Saw My first Camel....

Saw my first camel since I've been over here. That's it off in the background.

Look What I Did Today!

Well, things here are going good. The past week we have not had any students to train due to the up coming Iraqi elections. All the police officers are needed in town......that didn't stop D-STaRC though. We are training the D-STaRC cadre to be better instructors and using this down time to refresh their leadership skills. These are pictures of me teaching the Carde. Another cool

thing is that we are doing this training inside our new D-STaRC classroom. Other than that not much going here at Delta. I miss everyone and hope to see you guys soon.

Sorry For the GAP....

I need to apologize for my lack of entries. I know a few of you continue to check my blog for updates. Things here have been going well. I just recently returned from vacation. It was nice to be home for the holidays and see all my friends and family. But know I'm back and it's time to get back to work. We are still training the Iraqi Police at the D-STaRC platform. I have recently made a few changes to the platform. The one major change to the platform training is, I have turned over most of the program to the Iraqi Capt that I work with . It is time for him to start making the decisions in reference to the type and length of training we do. We will see how it goes.

This is the New D-STaRC patch.

Little Update to everyone....

Things here are going well, I am currently filling in for the FOB Commander while he is on vacation, so my days are busy with paperwork and more paperwork. Other than that not much happening. I can truly say that since I first arrived here in Al Kut. The city has changed a lot since then (for the better). It is amazing to see hundreds of people out on the streets now, just a few months ago you did not see that. The Iraqi's here in Al Kut are making a big difference in their community. It still isn't perfect but it is a step in the right direction for over here.

Here are a few pictures I took......I was able to see how they make the flat bread. It is very neat to see part of their culture and how they do things.

See everyone soon.

Things are starting to ....cooool off here.

Just wanted to drop a quick update. Things here are going well. For the most part the extreme heat is starting to cool off. We still have a few days of hot weather but for the most part it is right around 100 degrees. At least when you breath through your nose it doesn't burn...that is a good sign. I have included a few pictures of a real bad dust storm the other day. I did not change the color on the picture it was really that yellow/orange color. It left a sheet of dust all over everything. Unitl next time.......enjoy....

Look to the Sky.......

Here in Iraq when you look at the ground you see dirt. every now and then you have to look up and this is what you might see, from time to time.............cool picture I took.

Me and the General......

This is me and General Alawy...I never got the chance to get my picture with him before I left. We are holding the plaque I presented to him before I left the first time. It was nice to see the General again.

Check Us Out......

Boy was this a HOT day. Here is a picture of us a Camp Klecker. Almost done with training. That is me in the back on the left (red shirt)

Little bit of Home.........

You can always fine something that reminds you of home. Yes, here in Iraq they do have SPAM. Everytime I see it at the store it reminds me of the smell coming from the Hormel plant. I have started taking pictures of my SPAM with various different things and places over here. Keep checking back for more SPAM adventures.

Training is almost over......Hoorah!

Well, it has been almost three weeks since I left. I must say this time is a lot different then last time. Things have changed, some good and some not so good. I really can't talk about the process we go through for security reasons. Let's just say I'm glad I enlisted in the Air Force. The Army has a strange way of doing things compared to what I'm use to.

I have meet a lot of new friends from around the US. I have attached this photos of my graduating class from PAST. We had a good group of guys this go around. I will keep you guys updated as I go.

Back Again!!!

Hello everyone, just want to say keep checking my site. I will have more pictures and information in regards to my second trip back to Iraq. I'm not sure as to where I will be working as of yet. I hope I can continue my work at Delta but it is too early to tell right now. I can not give out any information as to where I'm at right now but keep checking back. Take care and God bless.........

Little Update....

Well, it is week two of my job. I started working for the Mower County Sheriff's office again last week. It feels good to have my same job back and seeing all my former co-workers again. Sometimes it feels like I never left here.

The days seem to go by slow but the years have a way of flying by.

