Welcome to Iraq! - love, Haji
Well, history and pride and a cool series on HBO just does not buy you enough respect with the local Hajis. The 101st came to town and will take over this area as the 278th National Guard
rolls out. For instance, there is a firing pit that we and the 278th have used for test firing before convoying. Well, we never had a problem. We even wave to the Haji shepherds that walk by as we pull in.
Not so gentle a reception for the 101st. Nope. Haji apparently didn't like their bravado and placed an IED in the firing pit which then blew the front end off a HMMWV. No one killed but one hell of a lesson learned.
I just got back from another multi-day mission to Balad, we expected some action this time since it is the closing days of Ramadan, but saw none. As a matter of fact, I was able to take a bunch of pictures (below) on the mission. On the way back home, we expected some action. None again, to my disappointment. But, when we rolled into the FOB, we were told that the 101st had been in the town we had just traveled through. One of their soldiers was killed. They just got here. Hopefully, the arrogance they had shown towards us upon their arrival will give way to good prudence towards the Haji.
On a lighter note, here is a collection of pictures I took on the mission. Click on pics for larger image. Enjoy.
rolls out. For instance, there is a firing pit that we and the 278th have used for test firing before convoying. Well, we never had a problem. We even wave to the Haji shepherds that walk by as we pull in.Not so gentle a reception for the 101st. Nope. Haji apparently didn't like their bravado and placed an IED in the firing pit which then blew the front end off a HMMWV. No one killed but one hell of a lesson learned.
I just got back from another multi-day mission to Balad, we expected some action this time since it is the closing days of Ramadan, but saw none. As a matter of fact, I was able to take a bunch of pictures (below) on the mission. On the way back home, we expected some action. None again, to my disappointment. But, when we rolled into the FOB, we were told that the 101st had been in the town we had just traveled through. One of their soldiers was killed. They just got here. Hopefully, the arrogance they had shown towards us upon their arrival will give way to good prudence towards the Haji.
On a lighter note, here is a collection of pictures I took on the mission. Click on pics for larger image. Enjoy.
Rare appearance of clouds in the sky. Soon the skies will change from the oppressively persistent blue to a depressing gray/white.
SGT Rawlerson on the .50 cal
SSG Cunninham, convoy leader
Me.
Evidence of Reconstruction
Iraqi school girls taken with my Salvadore Dali camera. Taken in the town that attacked and killed the 101st soldier. Before we (collectively) got here, this would have been a rare site.
An absolutely beautiful sunset Iraqi style. Photo unretouched.
Guard Tower.
Iraqi Women.
SGT Rawlerson on the .50 cal
SSG Cunninham, convoy leader
Me.
Evidence of Reconstruction
Iraqi school girls taken with my Salvadore Dali camera. Taken in the town that attacked and killed the 101st soldier. Before we (collectively) got here, this would have been a rare site.
An absolutely beautiful sunset Iraqi style. Photo unretouched.
Guard Tower.
Iraqi Women.
posted by Dorman at 18:10
9 Comments:
Nice photos. I especially like the .50.
We're in a unique situation as the vast majority of the 101st is not staying here. There will be a small element here for a while apparently and it is assumed that the 278th, prior to their prolonged departure, did the proper LS/RS ride education with them. But keep in mind that the pride of the 101st being taught by a TN National Guard unit may had been a factor. I am just guessing from my observations of the 101st's demeanor and not by direct observation of the turn-over process. I wish them the best too, dying over ego is truly not worth it.
And as a side note, 15 minutes ago, another IED exploded out near the firing pit. No further info at this time.
Great pics Dean! I really like the b&w power line pic. The IED's are a little too close for comfort.
Please let your home help you.
US talks to Bush?
http://www.domeafavorbuddy.com/beta/favorfull.asp?id=125&catid=5
Cool, I hope it’s real and it works out! Just imagine what your old “friends” at a certain nutty Market, in a certain ’boro will think once you make the Big Time…….. I call that redemption.
Opportunities are presenting themselves to me finally :) I have been asked to do some book reviews for Penguin Publishing. Working on the first one now which I hope to have completed within a week. Maybe there will be life for me after the Army.
GoD or man! (inside joke)
GoDorman
Love the photos and CONGRATULATIONS to you! Tah dah! Fantastic!
Thank you for all you do and for serving our country. I feel safer knowing our troops (You) are protecting all of us by fighting the enemy and also bringing freedom to those that did not have it before.
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