I was kind of down in the dumps these last few weeks over being away for the holidays. Nothing says Christmas like burgers in Iraq, but as Dad always says cey lla ve!
I want to thank everyone, from the bottom of my heart. Your gifts and letters have helped me stay positive thruought the holidays.
Last night I sat back and just thought about how lucky I am. I am grateful to have all of you in my life.
I am in love with the most amazing woman in the world, and she loves me too ;) I want you to know that you are and will forever be the apple of my eye. I love you more than anything.
Where would I be without my family and friends back home? About 10 lbs lighter, that's for sure! I don't have the words to express how much you all mean to me.
I know you will all be there when I get back, but I just wanted to thank you. You sent me Christmas trees, and cookies, and everything else imaginable to make this Christmas a little brighter. I will never forget how lucky I am to have such a special bunch of friends and family.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years
Love Always
Kyle
25 December 2008
13 December 2008
Another Brick in the Wall
I have officially hit the wall. The first two months were chaotic. Everyday presented a new challenge that I was seeing for the first time. Now, monotony has set in. I just wish it happened a bit later in the deployment.
I am not as busy anymore because higher finally gave us some assets to help take the weight off of us. We are no longer the new unit, so people aren't waiting at the gate with presents to greet us. The cold weather (low 40's at night) has kept the insurgents at bay. They generally don't like to attack when its so cold.
And then there's Christmas. I despise the idea of being away from Maria for christmas. Given that last year was the best Christmas I have ever had makes it that much more difficult. Now I know what Im missing.
My last post shed a little light on the difficulties we now face with the SOFA agreement. Don't get me wrong, it's a great accomplishment for the future of Iraq. On one hand, it lets the country take back control of their own future. That's a big deal. What sucks is that it really chastices our ability and keeps us in a constant state of frustration. It is what it is I suppose.
Well Im not writing this blog for you all to feel sorry for me! haha you already do given the amount of junk food that arrives in the mail everyday. Everyone here is safe and counting the days till we can come home. I owe all of you pictures of the Charlie Brown Christmas Trees that we have put up.
Love always
Kyle
I am not as busy anymore because higher finally gave us some assets to help take the weight off of us. We are no longer the new unit, so people aren't waiting at the gate with presents to greet us. The cold weather (low 40's at night) has kept the insurgents at bay. They generally don't like to attack when its so cold.
And then there's Christmas. I despise the idea of being away from Maria for christmas. Given that last year was the best Christmas I have ever had makes it that much more difficult. Now I know what Im missing.
My last post shed a little light on the difficulties we now face with the SOFA agreement. Don't get me wrong, it's a great accomplishment for the future of Iraq. On one hand, it lets the country take back control of their own future. That's a big deal. What sucks is that it really chastices our ability and keeps us in a constant state of frustration. It is what it is I suppose.
Well Im not writing this blog for you all to feel sorry for me! haha you already do given the amount of junk food that arrives in the mail everyday. Everyone here is safe and counting the days till we can come home. I owe all of you pictures of the Charlie Brown Christmas Trees that we have put up.
Love always
Kyle
10 December 2008
Dear Mr. President
Two weeks ago, we detained a real bad dude. This wasn't the village idiot who can't make it as a farmer. Oh no, this one was special. This one just loved to kill Americans. He only bought the high end weapons which increased his chances of shooting down helicopters. This one had followers too.
This man was so bad that his followers planned to kill us in retailiation. Homeboy was so bad that I was unable send all of my reports on him in an e-mail because the "File was too Large." This guy was one for the books.
So why then, Mr. President, is this man back in our little detainment cell tonight? Why am I looking at his ugly mug again? Why have we been ordered to release him tomorrow. Because of some contingency in the SOFA Agreement? You have got to be kidding me. You're going to tell me that some Iraqi judge didn't think we had enough evidence to put him in a cold dark place for life? Really? He must not be too concerned with our new friend walking on his streets. Why should I give a fuck? I'll tell you why. This dude is going to attack us again just like he said he would. He will attack us until he can't do it anymore, just like he promised.
It's time to go home.
This man was so bad that his followers planned to kill us in retailiation. Homeboy was so bad that I was unable send all of my reports on him in an e-mail because the "File was too Large." This guy was one for the books.
So why then, Mr. President, is this man back in our little detainment cell tonight? Why am I looking at his ugly mug again? Why have we been ordered to release him tomorrow. Because of some contingency in the SOFA Agreement? You have got to be kidding me. You're going to tell me that some Iraqi judge didn't think we had enough evidence to put him in a cold dark place for life? Really? He must not be too concerned with our new friend walking on his streets. Why should I give a fuck? I'll tell you why. This dude is going to attack us again just like he said he would. He will attack us until he can't do it anymore, just like he promised.
