Fight 2 

Fight 1 

The Kids

To All,
Lauryn wanted me to put pictures of her and her brother on her daddys website so here they are. She even picked them out. Hope you all enjoy. Niki

Lauryn (our daughter) at halloween 

Like father like son (Rob and Isaiah before deployment) 

Mommys Little Monster 

Calorie Count

Dude!
Well I am sure you are working it off in no time,
Spencer

Total Calories 5,519.7
Tea [Lipton]
1 tea bag, 0.071 oz=2 g 5 Servings: 0.0
Coffee, brewed
6 fl oz=177 ml 2 Servings: 3.6
Soft Drink, Coke, Coca-Cola Classic [Coca-Cola]
1 can, 12 fl oz=355 ml 3 Servings: 420.0
Candy, M&M's [Mars]
1 package, 1.69 oz=47.9 g 2 Servings: 480.0
Candy, Twix - full size [Mars]
1 package, 2.0 oz=56.7 g 280.0
Potatoes, boiled - peeled
5.9 oz=167 g without skin 2 Servings: 287.2
Chicken Breast Tenders, frozen [Banquet]
5 pieces, 3.0 oz=85 g 4 Servings: 1,120.0
Original Pringles
14 crisps, 1 oz=28 g 3 Servings: 480.0
French Fried Potatoes, frozen [Ore Ida]
13 fries, 3 oz=84 g baked 120.0
Donut Gems, Chocolate Frosted [Sam's Club from RV]
3 mini donuts, 1.8 oz=52 g 230.0
Pizza, Pepperoni [DiGiorno]
1/6 pizza, 4.9 oz=140 g 2 Servings: 720.0
Milk, Chocolate, Reduced Fat, 2% Milkfat [Lucerne]
1 cup=240 ml 220.0
Orange Juice, from concentrate, carton [Minute Maid]
8 fl oz=240 ml 110.0
Ice Cream, Chocolate Almond
1/2 cup=118 ml 150.0
Waffles, frozen - Buttermilk
2 waffles, 2.5 oz=70 g 2 Servings: 380.0
Hash Brown Potatoes, diced, frozen [Ore Ida]
2/3 cup=158 ml or 2.9 oz=82 g without cooking oil 2 Servings: 140.0
Bacon, fried
1 slice, 0.28 oz=7.9 g 9 Servings: 378.9

Fat Boy Friday

Hello to all of you,

So let me preface this letter by saying that I am a big believer in proper diet and good, hard exercise. I spent six days of the week eating things like egg whites, plain oatmeal, chicken breasts, broccoli and other such healthy food. I also make it to the gym five or six days a week. Now I don’t just go to the gym, a push myself very hard when I am there. I mean what is the point of going, if you are not going to make it count. That being said, I would like to introduce you all to a little thing I like to call “FAT BOY FRIDAY.”

I spend six days of the week (Saturday thru Thursday) living life as described above. Friday is a different story. Friday is the one day a week I can eat anything I want. Fat Boy Friday is becoming something of a legend around here. Most people who live with me are well aware of Fat Boy Friday. It really is a thing of beauty.

So I imagine you are asking yourself what is it exactly that one would consume, if one was going to participate in Fat Boy Friday. Well, since you asked I will tell you. Let me expunge:

Breakfast: 9 strips of bacon, 2 hash brown patties, 2 waffles with ice cream and chocolate, OJ, Chocolate Milk, Strawberry Milk, Red Bull Energy Drink.
Snack: Chocolate Filled Pastry, 1 large cup of coffee.
Snack: M’azing brand candy bar, can of Coke.
Lunch: 2 slices of Pepperoni Pizza, French Fries, 3 glasses of sweet tea, 1 slice of chocolate swirl cheesecake.
Snack: Entire can of Pringles, can of Strawberry Fanta.
Snack: M’azing brand candy bar, can of Coke.
Dinner: 4 large chicken strips, Mashed potatoes and gravy, 2 sweet teas, can of Coke, Coke Float (coke and ice cream).
Snack: Twix brand candy bar, can of Coke.
Jealous much?

This is just what I ate today, and the day is not over yet. So far I have eaten 8 times today. If any of you would care to sit down and figure out the calories consumed I would be really interested to find out. I myself am not going to count, but if any of you do, please tell me what you find out.

Anyway, I just thought I would give you all one more peak inside my brain. I have to go now. I think I am going to throw up.
Love,
S. Robert Meehl
Matthew 16:15

Pictures for Lauryn

Hey wife,
I finally got someone to take a picture of me with the best coffee cup in the world (tell LL I said that). I will send a good e-mail tonight. For now I just wanted you to be able to get these to LL maybe as soon as she woke up or something.

Love you more,
V/R,

S. Robert Meehl

Matthew 16:15

Great Coffee 

Good Coffee 

Urgent Prayer Request

Subject: Urgent Prayer request

From: Vicky Field

Subject: My son has been shot in Fallujah.

