Good news from Iraq: 17 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, Rocket Cache Found by Coalition, Iraqi Security Forces.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — With a tip from a local citizen, Coalition and Iraqi Army forces discovered a large cache of rockets in West Rashid, near Forward Operating Base Falcon, April 14.

The cache consisted of 18 107 mm rockets, some still in their original packaging, and 20 rocket-launching stands.

A Soldier standing guard at FOB Falcon was approached by the citizen with information on the whereabouts of the rockets. Upon receiving the tip, Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and Iraqi Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division conducted a joint patrol and found the cache.

The rockets were in an area assessed to be a historic point of origin for attacks against Coalition forces and Iraqi Security Forces.

The rockets were taken by the IA to FOB Falcon for further investigation. The IA called their U.S. Army military transition team to get an assessment from an explosive ordnance disposal team.

Having Fun

Yesterday, I was having a conversation about having fun with a friend who works insanely hard. The work is greatly rewarding so the complaining is kept to a minimum. But I know that I have been working insanely hard lately and not having so much relaxing fun time.

A couple of weekends ago I took a break from whatever I was doing and took a drive to get myself a diet coke. The weather was gorgeous and my book on CD was at a good point so I drove through the park. Then I realized there were all these people in the park hanging out. "Where do they have the time to do that?" I wondered. Which led to, "Why am I not in the park on this lovely day?" Hmmm. Highly suspicious. That's when I know I need to change something, when I see what I want to be doing and I am not doing it. Certainly there was nothing stopping me from pulling over and lying down on the grass. Well at least a large dose of self-consciousness stopped me. But since then, this whole "fun" thing as been nagging at me.

More fun. I probably shouldn't wait for Jack Bauer to get home to have some fun. But that may have what I was subconsciously doing. Waiting, waiting, waiting.

I am taking a couple of days off later this week. My parents and I are talking about taking a drive to a nice, famous, little town north of here for the day. Enjoy a little history. That could be fun. Maybe I will read a book outside lying in the grass under a shady tree this weekend. That would be fun.

Good News from Iraq: 15 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, Sons of Iraq Assist Soldiers, Discover Weapons Cache.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — The Sons of Iraq in Nine Nissan, a village east of Baghdad, led Soldiers in Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, to a weapons cache buried at a remote location near FOB Hammer, April 10.

The cache was destroyed by Soldiers from the 789th Ordnance Company (EOD), from Fort Benning, Ga., currently attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, at the site.

The cache contained 18 rockets, 14 mortars, 10 105 mm shells, 10 103 mm shells and two tank rounds.

The SoI in Sabbah Nissan have found and led the 3rd HBCT to multiple caches since their group formed two months ago.

Earlier that day, Soldiers from Battery A and local Iraqi leaders conducted a humanitarian mission to deliver food, medicine, water and supplies to the people of Najidat, southeast of Baghdad.

Leaders of the Nine Nissan council had requested aid for the small village at their regular meeting earlier in the week.

The 1-10 FA is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

Packing and Painting and Parents

So my parents are in town to help me around the house. Hopefully, we'll be able to get the upstairs -- essentially a large finished attic -- all squared away this week. One less thing for Jack Bauer to do when he gets home.

Yesterday we went through a lifetime of stuff that hasn't moved for five years. Papers, books, photos, office supplies, silk flowers, childhood memorabilia, Jack's baby pillow, ammunition, you know, stuff. We got it all packed into strage bins. The plan is to get the stuff out of the big room so we they can give it a fresh coat of bright white paint. My dad is an expert painter. :D

We are going to try to have some fun this week too. Might have to take in a few sights that they haven't seen, walk the dogs, and enjoy having someone cook for me.

Good News from Iraq: 14 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, Port City is Open for Business.

UMQASR — UmQasr, a port city southeast of Basra, is filled with daily activities, as Iraqi workers load export and unload imports last week.

“The estimated flow of goods into Iraq is 60,000 tons with 15,000 passing through UmQsar,” said Todd Stratton, Task Force to Support Business and Stability Operations in Iraq.

“The single largest commodity is food such as wheat, rice, sugar and other food items,” Stratton said. “The port is a critical gateway to supply the Iraqi nation with food imports.”

According to Stratton, the port has a grain silo that can process 7,500 tons a day with 5,000 tons being hauled away.

“A ferry comes to Dubai a few times per week,” Stratton said.

Iraqi Security Forces provided a secure working environment for the Iraqi dock workers to perform their daily jobs.

The Passenger Hall at the port is nearing complete refurbishment, and will soon be fully-operational for passengers and merchants alike.

The LAST card

I have been pretty good about sending cards to Jack Bauer. Usually 3-5 a week. Lots of postcards, quote cards, blank cards, cute cards, love cards, funny cards. I am sure there were some repeats in there. Some simple, just saying hello. Others deeply profound. All dated. I hope to go back through them some day. Sometimes I'd have him tell me what I wrote since it had usually been a couple of weeks by the time he got them. I liked it when I was surprised by what I wrote. :D

But yesterday that all came to an end. I sent the last card. I bought the last batch of cards a couple weeks ago. After having been on the constant lookout for cards for the last two years, suddenly stopping seems odd.

Just another slow, small adjustment. And another step closer to him actually being home.

Good News from Iraq: 12 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, Third cache discovered within seven days (Kirkuk).

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Soldiers discovered three weapon caches of various munitions and explosives northeast of Kirkuk, April 10.

The caches included 60mm Chinese mortars, 82mm Chinese mortars, 57mm Chinese projectiles, 120mm Chinese mortar high explosives, 60mm Iraqi mortars, more than 50 85mm Iraqi rocket motors, 105mm Iraqi projectiles, 40mm projected fuses, 130 Russian projectiles, Russian fuses and an 85mm Russian projectile.

The explosives and weapons were likely to be used against Coalition forces, Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi citizens. This is the third large cache found in this area within a week.

The cache was in an area previously known to stockpile munitions.

Good News from Iraq: 11 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, ISF, SOI Discover 11 Weapons Caches in Northern Iraq.

TIKRIT — Iraqi Security Forces and Abna al-Iraq, or Sons of Iraq, have discovered 11 weapons caches in northern Iraq April 7 and 8.

Over the two days, five caches were discovered in Diyala Province along with two caches each in Ta’Mim, Ninewah and Salah ad Din Provinces.

The caches consisted of rockets, mortars, projectiles of different sizes and hundreds of pounds of improvised explosive device making materials.

“As security continues to improve, so will the number of caches discovered. Both ISF and the Sons of Iraq are leading the way for the safety and security for the people of Iraq,” said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, spokesman for Multi-National Division – North.

