Today I am leaving and heading home to the United States. For all who have followed this blog and for those who discovery it I would like to simply close with the title:
Iraq is a country and not a war. I have talked with some many back home and here in the military and they miss that point. It is a place full of people with hopes, dreams and aspirations. They are young, old and inbetween. And like all countries they have problems ... more than most. But unlike any other country, we the Unites Stated Goverment (USG) started something here to which we have the moral responsiblity to finish. Next year the troops will leave, but the USG cannot leave. Our work here in not done. The USG's efforts will be lead by the Department of State and the US Embassy here. Many will argue as to what exactly we should do - that is only fair. It is messy rebuilding and failed state - and we can only do it well if we realize were we are in the "expereince" ("fight" would not be the right word) for the long haul.
The expereince as war in Iraq has change us a nation. I only hope that the expereince of building a partnership with Iraq will also change us - perhaps this time for the better.
Peace,
Mr Culver - Civilian and Physics Teacher
PS. In my time here I have met several American who have sacrificed part of their lives here in the Middle East - many for years and years. As a nation we owe these men and women, civilians and military a great deal of thanks. We owe their wives and children, family and friends that same level of thanks ... the most successful here have people back home. It it the tie to others that makes them good messengers of freedom and democracy.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
No more Mail - Thank You
For all of those who where ready to send me that last and final package .... too late! :-)
Yes, I am officially at the day when a package mailed from the states is no longer guaranteed to reach me before I leave Iraq. Thanks to all of you who sent packages (some multiples) and notes throughout the year. They all helped me deal with being gone and it was a great joy to connect back with home to the states each and every time.
My tentative schedule is as follows:
- Mid-Novemeber Leave Iraq
- Six Days in Kuwait for equipment turn in, briefs and a little down time after working everyday for a year.
- Two Days in Gulf Port, MS for final medical checks and to become a reservist again
- One Day in Washington DC (although this may change to Charolette, NC) to check-in with the Navy Reserve and re-gain my reserve billet
And then Most importantly ... Home!!!!!!!!
If all goes well I will be home the evening before Thanksgiving. If not, I will have to drive home for Thanksgiving (from DC or Gulf Port) and then back to finish the steps.
Peace and joy,
Chris
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Blustery fall day ...
I was walking to work today. The wind was blowing 15 to 20 knots and I was getting a little a chilly. It felt like a great fall day. The only interesting issues is that the the outside vegitaiton looks the exact same winter, spring summer and fall - it never changes.
Now for the interesting fact ... It was 89 degrees! Boy will am I in trouble as I head back to South Bend next month. I think it will be a little cooler there than 89 degrees.
Peace,
Chris
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Deployment Blues
A deployment changes you and throughout that time (a year is a long time) my relationship to what I am doing has changed. For a long time I kept myself busy to help cope with the separation caused by the deployment. That helped for a long time. But while the Unites States government's role in Iraq is still vitally important, my role within that effort is winding down. My personal place in the building of peace is coming to an end.
One thing that is readily re-enforced throughout the deployment is my complete and utter replace-ability. Many men and women have come and gone before me.
Name(less) action officers moving the progress forward. Generals have come and gone ... and their departure has never stopped the fight. While the task at hand may be important (and at times not important) - MY doing the task is not key to the effort. If I were not here, it would be done by someone else – I am completely replaceable. In many ways, when a soldier says, "I do" in swearing the oath, they say I do not a life of personal significance, but to a life of filling the whole and filling the gaps. It is a difficult life to which few acquiesce and accept. Additionally, our military mission is never the fundamentally complete because in the end we all want peace. And peace is always accomplished by those who follow the military.
A soldier's job is never complete and we do not work with passion, rather, we work with honor, dedication, courage and discipline. But before the end, we stop - we must stop. We do not personally experience the end, for peace cannot be won with the end of a gun and the military must refrain from having a passion about killing. Peace requires building, not tearing down.
And so as USF-I moves to transition to peace, some of us are winding down our efforts. My position will not be replaced and I am turning over the last of my responsibilities (and shutting others down). It has given me time to reflect.
I really just wish I were home with Kelly and the kids. I have 43 days left until that happens and 31 days left in the Middle East. The business, the importance of the US government's role, can no longer serve a distraction or motivation to carry me through the days.
