Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A report from a U.S. Army 2nd Lt. we know, who is stationed in Baghdad and who will remain anonymous:

While I do appreciate all the kudos for the capture of Saddam, our unit had absolutely nothing to do with it, and were in fact as suprised as the rest of the world when they caught him. We watched it on TV like everyone else.

However, it was pretty interesting seeing the reaction of all the Iraqis here who work in our compound. At first, before it was confirmed, they were all just sitting watching the Arab news channels really quietly, but when they showed his pictures and said it was him, this place went crazy. They were yelling and cheering and the women were sobbing. It was really amazing. The absolutely insane thing was the celebratory fire. All non-essential missions were canceled–everyone had to stay indoors. It sounded like the Tet offensive.

However, not everyone here is happy. We had a rash of protests–a couple of people supporting the US, but in one area, a lot of pro-Saddam ones. Some of them turned violent and we actually had the worst firefight in our area since we got here. A bunch of MPs were wounded and they had to call for backup–they were attacked with grenades and small arms and RPGs. We ended up arresting a whole bunch of people and killing some other ones. It was absolutely crazy. I’m sure tonight will be nuts, too.

Anyway, it was pretty cool, though. I honestly didn’t believe we would ever find the yahoo, and it feels like we have at least accomplished something over here. Maybe now the Iraqi people can truly go forward instead of worrying about when Saddam is going to come back.

In other news (some of you already know this) we had some Christmas season festivities, which was nice. They got a tree somewhere in Northern Iraq where they actually have fir trees and they drove it down here. Some of the soldiers decorated it and we had a tree-lighting ceremony and the band came and played and sang carols. It was really nice. Of course, the tree had been on the road for six hours and then dragged down a big circular staircase, so it was kind of Charlie-Brown-like on one side where a bunch of branches are missing, but it’s the thought that counts! We have decorated our command center with a fake tree and lights and little ornaments and they are constantly playing carols so at least I feel somewhat Christmassy. Still, this is two years in a row I’ve been deployed at Christmas and I really miss being home.

Well, I have officially reached the two-month mark and I am counting down the days. I don’t think I will ever be so glad to get back to a snowy winter in my life!

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a great holiday season. I’m thinking of you all.