I'm in Iraq! Update (24 Oct)

[Moonrs]

Well, folks, a couple weeks ago, I was given notice that I've got to go to Iraq 25 Sept (tomorrow!) and will be there for at least 4-6 months. I'm forced to leave my 75 gallon tank in the care of my wife (who'd just as soon sell it) and my son, 11, who's promised to do his best to take care of my tank for me. All I can say is YIKES. Although my son has good intentions, I can't help but be nervous about my fish. I will get on this site while in Iraq and will encourage my wife and son to use it too, especially if they have any questions. Just in case there are any tank emergancies, is there anyone who has base access (I live on Medina Annex) who my wife could at least call, or in an extreme case, have come over to help? I think my son will be able to handle feeding the fish, more or less. I'm not too sure about the anemones, though. Hopefully they'll still be okay when I get back. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Moonrs (TSgt Moon, USAF)

[TexasTodd]

See pm.

TT

[Ed]

Be safe over there!

[cpreefguy]

Good Luck. Wish I could help.

[Ping]

PM sent.

[bprewit]

cant help you with the tank but wanted to say take care and best of luck on your Iraq duty. I have a friend that leaves out in a week as well and wish you all the best.

[JesterGrin_1]

All I can say is be dang careful and stick with a Sergeant that has been there awhile. And Good Luck and a big thank you. :)

[Moonrs]

I'll try to keep in touch, if I can get to a computer. I leave in just over 12 hours now... It'll take almost two days of constant travel to get where I'm going. Thanks for the offers to help. It's a real load off my mind to know I've got folks covering my back while I'm away. Talk to you guys soon. Moonrs

[Moonrs]

Well, folks, I made it. we're about 9 hours ahead, and have fairly regular access to the computer. I have been here a day so far. It took more than 28 hours to get here, once you add in layovers. I even had the fun experience of being held by immigration in the country of Qatar for 4 hours. I've got to go, hope to talk again, soon.

[don-n-sa]

Moonrs...just wanted to say thanks from me and my family for what you are doing. See you in 6 months...

[seamonkey2]

Richard, I have access to the base, LMK if I can help

so...inmigration held you up, you should have told them, " fine!! you don't want me here, I don't want to be here, send me back" LOL

Jose 210-393-3835

[satx-94integraLS]

hey,

sux that youre going, come home safe. PM me, i can help with weekly tank matinence for a fellow MAAST'ard.

[falcondob]

TSgt Moon,
Thanks for what you are about to do. This American appreciates your sacrafice and service. God be with you and return you safely. Let me know if I can help with your tank. I live on the NW side of SA.
Be safe,
John Wilkes

[Moonrs]

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. I am in a small town just north of Bagdad (about 50 miles) called Balad. You may remember that name from a news report a few days ago. There were 3 car bombings simultaneously there a few days ago. None of our soldiers were hurt, but many civilians were, unfortunately . We took care of many of them(I work in the Hospital). The things people do to each other... Anyway, in case anyone's interested, I have a mailing address here. I'm not able to get to the computer as often as I'd hoped, initially, but I'd love to hear from you all. My address is TSgt Richard Moon, 332 AEW/EMDG/Surgery, APO AE 09315-9997. Drop me a line, if you get the chance. Have a good day, Moonrs

[brewercm]

Are you at Camp Anaconda?
My brother in law did a year up their last year when he was still in the Army, I was thinking Ballad is Anaconda in Iraq.

Stay safe and thanks for what you're doing from an old retired AF guy, well I only retired earlier this year but still feel old. :huh

[Moonrs]

I am at Balad Air Base, in support of Operation Anaconda. It's relatively nice here, all things considered, but there isn't a fish for a thousand miles! I wonder how my tank is doing...? I miss it. About the only thing I can do at this point is look at the pictures in my gallery to remember it. As far as I know, my fish are still alive. :unsure my wife hasn't told me anything. Currently, we have to wear body armor everywhere, except in our actual workcenters and where we sleep(those are considered hardened or safe from mortars). It's definately helping me work out. :roll I hope to hear from you guys. Have a nice day. Moon out.

[AlexKilpatrick]

Richard -- Just a note to say hi. I have been over three times in the past year, but just for a few weeks at a time. You should be very glad that you are over there this time of the year. It is very nice. In July/August, it was *brutal*, with 120 degrees and wicked sand storms. Don't worry about your tank; there are plenty of people here who can help if you need it. Just make sure your wife knows she can call for help. Also, be sure and take advantage of the cheap DVDs. It can be mighty boring over there (at least it was for me). One last bit of advice. Have your wife email you the really mundane stuff that goes on during the day. It really helps you feel like you are still in touch.

By the way, I am also an AF reservist, but I have only gone over as a contractor.

[SuperXdude]

Balad sucks. I spent the night there on May 6th. Massive mortar attack, which I slept through, followed by a Camel Spider ground assault in the morning.

Rich - Come to Camp Habbaniyah. It's about 60 miles west of Baghdad. Situated between lovely Fallujah and Ramadi. You'll love the almost daily mortar/rocket attacks.


X

[Moonrs]

SuperXdude, lol, I appreciate the offer, but I've got my own mortar attacks already... I've been fortunate to miss the camelspiders, though. You can send one of those, if you like. BTW, it never occured to me I'd be joining you in Iraq when you left, but here I am. You take care and keep your head down.

[Moonrs]

Could some of the people who've said they could help my wife take care of the tank onbase if she had questions give her a call? She said that she thinks something has died(or is dying), but she's not sure what... when I named off fish, she said they and the anemone's were still alive. I'd really appreciate it. Please pm me for her number. I will respond as quickly as I am able to. I'm not always able to get to a computer. Thank you all so much. Moonrs

[Moonrs]

Hello. My name is Mary Alice Moon. I am Moonrs wife. My mom will coming to visit from Austin on Saturday, October 28th. If anyone who has access to the base is available on Saturday (for a tank checkup for Moonrs) please send us a pm and let us know if you can come (since my mom will be here also). It can be anytime on Saturday except between 6 and 8 pm as that is the time for trick or treating here on base housing. BTW I have 2 twin boxsprings in great condition that anyone can have. My husband built a bunkbed for the kids before he left for Iraq and we no longer need them.
Thank you.

[brewercm]

PM sent

[Ping]

PM sent.

[shellback]

moonrs if you get a chance the pool is nice, spent short breathers at anaconda between missions, Down in the valley really stinks if you can get a chance go up to Mosul at diamondback, the weather is much nicer during the summer and winter. Good luck and be safe.