Last Post from Iraq

This will be my last post from Iraq. I travel to Kuwait next week for a short stay and then I’ll be back in the states by the end of this month. It’s September 7th and my calendar has a whole bunch of X’s on it, marking off the days. It looks like the departure date is unstoppable.

This is BG Halstead and the award I received. Sorry about the goofy look, I’m not sure what I was thinking about there. I’ve never received an award that I thought I deserved. I’ve always felt that I was just doing my job. I worked with a great group of people here, totally dedicated to the mission, life and profession and I was much honored to accept it from her. I’ll be watching her career as she rockets up the ranks. She’s been selected for her second star and going from here to head up the Ordinance Branch. She’s very well thought of, very professional and she truly cares for her soldiers.

I’ve been to Baghdad twice since coming back from Kirkuk. The last time I flew back in a beautiful sunset. I’ve been here thru 4 seasons now and it’s starting to cool down. Most of the countryside is a resilient green. The date trees and shrubs and grasses can survive in this brutal environment, even covered with dust. Temperatures are staying below 110 and once they get below 100, fall will be upon them.

I was thinking about this tour and what I’ve learned and all the people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had. I’ve been very lucky to have seen most of the country. I’ve been places that I wouldn’t mind coming back to as a tourist, but maybe in a couple of years.

I planned on writing a deeply philosophical perspective on Iraq on whether my political views had changed, but I don’t believe I can keep it impartial. I’ve met many groups of this conflict, from the coalition forces fighting the day to day battles, to the Iraqi citizens and military who really just want to raise their children in a safe environment. I’ve met truly outstanding soldiers and people from Great Britain, Australia, Italy, Poland and Korea and thank them for standing with us.

I also realize that I’m very tired. The new guys are here to replace us and they’re brimming with the enthusiasm and energy I think we showed as we came into theater last year. We’re in right seat/left seat training now and watch as they assume the duties we’ve been doing for the past year. I wish them well. They have a huge job ahead of them and I’ll be watching their progress from afar and wishing them the best. Whatever my political views are, they’ll have my support.

And, thank you, to all of you, for your support. Your cards and books, gifts, food, thoughts, well wishes and emails from friends and family alike have made this a wonderful life experience. I ask for your continued support for all our soldiers throughout the world. Please get involved however you can and send a card or box or note to someone serving. It is the highlight of the day and special gifts are remembered for a long time. Your support of our troops is felt down the line and reminds us that we belong to a great nation.

Thank you all, once again. I’m coming home.