It has been a very difficult retrun to Iraq and things are still very dangerous. As I mentioned in my most recent entry I learned at the Dallas airport three men had been killed near here in the area of Balad. I was somewhat relieved to learn that the fallen were not from my unit. However the second day of my return two of the men in my unit were kileed in action. i remember talking to one of these men about getting some good mexican food during our training in Texas, he and I are both of Mexican decent. I also remember that he was here in 1991 and had earned his CIB ( Combat Infanty Badge ) he was home from active duty only six months when he was once again called to serve his country in a combat zone, I felt he'd earned the right to stay out of this one. For various reasons other then the obvious I felt and still feel angry over his loss. I truley wish I could say more about this but can't, maybe when I am home safe and out of the military I will.

I can remember almost boasting about being home on R&R during the very difficult and dangerous time of Ramadan and the elections, it's almost shameful because of the loss of life that happened while I was away from my post. It was an immediate reaction and everyone is entitled R&R and I am just telling it like it is. One can't help but feeling a little guilt.

I also learned that one of the guys from Tennesee was killed on the 13th of October just one week before he was scheduled to go home to his loved ones. He was on his last mission in support of the Iraqi elections and I'm told he was killed going to the aid of a wounded American, his picture now hangs in the gym with the other heroes of FOB O'Ryan. His name was "Tucker" and his was only a teenager.

After talking with fellow soldiers from around Iraq and realizing how common our experience here has been I find myself becoming more and more resentful at the steady loss of such wonderful people. And at the same time we all still believe that this will all come to pass and the world will be a much better place because of men like "Tucker".

It has been difficult to keep up my entries and should soon be back to semi regular entries as I've stated earlier whenever there are serious injuries or loss of life communication with the outside world ceases pending notification of loved ones. And we haven't had alot of outside communication lately. The coming rain and cold will make things safer for a short time.

We are all looking foward to getting on that freedom bird as soon as possible but there is still so much left to do. Every dog has his day and soon I hope to have mine.