I wanted to get everyone to pray for my son Chad. Today, Sunday, I got a call from the Army, that my son had been shot in the head. I am asking for all your prayers. He was in a Humvee going through Fallujah fighting and a gang of militia fighteres fired on the Humvee and hit Chad in the head.
The driver got him out of the city and took him to Baghdad. He was in fatal condition, but now has been upgraded to stable critical. His dad and I are on standby to fly to Washington then on to Germany as soon as the military calls us to go. The Army is trying to stabilize him enough to fly to Germany and at that time, we will leave.
Please pray that my son will not have brain damage and that he will be restored and healed by the blood of Jesus, and the grace of God. I ask for you to pass this prayer request on so there will be many prayer warriors praying for him.
Thank you so much and I will keep you updated on his condition.
God Bless,
Vicky Field
Granbury, Texas

Please pray for this young soldier and please pass this request along to those who will pray for him.

St. Theresa's Prayer

St. Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly
where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities
that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received and
pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you
are a child of God. Let this presence settle into our bones and allow
your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each
and every one of you.


Thank you to Amy, my wife’s second best friend (I’m first) for sending me this prayer. I am not catholic, and I don’t know anything about St. Theresa, but I think the message is very beautiful. It goes hand in hand with what Jesus has really been pressing on my heart. It comes from a book on 2 Corinthians written by Ray Steadman.
“Christ has already set you where he wants you to exercise (your) ministry”
The fact that we are all in the perfect situation to do something really amazing with the life and gift God has blessed us with, is more inspiration than every stupid cat calendar ever hung on a secretary’s wall combined (you know with cute little sayings like “Hang in there.”)
Not much to say tonight, but I just wanted to share with everyone those simple thoughts.

Love you all,
Rob

Update from LTC Spellmon

Dear Families and Friends of the 3-3rd Brigade Troops Battalion:

Greetings from Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq.

Since my last note, the soldiers of Task Force 3-3 Buffalo have completed their handoff with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division and are now performing a wide variety of critical missions throughout the Diyala Province of Iraq.

A Company has completed its installation of a world-class communication network across the Brigade’s area of responsibility, which provides continuous command and control capability for all leaders within the Brigade Combat Team.

B Company soldiers have worked around the clock since their arrival to FOB WARHORSE, successfully conducting a vast array of intelligence-related operations which continue to improve the overall security in our area.

HHC, 3-3rd BTB remains the most diverse company in the battalion. Its Military Police have successfully established an internment facility for Iraqi detainees, and they have also been working side by side with local Iraqi Police training individual and small unit leader tasks. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams remain the most traveled soldiers in the battalion as they work non-stop to neutralize road-side threats. Our security platoon conducts several combat patrols each day, successfully moving the battalion’s leaders throughout our area of responsibility.

A Company / 467th Engineers continue to patrol the major roads in and around Baquba, day and night, maintaining the brigade’s, and the local population’s, ability to move safely and freely on the highways.

Our battalion Civil Military Operations Center in Baquba has already coordinated over 110 construction projects which will improve the quality of life and infrastructure for Iraqis throughout Diyala. Additionally, our Civil Affairs team works closely each day with local leaders in Baquba helping to jump start many programs related to women’s affairs, education, health, elections, communications, and many, many more. HHC, 3rd Brigade has organized a mayor cell on FOB WARHORSE, and is working numerous projects to improve our own infrastructure and quality of life.

Finally, B Co, 1-30 Infantry has conducted numerous combat patrols, as well as platoon and company-level missions which have greatly improved the security in the Brigade’s area of responsibility.

CSM Campbell and I are extremely proud to be associated with such a great group of soldiers with an extremely important mission. It is a pleasure and honor to command these fine young men and women. As always, I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as we continue with this historic work.

Sincerely,

Lieutenant Colonel Scott Spellmon

Commander, TF 3-3 “Buffalo”

collection 3 (picture) 

collection 4 (picture) 

collecton 5 (picture) 

Lion of Babylon (picture) 

stamps (picture) 

black stone (picture) 

women and smelting pot (picture) 

coins (picture) 

copper bracelets (picture) 

lion tablet (picture) 

Cool Stuff

Okay,

The other night on the website I promised to let everyone in on something big, so here it is. There are of course some details I can't give out, but I will give you the basic story. Attached are some of the pictures so you have proof. I think this is really cool. I know Courtney will be jealous, because she loves this stuff. However, for Courtney to have been here she would have to be in the Army and living in a combat zone, which kinda’ sucks.

Now here is the story.

Iraqi Army, acting on a tip from local informants, was able to recover millions of dollars worth of ancient artifacts.