Oh the places you'll go

What do you all know about any of these locations for assignments? From the military spouse perspective, what do you think?

Fort Bragg
Europe (yes, it is phrased as just "Europe")
Fort Huachuca
Fort Irwin
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Riley
Fort Gordon
Fort Bliss

Good News from Iraq: 10 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, ISF, SOI discover 11 weapons caches in northern Iraq.

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and Abna al-Iraq, or Sons of Iraq, have discovered 11 weapons caches in northern Iraq April 7 and 8.

Over the two days, five caches were discovered in Diyala Province along with two caches each in Ta’Mim, Ninewah and Salah ad Din Provinces.

The caches consisted of rockets, mortars, projectiles of different sizes and hundreds of pounds of improvised explosive device making materials.

“As security continues to improve, so will the number of caches discovered. Both ISF and the Sons of Iraq are leading the way for the safety and security for the people of Iraq,” said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, spokesman for Multi-National Division – North.

Good News from Iraq: 9 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, ISF Find Large EFP Cache.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — A tip led Iraqi Security Forces to the largest explosively-formed penetrator cache found to date in Multi-National Division – Center’s area of operation, April 2. The munitions were discovered in a 6-ton truck in a garage in al Qasim.

The cache contained more than 1000 EFP components, more than 3000 pounds of explosives and 45 Katusha 107 mm rockets and stands. Also included in the cache were more than 10 devices used to detonate improvised explosive devices, 250 PKC rounds, 10 60 mm mortar shells and one 60 mm stand.

The rockets are believed to have been manufactured in Iran.

“The ISF continue to confiscate the lethal tools of the enemy, disrupt the enemy’s freedom of maneuver, and apprehend key members of the (criminal) leadership,” said Capt. Michael Ranado, battle captain for 31st Military Transition Team, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. “The IP (Iraqi Police) and IA (Iraqi Army) have successfully provided security for the people of the Babil province and continue vigilantly to do so.”

The cache was moved to the Joint Coordination Center in Hillah.

Softball

Heh. Nice weather here is Middleville yesterday.

I finally started back to my beginning pilates mat class. On my way home, there were some men out playing softball. That made me think of this post back in January when I couldn't wait for softball season to start. I guess if it gets bad in the next few weeks I could drive by with my windows rolled down and catch some of that testosterone floating on the air. Heh. We are down to just a few weeks, so I doubt that will be necessary.

But as I drove by the playing field and saw the men pitching and swinging and running, I thought about how silly -- that good silly -- I have been about missing Jack. And I giggled the rest of the way home. :D

P.S. Like I said yesterday, emotional rollercoaster. Just wait 5 minutes and I am sure to read something that will make me cry.

Good News From Iraq: 8 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, Iraqi Soldiers Find Caches Near Shakariyah.

CAMP STRIKER — Iraqi army soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi army division recovered caches containing more than a dozen mortar rounds and components near Shakariyah on April 2.

A local Iraqi approached the intelligence officer for 3/22/6 IA div. with information on the location of two weapon caches. An IA scout platoon accompanied the officer and citizen to the site where the munitions were found.

The caches included one 121 mm mortar, one 120 mm mortar, 12 60 mm mortars, 42 82 mm mortar fins, two rocket-propelled grenade warheads and a box containing 119 rounds of rifle ammunition.

On crying

I remember a time last fall when it seemed that I couldn't or refused to cry. Well that wall has come down. I am pretty sure I have cried everyday for the last week. I slowed down my work and my eyes opened up and dripped down my face. Tears of joy at friends' husbands coming home. Tears of pride in the human spirit watching The Lord of the Rings. Tears of frustration of things not going my way.

From the sounds of it, I am experiencing something pretty normal. That this last month or so is tough for many of us. An emotional roller coaster I think someone called. Well that's me. At least I am aware of it now and know that I am not the only one. I might as well try to enjoy it for what it is.

Just one more sign of it being close to the end.

Good News from Iraq: 7 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, Salvadoran Battalion Delivers Medical Supplies in Kut.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — The Salvadoran Cuscatlán Battalion delivered $4 million in medical supplies to the al Kut Director General of Health Warehouse April 1.

“It is very important to provide more resources to the people of Iraq. We want to provide supplies to those who need it,” said Col. Walter Arevalo, commander of Cuscatlán Battalion X.

Even though there is a heightened security risk, Arevalo said he felt honored that his Soldiers were called upon to fulfill this mission.

“It is important for the hospital to be able to provide support for people who need it,” he said. “The supplies will help them provide that support, and a lot of people need to get medical attention.”

The supplies, donated by the International Red Cross, are for Iraqis affected by the recent upsurge in violence by criminals.

The Iraqi Security Forces in Wasit province clashed with criminals for five days. According to Iraqi Police reports, seven Iraqis were killed and 14 were injured. Eleven IPs were killed, and 42 were injured. At least 43 criminals were killed, and more than 40 were injured.

The al Kut medical facilities generally have a small quantity of supplies and are in dire need of blood, said Dr. Ammar Bashar, director general of the al Salam Emergency Medical Clinic. Al Kut’s limited medical supply was further depleted when the Kut Ministry of Health provided Basra with medical supplies to treat Iraqis injured in the uprising there, said Bashar.

The donated supplies will replenish what was used during the civil unrest in the city and will increase supplies on hand.

The warehouse will distribute the supplies in the following weeks to three medical facilities in al Kut. One is a 150-bed emergency clinic and the other two are 400-bed hospitals, Bashar said. The supplies will be used for emergency and specialty care.

Another homecoming

Stephanie's Marine husband is home.

He was deployed not too many months after they got married.

Now their honeymoon can continue.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Good News from Iraq:6 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, Iraqi, Coalition Engineers Join to Rebuild Combat Outpost.

MOSUL — On Sunday March 23, Combat Outpost (COP) Inman, a new COP in West Mosul manned by the 2nd Iraqi Army (IA) Division, suffered a blow that al-Qaida in Iraq had intended to be fatal to the strategic post; a suicide-truck-bomb crashed through the gates at approximately 7 a.m., detonating in the main compound, killing 13 Iraqi Soldiers and wounding 35.

“All the damage the terrorists have caused to the people and their homes, I do not understand these men, why would they do that?,” said Nami Ibhrahim, a Soldier in the 2nd IA Division, clearly more concerned about the damage to the surrounding area than to the COP.

Despite the COP being devastated, the IA Soldiers did not abandon their post. They held it in anticipation of the help they knew would come. The help came in the form of engineers from the 2nd IA Division and the U.S. Army 232nd Engineer Company, which arrived to start reconstruction of COP Inman just five days after the bombing.

