Aggie Muster
Softly call the Muster, let their comrades answer "here."

Today we gathered together with our Aggie family to honor the Tradition, and bring the Spirit of Aggieland to this land so far from home. We mustered together as we took photos in front of the Al Faw Palace, and then migrated to the Joint Visitors Bureau to commence with dinner and ceremony.

We enjoyed the "The Last Corps Trip" and shared stories of times gone by in Aggieland. We ate together, and sang as Aggie brothers do. When the time came, we bowed in prayer and read aloud the list. With new friends made, we mourned those old friends lost. We honored those before us, and remembered the Spirit for those to follow when we ourselves hear our names called.

We were a handful of Aggies, but our pride swelled 100,000 strong. The Spirit of Aggieland, sung proudly, rang throughout the halls of this fallen palace, and on it's rubble stood the 12th Man. With a thunderous WHOOP we shook the gates of hell, and called God himself into this land.

When we ended, all departed, in silent reverence. I smiled and let pride swell, remembering a truth known to all Ags, "From outside looking in, you cannot understand it; From inside looking out, you cannot explain it."

God bless the Fighting Texas Aggies. God bless Texas A&M, and may God bless America.

Pooh out.

Who's Your Baghdaddy?!
Sorry, stupid heading but I couldn't think of anything else...

Howdy Ya'll,

We are quickly approaching another site schedule update period, and I will be even less sociable that I have already become on this blog. I know that much to your dismay, I have disappointed more often as of late, and you are left walking away from the computer feeling dejected and empty. Alas, I cannot promise improvement any time soon. My days grow busier, and my lack of adventure has settled into a steady rhythm. Do not fret so soon, though, for the days of whimsy and philosophical banter are not lost, but merely set aside in pursuit of grand capitalist goals. Until then, I should allow you other internet fodder to wet your whistle. Please enjoy the following links in the manner in which they were intended. Namely, to waste long periods of time in unproductive bliss.

The Onion - America's only source for news
Happy Tree Friends - for the bunny fluffy sadist
Joe Cartoon - again...animated and twisted
Realistic Toy Guns - these are cool!!!!!
KBR Jobs - quit whining about how little money you make, rustle up some testicular fortitude and get a real job

Okay, that should keep you plenty busy whilst I am otherwise indisposed. Enjoy and keep your chin up.

Pooh out.

Quiet And Still
Cease fire provides uneasy calm, while work toils on

Howdy all,

We have experienced a lull in activity within the Camp Victory area in the last couple of days since Easter. The silence is ominous at best, as we are all fully aware of what awaits our troops beyond the gates. Politicians and diplomats are left to play their games during this recess, but these foolish third world desert animals will not learn through talk. I have learned to loathe this people infesting this otherwise beautiful country. Perhaps it is harsh, but we have witnessed their capabilities. These people, and I use the term lightly, have no regard for honor, nor integrity. They will attack any and all whom that view as an infidel, which is of course rooted in a hateful, mindless religion. In addition, they are so blind to the truth of their fruitless existence that they have convinced themselves that no Iraqi is a bad Iraqi. The police, the security forces, and military that we have diligently trained for the last year are showing their true colors when asked to defend their own country against insurgency groups. We have witnessed them walk away from their posts and lay down their arms. Even so far as to change sides, regardless of the fact that most of these insurgence are not Iraqis nor do they care what happens to this country, save that it does not become a free, advanced society.

These people are children. I am ready for us to wipe it clean and start over again. Hatred flows through my veins for these stupid people. Now, please allow me the indulgence of exception for many here. KBR works with many Iraqi contractors and individuals who love the opportunities we have presented to them. They would love nothing more than to have what we have. The want prosperity and good fortune upon this country, but even so, they will not fight for it. They want and need us to hold their hand through this time. Coalition be damned. Let us over take this country and make it a provincial territory until such a time as we can let these foolish little children play by themselves.

Here are my demands. Unless these fools release our hostages, they will be annihilated off the face of the planet. Their families will have to learn that their loved one's deaths were brought upon themselves. I hate diplomacy when dealing with the stupid. Arrghh....

-Pooh out.

Happy Easter!
A day of remembrance and celebration

Howdy All!

Happy Easter to all of you so near and dear to me. Today we celebrate that which gives us meaning and hope. It is for this reason that I can feel safe amidst this storm. It is for this reason that I can believe in the love of my wife, and the truth in our marriage. It is for this reason that so many of us toil throughout our lives with an understanding of something so much greater ahead.

Happy Easter to everyone. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Pooh out.

Workoholics Anonymous
A day off in the life of a KBR employee in Iraq

Howdy friends, neighbors, loved ones, and miscellaneous others....

Let me begin by saying, "Hi, my name is Pooh, and I am a workoholic."

Everyone, "Hi Pooh!"

Today I made the decision to take a day off. One of the few luxuries we are afforded during our tenure here is the occasional holiday. We are given a specific date and allowed to take time off within two weeks prior to or after that date. Okay, those are the rules. Simple enough, yet more difficult in practice than one might believe.

