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":1572592,"authorDomain":"bowmans"}

Steve Bowman

It's great to hear that you can put a little comedy to your experiences. I'm an Air Force retiree and spent overhalf of my career overseas. Your exoeriences sound like some of the ones I had years ago.

Stay safe, protect your brothers/sisters, and may the good lord keep looking over you.

God Bless you

{"commentId":1572592,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"bowmans"}

1 vote

#51 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:51 AM EDT

{"commentId":1572752,"authorDomain":"kmfay"}

HoosierGal

Hey Rob - Just started reading your posts...great writing...lets us, here at home, get an honest look at whats going on w/ our awesome soldiers on the front lines. I understand you are a Hoosier also...well make sure you come back home safe! Here is an old Pueblo Blessing I will be saying for you:
"Hold on to what is good even if it is a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe even if it is a tree which stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do even if it is a long way from here. Hold on to life even when it is easier letting go. Hold on to my hand even when I have gone away from you."

I will be looking forward to reading more of your articles and posts. In the meantime...Here in "Hoosierville" we send all in your unit our prayers and best wishes for your safe return.

{"commentId":1572752,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"kmfay"}

1 vote

#52 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:42 AM EDT

{"commentId":1572851,"authorDomain":"leo66"}

Kyle/Marine Officer

Great writing, you are definitely one of the many insightful, competent men our military needs. Just an afterthought, and take this w/a grain of salt (personally I believe Iraq was a horrendous mistake from a national strategic/foreign policy level-it is a war that never should have happened.) Do savor your remaining time there and every day think about how important your job is-when you get home that satisfaction can never be replicated. You will find yourself wanting to be back in the game, it is a psychological quirk in all of us. Did Beirut '83, Mogadishu '95 and was out in the Al Anbar province '05-06. Every day I miss those days and buddies. You are on the mark on the incoming personnel, that was all of us at one point, so do everything to help them you would want someone to do for you when you first arrived on station. Stay safe and good luck on your eventual homecoming.

{"commentId":1572851,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"leo66"}

3 votes

#53 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:09 AM EDT

{"commentId":1572946,"authorDomain":"mispola"}

Reeves

Have you thought about how you would feel or what you would do if the roles were reversed and the patrol down "your" block was Iraqi soldiers occupying America?

{"commentId":1572946,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"mispola"}

#54 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:32 AM EDT

{"commentId":1573881,"authorDomain":"jnealis"}

jnealis

Have you thought about how you would feel or what you would do if the roles were reversed and the patrol down "your" block was Iraqi soldiers occupying America?

If im not mistaken that is the second time you posted the same comment. And Im trying to figure out the point in your comment. Are you saying that if Iraqis were patrolling our streets, and running convoys on U.S soil that we would be pissed off and start blowing them up? Well that depends, if the roles were reversed and our country needed the help that Iraq needs, and another country offered their help by taking insurgents and criminals off the streets. Then no, I would be thankful.

But on the other side of the fence, if its the same scenario, and Billy Bob insurgent is pissed off because another country is coming in and trying to clean up the streets, and teach his fellow countrymen and women that a country doesn't need to be run on terror and violence. Well now thats taking the business of terror out of Billy Bobs hands. And Im sure he's pissed off about it.

My point is, it doesn't matter if the roles were reversed it would be the same way in any country it played out in. You will have people that are grateful, and you will have people who are to narrow minded in their ways to want to see any type of good change. So tell me reeves, why do you think it is so important for me, or Rob, or anybody to think about what it would feel like if Iraqis were "patroling down our block" as you put it.

Here is whats important about us "patroling down their block" 1. We are giving a country a chance to be free 2. We are a volunteer force, risking our lives for Iraqi families so their children will have the chance to grow up in a civilized society. 3. It is our job to patrol their streets, so we can go home to our families and loved ones.

Now I can't speak for everyone on that, but those are a few of my reasons for doing this job here. I think if your going to post a comment on somebody elses article then you need to put some sort of substance behind it.

Good article Rob keep on writing

{"commentId":1573881,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"jnealis"}

4 votes

#54.1 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:03 PM EDT

{"commentId":1573914,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks J. I agree totally couldn't have said it better myself. Man you would think we live in the same trailer or something. :)

Honestly Reeves, I think about this every time I go out and I treat the Iraqis the way I would want to be treated if the situation where reversed. I treat them with kindness and dignity Thank you for your comment and thank you J. for your response.

