Baghdad Band-Aid

Life Changes

2011-10-29T02:03:00.002-04:00

Moved to Hawaii. Working in Honolulu at a smallish hospital as a Case Manager. I guess it's around 500 beds, Level 2 trauma center. Biggest thing going in the state, but still small potatoes compared to the other places I've been. I enjoy it very much, it has a small town feel, lots of free lunches. About the only thing I have to complain about is the racism...but then again, I'm making 6 figures, and the folks that are trying to ostracize me probably make minimum wage. Lots of surfing (when I get time for it), and very chill. Life is good.

An old friend passes

2008-08-28T16:24:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time when I was a wee lad, I worked as a Paramedic in New Orleans. I miss it, and its people a lot. I try to keep up with a few friends from there, but it gets harder as the years go by. I found out today that an old friend Brian Bordelon passed away with the big C. He had been battling "the beast" as he calls it for 2 or 3 years. I have some good memories of Brian, I hope he found his way to heaven.
www.nopickles.net

Life's A-Changin'

2007-09-19T21:32:00.000-04:00

Right now, I'm sitting back reminiscing about the last four years. Why? I'm being medically discharged for injuries sustained while on active duty. October first is my last day in the Army. I got myself a job with Forsyth County EMS in Winston-Salem, NC. I guess I'll go back to being a field Paramedic for awhile, and then try to get back into college. After multiple 600 mile trips, I have a house bought, a job waiting for me, and have applied to school and been accepted. So I guess I couldn't ask for a better situation. I guess I'll be a Demon Deacon now!

My Year Since Coming Home

2006-06-07T01:52:00.000-04:00

Reality hits you right square in the eye. It's hard to imagine what a normal life is while you're over there doing whatever it is the Secretary of the Army decides is best for you. When you come back home, you rediscover friends, good times, going out and being crazy, and of course, what life is like with your unit in garrison. Don't get me wrong, training is good, but train us to fight, don't play silly games with us... I went to the NCO board today. I passed with 3 points below perfect. (147 out of 150) I realized, it doesn't matter how many rules you have, in a combat unit, what matters is that you will be a leader, you won't puss out, and you will be able to motivate your soldiers to the limit if that is what is required to accomplish the mission.

A couple of videos

2006-05-31T00:23:00.000-04:00

I really don't have alot to say these days. I think I have one nugget of wisdom for you though. When you are bitching about how hot it is this summer, why don't you think about all those guys in Iraq going on nine hours worth of patrols a day in a hundred pounds of gear in a city where everyone wants to kill them? Your hot summer day isn't so bad anymore, is it?
Ok, here are a couple of vids for you.

The Pain Cycle

2006-05-07T13:51:00.000-04:00

Why do we torture ourselves by denying ourselves what we want most? Is it some sense of morality? Who is to say what is moral? Ok, so morals are something that dictates proper behavior which is decided upon by society-at-large. But realistically, unless you are committing genocide, why should you deny yourself the pleasures you crave? In the Army we have a maxim, "It's always easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission." Maybe in the backwards, inefficient microcosm that is the military, they have one aspect of life figured out! I've been going through alot of uncertainty, and pain these past few months, trying to figure out just where I fit in. I came to the conclusion that it really doesn't matter where you fit. Do what comes natural, and then have regrets, or congratulate yourself on a good decision. Don't stress on a decision you haven't made yet.

Panorama from the Al-Rasheed Hotel

2006-04-30T11:40:00.000-04:00

Battalion Ball

2006-04-09T11:13:00.000-04:00

We had our Welcome home Ball this weekend! It was a blast, even though there was a little sadness as well, remembering our fallen brothers. We recognized WIAs, and the families of KIAs. It was Richelle's Birthday weekend, so we stayed in the Marriott where the party was held. I am posting a couple of pics of the evening.

Handful of Earth

2006-03-19T13:09:00.000-05:00

This one's for the workers who toil night and day
By hand and by brain, to earn your pay
For centuries long past for no more than your bread
Have bled for your countries and counted your dead
In the factories and mills, in the shipyards and mines
We've often been told to keep up with the times
For our skills are not needed, they've streamlined the job
And with slide rule and stopwatch, our pride they have robbed

We're the first ones to starve, we're the first ones to die
The first ones in line for that pie in the sky
And we're always the last when the cream is shared out
For the worker is working when the fat cat's about

And when the sky darkens and the prospect is war
Who's given the gun and then pushed to the fore
And expected to die for the land of our birth
Though we've never owned one lousy handful of earth

And all of these things the worker has done
From tilling the fields to carrying the gun
We've been yoked to the plow since time first began
And always expected to carry the can.

Ed Pickford

Winter Olympics

2006-02-26T21:47:00.000-05:00

I thouroughly enjoyed watching the winter olympics. The olympics are one of the few sporting activities televised in America I can stand to watch. However, during the closing ceremonies and entertainment, I found myself sickened unto disgust by the commentary offered. For what possible reason do you need to comment on an exhibition of art? What can you do except ruin it? The problem was that I wanted to hear the music, but not the commentators. How wonderful would it be if you could simply cut the moronic voices out? It's not a competition, it's an expression of emotion! I don't need your thoughts on what is going on! BOOO to the crude Americans who think everyone values their input on absolutely everything that happens.

P.S. Could I possibly get away with beating the Olympic Commentators to their deaths?

