I have reached the point now, where friends have been made with many of the Iraqi Army guys we work with on a consistent basis. They continue to impress me everyday. Some stories and some of the actions I observe amaze me. Their bravery is like nothing I've seen before. It almost borders on having a death wish. Examples would be low crawling up to an IED and cutting the wires to disarm it. Their ingenuity is impressive as well, though I cannot go into detail, you will have to take my word for it right now.

One of my team leaders sporting it in one of the variants with a star wars turret (its electric). It passes the time to spin around in it. Ma Duce mounted on the turret as well. May I say, the best weapon we have.

This is me enjoying some nice cinnamon chai. I am telling you. This stuff is amazing. I don't know what they do with it, but I have repeatedly asked them what their secret is. They say its nothing special, but I don't believe that. Anyway, it was a nice end to a good Kurdish meal and a welcomed remedy during flu season.

My guys working on our vehicles in the motorpool. I can't express my gratitude for the person who developed these vehicles. They have saved my life on numerous occasions. These are truly impressive vehicles and can take a serious punch.

This was out in the country. Talking on the radio.

Not a good time to get stuck. We got out in record time though. What you don't see is the other Stryker stuck next to it. Yes, two Strykers in one spot. Don't ask.

This was at the end of the day when we made headline news. I look very tired in this picture, but I can remember the adrenaline running through me.