For some reason, we've gotten into Iraq a little earlier than was expected, and getting air transport from Baghdad to Taji takes so much time we can't get our flight bumped up, so we're going to have to spend a few days at Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). This isn't wholly a bad thing, as our higher headquarters is located at BIAP, so we've been able to stop by and meet the men and women who run that headquarters and get a little face time with them.

The flight into Baghdad went remarkably smoothly. It took about six and a half hours to get from our tent at Camp Buehring to our tent here at Camp Stryker. That includes loading the buses and baggage truck, the ride to the airfield, loading the aircraft, the flight to Baghdad, offloading the aircraft, and offloading our gear. All in all it was an impressive experience.

BIAP itself is an amazing sight. Technically known as the Victory Base Complex, it includes multiple Coalition bases arrayed around the airport and thousands of personnel. We've only seen a small fraction of it, but what's we've seen bustles with activity and is a testament to how much work goes into maintaining the Coalition presence in Iraq. And I do mean Coalition: we've seen many non-U.S. military personnel here: Brits, Aussies, Poles, and many others whose uniforms I don't recognize. I know that it is fashionable in some sectors to poke fun at the nations who make up the Coalition, but those men and women are here working just as hard as their American counterparts and I hate to see their contributions belittled because of politics.

BIAP is also where the rubber begins to meet the road. Wherever we go here, we have to be armed. No round in the chamber, but just the fact you can't even get into the dining facility without a weapon and ammunition is a reminder of where we are. We also have to stay alert for incoming rocket and mortar fire. Fortunately we haven't experienced that yet, but just the knowledge it could happen does tend to keep you awake.

This morning I was up early to watch the All Star Game. A little taste of normalcy in a very different land.

Soon we'll move on to Taji and our final training experience before we get to work. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I can't wait.

READER COMMENTS

Good morning, Andy. Haven't written for a while, trying to get through to you via your email. Hope you enjoyed the ball game last night. I watched thru the seventh inning and then gave up. Must have been an interesting finish.

I see it continues extremely hot over there. Not sure how you guys stand such extreme conditions.

stay safe and keep the blogs flowing.

Dad

Hello from Chicago.

Two seemingly disparate experiences, one week apart:

Watching the 4th of July Fireworks over the water from a beach on Nantucket.

Putting my bags on an xray belt and walking through a metal detector to get into work in the Sears Tower this morning.

Same conclusion from both experiences:
Thank you and your men and women for what you are doing.

I am really enjoying your blogs. Keep up the good work!

Am in contact with Ssgt. Johnnie Dennis, Marine, outside Bagdad; has 24 men and 1 woman in his group. Through Anysoldier..com, gut his address and have sent care packages. Group from church signed card and friends sent card from different states. Keep in contact!!!
God Bless You for Keeping Our Freedom!