Don't Beat Your Wife, Don't Yell At Your Kids Don't Kick The Dog

2006-02-02T19:55:00.000-05:00

Mandatory Class, 1330 Hours! Army Community Services will be lecturing you on the evils of domestic violence and child abuse. To begin with, the post I am assigned to has 13.4 domestic violence incidents per 1,000 service members. The rest of the Army bases in the US have 5.3 per 1,000. These numbers include the single soldiers. Quite high. I am very attuned to the seriousness of this abberration of human interaction, however, today's class was much like the rest of whatr the Army does...a CYA thing. To begin with, there were over 300 soldiers in a room designed to accept 100 tops. Secondly, the person giving the class was obviously very uneducated; she used the word regressed three times in lieu of the correct word, repressed. A small example. Finally, she showed pictures of beaten, murdered, and mutilated children to a group of men who have just returned from a combat zone. Granted, shock value pictures have a big impact on normal, everyday people. I believe that they did nothing to educate the soldiers today, as:
1: They have seen it quite a bit this year, and
2: They don't want to see it any more.
At least I didn't. Luckily, I was sitting on the extreme side/rear of the room, so I couldn't see the screen unless I leaned way out to look at it. So, I only looked at a couple of photos. I suppose the whole point I am trying to make is that the folks doing our debriefings (i before e except after c) don't have any idea of what we do, and don't know how to psychically connect with us.
They say soldiers are normally much more aggressive returning from deployment that hey were before. I find that is indeed true. However, I recognize it in myself, and deal with it accordingly. THere's alot I am unhappy with, but you know what? Americans live a charmed life. We should live like we were floating on clouds in heaven, playing harps all the time. I have never been more grateful to be born in this country than I am right now. If you find yourself hating America...join an orginization that will take you to the badlands. Don't fall prey to the politics, see for yourself what is going on in our world. Then, I bet you a month's salary, you'll be grateful, and proud (for the most part) of what our country does.

Walt Whitman, Drum Taps

2006-01-31T08:23:00.000-05:00

Adieu, O soldier,
You of the rude campaigning, (which we shared,)
The rapid march, the life of the camp,
The hot contention of opposing fronts, the long manoeuvre,
Red battles with their slaughter, the stimulus, the strong terrific
game,
Spell of all brave and manly hearts, the trains of time through you and
like of you all fill'd,
With war and war's expression.

Adieu, dear comrade,
Your mission is fulfill'd--but I, more warlike,
Myself and this contentious soul of mine,
Still on our campaigning bound,
Through untried roads with ambushes opponents lined,
Through many a sharp defeat and many a crisis, often baffled,
Here marching, ever marching on, a war fight out--aye here,
To fiercer, weightier battles give expression.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2006-01-23T23:25:00.000-05:00

I'm waiting for the Freedom Bird!!

2006-01-23T23:22:00.000-05:00

Regan in the tent

Home Sweet Home

2006-01-23T22:39:00.000-05:00

I just got the computer unpacked and set up in my new home. We left Baghdad on a Friday,the day after I left, a reporter was abducted in my sector. Tough titties I guess, she should have came while I was there. Got home on a Tuesday. I went to downtown Savannah for 3 days and 2 nights with a friend while waiting for my wife to arrive in GA from HI. She got here, and we moved into housing...I have been unpacking for 4 days straight, I am opening boxes in my sleep!

Chad's All-Purpose Survival Kit

2006-01-02T05:15:00.000-05:00

Since I haven't been doing much the past couple of days, I decided to design a neat survival kit. I think I might make a few and sell them, if people show an interest.
Here it is:

Compact Watertight Case (Pelican)
1.Mini Leatherman
2.small full-tang knife
3.100' 15 lb mono-filament
4.2 steel leaders
5.hooks, 2L, 2S
6.sinkers
7.2 brass swivels
8.compass
9.pencil
10.waterproof paper
11.firestarter/water-proof matches/lighter
12.occlusive dressings (not only a bandage, but will make a very long-lasting candle
13.12' 20 ga wire
14.water purification tabs/dehydration salts
15.sewing kit
16.razor (scalpel)
17.2 condoms, non-lube (for carrying water, get your mind outta da gutter)
18.finger saw
19.whistle
20.survival mirror
21.magnifying glass
22.band-aids
23.betadine
24.alcohol preps
25.small soap bar
26.100 mile an hour tape
27.sun block
28.eye ointment
29.neosporin
30.tweezers
31.sinus meds
32.immodium
33.cipro
34.penicillin
35.space blanket
36.550 cord
37.boullion
38.candy, to give jody when you make it back home.

I can get all this stuff into a really compact case, I also am designing a much smaller one, about the size of an altoids can that you can carry on your person.

BUT WAIT!!! THAT"S NOT ALL!
I have entered negotiations with Motorola/Nikon/Verizon/Sony for LCD technology, Wi-fi, Hi-Res imaging, cellular, and personal gaming.

La tristesse durera toujours

2005-12-31T01:43:00.000-05:00

Bring down the curtain, the farce is played out. Six days and it's over! The Fourth Infantry Division have arrived to relieve us, they have already succeeded in wrecking two of our trucks. Excellent soldiers, them. We know we did our best, so whatever happens from here out is beyond us and does not concern us. I joke when saying my goodbyes, and tell the soldiers I will probably see them in ten years from the other side of the gun. It is an odd feeling to be going home. It's almost as if Baghdad is home, and I am leaving it to go somewhere new and strange. Back to the land of unpaid bills, shopping malls, and McDonald's. Insurgent attacks are much as they have always been, Some of our guys are outside the city fighting fiercely with indirect fire. A Command Sergeant Major with our sister unit was injured recently and sent home, however it appears he will recover well. The wall we put pictures of our fallen soldiers on is full. The experience of standing there looking at all the men we have lost this year, contemplating your own mortality is indescribable. Happy New Year, have a drink for me.

A Blood Red Moon

2005-12-15T00:52:00.000-05:00

So, to delineate the Army from civilian life, I have come up with a maxim. In the real world, people do their jobs and try their best to help you. In the Army, people will work hard just to avoid doing their jobs, and do everything they can not to help you. There are two things you can't count on...the weather, and other people. We still haven't quit combat operations, as a matter of fact, we are doing more real-world assaults now than we have in the past 11 months. The word right now is we will be turning our equipment over to our relief at the end of the month, and then will have a week give or take a few, to go home. If you think the U.S. is pulling out of Iraq soon, you are sadly mistaken. I have seen over 6,000 meters of fiber optic cable buried on our camp this month, and they are starting construction on the biggest chow hall in Iraq. A KBR contractor told me they signed a contract to remain until 2010. I guess old G.W. is laughing his ass off at all the protesters. The Iraqis on the other hand, are more than ready to see us go home. That includes the U.S. supporters in general.

