Northern Iraq
Last nights BBQ was pretty cool. the moral and emotion of the troops here are much higher then we have seen at other bases. People were laughing, playing games and even dancing. I know see how important it is for the troops to have these special events.... 9 out of 10 troops I talk to say the only thing to do here is work then go to the gym. So when entertainment comes through, they take every advantage to soak it in. I was not expecting the troops are just as interested in knowing what I do as I am of what they do. Most people here come from military backgrounds, and one officer was telling me how the military is becoming separated from the civilian world more and more because they are getting less "fresh" applicants... meaning most entries into the military are only those that come from a military family. I can see why though because of all the negative press that we see back in the states. After being here only a week, my opinion has totally changed. This is one big family over here. Everyone is helping everyone out in whatever way they can. On todays run, DT, a special opps (the bad asses on camp, the green barrettes) troop crossed the finish line in 5th place after the first lap, then he stopped. I thought he was either tired or hurt and when I asked him what was up, he said, "Im staying back to run with the person at the end of the pack" It hit me right there of how great of people our soldiers are, just little things like staying back, "No man left behind" was so awesome that it not only applies to them in the field, also with life and their everyday activities. At our coin ceremony, the general brought us back to the briefing room that had pictures of all the fallen troops in their branch, and he told us the story of one solider who threw himself on a grenade when one was thrown into a room with him and 14 other of his unit, all whom which would have died if he hadn't sacrificed his own life. Everyone should be grateful for what these troops are doing. Its such a humbling experience.
The concert tonight id moved indoors due to a sand storm moving in. They can last up to three days... so I hope the running crew will be able to make it down South for their flight home... but we were told things like this happen and there can be days of down time.
Day 7 -
The race this morning was cancelled due to the sandstorm that is still here. We met up with the Commanding General of (CG) Speicher today for his little deal. We saw on the "secret" weather report there is a good chance no one will be able to fliy our until thur, which means the runners that are supposed to fly out tomorrow will miss their flights. Most of them have other obligations to attend... so who knows what will happen.
Just got done with the Catchpenny show a theater. Nice crowds and the troops took and active roll in the night!
It looks like we will be stuck in Northern Iraq for while due to the sandstorm. Tomorrow we are going to see Transformers 2, pretty excited about that.
My body is confused right now. When we go to breakfast, I want dinner and vise versa.. its tough to reset your internal clock.
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