Re-Deployment (Coming Home!!!)

Getting past the first six months is hard... However, once you knock out that time, the remaining months feel easy. Time seems to roll by.

The actual process of re-deployment is ridiculous. You travel like a broke rock star. If your flight is postponed or canceled, chances are you're sleeping in the airport. Sleeping in a chair or on the floor can be quite uncomfortable if you didn't know!!! There are no baggage helpers. You carry your entire life with you in those three or four bags strapped to your body along with the body armor you still must carry. That all can total out at more than 125 lbs.

With all that being said, the motivation for dealing with this craziness is knowing that you're going home... Knowing that you are about to see the smiling faces of all those who love you makes the two weeks of traveling bearable. And getting recognized from others who are proud of the accomplishments of those who wear the uniform of freedom is like icing on the cake.

I know... I'm writing from experience. Thanks for all your support.

The Elections: History & Danger

On a day when threats of danger were at the height they'll probably ever be, I watched a Tennessee National Guard from Knoxville step up and provide security for a United Nations high ranking official as he visited the polls to support the voting process. This official also happens to be a high value target for Al Qaida.

Every type of threat was a deadly option we possibly had to face... Improvised Explosive Devices along the main and alternate supply routes. Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices. Suicide bombers. Sniper fire. Small arms ambushes.

We had briefing after briefing to make sure everyone stayed 100% safe at all times. But I could tell these troops, whom freshly arrived in Iraq were given their first mission which was the most dangerous, were afraid for their lives. The last thing we did before we started our journey was prayer. This prayer was so powerful and moving. I have seen Soldiers say prayers before as a group but never when they thought they were possibly going to lose their lives.

The dangers were worth the responsibility. These elections were historic and we were directly influencing change in Iraq, and ultimately the world. Iraqis throughout the country proudly displayed their purple inked fingers. Many of them voted for the first times in their lives. We helped make that happen. There will be chapters about us in history books.

Charlie Wilson in Baghdad

It's been quite a while since I've made it to a concert. Charlie Wilson performed at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, Iraq. The troops went nuts!!! I, personally, don't think I've seen a show that good ever. Charlie Wilson really is a bad dude.

I must say I was surprised. He's got to be like 60-something-years-old and he was performing like he just turned 21. The troops and civilians there even surprised me. I've never watched more than one hundred people do the 'Electric Slide' all at one time. It happened tonight though. Charlie had 'em hyped!!!

Suicide Prevention

Around these parts suicide prevention is a huge topic partly because it happens in combat zones regularly. However, a young woman committed suicide here recently. It's unfortunate no one could save her because she was alone when it happened. Her unit held a memorial ceremony and I attended. It made me feel extremely sad to listen to what kind of young woman she was; full of life and laughter. The Soldier was 20-years-old. She hadn't even experienced life yet. At that age everything is in front of you.

Now, on the flip side, I personally understand how hard life can be here. You're in a combat zone and at anytime you could get blown up by a road side bomb or be murdered by sniper fire. When one thinks about it, it is truly scary. Knowing there are individuals plotting on your life, day after day, is a frightening experience... And that's what we live with daily.

When you throw domestic issues on top of that, stress becomes one of the main reasons people take their lives in a combat zone. I've heard many horror stories. Wives cleaning out bank accounts. Families moving to other countries. Family members getting killed and the servicemember not being allowed to go home to grieve properly. The life of a troop in a combat zone is truly difficult... In a mental sense and definitely in a physical sense.

A man, named Francis Reynolds, said this morning that there are no reasons to take your life. I, personally, agree with this. I do not know of any reason to ever take your own life. There is nothing that bad in this world that should encourage or discourage a person enough to commit suicide.

I'm telling you right now that if you are ever feeling stressed, send me a message. We can talk. We can chat. We can do what is necessary to help you through your crisis. I'm available on twitter. I'm available on myspace and facebook. I'm available on email at new84kid@yahoo.com so please contact me so we can talk. I'm very sure that it'll help you feel better. I'm sure that everyone around you will be happy that you decided to stay with us another day.

