Day Trippin'

Our office TV is a PHILLIBS...the lesser-known, distant cousin to PHILLIPS. Hey, at least the Iraqis can't be sued for copywrite infringement.

This is one of our NCOs struggling with the local directions.

The greatness of the MRAP.

Me chillin' out inside the MRAP.

Here's a shot of our area as I lifted off the LZ in a helicopter.

I had a rare opportunity to visit the area I was at during my last tour to Iraq.

Here's my ride back to Baghdad.

A view of Besmaya on our way out.

Here's a shot of our LZ back in Baghdad. Unfortunately, we were unable to land because it was occupied by someone else's helicopters.

So, we flew around for a few minutes and I took a picture of the local neighborhood.

Lost in Translation

The US Forces-Iraq Commander, GEN Odierno, visited our installation recently. As part of our duties here, we were tasked with transporting and providing for his safety while he traveled to a local Iraqi installation.

I just thought this was funny. Some things just don't translate well. This place serves either the worst tasting pizza, or the messiest headwear.

This is a shot of me briefing our installation commander prior to GEN Odierno's arrival. I'm not sure who the other guys are. They didn't speak much.

This is the UH-60 Blackhawk that brought our VIP.

And here's our installation commander greeting GEN Odierno.

Ok, time to move out. That's me about to lead the convoy. I didn't even get to meet the guy.

Just a typical "hello" between to Iraqi Police Officers...NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT...but that' just how they roll.

Here's a random shot of our guards at one of our checkpoints. They are inspecting the undercarriage of the vehicle.

Here's a shot of one of our guard towers.

Main Street on the FOB.

Another day is over here in Iraq. One day closer to getting home!

Santa Delivers Presents...and Death, if Necessary

Who says Santa doesn't come to Iraq? The "big guy" was lurking around our FOB recently. Not sure what he was up to, but he was prepared for the worst.

Me trying to convince Santa that I've been a good boy this year. He knows better.

My Christmas Tree...compliments of my coworkers back home. Thank you!

Presents!!

My sad Charlie Brown Christmas Tree on Christmas Morning.

First one up in my office to open presents. Merry Christmas to all!

Pork. The other white meat...even in Iraq.

Somehow, somebody got a whole pig over here and was able to roast it. Seems strange that in a country where pork is the not welcome someone was able to pull it off, but they did. I guess if you want something bad enough, you'll find a way to get it. The Filipinos here on the installation were able to put this together and it was delicious!

The guest of honor.


My reaction upon hearing of the pig roast.


Stangely, he seems happy to be here.


My boss.


Here's the gang getting ready to feast.


Jason and Max...two of my favorite contractors. We worked security together during my time here.

Me and Jason chatting. We're probably talking bad about somebody.

Squeezy Tomato Ketchup

By this time of year, we should be ankle-deep in mud, but Allah is smiling down on us and keeping the rain away. The temperature is also very nice. My guess is that the average high temperature so far in December has been in the mid-60s. It makes wearing body armor much more tolerable. I'm afraid we will pay the price in January though. But that's fine with me as January will be my last full month in this country, and I should be starting my journey home in early February.

I'm not sure why I took this picture, but it cracks me up. I'm happy to know that this ketchup is made from tomatoes. However, I think something was lost in translation. I'm not sure what Squeezy means. Maybe it's describing the "squeeze" bottle? Maybe it's describing how they turned tomatoes into ketchup? Your guess is as good as mine.

No, I wasn't checking into the Baghdad Hilton. These guys are the front gate guards at the Ministry of Interior. In the summer, they wear white coats, but in the winter, they change to red. This was coat-changing day, and I was lucky enough to be there.

My boss being watched by the Eye of Iraq? Not sure, but it looks cool and he wanted his picture taken in front of it.

Iraqi fuel point. Self-service, high-tech, and free as long as nobody is looking.

These children were trying to sell us something on the busy street in Baghdad. Cute kids with the odds stacked against them. Things like this puts things in perspective...they wanted something like $0.10 for a pack of gum! That's a great deal!

Finally! We found Jesse Shop and guess where it was all this time...Down Stirs! Technically, this sign would have passed spellcheck, right?

The Visitors. Always welcome at Baghdad Mall.

Here's the outside of Baghdad Mall. Only on an American installation would you find an ancient religious structure turned into a mall. We gotta get out of here.

Here's my boss talking to our "hired guns". These guys are part of a private security company that provides protection for our senior leaders. They blend into the cities easier than American military vehicles, thus making them less of a target and taking our service members out of harm's way.

Here's a layout of all their equipment during a recent inspection.

Our new sidewalk here on the FOB.

Cement T-walls leading up to an ancient structure.

On this particular day, we went to an Iraqi Oil Police training center. I took a picture of the sign as proof.

Yep...hand-to-hand combat training. I think.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Believe it or not, we actually celebrated Thanksgiving here. Not quite the same as home, but it's better than nothing.

Our turkey...fake of course.

Cooks and servers.

Our Commanding General visiting us on Thanksgiving.

A view of our secondary dining room.

Me and my boss enjoying dinner.