I had a few thoughts that have been cycling through my head these past few weeks. As a leader, I am confronted with challenges on a daily basis. You learn from mistakes, adapt and move on. At least, these are the basic tenants I go by. Some challenges are greater than others. The hardest challenge (i.e. intangible enemy) that I am fighting right now, here in Mosul, is ourselves (relative to American society as a whole). How am I to explain to these guys that they are doing an amazing job over here, when all I hear and see on the news is our failure? Of course, these are just opinions that I observe, but do they understand the ramifications of their actions? Clearly not. These people, who do not believe in what we are doing here and consider it a failure, cannot, in any regard, still support the troops. To support our troops, but not the war, is a two faced statement, and irrevocably illogical. We, in regards to us soldiers, are inherently connected to the success and failure of this war. If you support the troops, then you will support their actions and be behind them regardless of the cirmcumstances. We have shown, once again, that we are our own worst enemy. I cannot explain this war to my soldiers, when our own people criticize what we do and consider it a failure. Why do we glorify the insidiuos and cowardice behavior of deserting soldiers, when they should be considered what they are, cowards? Please, let me digress for a moment. This is not a commentary on retricting people's right to free speech and so forth. This is not a war mongering commentary. In fact, after my experiences, I can confidently state that I would be more cautious and reluctant then before commencing any military actions, unless the conditions are clearly set. I believe the underlying problem is that American society does not understand the power of words. I would guess that it is easy to comment on something you don't understand. However, this does not mean that people should not discuss this war. Though I do believe that education, experience, and a cautious use of words would rectify much of the damage already done. Why do I take this so personally and seriously? The moral of my men has a direct impact on whether they will live or die each day. I choose to live and so does everyone here. Despite this desire, demoralizing conditions do great harm, in regards to keeping my men safe. These conditions lead to complacency, which will, at one point, lead to another tragic event that I don't want repeated. In summary, I implore you, as a collective group, to consider your thoughts before you speak and understand that your comments have a lasting effect on real people that fight this war on a daily basis. As a side note, this is social satire. Please do not consider it directed at anyone that has supported me, my soldiers, and my family throughout this time. I will always remember how all of you, family included, helped your troops through these difficult times. I will continue the fight as always.

I saw that we made national headlines today. I like how they don't report about anything that actually went on or even think to ask anyone questions. I guess a three second video clip explains this war in its entirety. My fault. I forgot. Some close calls today, everyone is fine, the guys performed superbly. I hope all are doing well. I read every comment posted and appreciate all of them.

My guys being goofy on the road. Here is the lesson of the day. If the tea is served to you luke warm, don't drink it. I have been fighting a terrible case of food poisoning ever since I foolishly did this. The water here is not the most sanitary. I should keep that in mind next time.

Rolling around a town

We had a chance to head out of town, into the country. It was nice to get some fresh air.

Just before a mission one night. My new Platoon Sergeant is the guy second to the left. Far left and right are squad leaders and then there is Ortiz, one of my Vehicle crew guys being crazy. Its a good picture though. On another note, I want to relate a story. A soldier is about to depart this place, heading back home. He gives up his spot on an earlier flight to a friend and takes his friend's last patrol. He is waiting at the airport here for a flight to take him out of here. Mortar attack. He is killed. This just happened recently. I guess thats war.

My guys eating some chow at the Iraqi Army compound. Its back in the old grind. The food is still great. They really take care of us there. The other night, I was sitting there and the head chef said some words in Kurdish. The translator smiled and turned to me and told me he said to get some tea for my uncle (in reference to me). I asked the translator what he meant. He explained to me that older men in Kurdistan refer to people they like as their "uncle". Younger men will refer to each other as brothers. What you also see in this picture is some Iraqi candy. Its interesting. I can't compare it to any candy I've had before. Ramadan is in full swing. My interest of Islamic and Iraqi culture has intensified. Last night, I was sitting at the Iraqi compound, surrounded by Mosques that were reading verses of the Quran over the loudspeaker. Very peaceful. The distant sound of small arms fire would interrupt the peace, but still peaceful. I have really become interested in understanding and learning more of the culture here. Its wierd that I would have this itch under the circumstances. More to follow on Ramadan as it progresses.