Visit Rob Ballew's column >>

ROB BALLEW

Calling it Like I See it, Since 1974!
Add To Watchlist
Articles Posted: 178; Links Seeded: 1889
Member Since: 3/2006Last Seen: 11/06/2009

An Iraq Tale Vol 20: (Farewell Baghdad)

Jessica and the Green Machine

advertisement

I remember on one of my last missions seeing a sign the sign read "Farewell Baghdad". I had seen this sign on many other occasions on this route. And that night this sign had held a little more significance for me. I knew soon we would be saying our own farewells to Baghdad. This sign as well as the knowledge of going home made me smile and for at that instant everything that went on in the past year was put into perspective. The long nights, the arguments, the laughs, and the friendships that would soon change. It all struck me in one bittersweet moment, that soon once again my life would change.

We all take something different from events we are involved in, whether it is something as horrible and huge as war or something as small as watching our favorite movie. For me my time in Iraq was not some horrible thing I wish to erase from my memory. It was a time I made some very good friends as well as spent a lot of time learning about myself. Times where tough, but not always bad. So many people look at being deployed as a bad thing when in truth it is like everything in life. It is what you make it, you can make it suck or you can take it head on and do your best to enjoy the opportunity presented to you at that moment. I did the latter, and can honestly say I am a better person because of it. As I have said so many times before I am the lucky one I had a chance to experience something so many either can't or won't experience. I saw so much, experienced so much good and yes some bad. And now that I am home some of the big complaints I had seem so small now.I am not only glad I decided to go I am proud of myself and the unit I served in. And I am thankful to have been with the guys I had in my platoon.

I have been home for a little bit over a month now and find myself missing my time in Iraq. I miss the quiet times alone with my iPod before a mission. I miss the missions and seeing Baghdad, the freedom of traveling from FOB to FOB. I miss the friendship and brotherhood I shared with some of the coolest guys I will ever know. But mostly, I miss the feeling of being part of something bigger than me. I miss the feeling of having a purpose, of doing something I believed in my heart to be good. It is funny the whole time I was there all I could do was think about getting home. Now that I am back home I think more about Iraq than I would have ever imagined, and more often than not it is with a smile. Farewell Baghdad thank you for the memories and may you see better days in the future.

  • 32 Votes
  • Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.

Back To Top

What's this?
Who's leading the conversation?
This visualization below allows you to see the impact that each user has on the current conversation. The top row contains the group of users who have had the most impact, the 2nd row the group of users who have had the 2nd most impact (et cetera). Users with similar impact are grouped together, and the average score of the group is shown to the left of the group. The author of the article is also shown on the left, in their corresponding group. Each user's score is based on the number of comments the user has made plus the number of votes their comments have received. The scores are calculated relative one another, so while their absolute value is not particularly important, their relative difference does indicate a larger difference in impact on the conversation.
60
11
5.1
{"commentId":1940765,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

I think this will be the last An Iraq Tale I am going to focus on coming home and some of the adjustments I have had to make. I will still write about my time in Iraq yes, but with no new stories I feel it won't be as interesting as before. Thanks to everyone who has read any of my series I hope it was interesting and am glad to have some great people reading and commenting on my articles. I hope everyone found this article enjoyable and hope everyone has a great day.

{"commentId":1940765,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 8 votes
Reply#1 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:52 PM EDT
{"commentId":1940826,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

Rob, we all have things that we miss, they make us who we are, Iraq made you an even better person then you were before.

Now its time to find something new that you can find purpose in, you have alot of talent, I am sure you can put your mind to it and find something that will be life changing once again for you.

Regardless, I am happy that you are home... more than you know :L)

M

{"commentId":1940826,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}
  • 6 votes
#1.1 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:59 PM EDT
{"commentId":1941695,"authorDomain":"SVForbes"}

Another interesting perspective.

Stay safe.

{"commentId":1941695,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"SVForbes"}
  • 5 votes
#1.2 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:09 PM EDT
{"commentId":1943276,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Thanks so much to both of you as always I appreciate your input. I have a few ideas on where I want to go after this all fades. I enjoy writing so I do plan on an occasional article. Thanks I again to both of you I appreciate it.

