Sigh....

Don't you loving waiting for something? Anything? I love to wait. Hell, I wait to wait. Going to Kuwait... eventually.

So close, I can taste it. Or maybe thats the burnt trash...

Holy Hell! Almost out of this place and all I have to show for it is a tan and a tee-shirt. OK, maybe a little more and not dissapointed in the least. Nice to be with most of the original team again, and the picture shows that we are all happy to be together and soon on our way home. I will update our progress as we go along and so people don't think this blog was temporary I do plan on sticking with it for a long time. I got orders to Germany and what kind of friend would I be if I kept pictures of Europe from you folks? Be home soon. Enjoy these pictures of me speaking to Sadam. CLICK ME! ME TOO!!

Pearls Before Sailor Harry

USO gave us a treat here in Baghdad. 10 cartoonists came to visit us here and I was able to sit down and chat with Stephen Pastis while he drew me one of my family's favorite charachters from his strip, Pearls Before Swine. Most of USO hosted events would get canceled when I was at Speicher or Brassfield, so it was nice to actually be a part of this one. This post is short as I've included several pictures. Pastis is an awesome guy and I love the drawing, but appreciate even more the time he spent coming out and visiting us.

POTD for October 20th, 2009: "Oooo! Shiny"

Today, Sailor Harry got a nice, shiny Army Commedation medal.

For exceptionally meritorious service while serving as an intelligence analyst for Weapons Intelligence Team One in support of OIF. IS2 Atchison's dedication during combat operations in Iraq contributed significantly to the command's mission success. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Combined Joint Task Force Troy, and the United States Navy.

Here is what it says in the write-up for the award. Shame that though it says it covers the time I'm in country, they did the write-ups for end of tour awards half way through deployment. For those curious to what exactly I did while I was over here on vacation, take a read.

#1 Superbly supported Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit Six and 3-25 Brigade Combat Team operations as an Intelligence Analyst on Weapons Intelligence Team (WIT) 1. He executed 27 combat missions, with over 172 hours outside-the-wire in hostile areas, conducting battlefield exploitation of weapons caches, IEDs, RKG-3 anti-armor grenade attacks, and indirect fire incidents. PO2 Atchison gathered critical pieces of forensic data to identify and disrupt IED-networks in the Salah ad Din Province.

#2 Provided key support to the first Combined Joint Task Force Troy-North Iraqi Police Counter Explosive Team (IP-CET) Combined Commanders Confrence from 25-26 July, 2009. He spent over 24 hours supporting the event ensuring material readiness of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) training evolutions and demonstrations and provided security for an Iraqi troop encampment on COB Speicher. The dedication of PO2 Atchison fostered goodwill with the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), and enhanced their capability to counter the IED threat in the region.

#3 Operated in an independent support role at FOB brassfield-Mora for the 630th, 797th, and 710th EOD Companies. He exploited over 674 pieces of IED evidence collected on incident scenes and through turn-ins by Iraqi EOD and IP-CET. His careful evidence handling enabled the identification of five latent prints of value. This sparked target and warrant packages and subsequent removal of violent extremists from the tactical landscape, thereby creating a safer enviornment for Coalition Forces in MND-North.

#4 Brilliantly collaberated with Coallition Forces and IP-CET to establish effective training and information-sharing networks. His contributions fostered vital sensitive site exploitation training and evidence gathering/handling techniques which resulted in the detention of over five enemy insurgents to be prosecuted in the Central Criminal Court of Iraq. PO2 Atchison's decisive actions reduced the operational capabilities of extremist groups and provided effective new Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for Coallition Forces.

This did cover most of the work I did, however, I went outside the wire almost twice what the write-up states, and processed double the amount of evidence. All complaints aside, I'm content with my colered piece of ribbon.

Just Counting Down The Days Now

I get here and the first thing I do is complain. WTF Harry? Jeeze, it's not like you'll be off to Kuwait and then home in a week... Oh right, I am. Wahoo! Wahoo, indeed.

The part of Baghdad I'm at actually has several cool things to see as there is literally a palace in my backyard and a man-made lake. Along the lake are several cool houses right on the water and the architecture is actually quite nice. Sadam had constructed the whole area for his Bath party buddies and the palace for himself. Not really a shame that we blew the place to Hell when we invaded.

