Jim Spiri in Iraq

I felt it quite fitting to be doing this today. I would have it no other way than to be with the cavalry today.

I would ride with Lt. Kujowski, in the front right seat, Sgt. Briola up top again, Hernandez, (whose name I remembered this time), driving, and Bell on my left in the back. We would go into Mosul in an area where it is a known insurgent hotbed of activity often.

Today was no exception. Capt. Tegge and Lt. Col. Welsh would be in our area as well. They seem to be very busy these days, and I am reminded that their battalion is the only battalion working Mosul, compared to many more battalions working in and around Baghdad.

As we headed out the FOB, I adjusted my headset underneath my Kevlar helmet. I listened as word came over the comms that a military vehicle in our area had struck an IED and sustained some damage. No one was hurt. I figured that today would be interesting to say the least from that point on. After a few stops at places to link up with others, we all proceeded to the objective.

The area of town we were entered was residential and the terrain was a little hilly. The place we were on had a kind of creek below, with water running in it.

However, it was very dirty and not picturesque at all.

But it was a change of scenery once again, and if one looks deeper it can be said that the places we visited have a beauty to them. Once there, we dismounted and began to search particular homes of interest. The people in the homes that we entered looked apprehensive and it was a familiar look that I have seen before, usually before something happens.

As we went to different places, shots rang out. It was a short amount of fire. We proceeded on foot to the next homes. Then, after a short while, lots of fire erupted and once again we obviously were in the right place. There was some return fire, briefly.

The Kiowas were notified and in short order they were soon buzzing overhead. I looked up as one passed over head so low, I could see the pilot as he maneuvered in banks and turns as I tracked him through the view finder spinning in a 180-degree motion. As they passed, I said to the soldier standing next to me, "I really like those Kiowas".

At this time, Lt. Col. Welsh and his team along with Capt. Tegge and his team, as well as Lt. Kujowski and Bell, with me tagging along, pressed directly into the home that the fire was suspected of coming from.

There we found two adult males and apprehended them.

Chemical tests were done on the spot, which turned up positive and they were detained and placed in vehicles that we came in. One detainee was put in the vehicle I was in, and was placed in the middle area between two seats. His hands were bound and he was blindfolded. He seemed to talk a lot as we offered him water. None of us could understand him but in his tones it was clear he was quite nervous but knew he had been caught. He was allowed to rattle on and eventually he quieted down. He would be taken to the Iraqi Army location and questioned.

We left the area that the fire came from after about 45-minutes or so, and then went to another neighborhood just up the hill a ways. There we distributed boxes and boxes of children's shoes that had been donated to the Iraqi children from places stateside. The shoes were not brand new, but all pairs were in exceptionally good shape. They were well received. Later we exited this location and proceeded to the Iraqi Army location where the detainees were handed over.

I found out throughout the day that the exact area we were in had been the scene last week, while I was gone to the border, of a firefight that resulted in the deaths of several insurgents. The neighborhood knows that the push is on to eradicate the whole area of terrorists.

However, I am amazed at the answers most of the residents give when questioned about their respective neighborhoods. Seems as though no one is aware of any events even though they have lived there most all their lives. It is common to hear them say, through interpretors, "No, I've heard nothing. No, I don't know who lives over there.

Yes, I hear bombs but I can't remember when that was. No, my husband and son are not here. They went away somewhere and I don't know when they are coming back". And so on and so forth. Body language speaks volumes more than just lips.

At the Iraqi Army location, I was invited to yet another Iraqi lunch. As usual, it was good food. I met some more folks that invited me to stay with them for a while and I agreed to return in the future.

Mosul is a very interesting place. Ninevah province in general is the most diverse place I've come across in ages. Northern Iraq is an intriguing land.

There was a point today that caught my attention. I had come to the office where I go to meet with a Lt. who tells me when and where I would be going the next day. When I got there this afternoon, I met with another officer, named Lt. Davis. He told me that Lt.Ames would be back later. Then Lt. Davis asked if I had seen the plaque on the wall about a soldier that was in their battalion. He suggested I read it. It was one of those suggestions that I knew had a deeper meaning. I would read about Lt. Daily, (deceased).

This young Lt., was 23 when he was killed. It was several months back. He had written much on his personal email journal, and it was posted for display.
He wrote much about why he served. It was extremely moving. The very last line said.......

He wanted to be a journalist.

I was speechless after reading about this man. Today, as every year on this date, I think about all the "what ifs" in my life. After reading about Lt. Daily, I no longer will think about those things anymore. I am most blessed. I have on this journey been afforded the opportunity to do what a fallen cavalryman wanted to do. For all those who have gone on before me, and for all those who are here among me now, all of America's sons and daughters, I will speak as Jonah spoke in Ninevah province, in ages past. I will continue to write for those that have an ear to hear.

If you put your ear to the ground and listen, one can hear the cavalry coming. It is a mighty sound.

I feel very young today, at 52.

Jim Spiri
FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
jimspiri@yahoo.com