{"commentId":1943276,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 5 votes
#1.3 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:49 PM EDT
{"commentId":1954816,"authorDomain":"angela79416"}

Rob, I thank you for what you have accomplished to make this world better. I can't help but get emotional when I read some of your blogs. I had a friend in the army that came back to the states in April. Before he left to Iraq, I never really gave one single thought about what was going on in that part of the world, I didn't care because it didn't affect me, how ignorant I was. It saddens me to think I was one of those people that didn't care. Your stories and my friend's give me a new prospective of how difficult life in Iraq really is...Yet as much as my friend hates Iraq...he'd gladly be back for his brothers and sisters as well...
We the readers are very fortunate to have your stories. I care deeply now. You've changed my way of thinking...and I thank you!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THE BOTHERS AND SISTERS!!!

{"commentId":1954816,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"angela79416"}
  • 2 votes
#1.4 - Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:04 AM EDT
{"commentId":1972058,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Rosa, thanks so much for the comment. And thank your friend for me. I am just happy that my stories helped others to understand what our life is like in Iraq. It is very important to me that I even made a small impact and hope that in the future more soldiers, sailors, and marines will do the same and share their experiences if for no other reason to give all of us a chance to understand what they endure. Thank you again so much and have a great day.

{"commentId":1972058,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 1 vote
#1.5 - Sun Jun 15, 2008 10:33 AM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1940839,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
Jessica and the Green Machine

Funny the name. Same as my daughter.
Well I sure it will take some time to adjust to a very different kind of life for you and I will miss reading the stories about life from Iraq, but I sure would rather read about life at home and you getting back to daily life once again. That sounds much better to me.

Thanks for some awesome learning and some great support for our country Rob.

{"commentId":1940839,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
  • 5 votes
Reply#2 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:01 PM EDT
{"commentId":1943282,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
Funny the name. Same as my daughter.

Which Jessica or Green Machine? LOL.... Thanks so much for stopping by Tedd your comments are always nice to read.

{"commentId":1943282,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 3 votes
#2.1 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:51 PM EDT
{"commentId":1943642,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
Green Machine

Was the most used word the first three weeks after she was born as that was normally the color of the back of my shirt after trying to burp her and she had a horrible case of colic.

At about 13 months the name changed to Jessica however to seem to stick. (Plus was far less sticky then that green stuff)

{"commentId":1943642,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
  • 5 votes
#2.2 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:45 PM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1940897,"authorDomain":"jgriffith-1"}

Although I will miss your perspective on Iraq, hearing how you adjust to your life at home will be just as interesting. We take so much of our life for granted and you have brought me up short on that. My troubles seem so trivial compared to what you have seen. Thanks for sharing and please continue to write when you can.

{"commentId":1940897,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"jgriffith-1"}
  • 3 votes
Reply#3 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:06 PM EDT
{"commentId":1943292,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Thanks for the comment, I am glad to have people like you to share this with.

{"commentId":1943292,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 3 votes
#3.1 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:53 PM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1941084,"authorDomain":"EPH289"}
So many people look at being deployed as a bad thing when in truth it is like everything in life. It is what you make it, you can make it suck or you can take it head on and do your best to enjoy the opportunity presented to you at that moment.

and, you use it to become a better man.

Yours has been a voice that has made Newsvine a better place.

I'm glad you are home. Hope you haven't been flooded out.

God Bless you and your family young man.

{"commentId":1941084,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"EPH289"}
  • 4 votes
Reply#4 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:30 PM EDT
{"commentId":1943299,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Thank you so much for your very kind words. I am the type of guy who lives life the best I can with what I have. Yes I had some tough times but in the whole scheme of thing tough times can make you a better person. I am lucky enough to not be close to any body of water but do worry for others who may be and who have been affected by these floods.

{"commentId":1943299,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 3 votes
#4.1 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:55 PM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1941543,"authorDomain":"bigmomma"}

I agree with everything that has been said....so I won't bore you with a repeat. Rob, I will read and enjoy anything you write. So please don't be a stranger.....

{"commentId":1941543,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
  • 4 votes
Reply#5 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:43 PM EDT
{"commentId":1943310,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
Rob, I will read and enjoy anything you write. So please don't be a stranger.....