Spent the day running the replacements around, to and from the airport. Good to get these guys finally out so they can start doing what we've done the last six months. Another Navy guy came back this afternoon and it was nice to catch up and great to see he came back with all his fingers and toes. This group has been most fortunate to not have any casulties or deaths. Not to deny that I haven't seen it or lost anyone over here, sad to say.

I will be taking pics of the palace, among other things while I'm here. Wednsday should be cool, as we have the artists for "Doonesbury" and "Pearls Before Swine", along with eight other cartoonists visiting the base. Hopeing to get the comics section of our newspaper here signed by these guys, especially by one of my favorites, "Pearls Before Swine".

Besides all that, not much going on here. Looking forward stepping off the plane and not having to come back here... As far as I know. Fingers crossed. ;)

POTD for October 14th, 2009: "All my bags are packed.."

Getting ready for a flight to Ballad, then to Baghdad. Don't I look thrilled? Maybe because I'm going off of 2 hours of sleep for two days. I love you insomnia.

Which brings me to another bane of my existence; Red Bull. Ah yes, the piss of demons, disguised as a gift from the angels. Back on my first deployment, I went through a 4 pack a day for 2 months, STRAIGHT. Kind of swore of the liquefied cocaine when I started hallucinating, became paranoid, and felt like I had insects crawling in my skin. Occasionally I will drink it, whether in a mixed drink or a late night road trip. I finally sent off all my crap in the mail today and had to grab a big can of the swill to keep going. Good times.

Being exhausted made me realize my talents as a writer and that I perform differently when I'm due for shut eye. While at times my mind will wander when it comes to simple crap, I tend to be more focused and determined in other tasks. On the ride over to the post office, I was rambling off in my head and wished I had my laptop to write it all down. I guess whenever I want to post here, I'll just stay up the whole night prior.

I'm scheduled to leave sometime this morning and will post how the whole trip went when I get to the capital, and get some well-deserved rest. I can't wait to get there and get yelled at about important things, like not wearing reflective belts, and being in Iraq and in the Navy. Yippee.

POTD for October 7th, 2009: "Iraqi Master Chief"

Sorry, kind of been in a Halo-mood this past week. Ended up helping out at another Partnership event. Though this time, I mistook it for simple training. Boy was I wrong. Seems it was more along the line of a huge publicity stunt for high brass and Iraqi leaders. So what did that mean for Sailor Harry. Oh I had the besttest of times! Who wouldn't want to sit in full gear, inside one of the dustiest of Humvees with no A/C, on one of the hottest days of the last 2 weeks, and sit and wait for 3 hours, waiting for people to show up. Really showed them what the Iraqis could do, especially how we rehearsed the whole event and went step by step with them, before any of them were there. Oh they knew what they were doing. ;)

UPDATE: So, as was and still is expected, dates were changed. I probably will still end up coming home around the same time I think I will. The nice thing is my Chief doesn't want us hanging around for BS and is sending us to Freedom Rest for a few days this Friday. At this mini-troop resort, I should be able to swim around in the pool, sleep as much as I want, and maybe even get a steak cooked how I want it: Bloody with a dark, cool center. Nummers big time!

I'm such a Halo nerd....

Yes, I got a custom patch that says ODST* on it.

Yes, I wore it around the whole entire base.

Yes, I got yelled at for it.

Yes, it was worth it and totally awesome!

....

Yes, I'm still single.

*(ODST is the newest game in the Halo video game series. ODST stands for Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.)

Want a patch? LET ME KNOW!

Fw:

Gah! I missed last week due to work, prepping for turnover with incoming Army. This picture represents where I'm at in this deployment: I've ran clean into the proverbial wall. We all have reached that wall in our lives, and simply left in a complete daze, stumbling over our feet and muttering, "But I don't want to go to work mommy. I want to stay home and bake cookies with you." It's like being in a drunk stupor, minus the fun of working to get into one, though depending on how hard you hit said wall, that's not to say the resulting vomit is omitted. It's been known to happen.

Good news is, I'll be in Baghdad in a couple weeks, if only to stay there for a moment. Then it's back to a place I wouldn't leave Hell for. That's right, little ole' Kuwait. Ah yes, this little gem that I detest truly makes you feel unwelcome. Whether it's the dust in your mouth, or the temperature that makes you wish you would simply die. I remember walking off the plane in April, taking a moment to look around, and a tear preceded to roll down from my eye. I detest hot weather and I knew I would be in Iraq during the worst months; July and August. I also knew I would be doing it in 60lbs of body armor and equipment, in long sleeves and pants. Thank goodness we wear shorts and tee shirts when not on mission.

