Update from Iraq

dgrunt, Mon Apr 26 2004, 01:28PM

Hello all thought I'd send a quickupdate on the goings on here. Made it to Iraq ok and now stationed in Baghdad. Things are on again off again in terms of danger, but I will tell you mortars do take the joy out of the day. Weathers not to bad here at the moment although that should change inthe near future. I'll post my mailing addy here so those of you who wish can send me some snail mail. Heres a pic of me standing in front of the sabres in Baghdad itself hope u like.

Sgt Scott Kukas
B Co 1-161 IN
3/8 Cav 1CD
APO AE09348

72 Scotts 009
<span class='smalltext'>[ 72_scotts_009.jpg ]</span>
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Apr 26 2004, 01:30PM

oops sorry about pic size...still new to attachments
Re: Update from Iraq
, Mon Apr 26 2004, 01:38PM

Thank you for what you do. Your contribution of service for our country is greatly appreciated.
Re: Update from Iraq
, Mon Apr 26 2004, 01:50PM

Hey DGrunt, glad to see you give us an update again! Nice picture, hmm, sure that isn't some photoshop fakey?? Just kidding man, take care of yourself over there! Looking forward to seeing you on the pubs again!
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405N, Mon Apr 26 2004, 01:51PM

Indeed - kick ass. my bro will be there in june. hang tuff.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405U, Tue Apr 27 2004, 05:49AM

Thank you for what you do. Your contribution of service for our country is greatly appreciated.

FSK405 Sashquash

More than you know.

I thank God everyday for the brave souls that defend us.

Thank you.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Tue Apr 27 2004, 10:13AM

Just like everyone one else, I would like to thank you too. You're sacrifice to protect our freedoms is greatly appreciated. Good luck!

Earl
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 ShortTree, Tue Apr 27 2004, 02:19PM

Stay safe heh
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Apr 27 2004, 04:32PM

hey all thanks for the kind words, but a dozen cookies is worth a thousand words (shamless begging has always been my forte) ;)
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Mon May 10 2004, 10:55AM

Hey bro, I was just gonna ask you what you want us to send you. What kind of cookies do you like? Let us know!

Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Mon May 10 2004, 05:14PM

Cookies huh, anything else? A log of Skoal or Copenhagen maybe? Lemme know.

Hooyah!

email me: @

I'll shoot ya' a care package.

Rangers Lead the Way!
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun May 16 2004, 03:57PM

any type of cookies is good and maybe some snack crackers, I don't dip and haji cigs are 7 bucks a carton. I see 3.6 is out...who'd a thunk it. they blocked some ports otherwise I would be on IRC. Two more pics to send...got to be carefull what i send, don't want to violate OPSEC. Girls, don't be afraid to write either!!
BTW thought I was a dead man last week, there i was on my guard post in the evening and some gunfire broke out about 400 meters away which happens on occasion then it started to spread till I'm looking out over the city and I'm watching tracers going up everywhere and explosions as well. It looked like the movies of Baghdad during Gulf 1....so there I am getting my 240 ready to g0 and thinking to myself they are hitting everywhere at once, we are screwed. My other thought was that this was gonna be one expensive peice of meat that they gonna try to get when word came from the CP that it was just celebratory fire. Seems Iraq had just beat Saudi Arabia in a soccer game and thats how they celebrate here. Now I can go home and see the sports fans in the US rioting after a big win and go pffftt.....amatuers!!! well got to go take care all
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun May 16 2004, 03:57PM

second pic 72 Scott2 [ 72_scott2.jpg ]
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Wed Jun 16 2004, 07:31PM

I sent you TWO packages today, or about 36 lbs worth of cookies and candy.

Make sure you share! :p

()()
Re: Update from Iraq
, Wed Jun 16 2004, 07:49PM

GJ Minus!
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Jun 16 2004, 10:42PM

Just noticed your post minus thanks much, will be appreciated by all. Let me know if there is any type of pics you all would like to see. btw we had what sounded like a car bomb then about 6 mortar launches all at the same time. Definetly not the way to wake up. One last thing....anyone intersted in some of the old currancy just send me a email at @ with your home addy and I'll send ya some
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Jun 19 2004, 03:44AM

Resident the letter went out today, hope u enjoy the cash
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Jun 21 2004, 06:40AM

Ok boys and girls latest news from Baghdad.....IT'S HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And in addition to the heat some general echelons above us has decided the troops around here don't need Yahoo messenger and had it blocked that in addition to IRC. Needless to say I am a bit miffed, so much for talking to the bunnies and my parents. Oh well I guess I'll survive. I been doing my thing with the usual sound effects of booms and bangs. Nothing really close in awhile. I've decided to quit Red Bull cold turkey, (Going thru a case every 3 days or so I thought was a bit excessive) Soon as I get the knack of this photo editing program got some more pics to post, mostly of aircraft and the surrounding area. Still got a bunch of Iraqi Dinars from the old regime I can get rid of so if you want some send me a email I believe my email is posted around here somewhere. Only got 2 requests so far and both have been sent out. Whelp got to go make Iraq safe for democracy once again I'll catch ya'll later.
Re: Update from Iraq
, Mon Jun 21 2004, 06:50AM

Cool dgrunt, er hot! :)
Keep on updating us.
Red Bull... is that beer?

All we (Atlantic Canada) hear on the news lately about over there are about the hostages that are being taken. Explosions once in a while as well. I'm sure there's a lot more going on than they classify as Top News Headlines.
Take care man.
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY, Tue Jun 22 2004, 02:09AM

1- Chips Ahoy regular
1- Chips Ahoy White Fudge (they are really really good)
2- Milky Way dark bars
1- Grey Poupon mustard squeez bottle
1-Chap Stick lip balm
1-2oz (pack size) Tabasco sauce
1-Kikkoman soy sauce (5oz)
1-Extra peppermint gum pack
1- CD with some mp3's, some funny videos, some car vids, and ET

Shipping out tomorrow :)

no idea what yall can get over there, but if there is something you want (any seasoning, hot sauce, candy, whatever) just ask :)
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Jun 23 2004, 10:56AM

Hi all, getting harder with each passing day to be upbeat about this shit. $ Marines sniped and a Korean being beheaded along with all the other stuff going on around here makes me wonder sometimes if it's worth it but I just keep thinking about the kids, hopefully we'll be able to give them some type of life before this is all over. I got some rumors going around wish I could share them but can only put down past events nothing that could even remotely be used against us. Could be pretty interesting if they come true. Things been pretty busy here so haven't had a chance to get some pics reduced so i don't send those monster pics anymore but will try real hard to get some posted by this weekend. Earl I sent your dinars today and Minus I'll be sending yours tomorrow. Anyone else wanting some needs to let me know and I'll ship some out to you.
BTW thanks AidsMonkey for the package I hope you didn't use your handle when you sent it. Picture my 1st Sgt going "Sgt Kukas you got a package from a.....AidsMonkey....Sgt Kukas come and see me after we get done with mail please." Take care all and remember "When the going gets tough...The tough go cyclic."
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY, Wed Jun 23 2004, 05:53PM

Silly request, but could you snap a pic or two of camel spiders if you happen to come across such a beast and post them?
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Wed Jun 23 2004, 07:51PM

dgrunt, lemme know when you get your package, it was mailed last week
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Thu Jun 24 2004, 01:36AM

Hey Dgrunt,

Keep up the good work and please remember you are right about the kids. Kids are what keeps us and other countrys going strong.
Dgrunt you and three others of my friends are over there and each day passes I say thanks to you and them for what you have done for us.
OKOK some might pick on me and some might not but I have to say this.
The other day Dgrunt I read about a WAR WAR II vet that received 27 medals during the war with the Germens. After reading about him and how he was a brave 5' 5" 110 lb young man of age 17 or 18. They say he might have fake his birth papers to get in the army. I just sat there staring at the computer thinking this man and others during the War War II for giving us what we have today our freedom. While still staring at the screen, I started to think about you and the guys and gals over there in Iraq and my friends........................I started to smile with a tear in my eye...............How Proud to be living in the USA. Thanks man Thank you so much---------Now go help thoses kids. 8) ------------- *:)
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Jun 25 2004, 07:11AM

Well boys and girls, its been a interesting couple of days. Yesterday while on shift we had a van pull in to load up some stuff from one of the buildings here and since it was Iraqi driven by Iraqis I had to search the vehicle. The outside inspection went fine but once I opened the drivers door and started inspecting the cab things got interesting. First thing I see is a taped wrapped device with wires and switches coming out of it, after a couple of tense moments I find out its a jury rigged system for the horn. Next continuing my search I find a AK47 with 2 mags taped together in between the two seats. I yell gun to my partner and he immediatly draws down on the group of Iraqis around me. I secure the weapon and move the occupants to a safe distance and ask them if they have any more surprises for me. Turns out they do....a pistol loaded with 2 more mags for it. After some fast talking on thier part we find that they have a legit reason to carry the weapons so we log them in and move them in. 72 Ak47 [ 72_ak47.jpg ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Jun 25 2004, 07:12AM

The next morning working the same area when WHAM!!!!! thiers a loud explosion about 50 meters away. Once we pick ourselves up from where we took cover we find a mortar round detonated within 50 meters of us and if we didn't have the wall between us we probably would of been peppered, Pics included are of the AK the impact crater and some fragments. And it should get more interesting in the next couple of days with the change of power coming up. 72 Mortar1 [ 72_mortar1.jpg ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Jun 25 2004, 07:13AM

frags 72 Mortar2 [ 72_mortar2.jpg ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Jun 25 2004, 07:14AM

oh btw....only casualty of the round was a lizard. We tried to save it but it was to late...feel bad for the little fella
Re: Update from Iraq
Mr_Sentry, Fri Jun 25 2004, 10:39AM

if I send package to
Sgt Scott Kukas
B Co 1-161 IN
3/8 Cav 1CD
APO AE09348

You will recieve it grunt?

Good Luck and Godspeed
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405N, Fri Jun 25 2004, 10:52AM

dgrunt, i'm with you in vSpirit :? Sand, sand and more sand....
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Fri Jun 25 2004, 10:53AM

dgrunt...methinks you may have been scouted by the van occupants...
Re: Update from Iraq
, Fri Jun 25 2004, 11:09AM

These van drivers, like minus mentioned, think they were scouts or what? On the other hand, I know if I was a delivery driver in an area like that, I'd be packin heat too for my own protection and protection from potential criminals/looters etc...
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405N, Fri Jun 25 2004, 11:53AM

Everyone is suspect. Make no mistake! Dirty Harry rules.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Jun 27 2004, 02:38AM

Looks like they are going to shut down all access on the net with the exception of the military email, so if anyone wants to get ahold of me my email will be:

@

hopefully we get this straightened out soon. I'm about seriously pissed at the moment...As long as we are in a war zone lets see how misrable we can make these people. That seems to be there mindset. Thank you army for making up0 my mind...once done with this I'm done with them.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Jun 28 2004, 10:20PM

ok was misinformed we are just losing all the messenger services i can still post here, I am sorry for previous post. I shouldn't post after 24 hours of being up. Remember sleep first then post.

1. No pics of camel spiders for 2 reasons: first I don't dick with anything that they tell us not to use bug spray on because the only effect it will have on them is pissing them off. And two, I am probably one of the biggest archindphobs you will ever meet.

2. Yes that address will get to me here. Mail is at best sporadic at the moment combination of several reasons not the least is the fact that the mail clerk went on leave and no repacement has been named at the moment.

I'll try and post some more pics shortley just got to organize and figure what to post. Can't post pics of what remains of the stupidcide bomber. I got to make sure what I post doesn't violate OPSEC and isn't graphic.so bear with me. Got some nice pics of remains of a few buildings and one of a russian vehicle we captured back in the war. If any of you have specific questions you would like to ask feel free I will try to answer to the best of my ability and with a little luck I might actually get leave in time for QuakeCon. I might try to make an appearance there. Also for those of you who have requested those dinars all but 2 of the requests have gone out and I'll try to get those two in the next day or so. Try not to spend it all in one place. Got to go and make Iraq safe for democracy
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Jun 28 2004, 10:35PM

oops forgot one thing if anyone planning on shipping a package to me if they could find a sleep mask, those blindfold thingies I would appreciate it if you send one and let me know the cost I will reimburse you. sleep scedules all messed up and sleeping in the day here hard.
Re: Update from Iraq
ghozt, Mon Jun 28 2004, 10:49PM

hey man, i dont have much to give.. but if you need anything i can offer with this server like ftp space/or a http directory let me know.. of anything else.. though the forums probably work just aswell since u can store images on em
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Tue Jun 29 2004, 01:45PM

Hang in there Bro when my papers get passed by the GOV the FSK405 KAG will be over to take out those spiders. HEHEH okok really I'm glad to see you still posting and I know all about lack of sleep and saying things you should not. oh yeah look at this.


*:) <-----this is G on hair grow from the fairy hair women and only 9.99 on HSN.

!amazed
Re: Update from Iraq
illogical, Wed Jun 30 2004, 12:34PM

If you can read DVD's, I'll send you 3000 songs for listening pleasure.
Re: Update from Iraq
illogical, Wed Jun 30 2004, 12:49PM

And I was thinking about setting up a port to let you chat on IRC, if you want it I can arrange it.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Jun 30 2004, 04:24PM

if you could set that up that would be great
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Jul 01 2004, 07:04AM

All right, I think I'm going to make two posts here, first will be an update on the last couple days and then I think I'm going to ramble a bit on my perceptions here.

First of al as many of you might of noticed power has been transfered back to the Iraqi's. Did it 2 days early and caught a bunch of reporters here with thier panties down. The female reporter for CNN whose name I can't mention is a real bitch. We had to stop her several times from filming in areas she wasn't supposed to and every time she just went bugnuts. She knew the rules but thought she was to important to have to follow them.

Then the next day I was sent out for checkpoint duty to pull a 12 hour shift. First of all its about 118 and no shade to be found. To top that off trying to get Iraqis to follow commands is not the easist thing in the world to do (which probably explains why so many get whacked blowing thru checkpoints, they think we are pointing at someone else I guess.) All in all the day went fairly smoothly till the evening. I had about 2 hours left to go when we here a BOOM!!! This in itself is a common occurance, what is not so common is the whistle of a incoming round which we heard getting louder and louder as it gets closer then suddenly nothing. Those of us at the checkpoint look at each other thinking wasn't their supposed to be a explosion at the end of that? Turns out the rocket hit the building I'm living in but was a dud. So here we are sitting at the checkpoint listening to the radio as they have people out searching for this dud round. Evewntualy they find it cordon it off and call EOD to come take care of it. Meanwhile we get a report of 4 individuals skulking in our area with RPG's well considering I'm on top of a vehicle with the machinegun I take notice and start scanning. Turns out it was a false alarm but gave me some nervous moments. Other then that nothing much going on except I tweaked my leg and it hurts like hell. Pic attached is me on the .50 during the day.

72 Imgp0128
<span class='smalltext'>[ 72_imgp0128.jpg ]</span>
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Jul 01 2004, 07:31AM

All right now you get to read the rambling thoughts of a man on two vicadin.

I think the biggest change thats come over me (besides dropping 30 pounds) is my perception of things has changed. I sit here in my underwear typing these words I still have in the back of my head that in a blink of an eye things can change. I've only been here 3 months and have already been on a patrol when we were peppered by incoming small arms fire, also have been the target of at least 6 mortar attacks. If nothing else I hope to come out of this being able to handle things with a little more grace.. I hopefully won't get worked up when McDonalds puts onions on my Big Mac. I just want to not sweat the small shit anymore. Speaking of McD's I never relized how much I have taken for granted things from the States. I never thought I would say this but I miss commercials, I miss the ability to get in my car and drive to a store to get whatever I need. I miss the conviance of the states. Today I risked life and limb to drive off my post and go to another that had a post office to try and mail a B day present to both my mother and my sister. When I get there I can't even do that because they lost power due to a rocket attack and are closed. Thier B day was last month and this was the first chance I had to go send them a package and the place is closed. Probably be another month before I can set that up again. And thats just to mail a package home. The ability to go out and pick what you would like to eat. No resturaunts or fast food here.
Last thing is contact with people outside of those of us here. Most of us here eagerly await mail here and it's kinda interesting to watch people as the mail gets passed out, seeing happiness or disapointment depending on if the recieved anything or not. Any contact is good. We have 3 people in our platoon that haven't recieved any mail since we have been here and I can't imagine what they have to be thinking every day when mail arrives knowing that nothing will be for them. I ended up having to call my sister who works at a hospital and see if she can get these guys some type of care package from the states. We do share what we recieve but not quite the same as recieving one addressed to you. She said she should be able to square them away. Keep ya posted on that. Well enuf for now pills kicking in hard and me gonna sleep now. Take care all and have a Happy 4th, wish I was there to crack a cold one myself.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Thu Jul 01 2004, 08:43AM

Hey Dgrunt can you give me the names and how to send some mail to them, I want to send a letter to each of them just to tell them how I and others appreciate what they are doing. If you could so much do that that would be great if you can.
Re: Update from Iraq
illogical, Thu Jul 01 2004, 10:49AM

Likewise, put some names and addresses here (email or post) and I think we can send some mail/packages their way.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Thu Jul 01 2004, 01:51PM

ditto what they said!
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Thu Jul 01 2004, 07:35PM

my packages aren't there yet????

wtf???

it's been about 2 weeks now, maybe it takes a lot longer than that...
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY, Thu Jul 01 2004, 08:24PM

my packages aren't there yet????

wtf???

it's been about 2 weeks now, maybe it takes a lot longer than that...

HMinus1


Mine not there yet either? It has been about 10 days and I shipped it priority. Got a bunch of songs that I will get out to you hopefully on monday (if the post office is open, not sure if that is a holiday). Will try to find one of those sleep mask things too. There is a gift store around where I am, but the only ones they sold were pink and I figured you would never hear the end of it if you wore a pink one.

