Iraq Update

[iasc300]

just a quick update- never thought I would see this place again- the nausea feeling in your chest when you step off the plane- heart pounding- sun beating off your face- sweat dripping down the small of your back- dust and dirt sticking to everything- the smells, the sounds of the choppers and tanks-the TCNs cleaning the kybos- the stunned looks of all those who havent been to a forgein land - the questions and comments of those who want action- concern of those whos wish is to never leave the wire- the yellow tint to the land off in the distance- its quite a experiance for me to be back here again- nothing is the same as before- everything is new- its all a flashback to the past when I was here in 03 and 04-
The briefs and classes can only prepare you for so much- now we are here- for some of us a second and third tour of duty- its going to be a long year- I have the support of my family and my friends along the way as always- for which im ever so thankful for- I have quite a few new faces attached to my squad and they are already forming a strong bond- I have been trying my best to prepare them for the months to come- the long hours- the busy days- lack of sleep and food- training them to react- they are a strong group and I know they can handle whats in store for us while we are here- I cant disclose our mission or where we are located for OPSEC reasons- but I want you guys to know that everyone here appreciates the support from home- take care and ill update randomly with updates and pictures.
Ryan

[SoaringUSAEagle]

Thank you for yet another year of sacrifice. I appreciate everything my fellow troops do. I have yet to go over, but I am sure the time will come at the rate this is all going.

Stay safe and strong!

[Mum2J&M]

Wow. Must be pretty intense. You have a way with words too. I'm sure I speak for all when I say we send our best wishes and show of support to you and your's over there fighting for our freedom. It's one hell of a job! And I'm glad there are people like you doing it. Not sure I'd have the guts. God speed. Lots of power to you. I hope the year goes by faster than you think...

[Mark_Cohran]

Stay safe, be strong. Keep your chin up and your head down. I feel for you, and know the pain of separation well (20 years in the Submarine Service), but with luck and skill the time will pass quickly and safely for your and your unit. Best wishes.

[Woolburr]

Stay safe and Thanks for doing what you do!

[stathunter]

Thank you for your service! It is because of you and people like you that we have freedom. May God protect you and your family while you are away.
THANK YOU!

[jb_browneyes]

you are in our prayers....thank you

[KevinAldrich]

Thank you and best of luck to you. I wouldn't make it over there. For one, I'm too big of a target: 6' 7" and 270lbs

[iasc300]

thanks all we appreciate the support- I have tried multiple times to upload some pictures but the internets to slow- ill try again later

[FuryMe]

thanks all we appreciate the support- I have tried multiple times to upload some pictures but the internets to slow- ill try again later

Do you use your own camera equipment, or does your squad have an official one for use?

Stay safe out there! Hope you have positive good times mixed in with your service. Do you intertwine at all with the local culture, or just stay bunkered down?

[dlpasco]

Thanks for being there. I'll leave you with the parting words my elderly neighbor said to me when I moved away from my childhood home: "Keep yer powder dry."

[iasc300]

Do you use your own camera equipment, or does your squad have an official one for use?

Stay safe out there! Hope you have positive good times mixed in with your service. Do you intertwine at all with the local culture, or just stay bunkered down?


unfortionatly (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=unfortionatly&spell=1) I have to use my own camera and lenses - had a couple close calls with the xti but its pulling through- thank god I invested in filters or my lenses would be screwed for sure- we move around alot- so there are quite afew pictures of the local populace and surroundings- thanks for the kind words

[fireman93514]

Our prayers are with also. I can only imagine what it must be like with danger around each corner. My son has been to afghanastan twice now and I know how worried we were. I am sure your parents must be worried but also very proud. Thank you for your service.

[squashed]

Thanks you Ryan for your service. Stay safe.

[Bootsie]

Thank you for your service. Please remember that you have the support and prayers of many individuals. Stay safe and know that we are all greatful for the freedom you are fighting for.

[steved110]

Stay safe. Take pictures. And come home.

[krissanthosh]

Stay Safe and Stay Positive. God Bless You all.

[perryge]

It's awesome that you can come on POTN and watch all us silly folk argue about unimportant stuff like glass and bodies.

Take care Ryan, all the best, stay strong.

And show us an Iraqi duck :D.

[otlip]

My thoughts and prayers will be with you and you fellow soldiers. Without your efforts, this country would not be what it is. God bless you and your men, and bring all of you home to enjoy the love and appreciation of your fellow Americans.

Richard

[iasc300]

It's awesome that you can come on POTN and watch all us silly folk argue about unimportant stuff like glass and bodies.

Take care Ryan, all the best, stay strong.

And show us an Iraqi duck :D.


lol- I took a picture of one to post on here

[Zonieart]

Ryan,

Each and every one of you who serve are my heros every day. May God bless you and keep you safe.