Iraq or special groups,” he explained.

Soldiers of the 2nd Bn., 11th FA Regt., took part in the operation by providing security alongside their Iraqi Army counterparts.

The leg work, as far as conducting, maintaining and navigating the locomotive to Camp Taji, was performed by the Government of Iraq with minimal Coalition assistance, said Kern.

"We're facilitating the force protection requirements to bring the train in safely," he explained.

Among the benefits the Government of Iraq is likely to gain, one of the greatest is getting more equipment from place to place without putting Iraqi or Coalition forces on dangerous roads.

"This is going to help out a lot if the train makes it every time. If you have two or three guys in a truck, you'll have 50 guys driving a bunch of smaller trucks. (With the rail system operational), you'll have less guys out there on the road and less chances of casualties happening," said 1st Sgt. Dwalyn Dasher, a Jesup, Ga., native, who serves with Battery A, 2-11 FA Regt. Battery B provided the bulk of the force protection measures at the Camp Taji train yard.

In addition to contributing to military operations throughout the country, a functioning rail system also provides the potential for a larger benefit for the average Iraqi.

"It'll bring business into the area; it's going to bring economic goods into the area, and it’s going to allow the Iraqi Army to facilitate and sustain their own operations in the future,” Kern said. “Hopefully, in the not-so-distant future, improve security operations for the Iraqi Army by allowing them to bring military equipment into the area and more sustainment items to Camp Taji and further north into Iraq.”

Despite the short-lived spectacle of watching the green and yellow locomotive slowly roll through the almost-abandoned railroad gate, the bellow of the engine's horn echoed yet another promising addition to the growing list of successful changes taking place to benefit the future of a free Iraq.

Good News from Iraq: 6 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Route Michigan Opens in Ramadi, Traffic Flows Again.

CAMP RAMADI — Three years ago, Route Michigan was closed for Iraqis because of all the violence in the city of Ramadi, but all that changed when Coalition forces and city officials reopened the main road during a ribbon cutting ceremony, March 2.

Gone are the concertina wires and cement barriers, which have been replaced with newly-constructed tiled medians and street lights on the main road of the city.

“The opening up of Route Michigan is an important day for Ramadi,” said Ramadi Mayor Latif Obaid Ayadah. “It will allow traffic to move easier through the city from here to other places in Iraq.”

Route Michigan is the major highway out of Baghdad that runs west through Fallujah and Ramadi, and all the way through Anbar province to the Syrian border. It’s the main supply route for commercial goods, and traveling through much of western Iraq.

“The safety of Route Michigan will be run by the Iraqi Police, who will be controlling the two checkpoints on the street,” Ayadah said. “It was closed for years because of all the violence from terrorists.”

The improved security enables the usage of the entire route for civilian traffic, which was thought to be unlikely given the road’s violent past. Iraqi Police from all districts of the city turned out to witness the grand opening.

“The city has been through a lot,” said Iraqi Police Major Adel Ahmad, from the Kurama Iraqi Police station. “This road has been closed from combat operations in the city for too long. We all worked hard to get to this point, and it’s great to see life returning to normal.”

Present for the ribbon cutting was the 1st Brigade Combat Team Commander, Col. John Charlton, whose unit helped bring stability to the city in the beginning of last year.

“Ramadi is a safe city again from the efforts of Iraqi Police, Soldiers and Coalition forces here today,” he said. “The city looks great; there’s lots of construction going on, and I’m humbled to be here and see travel through the city open for everyone.”

Ramadi was plagued by insurgents, which all but disrupted life in the capital of Iraq’s western province. Now the area along Route Michigan is a far-cry from the war torn streets of yesterday.

“When I first drove on Michigan a year ago, the streets were lined with building rubble and there was trash everywhere,” said Spc. Jamie Blasingame, Company B, 3rd Brigade Support Battalion personal security detachment.

He said the people on the road didn’t have a sense of being safe considering how bad security was in the city.

“That’s the feeling you got when you moved down the route,” Blasingame said. “There were hardly any people near the buildings that lined the route.”

The Soldiers moving through the city have seen a big change in the short time they have driven on Route Michigan. The roads have been cleaned and military convoys move with the traffic instead of stopping it completely.

“The traffic doesn’t stop for us and now Iraqis have the freedom on the road like you’d see anywhere else,” said Spc. Alaisea Yandall, also from Co. B, 3rd BSB. “I never thought I’d see such a big change in the city.”