Have a happy 4th and keep safe *:)
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Thu Jul 01 2004, 09:41PM

PINK --------------- WINK oh man----------Monkey I want a pink one LOL. My SGT. with my <<<<.cough.>>>> campus police department is a formal Marine, HE SAY GIVE THEM HELL and HOOOAAHHHH. [ Edited Thu Jul 01 2004, 09:42PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Jul 01 2004, 11:08PM

takes 2-3 weeks for a package...save yourself some money and forgoe priority if you ship other packages. Priority counts only till it hits the army then it has to make it's way here with them...not to mention I have seen a couple of letters arrived that were charred, bad guys don't know whats in the trucks they shoot up. As soon as it arrives you can be assured of my prompt and heartfelt thanks. Also just so you know anythinjg shipped to me doesn't normally stay with just me. I try to share what i can with those in my platoon. So fear not fine fellows unless your packages have been ambushed the the bad guys they should be arriving any day now.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Jul 01 2004, 11:11PM

Hey Kag next time you see your sgt ask him why they put Marines on Navy ships. When he says he doesn't know tell him Sheep are to obvious :)
Re: Update from Iraq
illogical, Thu Jul 01 2004, 11:29PM

Hey, where's the names an such of the people who don't get letters/packages? We've got an itch to make their day. They might have to excuse the missing cookie, I always have to sample my cooking ;-)
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Thu Jul 01 2004, 11:41PM

LOL Dgrunt you might get a 62 year old man mad---and let me tell you he not a nice man when he mad and even tho he 62, I think I would have to beat him with the most ugly stick I can find just to knock the mean look off his face. Then after about 3 hits with the ugly stick the damn stick will cry why me why me. :p but for fun and kicks I'll do it and post what he said to me sometime on Friday.

Oh yeah we need the names of those 3 guys I really would like to send them some mail----I just think they need to know someone cares.

I never was in any arm forces but knowing that my job is in one way that same in a little way. My hat is offf to you guys and women over there, and hoooahh.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Jul 02 2004, 12:06AM

couple rules on these 3 guys, they can't know that I had any part in this. More for thier pride then anything else...I'll PM all of you who had a interst with their names, would prefer not to post them. Mailing addy will be the same as mine just put thier name instead of mine. let me get some sleep and I'll pm ya later today
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Jul 02 2004, 12:08AM

One last Marine joke and I'm done.

How many guys from the Army doesa it take to kick the crap out of a Marine?

5...four to shake him out of the tree and one to kick the crap out of him
Re: Update from Iraq
illogical, Fri Jul 02 2004, 12:55AM

I'm sure all the Marines I know would just love that... Be sure to PM me a name ya slacker :-) Hooooaah
Re: Update from Iraq
Hottlipz, Fri Jul 02 2004, 10:57AM

Well that sucks 3 weeks. The cookies I sent will probablly be stale :( . Ok so next time Ill get the packages ones with preservatives. I hope they make it in time to enjoy them.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Jul 02 2004, 11:07AM

Homemade cookies are like sex...when its good it's great......when its bad/stale its still pretty dammed good
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Fri Jul 02 2004, 11:26AM

LOL he has a point on that one WOOOT ------
click here
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405N, Fri Jul 02 2004, 11:38AM

Well that sucks 3 weeks. The cookies I sent will probablly be stale :( . Ok so next time Ill get the packages ones with preservatives. I hope they make it in time to enjoy them.

Hottlipz
Now that is a true medic. !heart
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Fri Jul 02 2004, 04:47PM

This is something I wanted to share as my wife shareded with me. The responsibilities of being in a democracy are awesome. For each of us and all the people we know we make decisions every day that do not get the thought and attention they deserve. I am not a Republican or a Democrat, I am an American who cares passionately about our country and its system of government. In the long run for democracy to work we need to better meet the basic needs of all citizens. We also must take on the personal and societal responsibility to be well informed and educated. America is a land of optimism and opportunity. The potential exists to build a level playing field so all people have the chance to gain an education and achieve their personal potential best. On this July forth week end take a minute to remember the need to be committed to something and not drift through life. We are all fortunate to be in this country - imperfect as it is- but take some time and figure out what you can do. Every single one of has opportunities to make a difference during our life time, not every day, but the chance will happen- don't miss it. Be a participant that is what this country is bout I hope you find the attached REAL letter of interest. Have a wonderful forth Bill Berkley (203)-629-3010 ----- Forwarded by William Berkley/GW/WRBC/WRBerkley on 06/30/2004 11:41 AM ----- FYinterest Clay, (*via Janet's brother, Ken) Fred From: Tom Stewart Sent: Saturday, June 12, 2004 To: 1atm Subject: Navy Chaplain comments from Iraq - 30 May 2004 Dear Friends, This is my third letter from Iraq. I have been working myself into the right mood to do this. Today is the day. In my last two letters I have leaned toward being as upbeat as possible. This time will be different; today I want to talk about Memorial Day, but I will start off by giving my perspective on the Abu Ghraib prison problem. First off, the investigation into the abuses at Abu Ghraib began back in January. That is why the first court martial was ready for trial in May. The senior people here knew about the investigation; the rest of us didn't. By the time the media "broke" the story, the investigation was almost done and the soldiers who had committed the abuses had already been rotated home. Second, I (we) don't see all the news coverage that you in the states see. I do see some Fox News and CNN. Fox editorializes toward the right wing; CNN is the voice of the anti-war movement. I wonder that if CNN had been around in 1942 we might all be speaking German and Japanese. I can tell you this, everything I have heard on CNN is so biased, negative, and out-of-touch that I will never watch CNN for the rest of my life. That being said, when the rest of us found out about the abuses we were shocked and sickened. I think maybe more so than people back home because we are here; these are the people I see every day. The people I see every day who are going out to fix: schools, hospitals, reservoirs, power plants, and sewer systems. They do these things risking sniper fire and hidden explosives. These soldiers are not a handful of bad apples like those at Abu Ghraib, these soldiers number into the thousands. Now think for a second, how much have you seen about that on the news? I believe Abu Ghraib should have been reported, but when I see the fixation of the media on the actions of a few, when the courage shown in reconstruction and the restraint shown in combat by thousands of our people is never shown, I believe this is inexcusable. For the real story of what our people are doing here, go to www.cjtf7.com/index.htm. Click on Coalition News and then Humanitarian Efforts. Third, what happened on that cellblock of Abu Ghraib is what happens when leadership is not out walking around. That is true in the military or in college dorms. I haven't seen it reported in the news, but other soldiers turned in the soldiers who did this. If the dirt bags that committed those abuses had been turned loose among the troops here it would've been ugly. I haven't heard any comments about them coming from soldiers that didn't express a hope that they would get the maximum punishment. A few leaders need to get demoted too. As per the "outrage", if you were "outraged" by this, good. I was. However, I would like to ask Arab governments and our own media elites "Were you just as outraged by what happened under Saddam? If so, you didn't show it." Here is what people need to understand: the interrogation of prisoners of war is a little tougher than what the typical thug gets by the local police. I went to Survival, Evasion, Rescue, and Escape (SERE) School back in 1995. I am more proud of completing that course than anything I have ever done. Also, I would never do it again. After playing hide and seek with "bad guys" in Californiain March, we all got caught, knocked around, froze, went hungry, sleep deprived, threatened with worse, and then interrogated. Here's the deal: when interrogation is done correctly, people don't break so much as they leak. (The purpose of SERE is to teach you how not to leak. That is the classified part of the school.) The interrogator wants them to leak in a way so that the prisoner doesn't even know he is leaking. When someone breaks, as opposed to leaking, they usually give out a data dump of gibberish and then physiologically shuts down. A good interrogator avoids that. If you hurt them or scare them too badly, they quit leaking. Interrogators ask the same question about ten times, ten different ways. Disoriented people leak and they don't even know it. What most Americans think of when they think of POWs being interrogated is what they remember of our pilots in North Vietnam. The abuse our people went through in Vietnam wasn't to get intelligence; it was to exploit them for propaganda purposes. I mention this to put the term "abuse" in context. When a terrorist here in Iraq or jaywalkers back in the states report jailhouse "abuse," what does it mean? When we catch a guy red-handed restocking his weapons stock and question him, withholding his TV privileges isn't enough. He won't be happy, but neither will he be destroyed or scared for life. He will tell his buddies, "I didn't tell them anything." In fact he will have told us a lot. As I said, I had to work myself into a mindset to talk about this. To work around horror without out letting the horror seep into your soul is a spiritual battle. This week I worked with a National Guard soldier who had to clean up after a convoy of civilian aid workers were killed when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off on the road into Baghdad. He is a carpenter in civilian life, but this week he was out on a highway picking up arms and legs while watching out for snipers. He was cleaning up after monsters. Some other young Americans were put in charge of guarding monsters and then became monsters. Care of the soul is serious business. That is part of the reason why I became a Navy Chaplain. The other reason is the people. The folks I have known in the military are more interesting to be around than anybody else I know. This leads me to Memorial Day. Earlier this month I went to CampCookeat Taji. (To lend perspective, Taji is really north Baghdad; I am in west Baghdad.) The 39th Brigade (Arkansas National Guard) is stationed there. I didn't know any of them, but I wanted to see my home-state Guard here in Iraq. So I badgered my way into flying up there for two days. They are stationed in the old Iraqi army air defense school. Unlike downtown Baghdad, the old air defense school was turned into rubble. It is getting better, but it was like living in a junkyard. Their first month in Iraq was tough. These soldiers patrol the roughest part of Baghdad. While I was there, the Chaplain of the 39th told me this story: One of the old troopers who came was a 52 year-old Sgt. who had already done his 20+ years and had retired. But his son was in the 39th, and when the father found out they were coming over here, he reenlisted. On their first week in country, Camp Cooke was attacked by rockets and the first rocket that landed killed the father. I was born in 1958 and came of age when the Vietnam War and the anti-war movement were both in full swing. It has taken me years to put this into words, but I believe that as bad as that war was, the legacy of the anti-war movement was worse. The anti-war movement gave rise to the moral superiority of non-involvement and non-commitment. While that may have worked to help draft-dodgers sleep at night, it's not much of a strategy of how to go through life. Taken to its logical conclusion the message is: don't commit to your county, don't commit to your spouse, and don't commit to your kids, church, or community. Don't commit to cleaning up your own mess or any cause that demands any more from you than rhetoric. This was the mindset in which our country was firmly stuck. Until 9/11, some woke up. Kids came down and joined the service. To the dismay of some of their teachers, parents, and the media elites, they came down here and raised their hand in front of the flag. And they are still coming to the shock of the non-committers. The Marines have more enlisting than their two boot camps can handle. And we are all here together for Memorial Day 2004. Old National Guardsmen, grandfathers, and single moms, Texans and Mexicans, Surfers and Rednecks. A few weeks ago an Illinois National Guardsman, mother of three, was hit six times, saved by her body armor, but lost part of her nose. She stayed on her 50 caliber, firing on the bad guys, protecting the convoy. She said she was thinking of her kids and the guys she was with. Commitment is love acted out. It is sad that the non-committers missed that. They and their moral high-ground haven't been near a mass grave. The kids I see and eat with every day still want to help this country, in spite of getting shot at while doing it. That is love acted out. You either get it, or you don't. During my time in IraqI won't be able to see any of the Biblical sites that are here. But a few weeks ago in Taji I got to stand on some holy ground, where a father died when he went to war just to be with his son. Sincerely yours, Steven P. Unger LCDR, CHC, USN Multi National Corps-Iraq [ Edited Fri Jul 02 2004, 04:48PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Fri Jul 02 2004, 06:46PM

Touching words, but they won't change the hearts and minds of the anti-American. Proves we need to "stay the course"...re-elect GW [ Edited Fri Jul 02 2004, 06:46PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
Hottlipz, Fri Jul 02 2004, 08:43PM

Um I didnt bake them but they are the next best thing from costco.GRUBBIN!!!! :)
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405N, Sat Jul 03 2004, 12:03AM

Touching words, but they won't change the hearts and minds of the anti-American. Proves we need to "stay the course"...re-elect GW [ Edited Fri Jul 02 2004, 06:46PM ]

el kabong
lord have mercy on our souls. are you old enough to vote? god forbid!
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Sat Jul 03 2004, 08:24AM

Touching words, but they won't change the hearts and minds of the anti-American. Proves we need to "stay the course"...re-elect GW [ Edited Fri Jul 02 2004, 06:46PM ]

el kabong
lord have mercy on our souls. are you old enough to vote? god forbid!

FSK405N
what's the alternative? vote in a liberal democrat that will run and hide and lead this country into a recession while getting a blow-job from someone who isn't his wife? yeah, that's the moral road to take...
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Jul 03 2004, 10:37AM

Good news boys and girls.....the first of the packages have showed up both Minus and Aids Monkey have showed included is a pic Thanks much, got to get ready for guard will post more tomorrow bad guys willing

72 Imgp0134
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Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY, Sat Jul 03 2004, 12:01PM

Interior decorating 101: never use white curtains with camo bed coverings :P

j/k glad it got there and hope you enjoy the stuff. Will fire you off another one this week.
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Sat Jul 03 2004, 04:57PM

YaY! Glad to see you got them, looks like both of mine showed up.
Be a good boy and make sure you share with your bothers and sisters! :)
Peace
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY, Sat Jul 03 2004, 05:16PM

Found you two sets of those sleep eye mask things today will send those out this week (not pink ones).
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sat Jul 03 2004, 09:28PM

Hey dgrunt, just wanted to say hi and keep your head down! Not to try and hijack your thread but I got to rant ...

[POLITICS ALT="BEWARE"]


W is a multi-failed business man.


[/POLITICS]

FSK405N



Damn nuggie, I get laid off once and I get called a multi-failure!! !amazed

You kids play nice ... *:)

dgrunt - stay safe
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sat Jul 03 2004, 11:26PM

pshaw, please keep the political discussion for other threads (start your own, don't hijack dgrunt's.) thanks.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405N, Sat Jul 03 2004, 11:32PM

You're right. I was outta line.
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Mon Jul 05 2004, 06:05PM

You're right. I was outta line.

FSK405N

Thanks, N. It takes a real man to admit when he's wrong.

Also, Kr0m- point well taken.
Re: Update from Iraq
, Tue Jul 06 2004, 01:03AM

dgrunt, those are nice pics but I had to resize them. [ 9_72_052604_005r.jpg ]
Re: Update from Iraq
, Tue Jul 06 2004, 01:04AM

on behalf of dgrunt, resized.... [ 9_72_imgp0008r.jpg ]
Re: Update from Iraq
, Tue Jul 06 2004, 01:05AM

resized [ 9_72_imgp0019r.jpg ]
Re: Update from Iraq
, Tue Jul 06 2004, 01:07AM

resized. dgrunt, I saved the originals if you need them. [ 9_72_imgp0127r.jpg ]
Re: Update from Iraq
illogical, Wed Jul 07 2004, 08:55AM

Pimp my ride!
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Jul 08 2004, 08:58AM

Ok boys and girls time for another update....the bad guys are getting Froggy again, I had 7 explosions nearby within a four hour period. I find myself enjoying these things less and less. Our first couple of times when we first arrived was like a big adventure and we talked about how col it was and no one really took it seriously. But after 4 months and peeling a couple of charred bodies out of a vehicle blown up the enjoyment has diminshed. Hopefully things will calm down again before to much longer. Other then that all I can say is it's fargin hot here I think the temp was listed at 118 today and thats not counting the heat reflecting back up at us. I am really hoping for rain.
Thanks again for the packages, the guys here really appreciate it. I'll be sending a PM to those who showed a interest in sending packages to our unfortante few, I'll give you each one name so no one is missed.
If those of you who wanted the Iraqi money could let me know when it arrives I can keep track in case some mail gets misplaced/blown up...etc...I still got 3 more letters to send out and will try to do that in the next day or so.
Some of our local workers had the bejesus scared out of them, they wee working on cutting some grass and weds nearby when a 10 foot snake made an appearance, we sent out some hunter/killer teams looking for the snake but it evaded capture....keep ya posted on that.
Hopefully I should get leave towards the end of the year lookin forward to that.
Well think I'll get those PM's out then go take a nap before work tonight you all take care and drink a cold one for me :)
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY, Fri Jul 09 2004, 02:59PM

Thanks for posting the pictures :) You should get another package from me soon. I got you two sets of those sleep mask things.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Jul 10 2004, 10:08AM

Bad news....one of the companies in our Battalion lost a man in a ambush. Really bad part of it it was from the comapany I spent 10 years in and knew most of the people in the unit. Fortunately I did not know this person very well but I still feel angry. In the blink of an eye a life was taken and an entire family has been forever changed. What must his family think...what must the rest of his squad/platoon be thinking. We got a kid with most everything to look forward too and now nothing. No one here really beleives it can happen to them, we all think its always gonna be the other guy that gets it. Guess what...sometimes you are the other guy. I'll post more later...think I'm gonna just think for a bit.
Re: Update from Iraq
Hottlipz, Sat Jul 10 2004, 02:16PM

I feel sad now reading this post. Im at a loss for words other than I am truely sorry :(
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Sun Jul 11 2004, 05:21PM

I'm sorry to hear it...

Peace my brother...
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Mon Jul 12 2004, 10:13PM

Same here ---- Dgrunt in my job I think the same as a police officer each day I say its not going to be me--but the other guy. Sad in one aspect you wish it will not be you but the other guy---BUT wait is the other guy your friend as well as your partner-----What a FU world. Wishing it on some other guy but yet not..........man oh man its got to be way harder over there.


On a light note Dgrunt I got your mail cool cash tooo. Now I got to write a letter to the name you gave me and send some stufff to him, weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ok got to go I drink some beer to fast and dang sleepy as hell. OH THE BEER IS KICKING IN.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Jul 12 2004, 10:54PM

all right feeling better now, Had guard yesterday and I got to see what 50 million thats right million dinar look like. It took seven people to bring the stuff in and man it looked heavy. For those unfamiler with conversion rates that comes to just under 36,000 dollars. Other then that not much going on here.

Hottlipz and Oz thanks guys got the package :) and KAG did anyone ever tell you its not polite or wise to tease the animals. mmmmmm Beer

I'll leave you today with a picture of a building that you might of seen on Moores (from now on, refered to as "that fat fuck" or tff for short), movie. Saw his movie already and man I think propaganda is still alive and well in the 21st century. Sorry. but movies like that piss me off with just enuf fact in it to make the fiction look real. got to go before I rant on, take care all
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Jul 12 2004, 10:55PM

oops forgot the pic

72 Picture Lk051
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Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Tue Jul 13 2004, 05:31AM

DGrunt, got the dinars today, thanks much...I felt like sticking a pin in sadaams eyes. I didn't though, didn't want to ruin the cash.

