Life

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

I went running this morning. 4 miles. Good time but it was pretty painful. I always hate getting back into shape. Why that doesn’t motivate me to stay in shape, I’m not sure. We last went out on a mission on XX Nov. What is that, almost two weeks now. There’s not a lot to … Read more

Almost two weeks here at FOB Hunter. As we were preparing to come here we heard a lot of horror stories about the conditions here. No air conditioning. There’s air conditioning but the electricity goes out for hours and some times days at a time. There are no showers. The bugs will eat you alive. … Read more

I have arrived at what will, presumably, be our home for the foreseeable future. Many of the people in this region live in mud huts or woven reed structures. So, here I am. 300 days left on this deployment. Should be interesting.

I have arrived at a place called Camp Adder. A wonderful little desert town in the middle of nowhere. Life is quiet here, comfortable, with all the amenities of home. We’re currently waiting to move to our actual area of operation.