There have been civilizations in this area of the world pretty much since there have been people on earth. The basics on Iraqi history are as follows:
Mesopotamia – 10000 BC
Summarian – 3000 BC
Akkadian – 2500 BC
Ur – 2100 BC
Babylon – 2000 BC
Assyrian – 1600 BC
Babylon part II – the son of Babylon – 650 BC
Greeks and Persians kind of shared it – 500 BC
Arab (Islamic) – 600 AD
Mongolian – 1250 AD
Turkish – 1350 AD
Ottoman Empire – 1500 AD
British Empire – 1918
Independence – 1932
All of these dates are rounded up or down, but you should get the general idea. This place is old. Since people have lived here for a while, and people always have stuff that they make or use, it stands to reason that there is a lot of really old crap in this country. Well, the old ruler of the country, Saddam Hussein, gathered up almost all of this stuff, and kept it all for him self. He put some of it in museums in Baghdad, but most of it he kept hidden away from the people. He was such a turd. Anywho, he put a lot of this old stuff in places where people didn’t live, and surrounded it with guards and stuff. One of these ruins sites is not far from where I am.
When Saddam politely removed himself from office, with some assistance of course, most of these sites were left abandoned. So in come the looters. These pieces of crap, decided that it would be a really great idea to rob the future of Iraq from seeing and learning about the glorious past of this country. The things the people from this area of the world were able to accomplish 5000 plus years ago, are mind blowing. I think all would agree that the history of this country is rich and magnificent. Well, I guess not all. Those who apparently disagreed decided that it was wise to take several artifacts from these ruins and attempt to sell them for a quick buck.
Government flight to Kuwait – FREE
Long Road Convoy to Iraq – FREE
Pirate copy of Oceans 12 on DVD - $3 US
History of Iraq – Priceless
Well here comes the good news. The Iraqi Army (IA) was able to recover several items taken from the ruins. A local informant brought information about the name and location of one of these looters. The looter was picked up by IA, and agreed to ID the people who bought these items, and were attempting to sell them. IA took the looter, had him ID the buyer. The buyer was arrested, and then IA conducted a raid on the buyer’s house, and recovered numerous artifacts. We here called the director of the local museum, who came and verified the ages of these items. Many items are from the Babylonian age. A few go as far back as the Assyrian age. The newest items in the collection are from the Islamic age. You can use the handy history lesson above to reference the ages of these items, but is boils down to anywhere from 500-5000 years ago.
Today there was a press conference here, where an IA battalion commander, and friend of mine, announced the recovery of these items, and their safe return to the museum.

There is a lot in the news about how the IA and the Iraqi Police (IP) aren’t doing anything positive. Let me tell you something. These guys may not be perfect, and there are things they still have to learn, but these men are some of the hardest working people I have ever met. The IA battalion commander (I mentioned earlier), his intelligence officer, his executive officer, an IP officer I met a few weeks ago, an IP platoon leader, that platoon leader’s commander, the local guys we have working security here: ALL OF THEM ARE PEOPLE I TRUST WITH MY LIFE. That is not an easy thing to say, but I mean it. These men I just listed are great men, who believe in their country, they want it to be safe, and they work more hours in a day than most of us do in 3, trying to make that peace a reality.

Attached are the pictures of all the cool stuff I was able to see and touch for the last few days. It was probably the first and only time I will be able to play with real life ancient artifacts. I will give a brief explanation for the photos. Collection 3 and 4 are just good overviews of all the stuff. Collection 5 - the statue of the woman in the front is one of the older pieces from the Summarian Age. The Lion of Babylon is obvioulsy from the Babylonian age. The stamps. These things are cool. They look like necklace pieces, but there are stamps. They would be on a stick, and rolled over wet clay to make a tablet. How cool is that? The stone woman is Summarian Bablyonian, the brass woman is Persian and very rare, and the smelting pot is from the Islamic age. The black stone was a necklace piece with really intricate engraving from the Assyrian age. The coins are all from the Islamic age. The small coins are all real silver, which shows the lack of wealth of the kingd
om during that time, because the are so small (about 3/4 the size of a dime). The copper braclets are from the Islamic age. The lion tablet is kind of a blurry picture, but is a very small stone carving of two kings having thier lions fight each other, it is from the Assyrian age.

Pretty cool stuff, huh?

Love,
Rob “not quite Indian Jones, but closer that all of you” Meehl

Another e-mail

Another e-mail from that guy in that place where everyone is shooting everyone else. NO, not Detroit. Iraq.



