An Iraq Tale Vol 18: ( The Last Mission )

News Type: Other — Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:18 AM EDT

world-news, us, iraq, troops, iraqdiary, an-iraq-tale, flat-stanley, last-mission

As many may have heard I am going home in a matter of days. Needless to say, the other night I had the opportunity to go on one last escort mission. OK, I really didn't have a choice, but I was still pretty stoked for one last ride. A last chance to roll down the streets of Baghdad one last time. So even if I was not on the original roster I would have volunteered anyways, call me glutton for punishment. I also had another motive. A friend sent me a "Flat Stanley",(a wonderfully colored picture of a fictional boy named Stanley who has adventures all over the world) for his child. So I thought, what better adventure for Stanley than to ride along on an escort mission in safely in my body armor. Making sure to bring a camera I secured Stanley in my body armor and we made our way to his first and my last mission.

My job this time was as an observer/consultant to the crew I was assigned to. Luckily the crew I had was pretty squared away and easy to teach from the start so I had the utmost faith in the TC . And although I was in the "VIP", a seat with no view in the back of an ASV, I was still pretty excited to hit the road again. I watched the gunner and TC and gave them pointers on a few things. As we made our way down the routes I took in the familiar sound of radio chatter as trucks called up check points as well as spot reports to one another. Because of my duty as a TC I found it pretty hard at times not to take charge of the truck. As well as biting my tongue while I listened to some of the chatter. One of the cool things was I would visualize each checkpoint as they called it. This was either a sign I had either been here to long or was going crazy. And as we made our way into our destination I decided that I wanted to hop in the gun on the way back.

During our few hours waiting to head back I decided to take time for a few photos with Flat Stanley with some vehicles and a couple buddies. I also asked the TC if he minded if I could be gunner on the way back. I think this surprised him a little, but he said sure and happily I made my way to chow. My friend "V" also decided he would gun on the way back too. Happily, I waited with my buddies for our return trip back to our FOB. These times in between I found to be the times we all talked the most, this time was no different. We joked about missions from the past months, made fun of one another ( a pastime for us), and just hung out waiting around and generally wasting time. We did this until the convoy commander yelled "load up and get ready for movement". Gearing up, we all climbed into our respective vehicles. I climbed into the turret and readied the gun for one last ride back to camp.

Finally, we left for our return trip I told the TC the machine gun was loaded and I was ready.Taking it all in one last time. And as our convoy rumbled down the all to familiar routes. The dark night sky brightened by flares off of helicopters and the spotlights from our gun trucks. The distant buildings look like shadows of a home that at times seemed so far away. The sounds of stray dogs barking, our vehicles, and the constant radio chatter as trucks call off each checkpoint and alert one another of possible threats. The smell of sewage and smoldering trash filled the air. Passing all the buildings and checkpoints that had become so familiar to me. It finally dawned on me that this was it. No more missions for us. And as we made our way slowly into the ECP, I cleared my weapon and I smiled. One last mission down and Flat Stanley had his fist mission too. Not a bad night at all.

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{"commentId":1731798,"authorDomain":"blughst20"}

BlueGhost Two-Zero

I just started reading your newsvine in the last few weeks. I'm a Nam Vet and both my Sons have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. My eldest (RA) is scheduled to go back to Iraq in a little bit. How have things changed in the past years you've been there? And thanks again for your blog it is great reading how you brothers are doing. I'll tell one thing. When you're a combat vet (me) I think it is much harder to wait at home for your loved one to come back. I would of been easier for me to go

{"commentId":1731798,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"blughst20"}

3 votes

#26 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 11:36 PM EDT

{"commentId":1735557,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thank you for the comment and more importantly thanks for yours and your families service. I understand how hard it is, I do not have any family serving but I feel the pain knowing I could be here helping. Sometimes that is actually tougher than being here. Thank You sir for your comment I am honored you stopped by.

{"commentId":1735557,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#26.1 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:41 PM EDT

{"commentId":1731851,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

Jared Kardos

Glad to see you're heading back home. Hope you get back safe and sound and spend much deserved time with tu familia. :)

{"commentId":1731851,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

3 votes

#27 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 12:08 AM EDT

{"commentId":1735563,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks Jared for the comment it is nice to know maybe next week at this time I'll be lying on my own bed:) I will do my best to keep everyone updated in things.

{"commentId":1735563,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#27.1 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:42 PM EDT

{"commentId":1732084,"authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}

backroads

You're returning home to some fine weather, Rob.

{"commentId":1732084,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}

4 votes

#28 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:30 AM EDT

{"commentId":1735564,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thats what I heard, Thanks for the comment friend.