Salman is a big boy

2005-11-28T06:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry for not writing lately, I'll try to correct that soon. Here is a picture of Salman, he's a really cool guy, but I thought I was going to have to shoot him in the beginning.

Don't blow it now!

2005-11-20T18:10:00.000-05:00

I think my back is injured. I always have a very heavy load since I carry rifleman and medic kits. After every mission my lower back hurts, but soon feels better. Lately though, there is one intervertebral space that is killing me, I don't even want to put my gear on. I guess that's why they make Ibuprofen. There is a story I want to tell you so badly, but I think the mission was classified, as I haven't seen it in the news, well, I have seen it, but it isn't quite right. We are going to do some really cool stuff tonight, very dangerous, but a real go get 'em type thing. Wish us luck. It's funny, the more you do that you want to talk about, the less you are allowed to tell. Time to go home is so close that I'm actually starting to worry when I go outside the wire. When you're short, you really don't want to take any chances. You've made it almost the whole year, home is within sight, don't blow it now!

Allah's Miscreant Children

2005-11-12T02:23:00.000-05:00

The eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month 1918. Armistice Day. That is why today is Veteran’s Day. I reckon I am a veteran now. Some would say a war veteran, some would say not. Depends on your perspective. I certainly wasn’t cowering in a trench for four years. Two months, and I return to the land of the counterfeit free and the home of the pseudo-brave. My generation doesn’t want to be named. I dub thee the What Happened? Generation. To be quite honest with you, the Iraqi Army sucks, and they are worth about as much as a crack-addicted prostitute’s testimony in Grand Jury. We have let them perform on their own now as we are leaving them, and only train for two hours a day and go on one patrol a day with them, and must force them to do that. It is quite like herding cats. There is a SGM who stands at intersections in the Camp now and directs people to put on their seat belts. Kind of funny to me, the seat belt doesn’t fit around my battle gear. Which leads me to mention that there are many soldiers here who have never left the Green Zone, or IZ (international zone), and have completely forgotten we are in Iraq…these are the folks the Combat Action Badge was created for. They have it sewn to their uniforms and proudly display it every day. It is a funny little device, looks like a miniature Combat Infantry Badge but it has a bayonet and grenade where the rifle goes. If they hear a boom, they qualify for it. Ahh, I wish I could spit on each and every one of them. If you can’t tell, I am bitter. I had a wonderful post ready, lost the connection to the internet, and it went away. Well, my voracious reader, I couldn’t stay away, I had to return as soon as I got an interface and a semi-sentient one and zero machine to broadcast my pirate signal to the Matrix. Sorry, I know this is the worst writing you have seen from me, maybe I’ll keep a diary or something for flashes of insight to share with you. But, then again, blogging doesn’t pay the bills, nor does it advance my career. If you see me in the US, say hey, and we’ll have a beer or ten. Unless you bore me, and then we’ll still have a few if you’re buying. Oh, by the way, Ramadan is over, and I didn't see one Muslim follwing Sharia.

Time to say goodbye.

2005-11-05T17:30:00.000-05:00

As I may havwe mentioned before, my laptop computer no longer works. The external hard drive I had all of my iraq stories and pictures stored on has quit working. I am not in a position to pay to have the hard drive fixed, nor can I buy a new computer. There is an internet center here on camp, but the hours it is open isn't in parallel with my work schedule (actually I have no work schedule, because there is no continuity to the times combat missions are conducted). I have thought of many great stories to tell you, but by the time I get to a computer, the memories are all faded away into a dull haze. I'm not about to try to write this stuff down, as I have no time for it. So, thanks for reading this story of a regular guy's trip to the cradle of civilaztion.

Thoughts on Life as a Short-Timer

2005-10-17T18:52:00.000-04:00

Time to go home is gaining on me, I am short...not quite short enough to waltz under a snake's belly wearing a top hat, but too short to ride the really fun roller coasters. Quite a few soldiers have been added to the memoriam wall since I left for vacation, and a few since I have returned. When I came to this place, I was full of energy to train a new army, shove democracy down a bunch of peoples' throats, and protect the safety of the innocent. Now, I just want to go home, more than anything in the world I want to go. THe Army is the only service left doing one year tours, and they don't plan on changing it. Such a terrible decision. After nine months in theater, your situational awareness plummets. The soldiers are focused on going home, the command is focused on making sure they get their bronze and silver stars, and having formations, and making ever more silly rules so the men will get acclimated to a garrison life again, that no one is paying attention anymore to the blood running in the streets. I feel like I am 65 years old, and in need of a doctor's visit.

Back To Baghdad

2005-10-14T18:56:00.000-04:00

I got back to Baghdad, and immediately was put to work! Right now, we are assisting another Infantry Battalion in Sadr City covering the elections. No one has patrolled there in over a year, and you can certainly tell. After the first night, all the windows in the trucks were busted! They are throwing everything except their Mommas at us. Ironic, considering we are there so they can vote, and they are trying to let us know just how much they hate us. Alot more of our soldiers died while I was on leave, the violence is increasing each and every day. The Army hates the fact that soldiers have blogs, and they are beginning to make it known. Posts here will slow down drastically as I no longer have a computer, and have to borrow one from a friend, so, sorry about that. In other news, I am safe for the moment, and hope you are all safe as well.

the most beautiful view in the world.

2005-09-24T15:02:00.000-04:00

I went to Pali while here on O'ahu. Mark Twain once said it is the most beautiful sight in the world, and I don't have any problem agreeing with him. My newest daughter, Adelia Paige Lopez Benson was born at 0407, September 11. She is a healthy and happy baby, although a bit of a Diva. Her baptism ws today, and the baptism party is tomorrow. I have to return to baghdad in 5 days, definitely not looking forward to it. Here are a few pics for ya. Click 'em if you want a bigger view.