I am living in a way, somewhat quite foreign to my normal way of being – my normal intensity. I would say that I am in the deployment blues which feels like a mild form of depression.
I get up in the morning and move over to the Bean (a place just outside the coffee shop which has Wi-Fi). There I will do a mix of physics lesson planning (a recent start as I got very little of this accomplished in my first 10 1/2 months of the deployment). I find the morning is a good time as I will have some of the creative energy required to form a good lesson - one that leads actively leads the students though the steps of learning (in this case sound and light). One that is sensitive to the mistakes they can make. And ultimately one that will lead them to a correct understanding.
In the mix of the two hours I spend there, I will communicate with Kelly (either by text, skyping or phone call (via skype). It is really the highlight of my day. For Kelly, the time is after 10 pm. At times it is great and at other times she is tired from the day's work. Regardless of the mood, it is always good to connect ... although it lacks the closeness that I long for; that can only be experienced in person.
I then move back to the CHU and get dressed. I have recently started the habit of praying the rosary in the morning before heading into work. The work schedule itself is slowing down and remains uneven. Last minute taskers can take a normally easy day and fill it up. Other days leave me time to work on studying some submarine issues for my follow reserve duty. The rest of the day is powerpoint, briefs, emails and meetings. I go and work for a while and get in two meals.
Then it is back to the CHU and off to bed.
My big day of the week starts Sat at 4 pm when I head off to go to yoga. We do a 90 minute P-90X video and it is great. Following that is mass (which after the yoga is very relaxing) and dinner. It being the Sabbath, I reserve this meal for my weekly ice cream Sunday (we get 31-Flavors Ice Cream). And then I will skype with the kids for an hour - which is another highlight of the week. After that I will head off for a cigar with friends and then to bed. After sleeping until 1130 I head into work (it is really only 3 hours off on Sunday – which feels like a false day off because we still work 9 hours during the afternoon and evening).
Then the week starts again (or really the days just continue).
Peace,
Chris
One thing that is readily re-enforced throughout the deployment is my complete and utter replace-ability. Many men and women have come and gone before me.
Name(less) action officers moving the progress forward. Generals have come and gone ... and their departure has never stopped the fight. While the task at hand may be important (and at times not important) - MY doing the task is not key to the effort. If I were not here, it would be done by someone else – I am completely replaceable. In many ways, when a soldier says, "I do" in swearing the oath, they say I do not a life of personal significance, but to a life of filling the whole and filling the gaps. It is a difficult life to which few acquiesce and accept. Additionally, our military mission is never the fundamentally complete because in the end we all want peace. And peace is always accomplished by those who follow the military.
A soldier's job is never complete and we do not work with passion, rather, we work with honor, dedication, courage and discipline. But before the end, we stop - we must stop. We do not personally experience the end, for peace cannot be won with the end of a gun and the military must refrain from having a passion about killing. Peace requires building, not tearing down.
And so as USF-I moves to transition to peace, some of us are winding down our efforts. My position will not be replaced and I am turning over the last of my responsibilities (and shutting others down). It has given me time to reflect.
I really just wish I were home with Kelly and the kids. I have 43 days left until that happens and 31 days left in the Middle East. The business, the importance of the US government's role, can no longer serve a distraction or motivation to carry me through the days.
I am living in a way, somewhat quite foreign to my normal way of being – my normal intensity. I would say that I am in the deployment blues which feels like a mild form of depression.
I get up in the morning and move over to the Bean (a place just outside the coffee shop which has Wi-Fi). There I will do a mix of physics lesson planning (a recent start as I got very little of this accomplished in my first 10 1/2 months of the deployment). I find the morning is a good time as I will have some of the creative energy required to form a good lesson - one that leads actively leads the students though the steps of learning (in this case sound and light). One that is sensitive to the mistakes they can make. And ultimately one that will lead them to a correct understanding.
In the mix of the two hours I spend there, I will communicate with Kelly (either by text, skyping or phone call (via skype). It is really the highlight of my day. For Kelly, the time is after 10 pm. At times it is great and at other times she is tired from the day's work. Regardless of the mood, it is always good to connect ... although it lacks the closeness that I long for; that can only be experienced in person.
