An Iraq Tale Vol 8: (Another Long Night, Thanks To Murphy)

News Type: Other — Sun Mar 9, 2008 9:50 AM EDT

world-news, iraq, troops, baghdad, mission, convoy, iraqdiary, oif, murphys-law

A picture of the road from our motor pool. Yes it is a bit dusty.

Some times the days can start out perfect. Yesterday another mission day could not have started out better. At our daily gun line brief our Section Leader was putting out the "poop". All the brief times and when we leave from Liberty to run our mission. Then the good stuff started, he went over the time line of events for our rapidly approaching re-deployment back to Indiana. Everything was going great. Another easy night. I was to be the gunner in the first truck. I volunteered, so the other guy could have a much needed night off. Not to mention, I am working my way to the 100th mission, a milestone I want to complete before I get home.

So as we made our way into the brief tent, I first noticed a lot of new green suiters (military personnel). This should have been an indication the night was going to be messed up and we where in for another long night. As the night progressed things became worse and worse. From the start the mission was horrible. First, the "cherry" green suiters staged in the wrong area. Next along one of our routes there was another mission laying barriers that made us take a detour. Then the FOB we where escorting our convoy too was not only just mortared, but had a few convoys coming in and out which caused us to play the waiting game until the other convoys rolled out/in. Finally our job was done and we had chow.

The way back was no better. Not only was the same route blocked off, but we where detoured down a black route (a dangerous route do to high IED/EFP activity). And while traveling down this route, the cherry green suiters, not only took one wrong turn, they took two. This caused a cluster because we had to go through the slow painful process of turning them around, and getting them back on course. So all in all what should have been an early night, turned into another Iraqi sunrise. Finally, we made it back and I cleared my gun slipped on my iPod and zoned out thinking to myself how messed up a night it had been.

As we rolled down the road back to our gun line a realized something that had been playing in the back of my mind for some time. You see it does not matter what the mission or who is in charge. No matter who is the highest ranking person is on that particular mission. There is always *Murphy's Law, you see Old Murphy out ranks anyone. Murphy can be a general or a private but he always gets the best of us all. No matter what facet of life we are in we all have to deal with Murphy, he has been mucking up even the best laid plans since the beginning of time. I smiled a little thinking of this. I thought of all the "easy" missions that turned crappy because of a flat tire, a truck running out of gas, new guys, a sandstorm, or whatever happens to hold up progress and stop us from getting back to whatever we want to do. I also realized that sometimes maybe Murphy isn't so bad, that although I might be a little more tired when I wake up, I learned a lot. I also saw that no matter what Murphy puts in front of us we always find a way to get back. And although the mission sucked, we did all in fact make it back. So In truth, I guess it was a good mission after all.

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{"commentId":1557641,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Murphy's law is an adage in Western culture that broadly states that things will go wrong in any given situation, if you give them a chance. "If there's more than one possible outcome of a job or task, and one of those outcomes will result in disaster or an undesirable consequence, then somebody will do it that way." It is most often cited as "Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong" (or, alternately, "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time, in the worst possible way" or, "Anything that can go wrong, will," or "If anything can go wrong, it will, and usually at the most inopportune moment"). The saying is sometimes referred to as Sod's law or Finagle's law which can also be rendered as "Anything that can go wrong, will—at the worst possible moment".

This is from Wikipedia a definition of Murphy's Law for anyone who does not know it. I would like to thank everyone who has read this article. I enjoyed writing and hope everyone enjoyed it. I also hope everyone has a safe and great weekend.

{"commentId":1557641,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

8 votes

#1 - Sun Mar 9, 2008 9:56 AM EDT

{"commentId":1558007,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

RebelGirl

Great article... glad you are safe.

{"commentId":1558007,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

4 votes

#1.1 - Sun Mar 9, 2008 12:26 PM EDT

{"commentId":1563392,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks Melissa how was your trip? I am glad to see you back.

{"commentId":1563392,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

3 votes

#1.2 - Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:19 PM EDT

{"commentId":1565342,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

RebelGirl

Hey you!

Trip was good, lost my A$$, but that is what Vegas is all about, but I had a few crown and cokes for you, as promised, but there were also a few bloody mary's and maybe a corona or two! Maybe that is why I lost my A$$!!

Unfortunately, my new mutt Rascal had a field day in my absence ;O(

Glad you are back and hope to catch up with you later via email.

