Hujambo rafiki!
That is a greeting in a foreign languge. You'd think that maybe it's a greeting in Arabic, but you'd be wrong. It's Swahili.
Why, do you ask, am I speaking Swahili? Well, it's because I am having more interaction with Ugandans than I am Iraqis at this point. There is a contractor here who provides facility security for most of the bases all around Iraq. They get most of their guard force from Uganda. Don't ask me why...they just do.
The Ugandans are a very professional lot, and they are very good at guarding the gates and checking IDs on the FOB. One of my predecessors in the 25th Inf. Div. used to exchange greetings with them as he'd come and go. I kind of like that, so I've picked up a few phrases so I can continue the exchange.
So when you next see me, be sure to ask, "Habari?" and I'll answer "Mizuri!"
You figure it out.
27 October 2009
20 October 2009
Into the City
I went deeper into Baghdad this morning. We took an armored convoy into the IZ or "Green Zone" where the Army has a few bases and where the embassy lies. It was pretty uneventful, other than the fact I had to be up by 0430 so we could link up with the convoy by 0510. Sleep has become my nemesis.
The city is nothing like I remembered. We've reduced our presence in the city tremendously. We went there to coordinate with Armed Forces Network personnel and the Combined Press Information Center. They are both located on a small FOB, surrounded by areas we have already turned back over to the Iraqi government.
AFN transmits live radio programming to bases all over Iraq. They also send out Soldiers to cover stories for broadcast on AFN television stations that air in theater. CPIC does the direct liaision with the Baghdad press corps, both Western and Pan-Arabic. They are the entry point for media that wished to embed with our units. It was valuable to meet with them again and review how we can interface with them, how they can support our efforts, and the best ways to take advantage of their services.
Here are a few pics from the trip.
Here is a familiar pose in front of the crossed sabres that Saddam erected to commemorate the "victory" over Iran in the Iran-Iraq War. It's in a worse state of repair compared to the same picture I took there three years ago. However, the area now belongs to Iraqis, thus I couldn't get as close as I would have liked.
This picture is me standing on the balcony of one of Saddam's mistresses' palaces. The Grand Mosque is under construction in the background. It's been under construction for a while now...since Saddam's time, I believe. They ceased work on it for a time because it was going to be bigger than a mosque elsewhere- some other more important Islamic city. Completeing it would have been an affront to this holy site, although I'm uncertain where that city is exactly. They've restarted construction because Indonesia has gone ahead and built an even larger mosque. Problem solved...let the construction effort commence!
The most notable thing is the city behind me. Other than the sound of traffic it was very quiet. No explosions, no billows of black smoke, no gunfire...it was pleasantly quiet in the city.
Lastly, here is a picture of me on a chair at Al Faw palace on Camp Liberty. We visited our higher headquarters after the trip into the Green Zone. Safe and sound.
The Chair was given to Saddam as a gift from Yassar Arafat. Both men are now dead. I get to sit in the chair. I kind of like that.
19 October 2009
In B'dad
Al Faw palace during the day and at night. A view across the lake.
I'm in Baghdad for a conference. I took a few pictures of Camp Victory so you can see some of Saddam's architecture. This used to be a resort area for him and his cronies with it's many palaces and man-made lakes.
17 October 2009
Transitions
We're in the middle of a transitory period as my unit takes over for the unit that has been here for the past year. We call it a "RIP" or relief in place. Another common Army term for this is "right-seat, left-seat ride". In other words, I'm in the "left seat" with my predecessor for a while as he drives, then I move over to the "right seat" to take the wheel. This is figurative, of course, since public affairs officers don't typically drive anything.
Basically, I'm learning what the other PAO did here over the past year, then he will step back and assist me as I attempt to take the reigns. It's how we ensure that the valuable lessons that were learned over the years are transferred to the next crew: what works and what doesn't, tactics, techniques, procedures, media personalities, organizational idiosyncrasies, where to get a good cup of coffee--you know, the important stuff.
The 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning" from Hawaii has done an outstanding job here over the past year. My crew and I are learning everything we can from them before we fully take the reigns in a a few short days.
My personal life is still in a bit of transition as well. I still have not adjusted to the 8-hour time change from home. I've been gone a week, but I have yet to enjoy a full night's sleep. Last night was typical. I fell asleep around 11:00pm, only to awaken at 00:09am. I laid awake, frustrated and bored, until 4:00am. At that point I switched on my light and read a few articles in a magazine I brought with me. (Countryside Magazine. I was reading about some dude's homemade greenhouse. Tell me that's not sleep inducing!) At about 4:30 I tried to sleep again, and finally did until my alarm went off at 6:15.
It was one of those wake ups where your eyes feel cemented together and you have to wipe the drool from your cheek as you look down at the wet spot on your pillow. I looked in the mirror to see the deep lines created by my sheets embedded in my face. I was NOT ready for the day. I stumbled to the shower trailer convincing myself that tonight will be different. We'll see...