I should be sending another package soon.
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Fri Jul 16 2004, 08:37AM

DGrunt, I mailed you 3 more boxes of goodies today. You should be getting them in a few weeks. 8)
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Jul 16 2004, 10:57AM

way cool, thanks minus...

You all might of heard about the large explosion that killed 10-11 Iraqis on July 14th. Well my friends that boom scared me so bad almost peed my pants. Shrapnel was raining down everywhere and a large peice of the car was thrown a couple hundred yards. I was on reaction force when it happened and was one of the first soldiers to arrive on scene. Let me tell ya all it was not a pretty sight. My job was perimiter security making sure no one got in or out till we got things under control. Almost lit up a car that was refusing to stop, I drew down on him and he decided at that point he should stop and see what I wanted. Then I got to deal with the press, to me they are nothing but a bunch of ghouls trying to break the cordon and get some pics of bodies and the wounded. Sometimes I feel like whupping some butt but can't do it. Got to maintain a professional bearing at all times. After about 5 hours out on the line they got us some relief and we were able to come in. I can tell you all truthfully that I can go thru the rest of my life without seeing anymore mutilated bodies or body parts. As soon as I can get some photos cleared I'll post a few of the cars andf craters. Other then that things going ok.
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY, Sun Jul 18 2004, 11:38PM

*&%^)*&)^ bah.. I got a package from Iraq on friday, too bad it was my own :/ They taped over your address I had on the side and the form was partially torn off. Anywho, will send the stuff again tomorrow or tuesday.

A marine captain I know who was in vietnam told me that they used to put the reporters in their very own foxhole right up front (for a better view, of course ;) )
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Jul 20 2004, 10:38AM

here be the boom

#1

72 Imgp0135
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Jul 20 2004, 10:39AM

#2

72 Imgp0143
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Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Tue Jul 20 2004, 02:38PM

Damn! I just heard about another one of the new Iraqi government and his body guard and driver getting killed.....

I guess that is another reason I can truely say I am proud to be an American.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Jul 23 2004, 11:13PM

another beutiful day here in Baghdad....still getting the occasional mortar and sniper round but no biggie. I just finished with a assumption of command ceremony for my parent unit. That was a total crock. Hey lets get us some soldiers and make em stand out in the heat so I can get some pictures of the day I took command of this Bn. Gee thanks I always wanted to stand in a parade where the opening statement included "In case of indirect fire attack take cover in the buildings to your front or in any armored vehicle. Just bought me a leather bandolier for my shotgun and now I got the Pancho Villa look going (pics to follow shortly).
Thanks again to those of you who have graciously sent packages to those of us over here, I just want you to know how truly appreciated that is.
Last but not least if anyone out there sent me thier addy for Saddam money and haven't recieved any please let me know so I can get another set out. Chances are they ended up in a convoy that got hit.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Jul 23 2004, 11:53PM

accckkk my spelling suxxors
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Jul 26 2004, 07:02AM

well another shitty day, One of our interperters a 60 something man who used to bring us tea was murdered at his home by insurgents. An exteremly nice guy who was doing nothing but trying to make a living was gunned down. I just don't understand. We are spending millions of dollars fixxing the water, sewage and electricity plants here and people still trying to mess it up. Some of the plants around here haven't worked in over 30 years and still some think we are doing it for the oil.
One of the other platoons in my company was on a escort mission when they started recieving fire from an Iraqi ambush. After it was over the US capped 3 and Iraqis scored 0. We try not to start trouble , but we do pretty much finish it.
More of our people been going on leave, hopefully it will make its way down to me. I miss playing with ya'll. On a lighter note I been getting flak from the guys in the platoon. Alot of peeps got pics of thier wives and gf's taped to the wall next to thier sleeping area, me...I got my cat.
You can all post once in awhile and let me know whats going on in the community...I miss all the gossip.
Well thats all for now, I'll leave ya with a pic of our newest sniper in the company....he whacked 2 bad guys just after this pic was snapped.

Remember when the going gets tough...the tough go cyclic!

72 Watch
<span class='smalltext'>[ 72_watch.jpg ]</span>
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Mon Jul 26 2004, 04:06PM

LOL I love that pic, Dgrunt I'm about to send a packet to that name you gave me and others I know over there --- I'll tell you when. [ Edited Mon Jul 26 2004, 04:07PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Aug 01 2004, 12:29AM

Just a quick update before bedtime, not much happening with my platoon although I did get to see Colin Powell when he swung by (pics to follow). I did have to roll for an event during his visist. Seems 3 local workers at our dining facility wanted to blow by a checkpoint and losy a tire for thier troubles. By the time I got there they had them out of the vehicle and subduded. After a brief interragation they were released and the last I saw of them they were replacing the tire that the CP had shot out.
Big news was the Iraqies fired several rounds at my parent unit and managed to catch them as they were prepping for a mission we had 5 injured in my company none seriously, I guess one guy from another unit got hurt pretty bad and a couple of guys from my company stayed and rendered first aid while still under indirect fire and saved his life. One of the rounds hit a Hummer (pic enclosed) Well got to get some sleep take care all


72 Picture 008
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Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Mon Aug 02 2004, 05:56PM

Fuck.

Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Tue Aug 03 2004, 08:07AM

LOL if that what it means to be FUC-, I'm going to tell my wife tonight that I want her to make love to me. :-) :-)

Dgrunt by end weeks I should have those cares pakages togeter and sending them good old USA mail.

Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Aug 05 2004, 02:40AM

just got this sent in a email:

Marine Corp's General Reinwald was interviewed on the radio the other day and you have to read his reply to the lady who interviewed him concerning guns and children. Regardless of how you feel about gun laws you gotta love this!!!!

This is one of the best comeback lines of all time. It is a portion of National Public Radio (NPR) interview between a female broadcaster and US Marine Corps General Reinwald who was about to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop visiting his military installation.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: So, General Reinwald, what things are you going to teach these young boys when they visit your base?

GENERAL REINWALD: We're going to teach them climbing, canoeing, archery, and shooting.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: Shooting! That's a bit irresponsible, isn't it?

GENERAL REINWALD: I don't see why, they'll be properly supervised on the rifle range.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: Don't you admit that this is a terribly dangerous activity to be teaching children?

GENERAL REINWALD: I don't see how. We will be teaching them proper rifle discipline before they even touch a firearm.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: But you're equipping them to become violent killers.

GENERAL REINWALD: Well, Ma'am, you're equipped to be a prostitute, but you're not one, are you?

The radio went silent and the interview ended.

You gotta love the Marines!


Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Thu Aug 05 2004, 11:27AM

just got this sent in a email:

Marine Corp's General Reinwald was interviewed on the radio the other day and you have to read his reply to the lady who interviewed him concerning guns and children. Regardless of how you feel about gun laws you gotta love this!!!!

This is one of the best comeback lines of all time. It is a portion of National Public Radio (NPR) interview between a female broadcaster and US Marine Corps General Reinwald who was about to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop visiting his military installation.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: So, General Reinwald, what things are you going to teach these young boys when they visit your base?

GENERAL REINWALD: We're going to teach them climbing, canoeing, archery, and shooting.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: Shooting! That's a bit irresponsible, isn't it?

GENERAL REINWALD: I don't see why, they'll be properly supervised on the rifle range.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: Don't you admit that this is a terribly dangerous activity to be teaching children?

GENERAL REINWALD: I don't see how. We will be teaching them proper rifle discipline before they even touch a firearm.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: But you're equipping them to become violent killers.

GENERAL REINWALD: Well, Ma'am, you're equipped to be a prostitute, but you're not one, are you?

The radio went silent and the interview ended.

You gotta love the Marines!


dgrunt

LMAO! We need more men like these!
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Aug 08 2004, 10:30AM

Not much happening at the moment thought I would post some pics, should have some nice ones soon.

Notice the chrome plated AK

72 Imgp0191
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Aug 08 2004, 10:31AM

Re-zeroing the 240

72 Dscf0372
<span class='smalltext'>[ 72_dscf0372.jpg ]</span>
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Aug 08 2004, 10:33AM

me again

72 Dscf0371
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Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Mon Aug 09 2004, 06:03AM

bring me home a SAW please!
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Aug 10 2004, 02:04AM

Things weird again

Couple days ago when Colin Powell came to visit I was on the reaction force when the call came that shots had been fired at one of our checkpoints and off we rolled. I can only imagine Powells security details reaction when we came busting thru me hurridly cranking rouns into my shotgun heading for the problem. When we get there we find three Iraqi's crouched down facing a wall and a white car with a flat tire. Turns out the Iraqis ran the checkpoint for some reason and the checkpoint shot out one of the tires. Leathal force is authorized on anyone who runs a checkpoint so I'm not sure if the Iraqis realize how lucky they are. After brief questioning and a search of both vehicle and persons coming up clean the Iraqis were released. Last I saw of them they were attempting to change the tire. You all probably didn't here about it because of the soldiers use of restraint and no one died. Never hear about us doing good things.

72 Imgp0178
<span class='smalltext'>[ 72_imgp0178.jpg ]</span>
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Aug 10 2004, 02:18AM

I'm not sure if you heard about it in the news but for the last couple of days the locals have been a bit restless. I'm out on point 2 nights ago and I'm hearing gunshots and explosions everywhere, sounds like we are almost in a war zone, but anyway during this over the radio I hear "Don't worry be happy". That just blew my mind hear I am listening and watching stuff that will mess you up bad and someone on the radio has the nerve to play that song. some weird stuff going on here
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Aug 10 2004, 08:40AM

Good story to relate...Seems a female translator was getting off shift at one of the checkpoints when a van pulled up and three men attempted to grab her. An alert Iraqi national guard member heard her screamin and rushed over to the van and scared off the men and saved the women from being abducted. After it was over an american asked why he didn't open fire on the van and he replied that there were to many bystanders to risk taking a shot. As far as I'm concerned that was true professionalism.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Tue Aug 10 2004, 01:49PM

Sad thing is both of these story will never make it to the (real<---Using this word losely) world of NEWs. Only to stay here for a few people to see what good really happens.
Re: Update from Iraq
, Tue Aug 10 2004, 03:35PM

So true.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Tue Aug 10 2004, 08:03PM

It would be cool to see someone donkey punch some of these people!
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Wed Aug 11 2004, 06:08AM

donkey punch, hmmm, is that like bitch slap?
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Wed Aug 11 2004, 09:15AM

I think I drank some of that donkey punch in Tijuana last year. Come to think of it, it was right before I got bitch slapped.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Wed Aug 11 2004, 09:54AM

donkey punch, hmmm, is that like bitch slap?

HMinus1
It is when you are doing the dirty from behind and right before climax you jack the partner in the back of the head as hard as you can. !amazed *:) ***Disclaimer :p [ Edited Wed Aug 11 2004, 06:15PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Aug 11 2004, 06:10PM

you do know my mother reads this?
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Wed Aug 11 2004, 06:15PM

I do now. Mrs. dgrnt, please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this post

***The remarks expressed by FSK405 Earl do not neccessarily represent those of the FSK405 clan, tag, philosophy, operators and/or their affiliates, sponsors, subsidaries or partners. FSK405 can not take any responsibility for those views, rants, stupid quotes, and otherwise useless analogies expressed by FSK405 Earl.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Aug 11 2004, 06:26PM

lol
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Aug 11 2004, 06:46PM

I like this.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-341695-prod-hotel-action-read-ratings_and_reviews-i;_ylt=Arq.uDol17wSL3a.Go7GVUfiphQB
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Thu Aug 12 2004, 06:58AM

hey dg, they running any specials right now?
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Thu Aug 12 2004, 11:38AM

Mrs. dgrunt to the disclaimer of FSK405 EARL . See disclaimer ****

***The remarks expressed by FSK405 Earl do not neccessarily represent those of the FSK405 clan, tag, philosophy, operators and/or their affiliates, sponsors, subsidaries or partners. FSK405 can not take any responsibility for those views, rants, stupid quotes, and otherwise useless analogies expressed by FSK405 Earl.

FSK405 Earl
****disclaimer Due to the remarks of FSK405 EARL I for do not affiliate with FSK405 EARL anymore and solely will not take part in any conversation of Donkey Punching or any actions of sexly comments. Cough Cough Cough-----------------HAHAHAHAHA disclamer to FSK405 Earl I'm with you 100 Percent *:) [ Edited Thu Aug 12 2004, 06:26PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Aug 13 2004, 01:43AM

Things interesting at the moment...read the news...got to go might not be on for a bit...wish me luck
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Sat Aug 14 2004, 09:34AM

Wishing you luck man, we all with you.
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sat Aug 14 2004, 11:05AM

Only thing lately on the news here about over there is about how nasty it's been in Najaf [ Edited Sat Aug 14 2004, 11:06AM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Aug 15 2004, 07:42AM

Had a request for me in civvies

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Aug 15 2004, 07:49AM

acckkk no idea it would be that big...quick update...they spun us up and we were prepped to go in and we were on deck when they canceled the misson. Will post some pics of that shortly...seems a unit was in some deep do-do and they were looking to units to help. We were ready to go quickly and was seriously ready to kick some butt. Sometimes I feel like I'm always gonna be the bridesmaid and never the bride. We been hit fairly hard today counted at least 7 rounds. Will post more later
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sun Aug 15 2004, 07:55AM

What kind of shape are the Iraqi National Guard in now? Do they have any amount of numbers?
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405U, Sun Aug 15 2004, 09:53PM

Had a request for me in civvies 72 Picture 029 [ 72_picture_029.jpg ]

dgrunt
Dude, nice shoes! :)
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 16 2004, 02:05AM

Krom as far as I can tell the ING is in fairly good shape. I haven't actually seen them in action other then manning checkpoint and use in cordons after car bombs. Not really sure what your wanting to know.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 16 2004, 02:09AM

ok setting up during attempt #1

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 16 2004, 02:13AM

Still feeling good about the mission

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 16 2004, 02:17AM

After waiting awhile we were told to go swap out the hummers for brads.

Pic #1

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 16 2004, 02:18AM

looking back at a couple of the other Brads

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 16 2004, 02:42AM

After waiting around for what seemed forever we packed up our toys and went home, ended up pulling an extra two hours of guard duty.
Last night just sitting around enjoying some well deserved down time the call comes in that several rounds impacted in the zone and we were needed to go do impact reports and look for several unexploded rounds. Weeeee what fun. We get to the first location and find two impacts one that detonated and one that didn't. See if you can guess which is which.

#1

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 16 2004, 02:43AM

#2

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 16 2004, 02:48AM

Then we headed to the second site. A civilian contractor driving home when this landed about 20 feet in front of him. He lead us to this

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 16 2004, 02:49AM

On closer inspection we see this

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 16 2004, 02:52AM

man I hate double posting
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Mon Aug 16 2004, 06:40PM

Anyone else think pic 1 looks a little like Drew Carey?
Re: Update from Iraq
, Mon Aug 16 2004, 07:11PM

Anyone else think pic 1 looks a little like Drew Carey?

FSK405 Earl
Dewd, don't dis the dgrunt like that! but yeah, he sorta does :) Nice pics dgrunt. Keep em comin! Nothin much goin on over here except political stuff in the USA and the Olympics in Greece (GO CANADA!). FSK405 recruited StaggerLee last week. I'm not real sure if you've had the chance to play UrT against/with him or not. STA league just finished the regular season. FSK405 didn't make the playoffs but we did hit .500 which isn't all that bad. SID has pretty much taken a break for a while before focusing more on the port over to Enemy Territory. Take care man. [ Edited Mon Aug 16 2004, 07:12PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Mon Aug 16 2004, 09:08PM

OMG I was saying the same thing----and I think Drew Carry rocks-----I agreee with you Earl. Man Dgrunt the round that power drived into the ground was cool looking. By the Way I'm Not Diging That Thing Up. [ Edited Mon Aug 16 2004, 09:09PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Aug 18 2004, 10:58PM

Dang it I want my Bagel Chips!!!!! Mother sent me some garlic bagel chips about a month ago and still not here. Don't they know its not wise to piss off someone who is heavily armed?
Iraqi conferance over thank goodness busy days as of late. I got pass coming up and its gonna be 4 days of doing as little as possible. wheeeeee
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Fri Aug 20 2004, 12:52AM

Dang it I want my Bagel Chips!!!!! Mother sent me some garlic bagel chips about a month ago and still not here. Don't they know its not wise to piss off someone who is heavily armed?
Iraqi conferance over thank goodness busy days as of late. I got pass coming up and its gonna be 4 days of doing as little as possible. wheeeeee

dgrunt


I think four days of "the gurkin" wouldn't be bad, unless, you find someone to help it!

!amazed
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Aug 21 2004, 05:04AM

Hey guys, just a quick note....I still have some Iraqi money left so those of you who would like some need to send me a email with home addy. Last chance for those that already have to let me know if you have recieved my mail. Also minus I haven't forgot about you its just things been crazy here. Hope to get your package out to you by the end of next week. Whelp I better get some sleep got the late shift
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Sat Aug 21 2004, 08:58AM

Thanks man, btw, how much longer will you be there?
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Aug 21 2004, 05:07PM

I just hit the halfway mark...btw peeps interesting night. Iraq won thier soccer game and as usual celebrated by cranking rounds off for a good 20 mins had one miss me by about 5-10 feet and heard 3 others drop in amongst us. You would think they would understand what goes up has to come down
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sat Aug 21 2004, 06:37PM

I always gotta chuckle when I see news clips of groups of people with firearms doing that... wtf are they thinking?
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Sun Aug 22 2004, 11:29AM

I always gotta chuckle when I see news clips of groups of people with firearms doing that... wtf are they thinking?

Kr0m

They're thinking "it's always the other person that gets it, not me."
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sun Aug 22 2004, 09:04PM

I always gotta chuckle when I see news clips of groups of people with firearms doing that... wtf are they thinking?

Kr0m

They're thinking "it's always the other person that gets it, not me."

HMinus1

Hi all, I'm new here! My first post.... :)

And yes, that's exactly what they think. It's what we think, too, every time we go out on a mission. We have to -- it's the only way to get through it!

Hope you're sleeping well, dgrunt -- you're in my thoughts and in my !heart !