{"commentId":1735564,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

2 votes

#28.1 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:43 PM EDT

{"commentId":1732093,"authorDomain":"bill-becker"}

wheelinwillie

Rob

Thanks and so glad you have a date with the 'bird. Be safe and tell your wife thanks for her sacrifice and God Bless you both. Continue to write Rob you have a real knack for it. I look forward to your upcoming book! WW

{"commentId":1732093,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"bill-becker"}

4 votes

#29 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:37 AM EDT

{"commentId":1735567,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

No book plans as of right now, but who knows right. Thanks for the comment and your kind words.

{"commentId":1735567,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

1 vote

#29.1 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:44 PM EDT

{"commentId":1732202,"authorDomain":"bobneve1"}

Wizeguy

Great news Rob. God Bless!!! I think my son gets out of there in June.

{"commentId":1732202,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"bobneve1"}

4 votes

#30 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 5:22 AM EDT

{"commentId":1734110,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks for stopping by and I pray for your sons safe return.

{"commentId":1734110,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

3 votes

#30.1 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:30 PM EDT

{"commentId":1732220,"authorDomain":"fullershaven"}

Proud American-252641

Great Article Rob, Thank you for sharing 1 last mission with us. Thank you for your commitment and sacrifice. God Bless you and your family. Look forward to your stuff from home. Godspeed! My hat is off to you!

{"commentId":1732220,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"fullershaven"}

4 votes

#31 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 5:56 AM EDT

{"commentId":1734074,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

And thank you my friend for always stopping by. I appreciate your support and am happy to have people like you stop by with kind words.

{"commentId":1734074,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

4 votes

#31.1 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":1732246,"authorDomain":"zenavermont"}

Zenavermont

Hey Rob, I just wanted to let you know that you made one comment above that isn't really true. You mentioned that you would maybe still be writing, but you wouldn't be as interesting. I don't believe that! The way you write should continue, it isn't just being in Iraq that makes you interesting, it is your view of life and the way you describe it. It won't matter what job you have in the States when you are back, it would still be interesting for you to write about the perspective of a returning soldier, and how our world here looks from eyes that saw so much in Iraq. You are a talented writer and should continue to offer the world your views and opinions...you have much to teach us all.
Thank you for your sacrifices for us, and for just being you!
Zena

{"commentId":1732246,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"zenavermont"}

2 votes

#32 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 6:36 AM EDT

{"commentId":1736493,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thank you for the comment, I appreciate it. This whole deployment brought things into perspective for me. I had some good times here as well as some not so good times, but it all made me change a bit. I would like to think it was all for the good. We will see though. As I said I do plan on finishing up my writing about the changes and look forward to writing "An Indianapolis Tale", although a bit nervous I am very excited. Thanks for the comment and kind words.

{"commentId":1736493,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

3 votes

#32.1 - Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:26 AM EDT

{"commentId":1732430,"authorDomain":"mwestenfelder"}

Martin Westenfelder

Hey, why are you so mean to us and leave Baghdad?

I for one like your front-line depeche

Can we make your tour extended through public acclamation or something?

{"commentId":1732430,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"mwestenfelder"}

4 votes

#33 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:34 AM EDT

{"commentId":1734060,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Martin, I think if I stick around toi much longer here my wife would kill me. She frightens me more than anything I have ever encountered on my 2 tours in Iraq. Thanks for the comment.

{"commentId":1734060,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

4 votes

#33.1 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":1735399,"authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}

OKrahoma

I know, Martin, we almost sound sad to hear that Rob is going home and leaving us without our Iraq blog. Rob, do you have an apprentice ready in line to take over your job of keeping us informed of the soldier's view of doing the job in Iraq? That would be nice, but I don't think most people would want to dedicate as much time to this as you obviously do. Plus, not many have the gift of writing a good tale.

{"commentId":1735399,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}

2 votes

#33.2 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:42 PM EDT

{"commentId":1733450,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}

Pamela Drew

It's been one heck of a tour for us Sir. For folks who have no skin in the game, it is good to know how it feels to invest a little heart. Humanity added into the numbers and policy helps to add much needed sanity to the discussions. Thank you, for all you have shared and the wisdom to do it in a way that has brought out the best in us, in the worst of topics for civil discussion. Maybe we should send you to the UN!! Once you're back and settled in, maybe you can upload pictures so we can meet Flat Stanley too. :~)

{"commentId":1733450,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}

4 votes

#34 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 12:25 PM EDT

{"commentId":1734049,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks Pamela I appreciate your comment and as always it is my pleasure to have you stop by. It is nice to know we are done but there will always be a part of me who thinks I did not do enough. I guess that is one of the setbacks of being in this line of work. Thanks again for your comment, and giving me a smile.

{"commentId":1734049,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

4 votes

#34.1 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:18 PM EDT

{"commentId":1733815,"authorDomain":"vondy726"}

Gun 1

Hey Rob, great story. Who is this "V" character? I would like to hear more about him.

