The great debate...orange mint or watermelon hookah tonight? (Photo by SPC Brittany Gardner)

When I joined the Army Reserve on August 17, 2007, I knew there was a good chance that I would be deployed. Originally, my intention for joining was to become a “weekend warrior.” My plan was to use the G.I. Bill to earn my Master’s degree and pursue a civilian career as a high school teacher. I never thought that the Army would become such a big part of my life. That was until I got the news that I was being deployed to Iraq.

Life for me has been a roller coaster since I joined the Army two years ago. I have bounced from state to state, taking part in numerous Army trainings and development schools. I have learned more over these past two years than I learned during four years of college. Most of what I have learned has been in the area of personal growth as a result of being away from the comforts of civilian life. Being in Baghdad has given me a lot of time to think about what is important to me and what I want out of life.

I had no idea what to expect the night I arrived in Baghdad. We convoyed into the city during the wee hours of the morning. After several long days of traveling, my sleep deprived mind was running wild wondering what was on the other side of the Rhino’s bulletproof windows as we traveled down the rough, war-torn roads of Baghdad. In full battle rattle and weapon in hand, I stepped off the Rhino and my eyes were immediately dawn to a severely bombed-out building. It was at that moment that I realized what I had gotten myself into.

I had heard tales of deployments from other soldiers, each one being unique and sacred to the voice from which it was told. I had no idea what my day-to-day life would be and what kind of story I would have to tell when I got home. I spent the first few months trying to make sense of the cultural differences between the coalition forces and the local nationals. After realizing that this was an unobtainable goal, I decided to just go with the flow and take each experience for what is was. Most of the time, these encounters would become stories that we would laugh about for months to come.

We had been taught several cultural awareness classes before the mobilization. Upon arrival in Baghdad, I decided to enroll in a biweekly Arabic class to follow up on what I had already learned. Ironically, I have learned more Spanish than Arabic as a result of my daily interaction with the Peruvian guards who operate the many checkpoints throughout our FOB. However, my limited Arabic vocabulary has not been a complete waste. I have grown to love the Arabic version of MTV I’m able to watch at the local chai and hookah café. The vast cultural differences between American and Arabic MTV have provided many smiles to the face of this tired, homesick Soldier. There is no better way to end a long day than to sip warm chai, pass around the hookah and watch old Britney Spears videos with an Arabic twist.

Spending time at the café will remain one of my favorite memories of this deployment. I spent many nights there hanging out with fellow Soldiers, interpreters and local nationals. We would tell stories about home, recount the day, play cards, dominos, and laugh at corny jokes while the Arabic hip hop music fought for our attention in the background. Often the café would play an Arabic movie and we would make up dialogs and story lines to go along with what we were watching since we only understood about five words of the movie. I’m pretty sure we were nowhere close to the plot, but it was always good for a laugh.

Having the opportunity to laugh was the key to surviving this deployment. It is so easy to get caught up in the mundane tasks and become homesick. But over the past year, the 314th Soldiers became my extended family and a network of support. Like any family, we often got on each other’s nerves, encroached on each other’s space and often wanted to kill one another. But at the end of the day I knew that each and every one of them had my back and would be there for me in a heartbeat.

I also had to get used to being away from all of the comforts of home. Before this deployment I never realized all the simple things in life I had taken for granted: a private shower without shower shoes, a full-sized bed, cable television, etc. The thing I miss the most about being home is the freedom to go and do whatever I want.

Of course, this deployment did have its perks. I met a lot of interesting people, cruised the streets of Baghdad in my combat mini-van, bought a lot of bootleg DVDs and made a lot of friends that I will have for a lifetime. This deployment also gave me the gift of time. While too much time away from home can lead to loneliness, it can also give you the opportunity to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. Through the haziness of the sandy skies and the orange scented hookah smoke, I was able to find clarity and set goals for myself.

I am looking forward to taking what I have learned over this past year and applying it to my daily life back home. I still have a lot to learn but I know that if I can survive a year in Iraq, I can handle almost anything. But for tonight, I will fall asleep to the sounds of Blackhawks flying overhead and the nearby mosque playing the evening prayer. It’s just another Arabian night.

You might being asking yourself, ‘How can you be in a funk?  Aren’t you coming home soon?’

Yes, the unit is due to return sometime in the next few weeks, but there are still many unknowns, and those unknowns weigh heavily on people who see a light at the end of a tunnel.  The travel plans of the replacement unit, the weather, bureaucratic paperwork, missed forms and overlooked emails, or a myriad of other things can slow down a Soldier who is greatly anticipating reunions with family, friends and, yes, even that civilian job they left more than a year ago.