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:11AM

Well just finished with a patrol into indian country and we suffered one casualty....my digital camera, so enjoy the pics I'm gonna post here because they are the last ones till I can get a new camera....my 3rd of the deployment.
But on to the patrol...we started with this the night before with a leaders recon, with me manning the .50 and to be a dismounted TL on the next days patrol. Took us awhile to find a way into the zone, most roads were blocked. Eventually found our way in and took a look at the area we would be walking in. Nothing to serious a park and zoo thats been primarily abandoned. We then take our toys and head back to the barn, pulled myself a guard shift got about 3 hours sleep then off I go. Get to our dismount point and start our stroll. We were going to suprise nobody with the pack of wild dogs following and barking at us...had my 12 guage ready to kill a few if necessary but wasn't they stayed a safe distance. After wandering around for about 2 hours it was time to get on vehicle and head home...I guess no contact is good contact

Sunrise in Baghdad

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:16AM

Recieving OPORD

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:17AM

getting ready to go on Recon

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:20AM

not as bad is it looks hot as hell with sweat in my eyes

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:23AM

At a staging area during recon

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:25AM

just a ride in the park

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:27AM

Literly out for a Sunday drive

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:29AM

probably very beutiful at one time

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:31AM

last pic of recon

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:33AM

out for a stroll

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:34AM

Iraqi dog...you could tell because it wouldn't listen to anyone

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:36AM

you can tell which one I am only one carrying a 12 guage and two leg pouches/holsters

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:38AM

statue we found in the park and I liked it

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 05:39AM

last pic for now

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 11:37AM

I lied 2 more pics of my cat

ready to party

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Aug 23 2004, 11:38AM

partied to hearty

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Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405N, Mon Aug 23 2004, 11:47AM

dude, that's classic!
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405U, Mon Aug 23 2004, 11:26PM

Hows the weather there? It looks very hot!
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Aug 24 2004, 12:24AM

very hot is right, which probably hasn't helped my mood.
Re: Update from Iraq
, Tue Aug 24 2004, 05:27AM

Hmm, that 2nd pic of your cat, is he getting a drink or is he praying to the porcelin gods after a weekend bender?
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Aug 24 2004, 08:26AM

I'll never tell
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Tue Aug 24 2004, 07:48PM

LOL dude you better tell hehe--cause I was going to send the cat cough you some BEER yes BEER.....

Dude the pic with the Horses and Chariot was alsome, I hope the chariot and horses stay safe. Sound funny I say that, but I like seeing other countrys culture and buildings.

PS at the end of this month i'll be sending the care packages now that i'll have some money---MED bills been hitting me hard. My pay raise helped alot weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.... So i'll have the cash to buy some stuff and money to send it with the good old US Post Office....

Mr. KAG and Ms. KAG say hello to you and the rest and we wish you all welll. Keep strong and again thanks for keeping us safe back here at home.
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Tue Aug 24 2004, 11:48PM

Nice pics, DGrunt! Glad you are okay, as well as the rest of your buddies, and things are (somewhat) safe for you there. Miss you loads here, dude. Ralph and I just saying Hi!

We sent a care package (a big one) about a week ago, with loads of cookies and other kinds of junkfoods. Enough for you and your buddies for a little while at least.

Hang in there, babe! Thank you for keeping us safe! We miss ya lots :)
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Aug 25 2004, 03:11AM

Thanks for the package Scarlett

Just got back from another patrol today and while some moments were fun, we heard 3 mortars launched while out...not to mention watching the local citizens flip us off and otherwise disrespect us. Sometimes I get so angry...we are trying to help these people and they just want more. I had a conversation with a guy here several days ago who pretty muched summed it up. For the most part most middle aged Iraqi's don't know anything other then life under Sadaam. They spent all thier lives being told what to do and given most things by the goverment. They expect us to do the same and when we try to help them help themselves they get upset. Showing someone a whole new way to think is not easy and their will be problems but eventually I think that they'll get it together. BTW our platoon song is Beer for my horses by Tobey Keith. If you listen to it you'll know why we here Lates all got to get some sleep.
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Wed Aug 25 2004, 07:16AM

The only thing they will respond to is total defeat. Here's why:

We need to start blowing up the mosques that are harboring (and incubating) these ruthless killers. They believe that because their mosques have not been destroyed that allah is protecting them.

As soon as we start blowing them up, the Islamic people will "see" that it is "our god" that is the strongest and therefore the "right" god. Then, and only then, will radical islamists lay down their arms.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Aug 25 2004, 07:20AM

the majority of the problems faced by US forces are not caused by the Iraqis but by foreign fighters. Destroying Mosques is not the answer takes thos that are grey towards us and turns them black
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Wed Aug 25 2004, 07:47AM

First, you da man grunt- thanks for all you do over there and thanks for bringing us along with your posts.

Second, I never mentioned the Iraqi people. Though I do think that the majority follow like sheep.

The point is that the terrorists truly believe that allah is on their side in this "holy" war. They absolutely believe that allah is protecting them and their holy places.

Unfortunately, until we prove that allah is not protecting them they will continue to target us and our allies throughout the world.

We have to do what we have to do to end this war. The bottom line is, they'll get over it. Just like being pissed off having to learning to do things for themselves, they will get over it.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Wed Aug 25 2004, 07:50AM

*sigh* When I first read el kabong's post, I said, "Right on, dude!" That's the voice of anger and frustration in me. Then I read dgrunt's and said, "Oh, right... hmmm...." That's the voice of reason. But of course, still no answer, which means the war continues to rage on... :(
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Aug 25 2004, 07:54AM

they have this saying that covers most everything: As God wills. you won't shake thier faith its what drives them. Look at the crusades
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Wed Aug 25 2004, 08:07AM

*sigh* When I first read el kabong's post, I said, "Right on, dude!" That's the voice of anger and frustration in me. Then I read dgrunt's and said, "Oh, right... hmmm...." That's the voice of reason. But of course, still no answer, which means the war continues to rage on... :(

LuckyCharm

Thanks LC, but I am not angry at all. I am frustrated, however, because we (the US) can't keep the fecking politicians out of the war. We need to let the military leaders fight this badboy and let the jerks in Washington worry about speed limits and such.

LuckyCharms, I have read quite a lot about this and I truly think I am the voice of reason. ;) Besides, my idea will work.
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Wed Aug 25 2004, 08:09AM

they have this saying that covers most everything: As God wills. you won't shake thier faith its what drives them. Look at the crusades

dgrunt

That is exactly my point. It is because they put so much faith in allah, they are blinded to reality. Once their god has been shown to be ineffectual they will lay down their arms.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 ShortTree, Wed Aug 25 2004, 09:07AM

Kabong that idea would be about as effective as if someone/s were to come into the US and started bombing our places of worship...it would piss a lot of peeps off...but not many would give up their faith and or bow down to "reason".
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Wed Aug 25 2004, 10:03AM

Kabong that idea would be about as effective as if someone/s were to come into the US and started bombing our places of worship...it would piss a lot of peeps off...but not many would give up their faith and or bow down to "reason".

FSK405 ShortTree

Shorty, that is not the same at all. They put ALL their faith in allah and if he does not protect them, they will defer to the god of the people that conquer them. That is unfathomable to most Americans. But it is one reason that Saddam was in power for so long. They believed that allah must want him there, despite their misery.

Difference 1. We aren't out in the world trying to killing everyone because of religion..they are.

Difference 2. We don't take refuge in churches or take battle plans from clerics, they do.

Difference 3. We as a people do not understand their culture and that they have been brainwashed since birth to believe that we are the cause of all their problems.

Finally, because we as a people are raised with Judeo-Christian principles, we can't totally comprehend where they are coming from because they are not reasonable.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Aug 25 2004, 10:40AM

1: I can safely say that less then 5% of the population are causing the problems and most of them are foreigners

2. ever hear of Monte Cassino? Once again how many different clerics have you heard preaching hate? I just hear about 3 or 4 that keep making the news...no one ever hears of the moderates because they aren't sexy in a news sense. Don't believe everything you hear in the news. Things here are defintely not as bad as the press makes it out to be.

3. Once again don't confuse radicals with mainstream...thats like saying David Koresh or Jim Jones spoke for all christanity.

and finally the vast majority of the iraqis I have met are polite fun loving people just trying to make a living and get on with there life. Don't judge till you have been in the region and seen first hand. That was my mistake before I got here.

Don't get me wrong I do on occasion feel nothing but rage for this place, normally after a high stress event. It's mainly a kind of "howd dare you people make me feel this way(normally terrified)" but after the event has worn off I sit back and relieze how wrong it is to generalize a group for the actions of a few. The locals don't help out to much because of fears of getting killed(We have lost 3 interpeters so far). Its getting better will just take time
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Wed Aug 25 2004, 11:41AM

My last post on this subject - I feel I have to defend myself.

dgrunt, I am speaking of radical islamists not the general population. I don't want them to suffer anymore than they aleady have. I feel no rage only compassion toward them. Actually, I even have compassion for the terrorists- because they are human. But I am also realistic and I understand from over 15 years of following this subject much more than you may know.

As far as not believing everything you read, that is good advice for anyone. But tell me, where have you seen the ideas that I have brought into this discussion in print?

And for you Shorty, the mosques I speak of are not equivalent to our places of worship as they are battle command centers. Surely, you can see the difference.
Re: Update from Iraq
, Wed Aug 25 2004, 03:56PM

Werd. Those cowardly clerics hide in their 'temples' knowing damn well the US is hesitant in attacking their 'shrines'.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Wed Aug 25 2004, 04:27PM

Not really weird. That's why they do it! Wouldn't you, if you were them? They know they've got us between a rock and a hard place, because if we go around attacking Islamic holy places, we'll have the whole Arab world against us.
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Wed Aug 25 2004, 05:49PM

Not really weird. That's why they do it! Wouldn't you, if you were them? They know they've got us between a rock and a hard place, because if we go around attacking Islamic holy places, we'll have the whole Arab world against us.

LuckyCharm

You think they aren't against us now? Better re-think that, the only ones who aren't against us are the Israelis (but that changes daily it seems), and that's only because they need us...
Re: Update from Iraq
, Wed Aug 25 2004, 06:51PM

No no, I typed "Werd" not "weird" :) Werd also means yeah etc...
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Aug 25 2004, 07:11PM

enuf....I'm not gonna argue policy on this particular thread

We can start a new thread for that :)
Re: Update from Iraq
Caper, Wed Aug 25 2004, 07:45PM

el u said u have done alot of reading on this, but u obviously missed some important details. You say we should destroy their mosques and temples to teach them that their God (Allah) is the wrong God, make them believe in our God. As dgrunt said look at the Crusades. That lasted about 400 yrs, and Islam is still here. Destroying a few building wont accomplish anything.

The biggest thing u missed concerns their God (Allah). Allah is the Arbic word for Almighty God. Christians, Jews, and Muslim all worship the same God. Except we all have different concepts concerning Him.

Destroying where they worship wont solve the problems. There will always be the few that will cause problems. Whether they use Religion, Culture, or Race as a driving force

dgrunt has said that there are alot of Iraquis(most being Muslim) are peaceful loving ppl. just trying to make a living for themselves and their families.

In all religions or govenment for that matter, there will be those that preach hate or do wrong in one form or another. U cant fault the religion for that.

All u have to do is look at say the Catholic religion and see their bad apples(and I'm not picking on Catholics) Its just a good example of the wrong type of ppl using religion to their own advantage. My point is all the Priest and Nuns that have abused and molested children in their care. By ur argument we should destroy the Catholic churches and temples to teach the Catholics that they are wrong in their beliefs.

Everytime the Americans move into a conflick whether for the right reasons or not, the other Contries love to criticize and say that their bullies. I often think that the next time something arises that the Americans should stand back and say F U all, use ur own money and ppl to solve the problems of the world because America is tired of being the fall guy. Lets hear and see what u can do.

But unfortunalty that cant happen. the US is the main power of the world, both economically and militarily and they have an obligation to what is necessary even if its not the most popular.

Sorry didnt mean to rant like that. But after reading ur post el I had to say something.
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Wed Aug 25 2004, 08:41PM

Sorry dgrunt. I don't mean to pollute your thread. I really do look forward to your posts. However, I need to respond to Caper. Caper, I appreciate your comments. You are obviously well read. So said, I'd like you to read one more book. But, first a question. Where in the Bible does it instruct Christians to kill non-Christians? Guess what, it doesn't. Now, please take a look at the Qur'an. You'll find it. Islam is a wonderful religion and there are millions of good muslims. Attacking their places of worship won't sway them to drop Islam. I understand that and I don't want that. But, it will work on the fundamentalists that are trying to kill us. They do it in the name of allah and if they see Him as inferior, they will lose their motivation to kill in his name. [ Edited Thu Aug 26 2004, 09:03AM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Aug 26 2004, 10:22AM

Wheee banner day today got two Packages today a generic care package and one from Scarlett and Ralph.....Whee!!!!
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Thu Aug 26 2004, 02:11PM

w00t! :)
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Thu Aug 26 2004, 02:18PM

Who's Ralph? I'm fallin' for Scarlett.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Aug 26 2004, 03:31PM

Well interesting night on duty someone dumped a clip in my direction and had 2 rounds pass within probably 10 feet of me another spanged of a lightpole not far away...just wish I had seen the buggers who did it
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Fri Aug 27 2004, 08:18AM

OK Dgrunt I’m sorry for this,
I fell like El at times and want to drop a Nuke, but Dgrunt and Caper said it more clearly then I think I could have typed here.
Here again some might not know YES I'm a police officer and I get people coming up to me telling me the police were wrong beating someone or killing them. ECT ECT ECT, But I always say where you there, was I there, did you see what really happen. Can you tell me what the real reason the police was doing what they were doing and the bad guys.
For the news, how can we say all the people are bad, news does that all the time ------- (The news) HOW many places of fighting is really going on. Kind of funny I only hear of 2 to 3 places most of the time. Then I saw a show that showed most of the other parts of Iraq getting back to normal life.
Dgrunt I understand the hate you get when you get shot at --- even knowing I have not in my job---but I have been attack in other ways --- after its all said and done I come back and realize some factors how life for some can be hard. That does not mean they are right but understanding them in their environment helps you to help them. Out of all of us who better to judge them then Dgrunt.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Aug 27 2004, 01:34PM

Thanks kag....Made it to freedom Rest today for some well deserved (imho) rest and relaxation. Got a welcome speech by a entirely to chipper 20 something y/o knockout who topped my by about two inches(I'm six foot) then off to the room to change...not allowed to wear dcu's for the next 4 days. Grubs good, pools huge, only problem is chipper girl has an equally chipper flunky. They mean well but right now I don't want to take part in any activities I want to relax and try to unwind. Waited till dark and everyone abandoned the pool for a nice leisurely swim... some pics of the digs to follow


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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Aug 27 2004, 01:36PM

oh dang it sorry about that will wait till i get back and reduce them there really sorry guys and gals...btw the bathroom has a bidet and it works"sprayed myself in the face :("
Re: Update from Iraq
, Fri Aug 27 2004, 03:44PM

oh dang it sorry about that will wait till i get back and reduce them there really sorry guys and gals...btw the bathroom has a bidet and it works"sprayed myself in the face :("

dgrunt

LOLOL
Have a good well deserved rest.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Fri Aug 27 2004, 08:52PM

oh dang it sorry about that will wait till i get back and reduce them there really sorry guys and gals...btw the bathroom has a bidet and it works"sprayed myself in the face :("

dgrunt


LOL um where you sh-- face and trying to clean the wrong end when you did that.... J/k ------ I know you was testing out the thing just to see if it works and I guess it did.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !amazed
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Aug 27 2004, 09:55PM

btw you notice the tub? I haven't even dared think about a tub since March. start of day 2
more later :)
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Aug 28 2004, 07:42AM

Day 2: Can't shake this feeling of unease. We turned in our weapons. I've spent the last 8 months not going anywhere and I mean anywhere without a weapon. Doesn't feel right to walk around unarmed. I'm putting my life in the hands of a security force I know nothing about. They are probably competent but I was not ready to relinquish control like that. I also miss all the guys from the unit, rather suprising since I though I couldn't wait to get away from them. But then again maybe not so strange as Lucky and I were discussing once. While we hate the crowding and the forced contact with everyone, we relize that those are the same people who will possibly one day save your life. I feel more secure on a dismounted patrol in Indian country with my buddies then I do here with beucoup security forces guarding me. I'm trying to have a good time here but its hard. Was soaking in the pool late last night just relaxing when we had 3 mortars launch nearby and then the rattle of small arms breaks out across the river. Surreal. Well time to try and have some more fun....take care all
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Sat Aug 28 2004, 09:14AM

Dude thats like me with my partner---we had a fight at the school where I work. I had another officer backing me up----but I felt uneasy about it, was not my partner of 5 years, that I know welll. At least I still had my weapon. Heck after 8 hours of work I keep myself alert, and when I'm off duty and see something that does not feel right. I find my self reaching for my weapon that is not there. Seems funny when you do that. Still this is like 20 times less then what you feel, cause hell man you in a war of unknow.
GOD BLESS YOU MAN
Try to get some RR it will be good for you.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sat Aug 28 2004, 11:41AM

*hug* to dgrunt....
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 06 2004, 07:10AM

Hey guys and girls sorry about the delay on posting but haven't had much energy.
Last day of freedom rest was interesting they pulled one of my roomates out in the middle of the night not sure what for but it wasn't good. Went back to the unit and was on point within 6 hours. We've been working on a new dance as of late here....its called the indirect fire shuffle, and we been getting plenty of practice, had 5 impacts in our area about 3 days ago and earlier today got to watch 4 impacts nearby....was kind of amusing in a perverse sort of way...Heard and saw the first impact and obsevered one of our labors who was watering somethin about 100 meters away do the standard duck and pray...he got back up and continued watering when WHAM...WHAM...WHAM!!! 3 impacts very close together and not to far off. One moment he was standing there next the hose is waving around wildly and I swear you could hear the air rush back into the vacum he left when he took off, haven't seen anything that funny in awhile. Godd thing I had just got off the phome with Lucky, she probably wouldn't of liked it a whole lot. Price of buisness I suppose. Other then that just same old same old though the grind is starting to get to us...tempers are a bit short and we've had a couple of close calls in the way of fights between us.
Minus the flag is still in the works, to much new meat not understanding the economics of the situation and in the process of dickering...gave me a good deal on a couple of flags but problem is the units embroidered weren't mine. I got 2 letters back for some reason with the bills in it, will try and get those back out in the next day or so, also will have that large stack of bills requested on its way out very shortly as well. I thinking of trying to get a petition started for G.W letting him know if wants to start another war he needs to pick a milder climate...this heat just wears you down was back up to 115 yesterday and I could swear I could hear the fat boiling of my body. Nice weight reduction program if you discount the mortars, rockets, gunfire, bugs, smell, etc,,,etc,,,
I'll eave you all with some pics of Freedom Rest and a couple we got to take while on point the last week or so

72 Imag0012
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 06 2004, 07:10AM

pool

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 06 2004, 07:11AM

pool again

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 06 2004, 07:12AM

Iraqi walked up to the point carrying this

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 06 2004, 07:13AM

On a point

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 06 2004, 07:14AM

still there :)

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 06 2004, 07:17AM

small protest, the kids kept coming up to us asking for food, water and money. Told them they probably got food and water at home and they should go there and get it.

