Just heard from DOD son this morning.

[Osotogary]

Briefly, without a whole lot of detail, the oldest son said that he is working the Baghdad Airport and it is much worse now than before. They get mortared alot but, as he says, you can deal with that. He says there is more death here than I could ever imagine but he is doing well. He is armed to the teeth and his team is very professional and thorough. He had to cut the conversation off because he had to go to the can but you can't go to the can without an escort and he was waiting for his escort. He said he ventured out of camp ONCE but that was scary enough for him to realize that that is no-no land. Aside from that....he's fine.
Adios.
Gary

[thedrifter]

Thanks Gary

For keeping us abreast of the situation.

My Prayers and Thoughts are with You, Your Son, Family, and Our Service Men and Women


Ellie

[RichLundeen]

Hi Gary,

I just left BIAP, and it is not that bad. Not good, but not that bad. I have to go on convoys, about once a week, to Abu Ghraib or wherever. A little nerve racking, but if your force protection is arranged properly, it is as secure as it can be. Escorts are almost always required when dealing with HCNs, and some TCNs (as you probably know, host and third country nationals).

Surely he has told you of the REALLY GOOD things that are happening there. I arrived in Feb, and there are parts of the Baghdad area that flabbergasted me, in regard to reconstruction.

Semper Fi

Rich

[Sparrowhawk]

Glad to hear your son is okay. remember getting mortared often, in Nam, and if we went out the compound we needed to be alert and have pre-arranged spot checks in case we needed arty to drop in some protective fire to assure our security.

Seems like war hasn't changed much, the tactics the enemy use remains the same, ambushes and road mines. Only the location and the name of the enemy has changed.

Just tell him to keep his head down, and fire for effect if he has to.

He's in our prayers.

SF
Cook

[CAR]

Good to hear your son if fine Gary. Next time you communicate with them let your boys know that we are praying for them and proud as hell of them. God's speed.

[airframesguru]

Gods speed to your boy and his unit, we are with with in spirit. Gie him a big Ooh Rah.

Sempers,

Mike

[MillRatUSMC]

Gary, your son will be in our prayers...can't wait for the day this nightmare is over....

Semper Fidelis/Semper Fi
Ricardo

[Osotogary]

Thank you , one and , for your prayers, well wishes and comments. I will e-mail son this evening and hopefully he will be able to read your entries and also share them with his team.
You folks are terrific.
Gary

[marinemom]

Gary - from one worried parent to another, glad your boy is doing well.

I'll keep him in my prayers along with Christopher and all the others over there.