It's time to go home.
04 December 2008
Our Future
Dear Miss. S’s Classes,
I was so excited to receive your letters! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I hung them all up in my office as well as the hallway so that all of the soldiers can appreciate your wonderful letters. The pictures were great, too!
Everything is going well here. We are stationed at a very small base and we are all packed in like sardines. It’s really funny though, because we act like one big family. There is always someone complaining, or people arguing like brothers do. Come to think of it, it reminds me of the stories that Miss S used to bring home each night regarding all of you! Ha!
I want you to know how incredible it is to see the children in Iraq. They are just like all of you. They go crazy for candy and have a way of always finding trouble. I will try to send some pictures next time we drive thru the villages.
I want to tell you about the dogs. They are everywhere, and their so ugly! No one wants to claim the darn things either. Sometimes they sneak thru our base’s fence and make a mess. It drives us crazy! I miss my ugly dog. I think most of you have seen the pictures of him. He is so ugly that he is cute, if that makes any sense at all. The army has some working dogs. I have fun playing with them because they are so strong. Once they get a hold of their chew toy it takes a long time to pull it from their mouth. The things we do for entertainment around here!
I know many of you play football, how are your teams doing this year? Did anyone see the new James Bond movie? Was it good? What other movies are out that you would recommend. I certainly miss parking my lazy bum on the couch and watching them.
OK, I have to run! Again, thank you for the letters. They really did put a smile on the faces of my soldiers! Mine too! Please do not give Miss S a hard time, because then I will have to hear it on the phone when I call. Tell her that I said you need a non-homework day too.
Keep up the great work; I hear you are all doing great in school! It’s very important that you work hard now, so that you can all be rich and take care of me when I am an old man.
Love
Kyle
I was so excited to receive your letters! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I hung them all up in my office as well as the hallway so that all of the soldiers can appreciate your wonderful letters. The pictures were great, too!
Everything is going well here. We are stationed at a very small base and we are all packed in like sardines. It’s really funny though, because we act like one big family. There is always someone complaining, or people arguing like brothers do. Come to think of it, it reminds me of the stories that Miss S used to bring home each night regarding all of you! Ha!
I want you to know how incredible it is to see the children in Iraq. They are just like all of you. They go crazy for candy and have a way of always finding trouble. I will try to send some pictures next time we drive thru the villages.
I want to tell you about the dogs. They are everywhere, and their so ugly! No one wants to claim the darn things either. Sometimes they sneak thru our base’s fence and make a mess. It drives us crazy! I miss my ugly dog. I think most of you have seen the pictures of him. He is so ugly that he is cute, if that makes any sense at all. The army has some working dogs. I have fun playing with them because they are so strong. Once they get a hold of their chew toy it takes a long time to pull it from their mouth. The things we do for entertainment around here!
I know many of you play football, how are your teams doing this year? Did anyone see the new James Bond movie? Was it good? What other movies are out that you would recommend. I certainly miss parking my lazy bum on the couch and watching them.
OK, I have to run! Again, thank you for the letters. They really did put a smile on the faces of my soldiers! Mine too! Please do not give Miss S a hard time, because then I will have to hear it on the phone when I call. Tell her that I said you need a non-homework day too.
Keep up the great work; I hear you are all doing great in school! It’s very important that you work hard now, so that you can all be rich and take care of me when I am an old man.
Love
Kyle
28 November 2008
Give Thanks
A holiday spent deployed is a difficult feeling to describe. It is hard to make those phone calls home, knowing what your missing on the other end. There is nothing I want more in the world than to be with you, but it puts me at ease hearing you laugh and knowing you are ok.
Living in such tight quarters has molded us into one big family. We may not agree all the time, but it is our differences which are our greatest asset. Each soldier brings something to this company in such a way that if he was not here, then something would be missing. It may not feel like a lot has changed in the short time that we have been here, but when you step back and look at the soldiers eating and laughing side by side at crowded Thanksgiving tables, you can see the brotherhood which we have become.
I had the distinct honor of re-enlisting one of my soldiers after the meal. In front of our senior leadership and the rest of the soldiers, a fantastic NCO dedicated 3 more years to his profession. I cannot express how proud or honored I was to be a part of this. I am humbled that he chose me to swear him in.
I miss all of you more than you will ever know. It is the laughter around a dinner table which I desire most. It's always been about the food anyway!
