July 31, 2007, FOB Diamondback, Mosul, Iraq, by Jim Spiri...Maj. Nicholson performs a pre-flight check on his OH-58 helicopter prior to daily mission. Major Nicholson is stationed out of Ft. Lewis, Washington and is a 1992 graduate of West Point. He is on his second tour of duty in Iraq. He is married and has four children.
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August 2007 Archives
August 1, 2007
"I met a Thug(s)..."
August 1, 2007, FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
The other day, while travelling on the highways of northern Iraq, I was impressed listening to the communication between air support above and our humvees below. In previous missions, I had witnessed OH-58 helicopters in close support while on foot patrols in and around the city of Mosul. I had determined at one point to go see these ones that fly these aircraft like killer bees at rooftop level. As the line goes in Butch Cassiday and the Sundance Kid, "who are those guys?", would be my goal this day.
Now before I go any further, I must explain the title of this entry, so as to keep the readers on the proper page. I had always been told not to hang around a bunch of "thugs", as a kid. Kids never listen to their parents, and I found that to be the case with my own children from time to time. The call sign of the group of OH-58 pilots I would interview this day just happened to be "THUG", so I thought it funny to title this entry as such. After spending the day interviewing these "thugs", I've come to the conclusion that my mother was wrong. Some "thugs" are pretty cool. These ones happen to be among the most professional aviators I've met in my life.
I
July 31, 2007, FOB Diamondback, Mosul, Iraq, by Jim
Spiri...CW3 Boise, peers through into the front seat of his OH-58 helicopter during pre-flight checks. Mr. Boise is originally from Montana, and is stationed stateside at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He is on his second tour of duty in Iraq as an OH-58 pilot. He has 19-years of duty in the US Army.
August 2, 2007
Successful raid
An OH-58 Kiowa helicopter flys at rooftop level in support of ground operations during a raid in north Mosul,Iraq in which approximately 15,000 lbs of amonium nitrate was found in a garage-warehouse. Two suspected insurgents were detained. Raid was conducted by Bravo Co, 2/7 Cav under the direction of Capt. Kendall and Lt. Dolny.
Jim's interviews:
http://media.philly.com/audio/Kendra_Evers.MP3 Lt. Kendra Evers, from Wenatchee, Washington
http://media.philly.com/audio/col_twitty.MP3 Col. Twitty
http://media.philly.com/audio/moreno.MP3 Sgt. Moreno of Deming, NM
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 2, 2007, north Mosul, Iraq..In this photo, two suspects are seen, blind-folded, and being escorted by PFC Gerdes, (front) and Martinez, (rear). Both soldiers are with 3rd platoon, bravo company, 2/7 1st Cav, from Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 2, 2007, north Mosul, Iraq..In this photo, bags of ammonium nitrate used for bomb making, are seen after having been found by soldiers of bravo Company, 2/7 1st Cav.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 2, 2007, north Mosul, Iraq. Bradley breaks down door to warehouse.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 2, 2007, north Mosul, Iraq. In this photo, US Army soldiers from bravo company, 2/7 1st Cav, from Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX, are seen during house clearing operations in Mosul.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 2, 2007, north Mosul, Iraq. In this photo, US Army troops from Bravo Co., 2/7 1st Cav, from Ft. Bliss, TX are seen moving towards suspected insurgent hideouts in the streets of Mosul, Iraq.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 2, 2007, north Mosul, Iraq. In this photo, Lt. Dolny, (front) is seen directing troops of 3rd platoon, bravo company, 2/7 1st Cav, in house to house searches for suspected insurgents in north Mosul, Iraq.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 2, 2007, FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq...Soldiers from 3rd platoon pray before going out on raid in Mosul.
"Raiding and Finding in north Mosul" by Jim Spiri
It's Thursday, August 2. It is another hot day and the sky is hazy. There seems to be no color outside. Maybe it is the hot, or the haze, or both, but it just looks "bla" outside. But it's another day in Iraq.
All kinds of media folks are wandering around today, so I've made myself "incognito" so to speak. But I had a plan and it seemed to pan out nicely.
