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Photo by Jim Spiri, September 1, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, SSGT Hjelm is seen during house search
in Mosul, Iraq. Hjelm, is a newly promoted Staff
Sergeant and today he wore the new rank for the first
time. I have been with him on many ops and he is
quite a character to travel with. Congratulations on
the promotion.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 1, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, a little Iraqi boy watches during
questioning of suspect.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 1, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, Captain Chris Contino is seen walking
to a position during patrol in Mosul, Iraq.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 1, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, SSGT Hjelm(L) and SSGT Hernandez are
seen escorting a detained person to a Humvee.
September 1, 2007 FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
It is September now. Another month clicks off on the
calendar. Most of the ones I'm here with will be
going home in three months or so. Everyone is
rounding the corner now on this deployment. Soon it
will be cooler here, and it will actually get cold.
It is hard to believe that because the days still are
quite warm. But the seasons come and go.
One of the comments on the blog mentioned the word
complacent. I must admit, I am guilty of that at
times without realizing it. I am glad for the
reminder. I must never forget where I am, for those
around me do not ever have the luxury of forgetting
where they are.
Continue reading ""Same Thing, Different Day"...by Jim Spiri" »
In this photo, Sgt. Bell (L) and 1st Sgt. Volk, stand at the scene of a SVBED attack that happened the previous 24-hrs. Many shops along the side were destroyed in the attack.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sept 2, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, the intersection that was the sight of a SVBED attack on September 1. The car was not the VBED, it was just another vehicle that happened to get destroyed. This scene is looking away from the shops.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sept 2, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, a family watches as their home is searched by Iraqi Army soldiers.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sept 2, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, an Iraqi Army soldier is seen in a home in west Mosul, during house searching.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sept 2, 2007, IA base, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, Sgt. Mansapit, from Alpha Co., 2/7 is seen after a mission that netted some insurgents in Mosul.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sept 2, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, both Iraqi Army and US soldiers participate in house search in Mosul.
September 3, 2007
In Iraq, as well as the rest of the Muslim world, the month of Ramadan is coming up. It will commence around mid September and continue through until mid October. Historically it has always been a time of increased terrorist activity here in Iraq. I have spent two seasons of Ramadan in Iraq and one in Kuwait. This would be my fourth. Basically, one does not eat or drink during daylight hours. Then, the devout gouge themselves silly at sundown. It would be a nightmare for those with hypoglycemia. In Kuwait, it is easy to get thrown into jail for eating or drinking during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan, whether you are Muslim or not. It is a sure form of aestheticism, and one I'm not excited about.
In any event, such is life in the Muslim world. It is just another element in the Muslim culture that most Westerners do not comprehend. Kind of like how most Westerners cannot grasp the concept of suicide bombers either. Or the matter of four wives for one man, all under one roof sometimes.
On Saturday in the morning, a very large SVBED, (suicide vehicle borne explosive device) was detonated on a busy intersection in a business part of town.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sept 4, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, Spc. Wallace, a combat medic with 2/7 Cav, administers first aid to Iraqi soldier shot in arm.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sept 4, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, smoke rises from one of two IED's we encountered today.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sept 4, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo one case the damage done to an Iraqi Humvee that hit an IED today.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sept 4, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo and Iraqi soldier rests during house searches in area where three insurgents were killed an hour earlier.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 4, 2007, Mosul, Iraq In this photo, Sgt. Thomas DeCarlo, (L), and SSGT Hjelm, (R) are seen during operations in Mosul.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 4, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, Col. Haji, of the Iraqi Army in Mosul, is seen leading the way during operations which resulted in the killing of three insurgents as well as nabbing several suspects. Lt. Col. Eric Welsh, in US Army uniform, is seen in background.
September 4, 2007 FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
The comment section of the blog is by far the most important. I encourage all the readers to read one in particular, that being, comment #5, under the story titled, "Same Thing, Different Day". It can be found in the September archives. It is a must.
