A Soldier's Journey: Stephen M. McGowan

Hey Everyone,
Well if you haven't figured it out yet or you are new to  the mailing list [from Iraq], I have little opportunity to write. So, I send out these mass  emails with personal notes at the bottom.

SO here's the latest: I have just returned from an OP (observation patrol). In the  past 4 days I have gotten 6 hours sleep. Check that, I had 6 hours off and  4 hours sleep. So I have been busy to say the least. Things have been crazy  here, but should calm down soon. I have been out on OP's, PSD's (being a  bodyguard for the brass), and IED hunting as well as QRF (quick reaction  forces). Our first casualties came the second day we were here. It seems hadji  is testing the "new unit" he sees patrolling now. One of our HUMVEE's was  hit with an IED. One soldier took shrapnel in the leg, one in the arm, one  (CPL Kruass a medic) burst his eardrum. But, two civilians were hurt. One died.  Then a soldier got shot in the face. The bullet went right through his  cheeks. All he lost were some teeth. One sergeant died the other day from an  IED. He was too far out of the hatch and caught shrapnel in the face. Tonight we  took direct contact and went into the city to search the nearby houses. And  after all that, when our shift was over, we came back in the gate and took  indirect mortar fire. The rounds hit about 60 meters to our front and to out  right. I'm getting used to that though. Mortars come in everyday. Sometimes you just shrug it off and sometimes you seek cover.

We went into downtown Ramadi a couple of times. The people  down there do not like us and it is apparent on their faces. Kids throw rocks at  us too. There were signs saying  "death to the occupiers " and American flags drawn with swastikas instead of stars.

I got a bunch of packages recently so I am getting mail now. I  even moved into a new room. It has AC (thank God) and concrete walls. A lot  better than the tents we've been living in.

I have a mission tomorrow. We have to guard  the battalion commander while he goes to division HQ. HQ is one of  Saddam's former palaces by the way. It's looks awesome even though it's bombed  out on the back side. I'll send pics.

Well I have to run and get some sleep. I will write when I can.  I love you all and hope my fellow soldiers are well.