Old Friends

Lieutenant Colonel K. flew in yesterday from Fallujah where has been busy cleaning up the mess that he and his Marine buddies made clearing the city of insurgents.  I went to meet him at his posh Baghdad office inside the US Embassy (Saddam's former main palace) - Nice pad he's got there.  I knew the civilians were living high on the hog, but this Marine has made some pretty good connections in high places.  The Embassy was like a fortress with all of the amenities; BBQ, bar, fancy chow hall, swimming pool, etc.  I got to his office while he was away at a meeting, took off my gear and was set to have my feet up on his desk when he came in so that I could get the hostilities started off right.  Much to my embarrassment, he out-waited me.  The meeting he was in lasted so long that I fell asleeep while reading the Stars & Stripes (The Armed Forces Newspaper) in his big, cushy, executive chair.  Ten minutes later, he walked in, and the trash talk ensued.  He introduced me to the industrial development folks that gave him the office space, and we adjourned out to the back of the embassy for a cigar.  It happened to be the nicest weather that day since I arrived here.  We talked about the status of the country, our wives, the battle of Fallujah, and how things were going.  We shared the hope brought by the progress we both have seen, the frustration of good people getting hurt, and the confusion of dealing with another culture so different from our own.  Time quickly grew short and he drove me back to my camp here on the other side of the zone.  He said hello to 2LT C. exchanged the secret jar-head handshake and had to  get back to work.  We will hopefully see each other again as his job affords him more freedom of movement and autonomy than mine does.  It is always nice to bump into friends, even in the worst places.

Comments

[Lucy K]

It's so good to see the two of you together.I can't wait for our night at the Ritz. Mrs.K and I have been talking about it. Be safe!

[Cathy K.]

Greg - you made my day! Trevor called me after your visit. He enjoyed seeing you and admitted it was strange that you were both half way around the world. I don't get many pictures of Trevor so I was happy to see the two of you together. I see he is still himself with cigar in hand. Lucy and I are holding down the homefront waiting for both of you to return. Hang in and God Bless.

[Courtenay Wells]

Dear Greg,
If you tolerate my brother as well as you do, you must be an OK guy. (I'm Trevor's "baby" sister). Not to sound overly sentimental (something Trev hates) but thanks for the job you guys are doing over there. Kick some serious insurgent ass, and we're all looking forward to having our brothers, dads, hubbies, and loved ones back from the fray.
Love Courtenay Wells

[Carl Blyth, Sr.]

Hello Greg,
We have not met yet, but I appreciate what you and so many other Americans have been doing in Baghdad and the surrounding countryside. Stay safe and keep your wits about you!
Charming little home away from home that palace is. I have some interesting pics of the inside etc.
My son, a civilian, works there and lives nearby. He has been away for a year and re-upped for six more months, 'til October.
Write me if you care to.
With my best wishes and prayers for your safety and success.
Carl

[Kaye Kleine-Ahlbrandt]

Hello Greg, we have never met so you don't know me, but I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your letter and picture of you and my son Trevor. It was wonderful to hear about him from you, and it warms my heart to know he is enjoying and sharing his cigars!! Thank you so much, it really helps to see a picture of him relaxing! and grinning!I am very appreciative of the great job you guys are over there, and am proud of you all! You are all in my prayers. God Bless !