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 06 2004, 07:19AM

This is my OMG!!! INCOMING!!! look

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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 06 2004, 07:21AM

and last for now I have a pic of my living area. I know have a bed and everything internet to my bunk as well. Some perks for having such a crappy misson.

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Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Mon Sept 06 2004, 08:37AM

[quote]This is my OMG!!! INCOMING!!! look

If that's what you really did when you had incoming, I'm afraid I'd have to spank you! :D

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Mon Sept 06 2004, 09:52AM

115 degrees and nobody in the pool? %-6

I would have been in there, dcu's and all...

Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 06 2004, 11:39AM

taken on first day before inbrief
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Tue Sept 07 2004, 01:05AM

Dgrunt tell that guy to wash his feet---I smell something hehehe
hang in there-----more stufff is coming to you soon---going to go out and get some stufff to send you, that bills are paid, and the other guy toooo.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Tue Sept 07 2004, 09:22AM

Your room reminds me of one of my old college dorms without the gun of course.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Tue Sept 07 2004, 01:09PM

I recall Ohio state college dorm room my friend had. It had guns shhhhhh do not tell anyone that. We would go hunting over the weeks ends so where else would you leave your guns.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sat Sept 11 2004, 09:37PM

Reminds me of the "palace" at BIAP -- marble toilets (nonfunctional), gilded mirrors (broken), cots and mosquito netting and the cool breeze coming off the pond in the morning and open-air shower, yeah!! :)

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Sept 12 2004, 05:14AM

Busy day....started off at around 4:30 with mortar fire then small arms...rapidly escalated up to larger. We got called out to beef up the checkpoint when gunfire broke out 50 meters away then one explosion followed in about 10 secs by a huge one. Had debris raining all over. Guy was spotted driving a car bomb, was engaged and the bomb detonated. Wasn't hurt but the concussion of it going off about 100 meters away rocked me pretty good. Cordoned the area and waited listening to a mjor firefight going on in the area we patrol daily. In fact was just in the area that the Bradly was burning the day before. Crazy times, more so considering Ii was listening to the NASCAR race when we were called out. People fighting and dying and life as normal elsewhere, strikes me a bit odd, but then again always been a bit odd. Will post pics as I can get them. Thats all for now. Adreneline wearing off need sleep
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Sun Sept 12 2004, 12:19PM

WOW 100 meters ----- god that must of been scary as will, and impressive. I know this is not a movie, just think what you see in the movies and then you see up front and close how it really is. ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW, right now in my mind I'm just thinking of what you said and picturing you runing behide a sand bag wall with a open tent for the roof. Then all a sudden a bright light with debris rains on you. Then the concussion hits, just seems like a movie in my mind--but real life to you. all I can say is be safe and WOW again. [ Edited Mon Sep 13 2004, 12:13PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Mon Sept 13 2004, 09:43AM

You just keep your head down over there, sweetie, and get home safely! This floor is starting to get uncomfortable! &|

~~Cheryl

P.S. Don't forget to eat your veggies! ;-)
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Mon Sept 13 2004, 11:11AM


P.S. Don't forget to eat your veggies! ;-)

LuckyCharm


LOL, and eat at least two servings of grain a day too! :p
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Mon Sept 13 2004, 12:14PM

P.S. Don't forget to eat your veggies! ;-)

LuckyCharm
LOL, and eat at least two servings of grain a day too! :p

FSK405 Earl

Oh and drink lots of mike-----Does the body good.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Mon Sept 13 2004, 12:15PM

P.S. Don't forget to eat your veggies! ;-)

LuckyCharm
LOL, and eat at least two servings of grain a day too! :p

FSK405 Earl

Oh and drink lots of milk-----Does the body good.

FSK405 KAG*EnForcer*
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 13 2004, 01:49PM

btw was just told that while running to my spot in the cordon a couple of Iraqi policemen started firing thier weapons in the air about 10 yards in front of me and I apperently screamed at them..."Stop fucking shooting or I'm gonna jam those AK's up your ass's." They appently stopped. I honestly don't remember doing that only remember A column of Brads going by and having one track me with his main gun till he figured out I was freindly...that barrel is awful big when looking down it
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Sept 13 2004, 01:53PM

sorry for typos hard to type in the dark
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sun Sept 19 2004, 06:23AM

BTW dgrunt, got a package ready to go out to you tomorrow. Sorry to hear about the mail -- hope this gets there soon! !heart

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Mon Sept 20 2004, 01:37AM

Dgrunt man that had to be a slow, still moment of scary poo poo. Damn dude stay safe, and do the best you can do. All of us are behide you 110% 7 days 24 hours a day.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Sept 21 2004, 12:27AM

Strange couple of days....Couple of nights ago was laying in my bunk chatting with Lucky when heard the bang of a launch then the whistle of a rocket coming in. I actually cringed on this one because it sounded like it was dropping in close, real close...then nothing another dud thank goodness, we still haven't found it. Then last night, supposed down day, get drawn for a patrol riding as .50 gunner on the commanders open back hummer. (On this particular vehicle I only have from 9-3 as fields of fire, and my enitre body is exposed) Made me a bit nervous since this was gonna be a night patrol and they like to play at night. So I decided to break out all my gear for this one. had all my regular gear including ballestic sleeves. Also wore my knee and elbow pads and for the first time on a patrol actually wore my earplugs. I also repacked my assault pack with everything I needed in case I had to egress in a hurry. finally my shotgun with 20 rounds, pistol with 5 mags. I wear a drop down leg rig on each leg. Right side is pistol holster with 1 extra mag. Left side is my ammo with 3 extra pistol mags and a pouch holding 10 extra shotgun shells that with the 6 I hold in the weapon means I only have 4 loose..could use about 10-15 more shotgun rounds but awfully hard to get here. Slugs are what they should be issuing along with the buckshot I got. Sometimes the Army makes me wonder. Anyways get all rigged up and jump on the ride and headed out. Ride was fairly safe other then my driver is insane. We started of in the patrol area checking things out and generally trying to make ourselves a nuicense to the bad guys. We had just turned a corner and were paralling another road with a large fence seperating us when...BANG!!!!....single shot rings out from the road at about my 5 o'clock (For those of you not paying attention earlier in the post you would not of known that I cannot reach the 5 o'clock posistion with my weapon. Needless to say I was less then happy at the moment and was calling out to the rest of the crew asking if anyone had seen the shot. No one had. (Interesting side note: When the shot had rung out we were passing a Iraqi Police IP gaurdpost and when the shot rang out they did the most sensible thing in the world....got the hell inside and out of our way...bully for them) After picking up the pace and finding a safe spot to park we kicked out the dismounts to check out the area and found nothing. Probably a drive by from the road next to us. Rest of patrol passed without incident although I came real close to kiling a dog that ambushed us.. Sucker waited till we were 3 feet away before starting to bark like a crazy dog. Bugger almost gave me a heart attack. Think he scared me more then the shot did. Well about all for now.
Now for the requests again never did recieve the sleep mask so if anyone has one they could spare would appreciate it. and crackers I would cheerfully kill someone for some saltines. can't get them hear for some reason Oh well will post pics once I get em organized again...take care all and keep on fraggin
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Tue Sept 21 2004, 12:57AM

I'm sorry, dgrunt, if I'd known you still needed a sleep mask, I would've sent one! My team SGT used to throw a t-shirt over his eyes when he wanted to go to sleep before everyone else...

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Sept 22 2004, 02:18PM

5000 views who'd a thunk it :)
Re: Update from Iraq
, Wed Sept 22 2004, 04:04PM

Glad to see another update, DGrunt. Those patrols must be nerve wrecking.
Heard on the news here they set off another bomb at an Iraqi police station not too long ago :(
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405U, Wed Sept 22 2004, 08:47PM

5000 views who'd a thunk it :)

dgrunt

Thats 'cause we're all rootin' for ya bro! =)
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY2, Thu Sept 23 2004, 01:58PM

Hey dgrunt, I am really sorry I spaced on resending that package with your shit. I had a huge water leak in my apartment and had to rearange all my shit and I forgot all about it. Will send it tomorrow. Here is a pic of some of the stuff.
2222

I got you a black and a white set of those sleep things. I figured you really really wanted pink, but was afraid you would get laughed at by the other troops.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Thu Sept 23 2004, 07:24PM

I figured you really really wanted pink, but was afraid you would get laughed at by the other troops.

aidsMONKEY2

Heyyyy!!! I'll send you a pair of pink bunny slippers if you promise to wear them every night! :p

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Sept 24 2004, 08:00AM

I'll tell you people this place is awfully strange place. I feel like I'm in the movie Groundhog Day. Days and weeks of repetive days followed by moment of stark terror. I think I'm gonna be a nervous wreck for a bit when I get back. For those of you who might of been wondering what a mortar sounds like when its launched go around the corner of a house and have a friend slam a late model car door. Thjat whump sound of the door closing sounds Exactly like a mortar being launched form a distance. I now can't stand to hear doors closing. We also have a spped bump here made of steel bars and when a car drives over it it sounds just like a weapon going off. I am becoming a nervous wreck over here. Oh well FIDO. On a more interesting note got to watch a fighter do a bomb run over me, was pretty cool to watch and I also had a 10 y/o boy offer to sell me a pistol just like the one I was carrying. I now alternate between feeling sorry for these kids and the desire to beat the living hell out of them. You try and help them and all they want is more. I think I'm just gonna deal with the ones travelling with their family. They seemed much better behaved and polite then the current hooligans roaming around freely.
Sometimes though these kids get to you...A couple of days ago I was overwatching a section of our perimiter that bordered on a kids playground. Over in one corner is a little girl about 4 years old and shes babysitting her brother who couldn't be more then 2. She was doing a good job as well, staying out of everyones way and never ever letting go of her brothers hand. I had some Froot Loops and Lucky Charms boxes that I had liberated from the messhall earlier in the day and went outside the gate to give them tio the two kids. The 4 y/o took what I offered easily but every time I tried to approach her brother to give him the froot loops he started screaming and crying and trying to run away. I probably looked pretty scary to him with all my gear on but still it hurt a bit thinking that the kid was terrified of me. Others are like that as well. Kinda sad actually. Then we got kids on our route as we gp on patrol throwing rocks at us and flipping us off. I don't know what to think anymore, sometimes I wonder if this is all worth it. Whenever I go on leave I plan on stopping at the 99 cent store for some toys for the kids along with paper and pencils. After that my only thought is gonna be getting out of this place with everything intact including hopefully my sanity. Sorry if this rambles a bit and not coherent but needed to just rant for a bit, well time to go to chow and take care of a bit of buisness ya'll.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Fri Sept 24 2004, 08:31AM

I'll tell you people this place is awfully strange place. I feel like I'm in the movie Groundhog Day.

dgrunt
Funny, I said the exact same words to my UA when I went in to the unit the other day! I still feel like that, often....

I think I'm gonna be a nervous wreck for a bit when I get back.... I now can't stand to hear doors closing.... I am becoming a nervous wreck over here.... After that my only thought is gonna be getting out of this place with everything intact including hopefully my sanity.

dgrunt
I hear ya, buddy, I truly do! We used to have a big freezer in the team room, and every time somebody let the lid drop, I'd jump. But like I told you, now is not the time to be worrying about what it's gonna be like when you get back, because there's no way to know. I personally felt like I wouldn't have any problem putting the whole mess behind me, and look at me now! You just can't predict how it will affect you. Don't worry, though, there is real help here... You can even join my support group if you want, and of course, you can count on me if no one else to understand what it's like! :)

I now alternate between feeling sorry for these kids and the desire to beat the living hell out of them. You try and help them and all they want is more.... Then we got kids on our route as we gp on patrol throwing rocks at us and flipping us off. I don't know what to think anymore, sometimes I wonder if this is all worth it.

dgrunt
*hug* Again, I hear ya, sweetie! I'll never forget the first time I threatened a group of preteens with my weapon, honestly ready to use it... "What am I becoming?" I thought... Just hang in there and know that the real you, the person you were before you left, is still intact inside you. And it will probably take some time afterward to peel away the layers of coping skills you've developed, including a callousness and pervasive sense of hostility that enables you to get through the mission and keep yourself and your men safe. Those things are serving a purpose now. You can't know how difficult it will be to get them to start doing more appropriate "jobs" once you get home, so just take it one day at a time, and know that there are people back here who care and understand!

*hugs*

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sat Sept 25 2004, 01:32AM

I'm sure those kids don't know any better... just like the adults causing the trouble there. For some they probably only see a foreign military as invaders, not liberators. Hopefully someday they'll learn that. Not much going on over here, mostly political hype for the up n coming election. The TV shows are starting to get into full swing again. NHL might not happen this season, owners locked the players out :( Baseball is starting to wind down the regular season. Florida is about to get pummled by yet another Hurricane. Some of the southern states got hit pretty bad. Flooding and such further north. The Bahammas and the rest of the Caribbean have been getting hit hard too. Haiti is a mess. No snow here YET in Atlantic Canada :) Other than that, the only other thing new is, yesterday I found out that FSK405E WEARS MANTIES!! :) Take care dgrunt. I look forward to your next post as usual. I usually read your posts to the gf, she likes hearing about what's going on and how people are doing there, like me :). [ Edited Sat Sep 25 2004, 01:33AM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Sept 25 2004, 02:20AM

I saw the manties link and I was deeply disturbed, thats a quick road to a ass whupping in my unit
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sat Sept 25 2004, 02:42AM

Where is everybody? Post, people, post!
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Sat Sept 25 2004, 08:21AM

I'll post real fast here.

Dgrunt stay strong, the feelings you are having are more harse compare to mine in my job. Only reason is that, each day being over there dealing with what you deal with is 20 times more then I'll ever see as a police officer. I'm looking for new job as well as getting more EDU, cause I have the same actions and feelings. Not the ones where a car door slams and I jump cause I think a morter is coming in on me. I'll never have morters launched at me. I hope, but the way you feel towards the kids and people I tend to do that at my job and at home :-( poor wife. As lucky said you will learn how to be your old self again, so as lucky said do not worry about that right now. focus on what you have to do over that and do the best you can do for yourself and feel pround to be able to come home to a country like ours. You are only human and reacting is what we do, my wife is slowying understanding me.

Now to clear one thing up for others that read this, in no ways I'm trying to say I fully understand Dgrunt I only have what I experienced here at home in my job, but when Dgrunt said what he said it hit home with me. You always asked yourself why what can I do, how can that be like that, why again, how can they think like that ect ect ect. It drives you batty at times. It took me fives years to get that way cause after work I was able to leave it behide untill I came back to work.

Dgruny stay safe man do the job the right way and feel pround that you did your part. When you are on your dutys and have a sec to think, think about all that has posted here and be pround that you are trying to keep us all safe from the evil that becomes on to us.

THANK YOU AGAIN
and you tooo LUCKY
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY2, Sat Sept 25 2004, 11:37AM

Like people here have been saying, everyone back home really appreciates what you are doing :] Keep your spirits up and stay safe. BTW, I resent that package again (once again, sorry for spacing on that) so it should get their sometime early next week. That Old Bay seasoning is teh bomb, but if you do not like it (goes great on fries, chicken, just about anything else), someone from the east coast will probably carry your gear around for a week to get their hands on that stuff ;) I hooked you up with a bunch of Zappa too cause you said you wanted that a while back. Also included is a suprise silly humor gift.

