Mike's Tour In Iraq

Saturday, 27 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

I was lucky enough to travel to Kurdistan today to do some work at a remote field office that we have. Now, I want you all to close your eyes and envision the ride up there. We travel in vehicles called REVA's where the seats are similar to riding on a bus. There are gun turrets in the roof, one in the front and the other in the rear. Gunners man each of the turrets while we're driving at least until we reach Kurdistan. The drive was made very early in the morning with the temps hovering in the mid to upper 30's. With two open gun turrets and the wind blowing in, the temps can feel like they're in the single digits if not lower. By the time you reach your destination (approximately 1 1/2 hrs away) you can't feel your butt, your feet are numb and iclcles have formed around your nostrils. Ahhhh, life in Iraq is great. When you finally get somewhere that has heat, your ready to hug whoever is closest and say thank-you.

It's the little things in life......Well, since it's early I'm sure I'll have more to say during the course of the day........

Thursday, 25 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone.......

Tuesday, 23 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

Wow, amazing how time flies......just yesterday it seemed like September and I blinked and woke up in December. Before I know it it'll be time to go home on R&R........

I try and stay current with what's going on in the states but it's tough when the news is so downbeat. The economy doesn't look like it's doing that well, sales are down, unemployment and foreclosures at an alltime high.....things are looking bleak. It'll be interesting to see what or if our new president can or is able to make a difference.

Wish everyone a happy holiday season

Short and sweet today......

Sunday, 21 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

I've been lax on posting thanks to everyone that's donated boxes. So, I'm going to post some names today and just want to extend our thanks for your donations. Unfortunately, this area has gotten a bit hotter these days which means it's difficult to get close to kids. And while I try and post photos when items are given away, I'm at the mercy of those individuals that distribute the items. I don't always get pictures in return. I hope to do better in the future.

So, without further adieu, thanks to the following individuals:

Guillu
Michele L. Brooks
Stephanie Velegol
Meg Finerty
Wendy Bollingier
Alvidrez
Dossett

Friday, 19 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

I have to tell you, the USO is the best. I miss my wife, I miss my children, I miss my grandchildren and I miss my family. This is the bluest time of year for me. And then you have the USO roll into town with a show that makes you forget about everything...even if it is just for the day.

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was traveling with the group, took the microphone first, telling the soldiers it was a tough time to be away from home.

I want to thank everyone that attended including Admiral Mullen, his wife, Kid Rock, Lewis Black, Kellie Pickler, Zac Brown, Kathleen Madigan and John Bowman.

Now, I know I'm forgetting the one womans name. For the life of me I cannot remember it. If you know who she is, please drop me a message on the site and let me give credit where credit is due.

Thanks again to the USO and ALL the performers for brightening up my Christamas a bit and caring for all the soldiers here.

Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

I seem to be having problems using my computer from the room these days. Because of the jamming devices on most of the military equipment, I get bumped off the internet quite readily. I'm not sure there's an easy fix to this but i've asked our IT guy to check into it for us.

Well, next week is Christmas and we get two whole days off. I'm not going to worry about my e-mail, it'll be there when I walk back into the office. In any event, I'm going to rest and relax......

I am waiting anxiously for two boxes from my wife. I need a winter jacket here, it's getting cold here!!! Now i've been in Iraq a few years but always down south, amazing how much colder it gets up here. We're getting ice and frost here regularly.....

Tuesday, 16 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

I am a grandpa again!!!!!

Cloe was born this morning weighing 7lbs 1/4 oz.

Yeaaaaaa, another one to spoil.........

Monday, 15 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

It's amazing what you get used to and what you take offense to. I came into my room today to find that someone had been playing with my computer. Now I'm not sure if the cleaning guys were trying to clean it and inadvertently hit one of the buttons. But, when all you have to call home is a 20' x 20' box you tend to get a little protective of it.

Now, I'm about ready to be a grandfather again. My daughter Ashley is scheduled to give birth to a baby girl tomorrow called Cloe. That makes me a grandpa 6 times over already.......

Damn, I'm beginning to feel old.

Dinner time and my stomach is talking to me.

Sunday, 14 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

Two weeks since I mailed Paige her B'day present and nothings arrived. The mail here stinks at times, lost boxes, boxes that have been opened and the goodies taken out....frustrating. There's a law against that isn't there. However, I don't think any postal employees will be coming here to conduct an investigation. The KBR guys who run the post office just look at you with a blank stare when you ask them what happened to your box. They will actually ask you, are you sure your wife mailed it????? DUHHHHH

Comon guys, someone rifled my box and took my crap. Now, if I sound a bit po'd, it's because I am. I mean, I love getting packages from my family....so when they disappear or the good stuff is taken out and it isn't taped up that great I get a bit....ummmm, unglued.

Only in Iraq.......

Friday, 12 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

Saturdays are always a day I look forward to. Saturdays are the day I get to call my grand daughter Elia and talk to her. Now Elia's only 3 so she doesn't say much.....until I say somethiung about Ariel from the Little Mermaid. Then I have a conversation....

