Couple wild and crazy guys! MSgt Lally and SMSgt Strasser.

The passenger waiting terminal at Al Udeid.

We left our mark in Qatar.

My group waiting for the C-130 to Iraq. Everyone is in high spirits and ready to get going.

In Iraq

Again, it has been a whirlwind. We left Qatar on a C-130 and arrived at Ali Base, Iraq at 1 am Thursday. Checking in was relatively painless and quick. My compatriot, Miguel, and I were met by Lt. Korey and the three enlisted Public Affairs guys that we're replacing. After the paperwork shuffle, they took us to our CHU's (containerized housing units) for a few hours sleep.

All things considered, the CHU's are pretty nice. It's a long trailer divided into four individual rooms. Fridge, bed, desk, wall locker. Pictures to follow.

Thursday I spent at the 407th Aero Expeditionary Group headquarters meeting people and getting the lowdown on the mission. I have an office and all the tools to get the information job done. Friday and Saturday were spent gleaning as much info from the outgoing guys as possible. I think they'll be here until next Tuesday, when they catch their freedom flight back home. All three are young guys in their mid 20's.

We work six days per week, 7 am to 7 pm. However, that's not too bad when you consider what else there is to do. I will fill you in on the recreational activities as time goes on. It's Sunday, December 13th at 10 am at the moment and Sunday at 1 am back home. So I can't call anyone as they're all in bed.

Yesterday I ran a 5K Fun Run. Wasn't sure I could do it as I haven't run 3.2 miles in probably 30 years. So you suck it up and see what happens. Hey, there were still people behind me when I finished so I'm happy!

Anyway, time to post some pictures. You can always post comments, I like to hear from my 'peeps'!

I can almost feel the breeze in my hair. Why do I look like a serial killer?

The Coffee Shop at Camp Cupcake