Madbob - An Angry American

A Recounting of my Experiences with IDF Attacks

(and Other Significant Events) – June 2007

My workload has picked up quite a bit of late, and spare time is hard to come by. I’ve put in more OT hours this past month then ever before, and have actually exceeded the Civil Service bi-weekly pay limits for four pay periods in a row. My pay was being reduced until I contacted my HR person back at my home station. Still working on getting the lost wages back…

That was just my way of saying that this post is gonna be a bare bones affair. Hopefully I can cover all significant events of June in bullet form. Apologies in advance for the lack of detail…

• 10 June: Received my first CARE package, and appropriately enough, it was from the love of my life, Mary Ann. In addition to items she sent, Mary Ann also packed items from my co-workers back at NSWC.
• 11 June: 7^th floor rooftop hit by mortar IDF; as an anti-personnel mortar round, it does minimal damage, but a couple of people in office nearby have close call with sharpnel
• 11 June: VIP visit from ADM Fallon, CENTCOM
• 13 June: VIP visit from Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.
• 14 June: First phone call received on my desk phone, from Bro1 (aka, Brother John).
• 14 June: Received 2^nd CARE package, this one a Hickory Farms treat from cousins Rosemary & Tony. As I was leaving the compound, out on the street, we had an IDF mortar attack, and I was stuck in a D&C shelter at 120+ F with my sausage & cheese package. The good news is we both survived.
• 17 June: First time we (PRT members) are told of credible kidnapping threats, with the specific intentions directed at civilians in the IZ (better walk with a Battle Buddy!). This was the day after I walked alone to the IZ Liquor Store, since I couldn’t find a ride. Ooops!
• 18 June: Bomb at Gahzaliyah Square (see pics). I was just getting out of vehicle after trip to IZ LS.
• 19 June: Closest call/biggest scare with IDF attack. Ten rounds, each clearly audible, like in the movies. One hit Palace wall, north, where Amb. Crocker stays (see article). RBG and I were visiting with G-Funk at Poolside when this occurred. Found my huge piece of Katyusha rocket shrapnel at my trailer in Edgewood the next day.
• 24 June: VIP visit from Gen Raymond Odierno, 2^nd in command in Iraq under Gen Petraeus; actually introduced myself and shook his hand.
• 24 June: That night, I learned that there might be a chance of large amounts of SAF (small-arms fire) because Iraq was playing Iran in soccer. I turned the game on, and Iraq was losing 2 – 0 in the 2^nd half. As I watched, Iraq scored, and I cheered (I never cheer at soccer – hell, I hardly ever watch soccer!). Within seconds, I heard massive amounts of SAF from across the river. A D&C alarm went off. Iraq still lost the game.
• 26 June: My building, Freedom Tower A, was hit by rocket at ground level – while I was talking on the phone to Mary Ann. Felt concussion on my face; windows cracked up on my floor, 5 stories above impact. That’s when I decided it was time to start letting Mary Ann know what was happening, when it happened.

Now how’s that for brevity? I really wish I had more time to elaborate. Someday I imagine I will. But till then, here’s some links to random snaps taken during June 2007:

My workspace – PRT-B PPM section

Night at the Palace Pool

RBG & hubby

Hokie Juice!

Difference between my fellow PRT soldier “wannabes” & me

Smilin’ BaghdadBob playin’ pool at the Palace pool

G-Funk at Archway for 14 July Bridge

14 July Memorial Statue

My Friday swimming routine

My Navy comrades – LTs Dan & Wally (both now LCDRs - congrats!!)

Along my daily commute

Cruising with helos

B-dad Bob in his hooch