NGTFLYR inbound from SW Asia

[mockingbird812]

Some of you may remember a few months ago that Dave was headed to Iraq (via Israel) with the Spec Ops fellows of the Air Force. He got back to Hurlburt AFB recently and reports that he has 2 weeks off and he'll need it. He is VERY tired and "it ain't the jet-lag". How 'bout 90+ consecutive days of 14 to 16 hr days in less than optimal conditions/threats. He forwarded some pix of his all-expense-paid "vacation". Thot you might like to see all of the comforts of home our service members enjoy. Welcome back Dave!

This is the interior of Dave's hooch (approx. 12x15' bunk bed, nightstand, small closet, overhead light - interior decor is your call




Exterior of hooch.




Looking out Dave's front door. Dave reports: "The concrete barriers are called "T Barriers" they are a upside down T shape. Protection from mortars and rockets, we are shot at several times a day. A rocket landed 10 feet from a guy I work with back at Hurlburt. Lucky for him it was a dud."

[mockingbird812]

Here's what a "neigborhood" stroll and a Sunday afternoon might look like. Ah yes, you can't buy this kind of scenery! This is actually Dave's driveway - nice and muddy most of the time.




Next shot Dave reports: "new housing minus t barriers. I have to walk approx 300yds behind all these to go to the bathroom or shower, fun when its raining and muddy. before they dumped in more gravel the water on the ground outside the shitters and shower was about ankle deep."




"Perimeter road, right outside our housing. Across the fence is badguy land, all that is between them and us is this fence and ditch and a row of t barriers."

[mockingbird812]

"Guard towers every so often along the way, this one is close to our housing area. You might be able to make out the machine gun sticking out."



" entering our compound, lights out and weave thru the barriers and enormous speed bumps. Do it wrong and get engaged by the tower."



"Where I work, note the lack of overhead protection in case of mortars"

[mockingbird812]

Now for the "fun" stuff...

"Golden Gun. Sadaam handed these out as rewards. This one was captured the first week I was there during a Sadr City op we supported. We have two of them now, we go after the worst of the worst." (Editorial: this gun will NOT be coming back to the states - it will stay in country)



" Isreali 53, flew with these guys the week prior to coming to Iraq. Guy second from the left is another american I went with, the rest are Israeli pilots we flew with." (Dave is in the desert flight suit - notice the smile on his face cause Dave is getting to do what Dave likes to do best!!!!!

[SS427]

Neat stuff Sam. Sometimes we need to see behind the scenes to see what you guys really go through and those pictures still look like paradise compared to reality.
Rick

[Xplantdad]

Stay safe on the return trip!

Thanks for the pics Sam!

[ORIGLS6]

Thanks Sam. These pix put reality to the stories we hear every day on TV.

Our guys don't hear this often enough; "We're proud of you and the job you're doing. Now finish what you've started and get back home safe!"

[PeteLeathersac]

Very happy for Dave and his family that his tour is over and he's coming home!!!.

Crazy this reality stuff...sure helps a fella think different about some things?!.

Thanks Dave and others for what you do...and thanks to your families too!!!.

~ Pete

[Bill Pritchard]

Dave, thanks for the pix and Welcome Home, Sir

Sam, thanks for posting and the update

[71-LS6]

Welcome back Dave, hope you get some well deserved rest while you're back.