All that uncertainty, and the unsettling nature it has on our Soldiers, has caused much of the funk and made me think about an Arabic phrase that we Americans here joke about often — ‘inshallah’.  The English language translation is roughly “God willing.”

Sometimes when we ask Iraqis to do something or make a commitment, they answer with ‘inshallah.’  We Americans seem to think it is because they are purposely being evasive, non-committal or lazy.  Perhaps that is true in some cases, but I think maybe there is something more important to the use of this phrase.  It’s about living with reality.

We Americans like to have a plan, but here in Iraq, planning your life seems like time not well spent.  American like to get a commitment, and we get upset when we don’t get what we want when we want it.  In fact, you might say that is the mantra that rules our lives.  If your computer network goes offline in Baghdad, you call 1LT Larrew to fix it immediately….we must have constant connectivity, we demand it.   If you don’t get what you want from a business, move on to one that will give it to you….you are customer and your dollars do the talking.  Or, if you are not happy with your relationship, move on…..there are more fish in the ocean. 

I’m not saying that people should not have expectations or goals, but I think it is unrealistic to build your whole life on the premise that you will always get what you want, when you want it.  Like the old Yiddish proverb (now part of American cuture): Man plans and God laughs.

Yes, our Soldiers want to be home — yesterday, if that were possible.   And yes, we are working as hard as we can to make that wish a reality.  We have prepared briefings and SOPs for our counterparts, packed up gear and shipped it home ahead of schedule, filled out forms in triplicate and sent them to the correct person (followed by a phone call to confirm their arrival), did maintenance on our weapons to make sure we can turn them in quickly, and even cleaned our work areas to remove all of our personal items, to make our replacements’ transition go more smoothly.  But, unfortunately, that does not provide any guarantees.  It only gives the illusion of a guarantee.

We need everyone to know that staking our happiness and mental health on getting what we want, when we want it, based on our experiences in the government, and especially in the U.S. military (the home of ‘hurry up and wait’), is more likely to lead to PTSD than a second year in Iraq.

So instead, I ask that you all support your Soldiers by adding ‘inshallah’ to your vocabulary and your life, at least for the next few weeks.  Realize that none of us (even when working together) can confirm that we will get what we want, when we want it.   There are just too many things that can, and often do, happen unexpectedly to change our best laid plans. 

For now, just know that everyone in the 314th PAOC is ready to come home, and that if all our plans do come to fruition, inshallah, we will be happy to see all of you sooner.  But, if the unexpected does happen, also realize that it may be for some reason that we may not know or appreciate. 

It is tough for all of us to live with that reality, but thankfully, tomorrow is the 314th PAOC’s farewell party from Iraq…a chance for us to say ‘thank you’ to the people and organizations who made our time here more enjoyable and effective…

…well, if it doesn’t rain and the food arrives on time.  Inshallah.

A few weeks ago, I was flipping through the pages of the Stars & Stripes, a newspaper that is free in deployed areas. One article that really impressed me was one about a man in Germantown, Md.  He came up with the idea of giving every veteran of the Iraqi and/or Afghanistan campaigns a bumper sticker that has the words “I served” printed under either the abbreviations IRQ or AFG. He plans to make sure every veteran who has done a tour of duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan will be able to receive one, even if he has to pay for it himself.

Seeing things like this really touch me. I have been deployed for almost a year now. Reading stories like this really inspire me and make me realize why I joined the military. Knowing that a person is willing to pay out of pocket to bring more recognition to servicemembers is an amazing feeling. Sometimes while being over here, the reasons we are doing this are not always remembered. The thoughts of being away from family, friends, jobs, schools, and other everyday events are frequently on the minds of those serving overseas. At least, it is in my case.

This man deciding to do this is really encouraging. There are many people who want to make a difference, but are not able to join the military. Knowing that ideas like this one comes from a person’s heart is very moving. Not only is this man making a difference in his own way there are many people and organizations that are trying to do their part. One way that I’ve noticed that people are showing compassion and love to deployed servicemembers is by sending care packages. I am not sure if the nonprofit organizations and the caring strangers that take time out of their schedule and spend money from their own pockets realize how greatly appreciated they are.

One example of a care package sent from a nonprofit organization supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Photo by SGT Emily Anderson)

Care packages from family and friends are often thanked with a phone call, email, or letter. However, the people from organizations and strangers who send care packages often go without thanks and gratitude. I decided to send letters of thank you to those who we do not know personally and are considerate enough to send care packages to us. I have decided that doing this will show how much everyone here in the unit really appreciates and cherishes each and every package.