Love always
Kyle
Living in such tight quarters has molded us into one big family. We may not agree all the time, but it is our differences which are our greatest asset. Each soldier brings something to this company in such a way that if he was not here, then something would be missing. It may not feel like a lot has changed in the short time that we have been here, but when you step back and look at the soldiers eating and laughing side by side at crowded Thanksgiving tables, you can see the brotherhood which we have become.
I had the distinct honor of re-enlisting one of my soldiers after the meal. In front of our senior leadership and the rest of the soldiers, a fantastic NCO dedicated 3 more years to his profession. I cannot express how proud or honored I was to be a part of this. I am humbled that he chose me to swear him in.
I miss all of you more than you will ever know. It is the laughter around a dinner table which I desire most. It's always been about the food anyway!
Love always
Kyle
24 November 2008
No News is Good News...I promise
Sorry I have not written in a while. I have been working 20 hour days on average. The stuff I can write about is boring and the stuff I can't write about...well it's just not appropriate to put on the web. Just know that I am having a great time over here, honestly. A Counter Insurgency is such a complex environment. You are always on your toes, and the challenge is both rewarding and stimulating. Sectarian Violence, Tribal Boundaries, Ulterior Motives....it's all there waiting to trump you. This has been so much more stimulating than a traditional war could ever be.
I miss everyone dearly. I would like to thank all of the letters from the Soldiers Angels that I have been recieving. You take the time to individually write us, and it means a great deal. I plan on writing each person back when I get home. I am just too busy right now to even attempt it.
Heres something for your viewing pleasures:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsGjcdPbu84
With lots of love
xoxoxo
I miss everyone dearly. I would like to thank all of the letters from the Soldiers Angels that I have been recieving. You take the time to individually write us, and it means a great deal. I plan on writing each person back when I get home. I am just too busy right now to even attempt it.
Heres something for your viewing pleasures:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsGjcdPbu84
With lots of love
xoxoxo
18 November 2008
The Few
The sons of Iraq was created to provide jobs to military aged males susceptible to become insurgents. Its like a neighborhood watch group who operate checkpoints and provide security throughout the towns they live in. Many deem it as the turning point in this war...
with that being said I want to share a story with you. Several soldiers have been recieving care packages composed of abnormal contents. Notebooks, pens, flashlights, blankets, etc. When asked why they are asking home for such things do you know what they say?
"Sir, it's for the kids. Sir its for the check points."
Think about this for a minute. How truly amazing these kids really are...
with that being said I want to share a story with you. Several soldiers have been recieving care packages composed of abnormal contents. Notebooks, pens, flashlights, blankets, etc. When asked why they are asking home for such things do you know what they say?
"Sir, it's for the kids. Sir its for the check points."
Think about this for a minute. How truly amazing these kids really are...
15 November 2008
The Revenge of Saddam
I spoke too soon I guess. Shortly after the encuonter with the farmer we returned back to our FOB for a lunch event with all of the local Shieks. They brought the food; chicken, keebob, vegetables, and bread. The bread by the way is the best bread I have ever had. The other food I cannot say the same about. While it tasted good, something went terribly wrong in its preparation. I have been down for two days now with infectuous diahrea and everything that goes with it. The medecine is slowly picking me back up but i have been in real rough shape. Lesson 1 to a deploying soldier; DO NOT EAT THE FOOD!
12 November 2008
Been a While
I know it's been a while, I am sorry. You cannot fathom how stretched thin and busy we have been around here. Its truly amazing what a soldier can accomplish.
We searched a farming area today which we had deemed to be of suspicious nature. We were deliberate in our actions and as we approached the farm house. There were several military aged men on the premises and from surveillance we knew that they had at least one weapon. We were prepared for anything.
As we walk to the house, two of the young men begin speaking to us in broken English. They are very excited to see us and love the opportunity to chat. After several minutes their father, the head of his household comes outside to greet us. He invites us inside his tiny house.
The man has had a tough life as a farmer. He makes best with his farm and lives in a small house with nine children and beds engulfing what little floor space he has. He must work long hours because the water in the canals only comes once a week to feed his wheat. When it comes, it does not last more than a day. The man engages us in conversation, he has long since ignored the pestering of the mosquitos which are attacking us at free will.
I mention this man because he is who I will think of many years from now when I recollect my days in Iraq. The man does not have much, but he has enough. He invites us into his home where we drink sweet chai (Iraq tea) and eat cakes which his son has prepared. We ask if we can bring some of our cakes to our soldiers who are waiting outside, his son has already taken care of them. He cannot stop smiling. He speaks of coalition forces as if we are a part of his family. His village is now safe. He does not have to worry about secratarian violence. Life for the moment is very good.