Now I'm not sure I understand everything she says but I do get some interpretation from Caitlin, thanks Caitlin.......

Today is laundry day...time for me to wash my clothes and get caught up on a little fall Chu cleaning. Chu's stand for Containerized Housing Units......or mini trailers. Anyways, I have some cleaning that needs to be done and it's stuff the cleaning guys won't do.

Hmmm, I wonder if it's seafood night tonight......

Wednesday, 10 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

Wow, it's starting to get a bit chilly here, it's December and Christmas is but a stones throw away.

Yikes, what the hell am I doing here....why didn't I go home for the holidays?

I can tell you why, I'm getting old and the jet lag kills me.

However, there is something about the Middle Eastern night, the clear skies, starry nights and clean air. Well at least when the sand isn't blowing.

Ahhhh, how I miss home.

It just makes me wish for April even more so......

Monday, 08 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

Ahhh, another day, another dollar. Or is it Groundhog Day all over again. One of things I don't miss is my cell phone. Now, I may be into computers but the cell phones I can leave....I mean comon, it's bad when someone is calling you while you're having your morning constitutional and asks "whatcha up to?" I mean geez, let a guy have some privacy. Kids these days gotta have them whereas I'll give mine up.

I've been having problems getting on the computer and staying online. I seem to get bumped quite frequently these days. Not sure why but I've decided to do these in Word and copy them to the site so I don't lose them....

Gov't efficiency at its best........

Saturday, 06 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

Well Paige had her first bazaar to sell items at. For those who haven't read the past entries, my daughter Paige is going to Australia next year with the Ambassador program. Three beautiful weeks traveling around Australia......I'm jealous but, Paige deserves this and we're trying to help as much as we can. Paige, her mother, grandmother and aunt all went to this bazaar selling stuffed bears, indian bread and other items. Amazingly, she sold most of the items and walked away with almost $500.00 for her trip.

Yeaaaaaaa

Hmm, what else is going on......well, the weather here is getting cooler by the day. I'm waiting for my wife to send my winter jacket because I need it. This is almost like home without the snow. I'm not sure I want to say that word either because it gets cold enough here to snow.

Monday, 01 December 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

I'm sure that most of you can tell, I have difficuluty writing. I'm not good at it much less good at thinking of things to write. While I can talk at work once I get behind this screen my mind goes blank. I hate to write about the same things much less describe the surroundings. I'd love to get some ideas from my readers. What would you like to hear about? Is there anything that I can tell you about iraq that you'd like to hear? I'll try something a little different, something maybe I've not written about before.

Most of the Iraqi people that I've met are grateful, grateful that were here, grateful that things are different...the ones that aren't are usually the ones that were in power during the Saddam era and brought this country to it's knees. They are bitter that they've lost the power to rule, angry that things are different and they no longer have the luxuries they became accustomed to. The others, the radicals normally come from surrounding countries. They see this as an opportunity to institute their way of thinking. it's unfortunate that their killing is indiscrimate and involves the senseless killing of innocent women and children. The Arabic language is beautiful to listen to, the irqis use their hands when they speak, it reminds me of my grandmother from Italy. When she talked she always used her hands. The Iraqis are similar. They are generous when hosting you, they will offer you the last of their food to ensure that you're full. It is a culture that you watch closely, intently.

Saturday, 29 November 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

That time of year is finally here......the holidays are fast approaching and with it comes the blues of the season. The current group of soldiers are transitioning out and the new group coming in. The looks on their faces are one of wonderment, cautiousness and concern. It's amazing how you can read people just by the looks on their faces. It has to be tough getting assigned to the most dangerous city in all of Iraq. The sad reality of it is that some of these men and women won't return home. it makes the holiday season even more blue. Some of these kids are young, younger than my own son. And yet they still volunteer to serve their country. It makes me proud to be an American and even prouder to thank them for their service.

Everyone should take a moment and say their thanks. It doesn't matter who you pray to or what you believe.....there's one of these soldiers from each of our neighborhoods.....we usually don't know them personally.

Thursday, 27 November 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

Well, it's Thanksgiving in Mosul and the weather here is a cool, fall type of atmosphere. A little different than the weather I'm normally accustomed to back home in Buffalo but, if I closed my eyes, I could almost find myself standing outside with a jacket on and hearing the water hitting the shoreline.

When I got to the DFAC I was amazed to see a line that stretched around the block, almost 300-400 soldiers standing in line waiting for their thanksgiving turkey meal. Now while most would have been frustrated at having to wait in line for their meal, I couldn't help but being awed by these individuals and being surrounded by them all. Seeing them smile and brag at the dinner we were waiting for only made me hunger for it more. I always say it's the little things in life that matter, being here with these soldiers and hearing them laugh and joke made me grateful......grateful to be alive, grateful to have what I have and honored to share this meal with them.