The weather now is actually quiet pleasant, some days similar to Maryland. Chilly at night, and nice breezes during the day. Minus the generous amounts of sand, one could say we are experiencing California weather. One could also say that this Iraqi Partnership thing is going great and not a complete waste of this sailor's time. In that case, please direct me to that said person so they can share their hard booze with me. I can not wait to be in a place where I do not have worry about the locals. Hell, I'll be glad where I don't have to worry more about the local police! I think I'd rather be in Mexico City.

Nice thing though is that I learned we will be doing our, "Are you crazy? Say no so you can't get disability pay when the problems kick in, years from now..." tests in Germany. I took a "quick" psych eval before I left, and they will give it to us again to compare the results. We'll be able to see if I've cracked. I should be good. Lucky the Leprechaun told me so. he also told me to burn things, though I think he was joking.

Speaking of jokes, how 'bout them Redskins? For all those Skins' fans out there, what's it like having Detroit beat you?

POTD for September 16th, 2009: "Swine Flu Free, That's For Me!"

Seems I left for Iraq at a crazy time for our country. Health Care Reform, North Korea test firing missiles, and a global pandemic. The first couple of months in country, it seems people were panicking about the newest "Black Plague". The media made it sound as if people were
dropping like flies, Mexico was a biohazard, and it wasn't safe to go to school. Was it safe to eat pork? How can I prevent getting the H1N1 virus? How long can someone live if they have it? My question is, how will we react if we have a REAL pandemic?

Few months ago, I got into a heated discussion about swine flu with a friend online. He kept going on about how serious the virus was and how it would be horrible when it spreads all across the world. I asked him if this is the way he reacted whenever flu season hit. He scoffed and
reminded me that this was no "common cold". I simply responded, "No, this was more like the 'common flu'." Confused? He was, to say the least. I'll spare you the rest of his CNN-driven panic, and how WHO labeled this as a pandemic and how, "Dude, Swine Flu kills. IT KILLS MAN!" Yeah, so does MRSA, and remember how that was treated like the new doomsday disease, last year?

"Harry, death is serious and isn't a joke", some of you may say. You're absolutely right, it isn't. I just see the virus for what it really is, and what it really is, is a different strain of the Influenza virus. Influenza? That sounds pretty severe. People get Influenza all the time. My dad had it a few months ago. What's Influenza like? A really bad flu. What's Swine Flu like? Just like what it is; influenza.

But what about the unfortunate people killed by the virus? Isn't that something to raise concern about? Sure, but not the escalated fear that FOX and all the other networks went on about. Thousands of people were killed! Compare the numbers with the amount of people that are laid to rest from the common flu/cold. And the numbers are from a global scale. The annual rate of American deaths from common influenza rivals that! Wow, you had no idea? I don't blame you. H1N1 was a breaking story in a slow news lull.

When I began writing this, I was going to blast and chastise the general ignorance of common people, and the way they perceived the "epidemic". But I stopped myself because I soon realized that this panic was brought on by misinformation. What really got to me though was all the concern and people wanting to know how to prevent catching the virus. What was worse was the reaction when news casters explained that simple hygiene, such as washing hands, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, and to stay home if you have, (and this is what was the final straw with me), "The following symptoms". The reporter then went on to list the same
exact symptoms of the common flu. Woooooooooooooow. This is a brand new MEGA VIRUS?! Please give me a break and stop toying with people's fears. We have enough problems with people panicking about supposed fake birth certificates of our President, North Korea and Iran using Wonder Twin Powers, and the fate of our Nation's Health Care. Now we're discussing a
huge push for a vaccine. How effective will it be? It's just a guess, but maybe it'll be as effective as a normal flu vaccine?

Bottom line is this, if you or your child gets Swine Flu, DON'T PANIC. DON'T PANIC. DON'T PANIC. Panic causes stress and stress can determine how effective our bodies are to fighting disease and getting better. People usually get better with a positive attitude. Stay at home and get better. I hear H1N1 is like having a bad flu, and that's what it is. The symptoms may be a bit more severe, (people who normally don't feel nausea may start vomiting, migraines, worst aches and pains), but it effects people differently. I believe that the virus has been the cause
of some deaths world-wide. I'm simply trying to play down the built up hype and panic caused by the media. Don't panic and definitely don't treat those that have H1N1 like they're going through chemo with a 50-50 chance to live. Lastly, you can't get the virus from eating pork, so eat some friggin' bacon if you want!