2005-09-08T10:10:00.000-04:00

I got all my pretties sewn on my cammies, and paid an Iraqi a buck to iron my blouse. Got another one to give me a fresh haircut. I'll be headed for my chopper in the morning, going to Baghdad International, then Kuwait, then Dallas, and finally Honolulu. Should be a few days travel time, but I'm stoked!

All dressed up, and he's got somewhere to go!

Al Bundy, on the other hand, won't be going anywhere til next month.

Perception is Reality

2005-09-05T10:26:00.000-04:00

I am in a unique position since I am one of the few who had a career before the Army. Most people my age can think of nothing much more than that great day they get out of the military service. Of course, when that day comes, most of them tend to sign up for another hitch anyway. It's neat to see the psychology of it. They want to be civilians again so badly, yet most harbor disdain for the selfishness and decadence of modern America. The 3ID, which has born the heaviest brunt of fighting in this war, have reenlistment rates much higher than expected. Of course, I always have to have a goal so that my time isn't wasted, and right now, that goal is using the Military for P.A. school. But, I wonder; will I stay even after my obligation is over? It is such a sacrifice to miss out on the wonderful thing that is seeing a child grow up, but on the other hand, in the service, a man's word is truly a promise, something he can measure himself by. Whereas, in the civilian world, a promise is worth about as much as the air used up by speaking. On another note, the DOD is becoming increasingly concerned over soldiers' blogs. They are terrified that some sensitive information is leaking out. I'm pretty sure I don't fall into that category, as my writing is more of a look at the human side, instead of the technical war-making crap. So, I will continue to write. I think our soldiers are ready for America to go home. Indeed, they have grown beyond us now, but still have light-years to go before they are as disciplined as a U.S. Infantryman. I really don't get to see the big picture, as I am involved in training a light infantry battalion. We have only jeeps, and troop transports. I have seen some medium armor around town, and a couple of T-72 tanks. I read an article a month ago about some helicopters the IA were trying to buy, and they got majorly ripped off. It was some com-block country selling them old HIND helos. The vehicles we use were donated to Iraq by the Ukrainian Government. Our mechanics (American) have done a wonderful job keeping them running without parts, or manuals! Another IA soldier was struck by a car 3 days ago. We are still patrolling hot and heavy, and some intel is finally starting to flow, so hopefully we can have a bit more impact before we leave. Some 10th Mountain soldiers are moving into our AO, and will be doing their right seat rides soon. The torch will be passed for yet another year. I hear our next deployment will be to Afghanistan. Funny, the mountain guys going to the desert, and the "Baghdad Butchers" (as they like to call us) going to the mountains. Of course that's still a rumor. Think I'll have a cup of joe, and go for a run. My team went on patrol without me this a.m.

2005-09-04T22:16:00.000-04:00

The stitches are out. Looks pretty good for having been such largewounds

A couple of cute kids in our sector

I have alot to say, but no time to say it. Check back often, I will get around to posting soon!

Another storm we obviously can't handle

2005-08-29T11:10:00.000-04:00

So, another major hurricaine has hit the US. I heard on the BBC world report, that New Orleans is under 9 meters of water. There are still 2,000 plus Florida residents homeless from Hurricaine Charlie. They have been housed in government subsidized temporary trailers, but are to be evicted in Febuary. I say there is no excuse for this. I see billions of dollars being spent here, when we aren't even taking care of our own? I say let Iraq destroy itself before we ignore the needs of our own. This country hasn't been ok in 5,000 years, what makes us think it will be alright now? What is wrong with us?

A Fish Pitched Up by an Angry Sea

2005-08-28T06:10:00.000-04:00

In the early morning hours, while the sky is still as dark as lamp-black, we set up a traffic control point. Olive skinned soldiers proudly execute their duties without flaw. However, as those who live lives of strife know, those whom till the fallow fields, breaking their backs to raise the corn, beaten into submission by the boiling sun in a rainless summer; doing a good job does not ensure success. A car approached the young man at break neck speed, easily exceeding 80 mph. Brakes locked, tires squalling. The acrid smell of burning hydraulic fluid and melting rubber filled the breezeless air. Spinning, grotesque loss of order. The patriot who risks his life in hopes of restoring honor to his fatherland is airborne, head over heels, his body performing an ungainly somersault. He sees the familiar neighborhood houses inverted and dancing crazily around his bewildered eyes. People not present doubt, but he is alive! Conscious even! No maiming, disfiguring injury is to be suffered this day. Allah has moved from the balcony to the pit.

A couple of choice pics

2005-08-26T03:12:00.000-04:00

Alms for the needy?

2005-08-25T07:24:00.000-04:00

I have officially run out of books to read. The WISH LIST has been updated for those of you whose pocketbooks are bottomless.

The Great Bullet Removal

2005-08-23T18:09:00.000-04:00

I got to perform a little surgery the other day...I was in a terrible mood, and had taken to finding a refuge in my mind, and staying there. I don't know if it was the fact I got a chance to use some of my skills, or simply the satisfaction that I had the opportunity to take a scalpel to an authority figure...I won't dwell on the psychobabble, but nevertheless, I felt like a new man later! I decided to put a few pics of the thing up.

Some minor surgery

Cardona is not only a good infantryman, but a wonderful scrub nurse!

I enjoy the blood of the innocent as well as the tears of the weak!

The finished product. (Mattress sutures are always a little ugly.)

A picture

2005-08-21T02:59:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling pretty down lately, it's pretty cyclic I think, you go up and down. Apathy really hampers my writing, so I'll just put up a picture so you know I'm still around.

Gas! Gas! Gas!

2005-08-18T16:04:00.000-04:00

One more thing to carry around. We found chemical weapons in Karrada last week. They took mortar rounds and filled them with some type of liquid. Actually, this isn't a bad thing, because detonated poison really doesn't spread much at all. Nevertheless, we have to carry around our gas masks.

