From Hucks If you have the time to read!! Just some thoughts of mine!!

With my deployment coming to an end ( not over yet but very close) I thought I would do something that I don't usually do (only once before on Sept. 11) and write about something about my thoughts and feeling over the past 15 months! Also want to let everyone know that I went to the Board to become a Non Commissioned Officer (Sergeant). I passed and should get promoted on Feb. 1st !!!

First and foremost THANK YOU! Thank you all that have supported me over here! Whether you agree with what is going on over here or not, the continuing support of the troops is very important, it is what keeps us going sometimes! Thank you. For for those that didn't get the Sept. 11 email I sent, it went little like this:

Sept. 11, one of the worst days in united states history. sometimes we take things for granted. I know I do. but sometimes an event can put thing in to perspective. we are all blessed and we are in many ways. I think sometimes we forget the feelings we had during that day, yes we should move on but never forget. the feeling of coming together as this country did after the attacks. You saw American flags everywhere. I Mean everywhere. You don't see that any more. In Iraq you are not suppose to fly the flag alone (you have to fly the Iraqi flag at the same height) But there is and ODA (special forces) compound that flies the flag by itself. I can see it from where our guard tower is. I must say it is the MOST beautiful sight I have ever seen . You do a lot of thinking when you are in the tower. I love that flag. It reminds me why I am here and helps me get through the day. Next time you see one take a moment and look at the most beautiful flag in the world.

Here are some other thing on how I feel or just whets on the mind at times:

IRAQ: Well it is a desert, Summer temp can get in the 130's (plus with all the gear we have to wear it can get pretty toasty) and cold enough in the winter for it to snow.

• Sewage everywhere, literally running on the sides of the streets, Trash everywhere too.
• Dogs, well they are everywhere , and some can be pretty vicious at times.
• Hot Showers, well I am not too sure how that feels anymore!
• Privacy, what is that!
• Day off, you get those, had not clue. Don't get me wrong we do get some downtime.
• Houses made out of mud bricks, some made out of concrete bricks and pretty nice inside, also some of the houses are rather nice and I wouldn't mind living in them, just not over here!
• Sunsets can be beautiful, reminds me of the ones in Tucson, AZ.
• Some of the Iraqi food can be very good!
• I HATE the words Mr, Mr, that is what the Iraqi kids say over and over....
• Not too sure how you can have a house, wives (plural) and kids but no job and still have food , gets me-
• Guard duty in a tower can drive you nuts, trust me.
• It is nice that you own the road , there are not too many traffic jams when we are on the road, they pull over-
• Water is your friend-
• Rain is your enemy, gets very muddy and the Humvee or MRAP can get stuck, but it is funny when it is someone else.
• Dust storms are beautiful and cool when there are far away but when you are in one you can't see NADDA, nothing , not even 5 ft. in front of you!
• Grass, haven't seen too much over here.
• Holidays suck.
• What to Watch: Any comedy DVD, Standup Comedy , you need to laugh, that is what does it for me.Sports, any sports, except badminton, fencing, ping pong, etc.......The Unit season 1,2,3 prison break, 24 however many seasons there are!!!

I feel that I have meet many people that I consider though emotionally and physically. Emotionally tough and strong there is no one in comparison to my wife. First off she has to deal with me, and we all know that is tough with me being a stubborn as I am etc... I didn't feel I needed to continue with that one. Many wives have been put in this situation through history but her being from a different country (Zimbabwe Africa, she has been in the states for 8yrs now) and newly married to a soldier ,I feel that it was a lot thrown on the plate at the same time. But she has always been there for me, The though long days, the days I am not in the best of moods, and days that I am dead tired, she has been there . I know you are probably saying that is what a spouse does, Yes but usually it is when the other person is not half away around the world for 15 months! Don't get me wrong she knew what was on the plate when she married me but it is still not easy! You’re a Champ babes and I love you with all of my Heart.