Soldiers driving through the main street of the city can attest that if Route Michigan’s opening is any indication, Ramadi is going to see more good times ahead.

Capturing a moment

Yesterday, we got a hard snow, thunder snow, blowing snow, probably as close to a blizzard as I have ever seen. My house was in one of the heavy snow bands that came through our area. I stayed home with the doggies.

Moo, a rugged princess like me, isn't too fond of the cold. Bear, who is part Husky, loves it. So I was thinking that I would have one dog outside rolling around in the blizzard with a smile on his face, and the other dog curled up next to me in my chair.

I was quite surprised when Moo decided to follow Bear outside. The two ran around and played for a good 10 minutes. It has probably been a couple of years since I have really seen them play like that. I took advantage of moment and stood and watched them, smiling at the simpleness of it.

Note: That is not my dog in the picture.

Good News from Iraq: 5 Mar 2008

From LA Times, A Special Bond Between Soldiers In Iraq.

Minari Village, Iraq--Staff Sgt. Iron quakes with fear at the sound of explosions. He brawls with other soldiers. He whines when he doesn't get his way and slows others down when he stops to relieve himself during patrols through hostile territory.

But nobody complains, because when it's time to enter a building that might be rigged to explode, or cross a pasture that could conceal a minefield, Iron is at the front of the line, making sure it's safe for those who follow.

If it's not, Iron will bear the brunt of the blast, along with his best friend, Sgt. Joshua T. Rose, who ranks one level below him. It's an honor Iron enjoys for the dangerous job he does. It also ensures that charges could be filed against Rose in the unlikely event he ever mistreated Iron -- an 80-pound German shepherd.

Rose and Iron are one of about 200 canine teams deployed in Iraq, where the bond between soldiers and their dogs is so deep that some handlers have asked to be buried with their canine partners if they are killed together.

On frigid winter nights in the Iraqi desert, Rose shares his cot and sometimes his sleeping bag with Iron to keep him warm. In the scorching summer heat, he makes sure Iron has enough water before taking his own share. If the heat is too much for Iron, who has a thick coat of glossy black fur, Rose lets him rest, no matter what the platoon leader might want.

Whenever he goes on a mission, Rose tucks a copy of an ode to police and military dogs into his front pocket. It reads in part: "Trust in me, my friend, for I am your comrade. I will protect you with my last breath. When all others have left you and the loneliness of the night closes in, I will be at your side."

"These dogs are like our children. I'm closer to my dog than I am to anyone other than my wife," said Staff Sgt. Charles W. Graves, the kennel master at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, about 20 miles southeast of Baghdad.

Graves works with Udo, a yellow Labrador retriever who holds the rank of sergeant 1st class, one higher than Graves. He is the fifth dog Graves has been teamed with.

Graves adopted his first dog after it retired from active duty. The dog died at age 16, from a heart attack while chasing a cat.

His fourth dog was aggressive and liked to bite, nothing like Udo, who is a specialized search dog. That means he isn't aggressive and can run off his leash, wearing a vest that holds a radio through which Graves issues commands.

"If something ever happened to him, I'd never work canine again," Graves said as Udo did a practice run across a field dotted with remnants of once-lethal explosives and other weapons.

Handlers are expected to keep their dogs "on odor" by putting them through such training every month, to ensure they don't lose the ability to detect TNT, C4, AK-47s, wires, metal and the other threats that insurgents have planted across Iraq.

"If they took him out, I'd kinda wish they'd take me out too," Graves, a former police officer from Oroville, Calif., said as Udo loped nearby. With each successful find, Udo was rewarded with a toss of his favorite toy, a rubber cone.

"It's a helluva thing, owing your life to a dog," Graves said.

Before each deployment, troops are asked to update their wills. Graves included a request to be buried with Udo should they die together. It has happened before. Last July, Cpl. Kory D. Wiens, 20, and his Labrador retriever, Cooper, became the first soldier-dog team killed since Vietnam. They were buried side by side in Wiens' hometown of Dallas, Ore.

If you spend time with the soldier-dog teams, it becomes clear that the key to being a successful canine handler is to love dogs and to adapt to their childlike needs.

"If you deal well with kids, you'll deal well with dogs," said Rose, who has a husky and a dachshund back home in Kansas. "You're working with about a 3-year-old mentality."

