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ROB BALLEW
Calling it Like I See it, Since 1974!
Articles Posted: 178; Links Seeded: 1898
Member Since: 3/2006Last Seen: 11/25/2009
Member Since: 3/2006Last Seen: 11/25/2009
110 Comments
PrintAn Iraq Tale Vol 18: ( The Last Mission )
News Type: Other — Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:18 AM EDT
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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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- Groups: Centervine, Global War on Terror, Military Members on NewsVine, Newsvine Community, Operation: Hearts and Minds, Veterans & Friends
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5.9
{"commentId":1727551,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
Hey everyone I am still in Iraq for a few more days. I will try and write at least one more before I go. I would also like to thank everyone for stopping by and if I do not answer every comment I apologize. I hope you all enjoyed this. if I do not get the opportunity later I want to thank everyone for the support and being so kind to an old soldier. I had a lot of smiles of late thanks to everyone :)
{"commentId":1727551,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
- 16 votes
#1 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:22 AM EDT{"commentId":1727565,"authorDomain":"proudinfidel"}
Rob,
God Speed and may you be safe on your journey where ever it may lead you. Thank you for all you do and God Bless our Military.
Your an awesome Soldier Rob.
Ana
{"commentId":1727565,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"proudinfidel"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":1732762,"authorDomain":"keggerlord-1"}
It will be great to have you and all the rest of the men and women back in our country, safe and sound. Until that day, though, God bless each and every one of you. All of your sacrifices and your dedication can't be praised enough.
{"commentId":1732762,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"keggerlord-1"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":1733368,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
I would also like to thank everyone for stopping by and if I do not answer every comment I apologize.
For once in my life perhaps, I think I can speak for everyone. No apologies are necessary silly! The pleasure has been ours, the vantage point priceless and a family reunited, truly joyful to share in!!
{"commentId":1733368,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":1735315,"authorDomain":"msdani02"}
I've thoroughly appreciated and loved reading your entry's. Thanks for the view and good luck to you
{"commentId":1735315,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"msdani02"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1738581,"authorDomain":"crm-tlm"}
I never knew that this was available!!! I have been reading your entries and they are awesome!!! I have many friends over there and I pray that everyone makes it home safe. My father is retired from the military, so I have seen him go through quit a lot and miss a lot also. I just want you to know from someone who grew up with a father in the military. I would not change anything in the world for it and neither would he. I am very proud of my father and everything he had and has accomplished. I have seen my dad go through some of the worries that I have read that you have and I want you to know that 1 they are normal and 2 things will be fine. You will always be a HERO in your family eyes and everyone that knows you and those of us who don't. I pray for your safe return and THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!!!!
{"commentId":1738581,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"crm-tlm"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1742052,"authorDomain":"newsvice"}
thanks for the guided tour rob.
your input has shed light on the world over there for me, on a 'boots on the ground' perspective.
thanks for your service, and your objectivity in the face of persuasion. makes me happy to be an American....again...god speed safe trip home on the freedom bird
your friend dp
{"commentId":1742052,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"newsvice"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1755759,"authorDomain":"wpnorling-1"}
My oldest son in law is an LtCol in the Marines and going over for his third tour in June. You'll believe this: when he got his orders, he was to go back to AZ to train marines on some equipment. He switched with one of his budies who was headed to Iraq. Why? So his 4 kids didn't have to change schools again! He was burned in a training exercise last year, and has healed up pretty well....but, is supposed to stay out of the sun, no less.
So, I have read some of your blogs and thank you so much for just being, and helping us, even those of us who don't know we're being helped, yet. We're the only country who goes to war to protect others and their freedom, as well as our own. People like you do this for us and we're very grateful to you and yours.
{"commentId":1755759,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"wpnorling-1"}
{"commentId":1779347,"authorDomain":"dsnurse54"}
Thank you for the insight and hopefully everyone will soon be coming home. My daughter did two tours over there and I am really hoping the last one is the last one. It is hard for family to know that their loved ones are in harm's way but thankfully she came home and you will as well. Good luck and thank you for your service.
{"commentId":1779347,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"dsnurse54"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1874828,"authorDomain":"tex0012002"}
Been there, done that. Got home last Sept. and am going back some time next year. I know what your talking about when your saying that you can 'see' the check points from the VIP seat. I was a gunner in an ASV for over a year. Good luck, and stay safe!
{"commentId":1874828,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"tex0012002"}
{"commentId":1727630,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}
Hey Rob.. If I recall, last year when you were deciding whether to go on this tour, I was strongly encouraging you not to go. Through your stories, I think I understand your decision a little better now. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your world there and your experiences. I have a friend who came over in a guard unit from Minnesota about the same time you did. Hopefully, she is coming home soon too.
