Our Christmas Letter

Since September of last year I have been home for five months. I've spent about 4 months training at Hurlburt Field, FL (home of the Air Force Special Operations Command), 4 months in Ramadi, Iraq, and a few months at my home unit. We have all grown and changed, and learned much about each other and ourselves.

We believe in the cause of freedom that we are fighting for in Iraq. And I can testify that if Americans knew what their soldiers were accomplishing over there, they would be extremely proud and hopeful. Do not lose faith in your soldiers.

On the homefront we are trusting in God to direct our paths. We thought we knew how the next few years would be playing out, but our plans fell through when I learned that I was not accepted by the Univeristy of Illinois Law school. So it looks like we will be moving a few hours away to either attend law school at Northern Illinois University, or begin working for a new company. Hopefully we will know for sure by next month. Please pray for the decisions we will have to make in the future.

Our boys continue to bring us joy and laughter (and grey hair)...they both enjoy school and work hard to do well. They are both active and healthy and full speed boys.

Kitchen 6 continues to work for a local farmer driving tractors, mowing, etc., and delivering mail as a Rural Route Carrier.

While 2005 was a year of hardship, uncertainty, and facing of fears (would I ever see my family again?), 2006 begins with more questions than answers. However, God has brought us through the valley (miraculously at times in Iraq) and we are excited about the blessings He has in store for us!

Expect No Understanding

The Obligations of Duty
by K12

History, America, and most work environments provide numerous examples of two types of individuals—walkers and talkers. Or, doers and watchers.

Progress, invention, victory, sacrifice—all made by the doers among us. The watchers and talkers fill the air with possibility and probability, but very little reality.

Even today, a typical newscast will display the talkers extolling the virtues of other talkers, both critiquing the doers. For example, our military planners and soldiers find no reprieve from the chattering class.

However, the doers should expect no less. The moral codes and obligations motivating both classes are almost polar opposites. The doers accept responsibility to right wrongs, take risks, make mistakes, and sacrifice comfort in order to answer the inward call of duty. The talkers presume a moral authority that entitles them to comfort, protection, and safety; and from this security talkers interpret, analyze, dissect, and then proclaim the wise “shoulda coulda.”

The hope of the talkers rests in their ability to emasculate the doers and construct a world incompatible with reality. In essence, the talkers chase after the wind.

Meanwhile the doers of the ages shape reality and bring evildoers to justice, security to the oppressed, and hope to the downtrodden. And, the doers know the end is never in sight. They do not act expecting reward, conclusion, or even respect from the talkers. Doers should not expect understanding; perhaps the most we can hope for is silence, and that momentarily.

For our hope rests not in this age or with this humanity. Our hope rests in the great I AM, the timeless source of justice, duty, and honor. It is in eternity that we place our hope of understanding and respect. We soldier on because we are bound to an eternal code that our spirit embraces and knows full well to be Truth.

Words are not necessary for the doers. For the One we silently obey knows even our thoughts. And it is for Him that we strive—sacrificing comfort and prosperity at best, and possibly even family, health, and life. For we instinctively follow that which others suppress: the knowledge that Truth has not changed since the beginning of time, and our brief appearance on this stage can be used to embrace this Truth or rail against it.

Our clear unconflicted conscience comes from knowing we have done our duty to our utmost—perfection, adoration, even success is not our motivator. Doing good and doing right count.

Doers disdain philosophical, spiritual, or logical cleverness. Accountability, responsibility, integrity—these are dearly held. We strive for the day that we will face our Maker, and hear the words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Flying Out - Early Nov, 2005

Early November, 2005
We flew out last night...perhaps the most peaceful and relaxing ride of any sort I've ever taken. I’m sitting in the helo with the warm night air, the city of Ramadi below us, all of our gear loaded and all of us buddies leaving together. I didn’t want the flight to end...if it flew to Newman I think I would have slept the entire flight.

Yesterday was perhaps one of the longest days I've endured here. Up at 3am for my last TOC shift (training the FNG's - new guys - on how to do everything we've been doing), the wheels of the Chinook did not lift off until 1223am (4:23pm Newman). We basically counted down the hours which seemed to creep by. We said goodbye to many friends, telling them to stay safe; but knowing that this could be the last time we see them.

