COB Speicher in Iraq's hands!!

The base where I spent 25 months of my life in Northern Iraq, just outside of Tikrit, was turned over to the Iraqi Army in a ceremony held yesterday.

Contingency Operating Base Speicher was a flat, dusty, worthless plot of land to the casual observer. But to the Army, it was a great place to operate out of since it was positioned along the nation's primary north-south running highway, had an airfield capable of landing any aircraft in the inventory, and was centrally positioned in the volatile north.

It will remain a vivid part of my memory. I can clearly recall the times when rocket and mortar fire would fall on us--including the time when Jimi Hendrix literally saved my life (ask me about it some time). I can remember the acrid smell of the garbage pit, and the continuous burning that would go on day and night; reminiscent of Gehenna.

I also remember the CHUs (containerized housing unit) where I lived, and the shower trailers that I'd visit regularly. By the way, don't shower in the mid-day when the local nationals are refilling the generators with fuel. I did that once, and stood there naked in the dark for 15 minutes with a head full of lather, as I waited for the power to return.

I remember the chapel services, the internet cafe, the dining facility, and the people. All the good stuff.

That place was certainly no garden spot--nothing you'd want to visit on vacation, but for me it's loaded with rich memories.

Iraq--congratulations on another step forward! I hope we can continue to have a strong strategic partnership even after the majority of US forces are gone. It's been a long struggle.