DragonGunner Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 I'm sitting here in my room in Baghdad, Iraq tonight really missing my wife and 6yr old son. I've been in country since March 23rd and although its only been a little over 2 months it feels like a lifetime. A lot has happened over the past 2 months. I've taken two helo flights to Basra (a butt numbing 3 1/2 hour flight from the Baghdad Green Zone) The second trip was pretty exciting as I had to escort my VIP to election polling sites for Iraq's first solo primary elections. Although the elections went down without a problem, violence is now spreading due to the results. Truth be told I'm just ecstatic that none of our teams were targeted. A few weeks ago I had the rare but dangerous opportunity to visit a flooded area in the town Abu Gharib which is just a few km's away from Fallujah (twice, as if once was not enough). Al Qaida is currently fighting the Gov't forces and has full control of Fallujah, Ramadi and most of Abu Gharib. Al Qaida blew up a dam and everything within a 15-20km radius is mostly under water. On a lighter note I just successfully completed my 10 day weapons and fitness re-qualification for the year. It was fun but the heat at times was almost unbearable, 104-110 degrees. My fitness level (thanks to vaping) has really increased in the past 2 months. I have completed a 1/2 marathon (sorry treadmill, too dangerous to run outdoors) in under 2 hours and am now working on getting my 10km run under 45 min (currently at 48 min). It's great to feel healthy again. My countdown to reuniting with my family has begun. On June 14th I get to leave for a quick but much needed 7 day break to meet up with my family in Europe who will be on vacation. I'm not too worried about it being short because come August 1st I plan on traveling back to the US to meet them there for a nice long 1 month break. I'm so looking forward to that time off. Anyways I just thought that I would share my recent experiences. Just so you all know I'm not in the military but work as a Dignitary Protection Officer for the United Nations. My military and police days are long past, but my sense of service is still very strong within me (I guess for many of us it's just all we know). Everything I've mentioned above has been made public via the United Nations. Take care and have a great day. DragonGunner Tam, Joshuab3687, Mtdobies and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mtdobies Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 Stay safe, congrats on requalification and the marathon. Have a great time w your family. DragonGunner 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bebop Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 Good to hear from you dragonG. Be safe and best wishes DragonGunner 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshuab3687 Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 A quote from my father: "Stay safe. And if you can't, let them see hell in your eyes, with no prayer on their lips". DragonGunner and Compenstine 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mtdobies Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 Awesome Josh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tam Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 So good to "see" you again! I'm glad to hear you're safe despite the places you've been. Hope you enjoy the much deserved time with your family and congrats on the improving fitness. DragonGunner and Mtdobies 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iheartvape Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Stay safe over there I spent 2 years in that litter box was in Ramadi, Fallujah, Baghdad, and Haditha from 2003-2004 then 2005-2006 Joshuab3687 and DragonGunner 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Thanks for all you are doing for our country Dragongunner. My dad is a retired Lt. Col in the Army. 32 years of service so I respect you guys so very much. I have a plenty stock up of juices so if you ever are in need because you cannot get any juice let me know and I will send you some. Do they allow you to get this type of stuff over there where you are? Thanks again for all you do. DragonGunner and Mtdobies 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grailhunter78 Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Thanks for your service. Hope you don't get sand in your atomizers and you have a blast in Europe. Mtdobies 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerryjoe Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 I'm jealous. Your job sounds very interesting to me. Good luck over there and be safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DragonGunner Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Thanks for the replies everyone. Coming here to the forum is like my therapy. It gives me peace of mind that I can talk about certain aspects of my job, because I can't really tell my wife some of the dangerous things and places that I go. That's just a no no and would just cause her more unnecessary stress. All of you are awesome. Tam, Mtdobies and Patricia 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Compenstine Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Just stay safe and Thank You for your dedicated service! Enjoy your Family time it is, as I'm sure you know, the most important thing in life. DragonGunner 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mtdobies Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Hugs!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heldar Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 If I could switch you places, I would in a heartbeat. You deserve to be with your family, and I honestly loved my time spent in Iraq. Life was much more simple for me, and I have nothing holding me here state-side. You stay safe over there, and try to stay away from Basra. It was a crap hole in 08 and I can't see it changing too much from then Joshuab3687 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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