Continue reading ""Raiding and Finding in north Mosul" by Jim Spiri" »
August 7, 2007
"A Neighbor of Mine"...by Jim Spiri
August 3, 2007
One of the things I wanted to accomplish on this journey was to find a soldier from Albuquerque, New Mexico, where I currently reside, and spend one day following him. I had known that troops from Ft.
Bliss, in El Paso, TX, were in country, and I knew they were in Mosul. It took me some time to get here, but once here, I was not going to quit before finding a "neighbor" from Albuquerque. This blog entry includes one such soldier. His name is SSGT Adam Martinez. He is a typical example of my neighbors all throughout New Mexico. This story is for all of you who read this blog so you can somehow get a sense of how compelled I felt to write one for those back home, and at the same time give the rest of the world a feel of genuine southwestern hospitality, from the culture I grew up with and now live among.
Listen to Jim's interview with SSGT Adam Martinez
SSGT Adam Martinez questions a local truck driver during troop search of area.
"The Rest of the Story...(that I forgot..!)"
August 5, 2007
So many times I have been told, (mostly by my wife), "Jim, you always miss the forest through the trees!".
Recently, I posted an entry and photos about some OH-58 pilots. I received many emails complimenting that writing. I also received one email from SFC Bruce Glasco, of that same unit, who also spoke highly of the story, yet alerted me to the fact that I left out an extremely critical component to the story. I have found that "feedback" is a precious component to these blog entires which is why I have encouraged everyone to leave comments on the blog, whether positive or negative.
Upon reading SFC Glasco's email, I indeed realized that I had left out 90% of what keep the birds flying. I remember a song by Jerry Jeff Walker in which he indicates that a final stanza needed to be included.
Continue reading ""The Rest of the Story...(that I forgot..!)"" »
Jim interviews OH-58 maintenance crew
Justin Crowley http://media.philly.com/audio/crowley.MP3
Bruce Glasco http://media.philly.com/audio/glasco.MP3
SFC Bruce Glasco
'Thug' mechanics at work.
August 8, 2007
"Route Clearing"...by Jim Spiri
August 8, 2007 FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
After a couple days of staying on the FOB taking care of some coordination of arrangements, I found myself linking up with Echo Company, 2/7 Cav. The ones that clear routes. These are the folks that are perhaps most critical to American troops safety, as it is their job to go find IED's, before the IED's find them. Prior to departing on this mission, I thought to myself, "I wonder exactly what the recruiter tells the prospective enlistee when he signs him up for this job...?"
As I was getting into the vehicle, I spoke with a soldier named "Perez". We chatted for a while and come to find out, he graduated from the same school, the same year, as my youngest daughter Moriah. Perez is from Silver City, NM and we traded stories for a short while prior to departing on the mission to go find IED's. I thought it ironic that here I am in the middle of northern Iraq, going out on a mission with a young man that graduated from high school with my daughter. Small world, big war.
Listen to Jim speak with Maj. Carnahan
http://media.philly.com/audio/002_B_003_jim+spiri_2006_01_01.MP3">
Top Left: Spc. Pou, of Echo Co., 2/7 Cav, works insturments in the back of an RG31 vehicle. Pou is from California.
Top Right: Sgt. Perez, of Echo Company, 2/7 Cav, is seen during quick search of suspicious vehicles. Perez is from Silver City, New Mexico and was the driver of the vehicle today. He is stationed stateside at Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX.
Bottom: IED detonates during route clearing.
"Perspective"
August 8, 2007 Mosul, Iraq
In 1987, I took my camera to El Salvador. I decided at that point I would do black and white photography there. Come to find out, no one else was doing that at that time in that place. Therefore, that made me the "best black and white combat photographer" covering El Salvador. I began to think about that.
Years later, here I am in Iraq, carrying a camera and a digital voice recorder,and I am by no means the best digital photographer or reporter covering Iraq, however, I have come upon a realization that has caught my attention.
