Take a deep breath... in....out.....in....out.... now picture yourself on a deserted island.... you hear the water lapping against the shore... the sun on your face... in the distance you hear......

Boy did you hit the nail right on the head, about our country. I am glad you got the point across to someone, even though it was only 1 or 2 of them. Maybe it will put a brain in motion to come to realize, that all they see & read isn't true. It gave me a good laugh, as next thing that will be on the internet will be Elvis in Times Square, eaating a pink taco, wearing a Muu-Muu wearing red slippers. Maybe you can show it to them, then they will understand it is all possible.

Glad you are enjoying washing boxes. What a waste for a combat soldier, guess we all go thru trials & tribulations, for our country.

Keep up the good work. Our country needs men like you, who can make light of some situations.

My prayers are with all of you, and especially for that new nephew.

God Bless

Will for President 2004! I can see the headlines now and I do believe you would make a great candidate. So...if you don't mind, while your out campaigning. Make a stop in Texas and wash my truck. Since your so good washing those big boxes.
Stay safe!

The reason Elvis is eating that taco is because it tastes good, is less filling, and he is in a hurry to get back to the dance studio, where he is taking ballet lessons for peanut butter.

Just because someone says so, does not make it so. I would have thought that Iraqis, living in a place where the newspapers lied so much would be exta suspicious.

But party line thought sure is comforting. People don't get mad at you and refuse to talk to you if you agree with them.

Two Questions: What the hell is a muu-muu? and What must you be smoking to even come up with something like that? You need more ventilation form the fumes, man. Love to hear from you though. Stay safe. De Opresso Liber!

The word muu-muu came from Hawaii. It's those colorful dresses they wear. Not the sarong thing. A dress which we would consider a sort loose housedress. In Hawaii they are long or short.

"This is my shit job. There are many like it, but this one is mine. Without me, my shit job is useless. Without my shit job, I am useless...."

Thanks for being there - it's good to know that we've got highly trained professionals to handle contamination, and that you're keeping in practice on non-contaminated stuff. No doubt it sucks, but it would suck more if there were some kind of NBC event that would require your services.

Re: The Elvis Question: Cause he just wants to go home, I think...

Re: The Comment at dinner: "idiot- noun; Middle English; Greek Origin; a mentally retarded person requiring complete custodial care"(Merriam-Webster).

Hi Will,
I couldn't have said it better! Man, the things people will simply take at face value, and not even bother to question.
I truly believe that along with wisdom (yeah right, puleeeeze!) getting older helps us question things more, to not believe everything we see or hear right off the bat. I guess it makes us a little more cynical, but what the hell? A little skepticism is a good thing.
I think a large part of the problem in people living in that corner of the world is that they sometimes so blindly believe anything they've been told, because that's the way they have been brought up.
It saddens and sickens me that there are people who actually believe we blew up the World Trade Center to justify taking over the world. Truly pathetic.
Loved the Elvis analogy. Did you know that there is a website out there (I'm not making this up) that says that Paul McCartney actually died in the late 60's and was replaced by a lookalike? I went on the website, and I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. What really struck me as hilarious is that it wasn't a parody website, this guy was dead serious! It's amazing what's out there on the internet (that Al Gore invented, of course!).
This all shows that we need to take these things (especially on the internet) with a grain of salt. The internet is not regulated, anyone can pretty much say anything.
Will, I'm glad to see that you are keeping your awe inspiring sense of humor through all you and your guys have been through. All of sitting comfortably in our cozy, air conditioned homes really appreciate what you guys are sacrificing. Don't think for one minute that I ever take this for granted.
Hopefully soon you will hear of when you'll be coming home. So many of us who read your blog are going nuts in anticipation of your future best-selling book.
Hang in there, stay safe, and keep those posts coming.

"Here in Iraq every citizen was provided -since the early days of the regime- with a whole set of lies that gradually became the foundation on which you would build your perceptions of the world outside.

Consequently you end up with two channels, a “channel reality” that is off the air most of the times and “channel rhetoric” a mixture of self-denial, conspiracy theory [apologia] and propaganda.

Of course we shouldn’t blame Saddam and his lies based tyrannical regime only, this phenomenon has its roots deep in our cultural/religious history." G. in Baghdad (http://geeinbaghdad.blogspot.com/2003_06_01_geeinbaghdad_archive.html#105660185095042569): Wednesday, June 25, 2003

over the last week, there are a couple websites which post these 'urban legends'....

this ranks right up there with the story i heard in person from a woman who said she was in the military and that the government was using psychics to cause mind control of civilians and that she'd met a guy who was involved in the project and quit....

yeah, right..... sure..... some people will believe anything you tell them without bothering to check it out.... just like the nonsense in europe about the u.s. using 'dirty bombs' in iraq back in 91 which have caused all kinds of sickness.... how about saddam using all kinds of nasty stuff and deliberately making his own people sick... anyone who would gas his own people with chemicals would do any number of other things....
before i even consider forwarding anything.... i verify.... i go to the horse's mouth and look for the teeth and the tongue.

