Hello Everyone,

I have officially hit my two month mark. I can't say that this month has been easy, but I am alive and one more month closer to getting out of here!! For those of you who have showed their care through emails, letters, care packages, pictures and prayer . . . thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's hard for me to connect with anyone back in the states because I get emotional. I miss the states and all my friends and family. Knowing that you are there, supporting me and showing your care will forever mean so much to me. There will be a day when I am back home, living a normal life, but I will never forget these days and those who were there for me.

I have finally moved into a trailer. It's much cleaner and quieter than the tent. I don't feel any safer, but I am getting better rest. I listen to music in my ears (all night long) to drown out the sounds of explosions. It works!! I have a space large enough that I don't feel crowded. I am fortunate that I don't have to share my space with another person. LtCol and above have their own space. That is good. I have an ironing board and iron. I now can walk around with a uniform that looks sharp. For a long while there I was forced to have a wrinkled uniform. For those of you who are close to me know how picky I am about looking neat and clean.

I have had the opportunity to travel. I have seen Kuwait, Saudi Arabia. It is so hot there that I felt like I was walking around in an oven!! The base there was nicer than the one I am at now. I spent two days there working with some folks on issues. Then I flew on to Bagram, Afghanistan. The weather there is much cooler. I ran outside every day I was there. I went there for a conference and a bunch of meetings. I had the opportunity to meet natives. They are very sincere and kind people. My last trip was to the IZ. I flew on a helo and got to see Baghdad from the sky. I felt so much remorse. They are not doing well. Very poor and a ghetto like I have never seen. We must help the Iraq people until they can help themselves. I feel even stronger about this after seeing the city from the sky.

I had the opportunity to walk around and see much of the IZ. They get attacked on a regular basis. It's very dangerous and causes me concern since our Ambassador and 4-star general are over there. I talked with translators and met with many state department employees. They are working very hard with the effort, but this is going to take a long time to work through. The highlight of my trip was to spend time with Dalia's sister FeFe and her friend (I don't know spelling). I loved seeing their home and talking . I got to talk to Dalia which made me cry my eyes out. FeFe had no idea what to do!! Listening to these two women about what is happening and how much their lives have been interrupted just broke my heart. It made me want to do all I could do to help with this effort. I want the Iraq people to have normal lives like Americans have.

The hours are no less here. I am still working seven days a week, 12-14 hour days. Today was particularly stressful due to mission. I am thankful that it is almost over and I can say that tomorrow will be the start of my third month. That I am very thankful for. I hope all is well with you at home and that you are embracing your lives to the fulles

Best Regards, Mary
mightymeg333@hotmail.com

LtCol Mary E. Gould
MNF-I CIS IA
APO AE 09342