OK, TIME TO ANTE UP

2005-08-15T22:44:00.000-04:00

J.R. and the boys we relieved here in Baghdad have finally gotten their CD printed. I order you to buy a copy today. http://www.iraq-songs.com It is a collection of excellent songs they wrote and recorded while serving with the ING here on Haifa St. If you want an inside look at what it's like to really serve in Iraq, buy now. You can hear a sample of the music by clicking these links. If you have a website, please link to mine, or link directly to iraq-songs so these guys can get some much deserved attention.
I am a Patriot
The Day You Were Born

2005-08-15T16:34:00.000-04:00

I love this pic. I really do.

2005-08-15T16:28:00.000-04:00

See, not all fun and games, I'm serious sometimes too.

59 Grenades

2005-08-15T13:38:00.000-04:00

The joke of the day yesterday was, "How do we know he had 59 grenades if he blew himself up?" My room mate, Cardona, was minding his own business when yet another dedicated Islamic extremist decided to make a human roman candle of himself and see how many he could take to Allah with him. Luckily, there were no Americans injured, but he hurt 2 IP and 7 civilians. No one was killed. Pretty horrible excuse for a suicide bomber wouldn't you say? So the report on the radio was, terrorist self detonated 59 grenades in an attempt to attack coalition forces, hence, the joke. I still don't know who came up with the number.

God Bless Kodak

2005-08-15T04:14:00.000-04:00

If you want to get warranty work done on a Kodak camera, you must have a problem that lies within the manufacturing or workmanship domain, and you must have a UPC label to send in with your unit. On a whim, I sent my Kodak camera back to the manufacturer to see if they would fix it. This thing has been clipped to my body armor in Baghdad for 9 months. It has problems far, far beyond what would be deemed warranty work. I've done everything except run over the thing. It has more 100 mile an hour tape holding it together than it does actual camera. Well, they fixed it, and sent a letter saying that it was full of dirt, the lens was scratched, the circuit boards were toast, and they had to replace the entire body (at no cost to me!). I have no idea why they fixed it instead of just sending me a new camera. But they did. Actually, I don't know why they didn't send me a camera back with a letter saying HAHAHA! Boy, you did a number on that one. Now go buy a new one, 'cause that one's toast!

Movin' On Up

2005-08-13T20:44:00.000-04:00

We have been told we will be moving back to Camp Prosperity before Sept 30. See, here at Independence, we only have 1/2 of a company, and a few support elements (I think like 5 mechanics, 3cooks, and 1 supply guy), so for the vast majority of the time, we don't catch much of the regular Army BS. Regulations like no smoking and walking, and full PT uniform for working out are for the lack of a better word ignored. If you want to run in your undies and flip flops, well, that's your business. Prosperity on the other hand is the epitome of pogue land. There are many, many people who are not trigger pullers, never leave the camp, and exist only to give other soldiers lower ranking than themselves a hard time. So, in the spirit of going back to the land of fobdom, we had a room inspection by the 1st Sgt today. HAHAHAHAHA!!! That was special. It has now been declared, "Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Hear Ye, all men present shall recognize and obey the forthcoming instructions from the all mighty, all knowing, Firrrrst of Serrrrrrrgeants, that from this day until the end of days, there shall be no more smoking of cigarettes, the most evil of habits, there shall be no more food in the rooms, and boy, you better listen good, you better dust all those nooks and crannies, 'cause how are we going to beat the terrorists if you can't even keep a clean room?" I know why the Military Service has so many homosexuals now. You put a bunch of men in a small space and force them to be neat and tidy, and what are you going to end up with? And, besides, "Hey, button up that cargo pocket soldier!!!! How do you expect to be combat effective if you can't even keep your pockets buttoned?" I swear, it's not even worth going to war anymore.

U.S.M.C.

2005-08-08T20:13:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine once told me, "A platoon of Marine Corps Infantry are as good as a platoon of Airborne Rangers." I never did reply to him, but I was thinking either how retarded he was, or how tough Marines must be. We recently got Marine Corps attachments. They range in rank from E3 to E6 and are all Infantrymen. I haven't been impressed thus far. I smoked one so bad yesterday, I thought he was going to have a heart attack. Here I am, with a rucksack on, full combat load, and 300 rounds of ammo. All he had was a shotgun and 24 rounds for it. So we start our patrol, I get about 2 blocks down, and realize he didn't see us depart, so I run back to the trucks to get him. I grabbed him up, and we ran about 4.5 blocks to catch up to the patrol. I didn't pay any more attention to him the rest of the time, but when we got home, someone said, "hey man, your marine looked smoked." I went and checked him out, and he looked like he had been doing PT all day and was completely spent. that's when I knew, their uniforms look nice, but they must not be all that.

My Friend Cliph

2005-08-07T14:02:00.000-04:00

I have a friend named Cliph who is a paradox even Schrodinger would puzzle over. He views the world through one lens, designed for capturing life. He also views it through an entirely different lens, made for capturing death. Turning life into art, or making an art of death? Somehow in the nebulous surreal place in which we find ourselves, this may be entirely possible.