C Ya... Mel :O)

{"commentId":1565342,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

2 votes

#1.3 - Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:04 PM EDT

{"commentId":1570283,"authorDomain":"tang"}

Calvin Tang

Gotta like a gal who drinks Crown Royal.

{"commentId":1570283,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"tang"}

2 votes

#1.4 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":1570306,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

RebelGirl

LOL.. thanks Calvin! That made my day! Extra Dirty Martini's too!

{"commentId":1570306,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

1 vote

#1.5 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:11 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571052,"authorDomain":"yourbiggestfan"}

the states

Greetings from Ohio!! I read your email...wow...I can only just imagine... I just want you to know we LOVE you Guys more than -CHOCOLATE! Take Care - drop me a line anytime!!

{"commentId":1571052,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"yourbiggestfan"}

3 votes

#1.6 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:51 PM EDT

{"commentId":1572929,"authorDomain":"mispola"}

Reeves

Have you ever thought what you would feel if the roles were reverse and the patrol down the street was being done by Iraqis and America was being occupied.

{"commentId":1572929,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"mispola"}

1 vote

#1.7 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:28 AM EDT

{"commentId":1574400,"authorDomain":"david-16"}

ddoughtyjd

If the Iraqis has freed us from a despot like Saddam Hussein, I would have been waiving and cheering them.

Thanks guys (and gals). I know you have a tough job over there and that Murphy can make it even tougher. But know that you will always have at least one American's unfailing support.

Keep your stuff wired tight and make it home safe.

Dave Doughty

{"commentId":1574400,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"david-16"}

#1.8 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:12 PM EDT

{"commentId":1575467,"authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}

backroads

That's right -- be supportive.

{"commentId":1575467,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}

1 vote

#1.9 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:51 PM EDT

{"commentId":1581216,"authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

Warren Johnson

Who were you with and when were you there. I was sheriff 15 and did counter IED and some route clearance areound B-dad

{"commentId":1581216,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

#1.10 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:54 AM EDT

{"commentId":1588655,"authorDomain":"thegoldenpear"}

thegoldenpear

Thank you for keeping the U.S. informed, my son is also in Iraq only 2 months to go! The longest 2 months of my life. My prayers are with ALL of our brave men and women in harms way, you are much loved. The advise I gave to my son before he left, and I would like to share with you is, always listen to that "small voice", its what God uses to speak to you. And all ways do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do.

{"commentId":1588655,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"thegoldenpear"}

1 vote

#1.11 - Mon Mar 17, 2008 1:53 PM EDT

{"commentId":1557669,"authorDomain":"seward"}

Sandie Seward

Thank you, Rob. I enjoyed reading that, in fact, whilst I don't agree with what is happening in Iraq, I do appreciate the dangers and sacrifices you and your comrades face every day and night.

Thank you for sharing with us. Take care, my friend, and return home safely. Blessings Be.

{"commentId":1557669,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"seward"}

4 votes

#2 - Sun Mar 9, 2008 10:11 AM EDT

{"commentId":1563398,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks Sandy. It is tough some night and others it can be pretty easy. I guess it is all a crap shoot.

{"commentId":1563398,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

4 votes

#2.1 - Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:21 PM EDT

{"commentId":1558386,"authorDomain":"hemphill"}

hemphill

I think everyone has been Murphy's plaything at some point. If you all made it back ok, it was a good mission. Good Luck.

{"commentId":1558386,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"hemphill"}

3 votes

#3 - Sun Mar 9, 2008 2:18 PM EDT

{"commentId":1563411,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Always a success when we all make it back no matter how ate up things get. Thanks for the comment hemphill.

{"commentId":1563411,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

3 votes

#3.1 - Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:23 PM EDT

{"commentId":1558838,"authorDomain":"LAUHAL63"}

lauhal

Phew! You're safe! Stay that way, will ya?! Take care, Rob.

{"commentId":1558838,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"LAUHAL63"}

3 votes

#4 - Sun Mar 9, 2008 5:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":1563424,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Phew! You're safe! Stay that way, will ya?! Take care, Rob.

I always do, I got to make it back for my family. Thanks for the comment glad you stopped by.

{"commentId":1563424,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

3 votes

#4.1 - Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:27 PM EDT

{"commentId":1559335,"authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}

backroads

Cluster, as in cluster flop?

Must be tough to actually be named Murphy.

{"commentId":1559335,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}

5 votes

#5 - Sun Mar 9, 2008 8:21 PM EDT

{"commentId":1561999,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

Jared Kardos

Now that I think about it, it puts some new meaning into Robocop...

"Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, in the most bloody and gory way humanly possible."

{"commentId":1561999,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

3 votes

#5.1 - Mon Mar 10, 2008 3:28 PM EDT

{"commentId":1563436,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks 'road and Jared it was a tough night but as always we fund a way to make it work.

{"commentId":1563436,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

3 votes

#5.2 - Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:31 PM EDT

{"commentId":1559594,"authorDomain":"PurelyPolitical"}

Bodhi1

Stumbled it! Your work deserves a BIG audience Rob.

(Oh, and feel free to add me as your friend on StumbleUpon too!)

{"commentId":1559594,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"PurelyPolitical"}

2 votes

#6 - Sun Mar 9, 2008 9:45 PM EDT

{"commentId":1563448,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Your work deserves a BIG audience Rob.

I feel the same way about your work. Thanks for the comment Bodhi. And I'll check out Stumbleupon.

{"commentId":1563448,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#6.1 - Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:33 PM EDT

{"commentId":1560970,"authorDomain":"blai"}

BlaiseP

Foxtrot Romeo November. FNGs should not be going outside the wire without competent people around. One cluster on a run? Ecch....

Two, unforgivable. Someone has his head up his ass.

{"commentId":1560970,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"blai"}

1 vote

#7 - Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:54 AM EDT

{"commentId":1563458,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Ah they have to learn sometime. I just think they have a hard time following the truck in front of them. Since we lead out and we know the route. I was in front so I didn't see the wrong turns because they where in the back. No big deal hopefully they learn from their mistakes.

Thanks for the comment and stopping by.

{"commentId":1563458,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#7.1 - Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:36 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571412,"authorDomain":"blai"}

BlaiseP

I've just got to say that's a really terrible attitude, soldier. Keep an eye on the FNGs and put someone with a clue in vehicle with them. FNGs off the route get ambushed and shot to pieces, FNGs have not learned convoy skills. Until they have, they require supervision. You make sure they get some. They don't go on point, they don't trail. They go right in the middle.

The very idea. The FNGs are going to get their asses in a sling, then you'll have to enter the kill zone to do the exfil, and then it's all over but the crying. Out in some nasty little corner of the ville, you'll get more fight than you bargained for. This fight is a lot bigger than you are, Rob, and the one thing we've learned from this war is the enemy's ability to do wonderfully effective ambushes.

{"commentId":1571412,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"blai"}

1 vote

#7.2 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:43 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574855,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Actually they where in the middle, sometimes I think people never learned how to play the game follow the leader. I am also not to sure how new they where there faces where all new to me as well as the fact they didn't seem to know what was going on at any given time. But like I said we had a truck in front of and behind them and considering at least half those in the trucks outranked me I think they should have done just a little better. But thanks for the advice and comment. I will do what I can to keep the New guys in place next time, :)

{"commentId":1574855,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#7.3 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":1564995,"authorDomain":"tang"}

Calvin Tang

Any mission that you all make it back from is a good mission. Glad to see you here, Rob.

{"commentId":1564995,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"tang"}

3 votes

#8 - Tue Mar 11, 2008 11:29 AM EDT

{"commentId":1565250,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks Calvin, I would like to thank you and all of newsvine for giving me the opprtunity to express myself here. I enjoy writing about my experiences and this gives me a little forum to do so. So Thanks to you and all here.

{"commentId":1565250,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

5 votes

#8.1 - Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:39 PM EDT

{"commentId":1570290,"authorDomain":"tang"}

Calvin Tang

Absolutely Rob, you continue to be our eyes and ears on the ground in Iraq. BTW, if I haven't mentioned it already, here is a page you can use to upload photos and/or video to msnbc.com. Just include a note telling them what your Newsvine column is.

{"commentId":1570290,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"tang"}

2 votes

#8.2 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:09 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571212,"authorDomain":"tang"}

Calvin Tang

Oops, forgot the link.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23503463/

{"commentId":1571212,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"tang"}

2 votes

#8.3 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:40 PM EDT

{"commentId":1565638,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

Then the good stuff started, he went over the time line of events for our rapidly approaching re-deployment back to Indiana.

Are you from Indiana or are you just based out of there? I'm from Indiana originally.

{"commentId":1565638,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

2 votes

#9 - Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":1568714,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

I am from Indiana, I am in the National Guard, I live in Indy (GO COLTS!!!!!!). I really can't wait I miss home pretty bad. Thanks for your comment.