{"commentId":1573914,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#54.2 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:09 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574488,"authorDomain":"ryanspradlin"}

Ryan-251727

It is a shame that in some arenas the politics of this war have done damage to those who are fighting it. We have been indoctrinated with the media generated misconception that being a thoughtful and considerate person and fighting in Iraq are somehow mutually exclusive. I was never in favor of this war but I know a lot of really good people who are on the ground trying to do the best they can with the situation they have been given. I think your article does a great job at articulating that. We need to hear more from the soldiers and less from the Generals and politicians. It's the only way any of us at home will ever begin to REALLY understand what is going on.

{"commentId":1574488,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ryanspradlin"}

1 vote

#54.3 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:38 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574605,"authorDomain":"vondy726"}

Gun 1

Almost all of us here think about this everytime we go outside the wire. Rob is right. We treat them with dignity and respect. We communicate with them as best we can in their language. We help them when the situation will allow. I have even gone as far as to thank them for allowing us to do our job here. Anybody can make a comment about the war on a website, but it takes more courage to be here doing something about it. Mr. Reeves, if you are that concerned about how the Iraqi people are being treated by us I invite you to come here and do the job so that you can treat them with the proper respect that you apparently do not think we are capable of.

{"commentId":1574605,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"vondy726"}

2 votes

#54.4 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:08 PM EDT

{"commentId":1573413,"authorDomain":"rabor"}

Ronald A. Borders

It was nice to see. I have a son on his secound tour somewhere ouside of Baghdad it gives me a perspective of what he might be doing. I wish this guy all the best and hope he makes it home safe.

{"commentId":1573413,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"rabor"}

#55 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":1573442,"authorDomain":"rabor"}

Ronald A. Borders

It was nice to see. I have a son on his secound tour somewhere ouside of Baghdad it gives me a perspective of what he might be doing. I wish this guy all the best and hope he makes it home safe.

{"commentId":1573442,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"rabor"}

#56 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:27 PM EDT

{"commentId":1573518,"authorDomain":"TammyH"}

SSGwife

My husband is deployed for a long mission over there and has said that he has been on missions like this before and it makes you wonder sometimes where these guys and girls get their training or if the even pay attention to their training when they get it. I can understand that things like this happen to anyone, but when your in the line of duty in a war zone, you have to be careful because it is not only your life you have to protect, it is the life of your fellow soldiers who are with you. I am glad you all made it back and I hope you will all make it back soon to your families safe and sound. The same that I wish for mu husband and his troops. We are praying for you all!

{"commentId":1573518,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"TammyH"}

1 vote

#57 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:42 PM EDT

{"commentId":1573522,"authorDomain":"TammyH"}

SSGwife

{"commentId":1573522,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"TammyH"}

1 vote

#58 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:43 PM EDT

{"commentId":1573540,"authorDomain":"TammyH"}

SSGwife

I love the story and I hope you keep writing your feelings on paper. It hels to get the anger and stress off your mind so you can concentrate more on what is going on around you. My husband keeps a journal for his eyes only...but to get things off his chest at the end of a long day..especially the bad days...Just an idea! Good Luck to you soldier. I hope to see more of your stories in the future.

{"commentId":1573540,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"TammyH"}

1 vote

#59 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":1573734,"authorDomain":"sdfultz"}

Jumpmaster82

Dude, nothting like hearing the real daily grind of what's happening, the biggest thing I heard from you and it makes me proud is you said no matter Murphys plan, you still pushed on to accomplish the mission.
That's soldiering.
Thanks

{"commentId":1573734,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"sdfultz"}

#60 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:30 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574171,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

I would like to say HI and thanks to all the new people here on newsvine as well as some of the old people it is great to see so many kind people here wishing me well. I am glad to have the opportunity to write and now be read by so many. I am so deeply humbled and am happy people enjoy what I write. There will be more to come.

Thanks again,
Rob

{"commentId":1574171,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

3 votes

#61 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":1574475,"authorDomain":"canddkelly"}

Dan-252312Deleted

{"commentId":1574502,"authorDomain":"canddkelly"}

Dan-252312Deleted

{"commentId":1575043,"authorDomain":"eddiefrench"}

Eddie French

I can't believe I missed this one until now.
Thanks Rob.

