Pack it up Boys

Today we had a customs inspection and packed up all the crap we aren't using. We also had an awards ceremony and it was cool to see our soldiers get some recognition. I'm very proud of them. It was very hot today. Tree and I are beet red. The base is getting CROWDED. I've been smiling a little more now that we are so close. The new guys are ok and excited to be somewhere a little more kinetic than where they were. They will clean up our leftovers in short order.
I love you Deanna. See you soon baby.

Sunset

I'm not sure where this photo came from but it is fitting for the narrative to follow. I'm happy to say that the sun is setting on our mission. We will be returning soon and according to CNN three times our number will be replacing us. Some are already here more are not far behind. The enemy already knows so hopefully they chill out for awhile. We are happy to turn Ramadi over to the "New Guys". With the amout of firepower heading this way I think and hope that the insurgent's days in this area are nearly over. Once this city is cleaned out, the road to success will be much shorter.

I've been bugging our soldiers to provide pictures for this site, but haven't had much luck. I stopped taking pictures a month ago so everything I have is old. Oh well. Everyone is fine and we are looking forward to seeing our loved ones VERY soon. I'll try to get one last photo of each soldier up before the site closes.

On a sad note: SPC. Sales father passed away recently. The BDE got him out of here the next day and he is home with his family. We get so wrapped up with the possibility of death here that we forget its possible anywhere but here. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Sales family. We are comforted that Andrew and his dad did get to see each other while he was on leave. I don't think he had been back for much more than a week before he got the terrible news and headed back home. 

Thanks EOD

This is one of the many vehicles that clear our dirt roads of IED's. Its designed to deflect the blast with its boatlike V shaped hull. You can have this job. 

Random Pic

 

Suprize Sandstorm

Look who showed up to the party. Saw this coming for about 15 minutes. Was cool watching it roll in. The pics didn't come out that good but you get the idea.