Smittie

The Face Of Iraq First, I need to blow some life into this poor blog. I am doing some interesting stuff and I really do want to write about it. So, this is a first attempt. I’m trying to get as many photos as possible up on my Flickr page. I have been uploading all … Read more

I’ve been meaning to mention this for a while. I was talking to a friend of mine here on FOB Hunter. I tell pretty much everyone that I am a US Navy sailor serving in the Army under duress as a result of draconian Navy up or out policies. My friend, SPC Chin with 1-9 … Read more

An entertainment group finally made it out to FOB Hunter. Laura Lynn and Lucas Hoge came out with their band and played for a couple of hours. It was really nice. The group played country music, did covers of some old 70’s and 80’s songs, and made a couple of respectable attempts and some rock … Read more

All of the junior enlisted are gone. Junior enlisted refers to those holding rank below NCO, privates and specialists. They’ve all gone elsewhere. Leave, to Adder to attend to business there, whatever. Just before they left, our group came into possession of four steaks. Only four. Can’t have the kids fighting over such things and … Read more

In an effort to better understand the region I work in, I’ve been searching online news sources for articles about the area. Here’s a compilation of the more interesting: Iraqis wary of the calm before a storm Oil-rich Amara left high and dry Election campaign takes shape in Basra Iraq offers up giant oilfields to … Read more

So, after my brief respite I am back at FOB Hunter. Apparently there was some excitement while I was gone. The biggest since we’ve been out here. Everyone is OK, they just have a new war story to tell. I picked up a lot of mail that was being held for me at Camp Adder. … Read more

I’m back at Camp Adder for the weekend. I flew up on Friday. Basically, a weekend to pick up some warm clothes (the low temp forecast for the week is 30 degrees… F), sleep in a real bed, eat real food and not get stuck here for a week or more, as seems to be … Read more

I first joined the military in 1981 and have 13 years of military service. This is the first Christmas that I have been away from my family on Christmas. I missed them terribly. I hope that this doesn’t become routine. But we’re through it now so on we go. A445 Iraq 08-09 – 323 Christmas … Read more

SSG Smith in full battle rattle 2 Originally uploaded by smittie Yesterday I was informed that I have been selected for promotion to Staff Sergeant. According to my Team SGT, who spoke with the Brigade, tells me that I was made up to Staff Sergeant as of 15 Dec. The orders promoting me to Staff … Read more