Deployment Update

Baghdad Bulletin
Final Iraq/Kuwait Edition
March 25, 2010
Issue 24

Dear ones,

I'm back for a last issue before my homecoming. While I have another issue in my head to make a final 25th Baghdad Bulletin, I'll focus on this one first – more photos for your enjoyment!

I’m in Kuwait waiting for my flight home to my best friend and all of you. The sun is very bright, the sand is soft and beachlike, with a breeze. I'm very fortunate to be leaving when I am. Soon it will be too warm to bear. Kuwait is so much hotter than Iraq.

It was very sad for me to step onto the aircraft for the last time, leaving Iraqi soil. (The last time I was on this type of plane, a C-17, I was headed to meet John in Europe on R&R. Seems like ages ago….)

A departing colleague is a week ahead of me, he just left Ft. Benning, GA and has been prepping me with emails to make the trip smoother between here and there. The best news is that John will be able to attend the little Welcome Home ceremony that will take place at Ft. Benning! A handful of families show up for each flight. Most folks who are redeploying will catch flights from Atlanta to their hometowns after they complete the outprocessing. We are lucky to be living within driving distance!!!!!

In my previous issue, I mentioned an upcoming trip to the northern region of Iraq, Kurdistan. It was quite a change of pace and surroundings. Our destination was Irbil. We have several linguists up there. I encourage you to read more about that fascinating city and the history of the Citadel (8000 yrs old!) on the following website: unesco.

Saddling up and ready to go on the CH-47 (Chinook)!

This is not me, of course. These Air Force loadmasters are amazing. Some sit on the edge, literally, taking photos, just enjoying life! He's got the best seat in the house!

We actually had more room than normal!

"See?" He's not hanging over the edge yet. But they do!

The terrain was rolling and green.

We could have been flying over Pennsylvania. Lots of crops, tractors, livestock, normalcy.

The beginning of the adventure into the Citadel, where inhabitants have lived consecutively longer than anywhere on Earth.

This is the Kurdish Flag flying over the Citadel, an architectural wonder at 8000 years old! It’s right in the middle of the ancient city of Irbil/Erbil/Arbil. We have our holsters under our uniforms. No need to wear vest/helmet here. It was a fascinating place.

This little guy shook our hands with encouragement from his dad.

This young lady, Jessica, is from Decatur, Alabama (after California!) She was involved in a documentary that day and I hope I get to see her again.

This day I thought of other ancient ruins we've visited: in Greece, Turkey, Great Britain, and Jamestown (!).

This young woman asked me for a picture with her. She's from Ankara, Turkey. Very sweet. I'd like to be her size for a day!

This is a shopping area at the base if the Citadel – winding rows of vendors going every which way. We were glad to have a guide take us through! I reminded me of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. And no, I made no purchases or exchanges of dinar. What I did exchange were SMILES with the Iraqi Kurds.

We're not in the Citadel anymore. We stopped by an office to discuss contract linguist issues. I couldn't resist the daffodils...

This bakery specializes in Baklava! You never saw so many kinds. Yes, I still have my weapon under my top. I’m sorry how the uniform is so distorted. I just loved this floral and gift display.

Eating again- this is where our group had dinner. Notice the wonderful bread. I had lamb kabobs, salad, and soup. The juice is made of freshly squeezed pomegranate and lemon! TART!!!

The experience in Kurdistan was very positive and I'm glad my boss took us there to see a different part of the country. We saw a lot in a day and a half! We returned to Balad, a major Air base north of Baghdad.

This "front-loading" the backpack. It's easier by far, especially over the vest when I'm doing my impression of a big fat turtle.

Couldn't resist this street sign on the way to the Dining Facility.

Remember that I said we're at an Air Force facility? Here's proof!

When I went to the gym to use the treadmill, I discovered a driving range. Not for military vehicles, but for golf balls!!!! You can sign out a bag of clubs and a bucket of balls and a glove. Remarkable! I had to try it out. Glad I did. Soon, we'll be doing it for real.

Golf range.

Golfing in Iraq.

Combat golf....

In trying find a good place to photograph the last sunset, I missed the actual "Sun" because of all the concrete walls, but here's the afterglow once I got away from the T-walls.

The moon isn't full, but it's the last view from Iraq.

Some of my final thoughts follow in Issue 25....

Cheryl