Oh rottlady you make me blush I have had my fair share of garbage articles here too. Luckily the past few months I had something interesting to say. Thank you for stopping by as always it is an honor to hear from you.

{"commentId":1943310,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 4 votes
#5.1 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:56 PM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1941677,"authorDomain":"jjp"}

Thanks for all you have done.

I'm glad you're back with your family and I'm looking forward to your future articles, seeds and comments.

{"commentId":1941677,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"jjp"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#6 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:06 PM EDT
{"commentId":1943321,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

Thank you for stopping by and commenting nice to hear from you.

{"commentId":1943321,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 3 votes
#6.1 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:58 PM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1942381,"authorDomain":"roger3000"}

Thank you ...wish I could meet more Americans like you. Unfortunately i don't.

{"commentId":1942381,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"roger3000"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#7 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:58 PM EDT
{"commentId":1943341,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
Thank you ...wish I could meet more Americans like you. Unfortunately i don't.

Thanks for the comment and believe it or not there are many more like me, just have to look harder. I am lucky enough to have this little forum to write in, and some awesome people reading and supporting me. Thanks again friend.

{"commentId":1943341,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 3 votes
#7.1 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:00 PM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1943240,"authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}

Good job, Rob.

{"commentId":1943240,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#8 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:41 PM EDT
{"commentId":1943347,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}

I try neighbor thanks for stopping by.

{"commentId":1943347,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 4 votes
#8.1 - Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:00 PM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1944698,"authorDomain":"jimmy-walter-polk"}

I'm a current soldier of 24yrs (CW3)......And this soldier said it best for all soldiers. I've been deployed countless of times during my career. And this soldier just summed up all of my thoughts I've ever had while being deployed. I take my hat off to this soldier for expressing truth feelings that most of us just keep to ourselves.......only fearing that know one would understand. Hooah to you soldier! And thanks for all you do.

{"commentId":1944698,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"jimmy-walter-polk"}
  • 7 votes
Reply#9 - Thu Jun 12, 2008 7:24 AM EDT
{"commentId":1945176,"authorDomain":"justinyfz450"}

Rob,

I have been reading your articles for a few months now and just want to say thanks. They give me some kind of in-site on what life is like over there. I deploy May 2009. This will be my first time going over to the "sandbox." To tell the truth, I am looking forward to it. My fiance, not so much. I get married less than a month before I leave and she wants a honeymoon baby. If she does get pregnant, I would have to miss the birth of my first child, its going to be hard but I feel I can do it. Again, thank you for your stories.

PFC G

{"commentId":1945176,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"justinyfz450"}
  • 4 votes
Reply#10 - Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:26 AM EDT
{"commentId":1954705,"authorDomain":"tofakind"}

Rob, I recently started reading your articles.I myself a military spouse of over 10years. Thank you for all you do and I know your family and friends are glad to have you back. However I wanted to address the Guy deploying MAY of 2009........ I heard him say his fiance wanted a honeymoon Baby. In a word. Don't. Don't do it. Not if he'll miss out on it all. I'm sure she has this fantasy that it will give her somthing to do and it it's a piece of him. But it's goes 100X deeper than that. The baby will wake every 2 hours, it'll fuss and scream, and poop and she'll get resentful that he's not there to help. Also it's Selfish that he'd have to miss all the doctors appt and birth and first everythings. Having a baby changes who you are and once you have one it's for LIFE. Wait, wait, just cling to each other, support each other, Build your time as a couple, make the marriage stronger by enjoying each other first. Once he's home, then worry about a family, I have 2 beautiful girls and while they're the joy of our life, they take away the focus on each other. Life would have been expedentaialy harder has we not taken time as a couple first. As a military wife looking back from the otherside of deployments. Just wait. Godbless all of our men and women and familes serving. Amber

{"commentId":1954705,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"tofakind"}
  • 1 vote
#10.1 - Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:54 AM EDT
{"commentId":1955817,"authorDomain":"justinyfz450"}

Thank you for your input Amber, it is really something to think about. But, she is very sick and doesnt have a long time frame to have kids. The longer we wait, the better the chance we wont be able to have kids. This was planned even before I joined the service, and she couldnt be more upset that I am going to miss out on everything. But she has great parents, and family that are always there for her, no matter what to help her out. I myself couldnt be more upset that if she does get pregnant and im not there. But we all have to make sacrifices and I quess this would be mine. Like I said, shes a high risk pregnancy, who knows if it will happen before I leave

{"commentId":1955817,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"justinyfz450"}
  • 2 votes
#10.2 - Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:43 AM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1945395,"authorDomain":"jimmy-walter-polk"}

PFC G,

I have some season folks deploying in May 2009 also. Are you coming out of Georgia?

