Ron Barr and Sports Byline USA LIVE from Iraq

BY RON BARR

I'm heading back to the Middle East.  This will be my sixth trip to Afghanistan and/or Iraq, and I hope my last.  Not that I wouldn't go again to broadcast Sports Byline USA to any place we have our servicemen and women deployed, but with our combat troops pulling out of Iraq by the end of the month, and President Obama saying all U.S. troops will be out of Iraq and also disengaging in Afghanistan by the end of 2011, it appears my combat broadcast deployments will end.  Continue story...

My first time in Iraq as a broadcaster was 2005 in Mosul.  Invited by then Colonel Bob Brown, now a two-star General, I didn't know what to expect.  I know the military mindset and commitment to mission.  To experience this in peace time is one thing, to experience it in such a unique war environment in Afghanistan and Iraq is totally different.  Searing heat and blowing sand added to the difficulty and challenge of the military mission.  Also, a tangled social, tribal and religious structure in Iraq and Afghanistan has made both wars even more difficult.

My first taste of what awaited me came in Kuwait.  Making our way to the military airfield where we would jump aboard a C-130 for the two and a half hour flight to Mosul, I was struck by the harshness of the land and the incessant blowing sand.  Throw in heat of 130 degrees and you have "hell on earth."  My first Iraq visit in 2005 was during the infusion of more American troops into combat.  Standing on the flight line and seeing hundreds of soldiers in full combat gear, waiting in the searing heat, is a lasting image.  Also, it gave me my first appreciation for the foot soldier and an indication of what we were headed for.

From my five previous trips to Iraq and/or Afghanistan several things are abundantly clear.  First, no matter what you read or see about both wars, you have no idea what's it really like unless you've lived it or seen it firsthand.  That's not a criticism, it's simply a reality.  What  allows our military to function effectively is discipline.  I've seen it everywhere I've been.  One of the early challenges for the military in both wars was blending the regular military with the reserve military.  I remember my first trip to Iraq and how the full-time military wasn't comfortable or fully trusting of the "weekend soldiers" who had been called up from their jobs as truck drivers, teachers, business people, etc. and overnight sent to fight with them.  Because of the length of both wars and many of the reserve units having been deployed several times, that's no longer an issue.

A couple of other lasting impressions.  While the United States has been touched by war-like violence, such as the attacks on 9-11, we've never been war torn or experienced sustained combat action in our neighborhoods.  Nor have we had to fear a car bomb explosion while  shopping.  The trauma of civilian death and injuries is mind warping and can be overwhelming as well as debilitating.  Whether it be Iraq or Afghanistan, I'll always remember the faces of the people, especially the children.  I'm sure their innocence and fear at some point turns into insecurity and eventually anger.  Life in both countries is difficult, treacherous and tenuous.  In Afghanistan, only 5% of the country is on the power grid.  In Iraq, life is a daily grind to find work, food, and avoid death and injury.

During and after the Vietnam war the American public turned their back on the men and women who fought that conflict.  When the troops came home, the public anger at our military involvement led to an abandonment of those who wore the uniform and had fought in Vietnam.  It's an embarrassing moment in American history.  Thankfully, it was a moment that hasn't been repeated.

In my trips to Iraq and Afghanistan I've never heard one complaining comment from a soldier, despite having to endure multiple deployments, oppressive combat conditions and the loss and injury to combat buddies.  I once asked a General why I've never heard any grousing.  He said succinctly, "It's an all volunteer Army, they know what they signed up for."  Volunteer or not, after nine years in Afghanistan and seven in Iraq, I would have thought I'd hear some negativity.  But, never have I heard a soldier utter a negative word.  Time and time again I've heard the soldiers say, "We're here to do a job and it doesn't matter what we think."  Clarity of goal is a wonderful trait.

I have many memories and thoughts about Afghanistan and Iraq as I prepare to return for the sixth time.  Even though I was in Iraq just a year ago and American soldiers were removed from day to day combat action unless invited to participate by the Iraqi Army, the sounds of  exploding bombs and gunfire could still be heard letting you know a war was still going on.  The U.S. military was still actively engaged with ongoing training of the Iraqi military, flying surveillance drones and working to secure Iraq for when they leave.  That departure comes at the end of August with nearly 50,000 combat troops being sent home.  A force of 50,000 support and training troops will stay until the end of 2011.  Then America's longest war will be over.  Somehow I'd like to be there when the last American soldier turns out the lights as they leave.  Then it will be up to historians to debate and decide whether it all was worth it or not.  For me, I wouldn't change the personal moments I shared with the soldiers, or my Sports Byline USA broadcasts with them.