 It is actually a wonderful scene, whenever a care package comes in. I will often see Soldiers going through a box and grabbing everything that is wanted and needed. Once the Soldier goes through his or her package, the package will go on the table in the middle of the office for anyone to take whatever is needed or wanted. By the end of the day, the package is usually empty or almost empty. Even after everyone from the unit has gone through the packages, what is left over is usually given to our guards or our janitorial team.  Nothing goes to waste.

Although there is usually something for everybody, we have received some funny, entertaining, and some downright strange items. I have never sent a care package before. I try not to judge what is sent because I have been told it is so difficult to figure what to send. If you have never been deployed it can be hard to figure out what someone who has been deployed needs, especially with servicemembers deployed to so many different areas. I know I sometimes find myself lost for words when I’m asked what I would like sent to me.

I just hope everyone and anyone who has ever sent a care package is greatly appreciated.  No matter if it’s from family, friends, organizations, or strangers, everything is valued and treasured.

As our frequent blog readers know, the 314th Public Affairs Operations Center is nearing the end of its tour here in Iraq, but the mission goes on. 

Yep, they went through the same training at the 314th PAOC Soldiers. (Photo by SSG Danny E. McCormick)

The United States is committed to staying the course and helping our friends in Iraq to rebuild their nation (each of us in the 314th has many friends that we will be sad to leave).  Part of that ongoing mission here includes supporting the flow of information, and the Combined Press Information Center and the Media Operations Center at the U.S. Embassy here will continue to be front and center in that important mission.  Though the name of the U.S. military heaquarters here will change in the near future, our press conferences, embedded media coordination, English and Arabic language press releases, escort missions, media credentials, and answers to media queries at the press desk will continue. 

And, who will carry out this mission, you ask?  The Soldiers of the 318th Public Affairs Operations Center from Forest Park, Illinois, of course!

They also got to enjoy all that Fort Dix, NJ had to offer. (Photo by SSG Danny E. McCormick)

Soon after this Army Reserve unit arrives in Baghdad, the Soldiers of 314th will work with our successors to ensure we pass on the knowledge we have gained.  We’ll walk them through the places where we have gone (and point out the ones we can’t visit anymore), explain the challenges we had and how we overcame them, and introduce them to our U.S., Iraqi and other friends and colleagues who made our year here more productive and enjoyable.

Some of you readers have asked what you can do to support U.S. Soldiers here in Iraq after we leave….and to answer you I say this:  support the 318th the way you have supported us.  Send them cookies, pray for them, help their families back home, and keep paying your taxes (someone has to pay our wages, right?).  Also, you can get your fix of online info from sunny Baghdad, Iraq by visiting their blog at www.318thpublicaffairsoperationcenter.blogspot.com, where you can continue with news and views of deployed Army Reserve Public Affairs Soldiers (the best job in the Army).

To the members of the 318th, we DEFINITELY welcome you (remember, sooner is better), and we encourage you to follow our lead.  As we did, reach out not only to the far reaches of the world’s Internet community of strangers, but also to your friends and families back home.  You never know whose life you will positively affect or what changes you might bring.  Each of you 318th Soldiers has a powerful tool at your fingertips — so take what we have done, make it your own, make it better (and as the administrator of the 314th blog, I am required by Army regulation to ask you to do it in accordance with AR 530-1).

So, now it's time for them to leave those MREs behind and come on over to Iraq for a year. We'll keep the lights on for you 318th! (Photo by SSG Danny E. McCormick)

And, to our friends, families and loyal 314th blog readers, continue to follow us here as we begin our journey back home over the next few weeks.  Our story is not yet over!

A few of our regular blog readers recently asked us to give you a tour of our dining facility.  That’s DFAC in military-speak, although some of our older readers might remember the military calling it a mess hall (ours is very clean….no mess here).

It took a few days, but I got permission to take pictures in the DFAC.  Our facility is very nice — well lit, clean, and lots of room for all of us Soldiers, civilian employees, contractors and even some local nationals.  It’s also a very secure building and well protected from enemy attack. 

After you enter the building, the first step is to clean up.  Signs announce that the best way to avoid disease is to wash your hands.  From my personal experience, the DFAC is the cleanest place on the FOB (and it also has the cleanest latrines), so I am more than willing to follow through on that request.   There are rows of soap dispensers, sinks and paper towels to get you on your way (I didn’t take pictures of the latrines…just take my word for it, they are clean).

Once you are giving permission to proceed, the world is your oyster (or veal cutlet).  Your first choice — eat in or take out.  Personally I like eating in.  The place is always filled with laughter, the sound of televisions, pots clanging….lots of activity.  My office is pretty quiet, so it’s a nice change of pace.  It’s always a great place to sit with friends and talk about life (please, no talking about work in the DFAC!!!).   But, if you really do need to get back to work quickly — and all of us are in that position sometimes — then you get the styrofoam 3-compartment container and some plastic utensils.