August 9, 2007
"Leading His Men"...by Jim Spiri
August 9, 2007 FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
Today I would find myself hooked up with a soldier from Hershey, Pennsylvania. Over the years I can honestly say that as far as the East Coast of the US goes, some of the best folks I've met come from Pennsylvania. I've criss-crossed that state many years ago as a hitchhiker and always had good experiences. I've worked with folks from there, and it happens to be that the newspaper in Philadelphia caught wind of what I'm doing and decided to assist me on getting the word out about my journey. One person in particular there loves the troops and pushed to get me noticed. So for all those in PA, this entry is for you.
His name is Lt. Col. Welsh.
August 10, 2007
Lt. Col. Welsh works the crowd.
Lt. Col. Welsh
The Syrian Border with Iraq
August 11, 2007
"All roads lead to Damascus..." so it's been said.
And I believe it was Paul, as the account goes in
Acts, that was on his way to Damascus when he had a
revelation, after the Lord got his attention.
At the moment, I am less than 300-meters from the
border with Syria. I'm pretty sure Damascus is in
Syria. All the roads, and routes, have led me to this
very point. And it is August, the middle of summer,
exactly what a travel agent would not recommend or
call the "high tourist" season. However, the members
of 1/9 Cav are here, along with others that I will
meet in the morning, and so it goes, they have to be
here, so I have come to see what "border control"
Iraqi style looks like. It should be interesting.
August 11, 2007
"Is this Juarez?"
August 11, 2007 COP Heider, border, Iraq-Syria...
In 1973, I married my wife Candace. She was 17, and I
was 18-years-old. It seemed to me a good idea to take
us on an "international" honeymoon trip.
So, we went to Juarez, Mexico. Truth of the matter is, it was an
hour's drive from where we lived and was the only
place at the time that would serve us drinks.
That experience has stayed with me for the past 34-years
and since then, I have crossed countless borders on
the planet. Each time I do, I recall my experience(s)
in Juarez. Today was another flashback.
August 15, 2007
August 11, 2007, COP Heider, border between Iraq and Syria...SFC Claybaugh, of 1/9 Cav, controls crowd at border crossing.
August 11, 2007, COP Heider, border between Iraq and Syria...Maj. Lawrence Basha, far left, is seen as crowd of people await processing for entry into Iraq. Maj. Basha is from Albuquerque, NM
August 11, 2007, COP Heider, border crossing between Iraq and Syria...A woman and her small baby is seen in the midst of a crowd of people awaiting entry into Iraq at border crossing between Iraq and Syria.
August 11, 2007, COP Heider, border between Iraq and Syria...US Border Patrol agent, Newman, is seen checking documents of males wanting to enter Iraq from Syria. This point of entry is a high traffic area and is the site of many foreign fighters entering Iraq.
August 11, 2007, COP Heider, border crossing point between Iraq and Syria...In this photo a large crowd of people are seen awaiting processing for entry into Iraq or Syria. As many as 30,000 people a week attempt to pass through this point of entry in summer months.
August 11, 2007, Syrian-Iraqi border point of entry near COP Heider. In this photo, the Syrian border with a picture of the Syrian president is seen in the distance.
August 12, 2007, border crossing Iraq-Syria...In this photo, an Iraqi woman is seen nearly exhausted, trying to fan herself to stay cool as she is brought forward in the line for entry at the border.
August 12, 2007, border Iraq-Syria In this photo, a small child screams in the middle of the crowd during rush to gain entry to line for document control. The heat of the day is over 115-degrees and the crowds are large, well over 3000 people at a time.
August 12, 2007, Iraq-Syria border
In this photo, a woman in the crowd waves her hand in anger trying to gain entrance while another woman in the top right stares directly into the camera.
August 12, 2007, Iraq-Syria border
In this photo, little girls drink cold Pepsi while their parents await entry at border crossing.
August 12 2007, Iraq-Syria border
This photo is representative of the future of Iraq.
On the little Iraqi boys shirt is the word "quick".