So I have been here for about a month and a half now. Things are going...hey they are going, isn't that good enough. Seriously, I am doing fine. I am really feeling as though I am earning my pay these days. I am working hard, taking very little time to do anything that is not work related. I do manage to set aside time for working out and reading. Well I normally would say something funny right about now, but I think you all are starting to expect that kind of thing from me, so I shall refrain. I don't want to establish any sort of discernable pattern. If you people are reading my e-mail, just so you can have a laugh, well then you can say goodnight to that, sister. I don't like all the pressure I am under to be entertainment for all you good-for-nothings. Think of something funny on your own, stop leaving all the funny up to me. Watch TV, there is funny stuff on TV. At least there was the last time I wat ched TV, which was in January. I just think it is awful they way you all expect things from me. Funny e-mails, HAH, I say. I will say it again, HAH. Now it is me laughing at all of you. It is hard enough just trying to send an e-mail that is grammatically correct, let alone funny. It is not easy having an English teacher as a mother. It takes me six hours to write one e-mail. First, I have to brainstorm, and then comes the rough draft, several edited and revised copies follow that step, until I finally hit the send button. What is the result of all my hard work? B+. All that work for a B+. It's is almost not worth the hassle. My mom is killing my G.P.A. I am never going to get into Stanford with a B+.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi, to all of you, and let you know that I think of you often (especially that G.P.A. killing' Mom of mine). I am really doing well. I enjoy the work that I am doing over here. There is nothing like this place that I have ever experienced. It really drives home the point about how truly blessed every one of us is. Know it or not, everyone one on this list has been greatly blessed. There is so much to do in a place like this; it will take a long time to teach the Iraqis what democracy and freedom really mean. It will be a painstaking, difficult road, but it is one that must be traveled. I pray that all of you remember it took us (America ) a Civil War and a Civil Rights Struggle before us as a nation really began to see what it was all about. As I look down the road to the next 10-12 months the word "endurance" comes to mind. I will leave you all with this.

One of the great examples of endurance both physical and spiritual.

Gen 32:24
This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until dawn.

Gen 32:25
When the man saw that he couldn't win the match, he struck Jacob's hip and knocked it out of joint at the socket.

Gen 32:26
Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is dawn." But Jacob panted, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."


I was really into grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu back on Ft. Benning, three minutes of fighting can feel like an eternity. Jacob wrestled from sun down to sun up, and had to be asked to let go. How worn out he must have been, how many times did he want to quit, how sore must his hands have been after holding on for 8-12 hours. He wouldn't let go. He kept fighting. Life is not easy, no matter where you are. Me over here, and all of you over there, we all deal with the same stuff. I am seeing the value of seeing through what you start. I am learning what it means to cling to and trust God, and in return he is giving me the strength I need so I can hold on even tighter and endure all that goes on over here (both internal and external).

Now you see why I only e-mail you like once a month. It will take you all a month just to read this stupid letter.

I love you all, and God bless.

Rob

Spy Glasses? HA

Hello my wife,

Well i got a package today, and it contained a pair of sunglasses. The were Smith Brand sunglasses, with 4 different lenses. They are very nice, but they must have been sent to me by mistake. You see, you e-mailed me a few weeks ago and promised me Spy glasses. These glasses don't do anything. They look cool, and are very comfortable, but the can't be mine. I was promised Spy glasses. So where are the laser guns and rockets and such. These are just glasses, what up with that, yo? Have I been hoodwinked? Led astray? Bamboozled? Lied to even? What gives here wife o' mine? When you promise Spy glasses, you better deliver on that promise. I told the Brigade Commander about the Spy Glasses, and together we had planned several operations, all which require the use of X-Ray vision, which if I am not mistaken, and I very rarley am, come standard on any pair of Spy glasses. Are you somekind of traitor? Have you been brainwashed by the communists? You let down me, the Ar
my, and America. I hope you are happy with that. You will have to live with the shame of this for the rest of your life.

I still love you, eventhough you are a lying tratior, more than you love me.

Rob

Iraqi National Guard at CMOC (picture) 

Iraqi National Guard

Hi,

I know how much you like pictures. Sorry about the blacked out faces, but I don't want to jeopordize anyone. The picture goes from left to right: SFC Carter, Iraqi CSM Ghanem, Me, 1LT Trevathan, kneeling ING SGT, Iraqi LTC Najem, SFC Coons, CMOC guard, ING soldier. I feel bad blacking out the faces of these guys, but it is better if they remain unidentified. Not that I think any terrorists are looking at my website or tracking my e-mails, but better safe than sorry. These guys are really great, especially the CMOC guard. I invited him to come home with me, but I don't think the Army will let me take him on the plane. I told him he could come and raise our children, but seeing as how we don't even have a house of our own, it would be hard for him to live with us.

Oh well, just thought you would like the photo, don't I look cool.

I love you more,

Rob

Hello my wife, or should I say You had me at hello

How you doin'?