I'm ready to mount up and head down range.

Ron Barr and Sports Byline USA LIVE from Iraq

BY RON BARR

As I look out at Iraq from the cockpit of our C-130, my mind flashes back to my first broadcast visit to Iraq. The landscape is still barren and the blowing sand obscures the horizon, but there isn't the tension in the cockpit I remember as we flew over Baghdad and on to Mosul my first time. Again I'm flying with a young, but experienced Air Force crew, this time from Little Rock, Arkansas. As other crews have, they've extended an invitation for me to join them on the flight deck. As a fellow pilot, I can see from their verbal communication they're on top of it. Also, I notice a difference. This time I sense a lack of urgency in flying their flight plan to Baghdad, and not being as concerned as much about ground fire, possible rockets or other hostile action. They know it could be there, but it isn't upper most in their flying thinking. The crew banter is lighter than my previous cockpit visits. But, one impression remains the same. These are professionals and damn good ones.

Even though the reports are that we're pulling combat troops out of Iraq, which we are, soldiers are still rotating in and our group of five joins 62 men and women who are headed to Baghdad with us. This time of the year the temperature is sweltering and the soldiers with their combat uniforms and gear on, and us with our flak jackets and helmets on, have to endure a sweaty ride until we reach our cruising altitude and we can take our combat gear off. We're all soaked to the skin. Already tired from traveling, everyone eventually falls into some degree of whatever sleep they can get. I come down from the flight deck and try to join them, but the heat and cramped conditions makes sleeping impossible for me.

Our goal is to connect with the troops and let them know we appreciate what they're doing. It's not always an easy thing to do. First, their mission is always uppermost in their minds, so socializing with civilians isn't a priority. Plus, they don't have a clue who we are.  It's not til the first soldier sitting next to former quarterback Jim Miller and former wide receiver Antonio Freeman notices their Super Bowl rings that that changes. Not wanting to be conspicuous, but still drawn to the flashy bling, the mood changes when both players take their rings off and pass them around for the soldiers to see and try them on. Sleepiness gives way to excitement and smiles. As I watch, I now know we've begun the Iraq leg of our trip and I smile and close my eyes. Baghdad here we come.

Ron Barr and Sports Byline USA LIVE from Iraq

BY RON BARR

August 24, 2010-- Each one of these trips I've taken has had a pace and a feel of its own. This one has started out more frenetic because of the unique traveling we did to get here. Now that we're in Baghdad, this one too is beginning to set its own tempo and feel. However, the one constant is it's still about the soldiers.

After a morning briefing about our schedule and what we would be doing here, I asked to visit the military CSH. CSH is the hospital. Another indication the war in Iraq is different is evident at the hospital. During the heavy combat years the Baghdad CSH was a hectic center of medical action to save lives and repair to some degree the physical damage to the soldiers. The CSH was the first stop after IED explosions, combat casualties and the Iraq war's physical and mental damage. At the height of the war doctors and nurses worked around the clock to save lives and limit the damage. An HBO documentary called “Baghdad ER” captured the intensity, frustration and life and death moments. Watching it I was struck at how the medical personnel contained their emotions and maintained their focus. They kept those emotions bottled up, but I wondered how they dealt with the trauma they witnessed and what toll it might have taken on them. With that as the backdrop, I looked forward to visiting the CSH.

With the wind down in American combat action, the Baghdad ER is less frenetic and intense and is now located on Camp Victory. Originally located in the Green Zone, that facility has now been turned over to the Iraqis to use. Walking through the doors it felt more like a clinic instead of a combat medical center that once was teaming with 24-hour medical action. Still evident though was the attention to detail and a caring and compassionate attitude.

Our meeting with critical care medical personnel, doctors, nurses and support staff quickly turned from just another celebrity tour and visit to fun, stories and laughter. Bob Delaney, Antonio Freeman and Jim Miller quickly won over the CSH staff and everywhere we went pictures were taken and embraces and handshakes shared. And, again Freeman's and Miller's Super Bowl rings were an immediate hit and magnet. One thing on all my trips I've found is that sports transcends all boundaries and everyone has their favorite team and players. The shyest person will open up when they talk sports. For me this visit to the CSH was personal. I had been treated at one for a broken leg in my first visit to Iraq and after seeing “Baghdad ER” I just wanted to watch, listen and take in this special moment.

