The Heat Is On!

Hey Guys,
I am sure the weather at home is starting to heat up, but I have never experienced anything like the heat here in Iraq. The last four days have consistently been hoovering around 112 and the guys who have been here before keep telling me it isn't hot yet. What? You have to be kidding me. You don't think 112 is hot? It literally feels like you are walking outside on a very hot day with a blow dryer in your face. Your skin feels as if it is burning and at times the hot wind makes you lose your breath and it isn't hot here yet.
They tell me the temperature will get up around the 140 mark. I can't even imagine, but I will let you know what it is like when we get there. Now for all of you complaining about the heat at home, when it barely gets in the 90"s, stop and consider the guys keeping you free who are carrying an extra 80 lbs of gear when on patrol in the 140 degree heat. These guys bear so much burden for the things we take for granted. Remember them when you want to complain about the heat, remember them when you go outside in shorts, flip flops and a t-shirt, remember them when you sit in the comfort of your air conditioned home, remember them when you take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean or a pool to cool off.
My point is obvious, remember them always, not just on Memorial Day when you enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and a ballgame, but everyday.
Please stop for one moment daily and give thanks for the awesome price paid for your freedom so that you may enjoy time with family and friends. This is not to make you feel guilty, but rather motivate you to action. My wife often tells me she feels guilty when she and the kids are enjoying themselves at home. I tell you what I tell her, don't feel guilty. If you don't live your lives to the fullest you will not honor the sacrifice being made. The men & women of the US Military want you to live, enjoy and take full advantage of your freedom. We just don't want you to forget. Simple as that, remember others always. Celebrate the men & women of the Armed Forces, those currently serving and those who are home now. Don't let this day go by without Thanking someone you know or meet who has served so courageously for the blessings we have.

Be thankful also for living in the greatest Country in the world.
One more thing, a special shout out to Juan & Pam & the Johnson family & too Maria Fargione for sharing your love across the world. The Johnson's with their adoption of kids who long for love and who desperately need to know the love of Jesus and Maria for sharing the love of Jesus with the many Military Units she supports across both Iraq & Afghanistan. God bless you all & Thank You!

Mens Night Out

OK, I may be wearing a dress, but I can assure you this was very normal for our current environment. Not too long ago the Iraqi Army Captain Omar (Captain Omar is not in this picture, but Staff Sgt. Ali is along with Charlie Company Captain S) invited us to his office for lunch. It was a wonderful lunch of chai and faloppas (sp). A faloppa is basically a sandwich made from the most wonderful flat bread which is cut open. On the inside they put cucumbers, tomatoes, and fried chic peas. It is a great sandwich and one I have now eaten many times.

The casual wear, provided by Captain Omar, is called a misdasha. Again, I have no idea if the spelling is correct and I would bet not before I bet for. The misdasha is common wear for the men of Iraq and understandably so. With the extreme heat here it is very cool and comfortable. The loose fit (not so loose for me) allows the breeze to flow under and provide some relief. In many ways it was sad to close down the Joint Security Station we were on because of the friendships we made with our Iraqi partners. The JSS was closed in preparation of all US troops leaving the cities on June 30Th.

Now I am on Camp Stryker Camp Stryker is a large base and walking here is the only exercise you need. I probably walk an average of 3 miles a day and that is going to and from the office and to chow. However, there are many benefits I am just now starting to enjoy. In my room I have AFN (Armed Forces Network)TV. It is so great waking up in the morning and watching the news. There are 10 channels in all which allow me to watch sports, movies and regular programming. The other advantage is the dining facility. It is huge and the food is terrific. In fact, it is too good. Way too many choices, good and bad. They have any kind of desert you would want or could think of and they have...get this...sweet ice tea. I am in heaven. Well not exactly, but I have learned it certainly can be worse.

For any of you wondering, my address is pretty much the same with some minor changes. It is now;

Alan Dale Hamilton

1-63 CAB LEP

Camp Stryker

APO AE 09322

Many of you have written and some I have not yet written back, but believe me I certainly appreciate each and every note you send.

Well, it is time to go, but remember keep our American Heroes in your prayers and thank God each day for the freedom we enjoy.