Feels like never left, just took a short vacation or something.

Well, not sure how often I will update my blog. Check back from now and then to see. I think once I have the time I will do a total make-over on my blog.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to read and post on my blog. Also thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. God had a plan for me while I was in Iraq and I feel I did what he wanted me to do. Also I thank Him for keeping me out of harms way and returning me home to my family. Continue to pray for everyone still over there.

I have seen it all....

four bungee cords = $2

one bucket = $1

trusting your friends = Priceless

I'm HOME........hurray

Well, I have been home for a week now. I can't tell you how good it feels to sleep in my own bed and see my family everyday. I will surely miss all my friends back in Iraq. I made many memories and will never forget them. To all my fellow IPA's back at Delta be safe and come home soon.

Boy does the Internet fly compared to over there..you guys don't know what your missing. Later

On My Way Home......

Today was the best day of the year. I left Baghdad this morning and headed for Amman. I am currently sitting in the Le Meridian hotel in Amman Jordan updating my blog. I can't wait to get back and see the family. Here are a few pictures outside my window. Be home soon......honey..

Goodbye Video.....

Here is a little goodbye video I put together for my fellow IPA's..enjoy. I will truly miss everyone at Delta. Be safe and come home soon...

Plaque Given to Training Section

Here is the plaque I had made. I presented it to the Wasit Training Section prior to my departure from Camp Delta.

This is BIG.......

I just got back from a short trip up to Camp Kalsu just south of Baghdad. While I was there, I ran into this big truck. No...it's not a toy HOT WHEEL. The military name for it is the....MRAP.... (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle. Thought I would give you a little perspective as to it's size.

Training Operators........"The Unit"

Next Time...

Today was yet another sad day. I had to put my good friend Larry on a helicopter today. Larry is on his way home for his first vaction. The sad thing is by the time he returns here I will be making my final journey home. Our paths will cross again one day on US soil. Until that day FAREWELL my friend and God bless you and your family.

That is Larry in the door of the helicopter.

Saying GOOD BYE.....

The other day I had to say GOOD BYE to a good friend, "Tom". Tom and I have been through a lot together since the begining of my journey here in Iraq. Tom you are a good friend and a hard worker. Keep in touch and may our paths cross again in the furture. Take care and be safe.

Cool Halo...

I took this picture the other day after a controled explosion on the base.

The explosion left this cool halo....

To all American Soldiers......God Bless

**Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.**

*One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.*

My Little Friend...

Here is a picture of me and Maj Fadel's son Hyder. He is 9yrs old and loves to come out and watch training with his dad.

D-STaRC 6

Got them looking GOOD......

One goal of mine was to get the D-STaRC Instructors in some kind of original uniform. I think I did a good job. They look very professional and feel good about themself.

Me, Diyah, Malik, and Felah

How many IP's can you fit in a patrol car?

D-STaRC Update.......

The course I helped develope is doing well. The Iraqi instructors are doing a great job of training their counterparts and take pride in what they are doing. I pray that once I leave here (not to long from now) that the course continues. It is a full time job monitoring and mentoring the instructors. I still have to stop them sometimes to get them re-focused from time to time.

The D-STaRC course has had a few articles published in the military papers. The course is doing so well that other FOB's (Forward Operating Bases) are looking at the D-STaRC as a model to get other training started at other locations in Iraq. I can truly say my time here has made a difference. I have seen first hand something small, turn into something good, and possible into something great. I pray my fellow IPA's keep the D-STaRC training going once my time here is up......keep the legacy going.

Web Site for D-STaRC article published:

http://www.taskforcemarne.com//top-stories/611

Who would have thought...earthquake in Iraq?

Yesterday we experenced two after shocks. We are so use to things going boom then shaking, but this was the opposite. everything shook but no boom. It took us a little while to realize...."Was that an earthquake?"

It appears Turkey was hit with an earthquake and we felt the after shocks down here. So the answer is yes...Iraq does get earthquakes from time to time.