Will,
Just stumbled upon your site via LT SMASH, and discovered you're from Omaha! Cool, I lived the first 15 years of my life there and miss it frequently too. If you haven't already tried it, when you get back, you've gotta go to La Casa on Leavenworth. That's the first place I go when I get back in town. Get the onion rings & pizza or the lasagna.
Loved your website and hope to read more funny stories.

What? Are you saying that Bill Gates won't send me money if I forward my emails, I won't get a trip to Disney or a coupon to the Gap?!? he he he
This isn't the first time I've heard that some people think the US was behind 9/11, unfortunate as that is. I've heard that in Pakistan, it's a well believed theory also. I was watching interviews with some of the members of the communities and they used that to justify hiding Al Qaeda operatives.
Maybe when you live in parts of the world where your leaders regularly execute your fellow citizens, it's not that hard to believe that another country would do the same. Or maybe when you've seen too many people killed for thinking on their own, it makes you less likely to question what you see.
Pretty sad either way. Hopefully you made them think and in turn they will speak with someone and it'll spread. Probably not as quickly as untruths but...

Take care Will and I'm glad to hear from your previous post that Jake is doing better.

Now if you'll excuse me, I hear Elvis is making quite a spectacle of himself and I'm sure someone has posted a picture on the Net... ;)

Kathy

I expect people from other countries to lack appreciation for the rights (and responsibilities) contingent upon free speech. What is really scary to me these days are the tinfoil hat club members in the U.S. who believe every conspiracy theory, regardless of how stupid or inane, because it gives them an opportunity to express their disdane for the president.

Don't get me wrong, i'm not enamored of the guy, but I haven't given over my missouri-bred common sense because of my overwhelming hatred for him.

SG

So, if not everything we read on the internet is true, how do we know you actually exist and aren't feeding us horseshit?

Ok, I am SO kidding. Will, this rant is typical of the conversations that I miss having with you. Only you can seque from 9/11 to that Elvis image. I'm glad to see you haven't lost it.

I'd second that vote for president but would have to lie under oath about anything incriminating from your past.

Stay safe my friend.

P.S. 5 days until kickoff

Will, are you trying to say Al Gore DIDN'T invent the internet?????? Tell me it isn't true! All this time I've thought he was such an intelligent and foreseeing guy! (See visions of grandeur)

Now on to Elvis: you saw him eating pink tacos in Times Square, wearing a muu-muu and wearing ruby red slippers TOO!!?? Dangit! I thought I was the only one...everyone said I was mistaken, but now I have proof I was not! Will, on the internet, said he saw it too! Cool. I do have the digitally UNenhanced picture to prove it, anyway. Oh...and the Emperor DOESN'T have any clothes when you look closer, either!

Besides, I KNOW why Elvis was eating pink taco in Times Square, wearing a muu-muu and ruby red slippers! Yes, I do! It's because his taxes were too high, he got irritated about it, went driving, and got caught speeding! As is commonly known, pink taco are cheaper than the average taco. (See: some illegal alien from Mexico copied his grandmother's recipe for tortillas wrong and now makes pink tortillas. Naturally, no one bought them, so he sold them as a novelty food, by the gross, to a vender in Times Square who sells those taco at 1/4 price than the yellow kind. I'm not making this up!) He's wearing a muu-muu and ruby red slippers because he got them at a second hand store for a pittance of what new clothes would cost, and with the tax and speeding ticket issues, he has to be thrifty. Also, he can't fit into anything else BUT a muu-muu from eating all those high calorie foods, anyway! (See too bad he didn't get to the Emperor before he 'changed' his clothes for the 'new' ones, hmmm?)

It's all pretty simple, huh? That's a story you can tell little Jake, Uncle Will! Oh wait...never mind....it will scare the pants off him!

Hey..did you say Mufasa? Oh wait..that was Mustafa...not Mufasa from the lion king. My bad. I was going to rant at YOU if you were maligning The Lion King! LOL

Well, I do appreciate you telling us the 'truth" about the WTC though. I just KNEW the US of A did the bombing! *rolls eyes* Americans are such an evil people, aren't we? *REALLY rolls eyes*

Good thoughts, good luck with your big boxes, Hugs, and Prayers Will..to you and all your company.

Judi

OMG, it's true: http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/elvispinktaco/vwp?.dir=/timessquare&.dnm=elvis.jpg&.src=ph&.view=t&.hires=t

You KNEW someone like me would have to make sure it happened. I just love a challenge (SEE nothing better to do at work). Sorry I cheaped out on the shoes, but you didn't say WHERE he was wearing them.

Try this one if you're not a premium user:

http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/elvispinktaco/vwp?.dir=/timessquare&.dnm=elvis.jpg

Sorry for the mess up!!

Will,

I also found you via LT Smash. I think you both have a fantastic way of articulating yourselves. I would say you missed your callings, but honestly, I don't believe that to be the case. I believe your self expression is the biggest asset the military has and commend you for the military work you do (even if it's simply cleaning boxes in the sand box) and for the stories you relate on this site.

