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.

The Kids

I forget that I'm in a war zone on a regular basis. Many are probably thinking, "How?!!!" It's easy. After spending so much time in one place, doing the same thing, everything becomes the regular. Carrying a 9mm pistol is like carrying my state license. Dining facilities becomes kitchens and dining rooms. Port-O-Potties becomes restrooms. War zone becomes home.

Reality sets in whenever I leave the "wire." Whenever I see the children who are suffering through the tough times of this country I praise God for what He blessed my family with. Everytime I see an Iraqi child, I want to give them whatever I've got... well not my 9mm. That's mine... lol. But I makes sure to bring Pop Tarts, IceBreakers gum and all kinds of treats to give to them.

Some of these children have the things they need and many of them go without daily. They don't complain... just deal with it because they know no different. Sometimes it gets so hot here that I think Satan is sitting next to me and I'll see some of the children walking around without shoes. I saw a bath tub the children used to clean themselves and it looked as if there were a few tires sitting at the bottom of the filled tub because of the filth in it.

I could go on and on about all that I see. All I'll say is this... Thank God for what you and your children have been blessed with. It may be very little. It may not be as much as you desire but thank him anyway. Things could always be worse.

AFN Iraq Personalities (Part II)

Well we started the first part of the series with Cook, Forbess, McNeal, Stern and Baez. It's time for the spotlight to hit five more contestants on the Mr. T show!

First off I would like to start off with the commander of the 222nd B.O.D. and American Forces Network Iraq, Lt. Col. F. Lee Reynolds. Reynolds is quite the guy. He is one of the only Soldiers I know in any military who is a thesbian. He definitely is the only person I know who has been successful in Hollywood. On the personal side, Reynolds is a charismatic kind of guy. I remember the first time I met him. Ever since that day, I don't think there has been another without him showing his million dollar smile.

Second we'll go to Spc. Abbey Cayanan, arguably the unit's most talented broadcast journalist. Like myself, this is Cayanan's second combat deployment. This time around she is serving more of an all-around purpose. The unit really depends on her at times to accomplish difficult tasks. On the personal side, Cayanan is the unit's dubbed princess. Occassionally she is seen wearing her tiara and singing with the lieutenant. It's quite a sight to behold.

Next I think we'll go to the unit's philosopher. His name is Spc. Marsalas Morney. Morney is AFN Iraq's unit administrator. You'll almost never see Morney without a book. He is most definitely one of the most intelligent brothas I've met in quite a while. Religion, history, philosophy, geography... No matter what it is, Morney can talk about it with you.

Fourth is my good buddy Sgt. Fernando Ochoa. Ochoa is the only accomplished author on the AFN Iraq staff. He wrote a book called "Gonzo Station." Ochoa is a photojournalist like myself but he is helping the AFN staff by doing a technician's job. Ochoa and I are cooking up some great ideas we'll tell you'll more about another time. Stay tuned!!!

Last but not least is the highest speed Soldier in the unit. He is better known as Staff Sgt. Joash Buenavista, the Broadcast Technician Team Chief. When I met Buenavista he didn't seem very cordial. Throughout the last four months my perception of him has drastically changed. Buenavista is one of the most upbeat, bubbly young men I've ever met. What surprises me is how he is equally intelligent as he is respectful. He is what I epitomize as a quality man.

Air Assault with 1st CAV & Iraqi National Police

A couple hours ago I came back to my office and thought about the days prior. It's hard to sit back and believe that one day, when I'm old and grey, I'll be able to tell my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren about all the cool adventures I've had. No one really knows and I can't explain the joy and awesomeness I experience when going out with a unit.

On July 8, I went on my first air assault mission. I'm not even air assault qualified but that didn't stop me! I was going anyway!... lol. It was so fast. It was so hot. It was so many different things I can't even describe. At times I had a hard time breathing cause the sand was all in the air. I wasn't letting anything stop me from accomplishing the mission and getting awesome footage.

The 1st Cavalry Soldiers and the Iraqi National Police were searching for a weapon's cache on a remote island in Baghdad. They didn't find anything but shell casings. Nevertheless, it was a memorable experience!

Naturalization as U.S. Citizens

Imagine risking your life in a combat zone for a country you are not even a citizen of... 237 U.S. troops have done it, some multiple times, until July 4, 2009, when they were naturalized as U.S. Citizens at Al Faw Palace, Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq.