I did this to try to cheer ya up, I figure you will either get a chuckle or want to strangle me (more incintive to get back home in either case):

Dg3
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sat Sept 25 2004, 10:22PM

Thanks KAG, and you too, aidsMONKEY2! Cute pic, BTW -- how long did THAT take you?? :p

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY2, Sat Sept 25 2004, 11:38PM

I looked into the options, and I cannot find a legal way to send you slugs.. if someone knows of a legal (meaning fully decalred to customs) way to send ammo to Iraq, please do post it.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Sept 26 2004, 12:24PM

love the pic, don't worry about the slugs, all is good
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405U, Sun Sept 26 2004, 12:47PM

dgrunt man,

Dude I'm a driving instructor and I talk to alot of teenagers on a daily basis. I take every opportunity to let them know that what the media is feeding them is all bs and that you guys are really truly kickin ass over there to keep us safe...and the word is spreading..you personally get mentioned quite a bit too..hope ya dont mind..keep up the good work man...I wish I was man enough to do your job. All of you are in our prayers. Thank you.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Sept 28 2004, 07:20AM

Ok just a quick thought...buddy of mine has been getting US flags from home and taking them on patrol with us then sending them back...That way you can have a flag that has been on a combat patrol in Iraq, not sure if anyones interested but thought I would give anyone a chance if thats sounds like something they would want. Only thing I ask is that you send it with a return package. Let me know what you think
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Tue Sept 28 2004, 11:40AM

Cool Idea man I think i'll send 3 or 4 with the care package. that will be sent on the first week of Oct. My money been tight, but I made a promise and I have to keep it.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Tue Sept 28 2004, 11:50AM

Very cool of you to offer, dgrunt -- would definitely be a great souvenir for many folks! Although personally, the only thing I want from that place is you home safely! :)

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Sept 29 2004, 04:05PM

my old email died @ will be only one up for a bit
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Sept 30 2004, 11:36PM

Busy couple of weeks here, been out on several patrols since the one I described earlier and each seems to be getting a bit more hairy. Last one I was one I had two problems to worry about first was the fact we had just got rocketed and the launch site was part of our patrol area. Bad guys like doing something to rile us up and when we send someone out to investigate they like ambushing them. Btw the way sounded like 3 rockets launched and one actually went off...the others landed REAL close but didn't detonate for some reason, not that I'm complaining. The second problem was my driver; an American of Japanese descent you could feel the force of the divine wind course thru him. Fisrt corner that he took he took at about 40 and never slowed down and the force of the turn kicked all my ammo out into space, so here I am trying to steady myself in the turret of the hummer while also trying to reach over and reel my ammo back onto the vehicle. Not sure but I think I remember at one point screaming at him "For the love of God, SLOW DOWN!!!!!". Anyway made it into the patrol area slightly worse for wear but intact and started our patrol more rocket shots and gunfire kept the night interesting. Then we got divereted by higher to investigate a rocket that hit a guys house but didn't detonate. Got there and we drew quite the crowd kids and families coming out to watch the show. We sent out the investigating team and they found that the rocket had went thru the side of the guys house out the other side then came to rest next to a half wall next to his garden...After about a 15 min disscussion by those on scene about what caliber it was we got it disarmed and drove home. We passed our refief on the way in and turns out they got hit about 10 minutes after we passed them, luck of the draw I guess. Then comes the gift from my driver, I think he gave me whiplash the dirty bugger
Then we've had several sniper attacks on our posistions here luckily they can't shoot to straight. With a litlle bit of luck I'll be getting leave late November to early december time frame, really looking forward to that. Other then that same old same old.
Minus finally the flags are here as soon as I get them signed they on the way out, everyone else should have the money and other things requested any time now, assuming the convoy they were on doesn't get hit...So any requests that you have made if you don't get anything back by mid October let me know and I'll see whats up. I'm kinda in a lazy mood at the moment so pics will happen once I get the energy
Got another good story to tell....was standing around on a guard point a couple days ago when I saw an Iraqi woman approaching with a little girl about 2 or 3...an American soldier in uniform stopped them and reached into his cargo pocket as he bent down to say hi to the little girl...He pulled out a stuffed animal and started to try to explain what was going on to them....I was close enuf to overhear....I have 2 neices back home he explained who wanted to do something over here so he suggested they might want to get thier old stuffed animals and he would try to deliver them to kids...These kids must not of been to much older then the child he was giving the animal to but they decided they didn't want to give away thier old stuffed animals, instead appernetly they got all thier favorite toys and had the parents ship them over, and what I had witnessed was the last of the toys being given away. The man smiled asked if he could take a picture for his nieces did so, then turned and walked away. The child was standing there clutching this stuffed animal to here like it was the biggest treasure in the world and to her who knows maybe it was. That made me think at the post were all the children play and gather I notice the boys playing soccer all the time but the girls and younger chidren do nothing....if possible think someone could send me some sidewalk chalk? Small pack multicolored would be fine, thinking about giving some hopscotch lessons....that should be a site me in full battle rattle hopsotching amongst a bunch of children. Once I get home gonna check with a couple of sporting goods places to see if I can get new nets for thier soccer goal and maybe if I can summon the energy talk to a shoe store or two for donations of some kids shoes...next time your kids bug you for expensive shoes so they can play a sport telll them thier are kids playing soccer in the streets in bare feet or sandels.....whelp thats all for now need to try and scrounge me a heat pack, my neck is killing me.
Scott (Dgrunt/DeSade)
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sat Oct 02 2004, 11:29AM

If you do hopscotch over there, in full battle rattle, you gotta PROMISE to post pics! *grin*
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Sat Oct 02 2004, 05:42PM

DGrunt, I posted those pics in our private forum for FSK to see, don't let it get you down... All of us here are thinking about you and your buddies all the time. Stay safe. My bad Kag: I served with a unit that didn't allow women...didn't mean to exclude them. [ Edited Mon Oct 04 2004, 06:06AM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Mon Oct 04 2004, 01:22AM

Nudges Hm1 cough you forgot the Gals over there too, heheh picking.


Stay safe Dgrunt
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Oct 06 2004, 01:16PM

Ok, just wanted to let Monkey know that his package did arrive and I really enjoyed the stuff, mask is being used daily and the Screaming Rubber Chicken has already been out on a ptrol with me. Two nights ago we had 6 rockets come screaming over and several landed without impacting so the Army in its infinite wisdom decided to send a couple of us out into the compound nearby to look for them...bear in mind this is in the dead of night and last time we did this the Australian EOD team told use we were "bloody idiots" for looking for things that could go boom at night. But the Army being the Army once again sent three intrpid souls out in search of things that go boom in the night. I decided to give RC "Rubber Chicken" his first taste of combat patrolling so I brought him along. We don't actually find any unexploded rounds but we do find where one had impacted so we took a few pics for the Bn then decided to have a bit of fun with RC. After returning back to the FOB I turned in the pics to be sent up and the guys in the TOC decide to send the pics of RC as well...so we'll see in a couple of days if anything will come of it. sorry about the focus for some reason the camera had a problem with it but you get the idea...stand by for further adventures of RC in a combat zone...take care and have a great day
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Oct 06 2004, 01:23PM

RC ad I ready for patrol

72 Imag0002
<span class='smalltext'>[ 72_imag0002.jpg ]</span>
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Oct 06 2004, 01:25PM

drat sorry for the size on that one
pic #2 RC checking the hole that part of the round made in the door

72 Imag0007
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Oct 06 2004, 01:26PM

RC still checking door

72 Imag0008
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Oct 06 2004, 01:33PM

RC and I checking impact site on the wall in the building...disclaimer..all due caution was taken in the search of the rounds..I DO NOT do anything stupid or foolish whil I was searching...the fun started once we figured out what we had..I am not gonna get killed over here dicking around when I should be paying attention...Also people please feel free to post yourselves...I enjoy reading the goings on back in the world and do look forward to reading posts here

Also once again sorry about the focus not sure what happened

72 Imag0009
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Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Wed Oct 06 2004, 01:34PM

OMG STOP STOP LMAO THIS IS TOOO FUNNY....... I can see it now, head lines RC the Rubber Chicken, is helping the USA troops by poking his head into bullent ridding doors in the event to help protech the men and women. GO RC GO RC GO RC WOOT [ Edited Wed Oct 06 2004, 01:35PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Oct 06 2004, 01:34PM

disclaimer to the disclaimer...my keyboard is sucking at the moment typos are NOT my fault other then I'm not proofing what I type
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Wed Oct 06 2004, 01:36PM

lol its ok Dgrunt you just typing like me.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Wed Oct 06 2004, 02:37PM

...last time we did this the Australian EOD team told use we were "bloody idiots" for looking for things that could go boom at night.

dgrunt
That was my thought exactly, when you told me what you were about to be doing, dgrunt! Glad you made it back safely, and I'll be looking for more RC stories! :)
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY2, Wed Oct 06 2004, 02:46PM

Glad you are safe and keeping your spirits up :] Those pics are great. I assume Iraq is a little better now cause of the ending of summer and the weather is not so hot all the time. Keep us updated and always remember that the people back home have great respect and concern for you and what you are doing :)


BTW, be careful with RC, don't let it fall into the wrong hands. I was a little reluctant to send it at first because of what would happen if dozens of candy crazed Iraqi childern got their hands on a Screaming Rubber Chicken and used said device to annoy troops into giving up the candy. For the uninitiated, the Screaming Rubber Chicken is very LOUD when triggered. Securing it on base would be wise too. A prankster-minded soldier could use it to rudely awaken a sleeping comrade by putting it up to the ear of the sleeping soldier and triggering it.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Wed Oct 06 2004, 02:55PM

I just have to say, aidsMONKEY2, that RC was probably the best idea you could have had for a care package item! I never would have thought of it myself! And I can't get over how creative dgrunt is in his use of it! Can't wait to see more of the adventures of Screaming Rubber Chicken in Iraq! LOL
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Wed Oct 06 2004, 11:30PM

rotfl!

Yeah, monkeh.. brilliant idea, and the pics are awesome! keep 'em coming!

Thank you again for being brave for our country, Grunt. Keep your spirits up, brah! We all miss ya!
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Oct 07 2004, 03:42AM

we seem to be missing half the pages, did I do something wrong?
Re: Update from Iraq
ghozt, Thu Oct 07 2004, 05:07AM

Nope nothing wrong.. changed replies per page from 8/10 or whatever it was to 15 per page for all forum catagories. Sorry for any upsets..
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Thu Oct 07 2004, 07:20AM

The pic with RC's head poking through the hole in the door reminds me of The Shining..."Here's Chickie"
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Thu Oct 07 2004, 01:26PM

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE RC man coming to a store near you,


STILL lol

OH dgrunt check you MSGes.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Oct 09 2004, 01:54PM

ok guys did I screw up somehow, can't seem to post pics anymore...have I posted to many?
Re: Update from Iraq
ghozt, Sat Oct 09 2004, 03:00PM

oops, fixed
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Sat Oct 09 2004, 03:34PM

I'm sending you out the stuffed animals and other stuff you wanted as soon as I get a box. I'm going to put as much of the stuff into vacuum sealed bags as I can. It saves alot of space and the box can be alot smaller. It worked for my friend when he was over there. I'm also sending a bunch of DVD's that I couldn't send before my friend returned to the states.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Oct 09 2004, 05:21PM

So there we are next morning after Rc's firdt patrol and its time to get ready for a shift of guard duty. Using a specially designed carrier for RC we head of to post...

72 Rcandi
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Oct 09 2004, 05:24PM

Once we hit our post we started work, things went fine for the first couple of hours but towards nightfall RC lost control and ended up abandoning his post and getting tangled up in some camo netting...a typical rookie mistake...

72 Rcinwire
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Oct 09 2004, 05:26PM

I managed to free RC but the event bothered him so much he was unable to continue his shift and headed back into his carrier

72 Rchome
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Oct 09 2004, 05:29PM

The next day as we were heading out to our next post overwatching a point in our perimiter I had to remind RC that keeping your cool under pressure was very important. He must of took that to heart because he faithfully pulled his overwatch protecting the guys at the point and we managed to make it safely back to our hooch

72 Rcoverwatch
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Oct 09 2004, 05:33PM

Now we have made it to todays events which will take a bit of explaining because it was a very strange day for both of us. Day started quietly enough and I decided to use RC in the overwatch again this time with a AT4 (a anti armor missle). RC proved capable of handling this important job and was noticed and praised by several important people to include a general and a ambassador of a coalition member....

72 Rcgotmyback
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Oct 09 2004, 05:39PM

Then around midafternoon as we were quitely taking care of buisness and watching a couple of gurkha security and several local day laborours work nearby I heard 3 dull booms off in the distance and then the familer whistle of shells inbound. Everyone else scattered in seconds leaving only faint outlines of smoke of the indivduals as the rounds landed nearby. I started to make a break for cover but before i could get there all three rounds landed and we were safe. Looking back I saw RC looking scared but he had stayed at his post the plucky trooper that he is. After I recovered a bit I asked RC how he felt now that he survived his first mortar attack and let me tell you a picture IS worth a thousand words in this case....

72 Panic
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Oct 09 2004, 05:47PM

Thinking the worst was over we settled down to finish our watch when another one of our point got word from a local that there was a possible explosive device in a portapottie...well our people cordoned off the area and called EOD who took a bit to arrive but when they did one of the EOD people in a full bomb suit reached into the porta john and removed from the holding area below and pulled out the device...after setting it down on the ground everyone backed off and a charge was placed next to the device which was blown. Turns out it wasn't explosive just a bottle wrapped up in cloth but better safe then sorry. To top off our day for the first time in several months we had clouds and RAIN....sweet mother mary actual rain boy did that feel good. That about finished our shift and in we came...Almost immediately I was slotted for another detail that I figured was to dangerous for RC so left him to police up our area (which I might add he still needs to improve on) Just returned from that misson safe and sound so I figured I let everyone know what was happening here. Take care all and have a pleasant day. For those of you who drink think of me next time you hoist one...I'm out for now
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sun Oct 10 2004, 12:05AM

If I had laughed any harder, dgrunt, I'd have peed my panties! You keep up the good work there, and be patient with RC -- remember, crawl, walk, run! ;)

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
wily duck, Sun Oct 10 2004, 12:05PM

dgrunt, that was gold. I'm with luckycharm, except for the panties part. :) Those guys that have to check your pictures before you send them must have been like WTF. =D
Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Sun Oct 10 2004, 04:16PM

Ye gads. Looks like your unit just got an instant mascot... imagine the prank potential! I'm glad you're not bringing a screaming rubber chicken along with you on the serious patrols, though. Hang in there, stay tough, come home and frag us in pixel form soon!
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Sun Oct 10 2004, 05:08PM

rotfl! I LOVE the RC stories. He's such a brave li'l chicken! Glad to see you're enjoying yourself so in such a strange place. Keep the stories of RC and DGrunt's Adventures coming!
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Sun Oct 10 2004, 07:01PM

/me slaps Scarlett around a bit with a trout!
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Sun Oct 10 2004, 08:04PM

trout! lol w00t!

/me invites Earliam back into #omc
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Sun Oct 10 2004, 10:34PM

Scott, you need to talk to RC about sticking his neck like that
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Sun Oct 10 2004, 10:35PM

Is your address the same as on your first post?
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Oct 10 2004, 10:51PM

unfortunely yes, addy still the same....massive explosion last night, not sure what that was goin back to bed me sleepy
Re: Update from Iraq
Hottlipz, Mon Oct 11 2004, 01:06AM

Heya Dgrunt,
I just was thinking about you and wanted to say hello.When I return from my honeymoon I am sending you and Zex a package. I love your new pet :) take care and talk to you soon.
Re: Update from Iraq
SPIDER, Mon Oct 11 2004, 04:52PM

Glad to see ur spirits are up Brah. And i made the pic of RC with the at4 my desktop pic lmao funny ass shit monkey ur a fucking fool. But a lovable one. Grunt be safe man and come home in one peice i want to frag u without u haveing any excuse's. *:) [ Edited Mon Oct 11 2004, 04:53PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Tue Oct 12 2004, 06:52PM

I'll be sending out package tomorrow with a bunch of stuffed animals in vacuum bags, they really skinny so they save on space. I'm also sending a box of awful redinbacker microwave popcorn and a few other things. Let me know what else you need and its on the way. Maybe all of us can coordinate what we are sending so you don't end up with a truck load of popcorn. I'm also sending a bunch of magazines I was gonna put in the recycle bin. Books will be in the next box along with whatever you need. Just ask and I'll send it out.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Oct 17 2004, 01:19AM

Busy, busy couple of days here....I'll start with Thurs the day before Ramadan. Day went by fairly smooth untill aroound dinner time when one seriously nasty dust storm whipped into town and proceeded to mess everything up but good. Problem is after chow I switched over to a new tower. Visibity sucked and was managed to get by till about 40 min till end of shift when BANG,,,BANG two rocket launches straight to my front about 400 meters away. As soon as the sound of the launch and then the rockets going over my posistion went away I heard something snapping and crackling thru the trees to my front then past my tower. Then comes the Pop Pop Pop of the rifles.....someone was actually shooting at me. A bit different this time because these were delibereate shots at me as opposed to the random shootng that had gotten close before. This were specifically aimed at me and my Gurkha partner in the tower. After a moment of marveling that somebody would actually try and shoot at ME I brought up my rifle but the person was gone. Just that quick fired 4 rounds at us then dissappeared. meanwhile all around our perimiter I can her scattered gunfire nothing coordinated though. Got off my shift and marveled at it all.
The next day and the first day of Ramadan towards the end of my shift a LT came over and told me they were going to need me and my shotgun for a misson later that evening. Turns out they needed my expertise to attempt to bring al Sadar down. Well at least a poster of him stuck up in a lightpole. So at the appointed time we all troop out to the pole and security is set up. I take careful aim with the shotgun and let one fly....nothing but a bit of dust....round number 2 same results and round number 3 I brought down a 8 inch section of twine....this sucker was tied in real good. We took a small break after the first 3 while one of out NCO's tried to shimmy up the pole after he failed it was up to me again. I cranked off three more rounds with no more effect then the first three. After much disscussion we trooped back into the wire leaving the poster victorious for now...I have been taking nothing but grief over this since then for not being able to hit anything with a shotgun, all 6 shots hit but it was tied in to well.
Feeling fairly depressed I headed back to my rack to find......RC HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED!!!!!!!!!
I looked all over the area hoping to find the individuals responsible but nothing. Yesterday i come back from breakfast I find a disc waiting for me at my computer on it it shows members of the CATC holding RC and threating his life if there demands aren't met....They are demanding 3 bags of homemade cookires or they will drop off RC at our check point but he won't be in the same condition as he was when he left. So here I sit hoping that my mother will be able to come thru in time with the cookies and save RC's life.

I have the video of the CATC demands video and the poster shoot if someone has the ability to host them. if so give me a buzz and I'll email them out. I'll post the photos they sent now. Please all of you pray for the safe return of RC

72 Kidnap1
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Oct 17 2004, 01:20AM

kidnap #2

72 Kidnap2
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Oct 17 2004, 01:22AM

CATC holding RC

72 Terror1
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Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sun Oct 17 2004, 04:27AM

In a shockingly bold move, unfriendly elements have seized the much beloved Screaming Rubber Chicken, much to the alarm and outrage of patriotic Americans everywhere! While rescue attempts are ongoing, any information leading to the successful capture and conviction of the perpetrators will be richly rewarded!
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Sun Oct 17 2004, 02:03PM

Send the terrorists 2 boxes of cookies with a note that says Americans never negotiate with terrorists
Re: Update from Iraq
ghozt, Sun Oct 17 2004, 02:18PM

lol jimbo
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY2, Sun Oct 17 2004, 02:52PM

Nooooooooooo not RC!!!!!
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY2, Sun Oct 17 2004, 08:22PM

I mirrored the file here cause the first link required forum registration. http://www.aidsmonkey.net/pics/Demands.mov [ Edited Sun Oct 17 2004, 08:24PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Sun Oct 17 2004, 10:55PM

Yeah, your bad, I couldn't register, gave me a code error
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Sun Oct 17 2004, 10:56PM

And aidsMONKEY's page won't open either
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Oct 18 2004, 02:23AM

doh
Re: Update from Iraq
, Mon Oct 18 2004, 03:55AM

ok the link is fixed...