Both engineer elements completed projects in other parts of Ninewah Province and then made assessments of the damaged COP. The units gathered supplies and equipment as rapidly as possible, arriving on the scene within hours of each other.

Work commenced as soon as heavily armored front end loaders, road graders and excavators were unloaded from their trailers on the evening of March 28. IA infantry Soldiers eager to help improve security of their post also chipped in by helping to string Hesco barriers and unload supplies during the night.

In the morning, the heavy equipment took over the operation, as dismounted operations were stopped as the sun came over the horizon due to an elevated sniper threat. The front end loaders the IA brought to the project tripled the expected output for filling the newly strung Hescos.

The IA and Coalition Soldiers were completing the project in a very rapid fashion, working as one unit. If one unit, they seemed veterans, as the loaders quickly fell into a rhythm; one picking up fill material, one filling Hescos and one moving between the Hescos. If all the equipment had been the same type, it would have been an impossibility to distinguish one unit from another based on performance.

“The IA has been great…last night they were stringing Hescos (barriers) with our guys,” said 1st Lt. Nathan Foust of the 232nd Engineer Company, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. “We had their two bucket loaders…all day helping with the filling. We only had one (bucket loader) out here, so it was a huge help, it would have taken a lot longer without them.”

Lt. Foust’s compliments of the IA engineers were echoed by members of his platoon. Any engineer in any Army would be happy to have the compliments of this group. 3rd platoon has been a major part of the COP building program which is ongoing in Mosul. They have constructed seven COPs in the previous two months, in the most difficult of circumstances. The unit has experienced all the hazards that fighting terrorists has to offer, bar none.

However, the unrelenting schedule and associated dangers has not affected the morale of the platoon.

“They are doing real well, their morale has been unbelievable, I couldn’t ask for anything more,” said Foust proudly. “The NCOs have really been on top of it, they are great. The Soldiers are all solid, they all work very hard.”

IA and Coalition engineers, as well as IA infantry, continued to work around the clock to rebuild the COP. The Soldiers took steps to improve security, develop the defensive characteristics of the roads and to re-level the surface inside the perimeter.

“By rebuilding we are showing the people that we have the will to continue this fight, to win, that we will not abandon them,” said Ibhrahim, a Soldier in the 2nd IA Division. “We will carry the fight, wherever they make it, we will win. With all my friends in the IA, I will stay and fight, forever if we have to. I am from Diyala and he is from Baghdad, but together we are the IA.”

In a testament to both IA and Coalition resolve to complete this mission, the job which was slated to take three nights took only two. The two units parted ways, hoping not to meet again under similar circumstances, but nonetheless proud of what they had accomplished and the respect they had earned.

"A Soldier" is Home

Our friend A Soldier's Wife has her husband home again.

She's had an especially tough deployment marked with medical problems.

But her soldier is home and in her arms again.

Oh happy day!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Good News from Iraq: 5 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, Informant’s Tip Leads to Multiple Enemy Weapons, Munitions.

FOB KALSU — In the early morning of April 2, Iraqi Army (IA) Soldiers with 5th Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th IA Division, questioned a suspected insurgent who said he knew the location of buried weapons.

"For the past couple of weeks the IA had been hearing about a guy who used to work with al-Qaida and he stayed in the area and he didn't flee like the rest did," said Staff Sgt. Ronald Satterwhite, a section chief with Battery B.

The man admitted to knowing the approximate location of the weapons cache.

According to IA Soldiers, he needed his brother's assistance to find the exact location. The brother is another known collaborator with al-Qaida.

The Soldiers of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division rolled out of Joint Security Site W-1, informant in tow, to pay his brother a visit.

Satterwhite, of Glenville, Ga., said he and his fellow Soldiers had been trying to speak with the brother for two weeks but were unable to find him each time they went to his residence. Tonight, fortune favored Battery B.

"We just got lucky, he immediately knew what we were going after ... it didn't take too much talking to him to get him to take us to where they (the weapons) were," Satterwhite said.

With both brothers assisting, it was a matter of minutes before the Soldiers were digging up the first of five weapon caches.

At the first cache site, beside a road in the dirt wall of a canal, they found three separate weapon caches consisting of (45) rocket propelled grenade warheads, (300) PKC heavy machine gun rounds, (37) mortar and projectile fuses, one DSHKA .50 caliber machine gun with (500) rounds of ammunition and one anti-personnel mine.

In a farm field adjacent to the road, the informants also dug up a complete 81 mm mortar system.

While the Soldiers waited for an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team to arrive they learned the informants knew of a few more weapons stashes.

Walking just south of the first cache site, the brothers stopped first in a field to pick up an RPG launcher next at a farm house where they also located machine gun ammunition.

They next took the Soldiers to a culvert to dig up another 81 mm mortar tube, then to a buried (55) gallon barrel containing a PKC machine gun and (2000) PKC machine gun rounds.

The Soldiers collected the additional weapons and returned to meet the EOD team who was already at the site of the first cache preparing the find for disposal.

All weapons and munitions found were gathered and destroyed by an EOD team controlled detonation.

Thomas Sullivan Magnum

1980-1988: Formative years in this woman's life. Ages 8 to 16. Many of those years were spent watching Magnum, P.I. In fact, I distinctly remember what I was doing the night of the last show: I was working at my first real job. I may have had my record it on video tape.

But, ah, Thomas Sullivan Magnum. Definitely one of those manly men, scoundrels with a heart, bad boys who do good. Oh, yeah. Definitely one of them.

Yesterday, Jack Bauer emailed me this:

Matthew McConaughey offered Role of 'Magnum, P.I.'

with this note of his own:

Anyone that isn't down with the Tigers hat, .45, mustache, Ferrari, and short shorts is no friend of mine. :)

I think if he could, Jack would live in the 80s forever. And I say that with the biggest, proudest smile on my face. I can't wait for him to get home. So we can watch reruns of Magnum together. :D

Good News from Iraq: 4 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, Abu Amer Residents Receive Medical Treatment.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Residents of Abu Amer, a small village in the Wasit province of Iraq, received medical assistance March 28 from Coalition forces during a medical civil action program designed to provide basic primary care.

Using a school as a makeshift clinic, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, secured the area before announcing, via loudspeaker, the opportunity for residents to receive health care and humanitarian assistance.

Once word of the MEDCAP was broadcast, people began to pour in from the streets, forming a line just outside the school.

