EXTRA BONUS!

Got an unanticipated visit in the office today by the officer who up until about 4 days ago was CPT Patti's boss, the (now former) commander of the Provider Battalion.

The colonel is in town for a week or two to say hello to his family, wash his clothes and such before turning around and heading back to Iraq to take on his next assignment with the 1st Armored Division.

It was a blessing to talk to the colonel. And while talking to him can't make the danger in Baghdad go away, he put it into better perspective for me.

According to him we are doing an awful lot of good in that country.

He says the average Iraqi says the Americans need to be there 100 years. "We have no government and no experience beyond criminals in power...you will need to teach us" he reports as being a common sentiment.

He also says that every day things get a little bit better - for the Iraqis and for the soldiers.

He says to expect our soldiers to return "15 years wiser."

While he has no information to indicate when communications might get much better, he did indicate that AT&T is coming into Baghdad in July with large banks of phones that they will move from one part of Baghdad to another so everyone gets access to phoning home.

And that would be a good thing.

While he said he wouldn't kid me...that Baghdad can be a dangerous place, he says our soldiers are confident and capable and professional. He said "continue to be concerned...but do not worry."

And he said the prayers help. So lets keep on praying please.

Colonel, you made this Army husband's day. Thanks for taking the time.