For those who remember me and those I haven’t met, I got tagged for a one-year to Iraq the end of 2010. Between spin-up and the actual deployment I was out of the picture until a couple of months ago upon my return stateside. Very interesting times as I was in Kirkuk, in northern Iraq and we had our hands full wrapping up Op New Dawn and trying to get the Iraqi military self-sustaining. We ended up the last base to close in the northern half of Iraq and I’ll never forget being the final chalk to redeploy, taking off on the last C-130 mission out of there blacked out after the sun went down under the eyes and security of the Iraqi Army.
Attached a couple of pics…both with my copy of Bruce Weber’s “As They See ‘Em” and a copy of Referee Magazine! One by an abandoned MiG-23 and the other by one of the captured Iraqi anti-aircraft cannons.
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34 downloadsMixed emotions leaving…on one hand, obviously I was ready to come home, as being away from home takes it’s own toll, but especially after all the “attention” we’d been getting. Having rockets/mortars/small arms shot at us became quite a regular event, especially in the weeks before our departure. We lost two soldiers during that time, and in light of the recent Memorial Day as well as a token of the many lives lost there, I make special mention of SPC Adrian Mills and 1LT Dustin Vincent for their sacrifice while performing their duties at the base with us.
On the other hand, my time there as an advisor to the Iraqis was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and our efforts transcended any political, cultural or geographical bounds. They gained our respect with the incredible sacrifices they made in trying to take care of their people and rebuild their country. The security forces there and particularly their families faced more of a threat than we did. I personally knew of two Iraqi officers who were assassinated. At least I could go to sleep at night knowing our families were safe from this madness.
And please…none of that is meant for any opinionated political/moral-type inputs or exchanges. I respect people differ on their views over this…got it, duly noted. Would like to leave it at eternal thanks that we are in a country/countries where we can have & voice those differences, and that we have people who will defend that right. Just sharing my personal experience.
On the lighter side…
Though I couldn’t find a hint of baseball in the whole dam country, did get to play a little Cricket. Thought, “Meh, I’ve faced 90 mph fastballs before, I can handle this!” That quickly became a self-critiquing mistake! Facing a really good Cricket pitcher, imagine trying to hit said 90 mph fastball with a wood paddle and the ball bouncing a few feet in front of you! Was more successful getting to play some soccer with our Iraqi counterparts. No doubt several of them could come over here and play at least Div I…they regularly spanked us and the games were only fair if we split up between joint Iraqi-American teams.
Thankfully, returned in time to get several games under my belt and shook the rust off pretty quickly. God, it was great to be back on the field!! Did well enough to get selected for upcoming PONY sectional and regional tournaments and have been invited to do high school ball next year...bring it!
Anyway, I’ve rambled on enough. Mainly wanted to say it's great to be back and howdy to everyone, both the “old” crowd and those who have joined U-E meanwhile…great site, great people, great info!
