Pictures from around Fallujah

Here are a few pictures from various point in and around Fallujah.

Pictures from the Palace

The Marine unit has cleared one of the many palaces here in Iraq. The one here is from Fallujah.

First conflict

Today, we were in our first fire fight. I am beginning to understand why Uncle Richie would never speak about Vietnam. The sounds of machine fire is nothing like it was during BASIC nor like it shows in movies. We were separates from the medical unit for a short period. Coles is definitely a career man, he kept his cool during the whole thing. Marla took it as a rush. I'm still trying to understand. Why would we get attacked for helping?

Machine fire

Word came

Today we are going into Iraq. I have some mixed feelings about it. I'm excited about going in, but we really don't understand what our mission really is. Sgt. told us we are now called Civil Affairs. No one really knows what that means not even Captain Coles or the Major. I am confident that they will lead us but I still like to know what we are going to be doing. Marla is excited. She keeps talking about "gettin' some payback" and all that.

it's official!

For the last few days, we were unsure whether or not we were actually going to war. But today, it's official! We are going to war. No one knows whether or not our unit will actually be going into Iraq or just continuing  with support from here in Tent City. More to come.

Kuwait City

Today, we arrived in Kuwait City. Things are bit weird...guess they call it culture shock. We have no idea when or even if we will go to Iraq. I already have a nickname--Birdy. I don't really like it but I have a feeling it's going to stick.