Well things are just cranking along like normal here, you know. Wake up, eat breakfast, send out some e-mails, eat lunch, pick-up laundry, scan internet for news on bad guys, eat dinner, send out reports, go to gym, e-mail the wife. Pretty standard (he types as he says the words in his head with the Dr. Evil accent, like in the first Austin Powers movie, when Dr. Evil is describing his childhood). You can see how a person could lose it over here. Funny thing is, I am actually doing well, in spite of the crap that goes down here. Yes, I am very happy to be here (Prince Ahkeem Jofur). It is weird, but I am really at peace here. I know it has nothing to do with the situation I am in. There is no reason for it, except God. He has put me at such ease, that I can't explain it. I know there are people out there who think about my safety and my peace of mind, but I don't. I have no reason to question God's control over the situation. He has never failed, he has never hurt me. So I got that goin' for me, which is nice (Carl Spackler).

I do get lonely at times, and I do miss you guys, but there is never an anxiousness. The is never the feeling of being all alone. There is an assurance I have, that although I get lonely, I'm never alone. It makes my time here seem so much more valuable. God is keeping my focus on how I can best serve others, not on how much I miss you guys. Don't missunderstand me. I do miss you all, especially you. You are my wife and my best friend. I not only love you, but I like you too. I like you a lot (Lloyd Christmas). I thought I would just take the time to tell you.

So anywho, I have to go.

Lovey dovey and stuff.

Rob

Nice Package

So do you work for UPS? Cause I could swear I saw you checkin' out my package.

Seriously,

I got the package today. Thank you and tell everyone else I said thank you. I will send another e-mail with a letter to give to L.L.'s class. Some of those notes are great. I also got a letter from you, my mom and Suntrust.

All goes well. I am sure we are all over the news. I don't know if I should tell you how close it really was, but it was real close.

Anyway, I will send you another e-mail in a few.

Love you more,

Rob

CMOC Crew (left to right) Myers, MAJ Burton, SSG Locklear, 1Lt Rendez, Rob (1Lt Meehl), 1Lt Koby-roomdawg, CPT Bratton, PFC Hustlebus 

Glasses

Spy glasses, huh?

That is awesome. I can't wait. I will be able to see through walls, and shoot lasers, see in the dark, do they have rocket packs on them? That would rule. Given, of course, that the fire from the rocket packs did not burn my head and face. This is going to make Iraq soooooooooo much better(sorry about the extra "o"s, I was not trying to convey anything, just that my freakin' "o" button got stuck. I guess I could have deleted it, but now I would have to delete all of this too, and that is just too much.).
How did you get your hands on genuine spy glasses? There are Special Forces guys all over the place, and they don't even have those things, and you know they got all the cool stuff. Wow, I can't believe I am getting spy glasses. I'll be like the only guy over here with those things, except for the spies of course, the spies probably have them. If they don't they are really crappy spies. I mean what kind a spy doesn't even have his own pair of spy glasses. I would ask you to tell me all about them, but I want to wait 'til they get here. Don't ruin the surprise. I am sooooooooooooo excited (stupid button).

I love you more.

Rob

COL Salazar's letter to families

Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq
February 23rd, 2005
Family and Friends of the Sledgehammer BCT,
Greeting from Iraq! On Monday, February 21st the
Sledgehammer Brigade Headquarters conducted it's long awaited
Transfer of Authority Ceremony with the 1st Infantry Division's
Dukes. The ceremony was similar to a Change of Command
Ceremony and marked the official start of 3rd Brigade's mission
here in Iraq. Our mission is to assist the Iraqi Government in
establishing peace and stability in the Diyala Province. There are
positive signs of progress throughout the province. The people of
Diyala chose freedom and democracy in the January 30 elections.
The Iraqi Police and Army units are getting better everyday.
Every day Iraqis are coming forward with information on insurgents
and the Iraqi Police and Army units are aggressively apprehending
them.
Some of you may have heard that the 1-15's Can Do
Battalion now falls under the tactical control of 1st Brigade. I want
to assure everyone that although the great soldiers of 1-15 are
tactically controlled by 1st Brigade, they are still part of the 3rd
Brigade family. Nothing will change. Although they will receive
their tactical missions from 1st Brigade, family readiness groups
and information flow will be as steady as ever through the rear
detachment. I have visited LTC Brito and the great Can Do
soldiers regularly and I am pleased to report that they are doing
magnificently. Their morale and focus is as high as ever and they
are conducting their mission as only Sledgehammer soldiers can.
CAN DO!
We have all worked hard and sacrificed much to get where we
are today. The tragic, tragic loss of Sergeant First Class David
Salie, Specialist Justin Carter, and Specialist Jacob Palmatier
broke our collective hart. They gave the full measure for our
Nation and our mission. Their sacrifice, along with all of the
Brigade's accomplishments, has been for our Nation and for our
mission here in central Iraq.
Our mission, is one of three elements that make our Brigade
what it is. The other two elements are soldiers and teamwork.
Your Soldiers execute the mission, but without the teamwork
that you bring, we couldn't do it. Now that we are in Iraq, your
contribution to the team is more important then ever. You have all
supported us so well over the last year. You have volunteered for
FRG duties, organized phone trees, conducted fundraisers, and
generally boosted morale. Your efforts have been the cement that
keeps our team together. As we move forward, we all have to
work even harder to keep the foundations of our team solid.
I urge you all to continue supporting the Sledgehammer team.
Stay in touch with your Soldier, even if he or she has trouble
staying in touch with you. Continue to communicate with each
other, with your FRG, and with the rear detachment. Remember
that none of you are alone and that we are all in this operation
together; Soldiers and families alike. We are a team, and as a
team we are unbeatable.
As always, you all remain in our thoughts and prayers. May
God bless each and every one of you, the Sledgehammer Brigade
Combat Team, and may God bless America.
Very Respectfully,
Hammer 6
Sledgehammer!
Rock of the Marne!
Never Forget!

