providers ready to go drink some coffee.

Here is a pic of some of the providers at the clinic. We were all getting ready to go to the Mudhouse and while we were waiting I snapped this picture by yelling "Ladies!" That is why they all looked surprised.

L-R = CPT Tripp (ER Doc), CPT Rodriguez (Psychologist), 1LT Ancheta (Ward nurse), LTC Daniels (Oncologist/Chief Med Officer); CPT Walden (Dentist)

the group picture

We were asked by the boss to take a group photo for presentation in a plaque. This was the picture we took today. This is out in front of the hospital. We were supposed to be in a cross formation but it looks like a jacked up T if you ask me. It was fun we did it in about 10 minutes so that aint so bad.

37 Days!!!!!!!!

Playing Spades, Cigars, and friends

Another fun night in Taji. We wanted to say goodbye to CPT Heck so we decided cigars and cards was the right way to say farewell. We went out to the mudhouse for coffee and cigars and what do you know a Spades game broke out. My camera is beginning to act funny so I wonder if it is ready to give up with all this dust and heat? (L-R) MAJ Holtzclaw, CPT Heck, me, and MAJ Rider

My last...

Father's Day in Iraq. I hope!! How is everybody doing? I got some great packages today from the mail room. My Dad sent me a great Father's Day card, Bobbi sent me a tin of gourmet Popcorn, and my friend Christine from NC sent my a movie and some very interesting cards. Thanks everybody for continuing to think of me. It really means alot. I do have some pictures to upload but I will do it another day.

Happy Father's day Daddy. Your gift will be there in a few days. It is worth the wait trust me.

New care packages

Thanks Christine Chung and Mary Connell. Your packages were great. I shared with the Soldiers once I took out all the stuff I wanted...pretty much the usual(smile). Thanks ladies it is nice to get mail and triple nice to get packages as you both know (Christine-Afghanistan and Mary - Iraq). See you in the real world in a few weeks.

new exam table

Here is a picture of the field expedient exam table the Army sent us for the clinic. Don't worry we won't be using it. I had to show you the Army has an ugly version of everything. It is functional, a litter can be placed on it rather easy. But ladies check out the stirrups. Imagine going to your gyn appointment and seeing that...LOL. That is MAJ Holtzclaw modeling the exam table for us.

The Army Birthday

The Army is 234 yrs old today. Each year they have some things planned to celebrate the day. One year Bobbi and I went to the official ball in Washington, DC to celebrate it. This year I get more paper meshe statues. I have to say I think this is the most normal one they have built. Check out that big ass cake.

You have heard me talk about the burn pit here at Taji. Someone even posted a link to an article done on them. I wanted to show you what it looked like when they just turned it on for the day. This is one morning as I came out of the dining facility. There are some days you can barely breath the smoke is so thick.

Say it again!!

50 Days baby!!!!!!! Then I can kiss this place goodbye. Later burn pit, trailer toilets, artillery rounds, and 120 degree weather...and what the hell is that smell!!??

cleaning out the camera

On Memorial Day several people ran a half marathon. I cheered them on.(so I didn't have to run)



CPT Hurtado aka Speedy








CPT Walden and CPT Noble










MAJ Holtzclaw
LTC Daniels
LTC Velayudan






MAJ Rider aka The funsucker

Pics from my time in Qatar

Nice course and I shot a 50 in 9 holes

Leaving Qatar

My last day in Qatar and it decides to cool off. It is only 100degrees today. I should have brought my windbreaker. I am flying back to Iraq tonight sometime. I will update with pictures when I get settled in Taji again. 

Final opinion -  the trip was fun but the days went slowly for me because I had nothing to do.  Bottom line is I don't think it was worth it.  Maybe if I had been traveling and stopped here in Doha it would have been different but being in the war this felt like something holding me back from getting my tour done.  Almost like I had to do this in order to get home.  Sounds crazy but that is what it felt like to me.

Good news is I will be in the 50's (number of days left) by the tme I make it back to Taji.  So now I wait but the days will go fast again.

Asta

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June 1, 2009

I shot a 50 on 9 holes at the Doha Golf Club in Qatar. I have some good pictures but will have to wait until I am back in Taji to publish them. That was a 50 so I am sure I would have warmed up on the back 9 and ended up shooting an 88 (in my mind). This was the highlight of my trip here. They should offer this every day or at least every other day.