I then move back to the CHU and get dressed. I have recently started the habit of praying the rosary in the morning before heading into work. The work schedule itself is slowing down and remains uneven. Last minute taskers can take a normally easy day and fill it up. Other days leave me time to work on studying some submarine issues for my follow reserve duty. The rest of the day is powerpoint, briefs, emails and meetings. I go and work for a while and get in two meals.
Then it is back to the CHU and off to bed.
My big day of the week starts Sat at 4 pm when I head off to go to yoga. We do a 90 minute P-90X video and it is great. Following that is mass (which after the yoga is very relaxing) and dinner. It being the Sabbath, I reserve this meal for my weekly ice cream Sunday (we get 31-Flavors Ice Cream). And then I will skype with the kids for an hour - which is another highlight of the week. After that I will head off for a cigar with friends and then to bed. After sleeping until 1130 I head into work (it is really only 3 hours off on Sunday – which feels like a false day off because we still work 9 hours during the afternoon and evening).
Then the week starts again (or really the days just continue).
Peace,
Chris
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Two Months to go ....
Friends,
Two months from today, I will be home with the family. I am scheduled to arrive home the day before Thanksgiving ... I am sure that I will much to be thankful for - Kelly, Ben, Sophia, Josh ..... and then there is ginnie, molly, oscar, goldy and perhaps a few other pests that may eventually make our home theirs. :-)
With two months to go I can only say that a year is a long time. It is hard on individuals, it is hard on families and it is hard on marriages. We are not yet close enough to feel the end of it all coming, but I do look forward to that time.
And on a completely different note, I found out today that I will be the Commanding Officer of a Naval Reserve unit in Charlette, NC. The unit, Navy Reserve Strike Group Operations, Detachment F (NR SGO DET F), it is a submarine support unit. So off to Charlette once a month fo the next two years. The unit coordinates submarine operations when they are operating with surface ships.
Pax et Bonum,
Chris Culver
Two months from today, I will be home with the family. I am scheduled to arrive home the day before Thanksgiving ... I am sure that I will much to be thankful for - Kelly, Ben, Sophia, Josh ..... and then there is ginnie, molly, oscar, goldy and perhaps a few other pests that may eventually make our home theirs. :-)
With two months to go I can only say that a year is a long time. It is hard on individuals, it is hard on families and it is hard on marriages. We are not yet close enough to feel the end of it all coming, but I do look forward to that time.
And on a completely different note, I found out today that I will be the Commanding Officer of a Naval Reserve unit in Charlette, NC. The unit, Navy Reserve Strike Group Operations, Detachment F (NR SGO DET F), it is a submarine support unit. So off to Charlette once a month fo the next two years. The unit coordinates submarine operations when they are operating with surface ships.
Pax et Bonum,
Chris Culver
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Greetings,
First, I would like to let you read a small portion of PM Maliki’s speech on the change of the US mission in Iraq - which happend earlier today. We are no longer in Iraqi Freedom, but Operation New Dawn. I don’t know if any of the news channels covered this.
“And here, we have to praise the commitment of the United States to its promises, whether at the time of signing the agreement in the era of former U.S. President George Bush, or during the implementation of the withdrawal agreement, based on agreed schedules, in the current period of President Barak Obama.”
Keeping these promises has been the hard work of thousands of US Military and US Civilians in the Department of State, Homeland Security, Treasure, Justice, etc. I mention this because what has made the biggest impact here in Iraq is the honesty and friendships fostered by these very committed Americans. My prayer is that we in the US never completely lose this commitment to honesty and this commitment to service – and that with God’s help that it grows.
To all of regulars,
I guess my average for writing is getting worse. As time progresses it is becoming more difficult to find things to write about. My original stance was to note the new and explain the odd, but after 9 months the new is old and the odd well just is. As to the mission here in Iraq, most of what I do … I can’t really discuss … so I in general do not talk much about the mission. That said, I do think that what the United States Government is doing here in Iraq is very important and we need to ensure a strong commitment to Iraq for many years to come.
I thought for this letter that I would share some vignette about my interactions with Iraqis.
The first story comes several from several months ago, when I visited the Iraqi nuclear power facility. As I was walking around with the men in charge, I had a discussion about family, hopes and dreams. It could have taken place in just about any place in the world and at some level it showed that we are all human. When the scientist discovered that the military could not drink in Iraq, he was shocked and couldn’t believe it … like I said, we are all the same.