Robs neighborhood 3 

Robs neighborhood 2 

Robs Neighborhood 1 

Pictures of my Neighborhood

Hello,
So you wanna see some pictures of my new neighorhood. Well then just open up and say "ahhh." As in "ahhh how pretty." My building is nice, but I just thought you might like these. These pictures were taken literally right outside of the compund. One of these pictures is for Isaiah. See if you can figure out why. It should be obvious. Now, try not to get to jealous of me when you see where I am living. I know you have always wanted to live in a place this beautiful, just remember that in a few months, this place will be even nicer once the temps reach 120 or so. Anywho, I just wanted to share these photos. I will try to call you soon.
I love you more

Rob and Coons with Iraqi civilians (picture)

Good Day

Niki,
Well I had an interesting day. There was a large protest today in the town. About 1000 people, but it had nothing to do with America or the Army. It was students protesting the new Saturday holiday. The Prime Minister decided to make Saturday a day off for all government offices. Basically, the Iraqi weekend used to consist of Friday. So he added Satruday. Problem is Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath, so that upset pretty much every Muslim in Iraq, and you might not know this, but there are a few Muslims here. Anywho, they wanted their weekend to be Thursday and Friday. Thursday is already kind of a holiday anyway here, it is their traditional wedding day, so it makes sense. Anyway, after it was all said and done, me and some of the guys here on the compound got a chance to talk to 3 of the protestors. Ibrahim, Yaz and Jhazan were all students and were really excited about being able to have a protest. That is a freedom the never had before. It was great to sit and talk to some young men about the future of Iraq and stuff (we talked about soccer too). They were great. I am attaching a photo of us from the left is me, Yaz, Jhazan, Ibrahim and SFC Coons (Civil Affairs). It was great to see democracy in action, and the young people excited about making a difference. We gave them the soccer balls. We definately made some friends, they were impressed how nice the "American Soldiers" were. It was cool.Oh well, have to keep working, just wanted to share more of the good stuff you are not going to see in the news.
I love and miss you very much.
Rob

Newsletter from Iraq

Dear Hurricane Friends and Families, 23 FEB 05
We’ve come a long way in our first month (+) in theater. We spent almost three weeks in Camp Buehring, Kuwait marshalling and preparing our equipment. We also conducted numerous weapons ranges to give everyone confidence in their weapon systems. In preparation for the ground approach march into Iraq, we also conducted a convoy live fire. This provided the Hurricanes from staff, maintenance, and company HQ with excellent training in Close Quarters Marksmanship and how to fight from a vehicle.
About two thirds of the company traveled to our new home, FOB Warhorse, by air. The other third made the 354 mile trek in what we called the “approach march.” We had a couple flat tires and a few breakdowns along the way, but with the mechanics at our side we repaired ourselves as we went and every vehicle completed the approach march under it’s own power.
The Battalion Commander recently recognized the efforts of two Hurricanes in making the approach march a success. LTC Spellmon presented SPC Piarowski with a Battalion Coin for fabricating a supplemental weapons mount for two of our up-armored HMMWVs. These two trucks are now capable of mounting a Mk-19 Grenade Launcher as well as either a light or medium machine gun. LTC Spellmon also presented a Battalion Coin to SPC Flinn for replacing the starter on one of our large cargo trucks during the approach march. At one of the Convoy Support Centers, he changed out this starter in the dark and cold at 0230 in the morning after going 23 hours without sleep. Well done, SPC Piarowski and SPC Flinn.
Additional congratulations go to newly promoted Sergeants Dubose, Haltom, Richardson, and Robertson. We held their promotion ceremony on 2 FEB at Camp Buehring.
On 21 FEB 05, the Sledgehammer Brigade officially took over from the Dukes of 3d Brigade, 1st ID. We are now busy helping send these soldiers and their equipment back to Germany. The Dukes had a great year and made a lot of progress in Diyala Province. Now it’s our turn to make a difference.
You should be proud of your soldier. He/she is on the frontier of freedom continuing the difficult and vital work that has sustained our great nation for over 225 years.
Hurricane!
Best Wishes,
John H. O’Brien
Captain, U.S. Army