The troops were from 59 different countries which included Mexico, the Phillipines and various parts of Asia. I saw the looks in the troops eyes from many different angles. Many were proud. One could tell it was bittersweet for a few. And I could tell that some of them were in shock. One of the young Soldiers was getting a bit teary eyed. He was smelling his flag and admiring the coin Gen. Odierno gave him.

This ceremony was quite a treat for these troops. Being naturalized as a U.S. Citizen while on a combat tour is quite the accomplishment. Vice President Joe Biden and Multi National Force - Iraq commander Gen. Ray Odierno were the guest speakers. Each troop was greeted by the prominent leaders.

Aerial Therapy

There are so many stressful situations here in Iraq. Different personalities clashing is common. Weather changes can bring down morale. And one being without their family or things they've grown accustom to has had the potential to trigger insanity. I, however, use traveling, preferably by air, to bring my morale back up. As an added bonus, I shoot photos while flying. It's awesome! The view from the air is totally different than you'll ever see walking on the streets or driving down the road.

And, on top of that, it's so loud that you cannot hear anyone talk to you. 45 minutes of rotating blades which allows you to think about life and take in the sights. I love it. Above are some of the images I see when I've been up in the birds.

The first image is F.O.B. Prosperity. I like it there. It's nice. The second is Al Rahman mosque, one of my favorites, which I photographed in 2005. The third image is one of the outskirts of Baghdad. Some places just don't have too much there. The fourth is another of Al Rahman mosque. It's one hell of a sight. I love catching glimpses of it. It's so large and oddly shaped. The last image is another shot of Baghdad from the air. I love riding in the choppers and sniping from the air with my cameras. Most never earn or receive the chance. I'm blessed.

AFN Iraq Personalities (Part I)

Many days I don't get to look at television out here unless I relax at the dining facility for a good hour or two cause there are a few TV's in there. I really don't have time for that so I just chill at my office for live entertainment. My co-worker's are some of the most interesting smart people I've ever worked with. We have so many different people working here and everyone was thrown together from throughout the states. So this situation is like an everyday episode of "Real World Iraq". I really can't even describe this the way I want in words so I'll show you... This will be the first of a series of entries about the characters of American Forces Network Iraq.

First, we have Crystal Cook; better known as Staff Sgt. Cook. She decided to re-enlist in the Army. I must say, that was a quite unique ceremony. Not only did it happen in Iraq, but on the roof of one of the bombed out palaces in Baghdad that the we took over. Cook is one of a kind though. She is as hardcore as female public affairs Soldiers come. I think this is her third deployment to Iraq. On the personal side, Cook is from Texas and is proud of it.

Next we have Brian Forbess; better known as Air Force Master Sgt. Forbess. He is the TV team chief and the coolest supervisor I've ever had in life besides myself when I used to run my own business. Forbess makes me want to join the Air Force every time we discuss my professional development as a photojournalist. Occasionally, he gets up in the middle of the day and does situps and incline pushups. It's kind of unique because Air Force people aren't known for the physical fitness... lol.

Third, we have Sean McNeal; better known as Staff Sgt. McNeal. This is his first deployment to Iraq. He is reaching middle age but, at times, I can tell that he is a kid in a candy store here in the Middle East. McNeal has been an infantryman, military policeman and he does advertising in the civilian part of his professional life. He can be a lil' in your face at times. However, away from pressure and stress, he is a really nice guy.

And fourth is Matthew Stern; better known as Capt. Stern. He is the executive officer of AFN Iraq. Stern is that guy who you wanna be around. He will bring life to any situation. I've never heard him raise his voice but he can get the job done without that type of behavior. He always has a smile on his face. I commend him on his love and faithfulness to the world of photography. Every opportunity he is granted you'll see him with his camera out practicing. I better keep studying and practicing or he may surpass me.

Last, but not least, is David Baez. He is better known as Staff Sgt. Baez. This unique character may be the most interesting person in the unit. Baez is the Radio station team chief. He has so much energy. That's probably why he is sleep here. All that energy probably ran out for a short period of time. I see him make some of the weirdest faces and do some of the weirdest things. Usually if I hear weird sounds, they are coming from him. Baez, like a few other Soldiers here, left family back in the states. I commend him for that sacrifice cause I don't know if I could handle leaving a wife and young children for a year to come to one of the most dangerous places in the world.

But that's a few of the AFN Iraq crew. Stay tuned cause there will be some more very soon.