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Blake T. Soller knows that all too well. Last April, his 4-year-old dog, Pluto, couldn't resist leaping over the side of a cargo ship into New York Harbor, 60 feet below. Soller jumped in after Pluto and stayed with the 87-pound Belgian Malinois until a Navy boat picked them up. Neither was injured.

The U.S. military has used dogs in combat zones since World War II and deployed about 4,300 to Vietnam between 1965 and 1973.

According to the military, 281 died in the line of duty there, but hundreds more died after the war ended and U.S. troops departed. Back then, there were no provisions for military dogs to be adopted when their careers were over. Most were euthanized or left behind to uncertain fates.

That changed in 2000, with a law allowing retired military dogs to be put up for adoption at the Military Working Dog center at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. They range from small breeds such as beagles to hulking hounds.

Since the start of the Iraq war, about 1,000 dogs have passed through the combat zone, and three, including Cooper, have been killed in action.

Handlers say dogs are crucial for sniffing out the roadside bombs that are responsible for most soldier casualties, and for smelling wires that indicate booby-trapped buildings. They also search for drugs and illegal weapons at border crossings and checkpoints, chase down suspected insurgents and hunt for human remains.

And for the first time, the military has sent dogs into a war zone to serve as therapy for troops. Last month, two black Labradors arrived in Iraq to work with stressed-out soldiers.

A canine doesn't have to be a therapy dog to be therapeutic, though.

On a chilly winter's day, as troops prepared for a mission in southern Arab Jabour, southeast of Baghdad, attention was focused on Pluto and Iron, not on the dangers ahead. Rose scratched Iron's ears. Pluto stood on his hind legs and leaned into Soller's chest, like a dance partner. Other soldiers stood around in full battle gear, talking about their own dogs back home.

Until several weeks ago, the region was in the hands of Sunni Muslim extremists loyal to Al Qaeda in Iraq. A U.S. bombing campaign drove many of them out, but they left behind roads and buildings laden with explosives, and orchards littered with buried ordnance and weapons.

"I've had people say, 'It's a good thing you're in the Navy, because that means you're not on the front lines,' " said Soller as he and Pluto led the way down an eerily quiet dirt road lined with houses tucked back among high grass and fruit trees. "It doesn't get any more front line than this. My job is to clear the way so the rest of the guys can get there."

Soller, who used to train hunting dogs in Indiana, was tapped to attend canine handling school as a reward for exemplary service in the Navy. Rose, whose father was a police canine handler back home in Virginia, asked to attend the school after earning high marks from a platoon sergeant.

The biggest mistake handlers make is being impatient, Rose said as Iron veered to the side of the road and lifted his leg. The rest of the patrol slowed to avoid getting ahead of the canine team.

Visits to two homes, including a lavish villa overlooking the reedy banks of the Tigris River, showed how having dogs in the mix can alter an otherwise tense situation.

A grinning adolescent boy used hand signals and broken English to jokingly offer a trade: lean, amber-eyed Pluto for one of his sheep, which stood in a silent, fluffy flock staring at the dogs. In the garden, two women presented the troops with pizza-sized slabs of hot, freshly baked flatbread. Then the boy explained through an interpreter that there were weapons stashed in the wooded area across the road.

Soon, Rose and Iron and Soller and Pluto were pushing through a dense thicket. Within minutes, Rose spotted a subtle change in Iron's behavior as he nosed around some palm fronds. The 7-year-old dog calmly sat down, a sign he had found something. A metal detector and shovel proved him right. A pipe bomb wrapped in a green sack was buried in the dirt.

By the end of the mission, Iron had made a second find.

After each discovery, Rose rewarded Iron with tosses of a red rubber cone -- as with Udo, Iron's favorite treat.

The dogs are bought from breeders in Europe and the United States and then trained at the military's dog school at Lackland Air Force Base.

Iron washed out of two training courses, and his future in the military looked bleak until Rose met him in December 2005.

Rose determined that the problem was not Iron's nose. It was the fake rawhide bone being used as his reward. It wasn't appetizing enough to make the dog work hard. When Rose tried the rubber cone, Iron began picking up scents.

Each dog is different. Pluto's favorite toy is attached to a rope, because he likes playing tug of war with Soller. The petty officer remembers one dog who was satisfied only with a toy steak that squeaked when bitten.

Should dogs be wounded or fall ill, they are given immediate care. Handlers are trained to provide basic treatment until the dog can be taken to a military veterinarian.

