aztec reef
Active Member
I'm glad to hear you're safe & sound Journey. Hope everything goes well for you my friend..best wishes!!
Hello from Baghdad
- Thread starter 1journeyman
- Start date
clownfish11
Active Member
are you aloud to take pics? if so lets see some of the surroundings
o ya and glad to hear you made it there in one piece
o ya and glad to hear you made it there in one piece
seagoblin333
Member
Thank you for serving this country and everyone who loves liberty and freedom. You're in my prayers journey. GOD BLESS
flricordia
Active Member
Can you say what you are doing over there? I think everyone would want to hear that you are in a situation of safety. What time is it there when it is dinner time here?
1journeyman
Active Member
Rylan, at times there is definitely an "odd" smell in the air. Honestly, however, I've been to London, Vienna, Skotfe, Bratislava... you catch that same "weird" smell in old European cities too. I can't really comment on the sanitation of all of Baghdad; it's a huge city and I've seen a very small part of it. Right now there is more sand in the air than anything. Fine, almost talcom powder-like sand. The sandstorm from a couple of days ago really left a lot of sand.
Cowfish, lol, the evaporation probably wouldn't be as high as you expect. The Green Zone (or now more appropriately called the IZ for International Zone), is right along the Tigris river (I think it's the Tigris, may be the Euphrates. I'll have to check). It's really not a "dry" heat around here. It's just hot.
Clownfish, I am allowed to take pics, but didn't bring a camera on this rotation. Hopefully I'll get around to borrowing a camera. Much of what is around here I can't photograph. The sprawling palace that now serves as the US Embasy is awesome for instance. I ate lunch and dinner over there yesterday. Can't photo it at all though. It is beautiful. I plan on swimming in one of Saddam's swimming pools Friday over there just to say I did, lol.
Aztec, wow! Been a while. Hope you have been well.
I'm working completely inside the IZ near the Embassy Flricordia, and work about the same distance away. I am in Admin and Logistical Support. The guys I "support" come into danger regularly, but I'm insulated from all but the Indirect stuff.
Timewise, we're 9 hours ahead.
Cowfish, lol, the evaporation probably wouldn't be as high as you expect. The Green Zone (or now more appropriately called the IZ for International Zone), is right along the Tigris river (I think it's the Tigris, may be the Euphrates. I'll have to check). It's really not a "dry" heat around here. It's just hot.
Clownfish, I am allowed to take pics, but didn't bring a camera on this rotation. Hopefully I'll get around to borrowing a camera. Much of what is around here I can't photograph. The sprawling palace that now serves as the US Embasy is awesome for instance. I ate lunch and dinner over there yesterday. Can't photo it at all though. It is beautiful. I plan on swimming in one of Saddam's swimming pools Friday over there just to say I did, lol.
Aztec, wow! Been a while. Hope you have been well.
I'm working completely inside the IZ near the Embassy Flricordia, and work about the same distance away. I am in Admin and Logistical Support. The guys I "support" come into danger regularly, but I'm insulated from all but the Indirect stuff.
Timewise, we're 9 hours ahead.
1journeyman
Active Member
Originally Posted by Darthtang AW
http:///forum/post/2622781
Stay safe and give us a firsthand view of what you see.....good or bad.
My first "observation" from a neighboring country...
I observed a very traditional wedding celebration on my way to Baghdad. The Bride and Groom walked towards the elevator in their hotel, while a line of guests on both sides of them sang an Arabic song and took turns dancing in front of them. The music was played by handheld drums and an instrument that sounded remarkedly like bagpipes. Beautiful. Probably took 10 minutes for the procession to end wih the couple getting into the elevator.
The part that struck me happened next; and really struck a reality into my head. There were several teen boys and girls in the group participating. As soon as the procession ended they all pulled out their cell phones and started making calls or sending txt messages.
I was surprised by how "Western" these kids appeared at that moment. They could easily have been any of my youth from back home, or any of the kids you see standing in front of the movie theatre or in a Mall near your house.
You see a definite clash between the "old" and "new" culture. Even in the Baghdad airport.
I think that's what the radicals hate. They are losing the "culture" war.
http:///forum/post/2622781
Stay safe and give us a firsthand view of what you see.....good or bad.
My first "observation" from a neighboring country...
I observed a very traditional wedding celebration on my way to Baghdad. The Bride and Groom walked towards the elevator in their hotel, while a line of guests on both sides of them sang an Arabic song and took turns dancing in front of them. The music was played by handheld drums and an instrument that sounded remarkedly like bagpipes. Beautiful. Probably took 10 minutes for the procession to end wih the couple getting into the elevator.