{"commentId":1575043,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"eddiefrench"}

2 votes

#64 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:30 PM EDT

{"commentId":1576559,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Hey Eddie, thanks for dropping by. I am glad you made it. I'll be writing more in the coming days just need to get some inspiration. :)

{"commentId":1576559,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#64.1 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:06 AM EDT

{"commentId":1575265,"authorDomain":"tombob"}

tom-232927

The angles that surround you will deliver you home.

{"commentId":1575265,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"tombob"}

#65 - Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:43 PM EDT

{"commentId":1576028,"authorDomain":"christopher-weitkamp"}

Chris-252553

It never ceases to amaze me how quick people who have never been in a leadership position are to criticize somebody else's warfighting. And "green suiters", "poop"? Are you in the same Iraq that I am?

{"commentId":1576028,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"christopher-weitkamp"}

#66 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 2:16 AM EDT

{"commentId":1576501,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Hey Chris, No criticism here, honestly they did fine, It was just an example, i could have wrote about the night before last when a truck had a flat tire. But it was just the what happened the night before.

BTW I am TC for a gun truck and volunteered that night so another soldier could have the night off, so before you make accusations please ask first.

And finally we are in different unit, different units use different terms. Like "poop" = info and because we escort more than military vehicles ei. KBR local nationals as well as TCN, and of course military we use the term green suiters for any military I am green suiter and honestly don't mind being called that.

Look this was no meant in a negative way, it was a funny story for us. I apologoize if I offended you. Thanks for the comment it was appreciated.

{"commentId":1576501,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#66.1 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:41 AM EDT

{"commentId":1581212,"authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

Warren Johnson

Who were you with? I was Sheriff 15 and did counter IED and some route clearance.

{"commentId":1581212,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

#66.2 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:52 AM EDT

{"commentId":1581318,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

I am actually still here, and I have contacted Sheriff 15, where where you stationed? What FOB? Had to have been Victory or IZ.

{"commentId":1581318,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#66.3 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:18 PM EDT

{"commentId":1582281,"authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

Warren Johnson

I was at Liberty accross from the fuel point where the KBR/TCN convoys staged. With the Red Bulls from Minnesota. Our bde did convoy escorts from Tallil all over.

{"commentId":1582281,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

1 vote

#66.4 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 4:50 PM EDT

{"commentId":1582293,"authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

Warren Johnson

I was at Liberty for 16 months accross from the fuel point where the KBR/TCN convoys staged with the Red Bulls from Minnesota

{"commentId":1582293,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

1 vote

#66.5 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 4:54 PM EDT

{"commentId":1582361,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Cool, I know just what you are saying. Plus my first tour here in '93 I was at Tallil. Cool nice to see you on here thanks for the comment.

{"commentId":1582361,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

#66.6 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 5:21 PM EDT

{"commentId":1582489,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Actually make that '03 for my firt tour here lol. Thanks again for the comment.

{"commentId":1582489,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#66.7 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 6:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":1584003,"authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

Warren Johnson

Was the Puerto Ricn Nationl Guard eng unit still there when you arrived? they were the guys I rode route clearance with. great unit.

{"commentId":1584003,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"warren-leonidas-johnson"}

#66.8 - Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:12 AM EDT

{"commentId":1576090,"authorDomain":"GetoutofIraq"}

GetoutofIraqDeleted

{"commentId":1576991,"authorDomain":"lesliefox58"}

Leslie - mom of former Marine

Hey, Rob! Thanks for the story & especially for giving some of these thankless morons the privilege of voicing their views without relatiation. I'm proud of you! We all have 'jobs', but not many of us have jobs that make such a profound impact on so many lives. You may not have joined up realizing what military life would be like, but you do what you're instructed to do, without question, & you put your life on the line each & every day for ME & for all Americans, regardless of whether they support you or not. You even understand that not everyone supports you, & it's okay. It's okay because of you, & all your fellow comrades, who sleep with one eye open, eat crap you'd never eat at home when you can, you feel lucky if you can bathe & have a chance to change your clothes, even when you do sleep you're awakened by gunfire, etc. & you pray it's not the end for some of your closest friends. I could go on & on... My son did one tour as a machine gunner/tank mechanic. He got shot at, had 'suicide bomber' vehicles come at him, etc. & he killed some people when it was either them or him. And he still has nightmares. And he drinks to forget. And I cry. The news media only shows the most negative aspects of this horrific war. I know there's a lot of good stuff going on, too. I pray for all the soldiers daily. I believe God is watching over you, protecting you. Be safe & watch out for your brothers & sisters. Love & thanks to you!!!!!