When Iron broke a canine, a critical tooth for a dog who sometimes must chase down suspects and hold them, he was given a root canal to save the tooth the same day.

Severe cases are flown to Germany. This happened with Rose's last dog, Rex. In 2005, Rose and Rex were providing security at the Baghdad trial of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. One day, Rex wouldn't eat. Rose knew that when his 105-pound German shepherd didn't eat, something was wrong.

He had him checked by a military veterinarian in Baghdad. The diagnosis was cancer. Rex was dying. He was flown to Germany and euthanized.

But Rex's memory lives on at Ft. Riley, Kan., home to the Army's 1st Infantry Division and Rose's home base. At the base, dogs have a place to play. It's called Rex's Bark Park.

Opening my eyes

Within the last month, I've spotted two very large tractor-trailers proudly designed for the Marines. The first time I saw one, I teared up with pride. I haven't been able to figure out what they are for. The one at the right here is not exactly like the ones I've seen, but you get the idea. A couple more pics can be found here.

Lately I've been noticing a lot more Army and Marine stickers on cars. I am sure they have been there all along, Maybe I couldn't see them before. Perhaps they didn't fit with my perspective that most people in this area don't support the military, aren't affected by the war, and/or don't care.

Whatever my thinking was, it is obviously changing. I think all it really took was opening my eyes without expectation for what I would see.

Good News from Iraq: 4 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Youth Sports Club Opens, Child Athletes have Place to Compete.

SULEIKH — As security improves in this Baghdad neighborhood, Iraqi citizens are focusing more attention on the quality of life in their community.

Several Suleikh area residents and leaders, Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers attended the grand opening celebration of the Suleikh Club, a youth sports center, March 1.

A procession of area athletic teams, including soccer, basketball, wrestling and martial arts groups, opened the festivities. The different squads marched in, proudly displaying colorful uniforms and team signs. The center will provide a place to practice and compete in their individual athletic disciplines.

Several community leaders including Fikrat Kareem, the neighborhood advisory council leader for the area, and Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Yeheya Rasol, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division, spoke during the event.

“The opening of the club was beautiful,” Fikrat said through an interpreter. “Many citizens came to the (event). They are excited. Life is returning to normal.”

The club, which was originally built in 1957, is again a place where young people can participate in different sports, said Lt. Col. Wilson Shoffner, the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, currently attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B.

The club was shut down in 2005 due to criminal activity in the area.

“We had a couple of different insurgent groups operating here, some of them actually using the Suleikh Club as a base of operations. Obviously, with insurgents operating out of the club, that drove away the reason for its existence,” said Shoffner, a Lawton, Okla., native.

As the Iraqi Army and the local security forces in the area began to work together with Coalition forces, the area’s safety improved.

“The Iraqi Army and Sons of Iraq work together now,” said Yeheya. “We do our duty together to kick all of the terrorists out of Suleikh for the future (of the community).”

The Iraqi Army, the Suleikh neighborhood council and Coalition forces have been working to renovate the club during the last five months, said Shoffner.

The increased safety encouraged area leaders to focus more on reconciliation efforts.

“This club is the beginning of reunification in the area,” said Fikrat.

The youth sports center will connect several different neighborhoods in the area including Rabee’a, Suleikh, Tunnis, Shababkur and Qahira, he added. The youth sports activities bring the different groups in the area together for a common cause.

As reconciliation efforts continue, community centers, such as the Suleikh Club, will have a lasting impact on the Iraqi citizens.

“It was appreciated by the people here,” said Shoffner. “I think it will continue, long after the Coalition forces are gone, to be a place where people come to focus on youth sports center activities.”

Another month

And then it was March.

Another month is behind us. Deployment is another month closer to being finished.

This last month we paid off a credit card, paid off the car, had an anniversary, gained clarity and certainty for our next move, met big deadlines, and made some good contributions; nearly sliced off a thick flap on my thumb, got stitches, saw more doctors in a month than I can ever recall. Time to exhale.

But once again, I seem to have gotten all caught up in the other stuff that is life and have not focused on the internal me. Getting back in balance, even if it is just for 5 seconds, is what this month is going to be about.

So instead of making a mental list of the things I need to outside, I think I'll make an internal to do list, the things I can (not should do) to be kind to myself, to reward myself for all the hard work I do. Things like reading that feeds my spirit. Getting a massage. Getting a pedicure. Taking a nap. Just do nothing. Catch up on blogs. Go for a walk. Forgive myself. Go where the wind takes me. Get lost and found.

