This is the beast I'm rolling in now. An old Russian Army jeep. Its built tough though. My Company is right behind it.

I have been hearing growing concern from family and friends that the Army is not providing its soldiers the necessities to fight the war. I would like to address this issue. I believe that many are quick to criticize the Army for not providing everything we need, but forget that this nation as a whole is in this fight together, whether we agree with the reasoning or not. The Army is often referred to as a reflection of American society. It is, to a certain degree, a representation. The Army cannot win a war without the support of the people. The sacrifices at home during past wars, donating raw materials and collecting funds, have had a direct impact on the fight abroad. This war is no different. As a nation, if we are not together in this fight, then we will ultimately fail in our tasks at hand. The Army has committed itself and needs the support from the homefront. I request that you ask yourself, “What have I done to support my fellow Americans in this fight,” before you start to criticize how the Army conducts business. Please do not take personal offense to these requests (I know I have been guilty of this in the past). The Army cannot win a war when the nation’s people do not sacrifice to support its cause. Driving us apart is the goal of our enemy, attempting to intimidate and scare us with videos showing the killing our soldiers. This War is a test of wills; more for Americans at home than for the men and women here. This is why I have implored your help. I know that all of you have already sacrificed and continue to. I appreciate everything you have done and continue to do for me and my soldiers.

I have recieved some great care packages. I think I can swim in gatorade now with the amount that has arrived. The platoon and even the company greatly appreciates this support (the platoon could not even handle this much). You may also direct your attention to the Randall knife that I am proudly displaying. I will do my best to maintain it and utilize it to its upmost. Thanks all. Now back to paperwork and papercuts.

My Company Commander with an Iraqi Army Colonel. This feast was prepared at his house up near Dohuk. CPT Clemmer put some velcro rank on his shoulders for a laugh. Food looks great. Rice, meat, and freshly sliced vegetables. Their tea has a very involved brewing process. They have yet to devulge how they do it. I don't know if I want to find out. It tastes great (probably becuase of the three pounds of sugar they dump in it).

It was wierd for my boys going to Dohuk. The Kurds received them well. Its night and day. You can walk the streets and sit down to eat at shops, which is in stark contrast to Mosul. This is not to say that we have not been treated by the people well in Mosul. It just varies greatly neighborhood to neighborhood. Throughout the trip the Kurds showed generosity and respect to these guys everywhere they went. It was a good breather, a time to let down your guard and relax.

View from where the artillery was emplaced. A Kurdish town below.

Some of my boys in Dohuk, Iraq (northern Iraq, Kurdish country). This was drilled out of the mountain in order to emplace artillery to fire down on the Kurds. Another beauty mark left by Saddam. One can't imagine the devotion Saddam took towards the destruction of his own people. A modern day Hitler.