The part that struck me happened next; and really struck a reality into my head. There were several teen boys and girls in the group participating. As soon as the procession ended they all pulled out their cell phones and started making calls or sending txt messages.
I was surprised by how "Western" these kids appeared at that moment. They could easily have been any of my youth from back home, or any of the kids you see standing in front of the movie theatre or in a Mall near your house.
You see a definite clash between the "old" and "new" culture. Even in the Baghdad airport.
I think that's what the radicals hate. They are losing the "culture" war.
aw2x3
Active Member
Glad to hear you made it all right...and glad to hear you're working for a good cause.
If you run in to any of my brothers in Navy EOD, tell them Garner said hi...you might hear some "stories". lol I didn't get out that long ago...there's probably ALOT of my boys still serving there.
God bless and God speed...stay safe, brother!
If you run in to any of my brothers in Navy EOD, tell them Garner said hi...you might hear some "stories". lol I didn't get out that long ago...there's probably ALOT of my boys still serving there.
God bless and God speed...stay safe, brother!
scubadoo
Active Member
Originally Posted by 1journeyman
http:///forum/post/2622440
Just wanted to thank everyone for the prayers and well wishes. I arrived in the Green Zone yesterday without any issues.
Take care my friend.
http:///forum/post/2622440
Just wanted to thank everyone for the prayers and well wishes. I arrived in the Green Zone yesterday without any issues.
Take care my friend.
renogaw
Active Member
Originally Posted by phtby
http:///forum/post/2622581
dude thanks for everything you do for our country ..... keep up the good work and come home safe best wishes
Originally Posted by fishyCPA
http:///forum/post/2622820
Thank you journeyman!
Originally Posted by Seagoblin333
http:///forum/post/2623221
Thank you for serving this country and everyone who loves liberty and freedom. You're in my prayers journey. GOD BLESS
guys/gals, he's working over there, not in the army.
glad you made it there ok journey. kiss a camel for us
http:///forum/post/2622581
dude thanks for everything you do for our country ..... keep up the good work and come home safe best wishes
Originally Posted by fishyCPA
http:///forum/post/2622820
Thank you journeyman!
Originally Posted by Seagoblin333
http:///forum/post/2623221
Thank you for serving this country and everyone who loves liberty and freedom. You're in my prayers journey. GOD BLESS
guys/gals, he's working over there, not in the army.
glad you made it there ok journey. kiss a camel for us
T
tizzo
Guest
Oh, but watch out! The spit! LOL.
How long are you there for again? You got internet. That's so cool. Hope it's not an iPhone. You'll get a 300 page bill, lol.
How long are you there for again? You got internet. That's so cool. Hope it's not an iPhone. You'll get a 300 page bill, lol.
veni vidi vici
Active Member
Originally Posted by renogaw
http:///forum/post/2625266
guys/gals, he's working over there, not in the army.
glad you made it there ok journey. kiss a camel for us
Carrying a weapon ,providing logistics, taking care of our troops,either way he still serving our country.Your doing for our country Journey.
Thank you and take care
http:///forum/post/2625266
guys/gals, he's working over there, not in the army.
glad you made it there ok journey. kiss a camel for us
Carrying a weapon ,providing logistics, taking care of our troops,either way he still serving our country.Your doing for our country Journey.
Thank you and take care
renogaw
Active Member
Originally Posted by Veni Vidi Vici
http:///forum/post/2625636
Carrying a weapon ,providing logistics, taking care of our troops,either way he still serving our country.Your doing for our country Journey.
Thank you and take care
sorry, but from his own post on a different thread:
Thanks Crimzy for quickly clearing up any misconceptions; I am going as a civilian contractor. I respect our men/women in uniform too much to let anyone confuse me with them.
That said, I'm not really going for business opportunities either. I'm 35 and single with no kids. No better time than right now to head overseas and be a part of an historic event. It should be a great experience with a great company, working for a US Department, while broadening my horizons considerably. Don't get me wrong, I'll be getting paid well. I won't deny or try to hide that. Plus this job opportunity should go a long way in buffering my resume if I decide to pursue a career as a Foreign Service Officer with the SD.
people are putting a "noble" connotation to this thread, when it is not really one.
http:///forum/post/2625636
Carrying a weapon ,providing logistics, taking care of our troops,either way he still serving our country.Your doing for our country Journey.
Thank you and take care
sorry, but from his own post on a different thread:
Thanks Crimzy for quickly clearing up any misconceptions; I am going as a civilian contractor. I respect our men/women in uniform too much to let anyone confuse me with them.
