Home away from home away from home away from home!
I think that is how many homes there are in where I'm at! I was away from this FOB last night doing PDHA's outside the IZ, where my home is now, and this home is away from my real Iraq home of Victory, and Victory is not my MN home, so you add it up! I will say that once you get outside the IZ, and into the real Baghdad, and see the hustle and bustle of the Iraqi people, you don't realize that they have a lot of people in Baghdad! I was at a very active FOB, which is a place whare they concentrate on squelching the people who bother and fire on the IZ, so it is a terrorist area in terms of the amount of population! The 1st CAV has done a great job of patrolling and finding weapons cashes, and doing sweeps to clear the rif raf, and it has quieted down a lot there! But, that is the place where I met a lot of people that have been wounded and returned to duty, so they are VERY happy to be going home! The medics at that FOB had a lot of stories to tell, and have alot of experience! But I don't know if thats a posotive one! They were very hospitable, and it was nice to get away from the IZ for a little bit! I can tell you that the way out there, I had my butt pucker the whole way, because the TC in the Gun truck was teeling me that the roads we were going on were the moost car bombed roads in Baghdad! Why couldn't he tell me that when I got there? It was better coming back today, and it was not in rush hour like the other day!
I'm looking forward to having Kendall come into the world, even if I'm not there for it! I know that Missy is probably exhausted of carrying her around, but this should be the week it happens, so I'll keep my eye to the internet to see a photo from the camera phone at the hospital! Thanks for posting the posts, and I heard that some people are bashful at posting things for everybody to see, but that's too bad, do it anyways. Also, could someone from Victory give me a tally on mail waiting for me? Unless there is none, then I don't want to know!
Have a great day in the USA! And as I say,
Later,
Erik
11 Comments:
It's nice to hear from ya. Missed you there......What does Randy Moss have to say now about catching a Raiders' football? football, what, with this fro, I don't think so, I'm gonna be an actor, and if not I'll just score some hootch.
That pretty much sums up the Raiders' future press releases, eh der. It's too bad that we had to let him go!
Anyhow, take care,
Mark
SGT Holtan,
Sounds like you are making the most of it most days. I empathize with you on how hard it is to be away from home for so long. Keeping busy helps, but doesn't make it better.
My son will be arriving in country in about 8 weeks. He is a Rigger at FT Bragg. His company was told they will be working convoy escort duty as there are not a lot of parachutes to pack in Iraq. Maybe he will see you there...Wishing you the best.
Take care,
MAJ B
Hi Erik, It's great to read your posts and get another view of what it is like in Baghdad. Stay safe and keep your chin up, which I'm sure is very difficult some days. Maybe one thing to be thankful for is sunshine and warm weather-haven't seen any of that in Chicago lately. Sorry you won't be home for Kendall's birth; what a cute name. Did you know that Tim and his wife Lara are also expecting a baby on March 11? Your mom just sent me a photo book to keep all the baby pictures in :-) We think of you often and you are in our prayers. Best wishes, Pam and Tom
Can't wait to see that new baby- hopefully she takes after missy!! Missy if your reading this- I have some clothes that Ireland is growing out of- so if you're lacking in baby clothes let me know and I will drop them off! Keep up the great posts and let us know when that little girl arrives. We still miss ya- Pete Michelle and Ireland
Hi Erik - almost a new daddy!
I have a few questions for you. First I couldn't find the key for some of the military lingo used:
FOB, PDHA, IZ, CAV & TC. I could guess but I know I wouldn't be right.
The adventure you are on is quite amazing. We pray for your safety everyday - it sounds like you need it. You said that you have talked to some of the soldiers that are ready to go home. Do you have any stories you want to share? To me that would be the best part is hearing about everybody elses experiences. It's like child birth - painful but every woman loves to tell her labor story.
Speaking of labor - can you believe you are going to be a father for the third time. We are all so excited. We had fun at the baby shower. Missy did not participate in the baby food tasting contest. She gagged at the sight. (drama queen) Needless to say she did not win the prize. However she did receive quite the stash of wonderful gifts. Kendall will not leave the house without looking "all that"! Kendall is stalling on coming out when her Mother wants her to. Must be a Holtan trait. We Skillings' always listen to our Mother.
The Petersen's are planning on putting a box of goodies together. Any requests? Can I sent anything homemade to you? Let me know.
Love you lots,
Tammy P & the gang
Hey Erik, Cannot tell you how excited we are for you and Missy!!I am so very happy to be buying pink things!! Our family needs another female right?All our love - Mom and Dad
Hey Erik, It is quite a education we are getting from you. It is really awesome that you share these experiences with our family, I have a hard time relating to some of it. You have been the talk and prayers of our dinners and we wonder where Erik is on the weekends. I'm excited for you and Missy to have Kendall come in this world. As always Missy looked great a few weeks back when we went to lunch, she is so ready. You are one man with courage and strengh and we admire that in you! You all got me calling Melissa Missy now. I still like Mel Jo.
Erik take of you!
Jeff&Sandy, Jasha and Nick
Erik:
The posts just keep getting better and better. I hope all goes well with Missy this week. Take care of yourself and count on life changing big time with the third child. Get used to zone defense!
Tom Pearson
Hey, excellent website. A great Iraq resource is Deaths in Iraq. It breaks all of the casualties down by age, race, branch of the military, country, etc.
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