Chief

{"commentId":1945395,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"jimmy-walter-polk"}
  • 4 votes
Reply#11 - Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:01 AM EDT
{"commentId":1955543,"authorDomain":"justinyfz450"}

I am in Michigan.

{"commentId":1955543,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"justinyfz450"}
  • 1 vote
#11.1 - Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:18 AM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1946094,"authorDomain":"geminisunset"}
But mostly, I miss the feeling of being part of something bigger than me. I miss the feeling of having a purpose, of doing something I believed in my heart to be good.

Rob, I'm sure your wife and kids would say that this feeling will hopefully continue at home. I bet that being a part of your family and raising your kids will be just as rewarding and challenging as your time in Iraq.

Thanks for sharing your Iraq Tales with us. I found Newsvine late into your deployment, but have enjoyed your stories immensely.

{"commentId":1946094,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"geminisunset"}
  • 3 votes
Reply#12 - Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:31 AM EDT
{"commentId":1972078,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
Rob, I'm sure your wife and kids would say that this feeling will hopefully continue at home. I bet that being a part of your family and raising your kids will be just as rewarding and challenging as your time in Iraq.

I am so happy to be at home now and have found getting back to being "Dad" a bit hard, but also have found it rewarding too. Thanks so much for your comment and stopping by. I am glad we have people like you here on newsvine.

{"commentId":1972078,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 1 vote
#12.1 - Sun Jun 15, 2008 10:36 AM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1949026,"authorDomain":"mmc0713"}

"I miss the feeling of having a purpose, of doing something I believed in my heart to be good." It's interesting you wrote this...you are a dad and a husband, you have a purpose and do something good every minute of every day. Don't ever forget that. What you did in Iraq is amazing to so many people but what you do for your wife and kids, well that's simply miraculous. Have a wonderful father's day.

{"commentId":1949026,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"mmc0713"}
  • 4 votes
Reply#13 - Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:01 PM EDT
{"commentId":1972082,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
Don't ever forget that. What you did in Iraq is amazing to so many people but what you do for your wife and kids, well that's simply miraculous.

Very true although sometimes I forget this. Thanks so much for reminding me and stopping by as always it is my pleasure and I hope all is well for you and your soldier. Keep me informed.

{"commentId":1972082,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
  • 2 votes
#13.1 - Sun Jun 15, 2008 10:38 AM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1955146,"authorDomain":"gglampros"}
For me my time in Iraq was not some horrible thing I wish to erase from my memory. It was a time I made some very good friends as well as spent a lot of time learning about myself. Times where tough, but not always bad. So many people look at being deployed as a bad thing when in truth it is like everything in life. It is what you make it, you can make it suck or you can take it head on and do your best to enjoy the opportunity presented to you at that moment."

I am humbled by people like you. Words cannot express it. Best of luck in your adjustment to the new phase of your life. Hope to hear from you again soon.

{"commentId":1955146,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"gglampros"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#14 - Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:38 AM EDT
{"commentId":2007576,"authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}

Hi Rob,

It was good to read your "closure" blog. What ever happened to Flat Stanley? Was he glad to get home? He's probably off on another journey by now. That seems to be his purpose in life.

You remind me of my son, perfect of course......actually, I'm talking about trying to make the best of whatever situation you are in, & doing the best job you can in that situation. Bless you Rob, & go back to living your "normal" life. I'm happy for you, thanks for everything, & I wish the best for you, whatever you do, for the rest of your life. You don't have to become a Pulitzer prize-winning author to make all of us happy.

Thanks again "for your service!"