Armies are made up of men and women, and armies are led by Generals. I first met Lt. General Bob Cone on a flight from Washington D.C. To Kuwait. He was based in Afghanistan at the time. A year later we met again as I visited Afghanistan with Sports Byline and at the time 49ers head coach Mike Nolan and former defensive back Eric Davis. I've always been struck by his quiet, strong, in control demeanor. It was also evident from the time we spent with him in Afghanistan that he had the respect of his soldiers. Now one of the top generals in Iraq under commanding General Ray Odierno, we meet again. In Afghanistan, General Cone made sure we visited and saw soldiers who rarely got to see and meet entertainment or sports personalities. These were the small and out of the way Forward Operating Bases and they enjoyed and appreciated the time we spent with them. As one said, “You came all the way here to see us?” Thanks to General Cone, the answer was “yes.”

Ron Barr and Sports Byline USA LIVE from Iraq

BY RON BARR

August 25, 2010-- Traveling halfway around the world, dealing with extreme weather and then add to that full days moving around Iraq to meet and greet the troops, your body takes a beating and you look forward to laying your head on the pillow at night. For four out of the five in our group we fear the night time. That's when former quarterback Jim Miller goes to work cutting heavy duty zzzzzzzs. Miller will never make Canton, but he's a lock for the Snoring Hall of Fame.

We're housed at the Al Faw Palace VIP quarters. Wonderful accommodations. However, we're all in the same comfortable room with bunk beds. No problem with that as Miller and Antonio Freeman said, it felt like they were back in training camp. Everyone in our group likes each other and there have been many laughs and great stories. But, four of us are planning a strike on Miller to take out “The Bear” as we call him. The first night we didn't get into Iraq until after midnight and to bed until almost 3 am. About an hour after we crashed in our bunks The Bear went to work sawing trees, and these must have been some pretty big ones as his snoring hit ear splitting levels. Being to closest to Miller's bunk, Jon Bullock, Bob Delaney and I bore the brunt of his mind and body numbing sound. I yelled at Jim, I shook his bed. The only response I got was laughter from my awaken partners for my efforts. We were seconds away from carrying Jim in his bed outside and calling in an air strike.

It became evident the night and our desired wish for sleep was a lost cause. At some point we each got up and watched the sun come up while The Bear continued harvesting his forest of trees with his snoring. He was now ours for the ridiculing and it was unmerciful from the four of us. We threatened to leave him in the desert, hide his passport so he couldn't get back in the United States or offer to trade him to the bad guys here. To Jim's credit he was apologetic. Later in the day he got nasal spray, convinced that would solve the problem and we'd all get a good night's sleep last night. After a second night, this just in: We're starting negotiations with the bad guys to take Jim. If they do, we're all confident peace will come to this part of the world as Jim drives them as nuts, as he has us. In case the negotiations fail, J.B., Delaney, Freeman and I are already developing Plan B. This is getting serious folks!

Ron Barr and Sports Byline USA LIVE from Iraq

BY RON BARR

August 26, 2010-- In my previous broadcast visits to Iraq the military effort was primarily combat. Their mission was to go after al-Qaida and to control the sectarian violence that erupted after the fall of Saddam. Neither was easy and nearly 4,500 soldiers have lost their lives and countless others have been injured trying to accomplish that mission. This is the first time in my four visits to Iraq that I don't feel like we're in a day to day active war. The fight has changed from being an American one to now being up to the Iraqis.

This day started off with hooking up with Lt. General Bob Cone. We accompanied him to four star General Ray Odierno's office in the Al Faw Palace. General Odierno is an imposing, tall man. His stature and demeanor is that of a General. He is “Da Man” here and has been for sometime. He's been in country for nearly four years. By all accounts he's a brilliant tactician, fully understands this kind of warfare and is admired and respected by all who serve under him. He's a West Point man and loves sports. His time is valuable so I figured we'd spend 10 or 15 minutes saying hi and then move on to the rest of the day. No. He engaged us in an interesting and lively discussion on a myriad of topics ranging from his time in Iraq, to where the country is at this time, to his concern about the battle pressures and scars the soldiers have faced and continue to. He knew everything about each of us and of course sports was part of the conversation. The clock is ticking down on his command. September 1st General Lloyd Austin will take over. He's no stranger to me. I met him in a previous visit, as did Brain Billick, Randy Cross and Spencer Tillman. I still laugh when I think of what Billick said when he met General Austin, a tall, well built man who played football at the Point. Billick said, “Damn, I would have drafted you.” It would have been a good pick.

