Ron Barr and Sports Byline USA LIVE from Iraq

Everyone was looking forward to catching our C-130 flight into Baghdad. I had some hesitations because I wasn't sure how much freedom we would have to move around and see what we wanted to see and meet the troops we wanted to meet. I admit part of the concern was the somewhat bad experience I had in Afghanistan with the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) people who hindered us there. Also, my first time to Iraq for the troops was perfect because the trip came through an invitation from Col. Bob Brown, the Brigade Commander of the 125th Stryker Brigade. Because he was the Commander, everything was handled perfectly, our broadcasts went off without a hitch and I got involved with the troops, their combat activities and the Iraqi people. That's the way I like it, but I wasn't sure what I'd get this time.

Flying out of Kuwait I again got a chance to spend time in the cockpit of our C-130, and ironically it is an Arkansas Air Force based crew that was flying us. While not the same pilots, it was the same crew I flew with on my first Iraq trip. Being a pilot, it's always a pleasure to fly with outstanding pilots and share flying war stories. They also enjoyed having Brian, Spencer and Randy up on the flight deck. After landing in Baghdad, we were honored to have our picture taken with the crew. And, I was further honored by the Wing Commander who gave me his officer's medallion in a handshake.

Flying into Baghdad was challenging in that the crew had to use what they call a "landing diversion technique." Basically they had to use turns and other techniques to avoid hostile fire. On approach into Baghdad they have to be aware of ground to air missiles and gunfire. The Air Force is proud that not one fixed wing aircraft has been lost in Iraq. That's a testament to the skill and talent of the men and women flying in that combat zone.

Safely on the ground, our MWR officer got us settled into our VIP quarters at Camp Victory. They were located at the Al Faw Palace which is a major command post for the U.S. military in Baghdad. From the air, on approach to Baghdad, I saw the Palace and several other Saddam palaces. They were surrounded by water and were gigantic. I found out later that water represents power in the Iraqi culture and Saddam wanted his people to know that he had the water and the power.

Our first night "in town" we had our first "meet and greet." These are what they sound like. This "meet and greet" was with an Air Force command. We had a full house and I decided it might be interesting for me to host a discussion about football, winning, teamwork and leadership and then have the soldiers ask questions. My instincts were right on, it was a home run. I could tell the soldiers were locked in on every word being said. Their questions were very good and they were hungry for everything we gave them, and more. When it was over, 90 minutes later, we all stayed and had pictures taken and signed autographs. We kept hearing "thank you" and "thank you for coming." The squadron commander saddled up to me and said," I came here thinking I was going to hear talk about football, what I heard was talk about leadership, thank you." Our meet and greet, and those kind words, made the end of our first day satisfying, and left me looking forward to our second.