Pictures from Iraq

Here are a few pics of Mike (aka "Toy Soldier" here). He seems to be doing fine. He is running missions a lot these days though. He has said that they have made great progress in driving Sadr's militia out of Baghdad, but you will not hear about that success on the news. You also will not hear about the warm and welcome reception his group is getting from the citizens in Baghdad who do want to live in peace and who want Sadr and his demons gone. Anyway, here are a few pictures he finally had to time to upload.

Him in front of a Stryker. This is the primary mode of transportation for 4 Infantry Brigades in Iraq. A 5th Brigade is currently in training. I am so impressed with everything about the Strykers. They are built very well, and it has incredibly accurate fire power -- not to mention many layers of good armor to protect the soldier's inside. I do have to tease him though and ask him if there are any Jawas inside of it. It reminds me of a small sand crawler!
Posted Image

Here he is relaxing after a meal. I always have to tease him about the smoking. He knows it drives me crazy. He tells me "Mom, when you are surrounded by people who want to kill you... somehow the negative effects of smoking just take a back seat!" Hey, I wish he didn't smoke, but honestly if it gives him even an ounce of comfort then right now I say go for it.
Posted Image

Here he is in the C-130 ready for take off:
Posted Image

This is what he calls "The true geek squad." Mike has always been really good with computers, he plays D&D and can recite most Monty Python skits from memory. He even got in trouble once while in Infantry Training for screaming "Run away!" when pretend mortar fire started. His DI knew what he was pulling from, he laughed and then made Mike do push ups!
Posted Image