Download
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Mon Oct 18 2004, 10:45PM

sheeet sheeeet! zee poor rubber chicken has been caught! =(
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Thu Oct 21 2004, 12:36PM

Any update on RC?
Re: Update from Iraq
, Thu Oct 21 2004, 04:49PM

Should send RC to the Brits. They're gonna need his skillz!
Re: Update from Iraq
, Fri Oct 22 2004, 09:43PM

dgrunt... everything o.k.??? been a while since youve posted. how about an update?
Re: Update from Iraq
Quasimoto, Sat Oct 23 2004, 11:47PM

Ok Im a little worried. I havent heard from Zex in a few days either, he usually answers his emails quickly. I came here to see if Dgrunt has posted. Just a "were fine just lazy" post would suffice. [ Edited Sat Oct 23 2004, 11:49PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
Quasimoto, Sat Oct 23 2004, 11:50PM

Oh sorry, sup FSK!!

whats shakin these days?
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sat Oct 23 2004, 11:51PM

LuckyCharm..... Any word from dgrunt? [ Edited Sun Oct 24 2004, 02:44AM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sun Oct 24 2004, 01:53AM

wood? :)
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Oct 24 2004, 02:15AM

ok sorry guys, didn't mean to worry you all but my computer suffered a meltdown, lost every pic I took over here :( just got it back up and running but with my 30 gig ide drive not my 80 gig raid...if you can tell me how to get a raid drive readable by windows would appreciate it
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sun Oct 24 2004, 02:46AM

wood? :)

Kr0m


O.k... I admit I cant type or spell ;)
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sun Oct 24 2004, 02:48AM

Thanks for responding. Glad your o.k.

Sorry I cant help you with your raid drive...:(
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY2, Sun Oct 24 2004, 06:50PM

Thanks for letting us know you are safe :) Sorry about your computer :/ Iraqi Gremlins must have infiltrated your bedroom.

Save your drives, you can probably get data extration services from somewhere. http://www.runtime.org/raid.htm appears to offer a product that can do this too (no idea about that company, just what I found in google). Data extraction services are usually expensive, but maybe there is someone who knows someone who can hook you up.

BTW, do you still have that video of you shooting down that sign?
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Oct 24 2004, 11:41PM

somewhere the 2 vidioes were over 50 meg together
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Mon Oct 25 2004, 02:53AM

hey dgrunt, good to hear from you!
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Mon Oct 25 2004, 08:30AM

Yeah he is back weeeeeeeeeeee alll right.


jumps up and down over and over yelling in dgrunts ear, never do that to us again. :P:P:P


YEAH you back.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Mon Oct 25 2004, 10:49AM

Hee hee.... popular guy, aren't you, dear? ;-)

Don't forget about the video!
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Tue Oct 26 2004, 11:29PM

Lucky, I love the avatar, is that what is keeping Dgrunt company while over sees??? :)
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Wed Oct 27 2004, 01:29AM

Hi Earl. No, I don't exactly think it's THAT pic he likes so much to sweeten his dreams while he's there! *grin*

~~Cheryl

P.S. He'll be home on leave in less than two weeks!!! *jumps up and down with glee*
Re: Update from Iraq
, Wed Oct 27 2004, 05:31AM

Hi Earl. No, I don't exactly think it's THAT pic he likes so much to sweeten his dreams while he's there! *grin*

~~Cheryl

P.S. He'll be home on leave in less than two weeks!!! *jumps up and down with glee*

LuckyCharm

w00t!!
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Thu Oct 28 2004, 01:55AM

Noice!
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY2, Fri Oct 29 2004, 09:17PM

Hey Dgrunt, hope everything is going well and you have a fun halloween. Not sure if Irai children know to much about it, but I think it would be cool if you all could enlighten them with some candy.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Mon Nov 01 2004, 12:17AM

dgrunt starts coming home in just a few hours! He'll be in transit for several days, but will not be forgetting all you fine folks! Not sure when next he'll be online, but know that you are all very important to him, and he'll be posting again just as soon as he can!

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Mon Nov 01 2004, 02:29AM

/me has the soap on a rope to hand to Dgrunt when he gets home!!!
Re: Update from Iraq
SPIDER, Tue Nov 02 2004, 03:38PM

Grunt is gonna be like a nimph for about 2 weeks while he's home.


Gether DONE!!!!
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sat Nov 06 2004, 12:24AM

Hee hee, Earl and Spider! As I sit here typing, dgrunt is fighting sleep, curled up in a comforter on my living room floor. He'll be posting to FSK probably tomorrow, as soon as he's had a bit of a chance to recover from jet lag. He's been hanging in there like a trooper, though, even accompanying me on my brisk 5-mile power-walk this afternoon!

Thanks for all your support and well-wishes -- they mean the world to him!

*hugs*

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
, Sat Nov 06 2004, 08:37AM

w00t! Congrats on finally getting to get home dgrunt! [ Edited Sat Nov 06 2004, 08:38AM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Sun Nov 07 2004, 01:48AM

Yeah, for sure, dude. Get some well-earned rest. Then just get some =]
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Sun Nov 07 2004, 06:24AM

Yeah, for sure, dude. Get some well-earned rest. Then just get some =]

d|i|g|i|t|a|l

agreed, I bet cookies are the last thing on his mind right now...

digi, why doesn't a side ever win at your pong game? That's kinda boring, I been watching this match for 5 minutes now...
Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Sun Nov 07 2004, 12:19PM

agreed, I bet cookies are the last thing on his mind right now...

HMinus1
As evidenced by the fact that neither of them have posted in the past severl days 8)

digi, why doesn't a side ever win at your pong game? That's kinda boring, I been watching this match for 5 minutes now...

HMinus1
You simply haven't been watching it for long enough. Keep at it! [ Edited Sun Nov 07 2004, 12:20PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Mon Nov 08 2004, 10:02PM

Hey Grunt did you get the package I sent?

Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Thu Nov 11 2004, 03:40PM

Happy Veteren's Day Grunt!
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Thu Nov 11 2004, 05:08PM

agreed, I bet cookies are the last thing on his mind right now...

HMinus1
As evidenced by the fact that neither of them have posted in the past severl days 8)

digi, why doesn't a side ever win at your pong game? That's kinda boring, I been watching this match for 5 minutes now...

HMinus1
You simply haven't been watching it for long enough. Keep at it! [ Edited Sun Nov 07 2004, 12:20PM ]

d|i|g|i|t|a|l
It's been 4 days now, still 0-0 &|
Re: Update from Iraq
SPIDER, Sat Nov 20 2004, 08:01PM

Looks like grunt came home and is realy enjoying himself and forgot about all of us geterdone man but come up for air sometime and say high !amazed !amazed !amazed !amazed
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Nov 23 2004, 09:13PM

hehe sorry guys was having way to much fun...when I get off shift I'll get you all caught up...life is great at the moment
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Nov 24 2004, 04:49PM

Ok boys and girls back from leave feeling refreshed and happy. Sorry I didn't post on leave but as you can imagine I was having way to much fun. ;) I got several packages including a bunch of stuffed animals and a ton of popcorn...Thanks much :)
I actually got more workouts in the two weeks at home then I have the nine months I spent here...On my return I find that we moved to a new checkpoint. I can't say to much about it but I will say its alot more exposed then where I have been. That and we have the unpleasant chore of looking for floaters in the river...we are averaging one a day with a record so far of 3 in a day. Most of the poor buggers have been tortured before being dumped, only good thing is we don't have to retrieve them we call the police to come and do it for us. I'll be posting some pics in a few days or so, just didn't want you all to think I had forgotton you just had a very busy couple of weeks. 3 months or so left and I'll be back a fraggin.
Peace out all
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY2, Thu Nov 25 2004, 05:45AM

Happy Thanksgiving dgrunt :] Thanks for letting us know you are doing well.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Thu Nov 25 2004, 10:50AM

Three months 'till pwnage!!! Alright!!!

As always dgrunt, be safe.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Thu Nov 25 2004, 02:42PM

Yayyy, finally located my password again (that's what I get for switching machines LOL)!

Hee hee, and I thought we were being so discreet.... hmmm... ;)

Looking forward to those pics, sweetie, and in the meantime, don't forget to eat your veggies and run those stairs once in a while! (I'm a slavedriver, I know... LOL)

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Thu Nov 25 2004, 04:10PM

You just want more minutes from teh grunt!
Re: Update from Iraq
SPIDER, Thu Nov 25 2004, 08:27PM

Happy turkey day grunt can't wait for u to come home for good.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Fri Nov 26 2004, 06:22PM

You just want more minutes from teh grunt!

FSK405 Earl
Shhh, give me a break, he already thinks I'm insatiable! LOL

Hmm, he threatened to post a certain pic here, don't think he's got the guts to do it, though.... ;)

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Fri Nov 26 2004, 08:29PM

Glad to see ya got some good R&R, D. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too =)

3 more months.. no time left really.. you'll be home before you know it! awesome =)

ps.. have you heard anything about RC lately ? rather worried about the li'l feller =P
Re: Update from Iraq
SPIDER, Sat Nov 27 2004, 10:42AM

Hear that grunt she is calling u out.
I would post away brah don't let her get away with call u out make u look like a gurly man.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Sat Nov 27 2004, 07:15PM

yeah, so listen to me now and hear me later...... You should.... PUMP, yourself up! And, don't be a little girly man!
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Nov 27 2004, 09:23PM

deleted
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Nov 27 2004, 09:33PM

one last thing anyone who has YM my screen name is mgunner65 fell free to chat
Re: Update from Iraq
ghozt, Sat Nov 27 2004, 11:22PM

!amazed
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Nov 28 2004, 06:23AM

Ok, gonna be several posts from me today, gonna try to get some of the stuff out that has been piling up.
First of all RC is doing fine and happily resting at my bunk...he's been out on several patrols and hopefully I'll have the photos from them soon. Ransom was paid and he was returned safe and healthy.
Had a bad day at the checkpoint the other day. Bradley we had lost all its fills for the radio and I had to get them reinstalled. That took a couple of hours then I found out that during my down time I had to take it over to the mechanics so they could look at a few things..btw forgot to mention the heater on it died as well and its cold as heck out there as of late...went from too fricken hot to too fricken cold overnight(I love this country). So while at maintence what was supposed to take a hour at the most ended up taking over 5 hours instead so not only did I miss lunch but also had no time to rest before heading back out to point. Then to add injury to insult as I'm trying to hook up the commo cord to my helmet it got stuck on something and when I gave it a yank to free it it sprang free and whacked me in a very sensitive part of my body. Then to just put the ul;timate capper in the day they dropped 2 mortar rounds our postion. Chalk up one 17 hour day. Pic is of me on my brad

72 Imag0010
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Nov 28 2004, 06:25AM

more of me
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Nov 28 2004, 06:26AM

taking care of buisness

72 Imag0017
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Nov 28 2004, 06:27AM

hmmm one didn't show try #2
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Nov 28 2004, 06:30AM

Try #3

72 Me On Bob
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Nov 28 2004, 06:34AM

Next day sevral things went down pulled my duty on bridge and had my first oppertunity to give away the stuffed animals I recieved, also that evening went on a patrol...So know I've been a dismount Team Leader on a actual combat patrol in a nasty neighborhood. Uneventfull patrol and got back intact. For some reason my camera isn't focusing worth a darn so I apologize for the bluriness in advance

72 Toys For Kids
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Nov 28 2004, 06:35AM

pre patrol...if you didn't know any better you would think I was a soldier

72 Prepatrol
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Nov 28 2004, 06:36AM

after patrol

72 Post1
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Nov 28 2004, 06:37AM

me with the boys after patrol

72 Post2
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Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Sun Nov 28 2004, 10:46PM

Great to see you survived leave. Let us know if you need any thing. I'll have more stuffed animals in a week or so. Let me know if you want any more. Do you still want saltines? How about hot chocolate or instant coffee? Maybe an electric pot to heat water in.
Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Mon Nov 29 2004, 02:20AM

I'll see Jimbo's instant coffee and raise it to several pounds of whole been goodness - a grinder included, natch (let me know if there are voltage issues there that need to be thought of). Nothing like facing a day of whatever comes with a cup of REAL coffee... Say the word and it's yours. Think I could also help out with the stuffed animal situation as there are several that my daughter doesn't really care about but are cute and all that.
Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Mon Nov 29 2004, 05:51PM

Which leads to the obvious question...

Dgrunt: do you drink coffee?
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Mon Nov 29 2004, 06:59PM

I figured the instant coffee would be better since there is no clean up all you need is hot water and a cup. I'm probably going to get a bunch of freebie brand new stuffed animals from my girlfriends job after they have a conference next week.
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Thu Dec 02 2004, 06:05PM

I just received a brand new coffee grinder still in an unopened box.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Dec 02 2004, 08:52PM

hey guys sorry about delay things getting a bit hectic here...They hit us with 11 mortar rounds yesterday and other things going on. Would love coffee, mentioned this to my battle buddy and he actually started drooling.
Got more pics to post one I get them from JJ, also boys and girls don't be afraid to post...its like getting mail and we all like getting mail here
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Thu Dec 02 2004, 09:05PM

/me kicks Jimbo in the shins!
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Dec 02 2004, 09:10PM

H your flags are at Lucky's soon as she gets back from her jaunt I'lll have her mail them...keep forgetting to give her your mailing addy
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Thu Dec 02 2004, 11:33PM

Grunt, looks like we can get you some coffee but you'll need a coffee pot, I have some extra coffee beans in vacuum bags that I can send and might have a coffee maker. But what is easier? An electric or a pot for the stove? ANd if electric what kind of converter do you need?
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Thu Dec 02 2004, 11:34PM

/me kicks Jimbo in the shins!

HMinus1

Awww that didn't hurt, you kick like a sissy
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Dec 03 2004, 05:41AM

we actually have several coffee pots here, but choice for coffee is limnited...anything sent would be appreciated
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Fri Dec 03 2004, 06:24AM

/me kicks Jimbo in the shins!

HMinus1

Awww that didn't hurt, you kick like a sissy

Jimbo

/me throws a roundhouse kick and knocks Jimbo's head off of his shoulders (sissy that!) ~:(
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Fri Dec 03 2004, 06:25AM

H your flags are at Lucky's soon as she gets back from her jaunt I'lll have her mail them...keep forgetting to give her your mailing addy

dgrunt

right on...I'm gonna put one up at work for all to see.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Dec 03 2004, 07:02AM

H don't feel like its just you, my sis and mom didn't get their B day presents till Nov and their B day was in June B) Ok quick update and some more pics...gonna ramble on for a bit as well I think.
Last couple of days been pretty hectic with gunfire and mortar rounds...the little buggers launched 11 mortars at us a couple a days ago and only managed to hit us with 2 yay team!!! been steadily giving away the animals and have several more photos of them to share. Kids seem to be scared of me for some reason. Oh well on to the rambling.
The longer I stay here the more I wonder to myself what good we are doing here, Doesn't seem like anything is getting done and the closer I get to coming home the less and less comfortable I am with being here. Before we never talked about what we are gonna do when we get home now we do. And that scares me somewhat, the unit we peplaced here did not have a single casualty while on the points like we did but once relived they had 3 weeks before they rotated and in those 3 weeks with another misson they lost several people...I don't want that to happen to me or mine but its so random here you never know when stuff is gonna go horribly bad. When I got here I used to think dying didn't really bother me. Now it bothers the heck out of me, I seen people die and there is nothing glamourous or romantic about it. Its ugly and unatural to be shot, blown up or die any other way then natural causes and anyone who thinks war would be glamourous or fun needs to come out and play with us for a week or so. That should cure them of any feeling other then revulsion for war. Why do I do it then? Because I'm good at it. I don't like it but I am good at it. I can control my people in difficult circumstances and hopefully my actions keep them alive and healthy so they can all go home to thier families, which in the end we all want. I used to think as soon as I was done with this I was gonna get out and never look back, now not so sure as much as I hate being seperated from my loved ones I do have a feeling of accomplishment when I have all my guys make it back safely from missons. Maybe I am doing some good here just not in the way I envisioned. Sorry for rambling on people but sometimes it just helps to be able to put down what I'm thinking.
This is a pic of a car bomb going off along the road to the Baghdad AP

72 Boom
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Dec 03 2004, 07:03AM

kids getting toys

72 Kid1
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Dec 03 2004, 07:04AM

more kids

72 Kid2
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Dec 03 2004, 07:04AM

kids again

72 Kid3
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Dec 03 2004, 07:05AM

yet more

72 Kid4
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Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Fri Dec 03 2004, 07:06AM

last one for now, he cried every time I tried to hand him the puppy

72 Kid5
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Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Sat Dec 04 2004, 05:16PM

Jimbo, send that grinder over... I've got some most excellent coffee and will go down to the post office here and send it on over. dgrunt, I can't begin to understand what you're going through, so all I can say is I'm glad you're taking care of your guys, and look forward to you getting home. I can't thank you enough for these threads. Enjoy the coffee (hopefully it gets there before you get back) (edit) OK, you have two pounds of coffee coming - 100% organic, shade-grown from the local market (but don't let that put you off - it's actually quite good). I'd have sent more but that was my coffee budget for the whole month, so enjoy it on my behalf. Wasn't able to convince my daughter to give up any of her stuffed animals. Were she older I would have had better luck, but she's not yet three and still regards everything in the immediate absolute. Enjoy! [ Edited Sat Dec 04 2004, 07:30PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Mon Dec 06 2004, 09:47PM

I'm going to send it out sometime this week along with some coffee, saltines and other stuff. Grunt, is it possible to send winter coats for kids? I cna get some from a thrift shop for free. More stuffed animals coming too. Let me know what you really miss, peanut butter? Jelly?
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Tue Dec 07 2004, 04:33AM

I really can't think of anything at the moment other then maybe some nutra sweet lemonade. I really would lke to se some replies her withmaybe news of the UrT world or some such stuff, miss the contct with the outside world more then anything. Will post more as I get more time
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Wed Dec 08 2004, 05:02PM

hey dgrunt, do you check urbanterror.net forums or q3ut-sta forums, the link to sta forums is on links page.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Dec 09 2004, 07:31AM

All right peeps time for a quick update followed by photos soon.

