so far everything is going very well. all of the missions we have gone on and participated in have been successful to the point that our PRT members are getting done what they need to accomplish. the fact that they all come home in the same form that they went out in is a testament to our keeping them safe. so, therefore we are all working together to accomplish something here and hopefully work ourselves out of a job sometime very soon. we have been to probably 15 - 20 different location so far and have gone outside the wire almost 5 times a week. usually we have a few days we go in a row and then a day off and that pattern continues the whole time. even when we have a day off from missions our guys are kept very busy doing maintenance on the vehicles and cleaning weapons. im sure there is no more an intimidating image than that of us rolling around on the streets and parking in front of building with up-armored vehicles and mounted machine guns sticking out and scanning the area. not to mention when we walk around with all of our gear on carrying our M4 rifles. i cant even imagine what the united states would be like if instead of traffic lights we had cops at every single intersection. and at major crossroads on highways we had the army stationed with checkpoints verifying passes and stickers. traffic in the US is already bad, imagine all that on top of it and think about traffic jams and how long it would take to get to work!
for the most part our days are becoming routine and all of the guys are getting set into some sort of schedule so they can plan out their time wisely. for the most part everyday we have checks on our vehicles and equipment, we have a patrol and security brief, we have an intel update, and then we roll. when we come back we refuel, wash down the vehicles, and prep them for the next mission. after that soldiers have time to go to the gym, watch tv or movies, diddle around on the computer, go use the internet, but more often then not, napping is the priority.
right now we are still in tents and the living situation is not the best that i could be. we are all pretty cramped but i guess it could always be worse. the worst part about the tent is the temperature. it is so hot outside and so cold in the tent that the temperature change is so drastic it makes me get headaches. hopefully i dont get sick. i dont know why all the guys like it so cold it just isnt comfortable at all for me.
im going to put up a few picture with this post and try to do that from here on out so you can get a sense of what things are like and see what it is we see. i hope all is well back in the states!
Hey Aaron, I am glad that everything is going well and you are safe along with the people you are escorting. I sent out your package so hopefully it gets there soon! I put in some goodies for you :). I am really going to miss you on Saturday and Sunday. I will send a lot of pics and maybe a video. I love you xoxox, Abby
ReplyDeleteare those the cows that your mother spoke of eating trash? you paint such a vivid picture w/ your words that we don't even need the photos but certainly like to see your face! your description of what life would be like seeing the armored vehicles and soldiers w/ weapons is beyond frightening- we cannot imagine what terrors the people have to endure. we are so blessed to live a certain lifestyle and clearly can't comprehend that it is different other places in the world- lots of commentary on tv lately about the american "exceptionalism". but you my sweet boy are the most exceptional! we think of you each and every day- much love- aunt nancy and uncle edward
ReplyDeleteHi Angel, your days are so filled both with work and wonders we cannot imagine but for your descriptions, so thank you for posting and keeping us as attuned as possible to what your life is like on a daily basis. The pictures are amazing - the one of the body armor and equipment is very telling, but I couldn't agree with Aunt Nancy more that it is wonderful to see your smiling face!!! We know you see the national and international news but what you haven't see of our local news: WHRHS was served with a subpoena by the US Attorney for some alleged shinagins by the company that resurfaced athletic fields; we have two new fountains in Best Lake that balance Watchung Lake beautifully; and, we are taking down the dilapidated house on the Temple's property, putting up a "future home of" sign and having an outdoor services there asap! Rabbi Abraham includes a prayer for you and all our troops in every service for which we are grateful, and the Board of Trustees are now checking your blog on a regular basis. So many good wishes from so many, but most of all, our love, Mom
ReplyDeleteHi Aaron, what a great picture of you smiling! Who is the guy with the red beret? Although Nancy is correct about how vividly you write, the picture of the cows eating trash is more shocking than I imagined, because the trash is next to a car with a flat tire and there is lots of other debris behind the trash. One would think that for $1 or so a day, we would find a way to employ local folks to help make their city more livable, even if they do not find a way to do it on their own. And I can imagine the caption for the last picture, M4s stacked against the HMMWV, plate carrier removed and on the ground: "Another PRT mission completed, and safe inside the wire." Yes, please keep adding a few pictures every time; your selections and compositions are terrific, they add to what your write, and they are actually quite moving. We are glad that you and your men are accomplishing something positive. Now if the Iraqi government would finally get itself together, that would certainly help to work yourselves out of a job. Everyone hopes and prays that your platoon's routine stays routine. Love, Dad
ReplyDeleteI am glad you posted again. I enjoy keeping up with you. But you really amaze me sometimes and today was no exception. From halfway across the world, in a dangerous place, you took the time to donate to the Autism Walk in honor of Perri! That just took my breath away. You are so special and hold such a wonderful place in my heart. I love you! Love, JANEL
ReplyDeleteHi Aaron,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog posts, and the pictures! It is good to get a sense of your daily routine. I'm sorry the temperature changes are a pain - I hate when it is summer here and the air conditioning in buildings is so strong that you need a sweater to stay warm. Stay safe, and I love you!!!!
Meryl