I must say at this point that all DFACs in Iraq are not created equal.  Some are very small.  In fact, some remote locations are pretty sparse.  Our Soldiers there get very little (if any) selection.  Luckily, those type of facilities are becoming rarer and rarer as the landscape of our presence in Iraq changes.  I’d say the DFAC at FOB Prosperity is a good size, but I have been in bigger.  

Since our DFAC is pretty good sized, we have a good selection of food.  We have a main line with a special menu of the day.  It might be steak and shrimp or it might be meatloaf.   It seems that many of our Soldiers, including LTC Perez, like it when it’s Mexican night in the main line.   However, our Executive Officer MAJ Lincoln nearly knocks people over on the way out of the office if he hears that pulled pork is on the main line.  Personally, I am not a big main line fan.

Besides the main line, we also have a sandwich line with all the fixings, and they will even grill it for you (mmmmm, melted cheese on pastrami).  Lots of our Soldiers take this line for lunch…and a cup of soup.

The next line over is the international line.  I am not sure why they call it that since the only thing they have there is spaghetti, a taco bar, and a couple types of curry.  Despite the misnomer, I do like the curry, and one of my new favorite foods is cauliflower curry.  It soaks up the flavor….in fact, I am salivating now just thinking of it. 

Just so you don’t think I hate vegetables, I will let you know there is a great salad bar with dozens of selections…and I have been seen grazing there.  You would hardly believe you are in a war zone in a desert with all the choices of fresh foods there. 

Before you sit down with that food you selected, don’t forget to stop by the drink area.  Although alcohol is off-limits in accordance with General Order #1, you can get a non-alcoholic beer in the drink lines, as well as sodas, teas, coffee, juices, water and energy drinks.

Oh….I forgot to tell you my favorite part of the DFAC, didn’t I?  Well, anyone who has been around me for even a few days knows my weakness for dessert….and the DFAC does nothing to help me curb that appetite for sweets.  Yes, they do put a beautiful selection of fresh fruit next to the hot cherry crisp ala mode, but come on, do you really think I can pass that up?  They also have a huge glass container filled with pies, cakes, and other desserts that changes every day.  Finally, at the end of the dessert area is my bliss — the ice cream line.  They ship in at least 8 different flavors of Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream….and then put a whole cart full of toppings right next to it.   If you have never had strawberry ice cream with pineapple chunks, drizzled chocolate sauce and some crumbled sugar cookies, you do not know the meaning of nirvana. 

1LT Joseph Larrew cleans up before entering the DFAC.

1LT Larrew grabs his tray, plate and utensils before choosing his preferred food line(s).

Lots of good food in the main line served by friendly staff.

Most of the staff in our DFAC are from outside Iraq. They run the facility almost non-stop (it shuts down only 2 hours every day).

A DFAC employee scoops up some mashed potatoes and gravy.

This is better than Burger King! Grilled the way you like while you watch (extra onions please).

Today's international line has spicy chicken curry and a mixed vegetable curry.

The taco bar is one of my favorite places....especially when they have guacamole!

This is only side of the salad bar. Lots to choose from...and very fresh.

I love broccoli!

Bacon bits, cheese, croutons? What else could a person want?

Every time one of these trays gets close to empty, a replacement is rushed out to fill the void.

Staying hydrated in Iraq is important...and the DFAC gives you plenty of options.

Coffee -- regular and decaf -- and next to this is a variety of creamers.

Just when you thought it was safe to sit down, you pass by these desserts.

I'm sure my mom is asking, "Why did he ask me to send cookies and fudge?"

After you get a scoop of vanilla ice cream, you might want to put some strawberries or caramel on it.

MAJ Lincoln is a "meat and potatoes" kind of guy.

1LT Larrew prefers his food a little more exotic.

Everyone from Birmingham will be glad to know that Soldiers like SGT Richardson can get sweet tea in Baghdad (well, at least you can at the DFAC).

SPC Clifton knows that nothing goes better with sweet tea than a hot slice of pecan pie.

Of course, you can choose to eat healthy at the DFAC. Every day we get a wide selection of fresh fruit.

The first thing you see when you enter the main hall of the DFAC, and the last thing you see as you exit are U.S. Soldiers. They maintain order, track numbers, and always greet you with a smile.

A sunset picture taken by a Soldier from the 126th PAOC on November 6, 2008.

Karaka –

I wish I could take credit for this sunset picture, since it is very nicely done.  I got it from the archives of previous CPIC units.  It was taken back in 2008, so it has be one taken by a Soldier in the 126th Public Affairs Operations Center.  I looked for information identifying the photographer, but couldn’t find it.  Perhaps someone will comment and tell us who it was.

