Buffiniraq

Today is a day I wish I wasn't here for. 4 workers leaving one of my projects outside the wire were kidnapped on their way home. One was released today thankfully. I'm just in awe of the courage of these Iraqis who keep on coming even after these tragedies occur. The contractor and his men are determined to keep on building this sub station to get the lights turned on for his neighbors at all costs. It is truly an amazing experience and makes me so very thankful for all of our blessings back home. I cannot imagine what it would be like if we had to risk it all every day just for going to work...These folks are so thankful for the chance they've been given to be free. As each month goes by, more and more IA brigades step up to take control of securing these provinces ...counties. Slowly but surely they are "takin care o business" and slowly but ever so surely each province governate ...county commission...is working with the IA soldiers to secure the towns and villages and rid itself of thugs and terrorists. Just an awesome experience to see and be part of. We have so much to be proud of and thankful for...

Lots happening around here as you may have guessed or seen on TV. Most Iraqis I speak to are energized and just want these outta their country. In the meantime, they say where are the water and the lights etc...That's where the COE comes into this equation and in between threats to the workers, traffic being shut down and mortar attacks here and there, somehow we find ingenious ways to "gedderdun". The pics are of a huge transmission station we're fixin up which will enable folks in my "neck of the woods" have a few more hours of light than what they had before - which was little to none if you weren't cozy with Saddam. Just not as fast as we'd like nor as efficient as we'd like but we find a way - 1 village and a few more hours of light each day at a time. As my time begins to shorten, the pace quickens and I feel the need to make each day count as much as possible so I'm in the process of making a plan whereby we can continue to train and teach these Iraqi engineers how to carry on after I'm gone and they're out there "doin it" on their own. It's been quite an awesome experience to be here to help these folks riskin everything just because they believe in doing for their country and their families...sounds like our forefathers had the same ambition. I will do as much as I possibly can for them as my mentor and friend, Harly from San Diego, "learned" me until the big C-17 or Blackhawk wisks me on my way to Greenville, my family, all of you great friends and "home sweet home"...