That said, I'm not really going for business opportunities either. I'm 35 and single with no kids. No better time than right now to head overseas and be a part of an historic event. It should be a great experience with a great company, working for a US Department, while broadening my horizons considerably. Don't get me wrong, I'll be getting paid well. I won't deny or try to hide that. Plus this job opportunity should go a long way in buffering my resume if I decide to pursue a career as a Foreign Service Officer with the SD.
people are putting a "noble" connotation to this thread, when it is not really one.
veni vidi vici
Active Member
Modesty is a fine quality,none the less Journeyman is doing a great service for our country ,regardless of if hes in a military uniform or not.
seagoblin333
Member
Originally Posted by Veni Vidi Vici
http:///forum/post/2625688
Modesty is a fine quality,none the less Journeyman is doing a great service for our country ,regardless of if hes in a military uniform or not.
Yup, enough said
http:///forum/post/2625688
Modesty is a fine quality,none the less Journeyman is doing a great service for our country ,regardless of if hes in a military uniform or not.
Yup, enough said
codylowe
Member
Contractor or Active Duty Army... They are in dangers way over there. I am a contractor now, but served two deployments there on Active Duty in the Army. It is a nasty/messy/horrible place to be. Good luck to you and watch out for those Mortars and Rockets.
Whether you are out kickin down doors and hunting terrorist or ordering more MRAPs to help keep our soldiers are safe, you are still fighting a in warzone -- Both Army and civilians alike.
When i was there the second time, we averaged 6-9 mortars/rockets coming into our base each day. I was in Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). We lost many soldiers and civilians due to those and not one person was any more important than the other.
I respect all our Coalition Forces (including all the Armies, Air Forces, Navies, Marines, Government Civil Servants, and Contractors) from many different countries -- fighting there for a great cause. Please don't downplay 1journeyman because he's not busting down doors and killing extremists.
He is doing a job over there. A job that will help us win this war!
Whether you are out kickin down doors and hunting terrorist or ordering more MRAPs to help keep our soldiers are safe, you are still fighting a in warzone -- Both Army and civilians alike.
When i was there the second time, we averaged 6-9 mortars/rockets coming into our base each day. I was in Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). We lost many soldiers and civilians due to those and not one person was any more important than the other.
I respect all our Coalition Forces (including all the Armies, Air Forces, Navies, Marines, Government Civil Servants, and Contractors) from many different countries -- fighting there for a great cause. Please don't downplay 1journeyman because he's not busting down doors and killing extremists.
He is doing a job over there. A job that will help us win this war!
flricordia
Active Member
Originally Posted by codylowe
http:///forum/post/2629313
Contractor or Active Duty Army... They are in dangers way over there. I am a contractor now, but served two deployments there on Active Duty in the Army. It is a nasty/messy/horrible place to be. Good luck to you and watch out for those Mortars and Rockets.
Whether you are out kickin down doors and hunting terrorist or ordering more MRAPs to help keep our soldiers are safe, you are still fighting a in warzone -- Both Army and civilians alike.
When i was there the second time, we averaged 6-9 mortars/rockets coming into our base each day. I was in Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). We lost many soldiers and civilians due to those and not one person was any more important than the other.
I respect all our Coalition Forces (including all the Armies, Air Forces, Navies, Marines, Government Civil Servants, and Contractors) from many different countries -- fighting there for a great cause. Please don't downplay 1journeyman because he's not busting down doors and killing extremists.
He is doing a job over there. A job that will help us win this war!
Damn straight!
http:///forum/post/2629313
Contractor or Active Duty Army... They are in dangers way over there. I am a contractor now, but served two deployments there on Active Duty in the Army. It is a nasty/messy/horrible place to be. Good luck to you and watch out for those Mortars and Rockets.
Whether you are out kickin down doors and hunting terrorist or ordering more MRAPs to help keep our soldiers are safe, you are still fighting a in warzone -- Both Army and civilians alike.
When i was there the second time, we averaged 6-9 mortars/rockets coming into our base each day. I was in Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). We lost many soldiers and civilians due to those and not one person was any more important than the other.
I respect all our Coalition Forces (including all the Armies, Air Forces, Navies, Marines, Government Civil Servants, and Contractors) from many different countries -- fighting there for a great cause. Please don't downplay 1journeyman because he's not busting down doors and killing extremists.
He is doing a job over there. A job that will help us win this war!
Damn straight!
armywife1314
Member
1journeyman my husband will be making his way there mid july. he's in kuwait now then off to BIAP. if you run into anyone name kervin its him! good luck over there i know its hell on earth.