{"commentId":1727630,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"azsky13"}
- 9 votes
#2 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 2:24 AM EDT{"commentId":1727914,"authorDomain":"thura"}
Congratulations on completing your deployment (Not sure if that is appropriate ). How long was it?
{"commentId":1727914,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"thura"}
- 6 votes
#3 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:34 AM EDT{"commentId":1727981,"authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
Hey Rob, I'm so glad this was your last mission! Where are the pictures of Flat Stanley? We wan pictures!!!!
{"commentId":1727981,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
- 7 votes
#4 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:07 AM EDT{"commentId":1728021,"authorDomain":"ghostwomanwhowatches"}
Rob,
God Bless and Thank You for sharing your last mission. May Stanley have many other safe missions where ever he goes. Many thanks for sharing your time in Iraq with us, and giving some of us another glimpse into the life of a soldier.
God Bless my friend
Ghost
{"commentId":1728021,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"ghostwomanwhowatches"}
- 4 votes
#5 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:22 AM EDT{"commentId":1728308,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1728034,"authorDomain":"finalcut"}
It sounds like Flat Stanley had a good adventure with you. Thanks for sharing the story and your time.
{"commentId":1728034,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"finalcut"}
- 3 votes
#6 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:27 AM EDT{"commentId":1728320,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1728190,"authorDomain":"geminisunset"}
Thanks for sharing your last mission with us! I joined Newsvine late into your deployment, but I have truly enjoyed the few articles I have read. Have a safe trip home!
{"commentId":1728190,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"geminisunset"}
- 5 votes
#7 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:11 AM EDT{"commentId":1728327,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1728408,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}
Rob, Thank you for your service -- both in serving our country in Iraq and serving us here at Newsvines with tales from Iraq. God Speed.
{"commentId":1728408,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"vacelts"}
- 7 votes
#8 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:54 AM EDT{"commentId":1731322,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1746422,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}
Thanks. Have a safe trip home.
{"commentId":1746422,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"vacelts"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":2013589,"authorDomain":"jnealis"}
Hey don't blame the american idol thing on me. If I remember correctly you were reminding me that it was on..lol..
{"commentId":2013589,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"jnealis"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1728412,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}
Well... its almost over, time is drawing near and soon you will be home safe and sound. The past 6 months it has been a pleasure getting to know you, hearing about your wonderful family and finding what I hope will be a lifelong friend.
You are nothing what I expected and everything I could have imagined as friends go, thanks for the shoulder, the ear and the laughter and I hope I returned only a portion of that back to you.
I am going to leave it at that before I start crying at the office :O)
Thanks again for everything... c ya soon.
Mel
{"commentId":1728412,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}
- 9 votes
#9 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:55 AM EDT{"commentId":1728430,"authorDomain":"fawnshore"}
Congratulations on completing your last mission. What are you most looking forward to upon your return (besides your wife, that is)?
{"commentId":1728430,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"fawnshore"}
- 9 votes
#10 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:00 AM EDT{"commentId":1728604,"authorDomain":"lisaed"}
Rob - this is beautifully written. Thanks for bringing all of us (and Stanley too) with you on your last mission......I'm SO excited for you that you are homeward bound!!! Please be sure to let us know when you are back in the U.S.A.! LISA
{"commentId":1728604,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"lisaed"}
- 7 votes
#11 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:36 AM EDT{"commentId":1728644,"authorDomain":"Constitutionalpatriot"}
Hope your ride home is safe and unexciting! Thanks for your service to our country, and best of luck in whatever you decide to do in the future!
{"commentId":1728644,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"Constitutionalpatriot"}
- 7 votes
#12 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:45 AM EDT{"commentId":1731365,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1728786,"authorDomain":"onlynow99"}
Excellent as usual Rob! Now I look forward to your articles about returning home!
{"commentId":1728786,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"onlynow99"}
- 6 votes
#13 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 11:18 AM EDT{"commentId":1731367,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1728809,"authorDomain":"kmfay"}
Rob - Great story! Happy to hear you're coming home safe. I'm sure no one can be more happy than your wife and children - I wish you a wonderful reunion with them. Once you're settled back home you should go down to "Crackers" and have a few good laughs! I'm sure you need it after this 2nd stint "In Country".
Good Luck and God speed.
