A Soldier's Story: Outside the Wire

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Outside the Wire

Well today was the first time have been outside the wire since I have made it to Camp Echo. We were suppose to be part of a convoy that ws going to escort a british 3star general around to a nearby Iraqi Army camp to show the progress. Well word got out and everyone knew he was coming so they decided to do flyovers in helicopters instead. I should say that we were ther for our Colonel since he was going to be part of this. Well like I said they decided to fly but they still wanted us at the destination point in case something happened to the helicopter. The Convoy was composed of the Polish Special Forces (insert joke here) and some of the special security for the general.

The ride out and back was unremarkable. I drove and Bob was in the turret. I can see me having driving issues at home once I get back if I do this more often. We drive down the center of the road and drive at anyone who doesn't get over. We drive on what ever side of the interstate we want to. All Iraqis now that when a Colation Convoy is coming you had better get off the road and stop. If they don't they will get a couple rounds over the car then a couple in the car and then... well you can see how it goes.

SO basically if anyone has road rage issues I have a place for you. Aggressive driving doesn't begin to describe what we do. Anyways that was my day. This week is suppose to get hotter. The weather reports are saying 109. It was 102 while we were out today. It didn't feel to bad but I was tired when we got back. It took me a long time to cool down. People may think I am crazy but I still rather have the heat than the cold.

I posted some pictures bot big and small so be sure to scroll down.

Well that's it for now

Brent

2 comments:

Unknown said...: You look so cute in your body armor! :D oops, or maybe I should save brave & manly :P I'm just glad to see you wearing it, lol. One of the things that I think is so cool about us is when you get all excited about the things you are doing, I wish I was there with you. It sounds like fun!

You would have laughed at me at work tonight. Obama was on the news talking about the troops that have done 3 or 4 tours & I yell at the tv, saying they want to be there. He makes another comment about how we, as Americans, are not any safer with you guys over there. I explode out of my seat (looking for a soap box to stand on) & Mahr's like O, Lord, change the channel, Micca's getting all worked up!

I am SO proud of you, baby! Sleep well at night knowing that there are many of us back home that believe in what you are doing just as whole-heartedly as you do. I wasn't the only one talking back to the tv tonight. The same people that criticize you are the ones that want us to shoot the gun out of a suspect's hand-naive & sometimes just plain ignorant.

I love you,

Micca; April 22, 2008 at 10:56 PM
steve said...: Hi Brent,
WOW, those are some nice pictures. It is good to see you have some of the best equipment. It makes us feel a little better about you being over there. Not Great, but a little better!!
I think you had a lot of training for driving over there when you used to leave the high school parking lot lot for lunch!!! I'll let Merv know how your training is now paying off!!!
Take Care and Stay Safe!
Love Dad; April 23, 2008 at 10:29 AM

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For my Awesome Wife on Mother's day

On Mother’s Day…

I think of the person that is closest to me and how I couldn’t have picked a better roll model for Drake and Ashtyn. I am so lucky to have such a spectacular woman in my life, and our kids don’t realize it, but they have the best Mom in the world.

I know I have said it before but you are everything to me. My best friend, my, my wife (of course duh), and most important to everyone else around us a fantastic Mother.

The things that you do that you don’t even realize set such a great example for our children. It’s the little things that matter and our kids will be so much better for it. Many times I know you feel like you are being too hard but even then you are setting an example, and our kids will thank you for it.

I am so proud of you. I know you think I am bias, but I understand how hard it is for you to operate in your profession and the pressures you face. Add in your motherly duties and I understand how easy it could be to get overwhelmed by events. Your attitude is so awesome. You constantly inspire me to be a better person just to keep up with you. My job and our current circumstances make your job even harder. Being a mother can be tough enough, add in a full time job that puts your life on the line, and then toss in being the spouse of a deployed service member….. you my dear are a “gem” as my Dad would say.

You make me so happy, and by making me happy I can’t help but want to make you the happiest woman on this earth. You truly bring out the best in me and I am sure our children are grateful for that. You have made me a better Dad because you are such an awesome Mother.

Thoughtful…. Is the word I use most when describing you to others. I continue to be amazed by you. Many people think about doing things but you actually think up something and follow through. You are always planning activities to bring our family closer together. Now I know you may give the credit to other people or websites but it is you that is always seeking out ways to bring us closer together. You are the hub of a wagon wheel that we call our family.

My darling wife you never give yourself enough credit and on this day I want you to know how much I appreciate what you do for our family. Mother is just a word and when I look at you and what you do, I now know what the meaning of that word is.

I Love You so very much,

Brent