There's outrage of how WHO was prepared for this "epidemic". I think people should be outraged if this is the best WHO could do for just bad cold. You think the world was in shambles from just Swine Flu? Imagine when a real health threat, that kills respectful numbers returns to
erase a good percentage of our population. Hey, at least I have a gas mask for when that happens.

Please don't say that...

There's two reasons why I like doing "ten things" lists. You guys love them and it makes it easier on me when I seem to have writer's block and can't figure what to post.

Today we go over some of the things you don't want to hear before going outside the wire.

1. This is my first time!

2. I'm headed home. Been here an entire year with nothing.

3. Intel says they don't expect anything.

4. @*$%! I forgot to call my wife. Remind me when we get back.

5. We should only be gone for a couple hours.

6. I forgot it. Shouldn't need it though.

7. The IPs (Iraqi Police) say they're going to escort us the rest of the way.

8. They call me "Lucky".

9. We have to go through a few SOI (Sons of Iraq) checkpoints along the way.

10. What could go wrong?

I promise to have "real" entry on Wednsday. I swear! My brain... How it hurts soooooooo.

POTD for September 11th, 2009 "Daddy. Where do IED's come from?"

Well Timmy, when a man loves a woman very much, but hates America, a stork makes a magical journey from a mystical land called Iran. Then the stork decides to take a dump on the nearest Humvee it can find.

But that's just a fairy tale, so it isn't true. Right daddy?

You would think seeing something like this would make me mad, but for us Intel nerds, we simply smirk. Go figure. I thought IED components would say something like "Made in Taiwan" or China. I would think they would be smart enough to rub irony in our faces with something American-made. Their lack originality is almost insulting. Try harder Mohamed and Omar.

I'd much rather they learn from our good buddy Ahkmed, and be good, little, DEAD terrorists. At least his sense of humor is funny.

POTD for September 4th, 2009: "Birthday Beer"

Ah, another year has come and gone, and a certain special someone has become a year older. The year was filled with ups and downs, but thankfully it has been more of a positive experience. Thanks to the birthday wishes and to my grandma and parents for their birthday packages, they were awesome. The only thing that would have made them any more awesome-er is
if you guys mailed yourselves, (then that would mean I could try to mail myself home.) I was even fortunate to keep my birthday a secret for half of the day, so bonus points for that.

Been a few weeks, hasn't it? Sucks when you're in a place with people
who love to keep you more than busy. To be honest, I returned to
Speicher last week and took the week off from posting. I've been feeling
like crap and running on empty and hope to recharge Sunday. I'm back to
the blog though, so don't worry about not hearing from me for periods at
a time.

Let's see, what have I been up to? Can't say nothing, that doesn't seem
to appease you people. You guy's desire words of wisdom and tale of
heroics from this, honest-to-God, American hero, and I can't say that I
blame you. I must deliver to my legion of devoted fans. But seeing how I
don't have a legion, horde, or any type of fan base, I guess I can use
that loophole to my advantage.

Just kidding... Though not about the fan part. (One day Harry, one day.)
I've been working diligently both on and off mission. My time spent back
at Brassfield was a bit different, as I spent more time on the FOB than
I did usually outside the wire. Normally, there was a mission every
other day, but I only did two the two weeks I was there. That's not to
say I sat around doing nothing.

The Army EOD left Brass to be replaced with Navy techs. I have much
respect for EOD as a whole community, (except Air Force... "AIR
POWER!"), but obviously more towards Navy EOD. This time, I was working
with a full fledged Master Chief. Not too many missions, but a hell of a
lot of demo: burning ammo and destroying explosives! Very nice indeed. I
will be sending out pics of the demo soon.

But really my time at Brassfield was busy being worked by the techs
themselves. After working with EOD these last 4 1/2 months, I decided
that I prefer their job a heck of a lot more than my own. I decided to
put in an EOD package and get screened when I get back home. The techs
learned this and decided to "help" me. By help, I mean they PT'ed my
butt off. Every day was going to sleep with aches and pains. It was all
worth it, and thankfully I've kept with it even after leaving Brass.

But now I'm back at Speicher and will know update this blog again and again for your reading pleasure. I have a bout a month and a half away from home, but I still plan on using this to let you all know what I'm up to. Take care and stay classy.