{"commentId":1568714,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

5 votes

#9.1 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:55 AM EDT

{"commentId":1568824,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

Yeah, a fellow Hoosier. My kids are the only ones in Virginia with Colts jackets, much to my husband's chagrin (he's a Panthers fan).

{"commentId":1568824,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

3 votes

#9.2 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:24 AM EDT

{"commentId":1570805,"authorDomain":"valentinejv1977"}

Jason-251449

Rob, glad you are safe and hopefully coming back to the world soon. 8 years in service taught me that Murphy is always around. Be sure you plan your battle drills, routes, and always keep fire support in the radio. SAS says "he who plans wins." Be sure you always plan better then the bad guys!!

{"commentId":1570805,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"valentinejv1977"}

2 votes

#10 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:33 PM EDT

{"commentId":1573924,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

"he who plans wins." Be sure you always plan better then the bad guys!!

Believe me there is a lot of planning that goes on. Thanks for your comment friend.

{"commentId":1573924,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#10.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:11 PM EDT

{"commentId":1570860,"authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

Warren Johnson

Good article. I sent 16 months at Liberty. Yes Murphy exists. On night my recovery escort got mis-oreinted and we spent 8 hours wandering the steets of Baghdad. We went up and down Vernon about 3 times. I am sure you know it's reputation. but we got back OK.

{"commentId":1570860,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

1 vote

#11 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:53 PM EDT

{"commentId":1573973,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Yeah it is amazing sometime "easy money" can be money earned the hard way. We are pretty lucky, most missions these days are very smooth.

{"commentId":1573973,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#11.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:22 PM EDT

{"commentId":1570898,"authorDomain":"m-corron"}

Matt-251464

God bless you guys and thanks for the sacrifice you are making for us. I wish you guys in Indy wouldn't have stolen my Colts. Go RAVENS!!

{"commentId":1570898,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"m-corron"}

1 vote

#12 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":1573987,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Go Ravens, LOL. Sorry about the Colts. But I will cheer them for you. Thanks for the comment.

{"commentId":1573987,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#12.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:26 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571001,"authorDomain":"js2324"}

Susan-251476

I am glad to hear our soldiors are doing well. This is not about your suppor for Hamas & Amirsoleymani, Naz

{"commentId":1571001,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"js2324"}

1 vote

#13 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:39 PM EDT

{"commentId":1581648,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks for your comment and kind words.

{"commentId":1581648,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

#13.1 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:43 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571022,"authorDomain":"greg3d"}

ann oden

hope all is well. love you for what you do. stay safe.

{"commentId":1571022,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"greg3d"}

1 vote

#14 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:45 PM EDT

{"commentId":1581650,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

HI Ann,
Thanks for the comment, and I am doing my best at staying safe :)

{"commentId":1581650,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

#14.1 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:45 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571040,"authorDomain":"hrmcguire1976"}

pagan mother

I want to say thanks for all that you are doing. We appreciate it even though there are some who are against the whole reason you are there doing what you have to. I am sure there is a lot of good coming from your being there. I hope this finds you in good health and your family in good spirits. As a former ground pounder myself I know the Murphy saga all too well. Electrical Eng. when I was still in. I done my 4 and began my family. We have a flag up at dawn and it comes down at dusk and I hope it makes you feel better to know, my kids line their shoes up by their beds, roll their clothes in their dresser, and keep their beds tucked quarter tight. They chose to do this for all the men and women in the forces who go thru hell everyday, just being away from their families.

Brightest Blessings to you and your family both at home and abroad.

feel free to mail if you like hrmcguire1976@hotmail.com

{"commentId":1571040,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"hrmcguire1976"}

2 votes

#15 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:48 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574871,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thank you for the wonderful comment and thank your wonderful children from me for keeping us in their thoughts. As I have written in the past although at times it can be pretty crappy here it is an honor and my pleasure serving our country.

Thanks again,

Rob

{"commentId":1574871,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

#15.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:29 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571087,"authorDomain":"jtmrr"}

jim-251488

Murphies law exist in everyones life but thanks to you and your fellow comrades and what you do you make a difference for all of us at home , Thanks and take care

{"commentId":1571087,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"jtmrr"}

2 votes

#16 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:01 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574919,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

True Jim, but the best part about Murphy is learning from your mistakes. Thanks for your comment and kind words.

{"commentId":1574919,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

#16.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:45 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571103,"authorDomain":"barbieracegirl"}

christine24

Hi Rob, Thank you for your article. I am always curious what is going on with our soldiers and what it must be like so far away from home. I just wanted to comment on your positive attitude around all the feedback received. You are very gracious...Be safe...