Today I would be up earlier than usual and ready to roll. It would be busy. I was well rested, caught up on the things that needed to be done, and felt that I was in the stride, like a long distance runner seeing the last lap in view. I would try now to kick things into gear for time is running short on my stay here in Mosul. One might call it being a short timer.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 5, 2007, west of Mosul, along Tigris River
In this photo, a family that lives close to the river is seen sitting in doorway of their meager home.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 6, 2007, west of Mosul, Iraq, along the Tigris River
In this photo, a OH58-Kiowa helicopter is seen providing air cover for operation along Tigris River today.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 6, 2007, west of Mosul, Iraq, along Tigris River
In this photo, we see the area along the rivers' edge where some suspects were detained. The river is pleasant to view here.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 6, 2007, west of Mosul, Iraq, along Tigris River
In this photo, Pvt. Fernandez is seen in position in gunner's turret, during operation along the Tigris River.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 6, 2007, west of Mosul, Iraq, along the Tigris River
In this photo, a young boy was herding sheep near the river as a patrol rounded up some suspected insurgents.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 6, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, soldiers from 2/7 advance on the position where small arms fire came from.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 6, 2007, west of Mosul, Iraq
In this photo a young Iraqi girl is seen. She lives in a meager hut near the Tigris River, west of Mosul.
September 6, 2007 Mosul, Iraq
When I was a youngster growing up, I spent many a time
camping along the banks of the Rio Grande River in
southern New Mexico. There were four of us in our
group. Fred and Greg Melton, who were twins, Scot
Sheward and myself.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 7, 2007, FOB Marez...
In this photo, Dale Johnson, of the US Air Force, is
seen atop a building at FOB Marez, Iraq. Johnson is a
communications technician and is the son of Wade
Johnson. He's just a nice guy and finding him for his
father was like locating a needle in a haystack. This
one is for you Wade.
September 8, 2007
One thing I've learned on this journey is always be
prepared for things to change. That is a given, and
it has worked in me much patience. I've also learned
that each day is never wasted. This entry I've
titled, "Short Story", for a reason. It will be
short, but to the point.
In the last 36-hours, word came down that three US
soldiers were killed from here in Mosul.
September 8, 2007 FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
There is a book I am reading about FDR during WW2. It
is quite fascinating to read that book and be here in
Iraq at this point in time. No matter what people
said about FDR, he did manage to do one thing well.
That was, he mobilized the nation in support of a
monumental task. The task of course was the defeat of
Nazi Germany as well as Japan. It would have been
impossible to pull off that victory without the
support of those on the home-front. FDR and his wife
Eleanor, knew this.
Those of us that were born within ten years after WW2
ended had in our rear view mirrors what remained of a
nation that stood behind it's leaders. Many say that
"times were different". In a sense, I concur.
Yet the deeper I read, it seems "the more things
change, the more things stay the same".
Continue reading ""Reading History, Making History"...by Jim Spiri" »
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 9, 2007, Mosul, Iraq In this photo, SSGT Vratney, of Bravo Co., is seen escorting a suspected cell leader during night raid in Mosul, Iraq.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 9, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo a suspected cell leader is seen with hands on wall as he is prepared for being taken in to Iraqi authorities.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 9, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, members of Bravo Co., 2/7 and Iraqi Army soldiers, are seen during night raid to capture and detain cell leaders of ISI, Islamic State of Iraq members.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 9, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, US Army soldier from Bravo Co, 2/7 Cav, is seen with suspected cell leader during night raid in Mosul, Iraq. The suspects are all assumed to be part of ISI, or Islamic State of Iraq, terrorists.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 9, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo the wife of a suspected cell member of ISI, Islamic State of Iraq, is seen looking directly into the camera as her husband is about to be detained.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 9, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo the light shines on a suspected cell leader during night raid in Mosul, Iraq. Raid was conducted by Bravo Company, 2/7 Cav.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 9, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo soldiers from Bravo Co., 2/7 Cav, are seen during house search of suspected ISI cell members home in Mosul, Iraq.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 9, 2007, Mosul, Iraq
In this photo, a suspected member of ISI, Islamic State of Iraq terrorists organization, is seen detained during night raid in Mosul, Iraq. In the background, Lt. Dolney, of Bravo Co., 2/7 Cav, is seen watching over as he directs operations.