It is also awkward to leave knowing others will not get to leave for many months. They are happy for you, but it is difficult all the same. The new guys have to learn quick and have tremendous responsibility upon their shoulders.

Our small team of 12 made a significant difference in Ramadi, but much work remains. The soldiers and Marines are fighting in an unforgiving environment and enduring so much in order to bring peace and stability to the region. But much more on that later.

For now, my effort this tour is complete. I am proud of the work our team did, and we are all ready to return to the people and land we love. I am thankful for the prayers and support that I believe helped me survive. And I am thankful for the guys I was able to work with. They are incredible soldiers, caring human beings, dedicated professionals, comedians, and, above all, faithful brothers.
Before the sun rises we expect to be out of Iraq. And, if travel goes smoothly, I hope to be in Newman next Sunday. Thank God.

48 Hours in Ramadi - Oct 07, 2005

07OCT 05
I’m afraid I’m not getting any picks of the best stuff over here--either I don’t have the camera, or its night, or its a mission, or its illegal.

Here's a normal 48 hours in Ramadi:
WED 830am - begin 24 hr QRF shift (Quick Reaction Force)
get vehic ready, radio test, etc. then watch movie
10am-noon escort eod to find ieds
lunch - stand by for follow on mission
1pm-6pm standing by watch Lord of the Rings
6pm-7pm eat dinner
8pm get some sleep
11pm - 1am woken up to escort eod again
2am watch movie while buddy gets some sleep
Thurs 830 am shift ends...
900 am unload vehicle, stow gear, brush teeth
930 ready to go to bed....then get call that im needed at the toc (HQ)
10-1030 working toc...trying to catch an important bad guy
1100am...helos landing to air assault 5 dudes, im assigned to control the landing and loading of 2 usmc ch43 (like the twin rotor Chinook 57's)
1105 drive back to the hooch to get radio and gear needed to control the LZ (landing zone)
1107 go into slide w humvee, drive 20m on two wheels, then come to rest on passenger side.
1108 turn off engine, crawl through window, give thumbs up to dump truck driver watching whole thing with jaw on floor
1109 run last 200m to hooch, grab gear, get new humvee, drive to LZ
1115 arrive at LZ before anyone else, and set up markng panels, call back and let them know LZ is green and there is an air force humvee on its side back by the hooch--may want to send someone to get it
1130-3pm control 3 landings and loadings (1 dog team with dog that obviously did not want to board the helo)
3pm go to motor pool to check on humvee...only damage is a broken side mirror (#2 in my short career), a broken antenna, and some "cosmetic damage"--still runs like a champ!
330pm shower and get ready for my toc shift at 430pm
430-830 pm work toc shift, get made fun of and called evil kenievel for 4 hrs
10pm-3am sleep
400am drive humvee with flat tire to motor pool (apparently I ran over a nail at the LZ, everyone wants me to stay away from our only remaining humvee)
430 am begin toc shift, more names and jokes at my expense,
431 am plot revenge
830 am done with toc shift...48 hrs over...type this email
900 am will go to motor pool and see which of my humvees i can take back

Laughs - Sept 25, 2005

25SEP05
I had some good laughs today, which always makes for a good day here. Unfortunately the laughs were mostly at my own expense--and my buddies. We just completed our "Combat Life Saver" training today. Combat Life Savers are soldiers with advanced medical training, yet not fully medics. We are trained to treat the most common combat injuries, and focus on learning how to keep airways open, maintain breathing, stop massive bleeding, treat chest and stomach wounds, and administer IV's. And it is the IV training that had us in stitches, almost.

I am not sure how civilian IV training would look, but I imagine some of the training would involve practicing on something other than your buddy. We had to endure three days of IV "practice"--the army way, why practice on something synthetic when you have a perfectly healthy soldier right in front of you. Some of us have arms that in no way look normal, black and blue and red all over--like some huge mosquito had its way with us. On our final exam (which, of course, included starting an iv on your buddy in his one last good vein), it took me a few tries, but this one guy stuck his friend seven times! The guy getting the IV was almost crying, he was on his knees with his arm bent back on the table exposing his last useable vein. All I know is that if he didn't get it this time, his buddy was going to have to remove his boots--I wasn't volunteering my last few veins!

