OK, OK, OK!!! We are guilty as charged!!! We haven’t been very diligent in our postings of late. Please cut us a little slack. Did I mention that we are in a war zone?!!?
Unless you have been living under a rock lately and not seen the news, you know that things have been a little “heated” around here recently. I could tell you that “We can’t discuss these things because of security concerns,” or the ever popular “if we told you we’d have to shoot you,” but the truth of the matter is that we really don’t know anything! With the exception of a few changes in security procedures we have not been affected too much by all the craziness around and most of our intelligence comes from CNN and Fox News. As Gumbies we are, of course, maintaining a rigid state of flexibility.
We did have an opportunity to have lunch with one of the leaders of the local community, Sheikh Ali. About 30 of us uniformed types jumped in a bunch of SUV’s and HMMV’s and made a trek for the Sheikh’s place. We had a wonderful meal of lamb and rice along with enough tea to keep us awake for a week!!! The Sheikh was extremely hospitable and thanked us for all we have done and all we continue to do to help his fellow countrymen. After lunch we retired to a large tent outside to indulge in more tea and coffee! I have uploaded a number of pictures from our trip to the Sheikh’s.
You will note that I have included a couple pictures of some GI’s you will not recognize. Sgt Saunders is one of our adopted Army Gumbies that has been helping us in the office. Sgt Saunders is the “master of the drawings,” keeping all of our AutoCAD drawings up to date and filed away. Capt Doiron is also one of our Army Brethren and has been our main conduit to interface with the Army’s 300th Area Support Group (ASG). Both Sgt Saunders and Capt Doiron have been key to the success of our mission thus far. The pictures show Sgt Saunders and Capt Doiron greeting Sheikh Ali.
I’ve included a couple of other cats and dogs as well. You will note some Air Force Tent City humor. It seems some of our neighbors have been at war to see who could claim the title of “best yard.” We’ll let you be the judge. In addition, I’ve included a picture of a typical day here in Tallil when the wind kicks up a little bit (which is quite often). Also, I have included a picture of myself with what we affectionately refer to as the “Haji Mobile.” It is a Nissan…I’m sure not as old as it appears and with far fewer miles than you would expect. One of the great features about the Haji Mobile is that it doesn’t require any keys to start it…a pair of pliers work just fine!!! There’s a crack in the front windshield and it doesn’t have any back doors or side windows. However, it runs like a champ and has a radio that picks up the Armed Forces Radio Network, so we love it dearly!!!
So that’s it. Things are progressing nicely and we’re all keeping our spirits up. Thanks to the many of you that have sent your prayers, letters, emails and care packages! While the cookies and candies are nice, just hearing from home is the sweetest part of all. That doesn’t mean you should stop sending cookies and candy!!!! 8^)
Click here to check out the latest pictures.
Yours in Gumbiness,
MAJ AL Moore (on behalf of the rest of the 235th Fighting Gumbies Forward)
Great update! Glad to see it's not ALL work and no play... the feast looks wonderful. Take care and talk to you soon.
Posted by: Becky | April 13, 2004 at 08:03 AM
Hope all you Gumbies take good care of and enjoy my brother in arms Major Al Moore...AKA the great FOOTBALL HEAD. Have him tell you about Al and Tim's Excellent adventures in Europe sometime. Hey Sir Head......miss you bro
Hammer
Posted by: Tim Jabaay | April 14, 2004 at 09:39 PM
Great to see a new posting! I was a little worried about you guys! I like what you've done with the "yard" and can just picture myself swatting sand flies and camel spiders while sipping a near-beer. As a famous LtCol once said, "your time there is going by quickly....for me!!! I guess you're getting pretty close to 50% of the misery donut! I wonder: would anyone care to just "stay on" a bit longer and take my rotation? (I had to ask)
Posted by: Don Hagner | April 15, 2004 at 11:19 AM
You said "While the cookies and candies are nice, just hearing from home is the sweetest part of all. That doesn’t mean you should stop sending cookies and candy!!!!" So if someone were to send you heroes a Care Package, what you really like it stuffed with? It would be nice for you let the folks back home know what you could use over there.
Posted by: Jim Petek | April 26, 2004 at 10:09 AM
Glad to see the latest posting. I was beginning to worry about you guys, especially with all of the news over the past several weeks. The photos are great. Keep your heads down and see you all when you get home. Be safe and take care. Charlie
Posted by: Charlie Rimbach | April 29, 2004 at 04:43 PM