{"commentId":1733815,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"vondy726"}

3 votes

#35 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 1:38 PM EDT

{"commentId":1734029,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

A pretty good friend who made time here a little more interesting. Who knows good old V might pop up again in the future. Thanks for your comment Gun 1 and thanks for never getting us lost.

{"commentId":1734029,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

4 votes

#35.1 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:14 PM EDT

{"commentId":1733995,"authorDomain":"maufoster5"}

Coffeemom

Hey Rob,

I haven't read much here but I am really blessed to here you're headed/ heading or home now. Thank you for everything you have done, Give your family my thoughts and prayers

Welcome Home!!

Coffeemom

{"commentId":1733995,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"maufoster5"}

4 votes

#36 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:10 PM EDT

{"commentId":1735572,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thanks for the comment and checking out my article. I am excited/nervous to be going home.

{"commentId":1735572,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

4 votes

#36.1 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:46 PM EDT

{"commentId":1735924,"authorDomain":"latchco"}

5soldiers

Rob, My last soldier is on his way home tonight. Can't wait. Please let us know you made it home safe. And I what to hear all about how big the children are and how beautiful your wife looked when you first laid eyes on her. Please know you have done your share and enjoy your family now they miss you so much. Sit back and just watch and listen to your children laugh, talk and play. You will be surprised at how much you will have to write about. I for one can't wait to hear all the cute things they have to say and ask. Believe me they will stun you. I know I'm a grandmother of 8 so I've heard a few things in my time. God Bless you and may he bring you home safe. And if you are ever in Cajun country give a shout. My e-mail is latchco@hotmail.com Oh we had a flat Stanley travel all over the world too. Would love to see some pics of him. Don't be nervous about going home. Kiss and hug your wife and babies for me. And tell them thanks for sharing you with our country.
Antoinette Latiolais

{"commentId":1735924,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"latchco"}

4 votes

#37 - Sat Apr 26, 2008 12:14 AM EDT

{"commentId":1736501,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thank you so much for the comment and stopping by. I look forward to seeing my kids and seeing how big they grow. I know my youngest sounds a lot like his big brother and I had accidentally mistaken him a few times. I miss my wife and kids terribly and am sure life will go back to the way it was prior to leaving. For me the only change I have is I am going to enjoy the small things just a little more. I Thank you so much for your comment and am glad you stopped by.

{"commentId":1736501,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

4 votes

#37.1 - Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:31 AM EDT

{"commentId":1736488,"authorDomain":"mmc0713"}

Michelle Connolly

Hey Rob, Good luck on your journey home. My bf won't be home for a while so I can only imagine how excited your wife and kids are! Enjoy every moment you have with them. And thank you for your excellent writing and for your bravery. Without men and women like you, I wouldn't have the freedoms I have. I will forever be grateful. Be safe.

Michelle

{"commentId":1736488,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"mmc0713"}

4 votes

#38 - Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:22 AM EDT

{"commentId":1736512,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rob Ballew

Thank you for stopping by and the kind words. I appreciate the sacrifice you and your boyfriend have made and pray for his safe return. Just stand behind him and never forget that he is anything like me you (his girlfriend/wife) are his lifeline and what keeps him going. Thank your boyfriend and thank you for all you do.

{"commentId":1736512,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}

5 votes

#38.1 - Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:34 AM EDT

{"commentId":1738076,"authorDomain":"glendajo"}

TedsMom

Rob,
I'm new to finding you and enjoyed reading all your stories in the past couple weeks. My 19yo Guard Soldier Son will be going over in January. My heart was heavy upon learning this news two 1/2 weeks ago. Your blogs have helped me as they seem to have helped many others. God Bless you Soldier and Thanks for serving your Country. God bless your journey back to the Midwest!
My 7 yr old nephew sent us Flat Stanley also, we had fun with him and my son took some pics with Stanley and the Guard Soldiers in Uniform at Drill this month. Flat Stanley is right now on his trip back to Minneapolis! :-)

*what would be the best treat to send my son when he gets there?

Hugs from a Guard Mom.

glenda

{"commentId":1738076,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"glendajo"}

3 votes

#39 - Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:05 PM EDT

{"commentId":1740803,"authorDomain":"nancybethb"}

nancy mother of a 20 yr. olds oldier just beginnin

I have been reading you for a couple months now. I have been reading as much as I can about our solidiers in Iraq since my son enlisted a couple years ago. He has been in Kuwait for a couple weeks and heads out for Baghdad tomorrow. I have enjoyed reading you. Thanks for all you have done. GOD BLESS ALL OUR TROOPS !!! Nancy

{"commentId":1740803,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"nancybethb"}

3 votes

#40 - Sun Apr 27, 2008 10:02 PM EDT

{"commentId":1742636,"authorDomain":"glendajo"}

TedsMom

Hugs to you Nancy~

(((((Nancy)))))))

