ap1213

The spoils of war

April 12, 2003

Stood post til 2300, slept outside. Went to a new compound to the north. Went on a clearing security mission for recon platoon.

We are staying in 8 story Public Works Building in the center courtyard.

April 13, 2003

Found a civilian with gunshot through arm. He led us to some fighting positions. Captured 4 Iraqis, they had 4 AK 47s with rounds

A Letter from Tim, Addressed April 13, 2003, addressed to his brother, Tom:

Hey Bro

Well, as you probably know, we made it into Baghdad. These people are about sick of fighting us. We lead with our tanks so they really have no chance. I'm doing good, my squad and I made it here so far in one piece! I got your newspaper articles and your Timmy Times web site letter. That is really cool. Man, I just want to get out of here. Now I'm sitting in their public works building. Its about the only one left standing in this country. We cleaned her up. Turned the power and water on and we have made it our center of operations. Hopefully, til we go home. We just go out on patrols to try and curb all the looting tha is going on all the time. The civilians are crazy, always shooting one another. I feel like the LAPD with some serious Fxxxxxg weapons. We cleared the city of Ar-Rasafan and they got the word we were rolling out on the 9th. No big deal, right? We crossed a major highway; I didn't know we were in Baghdad until I asked a curious civillian. We rolled through fast after clearing the initial resistance. Sorry axxxxxes. Then, the next thing I know we are int Paradise Square with a huge statue of Saddam. Thousands of people and lots of reporters. People were crying, jumping up and down and acting crazy. They were so happy to be liberated. . . well, most of them. The onew whose houses we blew up weren't too happy . . .

We secured the center of the city, the they start to rip down the statue with a Tank Recovery Vehicle. Pulled and pulled then it came down. When we rolled int, I was securing with my squad the NW corner by the Palastine Hotel. I turn around and there is a TV camera in my face. They say "You're live on Sky TV". Cool. I did numerous interviews after that. Reporters everywhere. 3/4 [Tim's battalion] was the first unit to secure Baghdad and we saw the most combat out of any other unit. . . at least that is what they are telling us. I got to do my own version of Iwo Jima. I guess i was in the Montreal Press also. Then the next day, I am working my check point, I stop a vehicle and they say they are Dan Rather's press crew. I let them pass, as I turn to walk away, there he is, Dan Rather, with his hand stretched out. Flack jacket on, telling me "thanks for the protection". He is really big in person. I made two calls from reporters satalite phones to Jodi. Plus Dad was there when I called. I cant even explain how it feld tot call and talk to the old man just minutes after we liberated the cetner of the City and ripped the F_ing statue down. Plus, we finally drank a Pepsi after it calmed down. Still haven't showered since the 19th of March. We took our chemical suits off. So the gas threat here now i pretty low. I have a good view of their TV building with a Tomahawk Cruise Missle hole that took out about 6 floors. It didn't fall down though you can see right through the center. Take it easy, I hope to take leave and come to MI when this is over. I havent let my guard down yet . . . send my love to Susan

Take care Tim





			The spoils of war

		April 12, 2003 Stood post til 2300, slept outside. Went to a new compound to the north. Went on a clearing security mission for recon platoon. We are staying in 8 story Public Works Building in the center courtyard. April 13, 2003 Found a civilian with gunshot through arm. He led us to some fighting positions. Captured 4 Iraqis, they had 4 AK 47s with rounds A Letter from Tim, Addressed April 13, 2003, addressed to his brother, Tom: Hey Bro Well, as you probably know, we made it into Baghdad. These people are about sick of fighting us. We lead with our tanks so they really have no chance. I'm doing good, my squad and I made it here so far in one piece! I got your newspaper articles and your Timmy Times web site letter. That is really cool. Man, I just want to get out of here. Now I'm sitting in their public works building. Its about the only one left standing in this country. We cleaned her up. Turned the power and water on and we have made it our center of operations. Hopefully, til we go home. We just go out on patrols to try and curb all the looting tha is going on all the time. The civilians are crazy, always shooting one another. I feel like the LAPD with some serious Fxxxxxg weapons. We cleared the city of Ar-Rasafan and they got the word we were rolling out on the 9th. No big deal, right? We crossed a major highway; I didn't know we were in Baghdad until I asked a curious civillian. We rolled through fast after clearing the initial resistance. Sorry axxxxxes. Then, the next thing I know we are int Paradise Square with a huge statue of Saddam. Thousands of people and lots of reporters. People were crying, jumping up and down and acting crazy. They were so happy to be liberated. . . well, most of them. The onew whose houses we blew up weren't too happy . . . We secured the center of the city, the they start to rip down the statue with a Tank Recovery Vehicle. Pulled and pulled then it came down. When we rolled int, I was securing with my squad the NW corner by the Palastine Hotel. I turn around and there is a TV camera in my face. They say "You're live on Sky TV". Cool. I did numerous interviews after that. Reporters everywhere. 3/4 [Tim's battalion] was the first unit to secure Baghdad and we saw the most combat out of any other unit. . . at least that is what they are telling us. I got to do my own version of Iwo Jima. I guess i was in the Montreal Press also. Then the next day, I am working my check point, I stop a vehicle and they say they are Dan Rather's press crew. I let them pass, as I turn to walk away, there he is, Dan Rather, with his hand stretched out. Flack jacket on, telling me "thanks for the protection". He is really big in person. I made two calls from reporters satalite phones to Jodi. Plus Dad was there when I called. I cant even explain how it feld tot call and talk to the old man just minutes after we liberated the cetner of the City and ripped the F_ing statue down. Plus, we finally drank a Pepsi after it calmed down. Still haven't showered since the 19th of March. We took our chemical suits off. So the gas threat here now i pretty low. I have a good view of their TV building with a Tomahawk Cruise Missle hole that took out about 6 floors. It didn't fall down though you can see right through the center. Take it easy, I hope to take leave and come to MI when this is over. I havent let my guard down yet . . . send my love to Susan Take care Tim