2005-08-07T03:31:00.000-04:00

2005-08-05T02:35:00.000-04:00

Watching the Army men on a hot summer day

2005-08-05T02:31:00.000-04:00

IA setting up perimeter on house we were taking fire from

2005-08-05T02:23:00.000-04:00

Benson in the Looking Glass

2005-08-05T02:21:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Architecture in Karrada

Iraqi Army Progress

2005-08-03T20:15:00.000-04:00

The time has come to let our chicks fly I supppose. Last week we started allowing the Platoon Leaders take the lead in the convoys to and from our missions, and they have proven their capability in that regard. We also let them plan and execute a raid with no American leadership. We were there, but only as observers. They took 11 detainees (people on the black list), many of which were highly sought after. Next week, they begin patrolling without Americans, we will go on a few here and there, but for the most part they will be on their own. A few of the things we have tried to instill:
1. Strong NCO corps. Most com block and third world countries have armys that are little more than a well armed rabble. Their officers run things, but it is beneath them to train the men, and even if there is a rank structure, there is no power to lead given to the higher ranking non officer types. With strong NCOs that have been given a mission (and the necessary responsibility and power) to train and ready their men for combat, an Army grows infinitely stronger. I think they are beginning to accept the NCO rank structure, and I definitely see it in use on the ground.
2. Intelligence. When you are out patrolling, you have to be nice to the people in your sector. Try to find out problems they are having, and if it is in your capability to correct these things, then do. This will open doors to the Army for information gathering. If the residents think you care about them and their lives, then they will be much more apt to risk giving you intel on enemy activity. It also can help to boost civic pride and responsibility. If you can do that, then people will want their neighborhoods free of thugs and others that do harmful things.
3. Taking care of the joes. If the lowest ranking soldiers know the mission, and have been properly equipped, trained, and fed, they normally will have a high esprit de corps, and won't run from a fight, shirk their responsibilities, or become corrupt.
I have worked harder than I ever have in my life training these men, and have sacrificed much. I couldn't be prouder with the result. My company of Iraqi soldiers is the most respected out of the battalion, and set the example for the others to follow. I feel like I have come to Iraq and actually been a part of making history, and hopefully doing a large part in restoring civility and freedom to a long opressed people.

Why they don't let you take your body parts home from surgery

2005-07-30T10:02:00.000-04:00

I guess the huge culture gap rears its ugly head again. Here in Iraq, if you have surgery, they give you your excised body part to take to the cemetary and give it a proper burial. Well, lo and behold, the other day on patrol what do I find in the middle of the street? None other that one human leg, all the way up to mid thigh. So fresh, the flies hadn't even gotten to it yet. I bet some poor old woman gave her son money to take the leg to the graveyard, and instead, he kept the money, and chunked his dear old Mom's leg right out the window for the neighborhood dogs. What a country. On a more positive note, just before patrol yesterday, George lost his Gerber multi tool, making the team about five minutes late for their departure. Well, about five minutes before they reached some big traffic circle that I can't pronounce, a huge car bomb went off, killing approximately 7 Iraqi policemen, one crossing guard, and about 25 civilians. For all you people that say this is Bush's war, your wrong. Maybe at one point it was Bush's war, but now it's the Shi'ia and Sun'ni war. At least in my half of Baghdad, it seems like 20 times as more civilians are killed than Americans. Besides, if it was local Iraqis fighting, there would be machine gun fire, and frontal attacks to go along with the idiot suicide bombers, but there isn't. It is always lone attacks, one guy, blowing himself up for a retarded ideology. Religion has been the cause of more wars and deaths than everything else in the world combined. Some say money is the root of all evil, I say it is religion.

Visit from Battalion Commander

2005-07-29T20:01:00.000-04:00

We had a visit from the BC today, although I was on a patrol at the time, I got the low down from my compadres. Apparently it was the usual commander rhetoric, "you're doing a great job...oh but we need you do do some extra stuff, blah, blah, blah." Last time he was here he promised to get us better chow. Nothing has changed, and he didn't say a damn thing about improving our food this time. I'm still sick, in a horrible mood, and whenever i try to perform physical activity, I feel like I'm about to collapse. Both Interpreters actually offered to carry my pack last night, but of course, I can't let that happen. I am so tired of being sick it is affecting me mentally.

The Hobbit Hole

2005-07-29T01:44:00.000-04:00

The Hobbit Hole is an organization that sends free knives to soldiers deployed overseas. This is a major undertaking as knives are very expensive, and so many soldiers need them. As a matter of fact, depending on your specialty, you may need several. I have recently been in contact with these fine gentlemen, and they seem more than willing to help our team. The Hobbit Hole Visit their web site, and if you have a dollar to spare, send it their way!

My Good Buddy Regan

2005-07-27T19:48:00.000-04:00

I've written of my friend Regan before, and I've shown you pictures of him and for a short while, linked to his blog. His multifarious use of four letter words led me to relegate the link to the netherregion of cyberspace. The bourn of this entry is coming, I promise. I am an avid knife collector, if you can't think of a gift for me, get me a knife...I'll be happy. Regan came up to me the other night and gave me a Strider MT-10 Chuck Mawhinney Strider. I'm sure that doesn't mean anything to most of you, but basically it is one of the best combat knives a man can own, with a price tag of about 325 bucks. He's going to get it engraved when we go home. What a guy, huh? For those of you haven't the slightest of who Chuck Mawhinney is, you can read about him here. One of the greatest snipers who ever lived

2005-07-27T09:29:00.000-04:00

My New Strider Knife

Picture Day!!!!

2005-07-25T21:05:00.000-04:00

My wife wanted to see more pictures of me, so I went through my folder and found a few. I hope they are good enough. If you click the pic, it will open a new page with a higher resolution. I'm sure you already knew that, but i had to say it...so there.

2005-07-25T09:40:00.000-04:00

Cardona doesn't like the Army hair standard

2005-07-25T09:06:00.000-04:00

ING Ironman

2005-07-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

raiding a bad guy house

2005-07-25T08:56:00.000-04:00

Door bashing time

2005-07-25T08:48:00.000-04:00

ING enroute to Haifa St

2005-07-25T08:44:00.000-04:00

ING in alleyways

2005-07-25T08:38:00.000-04:00

Iraqi girl (slums of Baghdad)

2005-07-25T08:36:00.000-04:00

Me on point wedding car in foreground

2005-07-25T08:31:00.000-04:00

Talking to the neighborhood kids

2005-07-25T08:27:00.000-04:00

On point Al-Karma district

2005-07-25T08:24:00.000-04:00

Looking into a suspicious building

2005-07-25T08:20:00.000-04:00

Steve and I chilling with the ING one night

My friend's famous wife

2005-07-24T12:52:00.000-04:00

My friend George told me his wife wrote a poem and won an award for it. She was invited to Washington DC to read it, but declined out of modesty. I wanted you to get a chance to read it for yourselves.
Kimberly George's Poem