While here in Iraq I purchased a handmade rug. It took several trips to the store which was located at the Iraqi mall on the base across the street. Given the heads up, I made my first visit with another man who was familiar with the owner. It is important to make a personnel connection when dealing with Iraqis. It worked. I made several visits and looked at many rugs. It was something that could not be rushed. Of course I offered about 35 % less than his lowest price. After some haggling, I we settled on 20% off. That of course would be expected. The unexpected part was that when the VISA would not work (since it was $1,800 in Iraq and USAA blocked the transaction) he gave the rug to take back with me. It has happened to others and he understood that I needed to call USAA to clear the transaction. Of course I went back the next day to pay. But it does show that if a positive personnel connection is made, it will go a long way in this culture.
That said, if the connection is not personnel in nature – say more business in nature, the behavior can go in quite the other direction. Some of the Iraqis we deal with are come across the American psyche as very self centered and selfish. Of course several Americans act this way as well, but it is more accepted to act this way as the sense of civic community and civic responsibility is significantly less than in America – I think it a more abstract idea that has yet to take root here.
I mention these both later stories in contrast to each other. The Middle Eastern culture is very different from American Culture and the democracy that they create here will be very different. And like our own republic back home in America, it may or may not stand the test of time. That will depend solely on the individuals who make up and give to the society as a whole. Just some thoughts for the time being. ....
On a completely different note, a picture for the day, I took this at the headquarters building on the main base in Baghdad. I am amazed that this even need to be written.
Peace,
Mr Culver
First, I would like to let you read a small portion of PM Maliki’s speech on the change of the US mission in Iraq - which happend earlier today. We are no longer in Iraqi Freedom, but Operation New Dawn. I don’t know if any of the news channels covered this.
“And here, we have to praise the commitment of the United States to its promises, whether at the time of signing the agreement in the era of former U.S. President George Bush, or during the implementation of the withdrawal agreement, based on agreed schedules, in the current period of President Barak Obama.”
Keeping these promises has been the hard work of thousands of US Military and US Civilians in the Department of State, Homeland Security, Treasure, Justice, etc. I mention this because what has made the biggest impact here in Iraq is the honesty and friendships fostered by these very committed Americans. My prayer is that we in the US never completely lose this commitment to honesty and this commitment to service – and that with God’s help that it grows.
To all of regulars,
I guess my average for writing is getting worse. As time progresses it is becoming more difficult to find things to write about. My original stance was to note the new and explain the odd, but after 9 months the new is old and the odd well just is. As to the mission here in Iraq, most of what I do … I can’t really discuss … so I in general do not talk much about the mission. That said, I do think that what the United States Government is doing here in Iraq is very important and we need to ensure a strong commitment to Iraq for many years to come.
I thought for this letter that I would share some vignette about my interactions with Iraqis.
The first story comes several from several months ago, when I visited the Iraqi nuclear power facility. As I was walking around with the men in charge, I had a discussion about family, hopes and dreams. It could have taken place in just about any place in the world and at some level it showed that we are all human. When the scientist discovered that the military could not drink in Iraq, he was shocked and couldn’t believe it … like I said, we are all the same.
While here in Iraq I purchased a handmade rug. It took several trips to the store which was located at the Iraqi mall on the base across the street. Given the heads up, I made my first visit with another man who was familiar with the owner. It is important to make a personnel connection when dealing with Iraqis. It worked. I made several visits and looked at many rugs. It was something that could not be rushed. Of course I offered about 35 % less than his lowest price. After some haggling, I we settled on 20% off. That of course would be expected. The unexpected part was that when the VISA would not work (since it was $1,800 in Iraq and USAA blocked the transaction) he gave the rug to take back with me. It has happened to others and he understood that I needed to call USAA to clear the transaction. Of course I went back the next day to pay. But it does show that if a positive personnel connection is made, it will go a long way in this culture.
That said, if the connection is not personnel in nature – say more business in nature, the behavior can go in quite the other direction. Some of the Iraqis we deal with are come across the American psyche as very self centered and selfish. Of course several Americans act this way as well, but it is more accepted to act this way as the sense of civic community and civic responsibility is significantly less than in America – I think it a more abstract idea that has yet to take root here.
