Blogs from Al Asad Airbase, West, Iraq, Middle East

INTRODUCTION: A little after-the-fact... I didn't even realize that I still had this blog unpublished. I've thrown in the last of my pictures to highlight my time in Iraq (/Bahrain/Kuwait/Qatar). I plan to make my other deployment blogs public (as opposed to the private status they're in now) as soon as I comb them over and make sure there's nothing compromising in them. I also hope to blog the upcoming adventures I'll be having (as well as the couple I've just had!). MY FIRST DEPLOYMENT (cont'd) I write this as we fly over Europe - the first leg of our long journey home. I had intended to blog my way through deployment. There’s no question that there was ample time to blog, but my laziness kicked in (or is it just inertia?) and here I am, ... read more

Finally made it back to Al Asad after waiting in the PAX Terminal for 5 days. I am glad to be back to my CHU. It is the same dusty landscape but friends and fresh linens make it tolerable.... read more

The second day of the conference was well attended and quite informative. I was able to learn a great deal of the way in which we operate in Iraq. As I cannot discuss it further I thought I might share a little more about the sites in Baghdad. Inside the Aw Faw palace there is a chair/throne that belonged to Saddam Hussein. The chair was given to Saddam by Yasser Arafat. If you look closely at the top of the chair you see the Quran. Inscribed on the page is a verse from the holy book, the verse reads: In the name of God the merciful and gracious, Glorifies who traveled his servant by night from Mecca to Jeuseralem. Written on the arch: Victory from God and conquest is soon. You can also see a patterned ... read more

Happy 30th Birthday. Just another day in Iraq. I did not even sleep in. I did want to plan a good birthday party so on my day off we will celebrate. I have received lots of great gifts for my birthday. My co-workers sent me two birthday’s in a box. It had all of the items that I would need for a party - candles, streamers, balloons, plates, hats, blowers, etc. They also sent some funny singing items, a coffee mug, button, and card. Everyone here likes the singing coffee mug. Megan and Drew sent me a great birthday package too. It had lots of art supplies and games for me to use while avoiding boredom here in Iraq. When that package arrived it was wet which concerned me. Usually if a package is wet and ... read more

Independence Day in Kuwait. Not my first choice. I have a flight scheduled for tomorrow so I checked into the temporary billeting in Kuwait to get some much needed rest. I slept almost 8 hours catching up for the last 4 days. The base in Kuwait is much safer so it is a more relaxed environment. I put on my PT uniform and got out to explore what Independence Day activities that were being offered. Vanilla at best but one thing caught my eye. A hot dog eating contest. I had to go check this out. Hot dog gluttony in 120 degree heat. There were 10 contestants who ate about 6 dogs a piece -the winner took home a trophy with 8 and one half hotdogs. I felt a little queasy watching. Americans will bring their ... read more