Hemphill of Iraq

[Sterling1]

Like I said before come home in one piece, also read your article after finally getting my magazine . . . and going into a warzone isn't any fun, it's no video/computer game . . .

KEEP SAFE and WATCH YOUR BACK

[jwinter]

Wow Mark, you're almost sounding like a real grunt. Welcome to the real world. Just make sure you listen to exactly what those grunts say. They know what they are doing and they'll help you keep your a** alive. You're not in Kansas anymore!!!

Tell the boys over there to stay safe. Sorry Mark, but those guys are the heros!!!

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I'm also proud of you and can't wait for your return.

[Anonymous]

Mark, come back in one piece -- and I'm glad to see there's one place where your talented person can actually hurdle over the bureaucratic roadblocks.

[Anonymous]

Mark -

I think I'd be happiest with the .50 cal on one of those Humvees if I had to be escorted. That or a nice M60.

It must be a bit clausto having to go to work via convoy. I don't think I'd care for it much. Perhaps a good disguise and a police style vest and heading out in an unmarked toyota pickup would do the trick...with some good AK47s or maybe a nice FAL rifle would blend in?

LC

[techguy57]

Mark- While its obvious that there is a great deal of danger in your current everyday routine, I wish for you to know that it makes me proud to see someone of your knowledge and ability representing the United States in Iraq much as I am continuously proud of our troops that are doing their duty over there daily. I know there are differences between what you are doing and what our troops are doing but like them you have made sacrifices in your own life to help better the lives of the Iraqi citizens. It may seem like a small step at times (and I'm sure the task must seem equally overwhelming at times) but as I see it what you are doing is a critical step in our extending the olive branch to the Iraqis so that they too might live a life of freedom. Thank you and above all STAY SAFE!

Sincerely,
Mike Vanlandingham

[Sterling1]

I appreciate the story, but I find there's a loose end for my understanding: you said that IRR is going from CTC to DTC. What's the difference between the two systems?

[jeaton]

I appreciate getting the story from Mark. While I haven't done a thorough search, I don't see much on the Iraq rebuilding effort. It is nice to get something more than a sound bite from someone at a high level saying that things are going well. I understand that there might need to be limits on the release of information, but I'd guess that Mark has a good handle on that.

Jay

[chad thomas]

And Mark, thanks for taking that chance to share with us all that great information. VERY INTERESTING.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by K. P. Harrier

Hey, Mark! Since you left editing TRAINS so your wife could take a once in a lifetime job too, I take it the opportunity was in Iraq, and you are with her there. Am I close, warm or hot? Cold?

(I know, I know. None of my business … )

I also moved to where I am now for a similar purpose. Your right about your business, but a healthy inqusitiveness is a natural occurance and actually understandable and forgivable. Stay safe PL

[chad thomas]

well said Dan.

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gabe

QUOTE: Originally posted by K. P. Harrier

Hey, Mark! Since you left editing TRAINS so your wife could take a once in a lifetime job too, I take it the opportunity was in Iraq, and you are with her there. Am I close, warm or hot? Cold?

(I know, I know. None of my business … )

I think you are cold.

I would presume that Iraq is still considered an "unaccompanied tour".


And not directed specifically at you KP but to all the members, it's in Mark's best interest to stay fairly low profile in regards to the amount of information and answers he put's out publically. Any time he would talk about security, composition or character of forces or facilities, it borders on classified and at a minimum can put someone at risk, including himself. He works for State, and as such has a potential value as a detainee or target, thus some details which seem offhand or unimportant, are...should he be a target. So when asking questions, first ask yourself, would answering that put him or someone else at risk...you'd be surprised what folks can piece together......

Dan

[Anonymous]

Mark - WOW!!! Good luck and please keep us updated. I look forward to reading more (if and when you find the time).

Stay safe!!

[gabe]

QUOTE: Originally posted by K. P. Harrier

Hey, Mark! Since you left editing TRAINS so your wife could take a once in a lifetime job too, I take it the opportunity was in Iraq, and you are with her there. Am I close, warm or hot? Cold?

(I know, I know. None of my business … )

I think you are cold.

[K. P. Harrier]

Hey, Mark! Since you left editing TRAINS so your wife could take a once in a lifetime job too, I take it the opportunity was in Iraq, and you are with her there. Am I close, warm or hot? Cold?

(I know, I know. None of my business … )

[Anonymous]

Highly interesting. And I have it on good authority that the triple-super phosphates are delicious.

[mudchicken]

Mark, THANK YOU for the input. Fascinating stuff.

[^][^][^]

[Mookie]

Wow ! I need to put more paper in the printer, then take this home and read it over carefully. Then Wow again!

Maybe then I will have another question!

