In the past I have cautioned people against making predictions about Iraq as they have a habit of not coming true. 

But, one prediction I made in late April has, unfortunately, come true. 

"Al Qaeda killed his whole family.  Fighting Al Qaeda is his life," the 1st Sergeant told me of Iraqi Police Lieutenant Zyeed. 

"Get the National Police out of here.  I think this guy is willing to cooperate but won't talk in front of them," the Captain said. 

These conversations took place one month and 35 miles apart and capture the state of the Iraqi Police. 

I just took my 15th helicopter ride in Iraq.  I wonder when I start qualifying for points and miles? 

All the grunts dig my Dragon Skin body armor by Pinnacle and wish they had Dragon Skin.  It fits well and the fit takes a lot of the load off my shoulders which makes it a lot more comfortable.  The flexibility is also nice when traversing walls and rooftops. 

I leaned up against the humvee and cried in the parking lot of Fallujah Surgical. 

I knew right then I was not cut out for this type of work. 

It was even worse a few weeks later on a rainy night in Baghdad...