September 9, 2007 FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq
It was actually cool last night, around 0400 hrs in the morning. For the first time in a long time, I did not need air conditioning in the Humvee. I had been up for 28-hours straight, by the time I got to sleep on Sunday morning. The previous morning I had been on an early mission when mechanical problems forced the group I was with to return to the FOB, towing another Humvee. I searched around the rest of that day for the next mission and by the time I got it all sorted out, the mission would begin shortly before midnight.
It would last until after sunrise. I mentally adjusted and decided that sleep would happen after the mission I was on was finished. I'm glad I hung in there. It would be another education for me to add to the collection of experiences.
Continue reading ""Watcha gonna do when we come for you, bad boys, Bad Boys?"...by Jim Spiri" »
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 10, 2007, FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq.
This is a photo of Apache Company, 2/7 Cav, from Ft.
Bliss, in El Paso, TX. Apache Company is commanded by Capt. Steve Tegge. I have been most blessed to travel with them quite often. They are indeed professionals.
All of them have become my friends.
September 10, 2007
It's becoming important enough now for me to speak up.
For some time now, I've held back. Timing is everything. That one thing alone, I've learned from those on the ground. The time has come now.
All throughout this journey I've been watching, listening, observing, experiencing and waiting. It came to me one day that what I'm doing here is conveying what I experience. That is a humbling thought. It is also a great responsibility. I have felt the heartbeat of those whom we sent here to do a job. I've watched the pulse of the home front from afar. I have somehow been placed in a gap between the two. There are times I have this sense with my arms stretched wide from left to right, that I can almost feel the tugging as I pull those at home towards those that are here.
We all are in a great and awesome battle. Everyone knows it. Some are in denial, because this scene is so spectacular. I believe wholeheartedly that we all are on the verge of a huge turning point in history.
Continue reading ""When McCain Speaks, People Here Listen" by Jim Spiri" »
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September 12, 2007 Mosul, Iraq
For all those that are following the blog, I will be on the move for a while, and out of communication.
It's time to leave Mosul, where I've spent nearly two months. The path ahead is tentative at best, but as always, there will be something of interest along the way to report on in about a week or so. For those of you that would like some interim updates, please feel free to email me at: jimspiri@yahoo.com I usually find a way to get a hold of a computer and answer emails if the opportunity arises. In the mean time, enjoy the photos that were put up on September 11. I purposely left out captions in honor of the remembrance of the 9/11 anniversary. I figured the photos would tell the story. Until later, thanks again for all the followers of the blog, stay in touch, I'll find a way to do the same.
Sincerely,
Jim Spiri
Mosul, Iraq
By Jim Spiri
Freelance War Correspondent
Mosul, Iraq - Today, the first day of Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims in Iraq, Lt. General Odierno, a key figure in the day to day operations with all US Army forces in
Iraq, came to Mosul.
Odierno, arrived by helicopter and was greeted by Brigade Commander, Col. Steven Twitty, and Lt. Col. Eric Welsh, battalion commander for 2/7 Cav, at Forward Operating Base, Marez, here in Mosul. During his time here, Lt. General Odierno met at length with commanders here and was briefed on operations here in Nineveh province, in northern Iraq.
Continue reading "Lt. General Odierno: "Don't worry, we're not going anywhere"" »
As we walked the flight line to the awaiting C-130 headed south, I looked around me and saw where I had been for the past two months. I thanked the Lord for each and every step I had taken in Mosul and surrounding area. It had been an experience that will continue to permeate my being for a long, long time.
There is too much to say about it, so for the time being, I will just say, it was very, very good.