A final observation. General Odierno is like the great athlete. Like Michael Jordan once said to me, “When the game is on the line I want to be the one to determine the outcome.” In the military world, Ray Odierno is the “great athlete.”

We spent a good portion of the day with General Cone and he showed us how the military's mission had changed and what it is now. Also, important to him was that we, as “celebrities”, see the soldiers who normally don't get to have our type of visits. He has always thought of the soldiers first and I respect and admire him for that.

We helicoptered down to a U.S. Forward Operating Base (FOB) south of Baghdad. Colonel Roger Clothier is the commanding officer and General Cone told me he's doing an outstanding job of implementing the new military mission. The key thing to understand here is the downsizing of the troop levels has dropped Clothier's command from 4,000 soldiers to under a 1,000, and he's being asked to do more with less and to train and prepare the Iraqi military and police to take over. A large task with fewer people to do it. That's the new mission and to accomplish it, the effort means working side by side with the Iraqi soldiers and police. That means training with them and working and living with them in the field. The goal is to build their confidence and to make them a positive influence with the public in order to gain the Iraqi people's trust and support in rooting out bad elements who make their daily lives dangerous and deadly. The “trust” part is particularly challenging since for many years Saddam Hussein's oppression was administered by the military and the police.

After Clothier's briefing we saw first hand how the military is now executing their new mission. We went to the firing range and watched as a group of Iraqi soldiers and police, along with U.S. Army soldiers went thru the same combat exercises. All of this done in searing heat of nearly 120 degrees. Credibility with the Iraqis comes from sharing the effort and the pain.

All of us then got a “hands on” chance to use various weaponry the soldiers use. Antonio Freeman, Bob Delaney, Jim Miller, and I got a chance to fire off rounds at targets. You could see the soldiers at the firing range had a sense of humor and were decidedly Green Bay Packer fans. For Freeman's benefit since he was a former Packer star, they put a picture on the Minnesota Vikings mascot on one of the firing targets. The soldiers later signed the target for Freeman, where it didn't have holes in it.

We then helicoptered to see the military's “new mission” in action. In what used to be a U.S. Army FOB, but now has been turned over to the Iraqi Army, we met Iraqi General Ali. He's the youngest Iraqi General and General Cone was extremely complimentary of his efforts in going after the bad guys and gaining the people's confidence. After having the “traditional tea” with him and his staff, he gave us a briefing on his challenges and successes. It's obvious to me that the future of Iraq depends General Ali and others like him being able to execute and be successful in both the military and the social mission.

Within the now Iraqi FOB is a small area where the American soldiers live and work with their Iraqi counterparts. Again showing the military is “talking the talk and walking the walk” in embracing their new mission. We had lunch with them and again the soldiers were surprised not only have us there but to be visited by their 3 star General. General Cone made a Commanders' Medal presentation. A Commander's Medal is important and special in military culture. Commanders, officers and non-commissioned officers alike, give out medals to soldiers who go the extra mile in effort and service. It's a big deal, so to have Commanding General Cone give it to them made it even bigger.

I saw something here I've never seen in any of my trips to Iraq or Afghanistan. I introduced Freeman, Miller and Delaney to the group of about 50 soldiers. Freeman and Miller are “rookies” on this trip and both have military connections through family members who have served.  As each spoke to the soldiers at this small outpost, they got choked up and tears were visible in their eyes. It was a human and touching moment I'll never forget, and I know the soldiers and General Cone appreciated the moment as well.

We helicoptered back home to the Al Faw Palace after a long, hot, dusty and inspiring day. As I looked over the landscape and the city of Baghdad, I lamented and wished everyone could better understand and appreciate what we had seen this day. I know they never will, but for the five of us, we will.

A good day and time to get ready to do the show.