I was in Bali just before the Sari Club was bombed. I spent every night there for two weeks. All that is left now are photos on my fridge and memories. While we were there, there were 2 US Navy ships in the area and a whole lotta servicemen in the clubs. After the bombing, it was suggested that the US bombed Padi's Bar and the Sari Club and killed its own military personnel in order to put more blame on Al Qaeda et al and justify retribution, just like the WTC. Of course!! It's a sad and crazy world we live in where people can actually subscribe to that notion.

Hopefully, by this time next year, I will have completed the first third of Officer training in the Australian Army. You are making a difference. I hope one day I can do the same.

Jake is gonna be one proud kid.

ECG

People like those you spoke with are unfortunately the majority, without educations, and without a clue as to how to think for themselves. Sadly, there is no demonstration of will power among those folks, to do whatever it takes to make their lives better. They are conditioned (and content to..) sit back and wait for someone to do everything for them. Too bad the talking heads in the royal families aren't actually doing something to propell their own country/people forward and AWAY from this line of thinking.

Iraq can only be better without the Hussein regime, but this country will never function on it's own in anything even remotely resembling a "free and democratic" society.

Thanks Will for your post's and insight. While I am certain the US did not have anything to do with bombing it's own people much to the French (and other's) chagrin, I do realize and appreciate the efforts of all of our service personnel and the families that support them, for everything they have had to endure since this began.

You folks risk your butt's daily so we can gab about it. No disputing THAT!

Dearest Will,

To me it is such a good sign of your general well being that you ahve a healthy appetite and a desire to engage in lively debate.

That is so encouraging.

It is discouraging to see that America has a serious Public Image challenge on its hands. While it is definitely worth exposing the source of the disinformation, it may be more important to find out why the locals find it believable, plausable, true even that the US Govt would be willing to commit such an act against its own people?

These deep cultural divides are of great concern to me. More and more people seem to be adopting extreme positions with little middle ground or even the ability to compromise. With a whole lot of power struggling and dirty deeds taking place.

I dont all or even any of the answers but I do know this:

"Why? Why are you angry?"
*So far we have not found Saddam, Osama or WMD's.

"Don’t Believe Everything You Hear"

*Patriot Act and and proposed Victory Act

"The concept of freedom of speech is one of our greatest rights, it empowers us to criticize our government without fear of retribution."

*The idea that severely limiting the Bill of Rights will make us more free is nothing short of DoubleThink.

Once you give up a right - you are hard pressed to ever get it back without one helluva fight.

How I long to hear the voice of reason amongst all this extremism, madness, strife and discord. A strong, united chorus of voices calling for restraint, tolerance, peace, and amnesty.

Maybe the most effective way to fight terrorists is to make peace with our "enemies" and tag team 'em.

Hello Will,
We are returned of the holidays and we are happy to resume to write.We are sorried don't have still translate your letters.We are very interested to the space,to the stars,to the planets,you have admired the wonderful performance that,only for little days,Marte will give.His intense light and the celestial corp more luminous and magnificent.It is a splendid show,it's pity that it'll see between million years.
P.S.To midnight italian hour,about hour two hour in Kuwait,you and your soldiers look thr sky to south,we'll look Marte everybody i''ll be a wonderful performance.A tender greeting,
CIAO Milena,Adriana

you are damned funny, man. glad i found you. i check for you every day.
here's an off the wall [literally] question for ya:
take a look at the walls of your tents and see if there's a label that says what they are made out of, and by who?
i figure whatever the military has their tents made out of must stand up to the desert sun UV and the windstorms, and we need to get some. we are having big trouble with a giant tent we use for storage. every year it disintegrates on us and we have to buy another 'skin' for it. obviously what we are using is not up to the task. we need what you guys have.

copy down whatever you might find on the tags of your tents--if you find several different kinds, tell me what each one says--
or if you can ask a higher up where to find the specs for desert military tents, that would work, too.
something to do when you're not perfecting and honing the fine skill of washing out boxes meticulously.

Jedi Master Yoda:
!eh! impatient, you are! size matters not! do or do not! there is no 'try'!

Sensei of Kwai-Chen Caine:
'focus your chi, grasshopper'

Sensei of The Karate Kid:
"wash on, wash off"

From Ram Dass, in 'Be Here Now':
zen master's practice: chop wood, carry water.

Donovan Leitch:
'first, there is a mountain--
then, there is no mountain,
then, there is'

Will-

What is the word? Seems like many are getting one of two things:

Ticket home
or
R&R

Now if it so happens that your ever lovin', scrubbin' unit, get nothing and like it then...I will work a day at a car wash for pestering you.

However, I get to wear a bikini - cammie print of course.

Well don't believe everything you hear or read, good advice, but the only thing I have to say is that American's may be blinded by all the 'facts' and the 'news' they see and hear through the US media, but it doesn't mean that the rest of the world is inclined to believe it too.

I'm not about to say that the good ol' US of A bombed the WTC, but I'm not about to believe everything that comes out of the USA.

See I seem to remember there being a LOT of rhetoric about WMD's but we're still to see the actual evidence in reality, even though it was presented to the UN.

What happened there?