Basically, I'm learning what the other PAO did here over the past year, then he will step back and assist me as I attempt to take the reigns. It's how we ensure that the valuable lessons that were learned over the years are transferred to the next crew: what works and what doesn't, tactics, techniques, procedures, media personalities, organizational idiosyncrasies, where to get a good cup of coffee--you know, the important stuff.
The 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning" from Hawaii has done an outstanding job here over the past year. My crew and I are learning everything we can from them before we fully take the reigns in a a few short days.
My personal life is still in a bit of transition as well. I still have not adjusted to the 8-hour time change from home. I've been gone a week, but I have yet to enjoy a full night's sleep. Last night was typical. I fell asleep around 11:00pm, only to awaken at 00:09am. I laid awake, frustrated and bored, until 4:00am. At that point I switched on my light and read a few articles in a magazine I brought with me. (Countryside Magazine. I was reading about some dude's homemade greenhouse. Tell me that's not sleep inducing!) At about 4:30 I tried to sleep again, and finally did until my alarm went off at 6:15.
It was one of those wake ups where your eyes feel cemented together and you have to wipe the drool from your cheek as you look down at the wet spot on your pillow. I looked in the mirror to see the deep lines created by my sheets embedded in my face. I was NOT ready for the day. I stumbled to the shower trailer convincing myself that tonight will be different. We'll see...
15 October 2009
Landed in Iraq
As many of my readers know (all three of you), I have returned to Iraq for duty. What you may not realize (if not, I'll be disappointed) is that I am returning to the very same base that I was in during my time here in 2005-2006. In fact, at this very moment, I am blogging you from the exact same desk I worked from during my last deployment.
Here's the rub...it's like I never really left. Sure, much has changed. There are new buildings and structures all over the place, new roads have been asphalted, and the evidence of previous units is abundant, but it's like I was simply away for an extended leave period only to come back to the same dusty, dirty, tan corner of Iraq.
Now, what has changed is the level of activity. In my first daily briefing today I was amazed and very pleased to see that every unit, save one, reported that there were no significant activities in their area of operations today. When I was with the 101st, we would experience months at a time where a Soldier was killed or wounded every day!
Do you realize what a significant improvement that is? You don't have to be Patton to see how that represents a tremendous victory.
So, it's good to be here at this time in history. I look forward to observing, first hand, how this nations transforms into a fully independent nation. Let's pray that it all works for the good.
Here's the rub...it's like I never really left. Sure, much has changed. There are new buildings and structures all over the place, new roads have been asphalted, and the evidence of previous units is abundant, but it's like I was simply away for an extended leave period only to come back to the same dusty, dirty, tan corner of Iraq.
Now, what has changed is the level of activity. In my first daily briefing today I was amazed and very pleased to see that every unit, save one, reported that there were no significant activities in their area of operations today. When I was with the 101st, we would experience months at a time where a Soldier was killed or wounded every day!
Do you realize what a significant improvement that is? You don't have to be Patton to see how that represents a tremendous victory.
So, it's good to be here at this time in history. I look forward to observing, first hand, how this nations transforms into a fully independent nation. Let's pray that it all works for the good.
11 October 2009
In Kuwait
The travel time to Kuwait was long and exausting. The day started Friday as I got up to get the kids off to school. After they left, Katie and went back to bed for a few more hours of sleep since I knew we'd have a late night. After we woke at 0900, we went off to Walmart for some last minute toilletries shopping. By the time we came home, the boys were retuning from school, and I had to pack my bags. Without exaggerating, I would say my bags weighed over 200 lbs. There is no way I can carry them all at once, so I was concerned about how I was going to be able to move them around when we got to our destination.
By 1630, we all piled in the car and took off for Savannah one last time to have dinner. We've been talking abouit going to Vinnie Van GoGo's for pizza for a long time, so we just did it. The pizza was very good...but nothing has yet to compare with Aurelio's or Chicago deep dish like you'd find at the real Uno's or Lou Malnatti's. There was a homeless dude wandersing around the restaurant...all of the seating is outside in Market Square. I guess he was picking food out of the garbage. The manager shoo'd him away a few times. We had several pieces left over, so we boxed them up and found the guy across the street in Franklin Square. We gave him what we had, and although he didn't have the presence of mind to express it, I could tell he was thankful.
After a few hours at home with the boys and a few last games of Call of Duty 2, we again loaded up the car and headed to post. We waited around for a long time to say goodbye. It was excruciating. I could tell the boys were bored and tired, yet feeling guilty because they were bored...and still wanting to spend as much time with me as possible. Finally the time came when our collective hearts were broken as I had to detach from the security of my family. As I write this my heart again aches and tears fill my eyes thinking about that moment when I have to say farewell and "I'll see you in a year...hold on, be strong, I love you". No one should have to endure that moment with their family, yet as long as Soldiers have gone off to fight, families have had to do this very thing.
