Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Via e-mail, from a soldier we know, who will remain anonymous:

Hello from Uday’s Party Palace. We are employing most of the Mosul area here, it seems. We have guys putting in windows, fixing the AC, putting in showers and toilets. Heck, we might start living like humans again.

Our mission continues to rid this corner of the country of all ammo, a seemingly endless task. Today our chaplain stopped and gave first aid to a civilian who found a stash of Iraqi grenades and decided to play with ’em. Got his leg and arm blown clean off. Oops, should not have pulled the pin…

Seriously, though, you cannot imagine how much ammo is hidden in these cities. We are using between–get this–6000 to 10,000 pounds of C4 (plastic explosives) a day destroying enemy ammo, and we still have stuff piling up in warehouses. It is unbelievable.

The other day I went with my boss on a Blackhawk ride to scout out possible impact areas so we can continue to shoot and keep soldiers proficient. Hell, most of this country could be used as an impact area. We were flying 10m off the deck doors doing 150 knots. I like flying with warrant officers ’cause they always push the limits and try to make it a vomit comet. Officers always do the right thing. What a bore!

Anyways, that was two hours of toe-curling fun. Nothing beats flying off the crest of a mountain and pointing the nose straight down and watching the ground move rapidly towards you. That was about my highlight for the week. Other than that life goes, day-in, day-out, repeat, etc. etc. etc.

Mail is starting to flow in. Thanks to all. I appreciate it. Gotta go.