March 12, 2006

It is another beautiful day in Iraq- cool in the morning, but in the 70's in the afternoon.

Before we leave Warrior, waiting on tire changes on our plane, we visit two old bunkers of Hussein's that have been converted for our needs. One is a new communication operation and the other we didn't go inside, but meet the gunners out in front. We get some pictures made with everyone and from there we go and meet a medical unit. There is one wounded soldier in there and we went over to meet him. He has abdominal injuries. He was injured from an I.E.D. He is thin and weak. He will be shipped home to re-cooperate and then come back. From there we go on top of the entrance of Sadam's main military base, which is where we have been all day in Kirkurk. It overlooks the city. Three I.E.D.'s have gone off in the last three weeks, the closest one at about 200 yards. But all is calm here today.

We make our last stop before leaving for Bastogne at the "club" to say goodbye to the officers. They present us with a certificate and their token coins. These guys are real cool- they will be remembered.

We are headed to our last stop in Iraq- Camp Anaconda. I have to find a couple of guys to say hey to. A guy from Columbia, TN named Dan Thomas. I think that he is a contractor here. And David Green a medic in the 101st. I met his family in Alaska while we were playing in Fairbanks.

Today our acoustic show is going to be in __________. Don't know what to think here. Our guide talks about how nothing is going on here. A lot of the soldiers don't carry their firearms. Then someone else tells me that I should have a gun and keep my head down. All I do know is that we were escorted by Kentucky Blackhawk pilots (Company 147th Renegades) there and back.

Here we were a part of a reenlistment ceremony. Eddie and I held the American flag.

This camp is a little different. Fairly small, but the soldiers seem to be indifferent. Glad to see us, but not the hurrah we had gotten in other places. But there was one company where all of the guys came out to get pictures and autographs. I think it was part of the Calvary. We did meet some marines with their "toys" out. We saw their small PX, (little store). This place is growing. They are putting in basketball courts, new shower and bathhouses. It must have been hell here before it was developed. It looks nice; baby palms have been planted everywhere.

We did have a good turnout for the acoustic performance. Afterward, certificates were presented and coins exchanged. We had a meet and greet and the usual after show stuff. Then it is back up in the Blackhawks with our Kentucky boys and head back to the big event of the evening. This event takes place on the soccer field and the property where Sadam's Olympic soccer team trained. It is also the same field where he had the same team executed for losing. That man is insane!

We got back and had to race for showers. We are meeting back up in 30 minutes to go a meet some big whigs- commanders and generals, 24 in all. This is the biggest show yet- 4000 soldiers from all the branches, 6 in hospital beds placed right up front. Everyone is scattered about but packed in. The stage is huge, 80x60 and a lot more p.a. equipment. (Billy is excited.) The show was a huge success- it went great! After, the usual- meet and greet, etc. It goes pretty quickly for 4000 people being there. We grab a cigar and a N.A. beer and run for cover. When we get back, we all get together for pizza and more of that great N.A. beer! We all talk about the week. We are finished here in Iraq. Heading to Germany in the morning. We rise at 4:45 a.m. We reflect on the past week here, we are presented a couple of more certificates, along with the band. We laugh and cut up. I try to call Angie a couple of times then head back to pack up and go to bed. Early morning and a long flight back to Germany. Doesn't feel like we have been here that long.