This was from our clearance operations working with the National Police in Baghdad recently. The kids mob you all the time.

This is me about to enjoy a delicious can of soup that is self-heating. Its actually has an ingenious design. It uses baked limestone and water to heat the can of soup. Made in Florida and the soup isn't that bad. You can see the anticipation on my face is just killing me.

Well, I'm officially on leave now back in the states. Its nice to be back, a little weird at first. I don't think me driving after not driving for 9 months will be a good thing either. We will see. I am playing catch up now. This is SSG Butler just outside Sadr City. We were staging at this place. Of course, he doesn't look excited, but he really is becuase he has his DVD Player.

Charger Company lost another brother on the 21st of March. SSG Derrell Griffin was a Squad Leader for 3rd Platoon. That is Greg's Platoon for those that have helped him out. I always liked SSG Griffin since he arrived at the Company a few months ago. He was extremely driven, intelligent, aggressive, and always had something to discuss. I mean, he always wanted to discuss philosophy, politics, and anything else you could think of. He will be missed greatly. We honor him over the next few days. I ask that you have a moment of silence for SSG Griffin and his family.

This is me talking with the Iraqi National Police. Somewhat of a counter-terrorist paramilitary organization. Not like your local police. I thought I was looking pretty studly (is that how you spell it?). Some of these guys are very good at what they do, Iraqi standards of course, others...well you know the deal.

Well, this is me and my good buddy. You all know him as M. Sadr. You know he really isn't that bad of a guy. I thought this picture was really well done. I meant look at the brush strokes. Well, busy up to leave. Will be on a break back in the states in a few days. Recently been knocking on Sadr's front door. Somewhat of an honor to be one of the few guys working in his city and everything. Not a good place by any means though.