Dispatches from the Front

Redeployment is the word that most troops here repeat over and over to themselves. "Just let me make it to redeployment!"

A few weeks ago, the J4 section farewelled our leader, COL Arcocha. He had been here for sixteen months and finally, his replacement arrived.

Celebrating COL Arcocha's return to the US...

The section certainly misses him. He was honest, fair, and knew the logistics here better than anyone. Most importantly, he championed his staff, and consistently defended their projects and results. I have not met a better officer in all of my life.

Enjoying one last smoke with the cigar club

And even I have a redeployment date, scheduled in early January. I am certainly looking forward to my return to St. Paul's! As always, thank you for your support, and I'll see you in just over two months!

Yours,
Paul

The phrase says it all.

I got to spend a few days out of the office with these guys and they're tremendous. The Rough Riders' sole responsibility is to safely escort MNSTC-I personnel on the road from the IZ to other places in Iraq. And they have a perfect record, for which this organization is extremely grateful.

It's a challenging job, and not one for the faint of heart. It's high risk and requires exceptional discipline and highly coordinated teamwork. And these guys love what they do.

Attention to detail is critical, because what you don't see can be deadly. You have to rule the road and be aggressive enough to take and own every stretch of it. And you must be ready to engage the enemy at any time in any place.

George Orwell once said, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." I sleep well because I know that when my friends and I have to travel, we will have the best protection that the military has to offer.

Happiness is definitely a belt-fed weapon.

Please continue to pray for all of our servicemembers over here, but especially for these men.

Until next time,
Paul