- Sailor Harry

POTD for August 7th, 2009 "Frag Crab"

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, almost every day.

Just a glimpse at what EODC is cooking up at the office. Here's a picture of what he's recreating. I hope to have a picture of the end result. He's using left over frag from previous missions and what was laying around the TOC.

Not much has happened but I'll be headed back to Brass in a couple days. Chief wants me to assist the new team down there, as well as maybe put me back to work, haha.

I did, however, accomplish a little bonding with a couple of the techs here by helping pull off a prank. Recently, my family was kind to send me a luau themed care package, complete with kiddy pool to cool off in. Sitting in the office, someone mentioned wanting a pool. Next thing I know, I am inflating the kiddie pool in the OIC's room, being watched by two snickering EOD techs. Once blown up, we filled it appropriately. Enjoy here and here.

Lastly, please pity me and my meager 32" LCD TV. Life is hard, can you tell?

Homecoming Checklist (UNCLASSIFIED)

Checklist for when I get back

1. "Mission Accomplished" Beer

2. Homecoming party/BBQ

3. Kiss pretty girl

4. Full-body massage

5. Near-Coma sleep fest

6. Xbox Live marathon

7. Visit friend in Pennsylvania

8. Visit Uncle Bob and Aunt Frankie in Seattle

9. Visit Grandma Jo in Oregon

10. Brag about how much money was saved on deployment

11. Somehow spend it all on women and booze

12. Immediately regret spending money

13. Cry inside

14. Demand free food and drink at any restaurant I go to while using "Iraq" excuse

16. Act fidgety, twitch eye, repeatedly mutter "Post traumatic disorder", whenever free food is not provided

17. Get kicked out of an establishment

18. Apologize to family, especially mother

19. Dread returning to Norfolk

20. Have mom make biscuits and gravy

I have a plan and I intend to follow it. That is all.

POTD for 01AUG09: "Did they get my Good Side?"

I know the quality kind of sucks, but that's the best my web cam does. It's a copy of the May, 2009 issue of the Army's 25th Infantry Division's monthly newsletter/magazine, "Lightning Strikes". Way back when I first came here, I did my first demo, along with some engineers and Army press. They had the pics from the demo shot and it included me. Not exactly Newsweek awesome, but I thought it was pretty cool.

Good to know our replacements want to get here as much as we want to leave, so I won't be here too much longer. We've done alot and are ready to share our stories and experiences via live audiences, rather than phone calls and emails. Though, I have to say, with technology the way it is, never did I imagine that I would be in a place like this and actually have a face to face conversation with my family on my computer. My mom and dad were in more disbeliefe but it was actually nice to wave at each other, say hello, and even play a game of UNO. Thank you Windows Messenger.

An old friend who likes to show up in random places smiled at me today. World War two is over, but he is always there with the military. Whoever decided to do it though needs to learn to spell. The "wuz" is cute, but the "hear" is just embarrasing.

Our supply guy is keeping me busy with the inventory. So nice that I have a bunch of equipment that's not on any lists, yet I can't seem to find the stuff on the lists. Go figure. I'm very close in just paying for stuff we're missing, just so he'll leave me alone, yet I don't think I could afford it, even with my life savings.

I also may be heading back to Brass for a few days. Seem the EOD guys tore their place apart and Chief may want me to help tidy the place up. Be nice to be able to see my Army friends one last time, though they say they're headed to Baghdad, and I'll eventually be heading there too.

Besides that, it's getting through the day, boredom being the worst enemy. Beats bullets and IEDs exploding, I guess.

- Sailor Harry

Pre-Call Checklist

Three calls in a 24-hour period runs you ragged, believe me.

Before every call, I make sure I do these following steps:

1. Roger up on the radio.

2. Ensure uniform is sat.

3. Make sure I have camera and memory card.

4. Grab body armor and WIT backpack, and get into EOD vehicle.

5. Put on body armor, helmet, and gloves

6. Load magazine into 9mm Beretta pistol.

7. Listen to debrief.

8. Rock out to "For those About to Rock, We Salute You" by ACDC.

9. Pretend I'm the star of CBS's new hit drama: CSI: Baghdad, put on tinted eye pro, and say cheesy line.

POTD for July 7th, 2009 : "Young Fans"

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, almost every day.