The lines behind him are moving slowly. Progress in his country is slow. He is the future. He will grow up quickly. The look in his eyes dictate that what ever happens, must happen "quick"
"The Sheik's Home"...by Jim Spiri
August 13, 2007 Rabia, Iraq
It's Monday at the border. The morning air had a hint of autumn in it. It was noticeably cooler when I awoke and stepped outside. The seasons are changing.
However, by afternoon it was extremely hot.
There would be a meeting with one Sheik Abdulla, head of the Al Shammari(sp?) tribe, a very large bloc of Sunni Arabs here in northern Iraq, and Col. Twitty, the Brigade Commander from Mosul. My goal was to attend. I would not push, but I would try with all my "skills" to get invited. I was in the right place.
It is the right time. And I knew it would be another experience that would be worth the effort.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 13, 2007, COP Heider, Iraq
These are members of Charlie Troop, 1/9 Cav, that were my escorts to Sheik Abdullah's home.
August 13, 2007, at the home of Sheik Abdullah, near Rabia, Iraq...In this photo Col.
Twitty and Sheik Abdullah discuss issues facing Ninevah province, Iraq.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 13, 2007, at the home of Sheik Abdullah, near Rabia, Iraq...In this photo, Col.Twitty, and Sheik Abdullah, (sitting) and his son standing, discuss issues facing Ninevah province in Iraq.
August 13, 2007, at the home of Sheik Abdullah near Rabia, Iraq...Lunch at the Sheik's home.
"The Lighter Side"...by Jim Spiri
August 14, 2007 COP Heider, Iraq-Syria border
Once in awhile, we all just have to take a step back and smile. Sure, there are reasons and situations to keep us from that, but, in such a crazy world, in order to avoid insanity, one just has to find a way to have a good time no matter what the circumstances.
This is a brief story about one such character. His name is Frank Salamone, from New York City, and he works for the Customs folks at JFK airport in New York. He has volunteered to come on his second assignment here at the border between Iraq and Syria.
August 12, 2007, Iraq-Syria border
In this photo, Frank Salamone, of the Customs Dept. in New York, is seen dispensing candy to a small child at the point of entry at the Iraq-Syria border.
August 12, 2007, Iraq-Syria border
In this photo, Frank Salamone, left, is seen discussing with people waiting in line for entry into Iraq, the reasons they cannot go ahead of anyone.
"The Visit by MG Mixon"...by Jim Spiri
August 14, 2007 COP Heider, border Iraq-Syria
At the moment, I'm stuck in COP Heider. Helicopter flights in and out of here were canceled. The last twenty-four hours saw severe VBED attacks in the region a ways from here. Yazzidi communities suffered great losses. A CH47 went down west of Baghdad. Five were killed. I monitored those reports watching for news of my son's unit. It was not his, but the night was stressful. I am saddened for the families that are suffering loss. I am on "plan B" which means, I will roll with the flow, whatever transpires next.
As I knew prior to coming here, the border is a critical piece in the complicated puzzle called Iraq.
I
August 14, 2007, border between Syria and Iraq...In this photo, Maj. Gen. Mixon is seen with Iraq border control General Hadi, discussing border issues.
August 14, 2007, border between Iraq and Syria...In this photo, Maj. Gen. Mixon, (L), and Maj. Lawrence Basha, (R) are seen touring the border processing area near Rabia, Iraq.
August 16, 2007
"Waiting, again..."
August 16, 2007 combat outpost, Heider, border area
August, summer, Iraq, waiting. And waiting, and waiting....
Most of my time on this journey has been spent waiting.
It is not a complaint, and even if it were, there is nothing I can do about it. One must learn that, before embarking on such a journey. I can handle that. Perhaps in the next 24-hours there will be a mode of transportation that will get me back to where I have left most of my things, thinking I would be here for only a few days. I should know better.
Jim Spiri waiting - Self Portrait
August 21, 2007
"Lord, I was born a Ramblin' Man"...by Jim Spiri
August 18, 2007 FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
Back in the 70's, Barry Oakley and the Allman Brothers band, sang a song titled, "Ramblin' Man". I have always liked that song. A great deal of my life has been spent traveling across this planet. The past days have reminded me of all the miles and people and places I've come in contact with, especially here in Iraq. I am back ramblin' through Mosul.
