Check out what I saw today, an eclipse!

Finally posting my story about Dair Mar Monastery

The day was beautiful, sunny and warm as we drove out to the site. The monastery was situated in the rolling hills of a Forward Operating Base. The hills were green with tall wavy grass blowing in the slight breeze. Off in the distance to the north, you could see the snow covered mountains that border Turkey and Iran with Iraq. The Dair Mar Elia Monastery grounds date back as far as the 4^th century. The present building standing is about 500 yrs old. These buildings were occupied by Iraqi forces during the initial part of the war. The US “Evicted” the Iraqi with significant force, resulting in some battle damage.

Chaplain (MAJ) Landon was our tour guide. He spoke about the function of the monastery in society, and the roles it filled. He also explained in great detail the different phases of construction that took place over the history of the site. For a moment, I felt like I was back in Germany visiting a castle ruin on the Rhine. For a moment, I felt removed from the war.

Afterwards, we all enjoyed lunch at the dining facility. We had the chance to let our hair down, relax and talk about our experience at the monastery. That is what the Silver Caduceus Society is all about; a chance to get together with fellow MSC Officers. Here in Iraq, we open our arms to all AMEDD Officers. On today’s trip we had our DCN, a Family Physician, a Dental Officer, and a DoD Contractor, as well as a few MSCs.

The Northern Iraqi Chapter of the Silver Caduceus Society is an energetic bunch. We don’t sit around and listen to lectures; instead we go out and experience great events. Just last month, we visited an Unmanned Arial Reconnaissance Unit stationed with us at FOB Diamondback. We were given the tour of the equipment and were able to observe a flight in progress. Our lunch time discussions turned into how we could use this new battle field system to the AMEDD advantage.

We have a few other cool events scheduled while here in Iraq. We have a small arms range, an airfield operations tour, and some of the local Charlie Med Companies scheduled to show us their stuff.

My Sunday Breakfast

It hasn't been too bad here in Baghdad, almost like being in a real city. Almost. This is what I had for breakfast Sunday. I'll post pics of Saddams palace when I get back to my regular place.

Taking a trip

Well,
I am off on a trip to Baghdad for a confrence. We arrived two days early so we can sight see all of the bombed out stuff. No, I guess that wasn't fair to say, we arrived three days ealry to see all the bombed out stuff!

I am staying on a man made lake Sadaam had built where he has, or should I say, had a hugh palace built. The palace is now in the hands of the coalition as one if it's buildings. We are staying at one of the houses built on this lake. The lake has fish, and there are birds flying around. This lake is big. Really big!

It is much more warmer here than back up north. It is also more tan and brown down here as well.

Well, I am off to sight see. I will take some pictures and post them later. Wow, check out that blast hole!

Photo of the day

I'm sick

Not a whine post or anything, but I am sick, really. I picked up some cool drugs at the clinic. My ears were plugged and I had a wicked cough. I took some Claritin-D and Wow! That stuff should be illegal! My heart is pounding and racing, but my ears are unplugged. They also gave me some stuff to snort up my nose to clear my sinuses. It comes with a warning to use only 3 days otherwise you may become addicted. Legal drugs rock!

It's getting warmer

Well,
The quick winter is over, and now it is getting warmer here. Hard to believe, but the temps changed from the 30s two weeks ago to the 70s. With the changing temps came a cold. I have a sore throat, and a wicked cough. It is not "Fired up!"

I started sending home little gifts for my two wonderful ladies back home. I just went shopping again for them-I won't ruin the surprise, but say one is for Molly and one is for Laura.

Work has been keeping me busy. I have kicked out one soldier, and running a Officer Professional Development Program (OPD). Yea, me helping to mold young minds. God help this Army.

Well,
Laura and Molly are off to my Aunt Jackie's for skiing in VT this weekend. Send pictures! I hope everyone is enjoying themselves. On my next post, I will add a photo.