Bless our troops!
God Bless your son~

{"commentId":1742636,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"glendajo"}

2 votes

#41 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:06 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743801,"authorDomain":"lovNmyseal"}

lovNmyseal

You are too funny:)! I bet Flat-Stanley had a blast of a time! You must be experiencing some amazing thoughts right now just knowing how close you are to being able to touch your loved ones, they must be so excited, nervous and anxiously awaiting ur arrival! I can't wait for the day that my S/O returns 96 more days:) Be safe as the day nears and happy trails home! Thanks again for being a proud American Soldier! Hoo-yah

{"commentId":1743801,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"lovNmyseal"}

2 votes

#42 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":1744021,"authorDomain":"SPowell88"}

SPowell88

Hey Rob, I'm so happy your getting to go home this week. I have been keeping up reading your stories, and I admit.. I'm going to miss them! My husband is currently in Iraq for 7 months, he has been there for 3 1/2 months and has a few left. I just loved reading what you had to say to get a taste of what could be going on for him, he can't talk much of what they are doing out there, and I would prefer to know nothing then everything. As long as he is healthy and happy, I am holding up great.

All I can really say is Thank you, ALL of the troops serving, thank you!

Thank you for serving for us, and doing a great job!
We're glad your coming home!

{"commentId":1744021,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"SPowell88"}

1 vote

#43 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:27 PM EDT

{"commentId":1746423,"authorDomain":"weloverealestate"}

joan-274356

Thank you for your writings! It is so comforting to know first hand what a day in your life is like. I am grateful.... proud army mom!

{"commentId":1746423,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"weloverealestate"}

#44 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:36 AM EDT

{"commentId":1748735,"authorDomain":"hunter-2"}

Hunter-274633

God bless you Rob, I'm 14 and I'm going to join the military someday. Thank you for everything you do for this country. You are an inspiration. Stay safe.

{"commentId":1748735,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"hunter-2"}

1 vote

#45 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:50 PM EDT

{"commentId":1750727,"authorDomain":"blondeonfire4u2"}

jenkbryan

That is so awesome that you took Flat Stanley on a mission!!! He will have an awesome story to tell in Class!~

Please be safe!~ And have an awesome trip home with your family!~

{"commentId":1750727,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"blondeonfire4u2"}

2 votes

#46 - Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:53 PM EDT

{"commentId":1750910,"authorDomain":"samcgee1015"}

stephmc1015

my fiance is a marine currently serving in Iraq right now and of course I'm worried out my mind. But after reading this, it calmed me down a little. I know he can't tell me what he's doing or where exactly he is, but at least I know it's not all chaos over there. I want to say thanks for protecting this country!

{"commentId":1750910,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"samcgee1015"}

2 votes

#47 - Wed Apr 30, 2008 1:38 PM EDT

{"commentId":1752456,"authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}

OKrahoma

Hi Rob!

Guess you are home by now?! So glad for you & your family! I always forgot to ask, did your family read your blogs? I saw where you commented that your blogs wouldn't be as interesting when you went home. I think you have the ability to "tell a tale", if you want to follow that path. I just want you to be happy with whatever you decide to do when you get home. I hope you'll be happy with the thought that you helped so many of us, sometimes laughing out loud, with your tales of the ultimate reality tale, "Iraq." Best wishes for you....

{"commentId":1752456,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}

2 votes

#48 - Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:22 PM EDT

{"commentId":1754763,"authorDomain":"ocean62657"}

Diane Cat

Thank you for being there. Regardless of the reasons, the beliefs, the drama. I want to speak for my family, and everyone I know, that we THANK YOU for being brave, and sharing the realities of life over there.

My son is going to the Navy basic training in about 3 weeks, so...as you said, regardless of what faith you are or are not....life will continue in similar directions, as long as there are opposing views on ANYTHING, we will fight about anything. Aren't the opposing views just in reality excuses to justify fighting?

In any case, thank you for being an American Soldier.

{"commentId":1754763,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ocean62657"}

3 votes

#49 - Thu May 1, 2008 12:19 PM EDT

{"commentId":1754956,"authorDomain":"maufoster5"}

Coffeemom

Home is a wonderful thing! Your posts have made a difference. My husband has been out .. as long as we have been together, He was an ET in the Navy, and I offered him a cup to drool in when PBS had a documentary on The Nimitz.. I asked if we were planning to go to the mall as that is where the recruitment office is, he laughed but there was that .. look.

Your writing has a style, and the best part (in my opinion) is it is real, maybe a second calling ?

Thank you again for insuring our freedoms. Off to slog through homework.
Be Safe!
God Bless you and your family, Coffeemom

{"commentId":1754956,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"maufoster5"}

3 votes

#50 - Thu May 1, 2008 1:11 PM EDT

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ROB BALLEW

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An Iraq Tale Vol 18: ( The Last Mission )

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