[wow]

[Mookie]

Mark: Can you give us just a thumbnail of how big an undertaking this is? A kind of what you are hoping to achieve and what territory is involved - as much as security will allow? Just a short posting, since you know my eyes cross when it gets too involved.

Mookie

[Sterling1]

QUOTE: Originally posted by edblysard

Sterling,
Do yourself a favor....
Speak (write) on this forum the same way you would wish someone to speak to you!

I find that, if I imagine I am having a face to face conversation with someone here, instead of typing words to a faceless forum member, I gauge what I am saying, and temper my words.

I think you have beat yourself up enough over the joke you posted, so I see no need to add to that.

Now, political correctness is not required here, in fact, it is frowned on somewhat.
That said, and added to the fact you state you are a high school student, I suggest you do a little research on life in occupied Iraq...you will be surprised at what it is really like, not only for the Americans there, but for the people who live there because it is their home!

A little time spent doing that will make any play station or X box war game seem obscene.

Stay Frosty,
Ed

First thing: I have the June 2004 issue of Trains about that railroader in Iraq and yes I realize that their society is similar to that in the other side of Asia.

Second thing: I did live in Asia though not in the Middle East but in South-east Asia where saving face is commonplace. So yes I know how in the US it seems that I am beating myself up on the issue, but really the last post was about saving face.

So now you all know. Thanks for the advice, I still willing to take on advice. Let's get off this discourse for now and focus on MArk's experience in Iraq.

Stay safe, stay calm, stay cool, drool at trains . . .
Matt

[Anonymous]

[wow]I didn't think that I could look up more to Mark then I already did, but man, I think he reached the next level. I respect the heck out of what you are doing, you are a braver man than I. But for the love of god stay safe and keep us updated here state-side.[tup][tup]

[edblysard]

Sterling,
Do yourself a favor....
Speak (write) on this forum the same way you would wish someone to speak to you!

I find that, if I imagine I am having a face to face conversation with someone here, instead of typing words to a faceless forum member, I gauge what I am saying, and temper my words.

I think you have beat yourself up enough over the joke you posted, so I see no need to add to that.

Now, political correctness is not required here, in fact, it is frowned on somewhat.
That said, and added to the fact you state you are a high school student, I suggest you do a little research on life in occupied Iraq...you will be surprised at what it is really like, not only for the Americans there, but for the people who live there because it is their home!

A little time spent doing that will make any play station or X box war game seem obscene.

Stay Frosty,
Ed

[karldotcom]

So this was a real story? I thought for sure it was an April Fools joke....until I realized it was the May issue...


[e-mail]

[Sterling1]

Mark:
I wish jeaton specifically said the May 2005 issue (I haven't received it yet), but I should have thought about the topic a little more thoroughly before posting.

MY FAULT!!! [:(] [*^_^*] [banghead]

I guess I will have to learn how to tone down my loud, sharp tongue from forums like this before transitioning into the real world. Hope to see the pics in the May 2005 issue.

Will delete the previous posts/comments about your visit to Iraq.

[gabe]

A mature retraction Sterling1. I am glad to see that you took that back.

Gabe

[Sterling1]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Sterling1

QUOTE: Originally posted by Sterling1

AH, Roger that over, Ah F-Tower to Baghdad . . .

I'm sure Mark likes his new position . . .

I didn't know it was in the May issue . . .

Roger that we lost a few brakes shoes and dodged a mortar 'tack . . .

Hope he comes back without tripping the metal detector (shrapnel can be messy).

Roger that Sterling1 takes that back . . .

On a more serious note it's nice to know that there are adults who tell you when out of line . . .

Thanks.

[DRBusse]

I have one of the Iraq Railway metal door logos off Saddam's private car, plus a couple of IRR drink coasters.

My source followed looters into the cars a couple of days after the fall of Baghdad. As all hell was breaking loose, this international correspondent had the presence of mind to immediately say to himself "Dave Busse needs something for his collection...!" He was happy his cameraman had a Leatherman handy!

I think the door logo would make an excellent belt buckle someday.

Take care of the Alcos for me.

And if you get to Amman for R&R, there's steam there that occasionally runs, a great Italian restaurant next to the Egyptian embassy, and a very friendly bar at the Inter-Continental across the street from the US Embassy.

If you could get me a US Embassy-Baghdad tee shirt for my collection,. I'll pay you the next time I see you at Winterail.

[MP57313]

QUOTE: Originally posted by espeefoamer
Mark,it's good to have you back on the forum.Get the job done and come back safely[:)].

[#ditto] My former boss is over there too in a civilian role, working for the Government (DCAA). Very brave!

[espeefoamer]

Mark,it's good to have you back on the forum.Get the job done and come back safely[:)].