Deployment to Iraq with Washington state International Guard
HAPPY EASTER!!

Hello from Iraq!
Yes, I finally made it. It has been a long (almost 5 months) experience. We spent a couple of weeks in Kuwait, and then made the big convoy 520+ miles to our final location in Northern Iraq. I haven't had internet access since the middle of February. Remember that I used to work for a software company and spent about 10-11 hours per day on my computer-so that has been a HUGE frustration for me. I did find a quick place in Kuwait to send an email, but now that I am here, I have a couple of places to get emails. We only get about 30 minutes per session though-so sometimes my responses may seem quick or short. Sorry-I just want to respond to everyone.

The landscape up here is rather flat. But, there is much more vegetation than I expected. Palm trees, and grass, there is actually water here as well. (Which means that it is humid) We are living in tents right now-and will stay there for about a month. Then, we should be moving into little trailers. IThey are about 30 feet long, and have 3 rooms each. We will have 2 people per room. They do have actual beds though(singles) along with dressers and wall lockers. It will be a huge upgrade from tents.

This final location (ask my wife if you want to know exactly where) is an old air force base. I often wonder if Saddam had ever been here or in some of the buildings here. It will probably be another month before I can get my laptop onto the internet and get my website updated.

The temperature today is in the upper 80's, and we expect the upper 90's by the end of next week. It definately takes a while to get used to the heat. We have a swimming pool (indoors), a movie theatre, PX (for groceries, etc.) and internet cafes. It really isn't too bad.

I hope everyone has a Happy Easter (hopefully this will be my only one overseas). Please keep us all in your prayers!

Sincerely,
Sgt. Medic
(Actually in Iraq now)

Comments
on Apr 11, 2004
Happy Easter to you too. All my best to you and your family.
on Jul 16, 2004
Hi Trent, we think about you all the time and hope you're doing well. Let's have a big party when you come back!

P. S. Brooke and Liz have some very good news for us all...