The picture is taken not far from the previous location of the CPIC, in an area we called Ocean Cliffs (there was no ocean and no cliffs, but the British were there, so they probably named it for their Cliffs of Dover).  Nearby Ocean Cliffs is the Convention Center, the Al-Rasheed Hotel, the Parliment, and offices of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.  Lot of stuff going on it that neighborhood!

I can tell it is a sunset picture since we are facing west.  The anchor is from an Iraqi naval vessel.  To the immediate right in the Monument to the Unknown Soldier — a very impressive structure that I had hoped to visit, but that never happened.  I imagine it is as sacred to Iraq’s miltiary members as our own Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

In the distance you can see the famed Crossed Swords which is the entry to a stadium and parade ground where Saddam Hussein staged elaborate displays of his power.   About a mile or so behind that is the current location of the CPIC.

I suppose we can all see some sort of symbolism in the picture, but I will leave the interpretation to the individual. 

Thanks for the request Karaka….and thank you 126th PAOC for the picture.

SGT Kellena Leech, one of the 314th PAOC soldiers, put together the video at the bottom of this page (click on the link to see it on Youtube — sorry, not viewable on U.S. government computers).

When I talked to her about it, I knew our family and friends back home had to see it.  First, because it reminds all of you that we will be coming home — maybe not as soon as we all hope, but eventually (those extra couple days caused by sandstorms, paperwork and the unexpected are trying on all of us).   When we finally do see each other, it will be worth the wait.

Second, I wanted to post it because a couple of you requested to see what kinds of things Soldiers do here during their “free time.”   The options are definitely more limited than they are almost anywhere else (except our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan).  SGT Leech captures lots of those available options…and reinforces what I have said many times in this blog:  the Soldiers of the 314th had a great attitude during this year.

Third, I think you will agree that she did a great job.  But then again, all of our Soldiers did.  They went above and beyond expectations, or as our unit motto states:  Maximum Effort, Minimum Delay!

Finally, I must warn you to get the tissue before you watch it.  Maybe it’s just because I have been here, but I think some of you might get a little misty, especially if you listed to the words.  I think all of you will imagine it your own loved one in her video.

Mele Kalikimaka e Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WetKTxxTzjo

Del, you asked, and here it is. 

A couple weeks ago, our unit was visited by MG Paul Hamm, Commander, 412th Theater Engineer Command (our higher headquarters).    For those of you in Alabama who attended our farewell event at the Army Reserve Training Center on Montevallo Road, he was our guest speaker. 

Well, this visit gave us lots of opportunities to show off the unit.  Each of our section NCOICs got to make a presentation and show off their Soldiers.

Here is your group photo from that day Del — it’s outside the Combined Press Information Center.

MG Paul Hamm and CSM Ronald Flubacher (center) joined the CPIC staff for a couple hours during their whirlwind tour of 412th TEC units in Iraq. (Photo by SSG Joseph Williams)

For the past 10 months and change, this blog was a lot like the old TV series “Outer Limits” — we (the Soldiers of the 314th PAOC) have controlled the vertical and horizontal, etc.  Well, that has all changed — at least for the next few days. 

Until Friday, our faithful blog readers are going to be in control.  You tell us what you want to see (I’ve got my point-and-shoot camera ready to snap) or what you want to read (got the pen and paper ready, too).

Send your requests to this blog entry as a comment, and we will do our best as long as it does not violate the four forbidden government topics — security (can’t violate national security concerns), accuracy (has to be truthful), propriety (can’t be inappropriate), and policy (can’t go against government rules).

This might be your last chance, so go on….make your request!

Today, one of our interpreters came into my office and asked how I was.  I gave the stock answer: “I can’t complain.” 

The truth is that I am often seen mumbling under my breath about something that irks me. 

After he left, however, I thought about my statement, and some of the things that have happened here in Baghdad over the past few months, and how insignificant my troubles seem in comparison to the events that are affecting people like these:

-  One of custodial staff is a local Iraqi (there are about 10 total).  He’s a wonderful man…a father of four children who drags himself out of bed at 4 a.m. every morning (and I mean EVERY morning — he has no weekends off).  He traverses the red zone (where all the bombs explode) and makes his way to the Combined Press Information Center to spend his 10-hour work day providing grounds maintenance (in extreme heat) and cleaning up after we fortunate American Soldiers leave here in a few weeks.  Unfortunately, he will stay.   Thanks to a bomb that exploded in August, the car that brings him here to work is even less dependable than it was before.  And, how much do you think he makes for all his troubles?  Less for a full day’s work than most of our Soldiers make in one hour working entry-level jobs.