I miss my family at home but this my family today...........

I'd like to take the opportunity to wish everyone at home a very Happy Thanksgiving.

I love and miss you all

Please pass the turkey and gravy please

Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

I have a list of to do's on my day off this Thursday. I need to do laundry, change my sheets, clean up my room, catch up on the blog, pack Paige's B-day gift and iron clothes. I'm getting sick of ironing clothes but I need to wear pressed clothes. I can't stand wearing somerthing that's all wrinkled. My wife always volunteers to iron because she knows I really don't like doing it. And, I usually let her do it because inevitably there is something she won't like doing. Geesh, do I miss her more than I usually do these days.

Almost feels like a Sunday here today and I'm not sure why, things just seem a bit confusing on the schedule. Weeks are flying by and before I know it Christmas and New Years will have come and gone. Before I know it it'll be time to go hom on R&R (yeaaaaaa). I know I've talked about this before, 12-14 hour days, 7 days a week. The days run into one and the weeks run into months, before you know it the months have rushed by and things are almost complete. I'll look forward to going home for a few weeks and seeing the family and our new house.

Time for a shower and shave....

Nite all

Sunday, 23 November 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and boy am I looking forward to a turkey dinner. One of my favorite meals is turkey, now I'm not sure if it's the family thing or just the whole occassion but I look forward to Thanksgiving every year. Since my family is spread around quite a bit I end up spending the day with Monica's family. Each of her family members are great cooks but her grandmother is fantastic. I look forward to spending the day with great people and great cooks. I better stop before I start drooling.

Now, I've been lax in posting photos of my recent trip to Kurdistan and a few other places. So, if everyone can give me until Friday I'll post them then.

I'm going to cut this short since I'm still not feeling well. Hope to respond to all the messages by the weekend......

Stay safe.....

Friday, 21 November 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

Ahhh, another Friday.....Fridays are the best, you get to sleep in a bit longer, catch up on laundry as well as other things that get put aside during the week. Often, I find myself just taking it easy and watching a little tv.

Now, my daughter Paige's birthday is fast approaching. Paige is having an overnight slumber party with 12 screaming, teenage girls and I don't envy my wife or Paige's aunt for having to watch the girls. Although I'm going to miss her B'day the thought of that many young lady's screaming through the house brings a mischievious grin to my face.

We have a couple of people leaving in the next month. Their short and because of that they've started the count. The count normally starts when you're about 30 days out and continues till you're down to being a double-digit counter. Once you've made it to single digits you're so short you're barely able to see over your boots. I don't think about the time, I don't let the time obesses me. If I did I'd drive myself nuts. I'm not short enough to start counting, next April I can start.......

Wednesday, 19 November 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

As most of you know I've missed too many days here in my diary. I've been sick and like everyone here, struggling to keep functioning. I finally needed to take a break and get some extra rest.

I'm sorry for not responding to any of my messages but I assure you that I am taking the time to respond to all of them.

Also, I want to thank everyone that shipped items. I have a lot of boxes to go through and I'll be posting pictures of a few little giveaways that we've done here.

Bear with me while I play catch up on my work and the diary.

Monday, 17 November 2008

Location: Mosul, Iraq

I'm back from Dahuk and believe it or not, i'm glad to be back in my own room. There's something about being back in familiar surroundings that is comforting. I think the snoring of others and our inability to flush toilet paper down a toilet makes you grateful for the little things that I often am grateful for. It could be worse and I need to remind myself that there are soldiers here that don't have the luxuries that we take for granted.

My trip up north was tremendous, we actually ate out at a restraunt in downtown Dahuk and went shopping at a local market. Having that many people around makes you uncomfortable and while their great to see you, being protected by personnel security on a daily basis makes you hesitant to get close. In any event, great food, good friends and a secure environment is nice.

Thursday, 13 November 2008

Location: Dahuk, Iraq

Now there's some things I can't talk about, certain things that for security purposes you just can't broadcast. It's difficult for me to even speak of these things with my wife but being former Army, she knows not to ask any questions and only requests a phone call. She is a strong women and if the roles were reversed, I'm not sure I would be able to maintain the same strength that she does. I am one lucky guy and I am grateful for her strength and her faith.

Now, I was tasked to go up north, to Kurdistan and help with a field office that we have there. Kurdistan is a great place, a place that lies within the country of Iraq but is autonomous from Iraq and wants nothing to do with it. Can't say as I blame them, after 1992 they moved in their own direction and became self suffiicient. Driving north is unique in itself, one minute your in Iraq and the next minute you cross an invisible line into paradise. The grass is greener, no garbage flying around and there are trees even planted in the median. You wear civilian clothes and don't worry about your body armor. In fact, if you wear your uniform you'll most likely find yourself surrounded and posing for photos with the locals. Life is different here and the Kurds are grarteful to Americans.

Right now I have work to do and need to cut this short. I'll post pictures and try to write something daily about my adventures in Dahuk.