Hillah, Iraq.

We didn’t do much yesterday, which is not surprising given the success of the birthday party.

Today we did a quick mission over to the Police Headquarters, mostly as a reason to get out. I have asked the Marines to donate songs to the mix CD, with limited success. If they don’t bother to contribute, they have no right to complain. Stereo playing, we rolled out of the gate. “Let me go on, like a blister in the sun….” The gate guards heard the music, and gave us looks. The meeting with the local police force happily did not require my attendance, so I pulled security outside with the Marines. Given the fact that we had a stereo, pulling security was a lot more fun.

Soon, a couple of kids got interested in us. We handed out some Hearts and Minds bags. They were happy to get the sweets, some neat stuff such as pencils and crayons, as well as the ever popular Hot Wheels. Thanks again to all the generous folks who donated all this stuff. The happy looks on the kids’ faces makes it worthwhile.

When we got back, there were some American officers in the parking lot. They were with the security detail for an upcoming visit by the Iraqi Prime Minister and a three star general. These guys had one of the coolest things I had seen in a while: a humvee with a minigun in the turret:

Ideal for home defense! We chatted a bit, and when the found out what my job was, they were very excited. They were getting no support from the Poles in providing air cover for the visit. They asked if I might help them, which of course I was happy to do.