{"commentId":1576991,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"lesliefox58"}

2 votes

#68 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 10:57 AM EDT

{"commentId":1577034,"authorDomain":"lesliefox58"}

Leslie - mom of former Marine

{"commentId":1577034,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"lesliefox58"}

1 vote

#69 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 11:05 AM EDT

{"commentId":1577097,"authorDomain":"fullershaven"}

Proud American-252641

I have a personal vested interest in American troops as there is a long military history in my family of those who have/still are serving in our armed forces. I say to all of you men and women; we love you all and pray everyday for your safe return!! I will never understand people who can so blatently bash our Troops, regardless of what you think personally about the war in Iraq or (any place else for that matter) you as an American citizen have a MORAL obligation to SUPPORT OUR ARMED FORCES! Our American Fighting Forces are still the best in the World and we owe everyone of them a debt of gratitude. Thank You from this Family! Come Home soon! GOD BLESS.

{"commentId":1577097,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"fullershaven"}

1 vote

#70 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 11:17 AM EDT

{"commentId":1577710,"authorDomain":"fullershaven"}

Proud American-252641

From the husband of "Proud American", I was very pleased to find that my wife had located this blog site, and I wish to part a few words of encouragement to you and your brothers in arms. Having spent 12 years in the military myself, I can empathise with you, having gone to Kuwait in 95, after all the really bad things (for them ) occurred. But I would like to comment on Morphy... Ponder this brother, had you not had a flat, or took a wrong turn, or the new guy caused a delay, some one ran out of gas, or a sand storm came up...what if instead of it being a muck up as your put it, these things had not caused a delay, what if the "bad guys" were waiting, and that sleight delay caused them to think you had changed your rout, and they moved. would you consider that maybe those things happened to keep you out of harms way? I don't know the politics of this war, I don't care. I do care that my fellow brothers in arms are in harms way. I pray to God for your and the other soldiers who are there to give a little of what we take for granted to a people who really don't know how to live without a boot on their neck. You keep safe, and God bless. and for those who have a real problem with what is going on, I say, wear the boots of a soldier, lug the ruck, and doge a bullet. If you don't like the US, get the hell out of MY country.

{"commentId":1577710,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"fullershaven"}

2 votes

#71 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:32 PM EDT

{"commentId":1578042,"authorDomain":"briahuntington"}

BHG

I enjoyed reading your acticle!! My husband is on his way to Anaconda to also do convoy missions. This is his 3rd deployment, but my 1st to deal with. I recently flew with many soldiers coming back from pass. They had the best attitude of any people I have met. It's amazing to me that you guys are so willing to help out others and don't think twice about why you have all joined the military. It makes me so proud to say my husband is in the Army. God bless you all! I pray for a quick and safe return for all of you!

~fellow Hoosier

{"commentId":1578042,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"briahuntington"}

1 vote

#72 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 2:50 PM EDT

{"commentId":1578221,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thank you BHG, I think I know what brigade your husband is part of. I was part of it my first tour here. I wish you and your family all the best and hope for your husband to have a safe tour and although I know there are going to be some tough times hang in there. I'll be praying for you and all the soldiers coming here with his unit.

{"commentId":1578221,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#72.1 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:33 PM EDT

{"commentId":1579484,"authorDomain":"edwardmckeen"}

Lt Col. USMC

Well let me call it like I see it Soldier. It's Nimrods like you with your failure to step up and take responsibility and a position of leadership that keeps our Military from putting the insurgents to bed for good and completing the mission! Twice you blamed the "cherry" green suiters for making a "cluster" of things. So tell me Your Royal Highness, to whom is it the responsibility to make sure the new guys are brought up to speed so that they can make an effective impact from the get go??? Before you hurt yourself thinking about it too much.....the answer is EVERYONE. You're lucky I'm not your Commanding Officer....otherwise you'd be digging my boot out of your colon!