Well Again

2005-07-23T23:35:00.000-04:00

I slept about 36 hours, woke up feeling pretty good. Still have chest pain, and a cough, but I feel alright, except for the fatigue which I hope will go away after tonight. I am off guard, so I should get some solid sleep. I have been thinking about the times after combat arms, like when I am a PA, or a civilian. I am such an equipment freak, I don't know what to do! My favorite hobby is backpacking in the mountains. So, I think I'll focus my equipment research and purchasing on that! There's tons and tons of equipment to choose from in the backpacking world. Some of my friends are into rock climbing, and have made a wall here. I may check that out too. We got into a small firefight day before yesterday. Not much to it...couple of snipers firing at us. Kind of dozed off for a minute...but it was because I was so sick. Nothing much came of it. One of our companies killed a few people yesterday. Don't know the story, other than there's a big stink about it. Probably another case of the leadership not standing behind their men. As the olf French saying goes, "Such is Life, War is Hell, but Babies are Easy to Make!"

Down With The Sickness

2005-07-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Wow, I have no idea what's wrong with me, but it's nasty. I went to bed last night around midnight, it is now 9 pm, and I just got out of bed. I am about to go right back too. I think some of my peers talked to the section sergeant and got him to leave me alone today. I went outside to get briefed for our upcoming activities, and they told me to go back to my room. So, I'll try to write something interesting and funny for you tomorrow...maybe.

-Fowarded emails

2005-07-20T11:11:00.000-04:00

I don't mind getting a few every now and then. But there are some people who never send you anything at all except those mushy I'm your friend, or HAPPY DAY! etc. crap. If you are my friend, then send me an email, and talk to me...otherwise, I get the feeling I'm just another address to make your list look bigger. And that is unacceptable. Maybe I'm being a dick because I'm sick for the 4th day in a row...I feel like I could just die. Haven't been this ill in years. But...the show must go on, and I have to continue as if I were fine. So weak right now, I can barely lift my flak jacket to put it on. Anyway, off for a road trip to Taaji.

Islamic Holy War, but the Fighters Aren't So Holy

2005-07-19T18:20:00.000-04:00

We were talking with some of the community leaders in our sector today, they told us that every now and then, the terrorists come to town, and demand prostitutes. When they get ready to leave, they steal children. So the terrorists are fighting us because we are the evil infidels, and are contaminating their pure muslim culture with our dirty western ideology, yet, they have sex with prostitues and steal children? Makes me feel better about killing them, that's for sure. In other news, I have been really sick for the past two days. Fever, chills, body ache, sinus and chest congestion with a cough. It's terrible too, because today begins our 4 days off patrol. We started a new system of 14 days on, 4 days off, but you're just off patrol, you become the detail crew for the company on your days off, so it definitely isn't a vacation.

Public Service Announcement From Alpha M.A.T.

2005-07-18T20:00:00.000-04:00

If you attended Prarie State College, drove a Kia Sephia, and were the victim of vehicle theft, your days of suffering are over. The brave young men of Alpha Military Advisory Team have scoured the earth, and located your ride in Baghdad, Iraq. Of course, you will have to arrange to have it transported back to your home, but we will be glad to escort you to it!

2005-07-18T09:14:00.000-04:00

Another neat statue

2005-07-18T09:13:00.000-04:00

Neat statue

2005-07-18T09:12:00.000-04:00

Karrada Mosque (they all look the same huh?)

2005-07-18T09:10:00.000-04:00

Gave some kids dolls today

2005-07-18T09:08:00.000-04:00

So I was working on this tank today...

2005-07-18T09:06:00.000-04:00

14 July Bridge Tigris River

2005-07-18T09:05:00.000-04:00

Prarie State College Student Number

2005-07-18T09:04:00.000-04:00

Kia Sephia Prarie State

Fah-Hehd, Fah-Hehd, Fah-Hehd

2005-07-14T11:14:00.000-04:00

The Iraqi Army's first battalion mission just ended. We had 2 major targets, a hotel, and a cafe that "bad guys" are known to frequent. We ended up with 5 detainees. On the way back, 2 carbombs and a suicide bomber hit...not us, but a police station about 100 meters from us, and an area that civilians congregate near. I suppose the war has shifted to the Sunni/Shiia fight instead of the Islam/America fight. By the way, Fah-Hehd was the code word for "execute the raid". It is Arabic for cheetah.

Chow by Julius

2005-07-11T16:05:00.000-04:00

Our recalcitrant cook, Cunningham is on leave. He is a nice guy, except when he is fulfilling his role as cook. As I said before, we eat the same food day in, day out, and the quality of the meal leaves a lot to be desired. Julius is a truck driver, and a really cool guy. He came to fill in I guess because there aren't any more cooks available. We still eat the same food, and drink the same mud, but man, the taste and quality of both have increased exponentially! I actually have 2 cups of joe with breakfast and lunch now, whereas I never had any before. How is it that a truck driver is the best cook? I don't know, but I'll bet it has something to do with the manner in which different men approache their mission.

The Missing Amulet

2005-07-10T12:42:00.000-04:00

My wife gave me a gold necklace wih a charm inscribed with a bible verse just before we deployed. I normally keep it in my shirt pocket because it cuts into my neck onm missions. I have carried it on every mission I have been on here. It has accumulated quite a bit of luck. I turned my laundry in the other day, and quickly realized that the necklace was still in a shirt pocket. When I went to retrieve it, I was too late, they had already sent the laundry out. I wasn't too concerned, as it is so lucky, I was sure I would get it back. I got my laundry back today, and no necklace to be found. The day has just started, but I wish I could just stay in my room all day, because it can't be a good one.

Interpreters, What Are They Good For?

