Buffiniraq

Finally got few minutes to catch up on things. Yesterday had to go visit a critical care hospital we finished and is in operation and a Primary Health Care Clinic (PHC) where ordinary folks can get some medical attention. Saddam used this hospital as private health facility for only his favorites. Now since we've refurbished it ordinary folks in Baghdad have a place to send their critical care heart patients and the local media wanted to do an interview so I obliged them. They also wanted to visit a PHC in another part of the city which we're just finishing up. I'm waiting to get equipment delivered soon and turn it over to the Minister of Health where 3 to 400 neighborhood folks can visit daily for primary health care needs...imagine what it must have been like all these years being sick and having no medical folks or facilites available to you unless you were one of Saddam's "chosen people"....Just thought you'd like to see how things are really going around here in spite of the IEDs ...our guys are just awesome

Hay yall...sorry about not posting lately but things are really hectic here. Lots of projects going on in Baghdad and I'm doing my best to stay on top of all 157 of them from Substations to schools to hospitals and courthouses... it's all goin on in spite of those that are doin their damdest to try to make us fail. Bottomline is the enemy has grossly underestimated our soldiers' and their willingness to "gedderdun" under any circumstance. They just come by here in the green zone whenever needed and they're always ready willing and able to saddle up for a "tour" of the projects. In between they shoot straight as ever and then pass out the candies, clothes, school bags and whatever else yall send them to help the kids...it's just awesome to see. I am truly blessed to be part of this and wish yall could really know the whole story. Soon I'll be getting some pics to share with yall but this first month has been a study in trying to get up to speed on the government breakdown into Ministries, Governates and AManats and Mahallas (neighborhoods) etc etc...mostly getting to know all the entities we have here on our side tryin their damdest to help these folks at all levels of government to continue to find ways to make this "democracy thing" work under the worst of circumstances, but they are doin it and I'm so thankful to have the oppportunity to help thse courageous soldiers and Iraqi engineers find ways to "gedderdun" each day... It's late and I gotta crash...look for some pics soon...and thanks for all your support...and the soldiers really use any /all the stuff you send them for helping these kids...it means an enormous amount to them as well as their families in winning hearts and minds...the terrorists ain't givin them anything but grief for sure...