It is crazy what you experience here.

Another remarkable experience--for the first time since moving to Newman, I met a neighbor of ours who lives just a few blocks away. However, our first meeting occurred in Al Ramadi, Iraq! Jerod P. and I finally tracked each other down! In fact, we managed to coordinate time off and play a game of pick up basketball. We talked about how Ryan S. and Larry E. and Mike M. and others like to play in Newman, and how important it is to do "normal" things like that here. Just playing basketball, albeit on a sandy, pock-marked court in one hundred degree weather, can make a huge difference here--it helps you keep your sanity.

Jerod and his team do amazing work over here. The work they do literally saves the lives of American soldiers, and without them many units could not operate. Of all the units over here, they are one of the hardest working, most admired, and most effective. I will allow Jerod to tell his own stories, but Newman has much to be proud of and should feel honored to be represented by such a fine soldier. Jerod has had to sacrifice much to serve his country, I hope you keep him in your prayers and send him some notes and goodies.

Speaking of those who sacrifice much, it is time I share about the wives and families of soldiers. While we are busy working over, our wives and families have increased burdens placed upon them as well. Not only do they have to pick up the work around the home done by the husband, they also have to go it alone. They have to "remain strong" as well, yet they are unable to know our daily routine and whether we made it through another day.

Major media can only report a slice of the news from Iraq, and, unfortunately, that slice misses all of the good news and hard work we see every day. So our loved ones get no reassurance, except from us. And our time together is limited and unpredictable. Life has a way of returning to normal for everyone not directly affected by drastic changes. But just know that each day you will cross paths with one or two folks whose life is unable to "return to normal." Perhaps they have just lost a loved one, or received terrible news about their health or source of income, or have a child or spouse miles away in harms way.

So, although it's not "normal," perhaps as neighbors we can do something a little extra for that family or person whose life will not "return to normal" for some time. In my eyes, heroes are those that perform heroically the task before them. And, many times, the heroic work is being done by single moms, or spouses caring for their mate, or adults caring for their parents, or dads sacrificing for their children. In fact, more often than not, the heroes are those hanging on by a thread and forging out a living right next door.

Shocker out.

My Monday Morning - August 29, 2005

29AUG05
My Monday Morning

I will certainly remember this Monday for years to come. Although we cannot write about specific locations or events, I hope I can communicate the remarkable chain of events from this morning. In one sense, all of the events, radio traffic, snap decisions, and teamwork that occurred today are neither unusual nor abnormal. Many days unfold like today. But for me, it is remarkable simply because I am part of it, and at the same time, amazed by it.

In fact, today would probably appear normal to those who have worked here for more than a few months. It is "ironical" that we begin to accept as normal days like today!

Four of the seven Air Force TACP's were scheduled for an early morning mission. As one of the three staying inside the wire, I would end up pulling a double shift--scheduled to begin around 11am. The three of us remaining are responsible for manning the brigade TOC (basically, the Camp Ramadi command post). Inside the TOC we are responsible for controlling the fighter aircraft and attack helicopters that support the ground units.

We do everything from submitting all the paperwork necessary to request aircraft, to directing the aircraft where to go and what to look for. When aircraft get close to us we update them on the ground situation and either control them from the TOC or pass them to the Air Force controllers on the ground. Most attacks are directed from the TOC.

This morning at 2am, and again at 3am, I woke up when I heard the other guys rolling out. And around 4am my mind began to think of everything that needed to be done before 5am, and everything that was going to occur after the operation launched. In my mind I became convinced that I needed to get in earlier than 11am, and so, since I couldn't sleep, I showered and headed in.

As soon as I walked in I realized that my commander needed my help. Due to the shift change, today's requests had not been submitted, the air schedule had not been filled, and aircraft were on station. We passed the aircraft to our ground controllers and started pulling the info the brigade needed. At the same time we are monitoring the developing ground situation.

As events on the ground change I begin controlling the F18's that have just checked in. We have a good video feed and begin tracking various targets. Around 7am the initial aircraft begin checking off--their time on station is up. Shortly thereafter we finish the airflow and air requests and the commander must leave for the daily staff briefing.