On Friday morning, August 17th, I was given a ride via convoy to FOB Sykes, in Tal a Far. It was about a two hour trip in the Humvee. It was a nice peaceful ride and the morning air was hinting again at autumn, although, it burned away rapidly. Upon arrival at FOB Sykes, around 11:00 am, we downloaded all the gear and organized our things. The soldiers with me, from 1/9 Cav, were going to return the next day with supplies and mail for FOB Heider. I would be taken to the pax terminal and coordinate from there. I said my good-byes to the guys that brought me, thanked them and we said we would keep in touch. They will follow the blog.
Continue reading ""Lord, I was born a Ramblin' Man"...by Jim Spiri" »
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 18, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, taken near the Tigris River, adobe bricks are seen lined up after being made by hand by local residents. It is similar to adobe in the southwest part of the United States, near New Mexico.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 18, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, women clean clothes for the home. Life is hard in many aspects of Iraqi life.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 18, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, Spc. Stevens is seen escorting a detained suspect for questioning to a temporary holding area. Steven is with 2/7, from Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, Texas
In this photo, the faces of the detained from the mission in Mosul on Saturday, August 18. Many are not from Mosul and are suspected in several insurgent activities.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 18, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, several men are seen in a home while the place is searched. Standing guard in the background is Sgt. Thomas DeCarlo, of 2/7 Cav. DeCarlo is stationed at Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX and is on his second deployment to Iraq.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 18, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, a family watches as soldiers search their home in Mosul.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 18, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, (from top to bottom), Sgt. DeCarlo, Sgt. Wallace(medic) and Sgt. Major Curry, of 2/7 Cav, scale steps to check out position on rooftop during mission in Mosul, Iraq. All three are stationed at Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 18, 2007, on helicopter flight between Tal a Far and Mosul, Iraq. View as seen from inside the helicopter looking out at the landscape.
I
DeCarlo guards doorway, while residents sit.
Audio Interview
http://media.philly.com/audio/002_B_009_jim+spiri_2006_01_03.mp3
Jim Spiri talks with Spc. Simon Valdez, from Albq, NM.
The Morning Mission
Sunday, a day of rest, usually. Not so for this morning. I had received word that a mission would be happening this morning and I would need to be ready an hour or so before sunrise. The night before, I was up late, writing for the blog and getting photos transferred. I knew it would be tiring in the morning, but I wanted to be present. The soldiers from 2/7 would be going, so I wanted to go as well.
As I have said before, they have to be here, I wanted to do as much as I could with them for as long as I'm here. That is the reason for being here.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 19, 2007, Mosul, Iraq In this photo, Capt. Teage, commander of Apache Company, 2/7, 1st Cav, is seen conferring with a local truck driver who was being questioned during operations in Mosul.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 19, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, a found IED was detonated.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 19, 2007, Mosul, Iraq In this photo, Lt. Peabody, from Espanola, NM, and a graduate of West Point Military Academy, is seen in the streets of Mosul, providing security.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 19, 2007,
Mosul, Iraq One of the tanks from Apache Co., 2/7 en route to objective on the morning mission.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 19, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, Sgt. Briola, from Guam, is seen during a moment of high intensity. He was the gunner in the rear security vehicle in an area that is extremely hostile. He contantly kept a vigilance and rotated the turret from side to side while anticipating the threat at hand.
August 22, 2007
"August 20, 2007, Iraq...again
It is the third time I've been in Iraq on this date.
In 1955, I came into this world, in Trenton, New Jersey, USA. Born to parents from different cultures. My father was from Italy, my mother of Irish decent. Her father came to America from Ireland in 1915 and enlisted in the Army under Gen. "Blackjack" Pershing, in El Paso, TX.