This morning I woke up early, so that I could get over to the phone line and call my wife before she heads of to bed the night before. (I speak often in respect to the time travel that occurs when I call home. Think outside the box.) Following another lovely conversation with my equally lovely wife, I headed into the office only long enough to check my email and grab some goodies off of my desk (i.e. -cereal previous acquired form the DFAC). At about 08:30, I informed everyone that I would be heading back to the hooch for a nice day of relaxation. I was congratulated, and sent off with fanfare befitting a king (Actually, someone said, "Good for you," and I left without notice). Anyway, I proceeded to my hooch, and quickly retired to my poor excuse for a mattress for some "restful" slumber. My day was going to involve a late morning in bed, followed by a walk around camp. Then a journey over to the lakes would be in order, followed by letter writing, and some guitar practice. A healthy, and invigorating day you might say?

Well, two hours after I lay down, I awoke fully rested and began thinking of what I would do next. My thinking turned into longing, and boredom. Before long I made the decision to return to the office. I know what you are thinking, but there was nothing else to do. This is a boring place, located in a boring country. It is often so dull that people look forward to the possibility of incoming mortar fire. Okay, perhaps that is a stretch, but you get the picture.

Anyway, I returned to the office, and sat at my desk, trying to hide my shame as I received disappointed shrugs and gruffs from my coworkers. I was another fatality to the experience that is KBR. I can no longer function successfully away from my desk. I crave the monotony of scheduling, and eagerly anticipate the arrival of the next LOTD to cross my desk. I am ashamed.

"Well, Pooh, you have taken the first step. You are among friends and we understand. Please have a seat and we will begin with the group session."

-Pooh out.

Blue Collar Headlines
Purty writin' from them big city newspaper ree-porter folk

Howdy ya'll,

Hands down this is the most pleasurable blog thus far. Please follow the link to read a flattering, albeit condescending and patronizing, Houston Chronicle article about the efforts of us common folk here at KBR.

Big risks, big rewards for those working in Iraq - David Ivanovich, Houston Chronicle


While this article does present a fairly accurate portrait of life here in Iraq for many KBR employed, specifically life at Camp Anaconda, it also fails to mention that a college degree is an attribute many here can claim. It is true that we are here to offer services to our men and women in the armed services, but it is more correct to explain out work here as contractors for the military. We do not personally wash clothes, nor do we personally cook food or clean out latrines. We, as most contractors, have subcontract most of the general labor out to international and Iraqi companies.

The magnitude of activity required to support our troops and this fledgling government is well beyond the capacity of the handful of KBR employees by comparison. We are here to control work, provide guidance, ensure quality, and deliver as contracted.

Ultimately I cannot criticize this writers perspective, as it is probably an accurate depiction when one drops down inside Anaconda for a few days, in order to "get the story." Just remember that it is hard for some of the academic elite to comprehend the logic behind anyone coming here for the purposes of professional enrichment, or intellectual curiosity, so they simply chalk it up to blind patriotic fever, and financial whims of the poor and oppressed blue collar worker. It is too bad that we are forced to be here for a full year by a member of the insidious "big business" circle only to line the pockets of Dick Cheney and his buddies.

I hope you enjoy the article, but please take it with a grain of salt. Oh, and when you find yourself reflecting upon all the motives that you believe may have brought me here, consider this. I am not paying any TAXES!

-Pooh out.

It Worked In Blazing Saddles
How we saved Rock Ridge

Howdy,

Okay so this posting has nothing to do with Blazing Saddles or Rock Ridge, other than to say that I watched it, but that is neither here nor there. Anyway, sorry that the blogs are lagging on my end, but I suddenly have a real job over here in Iraq, and boom, I don't have time to post constantly. Who would have guessed? Anyway, quick summary for those of you who relish this information (all 2 of you).

I have finally moved into a real housing container (hooch) with four walls, a door, a bathroom and a fridge. Life is good. I am gearing things up for Carrie and my Greek vacation. It will be a second honeymoon of sorts for us. For those of you jealous that we are having a second honeymoon, well my response to you is too bad. Get yourself a job is a war zone, and voila! A trip to Europe will be in your grasp.

Another reason for my reduced posting is the arrival of a journal given to me by my mother in law. I have the opportunity to rant on paper, and I don't often feel the need to repeat myself.

The final issue of course is a safety update. As you may have heard on the news, things are still very active over here in this country, and safety is always a concern. My track record, though, as not been broken and since I have arrived here at Victory, we have had no incoming activity directly affecting KBR. I am a good luck charm, which is a blessing I do not wish to lose. I have all my fingers and toes, and there is no cause for concern. Heck, I haven't even lost any weight, so I am literally still all here.

Well, that is all I have for you today. Please continue to check this thing periodically as I will continue to provide the best darn entertainment possible. And as always.....

-Pooh out