Sunny Weather...

Recent Awards Ceremony

Dear Friends,

The weather here is starting to warm up. In reality it's basically like a mild, MidWest summer day right now...lower 90's with the sun blazing. It's starting to get pretty humid too. I think it's going to start getting really bad right around the time I'm leaving. We'll see. In other news...things are going well with the new Commander now fully in position. Operations are relatively light, and a lot of things are still in the planning process right now. This basically means that I don't have nearly as much to do as I've been used to for the past few months. It's a good thing (needed break) and a bad thing (lack of tasks makes time move slower) at the same time. I am trying to take advantage of the new pace though.

My mid-tour leave is quickly approaching. There are some loose ends to tie up before I leave, but the break is definitely in sight. My goal is to "sprint" to the finish...rest always is more enjoyable after a long period of hard work. Thank you all again for your continued support. By the way...if you didn't catch it in the news, then you should know that a new head-honcho was elected last week for IRock. Some have already asked me what this means as though I am an expert. All I do is laugh and remind them, "How should I know...I'm not a doctor."

Confirmed...

Me, My Commander, and My 1SG

The Boys After a Meeting and Lunch With a Local Leader

A Reunion With Duty A Month After We Left AQ

Dear Friends,

My leave date came out yesterday. It is "confirmed" as April 10th. I use quotation marks because I have learned to not trust any specific dates given to me by the Army. Ultimately I will be around Washington and the MidWest from mid to late April. I hope to link in with most of you. We'll see how many places I can hit within my 15 day window. I'll keep everyone posted if anything changes.

Anyway, my Company Change of Command is almost complete...about 3 more days. It has been a big project for me, but now I am already moving on to the next big project. It is good though. I continue to enjoy the fast pace. It makes time go by fast. Getting to Bible Study and even chapel has been difficult this past month due to an ever-changing schedule, but I am glad to say that I have been going as much as I am able. The transition from AQ to this base has been tough on keeping continuity with guys. Before they were always very close. They can get "lost" here due to the increase in size. God has been giving me opportunities to meet with a few key brothers, and that is always hugely encouraging. Time in the Word has also been good...about 15 more days until I finish the Bible for this past year. It seems like just yesterday I bought a new Bible and started in Genesis. I'm excited to start it over again. Okay...I need to go, but I will write again soon. Bye!

Big Week

My VC (Vehicle Commander) Giving the "Hang 10" Sign...Because That's How My Crew Rolls

Dear Friends,

This week is the climax of this deployment in many ways. Iraqi elections have already begun, and they will end in less than 3 days. This is a huge step in determining the time line for our withdrawal. As a result, those of you who want me to come home early should pray for smooth sailing. Those of you who would like me to stay away for a bit longer can hope for craziness. Ha! But seriously, this is a big week for everyone in this country. Today my Commander and I were talking to a local tribal leader at his house. Everyone is very eager for these elections to be successful. The government is very determined, and you can see it by the actions they are taking to ensure security.

In other news, I finally made it to a Bible Study tonight at the new base. It was small, but I'm glad that I finally made the time for it. I have missed it this past month when my transition and schedule prevented me from attending. Like I have said in the past...there is a huge need here for Jesus. I was reading about Ezekiel's commission to deliver a message to the Israelites, and I realized that God's message is not an option to us...it is a command. The reception is out of our hands, but the delivery is dependent on our obedience. If I don't obey, then God will simply find someone else who will.

Sorry for the preaching...it's not my intent. However, I want everyone to know that God continues to be very good to my Soldiers and I while here. He continues to keep us safe, and I know that He still has big plans for this deployment. Anyway, I am excited to see many of you all soon. I make no promises, but I hope to come home for 2 weeks of leave relatively soon. We'll see, and I'll give everyone as much warning as I can. I'll be making my rounds. Laters!