Some Wild Things

I saw some wild things while traveling to the southern parts of Iraq. The cities included Talil and Umm Sa'ah in the Maysan Province.

While I was traveling I ran into a young Soldier who was tasked to clean the Outhouses and burn feces. I also saw a weird flock of birds take over a surveillance tower. They were deep! I even saw one of the most unusual ways to sleep. A Soldier was waiting for his flight in Talil and didn't want to miss it so he slept in the flight terminal with his alarm clock sitting in front of him. Wild!

Check them out.

Iraqi Armed Forces Day!

Having the opportunity to watch a military rise is truly a blessing. The Iraqi Forces hosted Iraqi Armed Forces Day to show their improvement and organization. It was also a day to honor the forces for their continuing effort in the struggle their nation is still enduring. Something like this is so important for the rise of their new military.

I've watched the Iraqis in 2004-2005 first hand. From then on until the beginning of 2009, I was watching them through the media. Now I am the media covering them again... Take a look at them now...

Civil Affairs Soldiers Donate WheelChair to Unique Iraqi Artist

Farah Alden, a young Iraqi woman, draws and paints with her feet because she has Polio and is too weak to use her hands. Occasionally, her family attempts to transport her from place to place and they have a tough time because they do not have the necessary equipment for her transport.

The 364th Civil Affairs Brigade caught wind of this and donated a wheelchair to Farah on Christmas. Check it out!

Name of the Game

I would have to name that game, 'Training.' The Iraqi Forces have been blessed with some of the most up to date and premier military and police training there is. 2nd Infantry Division is giving much of this training to Iraqi Troops in the Diyala Province.

"Train The Trainer" is a condensed version of the U.S. Army's Warrior Leadership Course. Non-Commissioned Officers learn the basics of leadership and being proficient at their Soldier tasks and drills. I was fortunate enough to view the Basic Rifle Marksmanship portion of this training. It was interesting watching all of this take place while each of the individuals were attempting to work through the huge language barrier. Thank God for all our interpreters. They're invaluable!

On the flip side, while in Diyala, I got to visit a chicken factory and watch a football game. While I was out at the chicken factory, I was blessed to indulge in a feast prepared by a special Iraqi grandma! The trip wasn't too bad...

Award Time!!!

I don't know what 2010 has in store... I do believe great things lie behind its door though. The military has many award competitions for journalists and multimedia communicators and winning some of these competitions is ideally how I'd like to open the year. I've been M.I.A. for a lil' while because, on top of my regular duties, I'm getting my work together for all these contests. They include the Military Photographer of the Year and Keith L. Ware journalism competition.

In past years I've let my work sit and didn't attempt to compete against other professionals. Everything is a learning experience. Always push for greatness. That's my motto. Here are just a few of the entries.

Different Perspective

"There is always time to be a Soldier later...," a platoon sergeant said to me shortly after he'd asked me to join in with the personal security detail troops for a game of football.

Everyone now and then I get a bit drained by the missions I'm blessed to be a part of. I usually don't tell anyone because I don't want to seem as if I'm complaining but sometimes it can be hard mentally to focus on staying alive, help keep morale up and attempt to produce the best work possible each and every time you step out.

A perfect example of this was a couple of days ago when I was invited to ride along for the cordon and search of an entire town. Many different elements of the 1st Cavalry Division and the Iraqi Army went to Al Raood, a town near Taji, in an attempt to detain key individuals. As they searched various homes, I could see the fear of women and children on their faces as the Iraqi and American Soldiers thoroughly did their jobs.

Looking at the people's reactions to Soldiers kind of hit me hard. I did not know how to take it. I felt sorry for them. At the same time, I looked down and noticed the uniform that I was wearing. When they looked at me, they saw the same Soldiers who were intruding on their place of peace. I kind of felt ashamed... and I was just there observing behind the lens of a camera.