Fifty-two years later, I am in Mosul, Iraq, having shots fired at me, and being taken care of by members of 2nd Battallion, 7th Regiment, 1st Cavalary Division, from Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 20, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, a soldier from 2/7 cav, is seen in position, while an Iraqi lady talks to other soldiers shortly after small arms fire was taken from the area.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 20, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, soldiers of 2/7 cav are seen moving to a position where fire was coming from.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 20, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, Lt. Kujowaski, left, is seen among other soldiers of 2/7 cav, while an Iraqi family, right, watches in a room. The women and children were put in a room for their own safety while gunfire was in the area.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 20, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo the face of a small Iraq girl peering into the camera. The children are the same all over the world.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 20, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, Sgt. Wallace, a medic, is seen detaining a suspect during house search where small arms fire was coming from.
August 23, 2007
"Manning the Unmanned"...by Jim Spiri
August 22, 2007
Last night there was a big boom that sounded close by.
It was one of those sounds that everyone turns and looks at each other and says, "that was big".
It happened late in the evening while I was working on the computer. It shook everything. In the morning, I found out that a Bradley had struck a very big IED.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 22, 2007, FOB Diamondback, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo another UAV mission completes it's task. The UAV's are an integral part of the mission here in Iraq.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 22, 2007, FOB Diamondback, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, Sgt. Louis Cortese, 31-years-old, is seen next to one of the UAV's he is in charge of maintaining.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 22, 2007, FOB Diamondback, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, Spc. James kneels by one of the UAV's he assists in maintaining. The artwork is also his handywork.
August 24, 2007
"Seen and not Heard"...by Jim Spiri
August 23, 2007 Mosul, Iraq
One day, many years ago, my mother told me that I was
to be "seen and not heard". On very rare occasions,
she was correct.
Today was one of those days as I observed grown
military men of Iraq, interacting with
grown military men of the USA, hammering out big
things, little things, and all kinds of things in
between.
"IED's, RGP, saf, and Comments"...by Jim Spiri
August 24, 2007
Senator John Warner, (R-Virginia), and Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced in the last 24-hours that a troop withdrawal of unspecified numbers, is going to be suggested to President Bush shortly. All of this ahead of Gen. David Petreaus' report, due on or about September 11.
The politician is wrangling to figure a way out prior to the next Presidential election for his party and the General is stating that our forces are strained in case of another threat, such as Iran, creeps up.
Personally, I listen to Pace before Warner. But there are times, I just don't know whom to believe.
Continue reading ""IED's, RGP, saf, and Comments"...by Jim Spiri" »
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 24, 2007, west Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, an IED is seen exploding as we were traveling on a street in west Mosul.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 24, 2007, west Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, two soldiers from Apache Co., 2/7 cav, Ludwig,(L) and Bell (R), are seen as small arms fire erupts in the area.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 24, 2007, west Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, Sgt. Fernandez of 2/7 cav, is seen in position during daytime operations in the streets of Mosul, Iraq.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 24, 2007, west Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, four soldiers from 2/7 cav are seen taking cover on a corner as small arms fire erupts in the streets of west Mosul, Iraq.
August 28, 2007
"Guarding the Bad Guys"...by Jim Spiri
August 25, 2007 FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
The weather is changing here in the north. The days
are still very hot, but for not as long. The sun goes
down earlier and comes up later. There are clouds in
the sky more frequently now. Soon, it will be much
cooler and then will turn cold. This is the north of
Iraq.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 25, 2007, FOB Diamondback,
Mosul, Iraq...In this photo, (L-R), Pvt. Owen, SFC
Cuevas, Spc. McVickers and Spc. McNeal, are seen in
front of the detention facility at FOB Diamondback
where they work, in Mosul, Iraq. All are based at Ft.
Bliss, in El Paso, TX.
Night Shift in Iraq"...by Jim Spiri
August 27, 2007, FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
"Jim, it's important that you keep up with us when we
dismount and go over the wall. You got that?"
"Roger that sir", I replied.
