Buffiniraq

Finally arrived in the Green Zone and am settled in my room and office. This has been some experience as you can imagine. Over 140 projects going on throughout the city in spite of the madness you must be seeing on TV. Our office is full of Iraqi engrs who are determined to get these projects done and make a better life for themselves, their familes and their neighbors. They risk it all each day they leave here to go home and then again when they return the next day. Most of their friends and neighbors must be very careful how they come and go to work wherever it is and yet each day they come with a smile and a renewed spirit to "gedderdun". If only our folks back home could see what it's like for a day for them and our soldiers who help us get to and from these projects safely they would have an unbelievable appreciation for what we've come to take for granted. The reality is most Iraqis here in Baghdad "get it" and are extremely grateful for what our soldiers have done for them and are helping us whenever they can. They know who the "virgin worshippers" are and help us find them whenever possible. The Baghdad "scourge" will take time but most folks here are excited about the effort and are being helpful whenever and wherever possible. It will take time as there are lots of neighborhoods in certain sections of the city that need "purging". As soon as I get a camera, I'll get some pics for ya and share the experience to the extent I'm able to. Just keep the Faith and "neva, neva geeve up" as Winston Churchill once said in a college commencement address at the end of WW2. Our guys and gals are truly awesome and I am so very thankful for them...keep them in your prayers and say "thank you" when you see them back home...