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GRD officially celebrated Independence Day with a day off on Thursday, 3 July. The best thing about a day off in Iraq is sleeping late. So I decided to plan a game of soccer starting at 0600 to try to beat the heat. On FOB Marez, there is a caged soccer field with an artificial surface. It’s about one fourth the size of a regulation soccer field, fortunately! In the days leading up to the soccer game, Sarah periodically tried to convince me it was a bad idea. She frequently reminded me that the Aegis security personnel are primarily British and actually know how to play soccer. Additionally, she pointed out that they generally play to win, no matter the cost. That’s a pretty good point, since the typical Aegis team member in Mosul is prior service with either the Royal Marines or the Parachute Regiment. Despite all of her misgivings, we had a fun time. I think I put on quite a display for everyone.

We finished soccer at about 0700 and then relaxed for the rest of the day. At about 1800, we got together for a BBQ. Before the BBQ, we took an office picture. For the first attempt at the picture, everyone started arranging themselves on one of the picnic tables. Bad idea. Luckily, no major injuries. Can you imagine having to call home and tell everyone you got injured in Iraq by a picnic table?

The second attempt went much better. Rick came out for the picture in a Steelers jersey, so I had to put on my Cowboys T-Shirt. Sitting in between us is Ronnie. He is the Aegis commander in Mosul. Being from Manchester, he wasn’t willing to settle the Cowboys-Steelers debate.

Rick and Phil took care of the prep for the BBQ, while Nazar, Bill, and Liz handled cooking duties. I stood around and drank a Coke while pretending I wasn’t sore from the soccer game.

All in all, it was a good day. Some of the Aegis guys have asked for a game of basketball. I think they enjoyed seeing me hit the deck playing soccer and want to see some more. I’ve asked Mugs to send some Advil. Once that gets here, I’ll think about scheduling the basketball game.

Earlier this week, Tiffany, one of my Project Engineers in Mosul, went on a site visit with a team from 1-8 Infantry Battalion, including LTC Chris Johnson, the 1-8 Infantry Battalion Commander. Today, she sent out an email describing her trip. I asked if I could share her email on the blog. She agreed, so our guest blogger today is Tiffany.

From Tiffany:

I just received photos from my trip to Nimrud with 1/8 Infantry. We went there to visit two village Sheiks and an IA Commander to discuss issues and potential solutions. Two gentlemen from US AID, Nikki (Sgt Souffrant, their soldier) and I tagged along. I even had my own interpreter.

Nimrud is a farming community, and they are having trouble growing crops due to the drought, and selling them in the local market.

Of course security was a main topic of discussion. I went specifically to discuss two schools that they are planning to build there but as the meeting progressed (and due to time constraints), Col Johnson and Sheik Ali thought it would be best for me to look at the pump station and connecting tributaries, and provide recommendations for upgrade and rehab.

Afterward, we went to Sheik Ali’s house for a meeting with local farmers and lunch.

This trip was probably the highlight of my tour. It was absolutely awesome. I had the chance to see the inner-workings of the US army and local communities. I saw how US Army Leaders work with IA Commanders and village Sheiks to build relationships, and how they work together to rid communities of insurgency and enhance the lives of the people who live in their communities. The cultural experience was great. Honestly, I needed this trip. Before yesterday, my perspective of Operation Iraqi Freedom wasn’t very positive - actually, it wasn’t positive at all. This opportunity came at just the right time. It was great and I’m glad that I was invited.

After lunch today, I stopped by Pop’s and Omar’s to get a haircut. Every time I go there, I experience something new. Today the barber was harassing me because of my receding hairline. I had asked to have my hair cut close on the sides and back with a little bit off the top. He had no problem with the taper on the sides and back. But when it came time to trim the top, he didn’t look happy. He turned my head this way and that, pulled at my hair, and finally grew a little exasperated. At that point, he told me he couldn’t really take much off from the front because I didn’t have enough to start with. He even used his fingers to trace my receding hairline in case I didn’t understand his point. After that, he gave a few quick snips with his scissors and called it quits. Once again, he washed my hair; it must be the new thing at Pop’s and Omar’s because he did it two weeks ago for the first time. To finish, instead of a head massage, he cracked my neck. I was a little shocked. I guess he thought I was tense. I never know what to expect at Pop’s and Omar’s!

Today was a day like most others I’ve see during the past 9 1/2 months. Now that I think about it, there was one big difference, I went for a morning run. At about 0555, I headed out the door to hit the road for my run in the nice cool (70F) morning. One security team was lined up ready to go on a trip to the Erbil office. I stopped and talked to Andy the team leader for just a minute, then we both hit the road. My trip lasted about 45 minutes, while his wouldn’t end until about 6 hours later.

Just like any other day, I spent too much time on the computer. I tried to get things on my to-do list checked off. It seems to take me twice as long to accomplish anything here than anywhere else I’ve been. Maybe I need to get a pill organizer and put a daily dose of ginkgo biloba in it!

For dinner this evening, I went to the DFAC on Diamondback with Mike F., Sarah, Tiffany and Alda. Tiffany complained that she would have to watch her language since she was eating with “Saint Manry”. Sarah commented that she had better watch what she said because it might end up as a blog post for the next day. I guess she was right. Tiffany is due to go home in July. She says it’s time because her 3-year old son has started calling her “Tiff”. Here’s a picture of me, Tiffany, and COL Pfenning from last month. Apparently, COL Pfenning and I didn’t realize that we were supposed to strike a pose!

I think it’s appropriate that today, Memorial Day, was like every other day. We shouldn’t let a single day pass where we don’t remember those that have paid for our freedom with their lives. Every day should be Memorial Day.

It’s 1650, and I’m suffering from coffee withdrawal. A few days ago I decided to cut back on my daily consumption of coffee. I haven’t been out of control, but 4-5 cups a day seems to have more of an effect on my 43 year old body than they had on my 33 year old body. My eyes feel completely bloodshot, if bloodshot is actually a feeling. I’m trying to have 1 cup a day in the morning. It’s not going so well!

Why am I cutting back? In addition to aggravating my heartburn, coffee is helping to dehydrate me. Even now, it’s 106F (41C) outside. I’m already drinking 4 liters of water each day, sometimes 5. I feel waterlogged when I go out running and dehydrated when I finish. I really need to switch to running in the mornings instead of the evenings. This morning, sunrise was at 0455 and at 0600, the temperature was 77F (25C). So there is plenty of light to run at 0600, and the temperature is still relatively cool. However, at 1900 tonight, the temperature will be about 101F (39C), and the sun will set around 1913. All of the temperature data is from the Weather Underground.

What was I doing at 0600 this morning? Sleeping. I get up at about 0630 each morning, brush my teeth and shave, watch some news for the headlines, then wander into the office around 0730. I won’t have the luxury of sleeping that late when I’m slugging to the Pentagon. Oh well. I’ll be running this evening. Tommorow, and each Sunday, is my day off from running. I’ll try getting up early on Monday to go for a 0600 run.

Mugs and the kids should be picking up our new puppy right now. I’m sure we’ll have a great post from her soon!