January 25, 2007
LETTER FROM IRAQ
My buddy Drew sent a couple e-mails yesterday from Iraq. It's always great to hear from him. I know he checks in on the Salad when he can, but he's a busy man. Every letter means a great deal.
When he was based at CENTCOM here in Tampa, Drew and I grew together in our appreciation of fine cigars and good coffee.
Hence the note below:
Jeff;Senior leadership attributes are typically displayed by subordinates in various ways. This might explain why so many of my Soldiers are smoking cigars these days. I thought this photo was another good representation of how my unit maintains the incredible operational tempo that we keep and can be directly tied to another one of my vices.
This supply of Starbucks will last about a week or so. The great news is the fact that Bob Williams of Wesley Chapel has coordinated with multiple sponsors to provide us with this incredible support.
About the only thing I can say about all this great coffee is…
Gig gig ga Giddy Up!
VR
Drew
He also sent me this note:
Subject: Zen mixed with a little Chuck NorrisJeff;
Thought you could find a bit of irony in this photo that once again shows a beautiful sunset here in the Kirkuk Province mixed with the comfort I get while traveling down these “interesting” roads. Comfort as defined by me means “Combat Power.”
Beauty is definitely in the eyes of the beholder!
Take Care;
Drew
For the obvious reasons, these e-mails are have an otherworldly feel to them. I know there's a war. I know Drew's in the middle of the soup. But his being able to give me an inside glimpse of daily life there is surreal.
PREVIOUS LETTERS FROM IRAQ:
Get your motor runnin'.
"Wolfhounds don't do anything small."
Thanksgiving in Iraq.
"What sacrifice for the sake of freedom feels like."
"I am amazed by them every single day."
It's who you know.
Month two of deployment.
I'd walk a mile.
Boots on the ground.
Once more into the breech.