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.