These are the words that SSgt Mansapit had told me
prior to embarking on last nights mission. I've not
ever had trouble keeping up the pace. Seems I thrive
on the endurance part. However, what was going
through my mind from that point on until we arrived at
the objective was, the wall. "Oh great", I thought to
myself. " I forgot my big res "S" and my cape, you
know, the one Clark Kent always keeps handy when he
runs into a phone booth to save the day from what ever
Jimmy Olson got him into. For the next twenty minutes
or so, I went over and over in my head how to scale a
wall and not get hurt. It was safe to say, I was
preoccupied with that thought until we arrived at the
objective and somewhere along the line I sprouted
wings and flew over a wall, landed in some bushes and
felt like Stephen Segal in some new adventure movie
that's not out on film yet.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 25-26, Mosul, Iraq..
In this photo, Lt. Dolny, of Bravo Co., is seen
filling out some paperwork in the home of local
resident that was just raided.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 26, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo we can see soldiers lining up in
position to enter the home of suspected Iraqi
insurgent with neighbor who knocked on door.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 26, 2007, Mosul, Iraq..
In this photo, we see a Sgt. from Apache Co. talking
with the family whose home was just entered. The
family led the soldiers next door where the suspected
insurgent was captured.
August 30, 2007
"The Big Picture (slightly out of focus)"...by Jim Spiri
August 29, 2007
There comes a time in every endeavor to step back and
take a look. I have spent the last six years not
wanting to do that. Perhaps now is a good time to
take a glance and peek into the scenery that I have
traversed. It's a dicey attempt, but, in the scope of
the universe, why not?
Continue reading ""The Big Picture (slightly out of focus)"...by Jim Spiri" »
Jim talks with SSGT Carlos Garcia
http://media.philly.com/audio/SSGT_Carlos_Garcia.mp3
Listen to the interview
Members of the 27BSB unit in a team photo. Their team is known as the "Mexican Click", and have rarely been defeated. All the soldiers are stationed at Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX
Sgt. Moreno (L) and SSGT Carlos Garcia, stand at the soccer field at FOB Marez.
August 31, 2007
"Faces in the Crowd"...by Jim Spiri
August 31, 2007 Mosul, Iraq
"Faces in the Crowd"...by Jim Spiri
When I tried my hand at photography years ago, it was my intention to capture on film the look on faces of people I meet. Over time, that idea fades in and out but once in awhile it comes to pass.
Photographing in Iraq, especially the women, is difficult to pull off.
A snapshot verses an un-staged photograph is what I'm after all the time. Lighting, composition, technique and a whole host of other things come into play. One never knows what to expect. But for the sake of the viewer, I decided today that any photo from Iraq for those that have never been here, and probably will never come, would still be interesting. So, I have included mostly photographs of scenes that at first glance may seem uninteresting for those familiar with it, but for those not familiar with it, perhaps interesting.
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 31, 2007, FOB Marez, Iraq In this photo, Spc. Cobb (L), and Pvt. Hoffman, (R) are seen after completing a mission. These are faces of soldiers that take care of me on my travels.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Aug 31, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, an Iraqi mother and daughter watch as soldiers search their home.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Aug 31, 2007, FOB Marez, Iraq In this photo, Sgt. Aguilera, of 1st platoon, Apache Co., 2/7 Cav, from Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX, is seen after completing mission. Aguilera was the vehicle commander in the Humvee I rode in today.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Aug 31, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo, Sgt. Simmons, (seated with phone radio phone in ear) is seen talking with resident of home. Simmons is with 1st platoon, Apache Co, 2/7 Cav, from Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX
Photo by Jim Spiri, August 31, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo we see Sgt. Simmons, (facing camera) during foot patrol in the streets of Mosul, Iraq.
Simmons is in 1st Platoon, Apache Co., 2/7 Cav, and is stationed at Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX
Photo courtesy of Jim Spiri, August 31, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...In this photo, the author, Jim Spiri (L) and Sgt. Mansapit (R), are seen together while tire on Humvee was being changed.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Aug 31, 2007, Mosul, Iraq...
In this photo a woman is seen making bread while soldiers search her home. She handed bread to everyone who wanted some. It was good bread.
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About August 2007
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