The back end of the C-130 closed and we soon taxied down the runway, picked up speed, and lifted off.
Mosul was now officially in the rear view mirror. It would be Baghdad in an hour or two. The plane had pretty much a full load including one passenger who had stopped me the day before I left early in the morning as I was headed to the bus to get out on patrol with the troops. He saw that I was carrying a camera and came sprinting across the dirt road demanding my identification and wondering why I was carrying a camera. Now this guy was some civilian worker whom I later found out worked for the PRT folks. You remember, those are the ones that wear suits and flak jackets and dirty shoes.
"Ready to Make Nice..?" by Jim Spiri
Taji has lots of people on base here. That would be the result of what all back home know as "The Surge."
Here it is quite evident just by the long lines at the PX, crowded chow halls, and the numerous tents set up to house them all. It is quite populated on this base.
Somehow I ended up with the 4SBCT (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) of 2nd ID, from Ft. Lewis, Washington.
The Brigade Commander is Jon S. Lehr, from outside of Lancaster County, Pa., in a town called Dover. I would go on a mission with him today, and find myself once again in another extremely interesting setting, catching another birds' eye view of a situation that is on everyone's mind. That being, the war in Iraq.
I would ride in a "Stryker."
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 18, 2007, Taji, Iraq
In this photo, Col. Jon S. Lehr, is seen inside a Stryker vehicle heading to Sheik Hammad village near camp Taji, Iraq
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 18, 2007, Taji, Iraq
In this photo, Sheik Adil (L) and Col. Jon S. Lehr are seen discussing reconciliation matters in Sheik Hammad village, near Taji, Iraq
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 18, 2007, Taji, Iraq
Typical street scene near Taji Iraq in the Sheik Hammad village.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 20, 2007, Intazar, Iraq
In this photo, Capt. Greg Garcia, (L), and the head of the village council in Intazar, Iraq, discuss clean up project and future planning for the village.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 20, 2007, Intazar, Iraq
In this photo, village women sit in a row watching as the camera snaps the scene.
September 20, 2007 camp Taji, Iraq
(***In the last 24-hours, I received news reports that in Mosul, my friends from 2/7 Cav, were involved in a big event. Everyone is ok, but the bad guys suffered significant losses. I was relieved to hear that all my friends fared well and performed excellent. It is no secret, I miss being there. Here in Taji, I've gone on a few missions and continue to press on with the time I have remaining in country.***)
Rarely these days do I ever hear the words, "That's not my job". At least not from anyone in today's Army. Perhaps in the civilian world, especially the contracting world, that phrase might still be popular, however, among the soldiers I've met based here in Taji, that saying would never fly. Is a matter of fact, the concept of what many stateside might have concerning the job(s) of todays soldiers in Iraq may be shattered if I can be successful in conveying todays entry properly.
Continue reading ""More Than Just Soldiers"...by Jim Spiri" »
September 22, 2007 FOB Falcon, Iraq
On the move again.
My time in Taji was brief, but very good. Of course I
was able to spend time with my son and revisit him and
all his comrades. Eating chow with my son in the war
zone is a real blessing and I have been afforded an
opportunity that few are able to receive. It was well
worth the effort. He is very busy these days, moving
passengers all around, keeping many off the IED laden
roads getting them to their destinations.
Each time I see him, I realize even the more so how my
own son as well as all the others are pulling their
weight in support of this mission called the war in
Iraq. It is quite humbling.
I
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 20,2007, Taji, Iraq
Jim Spiri, Jr., (L) and Jim Spiri, Sr. (R).
The main reason this journey happened in the first place. Father and son, together in the war zone.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 23, 2007, southeast of Baghdad
In this photo, Lt. Anderson, 3rd Platoon leader in Apache Co., 1/40 Cav, is seen during patrol that included this farm house and it's occupants.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 23, 2007, southeast of Baghdad
In this photo, Cpl. Justin Wheeler, 24-years-old, a medic with 3rd platoon, Apache Co., 1/40 Cav, is seen on a roof maintaining over watch position in support of soldiers in area.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 23, 2007, southeast of Baghdad
In this photo, SSGT John Floyd, 29-years-old, from southern California, is seen during daytime patrol in rural area southeast of Baghdad center. Floyd is prior US Navy, and switched to the Army to be more involved in ground operations in the war on terror.