I mention these both later stories in contrast to each other. The Middle Eastern culture is very different from American Culture and the democracy that they create here will be very different. And like our own republic back home in America, it may or may not stand the test of time. That will depend solely on the individuals who make up and give to the society as a whole. Just some thoughts for the time being. ....
On a completely different note, a picture for the day, I took this at the headquarters building on the main base in Baghdad. I am amazed that this even need to be written.
Peace,
Mr Culver
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Happy Ordinary Time,
When I started on my trip, my goal was to write every weekend. I just calculated that I have written a blog entry 70% of those weekends. I think that is pretty good. Life for me in Iraq remains much the same, work everyday, watch as Iraq slowly improves, hope that the administration gives the right amount of attention to the situation here and go to mass on Saturday evenings.
Speaking of mass, our Catholic chaplain left this week and now we have none due to the draw down of forces in the country. Luckily the Bishop of Baghdad (which covers all of Iraq) has promised to cover masses at the embassy. Today that all started and for that I am very thankful. I have lived without mass during my submarine days and it is no fun. The Mass keeps me spiritually sane. Another great religious note was last weekend when we had confirmation. The papal nuncio to Iraq and Jordan came to celebration. What made it most special was that I served as a catechist for two of the confirmands – one of whom was also promoted to Major that same day. It was really cool.
One of the images that I see every day on my way to work is this.
The building is the former Baath Party headquarters building. We never bombed it and the hole in the top was due to the roof crashing in while they were constructing the building – long before arrived. The building is also where Saddam had his trial. They have a tour of the courtroom on Saturdays – which I may be able to get on one of these days. Anyway, about a month ago, I was able to go up to the top of the building and look around. Here are some pictures.
Lastly, I must say that it is getting very hot here. Our high it typically between 110 and 120 and the low is typically between 80 and 95 degrees. The other day we had 124 with 30 knot winds. It was like walking into a full body hair dryer. It was actually slightly painful to walk between buildings and I couldn’t imagine living here without air-conditioning … but that is exactly what the Iraqis have done for thousands of years. The most sensitive part of the body is the eyes. The wind and the heat just dries them out very quickly. Still, if it is less that 105 (and the sun is low) I have been able to run outside. I would not be able to do that above 110.
Kelly and the family are doing well. Our new house has a pool which is a boon for the kids and a head ache for Kelly. Less that 150 days until I see them full time again.
Peace,
When I started on my trip, my goal was to write every weekend. I just calculated that I have written a blog entry 70% of those weekends. I think that is pretty good. Life for me in Iraq remains much the same, work everyday, watch as Iraq slowly improves, hope that the administration gives the right amount of attention to the situation here and go to mass on Saturday evenings.
Speaking of mass, our Catholic chaplain left this week and now we have none due to the draw down of forces in the country. Luckily the Bishop of Baghdad (which covers all of Iraq) has promised to cover masses at the embassy. Today that all started and for that I am very thankful. I have lived without mass during my submarine days and it is no fun. The Mass keeps me spiritually sane. Another great religious note was last weekend when we had confirmation. The papal nuncio to Iraq and Jordan came to celebration. What made it most special was that I served as a catechist for two of the confirmands – one of whom was also promoted to Major that same day. It was really cool.
One of the images that I see every day on my way to work is this.
The building is the former Baath Party headquarters building. We never bombed it and the hole in the top was due to the roof crashing in while they were constructing the building – long before arrived. The building is also where Saddam had his trial. They have a tour of the courtroom on Saturdays – which I may be able to get on one of these days. Anyway, about a month ago, I was able to go up to the top of the building and look around. Here are some pictures.
Lastly, I must say that it is getting very hot here. Our high it typically between 110 and 120 and the low is typically between 80 and 95 degrees. The other day we had 124 with 30 knot winds. It was like walking into a full body hair dryer. It was actually slightly painful to walk between buildings and I couldn’t imagine living here without air-conditioning … but that is exactly what the Iraqis have done for thousands of years. The most sensitive part of the body is the eyes. The wind and the heat just dries them out very quickly. Still, if it is less that 105 (and the sun is low) I have been able to run outside. I would not be able to do that above 110.
Kelly and the family are doing well. Our new house has a pool which is a boon for the kids and a head ache for Kelly. Less that 150 days until I see them full time again.
Peace,
Chris
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