The Dash Between the Years.

In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet calledThe Dash. Since then, over 40 million people from around the world havewatched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result ofpeople passing it along.

The movie has been more successful than could have ever been imagined.More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people to reflecton their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my prioritieswhere they should be?'

I hope you enjoy this movie and share it with those who are important toyou.

Click This Link to View: http://www.dashpoemmovie.com

You think security is bad in the US!!!

I was recently going home on vacation and as I made my way through the airport security, which took about 5 hours. I finally got on the airplane. Just like other flights, I fought through the crown of people standing in the aile to find my seat. See the thing is, the way they board the airplane over her is first one in line gets on the plane first, not from the back of the plane to the front (Which would make sense). This causes us several minutes to stow our luggage and find our seats. Lets say I finally was seated and looked out the window. This is what I saw...........

Lets just say they take loading the airplane very seriously here. It's kinda weird for me right now, because I think this is normal. When I get back to the states I'm sure I will need some time to adjust not seeing this kind of security at our airports in the states.

Back to Work....

Me and Ahmed first day back to work (D-STaRC 5)

Well, vacation and the holidays are over. It's back to work. I finally made it to Delta after a little luck. All my flights were on time and I was able to get out of Baghdad on the same day I arrived, that is a rare thing. The time spent with family and friends was very nice but short. I would like to say thank you to my sister Mandy for allowing me to stay with her for a few weeks in Germany. The weather didn't give us a lot of beautiful days, but we still made the best of it.

Funny video!....... Watch all of it..........

This video shows it's not always about what you have but if you can use it. I give the guy at the end a big thumbs up for trying.

Old....... but still like new!

Here is a little story I have to tell.

It all started with a trip to the hardware store during Christmas time. The wife and I were running last minute errands before the big day. As we finished getting the items we needed at the hardware store. We exited the store with an elderly man just behind us. He was about 70-80 years old it appeared. He was dressed in a long striped trench coat and hat. My mother has always taught me to respect my elders; of course, I waited and held the door out of respect for him.

One thing I noticed about him was he had an old toaster in one arm. As he exited the store I made a comment to him about how he must be on a hunt for a new toaster. He quietly replied he was looking for a special part to fix his old toaster. Our conversation lasted all of about 5 seconds, but I think about it every day.

As the wife and I drove away from the hardware store, we commented to each other about how cute the old man was and about how generations have changed. The one thought I had, "he could have bought a new toaster in the time and effort it takes him to find the part or repairman he needs." Then my wife made a very good comment about how it must have been to live back in his younger years. Back then that society fixed the things that broke, even if it is just a small cheap toaster. Today we wouldn’t even think about taking the time to find the part to fix the toaster. It would have found its way right next to the trash can.

So, ever since that day I try and look at life and the blessings God has given me just as that old man looked at his toaster. He wasn’t ready to toss it out and get a new one; he was dedicated to fixing the one he already had.

The Beauty of Germany!

On Vacation!

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas? I enjoyed my visit back home for the holiday. It was nice to see my wife and kids again. Even though it was only for a week, the time spent home was worth it. I am currently spending time with my sister in Germany at the moment. I will be here for a few weeks then back to the sand box. I wish the weather here in Germany was a bit warmer, but hey it's winter right!!! at least there is no snow on the ground. I will update my blog again with some pictures and comments once I return to Iraq, so keep checking back for more updates. Enjoy the New Year..................

D-STaRC Patch.

The D-STaRC (Delta-Sustained Training and Refresher Course) is going great. It gives me great pride to say the Iraqi Instructors are doing a grate job of teaching their fellow officers. We just finished the fourth session and the students that attend the course always say "Wish it could be longer." I designed a patch for the course.....this patch will be given to all instructors and students that show outstanding teamwork and improvement during the course.

Camp Smiley Face!