Maj. Howard Curlin, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion surgeon; Capt. Jacob Turnquist, 4th BCT surgeon; and Maj. Marilyn Lazarz, an Army public health nurse with Company B, 415th Civil Affairs, led the team examining, diagnosing, treating and advising the patients, along with the help of nine medics.

At the initial screening station, combat medics, assisted by translators, interviewed each patient for medical history and previous treatments and noted his or her ailment on a slip of paper. Then the medics measured each patient’s vital signs—pulse, temperature and blood pressure.

“The locals who were seen at the medical event were grateful for the medical care provided to them by the doctors, medics and nurse,” said Lazarz, who has been a public health nurse for 18 years. “Coalition forces continue to build relationships with the locals and continue to make a difference in their everyday lives.”

As the day continued, medical personnel saw 212 patients, ranging from infants to elderly, with various ailments. Medical issues ranged from common joint and back pain to infections and gastrointestinal disorders.

“We’re only equipped with a limited supply of medications,” said Turnquist, a pediatrician by trade. “We know going in there that we’re potentially going to see hundreds of people.”

Most of the medications handed out were over-the-counter medicines, said the Rockford, Ill. native. Cold medicines, multivitamins, antibiotics and topical medicines for rashes were also distributed.

Each patient received an evaluation, treatment, medicine if needed and humanitarian assistance—food, soccer balls, beanie babies, candy—donated by various Soldiers in the support battalion, said Capt. Casey Woody, commander of Company C, 703rd BSB.

“We went in there assessing what the people were coming in with, what complaints they had, what their age range was and what their demographics were,” Turnquist said. “That information itself is helpful hopefully down the road when we can provide that to the Ministry of Health to see if they can get more long-term medical support to that area.”

Overall, Woody felt the MEDCAP achieved its objective.

“I’m proud of my Soldiers and how they conducted themselves,” said the father of two from Plymouth, Mich. “If you can help a person, it’s a good feeling. I think we’re doing a lot of things, and we’re working in the right direction with the ePRT (embedded Provincial Reconstruction team) and civil affairs … We know we’re not going to fix this problem in a year, but we want to get them on the right start.”

Short-timers setting in

I cut out this Note from the Universe and taped it to my computer monitor at work.

What if the word "work" was changed to "dance-with- life," Butterfly Wife? And instead of it being viewed as an alternative to fishing or a way of "paying your dues," it was seen as a chance to meet a parade of new friends, discover your own untested potentials and unpolished gifts, and open avenues for abundance to come pouring into your life?

Yeah, I bet lottery sales would plummet.

The Universe

P.S. Not to mention the office parties, donut runs, and "free" pens, Butterfly Wife ... cha, cha, cha!

So my intent is to look to discover my "untested potentials and unpolished gifts" while I am still here in Middleville.

Uggg. Yes, my eyes are rolling and I am making gagging gestures here. And I sneer at the computer screen every time I read that "note."

Maybe if I just throw myself into work full-on, neck-deep, pretend I know what I am doing the time will make it go by faster. Maybe that's what I'll do. But I am going to sneer at least once a day.

Good News from Iraq: 3 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, 15 caches, IED factory discovered in northern Iraq.

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Coalition force Soldiers discovered 15 weapons caches and an improvised explosive device factory in northern Iraq April 1.

The weapons and ammunition discovered included one 155mm and three 120mm rounds, one 122mm Illumination round, 14 107mm rockets, 58 82mm and 12 60mm mortars, along with other small-arms munitions.

More than 60 pounds of explosives and improvised explosive device making materials were also discovered among the caches, while the IED factory contained more than 3,500 pounds of additional explosives.

The caches were found in both Diyala and Salah ad Din Provinces, and the IED factory was discovered in Ninewah.

“The joint efforts between the Iraqi Army and CF are paying off,” said Maj. Dan Meyers, spokesman for Multi-National Division - North. “These continued finds will no doubt help to keep the people of Iraq safe,” Meyers said.

Gremlins vs. Angels

Monday I ran my Sunday errands. Grocery shopping, pet store, etc. I came home to a cluttered counter and placed a few bags on the stove, ran back out to the car, and came inside and dropped my load on the floor in shock. Moo had jumped up and accidentally turned on the front burner. It was still clicking, flame on high. Luckily, I had not placed anything on THAT burner.

Once I assured myself that I did not burn the other bags, I cried a good hard cry muttering "Thank you Jesus" over and over. (Um, I am not really the type of person who goes around muttering "Thank you Jesus" over and over. So this really got to me.)

Yesterday afternoon a little bird reminded me that I had attempted to burn down the house before. That got me thinking about deployment gremlins that come and do bad things around the house and otherwise mess up life while the spouse is gone. I am sure I have had my fair share. Actually, if I wanted to, I am sure I could come up with a long list of them.

But I'd rather think about all the times where my deployment angels have been watching over me. Times I am aware of, like this past Monday, and times I will never know about, like when I take a totally random route to some place I always go (I like to think that those are the angels making me avoid an accident).

Thinking about deployment angels rather than deployment gremlins certainly makes me feel like I live a blessed life, even during the more challenging times.

Good News from Iraq: 2 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, SOI prevent suicide attack.

TIKRIT, Iraq – Members of the Sons of Iraq, or Abna al-Iraq, engaged a suicide bomber before he could detonate his explosive device in Kirkuk Province April 1.

Iraqi Police and members of the SOI engaged a man wearing a suicide vest on Market Street in Hawijah, preventing any casualties.

The SOI are an armed neighborhood watch group in Kirkuk and are part of the Isnad, meaning “unity” in Arabic, movement.

“The quick reaction by these local heroes prevented a possible tragedy,” said Maj. Dan Meyers, a U.S. military spokesman in northern Iraq.

Guess What?

You know what today is?

It is the first day of April.

You know what that means?

That means Jack Bauer is coming home next month!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Good News from Iraq: 1 Apr 2008

From MNF-I, Iraqi Army leads push to restore security in Mahmudiyah.

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces are taking the lead in securing the city of Mahmudiyah against criminals.

Iraqi Army soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th IA Division are securing the city’s neighborhoods with support from Red Knight Rakkasans of 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

This effort, which began March 27, has already proven successful.

A cordon and search resulted in the discovery of a significant weapons cache in the Qadasiya Apartments March 28.

The cache included 17 explosively-formed projectiles (EFP), 192 DSHKA rounds, Iraqi National Police uniforms and 18 assault rifles, more than 100 EFP components, a demolition charge, detonation cord, fuses and a bag of homemade explosives.

“At this point, it has been a very impressive operation on both the Iraqi and Coalition fronts,” said Lt. Col. William Zemp, commander of 3-320th FA. “Reports say that the EFP IED (improvised explosive device) materials were to be moved into the city of Mahmudiyah.”

