10/18/06

I was informed today the attack a few days ago was a much larger scale than earlier reported. It was, I have now learned, a much larger force of over 200. After interrogation of those captured, it was ascertained the strike on one side was a diversion for which was supposed to be a much larger attack on the flank of our camp. Many were wounded and over 100 captured, and the number of bad guys killed is now put at well over 30. They did not have a more exact number as many were killed by the river and their bodies, I am told either sunk or floated down the river.

I had to the opportunity to speak to a soldier that works in the cache and he told me that they worked on many of those wounded that tried to kill us as they are required to by the Geneva Convention.

He said although he did what he was supposed to, he wasn't too happy about helping those who were earlier trying to kill him and his buddies, and us. Over 100 were captured. From what I was also told, and was very good to hear, is that the Iraqi Army were the first on the scene fighting these little SOB's before they were reinforced by our guys.

Also the very next day, the attack we thought didn't happen actually did, a little than a mile from the gate. That group of insurgents was incredibly over 300 strong and started advancing and firing on the gate. But when our guys started firing back at them, they put down their weapons and surrendered. There were very few wounded but over 200 were captured. The rest evaded arrest and escaped.

It lasted all of a couple minutes, thanks to the finest military on the earth, which explains why we did not hear of it until today.

Damn....I have only been here barely 3 months, and it seems these few months have been more violent than my whole first year in Tikrit was.

But somehow as it has done before, the last two days have returned to normal...well...as normal as it gets here.

We are continuing with our Halloween plans, and are now attempting to gather things for Thanksgiving. We are planning on putting together a luau, to change the holiday up a little, because too much of a traditional Thanksgiving, being such a strong family event, will only make these guys miss home even more. We'll still put up some usual Thanksgiving decorations and stuff, but just try to give it a little twist and make it fun. It should be pretty cool.

We even enjoyed a little comedy today. Unfortunately at a soldier's expense who forgot to lock a door. His Sergeant has come down with the punishment for this offense he committed. He ordered the soldier to take a door, similar to the door he did not lock, and carry it with him every where he goes for a week.

To the chow hall, Porta-cans, here to our tent, everywhere. Talk about tough love. It's easy to spot him from real far away...he's the one carrying a big f-ing door.

We don't mean to laugh, but if you saw him walking around with this door..well...it's hard not to.

Remember this next time you forgot to lock something!!!

Till next time....