Ron Barr and Sports Byline USA LIVE from Iraq

When you're halfway around the world and broadcasting Sports Byline away from the security and comfort of your home studio, it always feels like a space walk. The first show is always the most challenging, and producer Jon Bullock and I are most concerned about the first broadcast. Will we get the signal to the satellite? Will all our sports guests call in for the show and for the soldiers to talk with? Our broadcast location is the DFAC (mess hall) Sports Oasis. A perfect location for us as it gives a lot of soldiers a chance to hear the show and to see their fellow soldiers co-host a national sports talk show. Even though I've been doing this for 22 years, with the American Forces Network (AFN) carrying Sports Byline USA for 21 of those years, I'm still amazed at how many soldiers come up to me and say they've listened to me in Korea, Japan, Germany, Italy or on a Navy ship in the Indian Ocean. It makes me smile each time I hear it.

The show went well and a great kickoff guest was Coach K. He called in from Greece. Not only did he coach Duke to this year's NCAA Basketball Championship, but he's the coach of the U.S. National team which is getting ready to play in the World Basketball Championship in Turkey. Coach K has been on with me for every show I've done in Iraq and Afghanistan. His connection to the military is strong. His first head coaching job was at West Point and he was an officer in the Army. One of my soldier co-hosts was intimidated, saying, “I can't believe I'm talking with Coach K.” After the broadcast, our crew sat in the DFAC, ate dinner, laughed and talked with the troops, signed autographs and had pictures taken with the soldiers. A great way to end the day. A day that ends with the hope for a good night's sleep and no more snoring from “The Bear” Jim Miller. This just in: No such luck and Miller is going to get his soon!

Wheels Up, Let's Go to Balad

Today is another helicopter trip, this time to Balad. The flight is only 25 minutes, but a portion of it is over Baghdad and the pilots and gunners in our two helicopters are particularly vigilant for any hostile action toward us from the ground. The crew in our helicopter apparently saw something they didn't like as they shot off two flares from our copter. The flares act as diversionary targets for heat seeking missiles. It turned out to be nothing.

Picture this and appreciate it for a moment. 120 plus degrees, full combat gear, sweating profusely, faces obscured by their darkened face shields and intent on making sure we're safe. That's the picture of our Blackhawk crew.

Looking over the Iraq landscape from about 2,000 feet you see the great contrast in the country. Barren, desert land gives way to a green, flowering agricultural landscape. It's another dichotomy that surprises you.

General Cone always likes to get us to places to meet soldiers who normally don't get sports celebrities or entertainers, so Balad is where he sent us. It's not that it's desolate or particularly small, it just doesn't get a lot of attention. As we approach, I see the aircraft bunkers Saddam Hussein had built to protect his Air Force. I wonder if they ever really ever had one or if it all was for show and to boost his ego.

The American base in Balad is important. We met with the Engineering group here. These soldiers are life savers. They have sophisticated equipment that nightly sweeps the roads for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that have maimed and killed many soldiers. They are nasty. With some 100 soldiers at parade rest in the broiling sun behind us, we get a briefing on their mission. After the briefing we see the vehicles and equipment they use to try to keep th roadways free of IEDs and the soldiers and Iraqi civilians harm free. It's an impressive presentation and something I had never seen before. It's amazing what our tax dollars are paying for, and in this case worthwhile.

These soldiers had been really looking forward to our visit. Aside from no one usually coming up to see them, this group was made up primarily of Wisconsin Reservists and National Guard soldiers. And, a star from their beloved Green Bay Packers was coming to see them. Antonio Freeman is a hero to them for his great catches and his contributions to the Packers success, especially in their Super Bowl 31 winning season. Jim, Bob and I took a backseat and watched Freeman work his fans. He took pictures, signed autographs and Packer memorabilia, and held up the line for us to sign autographs. It was well worth the delay. It's one of the magical moments of the trip so far. I could also see that Freeman enjoyed connecting with Packer
faithful again.

We next visited the Sustainment Group. This is an outfit you never hear about, but it's very important to the coordination of everything that happens on the ground in Iraq in the support of the troops. In the operations center an officer pulled me aside and said, “See that soldier there. She makes sure that no two military trucks come to the same intersection anywhere in Iraq at the same time.” It blew me away to think of that type of expertise and ability existed in the military. It's another example of the logistics it takes to run a military mission smoothly.

We had lunch with the troops and afterward retired to a side room where we signed more autographs and took more pictures. Bob Delaney signed his book “Covert” and everyone wanted a picture taken wearing Freeman and Miller's Super Bowl rings. You can bet a lot of the pictures of the soldiers wearing the rings will show up on Christmas cards this year.