The IA has detained nearly 200 individuals for questioning in an effort to curb the violence and criminal activity.

“You have to be proud of the progress being made so far,” said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, 3rd BCT, 101 Abn. Div. (AASLT) commander.

Brig Gen. Ali Jassim Muhammad Hassen Al Frejee, commander of the 25/6 IA Division said removal of criminal groups is key to the continued security of the Mahmudiyah Qada.

Got cheese?

I am in a seriously whiny mood.

I just want this whole deployment to be over.

I just want to have my house be perfectly immaculate and ready to sell and have a buyer lined up.

I just want there to be enough hours in the day to do yoga and pilates and walk the dogs.

I just want my day job to go away.

I just want my super secret job to give me everything I need.

I just want Jack Bauer to be home to talk to, to hold, to snuggle, to just be with.

*Sigh*

Ahhhhhh. That feels a little better.

Good News from Iraq: 31 Mar 2008

From The Long War Journal, In Pictures: Iranian munitions seized in Iraq (see the slideshow that accompanies the entry).

As the US and Iraqi Army battle the Iranian-backed Mahdi Army and the Special Groups terror cells in central and southern Iraq, the US military in Baghdad has released further information on Iranian-made weapons seized in Iraq. The US has seized numerous weapons caches in the past, with lot numbers and markings clearly linking them back to Iran. Iran has denied any involvement with sending weapons to Iraq, yet it has not explained how these Iranian-manufactured weapons are appearing inside Iraq.

The explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, is one of the signature weapon made by Iran and used by the Mahdi Army and the Special Groups against US and Iraqi forces. The EFP warhead is formed when explosives are detonated behind a machined, metal concave disk. This forms a molten projectile slug that can penetrate the thickest of armor. Iranian-made 107mm rockets and various sizes of mortars are also seized inside Iraq on a regular basis.

The latest Iranian-made weapons cache was seized by US and Iraqi soldiers during a routine operation in Mahmudiyah on March 28. The soldiers found 15 EFPs, more than 100 EFP components, detonation cord, fuses, a bag of homemade explosives, hundreds of rounds, and Iraqi National Police uniforms and rifles.

Iran established the Ramazan Corps in western Iran to manage the covert war inside Iraq in early 2003. The Ramazan Corps is an arm of Qods Force, the special operations branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. The Ramazan Corps is responsible for smuggling weapons and cash into the Mahdi Army and the Special Groups terror cells, as well as recruiting and training Iraqi operatives.

For more information on the Special Groups and Iran's role in the Iraqi insurgency, see Iran's Ramazan Corps and the ratlines into Iraq and Targeting the Iranian "Secret Cells." For more information on the Mahdi Army, see Sadr calls for Mahdi Army cease-fire and Dividing the Mahdi Army.

Slowing down

I've been going a million miles per hour lately, working too much, drinking too much caffeine, not sleeping well, not doing all the things I do to take care of myself. My recent "me day" was nice, but I didn't completely submit to the relaxing atmosphere.

But things have changed in the last couple of days. Work has lightened. Now I just need to ease off the caffeine and get back to some of good habits that make deployment a little easier than just trying to battle my way through.

So yesterday after yoga, I decided to go for a drive and listen to a book on CD. That seemed to be the most efficient way to break myself off of the computer. Then I took a nap. Then I watched one of the greatest movies ever, the one that made me want to be a writer when I was just 12 years old: Romancing the Stone. I watched that movie all the time as a child, every time I got sick I watched it, and I would watch it back to back, hours on end. I can still recite the lines. It made me smile, and more importantly, it made me really relax and laugh.

This morning I slept in until 10 AM. And I think I might take another nap.

This resting stuff is real nice. Too bad I had forgotten about it for a few weeks.

Good News from Iraq: 30 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Water Treatment Facility Reopens, Clean Water Flows.

CAMP STRIKER — A ribbon-cutting ceremony March 26 marked the opening of the Mushada Water Treatment Plant, north of Mahmudiyah, a facility that will benefit thousands of area residents.

Col. Muhammad, commander of 3rd Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and Col. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), attended the ceremony and spoke to visitors about the event.

Following the speeches, Muhammad cut the ribbon to open the plant and those present were given a guided tour of the facility, including the pumps, water tanks and administrative buildings.

The plant restoration took five weeks to complete and was paid for by Commander’s Emergency Response Program funds.

More than 30 workers and 20 skilled tradesmen worked together to complete the renovations. They replaced pumps, cleaned and sealed water tanks and fixed the electrical wiring inside the plant. Workers restored the buildings, did landscaping and installed two 5,000-gallon fuel tanks capable of powering the entire facility for six months.

One of the buildings will provide office space for an engineer from the South Baghdad Water Department and other facility employees. Another building will house the engineer and his family. The landscaping around the facility is designed for the family living on-site to grow their own vegetables, irrigated by the water tanks.

Capt. Gary Goodman, the project purchasing officer for 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), and the unit’s bilingual, bicultural adviser, Dean Mechael, met with the contractors, monitored progress and offered help throughout the process.

Mechael, an Iraqi-born professional engineer from Farmington Hills, Mich., said he’s proud of the work done to repair the plant, adding the renovation will improve the quality of life and the health of the local citizens.

The facility is capable of producing 2.7 million gallons of potable water and 3.5 million gallons of non-potable water each day. Before the restoration project, Mechael said, the facility was working at only about 10 percent of its capacity.

Currently, 60,000 Iraqis are serviced by the facility. Future plans include adding a water distribution system that will provide water to 250,000 people or more.

Since the pipe construction for water distribution won’t be completed for some time, Goodman, a native of Mahanoy, Penn., said part of the restoration project included adding water pipes outside the plant so people can come with jugs or water tanks and fill up for free.

And most importantly for the local residents, the water is safe to drink.

“They did a water test to test the hardness of the water and compared it to the water in Baghdad,” Goodman said. “The water in Baghdad has an 18 percent hardness rating; this place has 2 percent, so this is actually much cleaner than the water that’s in Baghdad.”

Ahhhhh. The Weekend.

After some insane work hours for the last few weeks, I am finally able to rest, kick up my feet, put my head back, and relax.

Man, does it feel good.

Like being able to breathe fully after getting over a chest cold.

I hope to be seeing more of you all this weekend.

Good News from Iraq: 29 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Water Purification Station Opens, Provides Fresh Water for Thousands.