Sylvia Spear

{"commentId":2007576,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#15 - Thu Jun 19, 2008 9:30 PM EDT
{"commentId":2296754,"authorDomain":"graalum2k"}

I got home from Baghdad last Dec in time for Christmas. I too miss the mission that i was doing in Baghdad as a National Police Team Chief. The memories that i have of the Iraqi's that i worked with will last till the day i die. I worked the western side of Baghdad in Khadra and through the highs and lows of our mission, i will always have fond memories of my year in Iraq and miss the friendship of my interpreters and National Police counterparts.

{"commentId":2296754,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"graalum2k"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#16 - Sun Jul 27, 2008 9:32 PM EDT
{"commentId":2829660,"authorDomain":"rogerally"}

I am 50 years old. Much of your writing reminds me of my days in the military. Some fond memories: Some not. The point of this is to say that, as the years go by your memories will be embellished by those same passing years. We must remember that you fellows did much good over there, there was much good. Nevertheless, our country was shamed internationally and will be thought of in diminished ways for years to come. This is no small consequence. And I say this as a Republican who voted for Bush twice. What we did by overstaying our welcome was wrong. And one day, even when you are old and gray, you need to be able to make this distinction: That what you did as serviceman was good and honorable, while at the same time, what we did as a country was autocratic and... wrong.

{"commentId":2829660,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"rogerally"}
    Reply#17 - Mon Sep 8, 2008 9:10 PM EDT
    {"commentId":4059186,"authorDomain":"ameadows20"}

    I am glad that you could enjoy your stay in Iraq but think about this and I understand that you miss your family to but what about the alone time that mom needs to keep her self sane that she can take care of the kids and the relief that dad gives her. I don' t think it is fair at all I think that if someone misses that hell hole that they need help and that is my opinion. I understand the part of feeling like you have a purpose but my friend as a word of advice God placed everyone here on earth for a purpose and to do his work and to spread his word not just to fight for this country. To raise up their children in the way they should go and be a good mother or father and set examples for them that is your purpose and what you feel may not be it is what is God's will for you and yes maybe it took Iraq to fix your inner self cause it does many but for me it has just made me be thankful just for my family and to thank God for my husband and my children and the love that we all share and being able to have him as a light to lead the way and his word to be the guide along with the holy spirit because we live in a world that is so focused on material things it is unreal and then when life really comes and gives you a taste we can't handle the pressure so I am glad to go through it to help pull others through but I sure do miss my husband like crazy.........

    {"commentId":4059186,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ameadows20"}
      Reply#18 - Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:43 AM EST
      {"commentId":4128487,"authorDomain":"edward-jay-thompson"}

      Just reading your column sends chills up and down my spine I was there for OIF 2 my base camp was FOB Normandy and fallujah of nov 04. I was at the green zone for a few days before I was medevaced to Landstuhl and the med hold area in kaiserslautern Germany. But anyways I am glad to see you made it back in one peace. Good luck on future deployments. 

      OIF veterean "DOC Thompson"

      {"commentId":4128487,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"edward-jay-thompson"}
      • 1 vote
      Reply#19 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:01 PM EST
      {"commentId":8278845,"authorDomain":"ranger21212"}

      I find our articles very interesting. I am sitting here in Iraq now on my second deployment. Your words of how you feel remind me of how I felt last time I got back. They remind me of how I will feel once again when I get back. I had forgot those and how I know I will feel. Life here is tough. You have to make the most of your time here. It's so difficult to release it once you get home. Here you are in the mist of an amazing operation and once back home you feel as if you lose some of that (if not all of it). Running missions everyday is exciting and at times a huge adrenaline rush. But it will end and that is the difficult part, how to re-adjust to your 'normal' life. Good luck to all....

      {"commentId":8278845,"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504","authorDomain":"ranger21212"}
      • 1 vote
      Reply#20 - Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:13 AM EDT
      {"canLink":false,"threadId":"286144","isPrivate":false}
      Leave a Comment:
      You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead.
      As a new user, you may notice a few temporary content restrictions. Click here for more info.
      {"threadId":"286144","contentId":"1563504"}
      Start TrackingStart Tracking
      Stop TrackingStop Tracking