The flight was long--about 17 hours total travel time to Kuwait. What made the flight extra-long were the two stops in Shannon, Ireland and Leipzig, Germany. The trip made for one long day--we arrived at 0900 on Sunday morning.
When we arrived we immediately began inprocessing, attending briefings, and beginning our training. The time here is designed to get one acclimated to the harsh desert environment. It's windy and hot. Hopefully we won't be here long.
By 1630, we all piled in the car and took off for Savannah one last time to have dinner. We've been talking abouit going to Vinnie Van GoGo's for pizza for a long time, so we just did it. The pizza was very good...but nothing has yet to compare with Aurelio's or Chicago deep dish like you'd find at the real Uno's or Lou Malnatti's. There was a homeless dude wandersing around the restaurant...all of the seating is outside in Market Square. I guess he was picking food out of the garbage. The manager shoo'd him away a few times. We had several pieces left over, so we boxed them up and found the guy across the street in Franklin Square. We gave him what we had, and although he didn't have the presence of mind to express it, I could tell he was thankful.
After a few hours at home with the boys and a few last games of Call of Duty 2, we again loaded up the car and headed to post. We waited around for a long time to say goodbye. It was excruciating. I could tell the boys were bored and tired, yet feeling guilty because they were bored...and still wanting to spend as much time with me as possible. Finally the time came when our collective hearts were broken as I had to detach from the security of my family. As I write this my heart again aches and tears fill my eyes thinking about that moment when I have to say farewell and "I'll see you in a year...hold on, be strong, I love you". No one should have to endure that moment with their family, yet as long as Soldiers have gone off to fight, families have had to do this very thing.
The flight was long--about 17 hours total travel time to Kuwait. What made the flight extra-long were the two stops in Shannon, Ireland and Leipzig, Germany. The trip made for one long day--we arrived at 0900 on Sunday morning.
When we arrived we immediately began inprocessing, attending briefings, and beginning our training. The time here is designed to get one acclimated to the harsh desert environment. It's windy and hot. Hopefully we won't be here long.
08 October 2009
Katie Wins the Race!
I've been waiting for a friend to send me a couple pictures, but I can't wait anymore. I have to let everyone know what a great athlete my wife is turning into.
On 26 Sept. we ran in the "Top of the Rock Run" 5K. It is an annual event held here on post, and it's probably typical of many low-level 5/10K races. Lots of novices, but being on a military installation, many participants who are familiar with the fitness/ running way of life.
Our friends Steve and Becky were there, as well as our longtime friends Shane and Susanna. It was great to get out and participate. The nice thing was that it wasn't so large that we didn't have the chance to compete in our age groups. They all ran the 10K, but we have not been training for that distance so we stayed with the 5K. CrossFit training usually includes running, but it's often kept at multiple short bursts at 400-800m, and usually not more than 2 miles per WOD (workout of the day).
Steve, Becky, and Susanna all placed in their age groups. Shane could have placed, but I think he ran with Susanna-- not that she runs slowly, but I think he just wanted to run with her.
I ran OK, I guess. I just have to admit that with my current conditioning, I am not going to win any speed records. I missed placing in my age group by only 9 seconds, so I'm not too dissappointed.
Katie, though, had a great race. She finished in 25:59, her all-time best for a 5K. Plus she placed first in her age group, even running better that the first-place finishers in the two age groups younger than Katie.
She didn't place overall--those winners can flat out run!--but she wasn't far off. I'm so proud of her. When I get the pictures in I will add them to the site.
GOOD JOB KATIE!!
On 26 Sept. we ran in the "Top of the Rock Run" 5K. It is an annual event held here on post, and it's probably typical of many low-level 5/10K races. Lots of novices, but being on a military installation, many participants who are familiar with the fitness/ running way of life.
Our friends Steve and Becky were there, as well as our longtime friends Shane and Susanna. It was great to get out and participate. The nice thing was that it wasn't so large that we didn't have the chance to compete in our age groups. They all ran the 10K, but we have not been training for that distance so we stayed with the 5K. CrossFit training usually includes running, but it's often kept at multiple short bursts at 400-800m, and usually not more than 2 miles per WOD (workout of the day).
Steve, Becky, and Susanna all placed in their age groups. Shane could have placed, but I think he ran with Susanna-- not that she runs slowly, but I think he just wanted to run with her.
I ran OK, I guess. I just have to admit that with my current conditioning, I am not going to win any speed records. I missed placing in my age group by only 9 seconds, so I'm not too dissappointed.
Katie, though, had a great race. She finished in 25:59, her all-time best for a 5K. Plus she placed first in her age group, even running better that the first-place finishers in the two age groups younger than Katie.
She didn't place overall--those winners can flat out run!--but she wasn't far off. I'm so proud of her. When I get the pictures in I will add them to the site.
GOOD JOB KATIE!!
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