Well, it is a pretty good day when you get to watch people go home. We had some Soldiers going home today, or, at least starting to make their way for the airport, which, in this country, is pretty good. Its easy to tell the guys who are getting ready to leave. They walk a little taller, smile a lot more. Its nice to see, as if the war is no longer something they have to worry about. Well, that won't last long, since most of those soldiers will probably be back here within the next 5 months. But its nice to see, and I am glad to have served with them.

I spoke in great detail with some of the Iraqi's we work with, and they are very concerned about the immediate future of this country. The believe that the new leaders of this country are not really Iraqi's, having been living outside of the country for the past 10 or 20 years. They do not understand the problems, the people, they come from money, from privilege. I can see there point. They feel that the leaders are out of touch, and they want to know how it is that the common man has a say in his own future. Well, I told them with hope and hard work, and the belief that what they are doing is the right thing. I tell them focus on what is important; your family, your friends, staying alive. I tell them that the reason we are here, the reason we stay, is because Americans believe, hope, and strive to make a better future. We understand that it takes time, and nothing changes overnight. He tells me that the people here believed that freedom in Iraq meant big changes overnight, but when they didn't come, the people became aggitated.

Maybe I am just kidding myself though. Its all just crap..