Al-Anfal Picture #7

I wish I could remember the entire explanation of this one, I know the bottle represents poisoned milk, but I can not remember the other two's meaning. The three together again represents 182,000 deaths. Each one of the pictures was drawn by a different Kurdish child, as a parent I could not imagine a child that survived, having the memories of this nightmare. So please remember, some say it was the oil, some say it was power, what ever the reason for being here, this should have been enough

Chris

Al-Anfal Picture #6

This speaks for itself

Al-Anfal Picture #5

Again, Kurdish deaths by Saddam's firing squad

Al-Anfal Picture #4

In this picture as you can see, a child is depicting the killing of Kurd's by firing squads, again a reference of the 182,000

Al-Anfal Picture #3

Picture drawn by a Kurdish Child depicting Saddam's hatred of the Kurdish people. The 182 stands for the 182,000 innocent Kurds killed by Saddam

Al-Anfal Picture #2

This picture drawn by a Kurdish child depicts what was found in one of the mass graves. A infant child's body and milk bottle

Al-Anfal Campaign

I was told a story of a genocidal campaign against the Kurd's while Saddam was still in power by some Kurdish friends of mine. I felt compelled to share it with you all as a reminder as to why we are here in Iraq.

Saddam and his team of crazies murdered over 182,000 Kurdish people and destroyed over 4,000 villages over a period of about 4 years (1986-1989). Various methods of killing were used to kill innocent men, women and children. From ground attacks, bombings, chemical attacks and firing squads. This is of course just one of the barbaric acts Saddam committed and was proud of. Wikipedia has a good explanation and time line of events if anyone is interested in reading it. The link is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Anfal_Campaign

I was provided with these pictures drawn by Kurdish children depicting how they feel about the campaign and what happened to their family members. I want to share these with you all, as they are very powerful, and I can only hope that our children never in their worst nightmares, would have reason to draw the above pictures!

Back Again

Well,

Back from another wonderful R&R back in the States. Time flew by so fast I was surprised it was time to head back to the sandbox. As usual, Bec and the kids met me at the airport. Meghan is growing up and gave me my big hugs and kisses. Brendan John Michael is growing up way to fast, and it was great to be able to give him hugs and kisses. Both are such a joy in our life. Bec was beautiful as always and our reunion was everything I had hoped it would be. I am so lucky to have her in my life, as a wife and as my best friend. The only thing that was missing was having Shelby there this time. She has taken on extra classes during the summer break and has done fantastic. I am so proud of her, her life choices and her school work. She is so smart and talented. My next time home, I know she will be there!

This time home I got to do so many things with the family, it was one of my best trips home, playing with the kids, grilling, honey do's and intimate times with Bec. GREAT TIME!!!!

I did as always get play time with the boys, did not get in the golf I usually do, but that might be because of the new Harley parked in the garage. Got in some great rides with Ronnie and others, you just can't explain what you feel being out on the road. Thanks Bro for the rides!!!!!

I have so many things that I want to write about over here, but just have not found the time or energy to get on with it. But I will, there are to many things that need to be said, things that don't get covered by the news, life stories, though they may have been told long ago, need to be told again, as a reminder for those who have gotten tired with war, that we need to fix things that we have screwed up. Or just a reminder of the atrocities that were committed by the Sadam regime.

Bare with me, and I will try to share things, things that are important to the people that have always lived and continue to live in the "Sandbox"

Love All of YOU!!!!

Chris