It was a great visit for us and for the soldiers too. Neither of us wanted it to end. As we lifted off for the 25-minute return flight to Camp Victory, again we all had an appreciation for the men and women who make a commitment and are fulfilling that commitment in a place few have ever heard of-Balad, Iraq.

BY RON BARR

Our final two broadcasts from Iraq went well.  We did lose the satellite for a short while in our second of three broadcasts, but everyone in that part of the world lost the bird too.  I'm still amazed that you can broadcast from halfway around the world using only a suitcase size device, and it sounds like I'm right in our home studios in San Francisco.

We had great soldier co-hosts, especially on the last broadcast. We had a Lt. Colonel Tom Cipolla and Staff Sergeant Keith Jordan co-hosting.  Cipolla is a Raiders' fan, Jordan a Broncos' fan and they went at each other over the rivalry.  It was good stuff and good radio.  They handled interviewing Joe Morgan, Tim Brown and Spencer Tillman like seasoned broadcast pros.  Sports fans can get passionate in discussing and debating who's favorite team is better and both Lt. Colonel Cipolla and Staff Sergeant Jordan realized this and removed their rank insignias and put them on the table so as not to allow rank to interfere or influence the debate.  This was a Raiders' fan and a Broncos' fan going at it, not a Lt. Colonel and Staff Sergeant.  Rank had no privilege in this sports discussion.

The day before we left Iraq Jim Miller, Antonio Freeman, Bob Delaney and Jon Bullock went to visit several of Saddam Hussein's old palaces.  They saw the Victory Over America Palace he was building to celebrate his expected triumph in the war.  He was premature in his celebration and while it was only three quarters of the way completed, American bombs made it more rubble than an ego boosting monument to Saddam.  Bombs have a way of making even a palace look a little shabby.

Meanwhile I stayed behind, wrote some blogs and paid another visit to the Baghdad ER on Camp Victory.  HBO ran a documentary called "Baghdad ER."  As I mentioned in an earlier blog, the realism of the war and the human damage done to the American soldiers fighting the war was captured in all its bloody realism in the documentary.  It was powerful stuff watching doctors, nurses and medical staff trying to save people's lives and at the same time retain a detachment that allowed them to perform their duties in an unemotional manner.  That's never an easy thing to do, but think about them having to do it day after day after day during the height of the war.  They won some and they lost some, then they had to deal with it again mentally and emotionally after their shift was over.  Bob Delaney, who suffered from PTSD after being an undercover New Jersey State Trooper for three years asked an important question when he talked with the ER medical staff, "Who takes care of those who take care of others?"  I felt compelled to comeback and say "thank you" again to those caregivers.

Everyone loves swag.  Swag is any kind of gift or giveaway.  I've been fortunate to have companies and friends send stuff over for me to giveaway to the troops.  The soldiers are already thankful that we're there, add a shirt, an EA SPORTS video game, anything and they're even more thankful.  The swag is a small gesture, but it brings a big smile.  The Golden State Warriors sent over three boxes filled with Warrior shirts and warm-up pants, nearly three hundred items.  EA SPORTS again sent video games that have always been a great hit with the soldiers.  And, Bob Delaney had NBA items to give away as well as basketballs signed by Dick Vitale (You're Awesome Baby!).  Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari, who was an on-air guest sent University of Kentucky swag. 

General Cone summed up the importance of our visit best when he said that being in Iraq is monotonous and it's like the movie "Groundhog Day."  Our visit distracts them from their same thing, every day routine, and sports gives them a good break.  Whatever reward the soldiers get out of our visit, what they give back to us is even more rewarding.

Heading Home

BY RON BARR

After my visits to Iraq and Afghanistan heading home has never been easy for me.  While it's a relatively short period of time spent with the troops, friendships and relationships are forged quickly and it seems unfair that I'm leaving 130 degree heat and returning to the comforts of home and friends and family while our troops have to stay.  Before my first trip to Iraq in 2005, I was told to expect separation anxiety when I returned home.  I did and I also remember going to my tennis club and hearing two people complain about the restaurant they had gone to the night before.  I had to leave the club because I knew I would get into it with them after I had been with men and women in Iraq who were making a sacrifice and putting their lives on the line so they could go to that restaurant.  Ironically, all five of us on this trip said the same thing as we got ready to depart, "I wish we could stay longer."