We return to our vehicles standing a little taller than when we left them. For the first time in a while I felt like maybe, just maybe I was doing something good. Like, maybe this is what is Iraq.
We searched a farming area today which we had deemed to be of suspicious nature. We were deliberate in our actions and as we approached the farm house. There were several military aged men on the premises and from surveillance we knew that they had at least one weapon. We were prepared for anything.
As we walk to the house, two of the young men begin speaking to us in broken English. They are very excited to see us and love the opportunity to chat. After several minutes their father, the head of his household comes outside to greet us. He invites us inside his tiny house.
The man has had a tough life as a farmer. He makes best with his farm and lives in a small house with nine children and beds engulfing what little floor space he has. He must work long hours because the water in the canals only comes once a week to feed his wheat. When it comes, it does not last more than a day. The man engages us in conversation, he has long since ignored the pestering of the mosquitos which are attacking us at free will.
I mention this man because he is who I will think of many years from now when I recollect my days in Iraq. The man does not have much, but he has enough. He invites us into his home where we drink sweet chai (Iraq tea) and eat cakes which his son has prepared. We ask if we can bring some of our cakes to our soldiers who are waiting outside, his son has already taken care of them. He cannot stop smiling. He speaks of coalition forces as if we are a part of his family. His village is now safe. He does not have to worry about secratarian violence. Life for the moment is very good.
We return to our vehicles standing a little taller than when we left them. For the first time in a while I felt like maybe, just maybe I was doing something good. Like, maybe this is what is Iraq.
06 November 2008
Boo Voters
Hey everyone,
First off, I would like to thank you all for the warm birthday wishes. It felt great hearing from everyone. It was weird not being home for it, but the kind words made it alot easier. Thanks again.
Just trying to settle in here as we continue to synchronize ("rip" in army jargon) with the departing unit. It has been a daunting task to establish any degree of normalcy because we are ripping with several different units at the same time. The area that my company owns is enormous. With so much terrain comes the infrastructure and personalities and everything else, its a lot to digest. One day ata time.....
What has been troubling is that one of the units we are replacing has not been doing there job to army standards. This happens from time to time as units become too comfortable in their area. The problem with this is that it leads to complacency, and that is a soldier's worst enemy. As the new unit coming in, I get the sense that their are serious gaps in intelligence that we will need to fill. No problem, just a little more work on our end. It will get done.
In other news, I was adopted! Visit www.soldiersangels.org. Since it has become apparent that alot of people are viewing this blog, I felt I should mention it. Its a fantastic site where you adopt a soldier over seas and send them "goodies." Just do me a favor, adopt an army soldier or marine. The air force and navy guys have got great tans over here from lying around on their fat asses. The same can be said for National Guard. I can't believe soldiers who are currently not deployed are asking to be adopted ;)
Well I guess that's all I have for now. I have to run, theres a job to finish before our Democratic Country decides to take over the world.
Love you all!
p.s. Im glad to see someone got to eat cheescake on my birthday!
First off, I would like to thank you all for the warm birthday wishes. It felt great hearing from everyone. It was weird not being home for it, but the kind words made it alot easier. Thanks again.
Just trying to settle in here as we continue to synchronize ("rip" in army jargon) with the departing unit. It has been a daunting task to establish any degree of normalcy because we are ripping with several different units at the same time. The area that my company owns is enormous. With so much terrain comes the infrastructure and personalities and everything else, its a lot to digest. One day ata time.....
What has been troubling is that one of the units we are replacing has not been doing there job to army standards. This happens from time to time as units become too comfortable in their area. The problem with this is that it leads to complacency, and that is a soldier's worst enemy. As the new unit coming in, I get the sense that their are serious gaps in intelligence that we will need to fill. No problem, just a little more work on our end. It will get done.
In other news, I was adopted! Visit www.soldiersangels.org. Since it has become apparent that alot of people are viewing this blog, I felt I should mention it. Its a fantastic site where you adopt a soldier over seas and send them "goodies." Just do me a favor, adopt an army soldier or marine. The air force and navy guys have got great tans over here from lying around on their fat asses. The same can be said for National Guard. I can't believe soldiers who are currently not deployed are asking to be adopted ;)
Well I guess that's all I have for now. I have to run, theres a job to finish before our Democratic Country decides to take over the world.
Love you all!
p.s. Im glad to see someone got to eat cheescake on my birthday!
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