Death of the "stache"

Hello,
The "stache" is no more. It was part of the Insurgency, so I killed it. It was leaking info about me to the terrorists. Things had been very quiet here at the CMOC until the "stache" showed up. All of the sudden we were getting hit all the time. Everyone here was convinced it was an insider. I started with anaylizing everyone. I even had to rough up a few little kids and old women. No one was giving me the info I wanted so I went back to the drawing board. I started studying the photos of all the known terrorists, when the answer came to me. It was like what the five fingers said to the face. "SLAP." All the bad guys had moustaches. I had been infiltrated, compromised, bamboozled even. So I took matters in to my own hands. I locked the "stache" in a room all by itself for about 2 hours. I learned from watching "Hill Street Blues" that if you give the suspect lots to drink and them make the suspect wait a few hours, the punk will give up his own grandmother just for a chance to pee. So that is what I did. Unfortunetly for me, the "stache" didn't drink anything, I on the other hand drank 13 diet cokes, and had to pee like crazy. So once I took care of that I really let the "stache" have a piece of my mind, but the "stache" had obviously been well trained at his al-Queda camp. He didn't even break a sweat. So I tried a little good cop/bad cop on the "stache." Problem was I was the only guy there, so it looked more like a dog chasing his tail. I continued to put the squeeze on, but the "stache" wasn't giving away any details. Well, anyway, by the end of the night, I just decided to get rid of the "stache." I had enough of his mind warfare, and frankly was tired of losing at mind warfare to the "stache." Then in a flash of excitiment, all of which is still kind of hazy to me, the razor just went off, and when I looked the "stache" was just lying on the floor. It was like I was there, but I wasn't. I could see myself doing it, but I don't remember doing it. I made certain to destroy all the evidence and cover my tracks, so don't worry there is no way this can be traced back to me. Well the point of the story is that today, no activity at the CMOC. The rat was ousted. The insider is gone, and we all safe again.
Love,
Rob

Thank You

Nik,
Well, I now have the internet at my desk, and I just checked out the website, that is really cool. Thank you for making it. Although, now I feel obligated to send you more pictures, so I will do my best. As far as the password, you keep it. I kind of like seeing what you choose to represent me with. It is kind of cool to be on a website. I know it might just be something you are doing to help kill the time but I really enjoy looking at it.
Things are really getting exciting here. There is always something going on. Things blowing up, things shooting, power outtages. The power goes out a lot here. The US has actually improved the power situation in Iraq a lot. Before the war started the average citizen of Baqubah got about 8-10 hours of power a day. Now there are about 20. I got a haircut today from one of the locals. His name is Hassan, not only did he do a good job cutting my hair he also gave me a few language lessons.
I am constantly amazed how much I feel God's protection here. So far, in the 5 days I have here, this compound has had 3 major attacks (either indirect fire or suicide bombers) and numerous small attacks (gun shots, etc.) yet we have not even had an injury. For some reason our people are not harmed. I don't, by any means, think this makes us invincible, but I think it shows God's hand. He is a great protector. I, coincidentally began reading 2 Corinthians the first day I moved here, and it is like it was written just for me here in this place. I am finding a great deal of use out of it so far. I am still in the 1st chapter, but already there is so much about how stressful and bad sitiuations are really chances for us to show God's strength. The worse the situation, the more God can use it. If we choose his power, instead of our own, to get us through though times, it shows to others and acts as a powerful ministry tool. There is a verse in chapter 1 (forgive me but I don't recall exactly, but I think it is 16) that says God has put his "seal on us." He owns us, and will guide us through everything this world can through our way, if we get out of his way. I really feel this right now. I am at peace, and whatever God has planned for me over here, he will give me the strength to get through. 2 Corinthinans chapter 1 also talks about how God always keeps his promise. He never lets us down. If he says something, he sees it through. We, especially we Christians, need to take this to heart. I am over here not because I want to be seperated from all of you, but because I made a commitment to my country, and I will follow my Savior, and follow thorugh on my committments. I have really been touched by Paul's words in 2 Corinthians. Maybe you should start reading it, this way we can do something together, from 5000 miles apart.
I love you more than you love me.
Rob

Rob's "stache" (picture)

Lauryn's Birthday (and the "stache")

There was supposed to be a movie, but it won't attach. So I guess the picture will have to do. It was for Lauryn, but I thought others might want to see it. As you can see from the photo, I am growing the in-country "stache." The movie gave a much better view of the "stache," but no can do. I will try to send it again later, when someone who is a lot smater on computers than I will be around, or awake. I will of course keep you all up to date on all the latest significant events related to the "stache." I encourage all men to grow facial hair in support of the deployed "stache." Show your support for your troops' "stache."
Love,
Rob