A little something most days will go really far, I think.

Good News from Iraq: 3 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Soldiers Offer Micro-Grants to Struggling Store Owners in Husseiniya.

HUSSEINIYA — As the door opened, the shop owner momentarily halted his conversation with the unexpected visitor to tend to the needs of a customer who walked into his dimly lit store, Feb. 26.

After the customer left the store with his purchases, the vendor proceeded to tell the visitor, 1st Lt. Otis Ingram, that he did not need monetary aid for his business, as it was doing well; the businessman did, however, inform Ingram of businesses a few blocks down that needed the micro-grants that were available.

Upon leaving his initial stop, Ingram, a Colorado Springs, Colo., native, who serves as the platoon leader for 3rd Platoon, Company B, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, went with his platoon to the area the shop owner directed them.

During their day-long venture, the Soldiers visited several small businesses in Husseiniya to assess their needs for monetary aid in the form of U.S. Army and government of Iraq funded micro-grants.

“We know this operational area and the people in it, so we can find out who needs the money,” said Sgt. Luke Groeninger, a Colorado Springs, Colo., native, who serves as squad leader with 3rd Pltn., Co. B.

The micro-grants offered must be used to improve the business. They are a one-time grant designed to boost the business’ productivity. With the grants requested often being much smaller than the $2,500 maximum amount – approximately $400 – the Soldiers can offer the aid to several businesses in the area, said Ingram.

“We’re giving them a grant that [will] make their business better so that [the community] is more economically stable,” he explained.

The money requested can be used for a variety of purposes. The owners are frequently looking for money for small, low-cost improvements.

“All of [the ‘mom-and-pop’ corner shops] want new paint,” said Ingram. “They want new racks for their groceries. Sometimes, they want a new refrigerator. A lot of [the refrigerators here] are really old.”

During the mission, two shop owners the Soldiers visited applied for micro-grants on the spot.

“We helped them fill out the paperwork and submitted the request for approval,” Groeninger said.

Sometimes, store owners choose not to accept the help. They do so for a variety of reasons.

“Some of [the business owners] won’t take [the micro-grants] because they feel that they’re really not that poor – they’re really not that bad off,” said Ingram. “Their business is doing pretty [well], and they know hundreds of other businesses or people who have it way worse than they do.”

While unexpected, the refusal of some to accept the grants indicates the residents are proud of their hard work and want to be successful on their own. They are also using the program correctly.

“[It’s] kind of refreshing … because you see people who are actually hoping that the help goes to those who need it,” Ingram added. “It’s also eye opening. You think everybody just wants a handout – and sometimes they don’t.”

Like the man at the first stop, those who do not want the grants often guide the Soldiers to those who do need them.

After they arrived at the stores they were told about at their first stop, Ingram and his Soldiers helped two different shop owners apply for the grant.

Coffee for the CTU Gang

I sent off another care package to Jack Bauer and the CTU Gang yesterday. It should be one of the last ones I send. Really, I got to think that our time is beginning to wind down. Maybe I'll send them a ton of coffee just before Jack leaves so the Gang that remains behind isn't left completely without. Oh sure, I could continue to send them stuff, but chances are I won't. I've been extremely generous already.

Anyway, here is what I sent in this last package.

• Kaldi's Highlander Grogg Whole Bean Coffee, 5 pounds

• Trader Joe's Handful of Almonds. These are individual packs of almonds; great for throwing in the pocket.

• Trader Joe's Dried Mango

• Trader Joe's Dried Dragon Fruit. I really have no idea what this fruit tastes like. It just sounds good. :D

• Surf Sweets Organic Jelly Beans. Maybe they will arrive in time for Easter and Jack can make sure someone with a sweet tooth gets them.

• Surf Sweets Organic Fruit Bears

More cards

Sent out 15 cards to Soldiers' Angels Germany for our wounded soldiers.

Running total: 828

Good News from Iraq: 2 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Sewing School Offers Iraqi Women Skill, Employment Opportunities.

FOB RUSTAMIYAH — Sowing seeds of economic opportunity and prosperity, a vocational technical sewing shop for Iraqi women opened its doors Feb. 23, offering classes at Zafaraniyah Technical Institute.

The grand opening of the sewing school paves the way for about 100 Iraqi women in Zafaraniyah seeking employment. In addition to offering steady work, the school offers students a skill they can use elsewhere in the future, commented Capt. Kevin Dagon, a Butler, Ill., native, who serves as a fire support officer with 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division-Baghdad.