Well a little while ago the base commander here told us that we could not fly our American flag. He explained that flying the US flag gives the impression of occupying this country. He explained we're not here to occupy but to help. (didn't quite get that one....we are occupying this country) So we decided we needed a flag on our flag pole. This is what we came up with.

Fiak Friday!

Every Friday here is FIAK Friday. We try to keep a little bit of humor here. We take our job seriously but every now and then we have to break out the SHORTS.

Merry Christmas From Camp Delta!!

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us here at Camp Delta. We try and keep a sense of humor here as you can see. May your Holiday Season be safe and filled with joy & peace.

Thanks for all the prayers and support.

Boys and their TOY's!

Honey, I want one of these for X-mas.

Why I think this country needs help!

This is a sign on the base near the front gate. It's also a clue to why this country needs help. Looking forward to coming home for the holiday.

Five (5) Lessons about the way we treat people.

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. " Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path. In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts... Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will saveher." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeingthe color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away". Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

D-STaRC Academy Training

New D-STaRC Academy!

We started a new academy this month. It is designed to train these eight special Iraqi Police Cadre to continue training on Camp Delta. It is a very intense hands on course. We are in the process of training the Iraqi Cadre who will in turn train additional police in the city.

Iraq and Back!

A little video I put together, enjoy.

Me and Sgt Duff.....

Thank You to everyone!

I just wanted to take a few minutes and say thank you to everyone. As most of you know by now Calandra and I have been in the process of buying a new home in Austin. I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone that has helped in many ways, from babysitting the children, being there to talk to, and by helping her move. It is very hard for me to be here and also know what Calandra is dealing with back home. I can truly tell you we will never buy a home again if I'm not in the country. I also want to publicly tell Calandra how proud I am of her. She has been dealing with a lot since I left and I don't know any women that can hold it all together like she has. Dealing with a move and the Arizona foster care system are full time jobs. Then add homeschooling and day to day stuff on top of that. Calandra you are an amazing person and a wonderful wife....I thank you for all you do and have done. I will see you soon. Once again thanks to everyone.........(Dave F.--I got your care packages, THANKS, love the chocolate chip cookies).

So you think the Kwik-Trip is bad!

Here are a few pictures of the only gas station here on base.....it is really hard to pump the gas. Just kidding....we have a nicer gas station. Enjoy........

Pick Your Drink..........

The one thing over here in Iraq is grabbing the right soda. Here are just a few of the sodas we have to choose from.

A little update on Things.

Well, as most of you know I made it back to Camp Delta. I was asked by a friend of mine who is the team leader in AL Kut at Camp Delta, if I would like to return to the FOB. Of course I said yes. I was working very well with some of the local IP's and would love to continue working with them. I made many friends prior to my transfer, and would love to continue growing those friendships, before I leave this country. Well, making it here was easy. What my friend didn't tell me was that he wanted me to be his assistant team leader. All it means is more paperwork I have to complete. So guess what I'm doing PAPERWORK, PAPERWORK!!! I have included a picture of me and one of our interpreters on a mission in Al Kut. Nice sun set with the Tigris River in the background.

Ever Seen a Camel Spider?

Here you go. This guy was a small one about 4 or 5 inches long. Boy.......... they are ugly to look at. Click on the picture to see a close up view.

Back to Work!

Well vacation is over. It's time to get back to work. I arrived in Baghdad the other day and it is still hot here. I had a great time back home spending time with the family and seeing everyone. The time went by to fast though. It seems like I never left Iraq. I hope these next few months go by just as fast. I wish I could have had more time to see everyone but time flies when your having fun. here are a few pictures from my trip home. Amman, Jordan was an amazing place. Friendly people and beautiful scenery. I stayed at the Sheraton Hotel in town town Amman. On my way home and back to Iraq. Amman was very different than Iraq. You could walk the streets in Jordan and feel safe. You wouldn't dare walk the streets of Iraq with out a military escort. Very different cities but only a few hundred miles between them.