Kristy
{"commentId":1728809,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"kmfay"}
- 4 votes
#14 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 11:22 AM EDT{"commentId":1731380,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1728947,"authorDomain":"stolte-sawa"}
Congratulations, Rob, and thanks for writing this last lovely vignette for us. Travel safe. Godspeed!
{"commentId":1728947,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"stolte-sawa"}
- 6 votes
#15 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:01 PM EDT{"commentId":1731400,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1729066,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
I am so glad to hear you will be home soon. Thank you for everything.
{"commentId":1729066,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 6 votes
#16 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:34 PM EDT{"commentId":1729353,"authorDomain":"jjp"}
Rob, glad to hear you will soon be heading home. Thank you for your service and for sharing your experiences. Have a safe journey home.
Jerri Jo
{"commentId":1729353,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"jjp"}
- 4 votes
#17 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:33 PM EDT{"commentId":1731418,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1729504,"authorDomain":"juliana-marie7"}
Congratulations you are almost home! I am really going to miss your articles though... Thanks for all you do and I hope you have a safe trip back home!
{"commentId":1729504,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"juliana-marie7"}
- 3 votes
#18 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:59 PM EDT{"commentId":1731430,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1729537,"authorDomain":"weavercrest"}
Rob - CONGRATS on a job well done! Thank you so much for your service and for sharing the journey with us through writing!! It's been quite an interesting trek (both at work and on newsvine) and I'm glad you've made it to the end relatively unscathed.
I'm sure your family is waiting excitedly at home and cannot wait to set eyes on you. Best wishes in your upcoming adventures, whatever and wherever they may be!
-JS
{"commentId":1729537,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"weavercrest"}
- 5 votes
#19 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 2:04 PM EDT{"commentId":1731456,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1729754,"authorDomain":"bertl"}
Rob,
I have so enjoyed all your postings. I too spent my time (boots on ground) in Iraq and find myself drawn to your writings. GODSPEED to you, thanks for serving. Take care of Stanley!! Many blessings to you and your family.
{"commentId":1729754,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"bertl"}
- 5 votes
#20 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 2:35 PM EDT{"commentId":1731461,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1730231,"authorDomain":"erb324"}
Rob, Thank you for your service and sacrifices you make every day. Also, thank you for sharing your time there in Iraq with us. I am glad that you will be returning home to your family very soon. I will keep you and your family in my prayers, and I hope you can get yourself adjusted to life back in the states quickly. Being someone that has the love of their life over there, I know your wife and kids are looking very forward to your return!! Please tell your family thank you for their sacrifice too...far too often we forget to thank the families of the men and women serving so just let them know it is greatly appreciated.
May God bless you always!
{"commentId":1730231,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"erb324"}
- 6 votes
#21 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 3:54 PM EDT{"commentId":1730343,"authorDomain":"jawonia"}
Rob,
I have been reading your column for a while now. My boyfriend is in Iraq. Though we are fortunate enough to talk quite a bit, your column has given me a different view of his life there. He is the TC of his vehicle, and I think your jobs are similar but you do such a great job at describing things that I can almost see it in my mind. I am glad you are going home, but I will miss your writings and your unique perspective. He still has quite a bit of time left so hopefully I will find another great source of information to replace your column. I just had to tell you before you left, how much I have really enjoyed reading your column. Have a safe trip home and thank you for taking time in your busy life as a soldier to give us a glimpse of the lives of our loved ones in Iraq.
{"commentId":1730343,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"jawonia"}
- 4 votes
#22 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 4:19 PM EDT{"commentId":1731489,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1731279,"authorDomain":"theangryblonde"}
Safe travels, I hope you arrive home safe and sound.
Thank you for everything you and you fellow service men and women have done and continue to do!
{"commentId":1731279,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"theangryblonde"}
- 4 votes
#23 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:48 PM EDT{"commentId":1731498,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1731623,"authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}
Hi Rob!
Boy, you are running with a high-class crowd now, lol. Flat Stanley, no less. Yes, you must post a pic here. Flat Stanley doesn't travel with just anybody. Be safe, thanks for everything.
{"commentId":1731623,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}
- 4 votes
#24 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:44 PM EDT{"commentId":1735535,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1731759,"authorDomain":"shellrae"}
Hey Rob, Have been reading some of your posts and thank you... My baby brother is currently deployed in Iraq and I had been extremely worried about him. Your posts have helped alot to relieve fears for his safe return. Michelle Billings
{"commentId":1731759,"threadId":"254768","contentId":"1449316","authorDomain":"shellrae"}
- 4 votes
#25 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 11:23 PM EDT{"commentId":1735542,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
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