Hooray for the guys asking Rummy the hard questions. I myself had to go dumpster diving and begging for weapons mounts so I could actually have defenses on my vehicles for the drive north. Also DO NOT agree with stop loss why does the goverment get the ability to change a contract and the completion of it? If they can do that I should be able to go up to them and say "Hey, changed my mind don't feel like doing this anymore...tear up my contract and send me home." If a country plans to initiate a war such as we did they should make damm sure we got the proper equipment to fight the dammed thing. Another small complaint I need to vent about...The Army in its infinite wisdom has decided its much safer for our top gunners on HumVees need to stay down at eye level defilade when out on a patrol...that means with the gun shields on the hummers gunners can't see squat and are unable to scan properly for targets as they should. That along with the earplugs they want us to wear rob us of the two major senses we use to spot threats out in the city. OK rant off.

My new duty seems to be going fairly well not to much in the way of threats although one of my nightmares came partially true a couple of days ago. There I was sitting alone enjoying a quite meditative moment when KABOOM!!!!!!!! I come rocketing out of the porta potty pulling up my pants a see a column of smoke just outside the checkpoint where a carbomb had just detonated...ran to my Bradly and coordinated things untill we had a clear picture of what happened and had things under control. Then and only then was I able to head back and finish the paperwork. The things I do for my country.

Almost forgot...RC has completed his R&R from his terrible ordeal and has rejoined me out on point. Hope to have pics of RC in action in just a day or two. Take care all and peace out
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Fri Dec 10 2004, 12:01AM

OMG Dgrunt I was thinking of that when I saw you next to one in a pic you posted, its funny, but yet not. I'm smiling cause I was thinking of it about a week ago.

Dude like all ways stay safe.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sun Dec 12 2004, 03:56PM

Then and only then was I able to head back and finish the paperwork. The things I do for my country.

dgrunt
*suppresses a giggle at the image*

Almost forgot...RC has completed his R&R from his terrible ordeal and has rejoined me out on point. Hope to have pics of RC in action in just a day or two. Take care all and peace out

dgrunt
Can't wait -- hurry up with the pics, we're greedy, and besides, they make us laugh! :) !amazed !heart

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 ShortTree, Tue Dec 21 2004, 02:44PM

Ahite, it's going almost two weeks since we've heard word from yall and there seems to be a lot of bad chit going on over there and I'm getting worried...so sound off damnit.
Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Tue Dec 21 2004, 05:30PM

I second that motion! Was thinking the same thing but didn't want to get pushy. We worry...
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Tue Dec 21 2004, 10:59PM

Yeah, would love to know what's going on and that you're safe and what not. So, give us a shout out. Hope everything is fine!

Ralph & Scarlett
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Thu Dec 23 2004, 11:49AM

Sorry all doing fine, busy as all get out and my shifts changed...soon as I get more time will send more
Merry Xmas all
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Thu Dec 23 2004, 12:50PM

Merry Xmas to you too dgrunt. Pass the word along to your platoon.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Fri Dec 24 2004, 10:16AM

And Merry Christmas to all you fine folks here, too! May the peace and blessings of the season be yours now and in the new year!

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Fri Dec 24 2004, 12:11PM

Merry Christmas DGrunt et all!

Ralph & Scarly
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Sat Dec 25 2004, 04:29AM

MERRY CHRISTMAS DGRUNT Dgrunt me and my wife Marsha wanted to say thank you for what you are doing over seas.
Each passing day we pour our love from the bottom of our hearts to your's.
I'm glad people like you are around.
For each night I can sleep knowing that night will bring a safter day.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR TROOPS NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS
From: Christopher & Marsha Eberhart
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405U, Sat Dec 25 2004, 03:12PM

Amen!
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY, Sat Dec 25 2004, 03:29PM

Merry Christmas :D Keep your spirits up (and keep my rubber chicken safe !amazed ) [ Edited Sat Dec 25 2004, 03:31PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Sat Jan 01 2005, 12:06PM

Shlappy Shoo Yeer! w000t!
Re: Update from Iraq
el kabong, Wed Jan 05 2005, 04:00PM

digi, it's noon. You still drunk??
Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Thu Jan 06 2005, 09:57PM

Wonder if there's enough coffee to go around over there...
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Sun Jan 09 2005, 01:09AM

Message from dgrunt, I talked to him for a bit on IM.

" hey can you let the guys know I'm all right, things busy as all get out here...been up for almost 60 hours now, need sleep...will post as soon as I get time...btw we should be back mid march"


Hope to see ya then!
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Sun Jan 09 2005, 01:08PM

It seems like he's gotten rather busy since the holidays were over. I was just thinking about him and wondering whether he's alright. I'm glad he's okay. I'm glad he's coming home soon. And thanks for passing on the message, Earliam.

<3
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Mon Jan 17 2005, 09:59AM

Hey all, sorry I been lax about posting but with preperations for return and the upcoming elections, not to mention that I'm now a squad leader my time has been severly curtailed. Things going ok here, just feeling a bit numb and burnt out. Will be glad to get back to the states and drink a cold beer and hug a warm woman (One specifically comes to mind). I'm just tired of it all. Tired of waking up in a hallway with 70 other guys...tired of being shot at, mortared and rocketed...tired of smelling this place...tired of seeing bodies wahed up in the river...and most of all tired of not being able to do what I want when I want. It really and truly feels like I'm approaching my release date from prison. Whats really sad about this situation is if I stay in the guard for 30 like I had planned I would probably end up overseas probably twice more. I am really to old for this shit...war is a young mans game and I am definitely not young anymore...and believe you me I am feeling every minute of my 39 years right now. My friends and family are supporting me more then I could ever hope for and everyone here has been great, So tired people....It's hard sometimes for me to even remember the names of the guys in my squad I'm supposed to be leading. Hopefully though it will be over soon and I can try to forget about this place till the next time I'm told to come back here. Enough of the depressing rant...if I can remember I'm gonna bring RC out to my point for some all new RC pics...Have a good one all and be safe.
Re: Update from Iraq
, Tue Jan 18 2005, 10:50AM

Keep your chin up dgrunt. [ Edited Tue Jan 18 2005, 10:51AM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Tue Jan 18 2005, 02:51PM

Hang in there man, it won't be long now... p.s. Cheryl, send him something to keep him going! ;) [ Edited Tue Jan 18 2005, 02:51PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Wed Jan 19 2005, 02:50AM

I vote for Cheryl sending nekkid pics to DGrunt... but that's just what I'd send my man if he were there...

Hang in there, bud. You're almost done. We will all be super glad when you're back home, chillin'. And once again, Thank You for what you're doing.

Be safe,
Scarly & Ralph
<3
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Jan 19 2005, 08:06AM

Another update, not sure if it made the news yesterday but there was about a 30 min firefight at my checkpoint. Things were pretty hairy for a bit but we hung in there and several were eventually detained including a 10 year old boy with gunpowder residue on his hands. No one on our side hurt. BTW please no more letters or packages because they probably won't reach me. Thank you all for the support, it meant alot to me over here. Will try to continue to post for as long as I can from here. Take care all
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Wed Jan 19 2005, 09:31PM

Hehehe.... yes, he does love those pics! I'll have to come up with a "special" series to tide him over those low times... ;)

~~Cheryl
Re: Update from Iraq
wily duck, Sat Jan 29 2005, 06:39PM

been quiet on this thread...

wondering what's going on over there dgrunt, T-Minus 3 hours until the polls open.

hang in there man
Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Sun Jan 30 2005, 12:28PM

I'm going to venture a bet that he's busy as all hell right now - this is sort of a keystone moment for the whole house of cards the invasion set up. Either the elections succeed and Iraq has a half chance of stabilizing, or the insurgents make a sham of the election and it all falls apart. Folks like dgrunt are the ones helping to try and ensure the former outcome. Dude, you've got my wholehearted support. Hopefully, you can get a day or two off after this bit is done, and look forward to your return to the states in March!
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Sun Jan 30 2005, 07:08PM

Dgrunt, got your package...A warm thanks to you and Cheryl. I'm gonna frame it and put it up for all to see. Hang in there, you're almost home.
Re: Update from Iraq
HMinus1, Fri Feb 11 2005, 02:48PM

Scott - I put it up in our breakroom at work. Take a look see... 26 Flag [ 26_flag.jpg ]
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sun Feb 27 2005, 01:05PM

very nice...thanks much for the support all. Sorry haven't been posting but tired as hell and getting ready to come home...about 72 hours to go before we start heading back...so mid March should see me on the servers again. Thanks again for the support all, it kept me going here
Re: Update from Iraq
ghozt, Mon Feb 28 2005, 04:22AM

w0rd
Re: Update from Iraq
Kr0m, Thu Mar 03 2005, 05:08PM

w00t! It'll be good to get home I'm sure. It'll also be good to see you around the community as well!
Take care.
Re: Update from Iraq
Scarlett, Fri Mar 04 2005, 11:13PM

kick ass, bro! WELCOME HOME!!!! =)
Re: Update from Iraq
aidsMONKEY, Sat Mar 05 2005, 01:50AM

w00t!!! Congats on coming home =] We can all breath a bit easier now that you are homeward bound!!! If there is anything that can be done to make your transition back to the states easier, just ask.


For everyone else, time to invest in beer and condom companies; Scott is going to probably cause a shortage!
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Sat Mar 05 2005, 08:03AM

Welcome back Scott! See you in a few days!
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Sun Mar 06 2005, 10:31AM

I think sending large quantities of alcohol, drugs, and money would be helpful. I volunteer to be the official clearing house for all contributions



Re: Update from Iraq
d|i|g|i|t|a|l, Sun Mar 06 2005, 12:21PM

Sure you won't be taking a cut there, Jimbo? You know, transportation tax or the like.

Seriously, welcome back, dgrunt. It's safe to say that we're all thrilled at your return. Any requests?
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Wed Mar 09 2005, 08:35PM

Hello all! Just an update -- dgrunt touched down at McChord yesterday morning, and is busily engaged in the tedious process of demobilization at Ft. Lewis. Today was his first full day back in "the world," and it started at 7:15 a.m. -- he will easily put in over 12 hours today, jet lag and all! Things should go more and more smoothly over the next few days, though, and I'll try to remind him to post here at his earliest opportunity. Thanks for all your support, everyone -- I know it's folks like you who kept him going over there! ~~Cheryl [ Edited Wed Mar 09 2005, 08:37PM ]
Re: Update from Iraq
Jimbo, Mon Mar 14 2005, 09:45AM

OK lets get those donations for Grunt in the mail so I can send them directly to him. I'll only be taking a small cut for shipping and handling just like on Ebay. Of course 10% will go to FSK
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 KAG*EnFo, Fri Mar 18 2005, 05:30PM

OK i know I have been out of the loop for a long while but glad you are back and I know you are happy as hell.

Sooory for my lateness, but I have been busy in my life as well. Beside all that glad you back.
Re: Update from Iraq
LuckyCharm, Sat Jun 04 2005, 07:16AM

Hello all, I know it's been a long time since I've posted, but this CD is just not to be missed. Not that I'm a huge rap fan or anything, but these songs just sent chills up my spine -- they're real and raw, and they tell it like it is. Listen to the clips!

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/4th25

Peace,

~~Cheryl

Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Mon Jun 06 2005, 01:06PM

Good shit.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Oct 22 2005, 08:45PM

Been in New Orleans for the last couple of weeks. This place is seriously messed up. will be posting pics when I get back
Re: Update from Iraq
silent bob, Tue Oct 03 2006, 09:06PM

where da pics from New Orleans?
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Wed Dec 13 2006, 04:41PM

Its me again and I found a video that I think all should see. Specialist Jeremiah Schmunk was in C Co 1-161 Infantry of the Washington ARNG. That was a unit I spent over 10 years in and knew almost everyone there. Schmunk I knew but not well we didn't hang in the same groups. He was a good kid and a hard charger but sometimes thats not enough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFlKNoEGWTw
Re: Update from Iraq
ZELLIS, Wed Dec 13 2006, 05:21PM

great video.... with a very sad ending. it means soo much to everone what you guys are doing over there. we are in your debt. for me it gives me even more motivation to
come to work everyday and do everything i can to build the tools that will help protect you guys out there in the field.
Re: Update from Iraq
GreenEyes, Wed Dec 13 2006, 09:24PM

Wow very touching.... Thanks to all who risk their lives for our country! YOU ROCK =)
Re: Update from Iraq
Xaverian, Thu Dec 14 2006, 09:01AM

Thanks DGrunt for the post - God Bless all our troops everywhere!
Re: Update from Iraq
lakatta, Tue Jul 24 2007, 09:54AM

ok, what ever happened?
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Mar 08 2008, 12:24PM

Quick down and dirty I on return I was diagnosed with PTSD and a few other things. I haven't been able to hold a job since I got back. I saw something today in the news that made since one Iraqi veteran was drivingwith his wife after going to a funeral of a friend, he told his wife that he just wanted to go home and when the wife responded by saying all right lets go home. He said no his home is Iraq. Thats how I feel I want to go home, I weant to go where things make sense, I want to go home to a place where I knew where I stood. I have to convince myself every day that I shouldn't eat my gun. All I want is peace of mind and I can't seem to find it
Re: Update from Iraq
ZELLIS, Sat Mar 08 2008, 01:15PM

we are here for you man, We, I appreciate everything that you guys have done for us. I wish there was something more we could do. I work with a few vets from Iraq that have been on the line. and one that survived an IED attack. we are currently deploying CROWS units to Iraq to protect the gunners and i work in the aerial reconnaissance side of the business creating and shipping out cameras used on the F-15 and some other aircraft to supply recon for the troops. Please take care and thank you again for what you have done for us and our country.
Re: Update from Iraq
Frog, Sat Mar 08 2008, 04:04PM

DG,

Hey bro come into TS. I miss talking and hanging out. You don't have to play, just come in and bullshit with us.

We miss you.
Re: Update from Iraq
FSK405 Earl, Sun Mar 09 2008, 01:10PM


DG,

Hey bro come into TS. I miss talking and hanging out. You don't have to play, just come in and bullshit with us.

We miss you.

murrfrog


F1.
Re: Update from Iraq
Fokker, Mon Jan 12 2009, 11:38PM

Re: Update from Iraq
useless, Tue Jan 13 2009, 06:50PM

to think most of us get upset over petty stuff, and men and women in the armed forces are in harms way every day. bit of a reality check. thats awesome. that should happen more often. to see that respect and think of that cult church that protest funerals here....


my aunt passed away 2 weeks ago and it amazed me at the disrespect for a funeral. people just cutting us off, cutting in. one person almost hit the limo right behind hearse as it went around a corner trying to get through.

edit* just a big thank you to anyone who is or has served in the armed forces.
Re: Update from Iraq
BatMann, Tue Jan 27 2009, 10:00PM

i think the people who stood on the highway are people who understand the loss and heart break and understand what was done for them i commend the men and women who have the fortitude to do what they do in the armed forces and i thank them for all they do. my brother in law just returned from iraq tuesday he will be here for a month woot woot and again thank you all the armed forces.
Re: Update from Iraq
[$E]Heroine., Thu Feb 26 2009, 06:02PM

My brother just found out he's being deployed to Afghanistan August 1st of this year. He's in Ft. Stewart Georgia, and he's supposed to be there for a year and a half. And we haven't seen him in a year =[
Re: Update from Iraq
BatMann, Thu Dec 31 2009, 07:08PM

im sorry for your news hope its better in a year and a half good luck with that .hope he comes home safe and whole. Afghanistan is a scary place from all that i heard of it. i wouldn't go.... there is no princess to rescue or a dragon to vanquish lol no reason basically.
Re: Update from Iraq
dgrunt, Sat Sept 04 2010, 06:21PM

One more update 5 years after returning from baghdad. % Months after my return i found myself once again patrolling a city with a loaded weapon, this time the city was New Orleans, and quite frankly that creeped me out alot. The city was in worse shape then Baghdad and was but a ghost. It was after returning home from that they i decided to hang up my uniform and try to relax. I was orginally diagnosed with acute stess disorder which after 6 months was diagnosed as PTSD. On my dance with the VA it took me two years to go from 30% disabled to 100 % disabled to include 2 seperate trips to the Hosptital in Seattle for the 2 week in-patient PTSD clinic and one trip to the nut hut after telling my doctor the only reason I made his appointment was that the gun misfired. I've gained close to 100 pounds since my return and am working to fix that and I take enough of the right types of meds to feel almost normal. For those that talk to me on TS you might of heard that i have been playing UrT from bed mainly because I didn't have the energy or willingness to oget out of bed. Several things in the last few months have got me out and about and I'm starting to enjoy doing things again. First of all was the FSK405 and Friends BBQ got to meet a bunch of my supporters thought the years and I got on a plane for the first time since coming back from New Orleans. The other is I have visitors at the home and am reacting to the noise and crowding alot better then I thought i would. Maybe its a sign I'm getting better, still to scared to stop taking the meds just in case definitely do not want to go back to how I was before. Well heck even righting this has got me perked up and i plan on making my first Sunday Scrim in over a year from my desktop instead of my laptop, I'm gettin out of bed yahoo!!! Take care all and hopefully this will be my last post for a bit.
Re: Update from Iraq
KickButts, Sat Sept 04 2010, 06:52PM

Wow!!! Bro I LOV U 2 ;o)
On another note COME C us sometime.
Glad to here u r doing better.
Re: Update from Iraq
Boogie Knight, Sat Sept 04 2010, 07:12PM

High five dgrunt! It's difficult to get anything from this government (unless you are an illegal alien).
A guy I know was in Vietnam way back and one day while on patrol he came to a clearing. There was his best friend hanging from a tree and had been skun alive. He's suffered from the same sort of syndrome and still has to be periodically evaluated. When he get's to the doctor's office he yells "incoming" and dives under the desk. He still collects. There are many like you and him who deserve as much as you can get just to get by. You gave much for your country.
Hope to see you Sunday night.
Re: Update from Iraq
Gladi8r, Sat Sept 04 2010, 09:58PM

Dgrunt/DeSade,

Though the soldier's world wasn't the way they portray it on recruiting posters, you put your ass on the line for me and mine, and all of us.

I could do good things for the rest of my life, send money to starving children, volunteer for the homeless... but I'll never be able to say that I risked it all and put my ass on the line for all of us.

Thank you.