Ron Barr and Sports Byline USA LIVE from Iraq

Jarred into reality by the previous day’s rocket attack, casualties and injuries, we continue our Iraq visit with a better understanding of what life here is like, and the real life daily dangers the soldiers and Iraqi citizens face.

I was touched by a conversation I had with a company of combat patrol soldiers. On this trip these guys were the only connection I had to the combat side of Iraq. Baghdad and Camp Victory is more the command and logistical side of the Iraq war. It’s the heart and brains of this military theater, compared to other places like Mosul, Tikrit, Balad and elsewhere. Continue Story...

Their identity is more combat. These patrol guys were the point of the combat spear. Like most of the combat soldiers I’ve met, they were young, clean cut, committed and a cross section of America. Hometowns were in Iowa, Florida, Texas, Vermont and Oregon. We talked before and after their recon missions. What touched me was their commitment and lack of hesitation about what they were doing. As one soldier said to me, “We’re here to do a job and it’s a job we’re all 100% committed to doing. This is the life we chose.” It’s a sentiment I’ve heard time and time again on every trip to Iraq. There may be debate in the United States about why we’re here, but there’s no time or desire for such a discussion among these men and women serving here.

The thing that has most impressed Randy, Brian and Spencer is the attitude of those serving here. In any group you’d expect to hear some complaining and general grousing. I’ve never heard it on any of my assignments here and that was the case again this time. Any organization or business would be envious of this kind of work place environment. We finally got the answer to why that is. A three-star general we met at breakfast one day told us the reason was because it was a totally volunteer army. Those who signed up wanted to be in the army and they were focused, well disciplined individuals. Later, as I thought about it, the general was absolutely right. Every soldier-combat, command or logistical-we met was military. They were “yes sir, no sir,” professional in appearance, positive and had a “whatever it takes to get the job done” attitude. It was impressive, and for two NFL players and a Super bowl winning coach, it was something not lost on men who know what it takes to be winners.