{"commentId":1571103,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"barbieracegirl"}

2 votes

#17 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574878,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thank you Christine,
I consider myself lucky to have a place to write my thought and feelings. And maybe help others to see things from a little different perspective.

{"commentId":1574878,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

#17.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:32 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571110,"authorDomain":"swansonh"}

Swaney

Enjoyed your blog. Thanks for all you do. Know a bit of "Murphy" too. Retired at 30yrs with USAF and that was 13 yrs ago. Time flies, later, though some days seem to drag...it really does go quickly. Do what you can, and enjoy what you do. We learn from all our experiences, good and bad. Best of luck, keep it real.

{"commentId":1571110,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"swansonh"}

2 votes

#18 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:09 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574888,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

30 years, wow hats off to you my friends. Thank you for your kind words and more importantly your service.

{"commentId":1574888,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#18.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571125,"authorDomain":"lisa-isham"}

lisa&dowell

Rob,bless you and all our men and women.We pray for that each mission is safe and that you all can return home soon.There is no greater gift that you can give to anyone ,but for what you are doing with your service for all AMERICAN'S in this war.Please stay safe,dowell&lisa

{"commentId":1571125,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"lisa-isham"}

2 votes

#19 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:14 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574894,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thank you, and I also hope for safe missions for all my brothers and sisters serving wherever they are.

{"commentId":1574894,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

#19.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:37 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571133,"authorDomain":"fkendalls"}

The Major

Stumbled on your blog, Air evac currently at Anaconda. Stay safe out there we appreciate you guys!!!!!!!!!!

{"commentId":1571133,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"fkendalls"}

2 votes

#20 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:15 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574900,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Anaconda!!, Air Evac, we appreciate you and stay safe too Sir. Thanks for the comment.

{"commentId":1574900,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#20.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:39 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571146,"authorDomain":"teri-h"}

Teri-2008

Rob,

No matter how much we read in the paper or watch on tv we will never truly understand what the soldiers go through. I appreciate a small glimpse into what daily life is like.

I'm grateful to you and the other men and women who serve.

God bless and stay safe.

We're looking forward to having all of you home soon.

Please feel free to write if you wish.

Teri

{"commentId":1571146,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"teri-h"}

2 votes

#21 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:19 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574913,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thank you Teri, I am glad to give you a different perspective. And bless you too.

{"commentId":1574913,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

#21.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:43 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571149,"authorDomain":"anniegalusa"}

Ann S.

You and your service is appreciated. My nephew is a Marine over there and I pray for the soldiers
nightly. Take care and be safe.

{"commentId":1571149,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"anniegalusa"}

2 votes

#22 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":1576576,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Hi Ann thanks for your comment, I hope your nephew is well and he wish him and your family all my best.

{"commentId":1576576,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#22.1 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:16 AM EDT

{"commentId":1571161,"authorDomain":"swansonh"}

Swaney

Enjoyed your blog. Good to hear all went well. I know a bit about "murphy" after 30 yrs in the USAF. Didn't pull any grunt duty, but had plenty of Murphyisms. Keep the faith, try to enjoy what you do. When you think back on it, the time really does go by too quickly. Though some days seem to drag, I know. You're working on the 100, but I bet you still remember #1 and a few of the ones in between. Stay safe, and thanks for all you all are doing.

{"commentId":1571161,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"swansonh"}

2 votes

#23 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:22 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571194,"authorDomain":"sageone"}

sageone

Glad to read your blog and to know that you returned safe. I pray daily for all of you and thank God we have so many people ready to do what needs to be done before it reaches our front door. My son is leaving soon for his second trip to the big sandbox. I have faith that both you and he will return home to the arms of those who love you and to the thanks of our nation, for your service.

{"commentId":1571194,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"sageone"}

#24 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:34 PM EDT

{"commentId":1571217,"authorDomain":"soozapalooza2002"}

Susana-251523

A beautiful article! Thank you for the insight into your world right now! We, back home, thank you and are grateful to all of you for serving your country! You are TRULY appreciated. God Bless!

{"commentId":1571217,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"soozapalooza2002"}

2 votes

#25 - Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:42 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574928,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks so much, I love writing and am glad you enjoyed the blog. I am also proud to serve our country, thank you and bless you.

{"commentId":1574928,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

#25.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:48 PM EDT

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ROB BALLEW

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An Iraq Tale Vol 8: (Another Long Night, Thanks To Murphy)

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