Almost Done

Everybody,
I just wanted to say thanks to everybody that's sent me letters, packages and emails showing their support so far this summer. It's really made me appreciate my family and friends even more.
I'm supposed to be pressing out of here sometime near the end of the month. I can't wait to see something other than Air Force PT uniforms and sand. It really hasn't been that bad. The flying is definitely the best part of the deployment. Without that I'd be a lot more salty.
I wanted to say congrats to the future "Dr. Strohmeyer" for her recent graduation from Baylor's Forensic Science program and who is also set up to get her doctorate in England. That's awesome.
I really don't have any other news here. The guys had the decathlon. A few injuries: ruptured eardrum, cuts and bruises and a guy on an IV for dehydration were some of the highlights of the event.
We also had another sandstorm a week or two ago. Here's a picture:

The Home Stretch

I want to apologize for the lack of communication via email
and posts on this blog. For the last few weeks I’ve been unable to log on
to this blog and my email (hotmail) would rarely work. Also, our days
have been long lately. After flying, it's all I can do to get back to the hooch,
swing by the gym and finally hit the hay.

The desert hasn’t changed. It’s hotter and a little more dusty. I do
want to mention that this country does actually have some interesting
cultural sights to see as well as some amazing landscape features. Most of the people on this base only view Iraq from inside the base or while on convoy through the countryside. I get the chance to see the country from above. Some portions are desolate and brown for hundreds of miles. Others have lush green foliage and vegetation around winding green-blue waters of the Tigris and Euphrates. There are also some amazingly large lakes with mineral-tinted blue water that looks beautiful. However, it's rare to see a single boat on the water or any real development along the banks.

I’m convinced that Iraq will be a goldmine of tourism or pleasure some day in the future. “When” is the mysterious variable. I’d love to invest some of my money in a speed boat rental company on the Tigris or maybe even be the first to open a signature golf course in the Sunni Triangle! Actually, I’d like somebody else to do it and I’ll reap the profits.

The guys are still up to the same old games. This time the crew has developed a “Desert Decathlon”. Everybody chips in cash and the winner gets the prize. Events include: timed mountain bike race, non-alcoholic beer chug, Tetris, a game of hearts, diving competition, underwater swim and other random events.

Also, hats off to “Rascal Flatts” who recently took the time to play two performances here as a part of a USO tour. I don’t know their music too well and didn’t get to go, but apparently the crowd loved it. I respect them for taking their time and security to show us support. Also, I really appreciate everything everyone has sent me so far. Your support has been awesome.