Its now 8am and the next set of aircraft and helicopters begin to check in. I direct the F18's to the TACP's in east and direct the gunships to the Marine controllers in the west. Both controllers begin to work their aircraft in support of the operation. I am responsible for passing key info to the ground commanders and then passing along their requests to the aircraft.

At one point the aircraft focus on a house to which we have pushed a QRF (quick reaction force), and I direct both the CRF and the F18 to link up on a direct frequency. We then need to transfer the gunships to the 2nd Air Force team as the key objective is being approached. At the same time an EW (electronic warfare) aircraft checks in needing direction.

At this point I am talking to the EW aircraft in one handset and talking to the gunships in another. I give the EW their mission and their frequency, and continue to work the gunships with the ground controllers.

Just after 10am the helos check off, and a few minutes later the jets also check off. One of the TACP teams calls us via satellite frequency requesting new air for a movement beginning at 1130am. Since we have additional aircraft scheduled to arrive at 1230, I need to check if the scheduled air can come early--or if we need new air. We decide to get an additional flight of gunships, but they cannot arrive until after 1200.

We advise the ground commanders and they decide to wait for the air. Once the gunships check in I push them to the ground controllers and work up a new mission for the F18's that should check in any minute. Around 1240 I contact the main airspace controllers asking why my birds have not checked
in. I learn their previous mission has gone long and they will check in around 1330. Everything is going well with the mission and we learn the ground units are about to return home.

I get a call from another unit's commander who informs me that intel suggests an attack may hit his unit soon. He asks if our F18's can be diverted to help out, and I quickly release the birds to him as our mission is almost complete.

A few minutes later my relief arrives and by 3pm I am able to leave. Thankfully I am able to report this mornings' aircraft have met the commanders intent and have "NSTR," "Nothing Significant To Report."

The operation secured all of its objectives in a very dangerous part of the town. Commanders were concerned that we may stir up a hornets nest, but we controlled the situation and captured that which we were after. We did not suffer a single casualty, and received only minor damage to a vehicle.

I believe that the coordinated attacks under the cover of multiple aircraft allowed for a successful operation. The Air Force TACP's on the ground, the aircraft and gunships in the air, army commanders, and TOC staff all remained in constant communication. Bottom line, everyone came home safely, and the farmers in this Iraqi town know that they can vote safely and that we are here to protect them from the extremists.

As for our small team of Air Force TACP's, we will gather tonight and tell our stories over near beer and cigars, and laugh at the craziness we experienced.
Just another Monday morning in Ramadi.

Shocker out.

Life Inside the Wire - August 20, 2005

20AUG05
Life Inside the Wire


At Camp Ramadi--as in other camps--when one is in the camp working it is considered being "inside the wire" (as opposed to going "outside the wire" on a mission). Most of the news reports focus on events outside the wire--such as IED attacks. However, I have been amazed at the life "inside the wire."

We have a dining facility (complete with ice cream), barber shops, BX, alteration shops, and phone/computer centers. Most of these shops are managed under contract and employ non-Iraqis.

During dinner I have had a chance to meet workers from all over the world. One man came from Sarajevo, Bosnia, to work on generators. He has been at Ramadi for more than 8 months and cannot wait to get home. He couldn't get over the lack of trees and mountains. "There is nothing but flat, sand, and brown here. My home is full of trees and hills and green."

An Australian supports the Army technical shop and has almost been here a year. He manages a security company back home, and only wants one thing here--to stop having to change rooms every month.

I have had dinner with workers from India, Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia, and a few other African nations I cannot remember. Very few speak English so our conversations produce very little. Basically we both say a few things over and over while the other nods his head in agreement--all the while neither of us actually understand anything the other is saying.

The food has been fine--quite a bit and much to choose from. For dinner I have started waiting until closing so I can get some of the curry the workers from India prepare. They make a spicy curry I eat with rice, and each time I get in line they point to the line "for the Americans." I nod and remain in line, and then they break into a smile and say, "Oh, you eat the curry?" We both nod and give each other the thumbs up. Which I'm sure means something different to each of us!