“It is very good that we found this job today,” said Antisar, a sewing student and widow with four sons.

Antisar attested to the importance of her sewing job and expressed pride in having an opportunity to begin a new trade to help support her family. Like many mothers, Antisar said she is trying to provide for the future of her children. One of Antisar’s sons is in medical school and another is studying to become an engineer, she explained.

The sewing shop project helps widows and women with displaced families find work, explained Madeeha Hasan, a council member of the Karada Political District. Putting together the project was difficult, said Hasan, who was in charge of coordinating and planning the sewing shop project. It wasn’t easy to find space for the workshop, she said.

While opening the sewing shop is a small step in the overall effort in Iraq, it is still a very big achievement, Hasan believes.

Help wanted ad answered

So not too long ago, I was seeking Clarity and Certainty. Some of it has arrived. Things are starting to fall into place. Our plans for when Jack Bauer comes home are beginning to solidify. It is all very exciting.

First up. I need start getting this house ready to sell in a few months. Oh boy. Lots of work to do.

The plan is for me and the doggies to go with Jack to school for 10 weeks. I need to figure out what to take to make a Residence Inn feel like home during that time. Just a few homey touches.

I've got my work cut out for me. But my parents are going to come help a bit and Jack should be home for sometime before school starts. I'll just do the best I can with what I've got. Right?

Good News from Iraq: 1 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Veterinarian Clinic Treats 300 Sheep in Rural Iraqi Community.

BAGHDAD — With the help from civil affairs veterinarians, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), held a veterinarian operation Feb. 22 in the southern portion of Abu Ghraib in the Iraqi capital.

The sounds of sheep echoed through the air as they arrived in herds of nearly 30 at a time to this very rural area of Baghdad. Surrounded by orange fencing, sheep waited to receive vaccination shots to help with their growth and reproduction issues.

The purpose of the vet operation, in which approximately 300 sheep were treated, was to help the local populace with their livestock, making them healthier and able to reproduce to better the local economy, said Staff Sgt. Richard Gilliland, Huntsville, Ala., native, and civil affairs non-commissioned officer in charge with 1st Bn., 320th FA Regt.

The community’s residents told the Soldiers that their livestock were not doing very well when it came to their growth and reproduction, he said. Platoon leaders and battery commanders pushed out into the community to tell the local sheiks and residents to bring their sheep to the event.

“What I hope to happen is the animals, first off, all get better and are able to reproduce for these farmers,” he said. “Then, that way they can have a better herd for future meals and make them more economically healthy.”

It’s not a huge concern thus far within the area, but given the fact the sheep are the Iraqi’s main source of food in this area, this needed to be done, Gilliland said.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Billy Nored, a Murray, Ky., native, with the 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion, injected the sheep with ivormectin, which was used as a de-wormer to get rid of the screw flies plaguing the sheep.

“Screw flies manifest themselves in, and host themselves on, sheep and start to produce infection,” Nored said. “We are doing all we can to improve the quality of livestock for the local populace.”

“We can make the quality of the animal better,” added Capt. Zach Mills, a Golden, Colo., native, who serves the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion. He also injected the livestock with Clostridium Chauvoei & Clostridium Septicum.

“For the economy,” said Mills, “it will allow for better meat and better quality. It will allow for the economy to grow from the ground up.”

While injecting the sheep with vaccine, the team was also trying to get a general consensus of what the animal’s conditions were in the past and what their current conditions are, said Nored.

“The quality is not bad; it’s actually pretty good,” he said. “It’s good that the word got around, so these animals could get vaccinated. It’s going to help.”

Another problem they are facing in the area is the lack of an Iraqi veterinarian clinic to treat these animals, said Gilliland. The Top Gun troops want to identify a qualified vet, provide him with a traveling veterinarian kit, and allow him to move through the community to give the animals regular immunizations and examinations.

“The ultimate goal is to get a veterinarian in this area to try and help these people with their animals,” Gilliland said. As Coalition forces continue to move more toward an overwatch position, allowing Iraqis to take care of Iraqis is essential. So getting a veterinarian into the area allows Coalition forces to continue that move toward overwatch.

“We are trying to stimulate their economy as we continue this push forward,” Mills said. “We want them to be able to do this themselves.”

In four weeks the veterinarians will come back to the community to assess the improvements of the sheep.