Gen X in Iraq

Football in the IZ

I uploaded a photo of myself and two other officers from Texas Tech. We were watching the Texas Tech - Texas game last week. Watching games live is a real sign of hardcore fans since Saturday evening games are on at 3:00am locally. The DFAC manager allowed us to watch the game on their big screen and out out some near beer and chips. Tech did not win but it was still a good game.

Since football season has kicked off, I have noticed some tired faces in the NEC on Sunday and Monday.

New Boss

It has been really busy for my department over the last couple of weeks. We received a new boss and bid farewell to the old one. This is always a stressful time because and new boss brings new ideas and plans to the Iraq problem. Unfortunately, all of the existing programs and projects do not go away. Instead, new projects are added to the existing workload. The front office also decided to make a few personnel changes during the transition. The end result is that my workload has increased significantly since I am the only experienced member in the department. The good thing is that when I look around, I notice that no one has been here longer than I have. Surely this is one of those signs that I must be getting short!

The end result is that my routine consists of working, working out, making a call home, a little reading and then bedtime. I am hoping it lets up in a couple of weeks as the new arrivals gain experience and we learn to prioritize and balance the new projects and initiatives with the old ones.

Safe and Sound

The VP is in town and the insurgents decided to greet him in their own special way with IDF (indirect Fire). One of the advantages of working late is that I was in a hardened building when the rounds hit somewhere outside.

The Best Time of the Year

 For me, this time of year is sports nirvana. NASCAR is entering the Chase for the Cup, football season starts tonight and the baseball pennant races are running at full speed. Speaking of baseball, my Rangers are in contention for the playoffs....see post concerning the Baseball Gods. I am not the only one who is optimistic about their chances. I received an e-mail offering post-season tickets!!

 

Best of all, if the Rangers make it to the American League Championship Series, I will be home on leave to catch a game!

Football is sport of choice in our office. Since everyone is from all over the US, the office is decorated with team banners, posters, towels, miniature players, etc.I am not sure if it is a working office or a 10 year old's room. Back home in Dallas it is hard to find someone who is not a Cowboy fan. They few Cowboy haters are usually asked to find a new location to set up residence! I feel right at home in Iraq because the Cowboys are the most popular team by a large margin (yes the laws of the universe apply to Iraq as well). I would say the Steelers and Packers have the next largest contingents. Looking around the office I realize just how diverse the work force is; I see the black and gold of the Saints. A Viking helmet hangs on someone's cube next to a terrible towel. It should be a fun football season, and I know that with each passing game I will be one week closer to being home. 

AAA In the IZ

I received a phone call last night that one of our Suburbans had a flat tire. The IZ has the largest speed bumps in the known world. The speed bumps are large, maybe 8"-12", metal constructions designed to stop suicide car bombers. Anything smaller than a Suburban or Land Rover will drag some of its undercarriage unless you hit the bump at an angle. This is an art and is another sign of someone who has been in the IZ for more than 3 months. Apparently, one of our staff hit the side of the speed bump and cut the tire on the metal. They called me because the military is associated with cars (I am not sure how this association came to be). For some reason, all of the tools were removed from the vehicle. I grabbed a buddy and we went to wait for roadside assistance, i.e. KBR. An hour later a truck resembling a Snap On Tool truck came rolling up. Apparently flat tires are not an uncommon occurrence. He had an air compressor and extra tires on board and had us on our way. I am not sure how much it costs the US but I am sure it is not cheap, maybe that was why the tools were removed.