Thoughts Of Home February 28, 2007

There are a variety of things around post that people see… or do… that gives them little reminders of being back home in the good ole USA… besides the calls (or emails… or letters) to loved ones back home. For some… it involves eating at some of the fast food establishments (yes… they have a [...]

Mudholes And More February 27, 2007

Because the soil in central Iraq is “clay-like”… it not only turns immediately into thick mud during even the lightest of rain… but it also fails to soak quickly into the ground. The result is that “temporary” ponds… or lakes… form in a variety of places following rain showers. The first picture is of one [...]

Readers’ Comments III February 26, 2007

Before posting the latest batch of readers’ comments… I wanted to pass along a note concerning an upcoming benefit for the Heartland Fund… which is a Salvation Army program that supports military families in the area in a variety of ways. Thanks goes out to Bob from the Family Assistance Center for sending this information [...]

Qualified And Experienced February 25, 2007

One of the aspects of the modern American military… which I’ve touched upon previously… is the more prevalent participation of older troops. This is made possible because people in our society are “aging” more gracefully than in previous generations… staying fit longer… eating healthier… and so on. One of the things that I… in my [...]

Rainy Days And Thursdays February 23, 2007

Our warming trend took a pause on Thursday… as clouds rolled in… and drops of rain fell upon our heads. It made for a much cooler day… with highs staying in the 40s (I know… I know… many folks back in the U.S. would love to have that weather right now… but that was chilly [...]

Service With A Smile February 22, 2007

Most militarly units… obviously… need a place to store (or repair) their weapons. In addition… that location needs to have competent soldiers capable of taking care of the equipment. One of our super soldiers in charge of this task… who brings many years of service and experience in the National Guard… is Boom Boom.
Boom Boom [...]

Thanks For The Support February 20, 2007

Many Americans have been showing their support for the men and women serving overseas… so… as someone in a leadership position… I thought I’d take this time to say “thanks” back… and to show a couple of examples of the generosity and support that we’ve received. Marvel Comics has been donating comic books to troops [...]

Spring Is In The Air? February 19, 2007

A few short weeks ago… my furry little weather prognosticator friend… also known as Punxsutawney Phil… failed to see his shadow. That… in the animal world… is “supposed” to mean that spring is just around the corner. Well… I believe that most folks across the Midwest (as well as other parts of the U.S.) [...]

Two You Should Know February 18, 2007

Pick up almost any entertainment magazine these days… and you’re sure to see non-stop coverage of all the deeds (and misdeeds) of today’s current crop of young celebrities. To be fair… my generation had its own bunch of teen “idols” and “stars”. In the 70s… there was Donny Osmond… Shaun Cassidy… and Leif Garrett among [...]

(Not) Plowing Snow February 17, 2007

While lots of folks across the Midwest… and indeed a good chunk of the Northeastern U.S. as well… have been spending the past several weeks shoveling and plowing snow… we have obviously not had that problem here in Iraq. However… that doesn’t mean that other things… such as sand… don’t need to be plowed from [...]