Rob by Humvee (picture)

Email from Iraq

This is an email Rob sent me today from Iraq:
Niki,
I am now living at the CMOC, little Ms. Impatient. Sorry it took me so loooonnng to move here, I didn't mean to inconvience you. Please forgive me. Just kidding. I attached a picture of me. It was taken a few days ago. The Humvee in the backgound is the one I have been machine-gunning for a lot these days. It is quite something to drive around in the top of an up-armored HUMMVEE, with a Machine Gun in your hands, going 70 MPH, weaving through traffic, that makes NYC look like Edgewater. I am getting settled in here and will try to call soon, definately for Lauryn's b-day, if not sooner. I put your pictures on my wall, and yes I did get your letter. Tell everyone that I love them, and that I pray for all of you. Also, I have begun to grow a moustache. I am also letting my hair grow out, so I can blend a little more. I ate Iraqi food yesterday with the Governor and the Provincial Council. It was roasted chicken, flat bread and there were a bunch of toppings/spreads. An interpretor got me to eat Hummus and somekind of cucumber salad. Why do people eat Hummus, it has no taste. It was like eating nothing. Anyway, I liked it. I was able to meet a really great person. A woman named Kadija. She is the reason we are here. She is probably in her mid-30's. She was on the Provincial Council, but she was just elected to the National Council to draft the constitution. She is Kurdish, very intelligent, and you can just see in her eyes a fire to make this country great. You know that with the old regime in power she would have never stood a chance to live a great life, but now she does. She is not afraid to die for her beilef that Iraq can really make a difference and become a great nation. It was like meeting one of our country's founders (Washington, Jefferson, Franklin), very inspiring, and very satisfying. Please share what I just told you with all those who question our being here. There is a good reason and people like her deserve a chance to make a country they can be proud of. This country is so messed up, without us here they wouldn't stand a chance. You guys have no idea how much these people need our help building their security to a point where the whole country won't rip apart in a week after we leave. I am actually proud of what I am doing over here (that doesn't mean I won't get out as soon as possible).Oh well I have to go. I love you more.
Rob

Letter from Rob's commander

February 2005Family and Friends of the 3-3rd Brigade Troops Battalion:Greetings from Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq. Earlier this week, all 880+ soldiers of 3-3rd BTB, now Task Force 3-3 “Buffalo”, safely arrived to their bases inside Iraq. Our battalion’s 350-mile ground convoy from Kuwait was conducted professionally and safely, and most importantly, without incident. Our soldiers’ performance over a continuous two-day/two-night movement was magnificent.
Over the past 7 days, we have been task organizing the battalion for the important work ahead. In addition to our own organic units from Fort Benning, our team now includes elements of 1-30 Infantry, 2-69 Armor, 467th Engineers, 411th Civil Affairs, 629th Military Intelligence, 17th Signal, 716th Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and the 350th Psychological Operations. These units form a great team of just under 900 soldiers who are committed to improving security throughout our region, while also building on the recent success of the first-ever elections held in Iraq. It is a historic time to serve in this country. Our predecessors, the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, have been serving in the Baquba / Diyala region for over the past 12 months. Their officers, NCOs, and soldiers have given us outstanding advice and training as we prepare to assume our mission on the same ground they have walked for the past year. We all wish them all good luck and Godspeed for a safe redeployment home, and thank them for their exemplary service across the Diyala Province.
I want to thank each of you again for the strong support you give our soldiers each and every day. Our days here are long, the work is challenging, and conducted under demanding conditions. But, our soldiers always excel to accomplish the mission at hand – much due to the support they receive from you at home.
Please continue to keep these fine men and women in your thoughts and prayers as we continue with this historic work.
Sincerely,
LTC Scott Spellmon Commander, TF 3-3 “Buffalo”

Hello from Iraq

Well,

I am here. I got here Monday at 1200 (our time.) The trip up was very exciting. Lots of traffic and crazy drivers. Iraqi drive on both sides of the highway going in both directions. We drove for 23 hours, rested for 5, then drove for about 5 more.

Five minutes into Iraq the first of our five breakdowns happened. I ended up pulling security on an intersection. This happened a lot more on the rest of the way. I am sure you all saw the footage of the Baqubah suicide bomber on the news (at the JCC it killed 15 young Iraqi men). Very gruesome photos which I will spare you all, suffice to say they are harsh. This is the real deal, but the unit we are replacing has done an outstanding job over the last year, and we are going to improve on what they have done.

As for me, I am great. I have a good job, that will be very difficult but good.
I will not really be able to call or have e-mail access, eventhough there is some access, my job will be keeping too busy. Once I move into my home for the next year I will be able to write and call more frequently.

Thank you all for the prayers and e-mails. I know you are all thinking about me and praying for me.

Gotta go,

Rob