Memories

The place where we are offers great things that soldiers in other wars never even dreamed of having. ELECTRICITY AND SHOWERS. We have three toilets but only two work. Things here are not as bad as they could be. With electricity we have lights at night, we have computers and TVs and the ever great invention of the Internet. With running water we have the opportunity to take a shower every third or fourth day. We have one hot meal a day, sometimes two, but with all the stuff that we receive from home we are never without good food.
The bad thing about this place is that we are a big freaking target that gets hit about two times a week. Other than that, this place is not that bad.
From this place we run escort missions, patrols, Quick Reaction, food runs, and anything else that needs to be done. There is no way to describe the pride I feel for the soldiers that run those missions. Some of them have never been in a war before, others are on their second or third tour here. After each mission outside the wire the soldiers come back here with all their weapons, ammo, radios, food, water, etc. They go straight to eat, drink Gatorade, get on their computers and IM home telling their families that NOTHING is happening here and they shouldn't worry.
Our patrols have been hit by many IEDs, mortars and small arms fire, never the less, they go outside the wire every day to accomplish the mission. These soldiers are always ready for a fight, ready to assist the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army, ready to help a wounded civilian, ready to help Iraq help itself.
A couple days ago, after a very intense mission, the soldiers came in, did their weapons cleaning and equipment maintenance, ate, drank Gatorade and after all was done, I was invited to watch a movie with them.
We watched "Nip/Tuck" and for the next few hours we forgot where we were, for the next few hours we felt that we were in a friend's house just hanging out and watching TV. For two hours we forgot that the roads of Iraq can kill us.
I am honored to serve among these brave troops.

Thank you for your comments of support, I tell the soldiers everyday that what we do here is not just for the benefit of the Iraqi people but for the benefit of all in this world.