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. Continue story...

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.