-  Another man I know asked the Americans if he could build a restaurant on one of our forward operating bases about a year ago.  We told him yes, so he spent, by his estimate, about $200,000 creating a very nice building.  Then, we changed the rules and told him he could not open the building.  We told him the food from the local economy is not safe to feed American Soldiers, even though this man has catered all the special events at the CPIC for Soldiers and our guests, and no one has ever become ill.   He is a gracious man who always smiles….maybe because he knows that a frown may ruin any chance he has of someone, anyone, changing the rules again and letting him open his restaurant.

-  A local Iraqi woman who has visited the CPIC wants nothing else but to be a journalist.  She wants to make this country live up to promises of freedom.  She wants to be able to tell the stories that need to be told, but she cannot.  She fears for her life if some of her stories are printed.  Whether or not the fear is real or imagined is not important.  The truth is that Iraq has been the most dangerous place for journalists for the past six years.  When we dedicated the Combined Press Information Center to all those who had died to guarantee the freedoms of the people of Iraq, the number included more than the 4,300 American sons and daughters…it also included the more than 250 media staff that have died here since 2003.

With all this conflict and pain, and the hundreds of other similiar stories I’ve encountered over the past 10 months, you would think that I would become jaded and disillusioned, but just the opposite is true.  I realize that there is pain and suffering everywhere….Iraq is no different than any other place…but there is something special here that keeps me from mumbling too loud when I get upset. 

But, more than the acts of our own Soldiers, I am humbled by the generosity and resiliency of those with even less to give.  Today, our custodial staff — including the man I mentioned at the beginning of this blog — dug into their pockets and, with cooking assistance from their wives, brought our staff a delicious meal of barbequed fish, freshvegetables, stuffed grape leaves, baked bread, and a local dish with rice, dates, and nuts.  As we lined up to take part in this feast, they stood on the side refusing to eat until all of us had our fill. 

As LTC Perez has stated to me on several occasions, our CPIC is an oasis in many ways.  It seems to me that all those who come here have found a way to peacefully coexist and support each other.  So, I really have no right or need to complain.  We might not be able to change the overall course of the nation of Iraq, but together we have all changed the course for many of those who have passed through our doors.  Although we are all ready to leave Iraq, I hope each of us can bring some of that back with us.  Now I ask you, how could I complain about that?

Donzens of individuals and groups -- most strangers -- have sent us boxes of treats to make our time pass by quickly.

SPC Gardner and SGT Lee put smiles on the faces of children at the refugee center.

1LT Larrew poses with some of the friends he has helped during his year in Iraq.

SGT Leech's special friend visits her for a midnight snack (she wants to tell everyone she NEVER touched the cat since that is against the rules and could transmit disease).

As the 314th PAOC prepares for its departure from Iraq, we felt we could not return home without leaving something behind.  Thankfully, we traveled here with a unit filled with gifted artists, and they collectively took up that challenge.

With several cans of paint, some new paint brushes, and a projector, the team of SSG Jeremy Fowler, SSG Paul Roberts, SPC Brittany Gardner and PFC Christine Bernat created a mural that adorns the entrance to the Combined Press Information Center.  Senior U.S. and Iraqi military and government officials pass by their work as they prepare to speak to a world audience.

The mural includes many pertinent elements, such as the skyline of Baghdad, an expansive desert, the crossed swords located near the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier here, and the frequently stunning sunsets.  Of course, we also had to add the symbols of Army journalists — the lightning bolt, quill and sword.  Finally, we added our unit’s motto — Maximum Effort, Minimum Delay.  Collectively, it is quite stunning.

SPC Brittany Gardner (left), lead painter for the t-wall project, poses with fellow 314th PAOC Soldier SGT Mary Lee, in front of the Combined Press Information Center. (Photo by LTC Ignacio Perez)

The mural was painted on one of the t-walls found all over Iraq.  These walls of varying heights are symbolic of the war and the omnipresent threats that we faced each day.  So, it was gratifying to know that our team of artists was able to add a new purpose — a canvas of sorts to show the world the beauty and promise of Iraq, thanks to the sacrifice of millions of Americans and others who traveled here, lived behind these walls, and worked outside them to secure a future for this nation’s peoples.

Keeping family members and friends of 314th PAOC Soldiers “in the know” has always been a prime motivation for the Blogsoverbaghdad.com website.  LTC Ignacio Perez, the unit commander, has worked closely with Mr. Del Tull, our Family Readiness Group coordinator (an intense, under-appreciated and unpaid position) to share all the news from Iraq. 