FOB KALSU — A new well-water purification station opened in Al Buaytha March 25, north of Combat Outpost Murray. Since arriving in Arab Jabour 10 months ago, Coalition forces have assessed challenges facing the area. A serious concern was the lack of access to clean water; completion of this station addressed that need.

The water purification station, named Esaalat Salam or ‘Pump of Peace’, is capable of providing 1000 liters of clean water per hour and can serve a 400-square-kilometer area.

The station is one of three wells with a purification system in the region which is roughly the size of Baltimore, Md., and patrolled by Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. In addition to the wells, residents have access to 13 water purification units which draw water from the Tigris River.

While 2nd BCT Soldiers worked with local contractors to get water purification stations and wells back into operation, they also delivered water to residents to combat water-borne illnesses.

Spc. Raymond James Etheridge, a water treatment specialist with Forward Support Company F, 1-30th Infantry Regiment, said in addition to his normal duties of purifying water for Soldiers at COP Murray, he and his fellow Soldiers transport drinking water to storage tanks positioned around the 1-30th Inf. Regt. area of operation.

Maj. Douglas Allan Betts, commander of Company A, 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, out of Kalamazoo, Mich., currently assigned to the 2nd BCT, said the water tanks are a temporary solution to the need for clean drinking water.

Betts, a native of Battle Creek, Mich., said there are 30 water tanks, which Soldiers fill on a weekly basis.

To establish a long-term solution to the water purification problem, Betts said he and other Soldiers in the 2nd BCT are working to establish ties with the ministry of water and the ministry of health.

“Right now what we’re working on is getting government of Iraq officials at the appropriate level involved so that when Coalition forces leave this area they are up to date on what the projects are, what’s been fixed and what they need to do to maintain them,” Betts said.

Spring has arrived!

Yay!! Spring has sprung.

The daffodils are here! The daffodils are here!

The grass along the highways is beginning to bloom yellow.

You know what that means?

Not much longer until Jack Bauer comes home.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Good News from Iraq: 28 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, MND-C Soldiers conduct air assault, destroy weapons cache.

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Center soldiers from 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, conducted an air assault mission near al-Lej to gain additional information on terrorist activity near the town, southeast of Baghdad, March 24.

Soldiers secured four buildings, finding two buried refrigerators and one large hole that may have been used by terrorists to store munitions. Company leadership directed attack aviation helicopters from 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, to a possible cache site that could not be safely cleared by soldiers on the ground. Aviators then engaged and destroyed the potential cache site with no injuries to Coalition forces or civilians.

In the search, soldiers discovered Sunni terrorist training literature containing depictions of Coalition force vehicles and aircraft.

How tired you ask?

So tired that I keep trying to push up my glasses.

I haven't worn glasses in over 14 months.

That's tired.

Been working waaaaayyyyyyyy too much.

Thus, light blogging.

Good News from Iraq: 27 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, ISF, local citizens join forces to capture senior AQI leader in Ta’ Mim province.

KIRKUK, Iraq – Iraqi security forces collaborated with local Iraqi citizens to capture a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader March 24.

The senior leader and five other suspected terrorists were stopped while traveling on a road southwest of Kirkuk. This capture follows the capture of al-Qaeda’s “top emir” in Kirkuk March 20.

The suspected terrorists are believed to have conducted numerous acts of intimidation against innocent Iraqi citizens. The senior leader is believed to be linked to militant operations in the Ta’ Mim province. These acts have resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians as well as disrupting efforts to improve the lives of the citizens of Kirkuk.

“You can run but you cannot hide from us, the Iraqi Police force, the Iraqi Army, or the citizens of this province,” said Col. David Paschal, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. “We are committed to hunt down those who want to disrupt the reconciliation and rebuilding efforts here and bring them to justice. Time is limited. I urge those who want to reconcile to do so, soon.”

Good News from iraq: 26 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, MND-C Soldiers discover large weapons cache near Lutifiyah.

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Center Soldiers discovered a weapons cache near Lutifiyah, Iraq, March 25.

The cache contained 225 60 mm mortar rounds, 50 57 mm anti-aircraft rounds, 10 120 mm rounds, four 155 mm rounds and one 105 mm round.

MND-C Soldiers turned over the cache to the Iraqi Army.

Dear Doggy Daddy

Moo and Bear couldn't sleep the other night so they got into my stash of postcards to Jack Bauer and wrote him a note. I was kind enough to mail it yesterday. Here's what they had to say:

Dear Daddy,

We can't wait any longer for you to get home. Mommy only gave us each one special treat for Easter! Although Moo did help herself to a 1/2 can of fat-free refried beans!

Love,
Moo and Bear

What a silly bunch of doggies. We are all so excited for Jack to be home soon.

(Note: Bear would love to play in that much snow. He wouldn't know what to do with himself!)

Good News from Iraq: 25 Mar 2008

From Michael Totten, The Liberation of Karmah, Part I.

KARMAH, IRAQ – Just beyond the outskirts of Fallujah lies the terror-wracked city of Karmah. While you may not have heard of this small city of 35,000 people, American soldiers and Marines who served in Anbar Province know it as a terrifying place of oppression, death, and destruction. “It was much worse than Fallujah” said more than a dozen Marines who were themselves based in Fallujah.

“Karmah was so important to the insurgency because we've got Baghdad right there,” Lieutenant Andrew Macak told me. “This is part of the periphery of Baghdad. At the same time, it is part of the periphery of Fallujah.” ...

Al Qaeda in Iraq waged a vicious murder and intimidation campaign all across Anbar Province as though they were an army of arsonists and serial killers. ...

Today Karmah is no more violent than Fallujah – which is to say, hardly violent at all. ...

Read the whole thing here.

THE last coffee shipment

I did it. And I am done.

Yesterday, I sent out the last shipment of coffee to Jack Bauer.

Now, I am officially retiring from the care package business.

Well, at least for this deployment go round anyway.

Enjoy, Jack Bauer. You've got 5 pounds of Highlander Grogg coming at you.

Good News from Iraq: 23 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Soldiers Continue Work to Maintain Security Gains in East Mosul.

MOSUL — Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, are working the latest phase of the fight against al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) by living among Iraqi citizens at Combat Outpost Knight in eastern Mosul, and gaining their trust by constant patrolling and interaction.

“We conduct atmospherics gathering, talk to the local populace and see what their needs are, what their security level is,” said 1st Lt. Larry Gwinn, of Richmond, W. Va., a platoon leader with Delta Company, 1- 8 Inf. Regt. “We are working toward the next phase of operations where we bring projects into the local community and help legitimize the local government.”

Gwinn also stated that sanitation workers had already been hired through the local government and were making a difference in the community. In addition, he noted several other contracts were in the bidding process for community improvements.

