Boots on the ground

Well, so far I've been in Iraq for about two days. I figured I ought to check in and let everyone know I'm here safe. Phone service isn't the best, but I've still managed to make a couple calls. Kirkuk is OK I guess. It isn't great but I didn't really expect it to be. We are still getting settled in, most of my guys aren't here yet. I've actually already been on my first patrol, which went well. The unit we are replacing has been very receptive. I know they are glad to see us come in, because it means they're one step closer to going home. I know I'll probably feel the same way when its my turn to get home. I'm looking forward to the deployment, its what I signed up for, but that doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to getting back home too. Kirkuk is a sight at night, the flames from burn pits and oil refineries light up the sky. It reminds me a little of oil country in Texas. Our Iraqi counterparts seem to be standing up very well, and are taking charge on a lot of missions. A lot of questions are still unanswered, but I guess that is part of the job. It really depends on how well we do. The officers in the unit we are replacing have been great hosts so far, offering as much information as they can. They are working as hard as they can to make our transition into their sector as smooth as possible. Thats it for now, more for later when all is more stable.

cricket... cricket...

OK, so its been a while since I've had the opportunity to post. I do apologize, but this one will have to be short as well. Just a quick update, I'm currently in Kuwait, finishing up mandatory training before headed up north. I'm doing well, its actually not that bad here. The weather is tolerable, and I'm well adjusted to the ten hour time difference now. Glad I'm not here during the summer, heard it gets into the 140's. Miss everybody from home, but I'll be back soon enough. Kuwait is an interesting place. The city as I saw it from the air looked rich, with tall buildings and busy well lit highways, surrounded by a whole lot of nothing for as far as you can see. Where I am right now, I've yet to see anything but six camels, dirt, and rocks. Nothing but dirt and training complexes for miles. Facilities here are alright, huge tents filled with cots and lots of porta-johns. The chow halls are actually impressive, for the most part better than the ones on post in the states. Not extremely stressful here, short bursts of business followed by periods where there isn't much to do other than pray for an email from the unit we're replacing. Ran into a few buddies from school and training. Its good to see familiar faces and catch up. Small Army I guess. Thats all for now, I'll try to update again later.