"Young Fans" - I should have known this would have happenend. I go and write that we rarely get a call these days. I went on two in one day, yesterday. This picture was taken on the fifth. Right before I could post my last one, we got the call and off I went. We had to wait for some Iraqi escorts and some curious, local children approached us for a ball. Unfortunately we didn't have one, but the LT got out and we had a really nice PR moment. With the terp's help, the LT handed out water and sodas to the kids.

We picked up some turned in items and the two recent calls were similar in nature. That's the majority of the things I have done so far. Fortunately, some of my personal work has actually done some good, where they've actually identified people and the evidence is being used in the courts to put the bad people away. It makes me smile as I have found a job where I actually feel like I have an ACTUAL purpose and my work is meaningful.. It's always nice to get an email with pictures of evidence you've actually collected and a face of the owner.

Its hard to believe, but time does blur by faster than you know it. Seems like it's been only a month, but its more like three. Navy deployments only last about 6-7 months, so I'm nearly half way done. I still will have a few months in Norfolk, but I am looking forward to getting home and picking new orders. I still plan on England, but I have an open mind and you never know what is available ahead of time. I won't know till at least August.

I look forward coming home and seeing you all again. I also plan on spending a week in Seattle with a couple relatives who I always seem to miss whenever they've visit Maryland. I plan on spending time with Caroline and seeing her at college, having belated college graduation celebrations with Josh, Curtis, and Jeff, and of course spending time with my parents and Sydney. Thank you all for your emails and as soon as I get my mail, I will be thanking everyone who sent me something.

Take care and I'm still having a "blast". - Sailor Harry

Happy 4th of July

Funny how fast a year can go by. You don't realize it till you stop and actually think about it. Another year, another Independence day. Last Year, I was in Boston when my ship pulled in. Boston was awesome and I went and saw the Boston Pops, getting myself on TV every other five minutes. Now I'm in Iraq. If you would have told me last year what I would be doing at this exact moment, a year later, I would have looked at you funny.

My family enjoyed their holiday with friends and they told me they missed me. I missed them and I look forward to seeing them when I get home. Right now, I'm with a second type of family. The FOB, (Forward Operating Base) I'm at is tiny. Yet, the two EOD teams make the place seem even smaller. I'm not complaining about the size, in fact, I prefer the close community of ours. Both teams have three members and I go out with both. Being the only WIT guy, I don't get to trade off with someone, and I go on every call.

The DFAC, (chow hall), served BBQ from 12-5pm all day, and the base had games and activities for all personnel. We ended doing our thing, which was taking it easy, watching Band of Brothers, and a couple of us threw some water balloons at each other. The temperature was actually one of the cooler days, but I'm sure that was due to the fact that it was orange outside and the dust kept out some of the heat. Crappy to breath, but we weren't sweating to death. The chow was actually pretty darn decent and for dinner, our LT hooked up the grill, grabbed a couple of near-beers and cooked some hot dogs and chicken wings. It was excellent and the non-alcoholic beer even gave it a nice taste.

One of the gents had his 20th birthday and our friend who works in the DFAC was able to nab a cake for him. Brought a pleasant Independence day to a close and the cake was delicious. Unfortunately no fireworks, though I think if there were anything making loud booms, we would be worried about that. Being EOD, it tempted a few pyros to think up some stuff, but we enjoyed the cake instead.

Had a call on Friday, which ended up being delayed, then cancelled. I sent the rest of the day asleep.

The second before I hit "Publish Post", the security team came over the radio with a call. I will have pics in the next post.

POTD for July 2nd, 2009: "The Real Bomberman"

POTD - Pic of the Day - Sailor Harry tries to provide his loving public a glimpse at the what he sees in the Sandbox, almost every day.

"The Real Bomberman" - Today's picture shows one of the many heroes out here. After the rope attached to both of the charges thrown from our truck, snapped. SFC Bray put on the bomb suit, faced the brutal heat, and attached the line to do a remote pull.

Finally did another mission, after about 3 weeks of nothing. Saw a different part of the country, as we were in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by palm groves and farm lands. The temperature, however, was just as "wonderful". Took about an hour's worth of driving and the ride back in the 249mm turret made the ride no better. Driving through the farms, I got the chance to share warm greetings with some children, so that was nice.

Seems like they like to bug us with something, once a week. Nice though that the it seems the Iraqi EOD teams are taking care of the allot of the turn-ins and destroying the stuff on their own.

Besides the call yesterday, it's been pretty quiet.