My last post. Thank you for all of your love and support these past 7 months. I appreciate it, and could not have done it without you. xxoo kb

One of the gardens people kept up on the embassy compound.

Ryan and me at the "Victory Arch"-Saddam's "Arc of Triumph" over the Iranians in the Iran-Iraq war (Est. in Aug., 1989)

People were "messing" with my "greenery."

Ryan and I found some massage chairs and ate chili while we relaxed.

Monument of Iranian helmets to signify Saddam's triumph of the Iraq-Iran war. Supposedly 2500 helmets in the monument. Ryan and I got ice cream on the way back to the embassy compound.

Ryan's departure from Baghdad a week before mine.

My last box packed. Go Twins! Go Angry Birds!

Last sunset in Baghdad.

Last ABs class with Mr. G.

Coolest temp I've ever seen in Baghdad. Nice!

Award ceremony.

General Buchanan presenting.

Last bags to go...

"Squid Team 5," departing (Oct 31, 2011).

Ride to airport

Say no more...

A bit of irony

Last "North End" pizza. Pretty good for Iraq.

Last non-alcoholic beer I'll have. Baghdad Int'l Airport tower on computer screen.

Departing for C-130 flight to Kuwait.

Donny and me on C-130 flight.

Kuwait-Johanna and I went through training together in SC. She is a Navy Nurse and works in Kuwait at the Warrior Transition Program (WTP) we had to go through before we returned home.

Sarah, me and Johanna in Kuwait (we all went through training together in SC).

My tent at WTP

Starbucks everywhere.

First beer back on U.S. soil (Baltimore Int'l Airport)

Dinner upon arrival in CA for admin processing (some "20-something" took the pic. A lot of things have changed since I left I guess).

CA beach

Track home...

The First Week of October. Leaving on the 25th now...

Gifts from Mr. Monsoor

"Pandora's Box," where all the care packages go "for the taking." The Double Bubble has lasted the longest..380 pieces (where 379 is not quite enough and 381 is too many)! Thank you Mr. Keohane (dad of my good friend from helo days), and thank you to all who have contributed. The Office morale has thrived because of your generosity!

The coolest its been since my arrival in June. Amazing the difference 50 degrees makes. Not "cover the rose bushes" cool, but much more pleasant. And, Its "ACU-RITE," so it must be accurate.

Office Care Package from Navy "Battle Buddy."

Pictured: LCDR Phil Simpson, LCDR Ryan Burke, Mr. Garcia, LT Chris Cannon, and LCDR "J-Fo." Package from CDR Krista Sturbois (went to flight school with her husband, and has recently gone home) consisted of "Buck-Eyes (she lives in Ohio),"  and various types of popcorn. The picture doesn't show, but everything is empty. Thank you ma'am!

Go Minnesota Lynx, Beat the Phoenix Mercury!

It's the only thing Minnesota has "going on" right now. "Kick it" Lynx!!!!

ETD Iraq

I just got word yesterday that I will be leaving Iraq on October 30th. That's pretty neat.

This week...

I am  resolved to "watching the grass grow." Thank you Lani. It's the only "green" I really see.

CAPT Yancigay's departure. The last of the Navy's leadership.

Ryan finishing the 10K.

The Air Force  Birthday 5K (forgive them...) .

The Air Force Birthday 5K-All Navy.

10th Anniversary of 9/11

Ryan and I "flew" some flags for the anniversary.

 

1 of 5 flags we flew.

Folding the flag.