A couple days ago, LTC Perez sent the following letter to family members and friends of 314th Soldiers through Mr. Tull, to update everyone about the accomplishments behind us and the challenges that lie ahead.

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Dear Friends and Families,

As we prepare our return home for the holidays, I’d like to share with you my appreciation of the Soldiers for their many accomplishments, as well as for their numerous personal sacrifices to carry out our mission during our year in Iraq.  It took a group of 30 Soldiers—the public affairs dream team—to achieve success, and every member added significance to the organization.  I could not be more proud of these Soldiers for their leadership and commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

Since our arrival in Iraq in January 2009, the 314th PAOC has been part of a remarkable period of transition marked by the Security Agreement.  Our Soldiers have been witnesses to history as this nation conducted elections and steered a course toward democracy. We have also seen changes in the political landscape.  Iraqi security forces have assumed greater responsibility in protecting their citizens, and for the first time, control both the roads and skies.  For some of us who served in Iraq previously, adapting from counterinsurgency operations to stability operations was a trying task.  But despite changes to our operational environment, every one of our Soldiers met the challenges with a positive attitude and a steadfast adherence to professional standards. Ultimately, their efforts may seem transparent at much higher levels of authority, but they will be measured as successes among the many Iraqi and Western journalists we have supported.  Every endeavor and good deed made by a Soldier from the 314th PAOC, especially toward local residents, left a positive impression of citizen-Soldiers serving with dignity and courage in their call to duty.

I trust you will share my admiration and pride in the remarkable accomplishments of our Soldiers.  They have undoubtedly left the Combined Press Information Center in Baghdad, Iraq a better place through their enormous talents, creativity, and extraordinary versatility. Here are just a few highlights of their superb performance during the deployment:

·         60% of the Soldiers have advanced in rank

·         Completed over 2,500 hours of military correspondence courses

·         Credentialed over 1,400 members of the media

·         Conducted over 3,100 escort missions

·         Embedded over 400 international reporters in units throughout Iraq

·         Translated over 1,100 press releases

·         Orchestrated more than 100 media events

·         Relocated to a new forward operations base within 72 hours without loss of mission capability

Homecomings are times of great joy, anticipation and anxiety for everyone. As the Soldiers return to their families, homes and careers, I ask for your patience.  It takes time to adjust to relationships, work environments, and even dreams placed on hold.  The reality of deployments is change. We are not the same individuals that bade farewell to you one year ago. We are veterans of war– a little older, and possibly a little weary, but certainly wiser in many aspects.  It is my greatest hope that in spite of the many challenges everyone has faced, all have experienced personal and professional growth.

The Army Reserve expects and encourages its Soldiers to use the first three months back home to reintegrate into the life they left behind a year ago.  We know you have shouldered many additional responsibilities to allow your loved ones to focus on the mission and their safety.  It is likely that you, too, have changed.  We are reminded by experts here to avoid big decisions during this time, so I ask that you also take things one day at a time until your lives together reach a new equilibrium. 

To support those efforts, Soldiers may attend monthly battle training assemblies during this 90-day period, but it is not required.  Also, the Army has special services to help Soldiers and family members during this period, with free medical care for six months and post-deployment counselors who have access to a variety of resources.  The best place to start if you or your Soldier needs support is the Warrior and Family Assistance Center at 1-866-436-6290 or www.arfp.org/wfac.

The outstanding Soldiers of the 314th Public Affairs Operations Center have wrenched life into each assignment from start to finish, and never wavered in the performance of their duties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Furthermore, they have distinguished themselves in every aspect of technical and tactical proficiency, and continue to be a driving force through their contributions. I have been privileged to serve alongside a remarkable group of talented men and women who personify the finest reflection of the American Soldier.  Please welcome these warriors home and embrace their dedication to our nation.

Yours sincerely,

Ignacio J. Perez

LTC, U. S. Army

Commanding

Over the past month or so, my stream of blogs has diminished to a trickle.  I apologize to all the regular readers, but preparations for the redeployment of the 314th PAOC back to the United States has been a big undertaking.  As Army Reserve Soldiers, we all realize the impact that redeployment will have on all of us and out familiees, as the resources available to us diminish and/or change once we return home.

I would like to remind all family members and friends of the 314th of a few programs available to Soldiers and their families once they arrive back home.

