News from Chris in Iraq

Greetings from the Ministry of the Interior. Yep, finally got internet here.

We've been here for a month, after spending 47 days up the street at the Monument of Saddam's Qadissiya Matyrs for 47 days, and before that about 2 weeks on the western side of the Tigris River at the Old Palace Presidential Site, West Baghdad's version of Camp David, but probably much more gawdy and lavish. Most of y'all know we were the first ones across the border March 20 and led the 3rd Infantry Division's attack up the western desert, all the way to Karbala Gap, where we secured the bridge over the Euphrates, allowing the other 2 brigades of 3rd ID move into position to attack Baghdad. Yeah, when you've been through what we've been through, ya' gotta' brag a
little.
Anyway, they've evaluated and re-evaluated and it appears 1st Armored Division still can't keep these people in line, so we're still an "important" part of V Corps for now. The Corps commander should know what kind of wimps 1st AD is since he was just the division commander. When we took over from the Marines here in the eastern part of Baghdad, the shooting and crime went down. Now, even though they relieved us a month ago, the crime and shootings have gone back up. 2 looters who also stabbed 2 other Iraqis found out the hard way what happens when you try to resist an Infantry Quick Reactionary Force (QRF) of 5-8 guys from C Co, 2-7 Infantry. You end up with a severe head trauma. Got the pictures to prove it. Anyway, there's another re-re-evaluation supposed to be on the 15th. If 2nd Brigade gets the word to leave, we should be leaving mid-August. But, for now. I'm still counting on the early September scenario. Even the locals say that 1st AD is stupid and scared. They don't even shoot at the 3rd ID soldiers down here now. They know the whole block will end up in jail or dead. Better them than us.
I'm doing fine. Reading, writing letters and in my journal (on my second volume now), pulling radio watch, throwing an Iraqi bayonet at a target. Yeah, a newfound sport/hobby I picked up here. It's actually quite relaxing.
Battalion's supposed to have quite the cook-out laid out today. At least the menu looks good. It's 0552 hours July 4th here. Well, that's about it for now. Thanks for all the letters, cards, prayers, goodies, etc. Will probably be back on in a few days. Paying $3/hour for internet use. Love you guys!

Getting bored with Baghdad,
Chris