Just like high school, the army guys eat with army guys, air force with air force (all 7 of us), marines with marines, and workers with each other. Yet, the most interesting meals are when you eat with someone new. I've met army tank mechanics from Tennessee, translators from North Carolina, plenty of yankee soldiers from Pennsylvania and New York, and surfer marines from San Diego.

We have all come to this sandy slice of Iraq to do the work asked of us. I believe the workers from Africa, India, and Europe are here for a higher paycheck than what's offered back home. Some soldiers work inside the wire every day in finance, supply, motor pool, medical, and planning. Others work outside the wire every few days. But we are all doing the job we have volunteered to do. And we all miss our families, we all hope to leave soon, and we all hope to leave this area better than we found it.

Please feel free to ask any questions about life over here. I will try to answer as soon and as honestly as possible. This is a fascinating place filled with fascinating people, and quite different from what I expected. Imagine what a stranger would think of downstate Illinois if the only information he received came from the Chicago evening news. Well, its just about the same to think one can understand what's happening all over this country just by watching a few network news stories from Baghdad.

Local Iraqis seem mostly concerned with everyday problems, like getting enough water from the canals and rivers to irrigate their crops, or how to keep their herds fed, or how to escape the traffic jams downtown. And many soldiers worry most about the chow hall running out of Coke, or the phone center closing, or the power going down before they could save their work on the computer.

Of course we also encounter mortar and rocket incoming, IED's, and sand fleas, but its a small part of our day--granted, perhaps the most memorable part of the day. Just stay in touch with those you know overseas, it helps to know that you are not forgotten. Blessings till next time.

Shocker out.

Why I volunteered

07AUG05
Dear Friends and Family,

Today is my second Sunday in Iraq, and noon is fast approaching. Normally I would be walking out of church with Rachelle and the boys.

Today, of course, is different. I did not wake up for church because I've not been to sleep yet. My breakfast came just after midnight, and then came my shift in the TOC (nerve center of all air, ground, and artillery operations for our neck of the desert). Work ranges from fixing those irritating computer bugs we all encounter (why did our keyboard stop working?), to clearing airspace for counter fire missions.

Following my TOC shift I grabbed my gear and joined my team as we headed to the firing range. We zeroed our weapons and practiced on line assaults. Good tight groupings leave everyone feeling confident. The sun has now crested in the east, and its time to leave as some Marines are taking their turn on the range training some of the Iraqi security forces.

Breakfast is pretty good--eggs, bacon, french toast, coffee, melon and grapes. Back "home" we clean our weapons and I grab one of our Humvees to go secure more ammo and pyro. Encounter typical red tape--"I have the ammo you requested but I did some digging and found out you Air Force guys are actually attached to the HHC unit." So even though I can see the box with our name on it, I need to start my search over. Of course the one I need to see now is out. But such is life no matter where you work, we always encounter what some call MODDs--those things that Make Our Day Difficult. No use getting upset, just push through and do a little extra walking and talking.

A few more errands to run and then it will be time to get a few hours of sleep before the next shift starts. Although busy, we much prefer the time we spend "inside the wire" to the time we spend patrolling or operating outside the wire. But I will write about working outside the base later.

I just finished reading a book about Genghis Kahn and how his grandson conquered Baghdad in the 1200's. Interestingly enough, since Khan, not a single non-muslim entity had ruled in Baghdad until the Americans. Most of us are aware that the earliest civilizations lived here in Mesopotamia.

Babylon is just south of us, along the Euphrates. The silk road and many paths connecting the east to the west crossed through these ancient towns. The Ottoman Turks and Persians battled in this area, and a truce between them established the eastern border of Iraq. Persia evolved into modern day Iran, and the Ottoman Empire was carved up following WWI.

After centuries of enjoying cultural dominance, the middle east failed to embrace revolutionary ideas in science, religion, technology, and governance that sparked a transformation in Europe. Eventually, Arab lands fell further and further behind the modern, industrialized states. Within the Muslim intellectual classes a debate raged as to why Muslim lands were not progressing. Two reasons emerged, and thus two new paths could be followed. Some claimed that Arab rejection of western developments led to decline, and, thus, embracing democracy and free market should be the goal. Others claimed that western influence caused decline, and, thus, closer adherence to Islam and the Quran would lead to Allah's blessing.

