View Full Version : Heading for Iraq
Furlough
06-21-2006, 23:14
I leave for Iraq this week for one year, and wanted to take this opportunity to wish all happy and safe hiking for the remainder of 06 and all of 07. I hope to be able to check in and catch up from time to time. Take care and again happy hiking.
Furlough
Amigi'sLastStand
06-21-2006, 23:19
:eek: Forget you man, you be safe.:) We'll be hiking without IEDs and snipers. You will be. Dont know your MOS, but slow is fast and hesitation kills.
God Bless and check in with us from time to time, let us know you're safe.
Chuck
dixicritter
06-21-2006, 23:19
Take care and be safe!
Good luck...Be Safe...and thank you for doing what you do.
Stonewall
06-22-2006, 00:37
Good luck, take care, see ya when you get home and thank you.
Take care...keep us posted here...our thoughts are with you.
Just Jeff
06-22-2006, 00:48
Be safe. And thanks.
Thank you for serving. Good luck, be safe and watch your butt. We want you to come back. The Trail is not going anywhere while you gone so don't worry about that.
fishinfred
06-22-2006, 06:02
Be safe and best of luck !
FF
SGT Rock
06-22-2006, 06:06
Where are you headed over here?
Skidsteer
06-22-2006, 06:11
Good luck, Furlough. Thanks for serving.
TJ aka Teej
06-22-2006, 07:14
Take care, Furlough. Return soon, safe, and sane.
First, thank you for serving, best of luck. Be SAFE!!!
Footslogger
06-22-2006, 08:39
Keep your eyes/ears open and your head down.
'Slogger
I leave for Iraq this week for one year
Sounds like we'd all love to hear more. What will you be doing there? Please let us know how you're doing, where you're at and if you need anything. Letters, care packages, whatever. Truly.
Jack Tarlin
06-22-2006, 10:17
God bless you; thank you for your service, and be safe. Let us know now and again how you're getting on.
Take care of yourself. Check in with us when you have a chance. All the best luck.
Good Luck and be careful. I've spent some time in the area, most of the people there like america, and like what the US has done for Iraq. But it only takes one towel head to kill so watch your back. See you on the trail when you get back.
Fofer
greymane
06-22-2006, 11:44
God bless and keep safe. We will be thinking of you.
SawnieRobertson
06-22-2006, 11:50
Sounds like we'd all love to hear more. What will you be doing there? Please let us know how you're doing, where you're at and if you need anything. Letters, care packages, whatever. Truly.
Yep. Everyone needs a little trail magic, y'know. Some journals from your path would be of interest, especially if you give us the shipping/mailing address and list your needs as they develop. I understand that many biblical scholars believe that Bagdad was the site of Eden. Blessings upon you as you begin this difficult journey. See you next year.
hammock engineer
06-22-2006, 19:33
Thanks and stay safe. As others said let us know if you or anyone else over there with you needs anything. Same goes for you Rock.
Remember what Johnny Cash said in a song, "I keep my eyes wide open all the time." You do the same. Good luck and hope you all are home sooner than a year.
Furlough
06-22-2006, 22:49
SGT Rock,
MNSTC-I in the IZ (Pheonix) initially. Working with the Iraq Security Forces Mission.
Furlough
06-22-2006, 22:55
Thankyou all for the thoughts and kind words.
Once I get settled in and I find internet access I will provide a point of contact update.
greentick
06-22-2006, 23:15
God bless you buddy.
Move out like your hair's on fire...
linny718
06-23-2006, 00:04
Hey, I'm in Iraq right now and have taken this time to plan out my thru-hike for spring on 2009... I know its early, but I have to wait for my partner to finish her active duty as well. Be safe out here!
SGT Rock
06-23-2006, 00:47
SGT Rock,
MNSTC-I in the IZ (Pheonix) initially. Working with the Iraq Security Forces Mission.
Well I am in a SPTT team so likely we will see each other occasionally either at Adnon Palace (if you end up working at the CPATT HQ) or over at the DFAC. The DFAC at Phoniex base is one of the best in theater even though it isn't that big - we try to hit it whenever we get to the IZ since our chow here at Camp Justice sucks most of the time.
Drop me a line once you get set over here.
Furlough
06-23-2006, 01:19
Rock,
Once I hit the AO and get settled in we will definitely have to link up. How much longer are you there for?
SGT Rock
06-23-2006, 01:29
I am here for about 8 more months. Next month I go on mid tour leave.
wilderness bob
06-23-2006, 07:43
An old Mountain Man saying goes as such, "Keep your nose in the wind and your eyes along the sky line". Good luck and God bless, WB
Hey, I'm in Iraq right now and have taken this time to plan out my thru-hike for spring on 2009... I know its early, but I have to wait for my partner to finish her active duty as well. Be safe out here!
I didn't realize Whiteblaze had so many people currently serving in Iraq. Linny, if there are things your partner can't get to you, let me know. I'd be happy to see what I could do.
When I was in Saudi I asked my mother to go to Kmart/Walmart/Target to find cheap and thin sweatpants. I explained I needed to be fully covered but that it was hotter than hell plus we had to handwash everything and it's a pain in the butt to handwash heavy-duty clothes. Emphasized the need for the cheapest (and therefore, thinnest) ones she could find. Instead, being a loving mother who wanted to do something nice for her daughter, she bought the sturdiest, heaviest sweatpants she could find. Oh well, she tried.
Anyway, if those of you in Iraq & Afganistan need something we can do from back here, let me know. I'd love to repay the generosity I received. Even if you're just looking for some cards from the folks back home. I'm sure some of my friends and coworkers would be interested in sending thoughts your way occasionally too.
Peace,
Laura
icemanat95
06-23-2006, 08:37
good luck, stay safe, and thanks for doing a tough job.
3rd Degree's Dad
06-23-2006, 11:30
Good luck, be carefull and come home safe and.... God bless you.
God Bless You Pal>..........
lonehiker
06-25-2006, 18:31
Furlough, prior to my deployment the most realistic message that I was given was that, "Your year is going to suck. But, you will get through it." Yes, this year (9 mo 26 d) has sucked. But, I am getting through it. What has helped has been this site that has enabled me to keep up with my passion of hiking/backpacking (hopefully thru-hiking). You have received many encouraging words from fellow hikers. Get on this site as often as you can (and you will be able to) and keep in touch with your passion. And, "you will get through it!" Good luck.
SGT Rock
06-26-2006, 11:07
I am here for the second time, and it still sucks, but I am getting through it.
The tote board has me at 17 months and 1 day.
illusionistG
06-26-2006, 12:51
Furlough...you won't be to far from a "Whiteblaze" As I mentioned to Sgt. Rock, I was up in the Marivan region east of Sulaymaniyah in late May. Had to hump a 7,000 footer tracking HVT insurgent border crossers, and while up there I left a "Whiteblaze" marking. For 1 minute I thought I was on the Franconia Ridge.... till my daydream ended. So, keep your eyes open, but don't follow that blaze as it leads to the wrong border !!! yuk yuk Stay safe.
Illusionist TF-Green