Something Special

I have written before that the company I work for peforms re-construction activites in Iraq, but also trys to give something back to the people. Well some time ago a small 4 year old boy (Ali)and his mother (Bartool) were flown back to the United States by my comany, Ali suffering from a heart condition, needing surgery.

I had the chance to travel with the two of them a part of the way, Ali was not very heathly at the time. When I met him, he had a big smile and acted like any other 4 year old, except that his lips were blue and had very little energy. He had a external pacemaker strapped to his chest. I carried him down the stairs of the airport and up the stairs of the aircraft, and he sat on my lap on the plane until we arrived at Al Asad Air Base where I was heading.

They were a very nervous, but I told them they would be fine. (Neither one of them spoke any english)I gave Ali's mom 50 Jordanian Dinar as she had no money, I wanted to make sure they had no problems when they arrived, as you have to pay an entrance fee at the airport. I gave them both a big hug, wished them luck and figured I would never have the chance to see them again.

Well as fate would have it, I indeed did get a chance to see the both of them again! I was sitting in the airport in Erbil, waiting for our company plane to arrive from Amman, Jordan, needing to go to Al Asad Air Base on a site visit, and low and behold off come Ali and his mother. Wow!!!

I met them both in the holding area, they were on their way back to Baghdad. Ali proudly showed me his newly aquired scar running the length of his chest. His lips are not blue anymore, he runs around non stop and has learned to speak some english. The surgery was a success! Ali has been westernized, sporting new duds with the all important "flashing snickers", sun glasses and a Superman watch. Heck - he even had a little guitar.

I only got to fly with them for a short while, before again saying goodbye. I can only hope that they remain safe in Baghdad.

I reflect back on that plane ride now, and I have to say that this will be one of those things, that will remain with me for the rest of my life, seeing and taking part (small part) in something as special, and life changing for a Iraqi family...What more can I say

Kurdistan (Northern Iraq)

Qalah Of Erbil

Hi All,

I had a chance to visit with Luis (Navy Gunner) up in Kurdistan for a couple of days working on some things. Luis and I have been together since I first arrived in Iraq, and we have become very close friends (Brothers). You have people in your life that you can always count on, and over here, you pick them very carefully, as your life may depend on it! I can always without thinking, know he has my back covered.

It was great to get the chance to visit his AO, and once the work was done, we got to spend a couple of hours playing tourist. Kinda of weird being able to walk around without the body armor and guns, but our security team was close by, watching out for us.

We visited the Citadel, which is located in the city of Erbil. This place is amazing, dates back to 7000BC and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. There is 3,000 people living there, 20% of them direct descendants from the original inhabitants, mostly poor people living in 620 dwellings made from brick, mud and wood.

The Citadel towers above the center of Eril (28-32 meters) surrounded by local shops and restaurants. You can even purchase items like Aimpoint, Trijicon and EOTech scopes and various other must have items for your weapons. (and a whole lot cheaper, sorry Bec, I dropped $300 on a new Aimpoint for my M4).

Well that's it for the update, I am off to Habbaniyah and Ramadi in the next couple of days - Then... Home for a couple of months.

See you all soon,

Love Chris