I was recently watching a DVD here at the FOB and came to a part where a car exploded and felt myself getting very uneasy with it and maybe even a little nervous. Now I don't think of myself as an emotionally soft person but really felt a little spooked by it. I have a little clearer picture of what the immediate future back home may hold for me. I am sure there will be moments of nervousness and feeling a little out of place. I also find myself thinking that every mound of dirt and pile of garbage near the road as a possible threat to my safety. We all want to think we will be able to leave it all behind but I really wonder how long it will take.

When we were getting ready to come hear last year we were told that the summer months of June through August were the predicted "Heavy activity" months and I can see after June that being very possible. As I've stated before we are ready for what ever the insurgents want to bring our way, the problem is they just do cowardly acts and aren't stupid enough to fight in the open. We can only hope that soon, very soon, the IA earns the same respect and we can go home. And even when they do strike the damage they inflict is almost non-existent. Our equipment has proved it's worth in protecting us from harm, although heavy,cumbersome and EXTREMELY Hot it's doing the job.

I want to share a few big differences in the Iraqi's and us. Recently while waiting to join our Iraqi counterparts for some activity "Outside the wire" we were watching them prepare themselves and a few of them had to use the Porta-Potty. Well, to be blunt, there is no tissue in their toilet area only water bottles. The Iraqi's believe in using water and the left hand for finishing up. They then use the remaining water for washing their face and hands. It should also be noted that they do not believe toilets should be sat on but stood over. One of the Wisconsin guys said what all of us were thinking, "Well if that just don't beat all,it's no wonder why these guys never have any water to drink. Hey guys! try some tissue and save the water, you live in a desert for Christs sake!"

Another thing about being here instead of the luxurious LSA Anaconda, We seem to be much closer and in better spirits. I recently got a twelve hour block of time off and was at the LSA and noticed people don't seem to notice each other or really care. I was standing in line at the PX (Post exchange) with about ten other people. There are sixteen checkout stands and two line starts available for busy times. Well today there were only three clerks so we all formed one line and waited patiently. A civilian worker walks up, walks right past us and decides to start his own line. As soon as the next open checker said "Next please" he walked right over. Yes, I said something to him and he repied "I see two signs for lines" to which I replied "Brother, so do all of us. the difference is common sense and common courtesy, which isn't really common at all". I couldn't help myself, simply because here at O'Ryan those are just as common as common can be.

When we pass people running or walking we always slow our vehicles down, move to the extreme edge of the road and wave to each other. Everyone usually parts by saying "Take brother and stay safe"
and they really mean it. We try to respect each other and know all to well that for far too many ,tomorrow never comes.

So, although things get rough here at times we're in some rather exceptional company and worry only when we have to, lifes too short. And the best thing everyone back home can do is live well and worry less then we do. I'll try to stay in touch and may be a little less specific,but I will try.

Ahowelle Itthaka - I'll try to remember