“It’s about hearts and minds. We check and see how many schools are around, doctors, retired Iraqi Army, people that want to help us help them,” added Spc. Jamel Staton of Brooklyn, N.Y., also assigned to Delta Co., 1-8 Inf. Regt.

This requires frequent patrols that originate from COP Knight. The COP is a small fortified base that allows Soldiers to stay close to the surrounding neighborhoods and act as a quick response force for citizens if needed.

The 1-8 Inf. Regt. Soldiers, based out of Fort Carson, Colo., rotate into COP Knight every four days. While at the COP, Soldiers complete required duties that ensure the functionality and security of the COP.

The rhythm of COP life goes on relentlessly for the Soldiers as they move from patrols to the COP and back to patrols. The cycle only breaks on the end of the fourth day when they return to Forward Operating Base Marez, the main Coalition base in Mosul.

A return to the FOB does not mean a break from missions for the Soldiers from 1-8 Inf. Regt. It merely changes their location for a different but still busy schedule. The fight against AQI does not take four-day breaks, or any time off, for that matter.

“We pull PMCS (Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services) on all our vehicles; tanks, MRAPs and Humvees, get those fueled up and greased down, order parts if we need to.” said Staton. “We also run missions from FOB Marez, usually just into a different sector.”

Staton added that he and his fellow platoon members could accomplish whatever was required, regardless of the condition or mission, “We are always going to make do … we are Soldiers first and foremost.”

Good News from Iraq: 22 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, National Police Find Weapons Cache in Eastern Baghdad.

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi National Police seized a substantial weapons cache March 18 in eastern Baghdad.

National Police from 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st NP Division, received a tip from a concerned citizen in the area on a large amount of weapons being stockpiled.

The NPs acted on the tip and found 34 107 mm rockets, 44 60 mm mortar rounds, 18 81 mm mortar rounds, 10 rocket-propelled grenades, 38 107 mm rocket fuses, 10 completed rocket sleds and another four partially constructed sleds, three RPG launchers, one 82 mm mortar tube, one 60 mm mortar tube, two RPK machine guns, one Dragonov sniper rifle, numerous 7.62 ammunition rounds, four washing machine timers, four electronic boxes, a large bag of wire and miscellaneous types of batteries.

An explosive ordnance disposal team from Multi-National Division – Baghdad secured the cache and safely transported the weapons to a MND-B operating base.

“Areas in eastern and southern Baghdad have seen an increase in indirect fire attacks, and the confiscation of the rockets and mortars will deplete terrorist and extremist elements of weapons to conduct attacks against innocent civilians and Coalition Forces,” said Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, deputy commanding general for MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division.

“Iraqi Security Forces continue to successfully hunt down and attack al-Qaeda in Iraq and extremists operating with the intention of harming innocent Iraqis,” he said. “By informing the ISF of these weapons, the local Iraqi undoubtedly saved lives by his actions.”

"Me" Day

I am taking the day off from work, well day job work anyway. I am heading off to the spa for some much needed pampering. A pedicure, a massage, and a facial. After that, assuming that I haven't been relaxed into a coma, I might, well, I am not sure what I might do, but I will try to keep it easy for a little while.

Good News from Iraq: 21 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces recover large weapons cache (Hawijah).

BALAD, Iraq – The 4th Iraqi Division Army, advised by U.S. Special Forces, recovered a large weapons cache linked to al Qaeda in Iraq during an operation in Hawijah, Kirkuk province, March 16.

Acting on intelligence reports, Iraqi Scouts and U.S. SF conducted a combined patrol where a cache was reported to be hidden.

This operation led to approximately 150 munitions and explosive devices being uncovered, along with more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition and a large amount of AQI propaganda.

Also recovered were several pamphlets on improvised explosive device construction. The propaganda, comprised of DVDs, cassette tapes and pamphlets, and other documents linked the cache to AQI and foreign fighters traveling from Syria into Iraq.

The cache included four suicide vests, 24 rocket propelled grenades, 61 60mm mortar rounds, nine 120mm mortar rounds, 45 81mm mortar rounds, two 155mm artillery rounds, five grenades, two pressure wire initiation systems, six RPG launchers, two machine guns, a 60mm mortar system, 100 feet of detonation cord, blasting caps, several cell phones and radios for initiating IEDs, and more than 100 pieces of material used for constructing IEDs and their initiation systems.

Another step closer to the end

Another measure that it is getting close to the end of this deployment thing ... the end of the Super Hero stamps.

I have been using Super Hero stamps to send cards to Jack Bauer. First, USPS came out with DC stamps and now they been using Marvel series. I love the idea of using super hero stamps to send cards to my hero. :D

But I am just about out of them. In fact, I will use up my last one tomorrow.

So who is the last super hero to be sent to Jack? Why Captain America, of course. :D

Good News from Iraq: 20 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, MND-N Soldiers Take Mosul’s Pulse.

MOSUL — Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment in Mosul are working to assess and help improve services for basic needs such as schools, healthcare and security.

“Essentially we go out and speak with key people at schools, neighborhood healthcare clinics, shopkeepers and local leaders,” said 1st Lt. Larry Gwinn, a platoon leader with the Regiment. “We get to know the people and what their needs are; this will help up us as we enter the rebuilding phase.”

Gwinn said sanitation workers were already hired through the local government and were making a difference in the community. Several other contracts are also in the bidding process for community improvements.

“The Soldiers on the ground are fighting the enemy on several different levels. This phase of the fight helps the citizens, and helps the Iraqi Security and Coalition forces through mutual cooperation,” said Capt. Melody Faulkenberry, spokesperson for Multi National Division – North.

What happened to the mattress?

So the other night, Moo dog decided she really didn't want all the candy wrappers she had eaten, so she decided to, um, deposit them on the bed. After they had been in her stomach for two days. Nice. So thoughtful of her. And always fun for me to wash my only mattress pad at 8:30 PM. Hmmm. (Yeah, I really should get another mattress pad.)

But as I was standing at Jack Bauer's side of the bed ripping the sheets off, I noticed something. My side of the bed was much lower than his. I thought that was really odd. Then it hit me. My side of the bed has seen two more years of sleep than his side has. Whoa! That was an eye-opener. It's one thing to talk about what two years has done to me, but it is another thing to see it sagging there.

Quick frankly, it is Moo's fault. My side of the bed is her favorite for sleeping. And apparently Jack's side is for, well, other activities. :D

Good News from Iraq: 19 Mar 2008

From AP, General goes shopping to highlight calm.

ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq - The top U.S. commander south of Baghdad stepped across a pile of trash to talk to an Iraqi man. "What do you need?" asked Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch.

Mohammed Ahmed smiled back and gave his wish list: better public services, smoother streets, more electricity.

"And security?" Lynch replied.

"Security is good," the man explained, pointing out that he got his chickens from Hillah, about 30 miles to the south along a highway that was prowled by bandits and killers a year ago.

Lynch's stroll last week through Iskandariyah — once part of the notorious "triangle of death" south of Baghdad — was most noticeable for its nonchalance.

Lynch took off his helmet, smoked a cigar and meandered through a marketplace on a visit intended to showcase the dramatic drop in violence in the former Sunni insurgent belt.

The trip also sought to tap into the same upbeat tone expressed in Baghdad on Monday by Vice President Dick Cheney and Sen. John McCain, the likely Republican presidential nominee. Both cited the drop in attacks — in areas such as Lynch's zone — as evidence that the insurgency is weakened and internal rivalries are being worked out.

But bloodshed in southern Iraq brought a different message. A female suicide bomber attacked a group of Shiite worshippers Monday near a mosque in the holy city Karbala, killing more than three dozen people.

"The enemy is still out there. We never said they left ... But it's not the same," Lynch said on Saturday in Iskandariyah, about 30 miles south of Baghdad. "I'm very comfortable walking down the street. That is how you get a sense of what is going on. You need to get on your feet and you need to move."

Children ran around their legs as chicken vendor waved at Lynch — who lost five soldiers to a suicide bomber last week on a Baghdad street corner within a couple of miles from where Cheney and McCain met with the Iraqi leadership.

"We have a lot less problems than we had even three or four months ago," Iraqi police Col. Ali al-Zahami said.

As recently as Christmas Day, one of the U.S. Army captains accompanying Lynch last week was sitting in a ring of Bradley fighting vehicles a nearby field still smoldering from a fight with insurgents. For a visiting reporter familiar with the area's violent days, the easygoing market scene had a surreal tinge to it — something would have seemed an impossibility.

"It's not OK yet, but it is improving," Lynch said of the security as he examined some cherry red tomatoes.

Earlier, he walked by an intersection where a suicide bomber on Feb. 25 killed at least 40 Shiite pilgrims heading to Karbala.

"We still had almost nine million people walk on that pilgrimage. What does that tell you?" Lynch said.

Violence has dropped nearly 80 percent from a year ago in the area Lynch controls, about the size of West Virginia. Many of the former insurgents and militiamen are now part of U.S.-funded Sunni and Shiite groups — called the Sons of Iraq or Awakening Councils.

Now, some Iraqis are looking ahead to a day when U.S. forces will scale down their influence.

"We are a rich country and are now selling oil for more than $100 a barrel. We have to get our government to help," Sabbah al-Khaffaji, a city council leader and local plant manager, told a meeting of the group as he pointed to Lynch.

Lynch walked unannounced into the meeting comprising both Shiite and Sunni leaders. Their main topic of discussion: repairing a local Sunni mosque.

What a supportive husband

Warning: Girl talk ahead. And probably TMI.

So I have been complaining to just about anyone who will listen about how I am getting old and my cycles are changing. More cramping, etc. I was complaining -- OK, mentioned in passing -- to Jack Bauer this last weekend about this while we were chatting. Topic changes, we move on in the conversation. Then seemingly out of the blue, he says ...

Just think you only have one more "cycle" to go through alonethen I will be there for you to be grouchy with

:)

:P

:*

;)

Well, that is definitely a way to mark time that I have not considered. So I guess next month, I'll have a Happy Period, with e-cards and everything. Yes, e-cards!

So more girly stuff. A little bird recommended Bust magazine to me. I checked it out and found these totally cool panties!

Good News from Iraq: 18 Mar 2008

From Badgers Forward, Five Years Burning Down the Road.

I ... receive[d] an email from the Army Office of Public Affairs asking me to share the following information. Now normally when publishing information like this I would post a link to document it, however the Office of Public Affairs did not provide one to an official site. I checked the Gulf Region Division Press Releases and could not find one that listed this, so my assumption is that I get to be the primary resource for this data.

The U.S. Army released its latest figures on the relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq, in the lead up to the five-year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

-- The U.S. Army has rehabilitated and constructed nearly 1,100 schools, providing classrooms for more than 324,000 students.

-- By early 2009, Army projects will have completed 137 new primary healthcare centers that will serve a population of 5 to 6.5 million Iraqis.

-- A strong emphasis is placed on training and education to better prepare the Iraqi people to manage and sustain their infrastructure.

-- An estimated 4.1 million more Iraqis now have access to clean, drinkable water that they didn't have before.

-- Cities like Fallujah have their first sewage treatment plant. Before 2003, raw sewage in most of Iraq was discharged into rivers and waterways.

The nation-building programs are having a real impact on the lives of Iraqis by helping to jumpstart the country in several critical areas including education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, democracy programs and training.

Check out this downloadable video for an inside look at these efforts to strengthen and rebuild the country.

What a day

A few weeks ago I had a really bad day. Jack Bauer asked me to postpone blogging about it and for the sake of OPSEC, some facts have been altered. Otherwise, this is the post I wrote at that time, including my standard beginning of "yesterday."


Yesterday, well, it was just not my day. Started off with having to "deal" with a difficult person via e-mail, then got into a tense discussion on a sensitive subject with friend, all before I got out of my pajamas. So I started the day on edge.

I finally made it to work, late. Started e-mailing with Jack Bauer, when he sends a message saying they just had a rocket attack close to where he was; casualties unknown.

And then nothing for 25 minutes. He comes back with a short message that there were only minor injuries.

And then again nothing for about an hour. I cried for that hour. I cried so much that 10 hours later my eyes were still hurting from crying.

Jack was alright. But this is not all that dissimilar to the incident that happened in the fall. Back then, I complained I couldn't cry about it. This time I cried and cried. This difference this time I think has to do with the fact that I do not think of him as being in all that dangerous of place, well, at least compare to where he was. At his last assignment, I think I had an enormous barrier in place to deal with this kind of thing. But once he took the new assignment, and I settled in to the day-to-day officeness of it all, I let that wall down.

More stressful work-related stuff came at me later in the day. I did what I could and left early.

On my drive home, I reflected on what a tough day it had been. Then I realized I was sitting in my very comfortable, warm car having just left the grocery store where I didn't worry about whether I had enough money to buy what I needed and I was heading home to be greeted like a rock star by two wonderful doggies who were inside my warm and safe house filled with so much abundance. And you know what, the day didn't seem that bad after all.