Goes with story, "North to Alaska"
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sep 23, 2007, Southeast of Baghdad center...
In this photo a US Army soldier from 3rd Platoon, Apache Co., 1/40 Cav, stationed at Ft. Richardson, Alaska, and currently deployed to FOB Falcon, Iraq, watches the landscape as he and others man overwatch positions in support of other soldiers in the area.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 23, 2007, southeast of Baghdad, Iraq
Little Iraqi girl watches the scene out her window.
September 23, 2007 FOB Falcon, Iraq
In 1979, I took the Alaska Ferry, from Seattle, Washington, through the straights of Juan de Fuca to Ketchican, Alaska. It was April of 1979. My hunting buddy Ray and I decided to do the Jack London thing and go see the last frontier before it got overpopulated. A few months later I took my wife and at that time, our two children on the same journey only went up further to Juneau and then flew to Anchorage and checked out the Matanuska valley and considered relocating there. In 1992, I took my oldest son with me to Alaska and worked the summer into the autumn selling knives. At that time, I went up to Fairbanks, over to Delta Junction before returning and exploring the Kenai peninsula all the way to Homer. I have not been back to Alaska since 1992.
Photo by Jim Spiri, Sept. 25, 2007, southeast of Baghdad...
In this photo, Iraqi Army soldiers, who were part of air assault mission, are seen searching an Iraqi home looking for hidden weapons and other items that may be used against coalition forces. The Iraqi Army soldiers are part of a scout platoon and work in conjunction with American troops from 1/40 Cav.
Photo by Jim Spiri, 25 Sep 2007, southeast of Baghdad
In this photo, Spc. McDermmot of 1/40 Cav, currently deployed to FOB Falcon, is seen standing watch as soldiers search home during night mission.
Photo by Jim Spiri, September 25, 2007, southeast of Baghdad...
In this photo, Spc. Kulas, of 1/40 Cav is seen standing watch as homes are searched during night operations. Kulas is stationed in Ft. Richardson, Alaska, and is currently deployed to Forward Operating Base, Falcon, in Iraq. He is on his first deployment.
September 25, 2007 0400 hrs FOB Falcon, Iraq
It's early in the morning here in Iraq. 0400-hours to be exact. I'm tired, my feet hurt, I'm pretty dirty and the chow hall is not open yet. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm on the southeast edge of Baghdad. I have just returned from a night air assault mission into perhaps some of the most precarious pieces of real estate in Iraq. I would be part of what is being called "Operation Marne Torch II". It was a very interesting night, as are all the days and nights I've spent on this journey.
There are times I have felt a responsibility to convey to those back stateside the historical accounts of what I've been a part of the past five months.
Photo by and courtesy of, Melain Blackwell, September 2007, Oklahoma.
Gracie Blackwell, age 7, carries the United States flag prior to the opening of a weekend rodeo in rural Oklahoma. She lives in Checotah, Oklahoma, USA.
September 26, 2007 FOB Falcon, Iraq
David was only a lad when he slew Goliath.
For the better part of the last three years, we in the Spiri family have taken to heart and exercised with a passion the term, "Support our Troops." It is the reason we came to this region. Our consciences are completely pure in this matter. The practice of building up one another has become my daily experience traveling among all those deployed here in Iraq. This seems to be my most reasonable service to date.
Therefore, the question is, what shall we do among ourselves especially stateside, in the days ahead?
Continue reading ""Why She Carries This Flag"...by Jim Spiri" »
This page contains all entries posted to Jim Spiri in Iraq in September 2007. They are listed from oldest to newest.
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