Randoms from Brandon

Brandon has a hard time with his internet connection and loading pictures on the blog. He sent me a few I thought I'd share. The one with the money is what hes bringing back for me...he owes me a lot!! The other M4 and a Santa hat...enough said! ENJOY!

New York Times Article

Family and Friends, Please use the title link to get to the New York Times article about our mission. I believe it can explain a lot better than I; the mission at hand. Some important things to note: LTC Chris Connelly [sic] is my battalion commander. LT Schutte is one of our Platoon Leaders. Over the last two months, I have done nothing but provide supplies; i.e. force protection, tents, wire, electricity, food and water for our seven checkpoints. They are very complex systems that require "Separate But Equal" accommodations for all three sides. The checkpoints have become small bases that require an extraordinary amount of logistical support. The company commanders and platoon leaders have a difficult challenge of mitigating the tensions between the two sides. Here is the link for the slideshow: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/01/26/world/012610MOSUL_index.html The article:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/world/middleeast/27mosul.html?scp=1&sq=army%20iraq%201st%20armored&st=cse

FYI

1-36 has a Facebook page. Its really neat and has a ton of pictures and information on what the guys have done in the past and what they are doing now. So for those of you that have Facebook in the top right search box type in 1rst Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment and you can click on Become a Fan. Anyone can be a fan so go for it! The pictures will be updated throughout the deployment so it will be a fun way to follow 1-36. There is one picture of Brandon doing what he does best in the album that has 200 pictures (its picture 32). I'm sure there are others I just havn't looked at all of them yet...ENJOY!

Ranger Elmo's reply

Civilian Elmo, You are always welcome to share my hooka with me.

(This post is brought to you by the letter L, Lilian Ava, the number 5, and Civilian Elmo...

Me and Civilian Elmo rocked out on New Year's Eve! We were quite the party animals! My night started off with some delicious pureed carrots...and a few stolen sips of my Mommy's champagne...and ended with Elmo covered in carrots and formula! I need to learn my limits! Too much formula is not a good thing! When I woke up in the morning I confiscated this note from Civilian Elmo...

Dear Ranger Elmo,

I have been following your adventures with Uncle Nan quite closely and I think the time has come for me to join you. Lily Pie is severely mistreating me...she gnaws on my eyes, squishes my fluff between her fingers, and has now taken to spitting up on me frequently. She spewed carrots all over me on New Year's! Can you imagine? I have been submerged in the washing machine more times than I can count! Is there room for an Elmo like me in your platoon? Please help! Stay safe!

Civilian Elmo, OUT!

Because He's Amazing

My just because Vera Wang lavendar roses! I knew I married him for a reason! I love you baby, thank you so much they are amazing!

Creative Title

Family and friends, It has been a solid 2 weeks since I have last updated you on life in Iraq. I have spent the last two weeks planning for _______. You don't have the clearance so I'd have to kill you. Anyway. We have been working some amazing 15-18 hour days and squeezing in 2 hour workouts daily. Somehow we have found the time to smoke some great cigars and watch 2 seasons of Entourage. Today marks a new year and the start of a new decade and it's safe to say that I will be coming home this year! Do you enjoy the optimism? The picture is of me standing atop a mountain in northern Iraq. The area is primarily Kurdish and self sustaining. In the background (Facing North) you may or may not be able to see the snow caps on the mountains. These mountains separate Iraq from Syria to the West, Turkey to the North, and Iran to the East. It was a spectacular view. I was able to use my scope to engage some rocks about 450m away. Great target practice! It was so beautiful there that I would want to build a house just so I could wake up to the view every morning. On our way back in the power steering went out on my vehicle...navigating down 2 miles+straight drop offs+hairpin turns+no power steering=me walking down the side of a mountain. We had a blast though. I miss you all and wish you could see some of this scenery.

Spartan 4, Out.