1.  VA.  The Department of Veterans Affairs has many programs and services for Soldiers.  Some of the most important are the educational and medical benefits. 

a.  The GI Bill educational benefits changed as of August 1, 2009, and now allows a qualified Soldier to transfer his or her entitlements to a spouse or children.  For more information, our Soldiers here have the opportunity to meet with a local Education Center briefer on November 4; those of you at home can check out the program at http://www.gibill.va.gov/.  In addition to the transferability, the new GI Bill has some changes that could impact the amount A Soldier receives for other things like books and housing.  As always, I encourage you and your Soldier to meet with your local VA educational representative to figure out what is best option.

b.  The VA Healthcare System includes hospitals and outpatient clinics across the country.  When we redeploy back through Fort Dix, one of our briefings will be on this program.  Every Soldier will fill out a VA Form 1010EZ that automatically enrolls each of us into the VA Healthcare System in our home state.  During that first five years after our deployment, Soldiers are able to see treatment for conditions related to deployment.

c.  Other stuff.  In addition to these programs, Soldiers also become eligible for VA home loans and employment preference for government jobs.  Check out http://www.va.gov/ for details.

2.  TRICARE.  The military healthcare system is called TRICARE, and while Soldiers are deployed and in the final stage of preparing to deploy, they and their family enjoy treatment though this program.  Thanks to changes a few years ago, Army Reserve Soldiers also have access after they return home.

a.  Unless one of our unit members is returning to a government job, they will likely qualify for the Transitional Assistance Management Program, or TAMP.  This program allows Soldiers and family members to continue on TRICARE at little or no cost if you meet certain eligibility criteria.  That criteria will be confirmed at Fort Dix once we receive our DD 214.  EVERY TPU SOLDIER WILL GET THEIR TAMP CARD BEFORE DEPARTING FORT DIX.  TAMP gives Army Reserve Soldiers 180 days of TRICARE Standard, or TRICARE Prime if you ask for that program.  Go to http://www.tricare.mil/Transparency/ to see the difference costs and benefits these two TRICARE programs.

b.  After your TAMP coverage ends, Army Reserve Soldiers can continue TRICARE coverage with TRICARE Reserve Select, for a relatively low cost.  Check out the program here: www.tricare.mil/reserve/reserveselect/index.cfm.

The cost is only $47.51 per month for an individual, and $180.17 for a family.  If you were enrolled in TRS before you were activated, your coverage will not automatically resume.  You can visit the Guard and Reserve Web Portal at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/trs/ and follow the instructions to re-purchase the plan.

You must have your TRS Request Form (DD Form 2896-1) in the mail and postmarked within 60 days of the last day of your previous TRICARE coverage (e.g., active duty benefits, TAMP), to receive continuous benefits.

Each 314th Soldiers received details about Army Reserve dental coverage and telephone numbers with more information.

3.  Strong Bonds.  FINALLY we are coming home.  Do you need a free 3-day retreat when your Soldier returns home (transportation provided)?  Or maybe you are single Soldier who wants a chance to relax and recharge? 

If you will reside in the 81st RSC region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina or Tennessee) upon your return home — this information is for you.  (IF YOU RESIDE IN ANOTHER AREA OF THE US, CONTACT THE RSC CHAPLAIN’S OFFICE THERE FOR MORE INFORMATION)

The 81st RSC is sponsoring Strong Bonds events in 2010 at no cost to you (and your spouse).  This is a perfect way to re-connect with a spouse, or just enjoy a weekend with other Army Reserve single Soldiers.  Strong Bonds is a unit-based, chaplain-led program that helps Soldiers and their families build strong relationships.  The program website is http://www.strongbonds.org

Each 314th Soldier has received the forms necessary to apply for a weekend in great places like Atlanta, New Orleans, Orlando, or Hilton Head, SC.

4.  WFAC.  I’ve saved the best for last with the Warrior and Family Assistance Center.  The staff here have a motto, “Whatever It Takes,” and they mean it.  They are a one-stop shop to connect Soldiers and their family members with military organizations, government agencies and others who can solve problems.  It doesn’t matter what you need — administrative, medical, legal, financial, benefits, personnel actions, family counseling, etc. — the staff will help Soldiers and family members.  You can see their website at www.arfp.org/wfac or call them 24/7 at 1-866-436-6290.   I’ve personally met and worked with the staff herer, and they are committed to helping Army Reserve Soldiers and families.

The most recent issue of the Army Reserve’s “Warrior Citizen” magazine hit the streets…and this blog site is featured prominently on page 7.  As Public Affairs professionals, our Soldiers know the value of getting the word out.  Many of our younger unit members are also “social media” experts, with MySpace, FaceBook, Linked-In, and other similar accounts.  For many it is the primary way they communicate with friends and family around the world.

For better or worse, people don’t sit down and watch the evening news with Walter Cronkite anymore.  Instead they get their news (and share it with others) over the Internet.  Personally, I don’t understand Twitter, but it apparently has played a role in social movements and international relief efforts in places like Iran and Indonesia.

Blogsoverbaghdad.com website in the spotlight.