{"commentId":1579484,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"edwardmckeen"}

#73 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":1579508,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

WOW, How is this my fault. I am not convoy commander nor am I in charge of these guys. Not to mention they are active duty and train for these missions everyday. I do what I can to help people but some people will not accept help especially from a lower ranking troop. There isn't much you can do when people think they are better than you because they out rank you. Sadly, that is the way of the military. I imagine all branches roll that way.Thanks for your comment sir. And welcome to newsvine,

{"commentId":1579508,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#73.1 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:54 PM EDT

{"commentId":1579580,"authorDomain":"edwardmckeen"}

Lt Col. USMC

How is this your fault? Well I'm glad you asked. I did not blame YOU specifically Soldier, but more the attitude I got from reading your post. The Military is a demanding job that requires a 24/7 effort in the areas of diligence and perseverance. There are effective ways to mentor those whom, shall we say, are of a lessor skill set both mentally and professionally. Condescending thought processes that lead to generalized name calling and labelling, to wit: "cherry green suiters" are not included in that list. I expect my Marines to rise above the barriers and social stereotypes that lead to the formation cliches and "us and them" thinking. You are only as strong as your weakest link, and when your ass is on the line, and I think you know what I mean, I refuse to allow ANYTHING to chance.

{"commentId":1579580,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"edwardmckeen"}

3 votes

#74 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:17 PM EDT

{"commentId":1579664,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Condescending thought processes that lead to generalized name calling and labelling, to wit: "cherry green suiters" are not included in that list. I expect my Marines to rise above the barriers and social stereotypes that lead to the formation cliches and "us and them" thinking.

True, I appreciate your being straight forward with me and will do my best to relay to my chain of command what I believe are some of the short comings of those we escort. Thanks again for the comment and setting me straight. I will do my best in the future to not be condescending and to do my best to make sure those who we escort are squared away thanks again sir.

{"commentId":1579664,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

4 votes

#74.1 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:45 PM EDT

{"commentId":1580128,"authorDomain":"leo66"}

Kyle/Marine Officer

Salutations again Mr Ballew. Have been following this article/comments for a couple days now, you're doing a heckuva' good job entertaining everyone's views-don't let anyone get you down. Have had the opportunity to serve w/both active and reserve units like yours, and hands-down would go back with a reserve unit over AD=had in my Plt electricians/plumbers/diesel mechanic farmboys/computer techs which enabled us to overcome a lot of infrastructure problems we had at our operating base. Also you reserve guys realized that it is probably your one great adventure in life and put forth way more enthusiasm every day. We ran into some of the same attitudes fm AD units that we were second rate but as w/your attitude we just went around or avoided those commands. Am looking fwd to your next posting.

{"commentId":1580128,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"leo66"}

2 votes

#75 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:03 AM EDT

{"commentId":1580430,"authorDomain":"billc711"}

WRC

Is there some list the Lt Col uses that says it is Ok to put a boot in some person's colon?? Leadership being a Lt Col, and they should have the grace and understanding that Rod has. May be some of the unspoken issues at hand In Iraq, if there many of the type of leadership attitudes and ineffective communicator Officers.

{"commentId":1580430,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"billc711"}

1 vote

#76 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 2:13 AM EDT

{"commentId":1580450,"authorDomain":"mrdiggler68"}

A. Long

Rob...great article!!! As a SFC on active duty and having just done my 14-month tour over there, I want to let you know 99.9% of us on active duty REALLY appreciate what you Guardsmen and women are doing. I know it's gotta be tough managing both "worlds", but you're all over it. I wish you and your boys the best and a speedy and safe return back to the greatest place on earth....Midwest USA!!!

{"commentId":1580450,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"mrdiggler68"}

1 vote

#77 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 2:26 AM EDT

{"commentId":1581180,"authorDomain":"dichie77"}

Greg_S

Hi Rob, Thanks for writing your experiences. I'm inpressed by your good sense of persepctive in the midst of difficulties beyond your control. Murphy's law is a fact of life in the computer engineering company I work at, but that's easy stuf compared to wrong turns on a mission where you are at. Take good care of yourself and your comrades (as I'm sure you do) and we will be looking forward to your safe return. You have our unqualified support. Cheers, -Greg-

{"commentId":1581180,"threadId":"231852","contentId":"1354026","authorDomain":"dichie77"}

1 vote

#78 - Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:42 AM 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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