Thus emerged the radical religious teaching of the Wahhibi sect of Sunni Islam, and combined with oil's new found riches, radical sects formed to eradicate western influence and establish religious rule (e.g., Taliban). Groups like Al Qaida terrorize the nations supporting muslim states, hoping to weaken muslim governments so new, Wahhibi governments can rule.

If we allow this radical movement to grow, it will eat away at Muslim states, and, like a cancer, continue to spread beyond Arab lands. And just as cancer must be removed and destroyed, I firmly believe that these radical muslims must be removed and destroyed. As we remove more and more of the cancer, the healthy aspects of these muslim can emerge and thrive.
In essence, I volunteered to help remove a cancer from these lands, and, in doing so, give the people of these lands the same chance at freedom that our founding fathers gave us. America has much to lose if radicals control these lands. The freedoms and rights we enjoy are guaranteed by our Constitution, but a single match can destroy our constitution itself. It will take two enemies to light that match: one that weakens America from within our shores, and one that attacks America from beyond our shores. I am overseas fighting the terrorists that attacked us, and I hope that you will fight those trying to weaken America from within.

My first blog from OIF

04AUG05
Dear Friends and Family,

Today marks my 8th day outside the US and just yesterday our team reached our assigned post. (The "o" key on this laptop does not work all the time!) Until yesterday we had been biding our time trying to find a way in country.

We fly from the states and stopped briefly in Germany before landing in a small and friendly middle east country. As soon as we landed (around midnight) we stepped ff the plane into 100+ heat and humidity and proceeded t unload baggage for 45 min--hot and sweaty does not begin to describe our condition!

The next afternoon we flew into an airfield in country and got some cots in tent city. Thank goodness the tents had some A/C so it was comfortable except from noon-5pm. Went to church Sunday morn and found a rugby game that afternoon--the marine officer took some pics and sent a few to Rachelle.

We stayed here fr three days trying t get a helo ride into our post, but since we kept getting bumped we had to settle for a convoy ride. As expected the convoy rides are tense but ours was uneventful--except that our armored humvee had no a/c! (100+, uniform, armor vest, helmet, weapons, and lots f water) It was good to see the smiles, thumbs up, and waves from the locals going t and from work.

When we finally arrived at our post the teams we were coming t support were very glad t see us. We got a great welcome and they helped us unload our gear. (The four of us--two x two-man teams--had been lugging around more than 1/2 a ton of equipment and gear.) We moved into our rooms and got a quick tour (my room can fit a single bed and little else, but at least I have a mattress and a/c).

The food is good, latrines nearby, and not too noisy (earplugs help). I slept for seven hours and felt fully rested for the first time in a week. We begin working today and should be at this location for at least a week or so. There is a chance one of the two man teams will relocate.

We will be busy in the months ahead as the elections, constitution, and trial of saddam unfold. Everyone I have met so far is upbeat and focused on the critical missions we have to complete. I know that I am needed here and feel honored to be serving alongside some great soldiers. Continue to pray for everyone here--pray for wisdom, clarity, courage, and strength. And pray fr the families at home. We are well provided for and lack nthing. It is our families back home that need checking in on!

I will write mre as time allws. Perhaps in my secnd letter I can focus on explaining my motivations and reasns fr re-enlisting and coming over here to fight. I aplogize fr the lack f details but am sure you understand why.

Love, Travis

Why this blog?

I will use this blog to share my experiences as an Air Force ROMAD in Ramadi, Iraq. A ROMAD is one member of a two man team inserted into forward army ground units in order to control any airstrikes in the vacinity of friendlies. For more information about ROMAD's visit http://www.romad.com/index.php .

I spent 4 months on the ground in Ramadi--a town of about 400,000 sunnis located 100km west of Baghdad. Ramadi forms the western point of the "Sunni Triangle" and is the capital of the Al Anbar province (stretches from Baghdad to Iraq's western border with Jordan and Syria).

I worked with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 28th Infantry Division (Pennsylvania Army National Guard http://ironsoldiers.army.mil/ ), and with the 2nd Marine Division. During my time in Iraq I sent a few emails that my local paper published, and I will include those here. I will also include a few emails my wife and I sent to each other.

Please feel free to ask questions or pose comments.