2005-07-09T23:14:00.000-04:00

Before I begin this edition of "What the Hell's Wrong With Iraq?" which is what my blog is seeming to turn out to be, I need to give you some background info. It pretty much has gotten to the point recently that I am able to pick my missions, and choose who I am going to ride with. I suppose killing yourself making every single patrol while it was really dangerous must pay off once it gets a little calmer in da hood. In any case, I'm not going to complain. I'm sure my services will be in great demand soon anyway. So, I normally ride with a crew whose translator is 19 years old, and thinks he is like a super trooper or something. He is always trying to get involved in decision making and tactical maneuvering which I see as dangerous, unnecessary, a reflection of his immaturity, and most importantly, ignorance of his position, or station if you please. Today, we were searching a factory, and found a few things, nothing much really. I think the list went something like: molotov cocktails, a couple of AKs and pistols, an old SKS, and a sniper rifle with binos and ear muffs on the second floor. We didn't take it to seriously because the sniper position was terrible, and the guys at the factory probably hadn't put a rifle to their shoulders in their life. So we were just going to let them go and let them keep their weapons. We did take some of their ammo, leaving them with only 120 rounds. The interpreter flipped, telling us we had to take the sniper rifle, and spreading amongst the Iraqi soldiers that there was a sniper in the building. I swear I could have shot that idiot right then and there. So we had a talk with him, reminding him that he is not a soldier, not an interrogator, but a translator, and that is all. He should have no agenda whatsoever other than making our English Arabic, and their Arabic English. I decided to start listening to him interpret, I can understand enough Arabic to get the jist of what's being said, so we will see. It is such a difficult language. I figured I would have it down in three months, but it's going on seven, and I still and horrible. A few pics to follow for your voyeuristic pleasures. Toodleoo.

2005-07-09T12:37:00.000-04:00

"Hmm, think there could be some RPG-7's in those boxes Ali?"

2005-07-09T12:34:00.000-04:00

"Oh, no key huh? That's okey dokey by me!"

2005-07-09T12:32:00.000-04:00

"No Sir, they are not my molotov cocktails. Allah must have put them there!"

2005-07-09T12:29:00.000-04:00

Zee, the translator I'm going to slap silly

Things I have been thinking about

2005-07-08T02:31:00.000-04:00

This post will be disjointed and rambling. Just some thoughts on how we operate. Tonight on our patrol we recieved some intelligence about some strange dudes living in the neighborhood. We went into their home and talked to them. The said they were Sudanese Guards, and they all had passports and weapons cards, but they either wouldn't tell us, or didn't know who they were working for. They are just living in the house and collecting a paycheck. That's either no way, or sweet! They had Aks, gas masks, and all kinds off military paraphanelia. Anyway, the point is, we had to rely on our interpreter to get information, and follow up by calling the phone numbers the "guards" provided us. I am starting to feel very uncertain about using indigenous translators. They can decide to pursue interests not in our favor, and how would we know until it's too late? Why doesn't the Army use the year we aren't deployed to engage in intensive linguistic education for all soldiers?
Another thing I have been considering is all the hype in America about bringing us home. I have two points on this subject. One, we came here and destroyed this place, we should stay until it is fixed! Two, the local populous seems to believe that the terrorists are coming from outside the country, and they are here because it is a convienient place to attack Americans. They feel that if we leave, the bombings will stop. While they certainly are using logic in their thought process, I believe it is flawed. At this time, the country will regress into a civil war of massive proportions without American firepower keeping a semblance of peace and order. Once we have trained and assured proper equipping of the country's peacekeeping force, that is when we can leave them to their own devices. I feel that even then, if America completely leaves Iraq, it will never be a free country. It's history tells us this. You can see it in the new Army. As soon as a man gets some power, instead of using it for the benefit of others, he most often uses it for himself. It's not that they are evil people, it's just the way things have been here for so long, it's hard to break old habits.

2005-07-07T15:50:00.000-04:00

Jon Adams (top), Rick MacDougal, Dave Hottell, Chris MacDonald, Chris Masters

New Dog!!!

2005-07-07T15:13:00.000-04:00

Amusing to me this is. The "unnamed officer" who shot our poor little HellRaiser has purchased another mutt for the company. We now have to decide whether to name this dog Romeo (Replacement), or A.D. (Accidental Discharge). As you may guess, I am not going to shower this little guy with my neverending love until I find out if his lifespan will be greater than that of a common housefly. See what happens when you put a bunch of boys in one place with guns and no female supervision? Although I do enjoy sitting outside smoking in my underwear in the evening.

2005-07-05T23:39:00.000-04:00

Home Sweet Home

2005-07-05T23:33:00.000-04:00

Someone threw a death card

2005-07-05T23:31:00.000-04:00

Israshad and Friend visiting a Med Cap

2005-07-05T23:02:00.000-04:00

Me and Santos shamming behind some dirt

2005-07-05T22:55:00.000-04:00

Me and Steve (Ibrahim)

Stoicism.

2005-07-05T09:44:00.000-04:00

Regan was watching Gladiator today which got us into a discussion about stoicism. Unfortunately due to both of our limited knowledge on the subject it wasn't a very witty repartee. I looked it up on wikipedia, and was spellbound. It is everything I want to be. I am always telling myself to not complain, and if I am upset about something, that it is only my own fault that I feel that way. I think I'm going to tryto get some books on the subject, but ancient writing styles really bore me, so it's going to be an uphill battle. In other news, Baghdad is still here, I've finally gotten a few days off, so I'm pretending that I am somewhere else right now.

Marla Ruzicka

2005-07-05T07:16:00.000-04:00

Please donate to help CIVIC stay alive. I'm not sure if I ever wrote about Marla, but she came here to do nothing more than help those injured or displaced by war. She had no political stance other than we have a duty to help others. Her death has really affected those of us that truly believe in our mission as human beings here on earth.

Donate to CIVIC WORLDWIDE

2005-07-04T20:19:00.000-04:00

R.I.P. Marla Ruzicka. A pure soul destroyed by the evil of man.