Eric Back to Balad

I woke up very early this morning and started my daily worry and wonder about Eric, whom we hadn't heard from for two weeks because he's been off base with no Internet. I hopped out of bed to check my e-mail, and to my relief and surprise, there were four e-mails from him with attached pictures of his most recent adventure. The name of his e-mail was "Back Home, Away from Home, Away from Home." I guess that means back home to Balad, which is away from his home in Guam, which is away from his home in Utah. He has a lot of "homes" right now. He says he is well and healthy.

This picture is one of the many Ugandans who are nonmilitary but work in security jobs. Eric figures they are making good money to work for the U.S. in Iraq.

Eric dug this trench for the electricians at the FOB he's been at for the last two weeks. The vehicle behind him is an armored backhoe with ballistic glass. He said it's hard to see through, but he managed. He says he's getting really skilled at operating the machinery.

Iraq army guys at a check point.


Eric doing cement work at Balad.

Much of the countryside is small farms. This is a fruitstand on the side of the road.

Two local guys who acted as interpreters during their convoy.

Eric took this picture during convoy. There was a space between the 18-wheeler Eric was driving and the vehicle in front of him, so this crossing guard took advantage of the space and let these elementary kids cross. Notice the crossing guard's AK. Also notice the women in the background.

This cute little boy ran out to wave as they went by. I guess the children come running to hear the horn honk or just to wave.

This little boy wanted candy. Eric threw him some beef jerky, the only thing he had.

The gym used to be a prison. Here's Eric working out "behind bars."

Eric in front of his 18-wheeler before leaving on the convoy. He drove the whole way. His passenger was the sergeant who operated the radio. Even though Eric is in the Air Force, he's wearing an army combat uniform. Who could have guessed?

About to cross the Tigress River.

Out on the road.