After all of that and a few other missions, myself and a couple of my buddies at Camp Victory went to a new Hookah Lounge, smoked and laughed about life. It was just what I needed to re-energize myself and give me the push to continue my expedition through this mysterious country. The things I see from week to week really amaze me. I'm so thankful that I get to view things up close and personal because it gives me an appreciation for life that is priceless.

Streetball In Iraq

This is what we do... Check it out!!!

The Spur Ride

This is the wildest thing I've ever seen. The 1st Cavalry Division call it the Spur Ride. According to them, every Soldier in the division who completes a combat deployment earns gold spurs. However, if you are recommended and you complete this rite of passage, you earn the silver spurs. And earning the silver spurs is considered a great honor.

72 hours of grueling exercises. 72 hours of humiliating skits and acts. 72 hours of being awake. 72 hours of obstacle courses, mental barriers, low crawling and understanding how to work as a true team.

The 115th Brigade Support Battalion allowed me the opportunity to travel down this road with them for the entire 72 hours. I'll never forget what I saw!

Iraqi Federal Police: Iraq's Supreme Protectors

Imagine being the protector of your country when there are people trying to kill you and your family on a regular basis. Imagine never knowing when a suicide bomber is going to walk or drive up to you and detonate himself. Imagine feeling like you weren't up for the challenge but were being thrown into a kitchen that was too hot for you.

That's what the Iraqi Federal Police face daily. Many of them do not complain or back down. They are standing up and taking a stand like never before in their history. I've personally watched the Iraqi Police transform into a competent force during my first time in Iraq, through the media and again on my second trip to Iraq.

My hopes are that the I.F.P.'s continue to grow and defy all odds. They are on that road. Hopefully there will be no detours...

Smile

Many people sit back, regularly, and think about the hard times they once endured. I do that regularly as well. And that is a good thing at times. It allows one the opportunity to grow from a struggle. Frederick Douglass said it best, "Without struggle, there is no progress."

I want to reflect a bit differently now. Today I want you do something with me. Think about all the times that you've smiled. It could've been anything to trigger your facial muscles to stretch from ear to ear. Reflect on things like the day you gave your life to Christ, winning awards, getting married, bringing a child into this world, graduating from an institution or anything that resembles positivity in your life.

When i reflected on things that made me smile I came up with quite a few. It almost surprised me. I had to, however, go through photos that spanned the last six to fifteen years to do it. Do whatever it takes. But going through my photos helped me come up with about three of the more prominent happy times I can remember. The first one is all the times I get to photograph my family members followed by my experience in Iraq and last, but not least, my first year of college.

I absolutely love photographing my siblings and their children. Malik, Gabriel, Joseph and Jonna are the most adorable children I've ever seen. And it helps that they love their uncle... lol. Everytime I need some extra "umph" I go to my album of pictures of them. Their smiles in each photo tell a story to me and I immediately laugh or smile. These times make living in a war torn country bearable.

That brings me to my next point... Yes, being in Iraq is difficult. It is, however, an opportunity more than anything else. Many troops look at what I'm doing as a deployment. Some tell me that they feel sorry for me. I smile occasionally just for being here. I have the opportunity to do something different most will never have the chance to do. I'm documenting a country in Asia. The things I see on a regular basis can be described sometimes as nothing short of amazing. Those are the days I thank God for the ability to see and the ability to know.

Lastly, I will never ever forget my first year of college. I came back from Iraq in December 2005 and enrolled at Thomas Nelson Community College a week or two later at the age of 21. I discovered what my professional love was during my first year of college... photographing people. For many years before actually enrolling I didn't think I would have the opportunity to get a college education. Now I'm less than 30 credits away from my bachelor's degree. The blessings will continue to flow in if you believe and take the first step. That first year of college kept a smile on my face and also opened many doors for me. I got to do what I loved to do in photography and met many interesting and talented individuals.

Step out on faith. Continue to reflect on things that have put a smile on your face. Be positive at all times. Blessings come to us all. Try this on for size... Continue to smile, be positive and believe in God and watch how your perception of life changes. People around you will change their perception of you as well. Everything around you will change... for the better.