Besides the human factor, another thing a trip like this does is give you first hand, seeing it in person information and on what's really going on in America's longest war.  President Obama has declared our combat involvement over.  I, Antonio Freeman, Jim Miller, Bob Delaney and Jon Bullock leave behind 50,000 soldiers who over the next sixteen months will continue to train and assist the Iraqis to defend themselves and to determine their own future.

While the debate continues over the wisdom, legality and reasons for our involvement in Iraq, one thing is clear to me having been to Iraq four times and seeing the development of American involvement.  While some might say going to war in Iraq was wrong, how we're leaving Iraq and what we're doing as we leave is not.  The weapons of mass destruction which was used as the rationale for going to war in Iraq was wrong.  But, going into Iraq to free people from a murderous dictator was not. 

Mistakes were made in fighting the war, and the cost in human lives of American and coalition forces was great, not to mention the estimated one million Iraqis reportedly killed as well.  War is never neat, painless or easy. 

As I leave for what will probably be my last visit to Iraq, I have the perspective of having seen the country in the throes of military combat.  I'll always remember the sound of gunfire and bombs punctuated by moments of quiet.  Also, I'll always remember the hot, silent, Mosul night air interrupted by the Muslim symbol of peace, the call to prayers.  The dichotomy of being able to experience both war and peace in one day is unforgettable.

The two questions I get asked most after my visits to Afghanistan and Iraq are, what's it really like and what do I think will happen?  It's impossible to tell someone what war is really like.  Television and media reports only give a small glimpse and not a full picture.  Also, they never put a human face on the wars.  As to what will happen in Iraq, it's fairly clear to me the decision to change the military's mission from one of confrontation and combat to one of sustaining and building the Iraqi government, infrastructure and military was the right and best decision.  What we've done is give the Iraqi people the ability to govern themselves and make decisions about their future, not have decisions and their future made by a violent dictator.  Make no mistake, Iraq will never be a democracy as was the stated goal when we went to war.  History, culture, traditions and the social make-up of this part of the world will never allow Iraq to reflect what we have in America.  The outcome of this war turned when we realized that and changed the goal to making the Iraqis strong enough to defend themselves from potential enemies inside and outside of Iraq.  From this visit, I can tell you that goal has been accomplished.  When the last American soldier leaves Iraq at the end of 2011, there should be a great sense of satisfaction for having accomplished that.

Lasting Memories

The brave and wonderful soldiers I've met who unselfishly have given of themselves to defend our country, and in Iraq gave their lives and suffered injury.  In all my visits, I never heard a complaining word.

Lt. General Bob Cone and Major General Bob Brown, two men who best reflect the phrase, "An officer and a gentleman." 

All the athletes who trusted me when I said, "How would you like to go to Iraq and Afghanistan to visit the troops?"  They left their families and lives back home to fly in cramped C-130s, endure 120 plus temperatures and sleepless nights.  Randy Cross, Mike Nolan, Eric Davis, Brian Billick, Spencer Tillman, Bob Delaney, Antonio Freeman, Jim Miller and Tim Dwight, thank you for providing the troops with a break from their war, sharing your stories and bringing a lot of smiles to their faces.

All the athletes, coaches, commissioners and managers who when I called to ask if they'd come on the broadcasts from Iraq and Afghanistan said, "Count me in."  I wish they could have seen the faces of the soldiers as they got a chance to talk sports with them.  You provided them with something they'll always talk about and will never forget.

Jon Bullock and Dwayne Ulloa, who make it all possible.  J.B. has produced all my broadcasts from Iraq and Afghanistan and kept me and all of my athlete/sports friends out of trouble and safe.  He does it with stealth professionalism and like the American Express commercial says, I never leave home without him.  Dwayne is the heart and soul of AKA Productions and puts our tours together.  A man with incredible patience and tolerance.  But, above all, he cares deeply about the welfare of the troops and bringing them any degree of happiness through his sports and entertainment tours.

For me, my broadcast visits with the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan is the best thing I've done in my life and career.  It has afforded me an opportunity to give and at the same time learn about the human spirit.  I've witnessed the agony of war while at the same time the beauty of the human spirit, as well as commitment and discipline.  I've seen firsthand history in the making and what really is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan.  It has made me a better person and a more knowledgeable one.  I thank everyone for doing that.