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December 18, 2006

Andrew of Arabia

It seems that the situation in Iraq is worse than I thought. The Army has accepted my application to active duty and is sending me to Iraq as commander of a battalion MiTT team. That means I'll embed with an Iraqi battalion and I and my team will attempt to train and assist that battalion to be able to stand on their own and serve the Iraqi government. Yes, I'm aware of the inherent difficulties in that mission, so you needn't fill my comments with wry observations about what you think about the Iraqi Army. In about six months, I'll be able to provide some firsthand experience, and we'll see what comes of that.

Posted at December 18, 2006 09:25 PM

Andrew Olmsted

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Comments

I'll just wish you luck than. Stay save Andrew!

Posted by: Dutchmarbel [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 19, 2006 01:35 AM

Good luck and stay safe.

Posted by: Ugh6 [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 19, 2006 09:50 AM

Yipes. "All best wishes" and similar sentiments seem entirely insufficient.

I've actually sort of thought a lot, in the back of my head, about if or when you might be sent, and I still don't know the right thing to say, other than that I shall constantly wish for your safety and whatever success is possible.

Selfishly, I hope you find some time to write about your experiences, but my over-riding desire is simply for you to stay safe.

Posted by: Gary Farber [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 19, 2006 01:54 PM

Andrew: I'll be thinking of you (and Amanda) throughout. Post if you can. And stay safe.

Posted by: Hilary Bok [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 19, 2006 02:28 PM

Well, Major Olmstead, I'm sure you will be an asset
to wherever you're sent.

Keep in touch, if possible, stay safe, best of luck with the mission and watch your six.

All Best,
Freedom Fighter

Posted by: Freedom Fighter [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 19, 2006 03:03 PM

Best of luck Andrew, and stay safe!

Posted by: Mark [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 19, 2006 06:36 PM

However the conflict ends, no one will be able to say we didn't send our best people.

Posted by: rilkefan [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 20, 2006 10:02 AM

Good hunting, Major... and here's to hoping you and your buddies all come home in one piece.

Posted by: Watcher [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 20, 2006 01:42 PM

Be safe over there, Andrew.

Posted by: cinnabari [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 20, 2006 08:02 PM

It doesn't seem like enough to say "good luck" but I don't know what else to say. You'll be the first and only person I know in Iraq. Is there a way we can write to you while you are over there?

Posted by: Heather [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 21, 2006 08:31 AM

Andrew,

Good luck and come home safely. And thanks for all your support of my site over the years.

Posted by: David Pinto [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 21, 2006 08:55 AM

We can hope you screw them up as well.

Posted by: nwerle [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 21, 2006 10:33 AM

I came here via a link. I applaud you for your service, Major. Several of our relatives serve in the military, some of whom are in Iraq now. You will be in fine company. Your service is deeply appreciated. and I know you make your family and America proud.

Posted by: DRJ [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 21, 2006 10:55 AM

Be careful out there, Andrew. Come home in one piece.

Posted by: Slartibartfast [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 21, 2006 11:00 AM

Best of luck in the fight for liberty and democracy.

Posted by: TallDave [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 21, 2006 02:04 PM

Congratulations, I guess.

I still think we shouldn't have gone into Iraq, but I wish you safety and success because leaving Iraq now would be far worse than any threat to us before we went in

Posted by: Me4President2008 [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 21, 2006 07:06 PM

I wish you well, Andrew. With so many people at risk in Iraq, it seems a little selfish of me to wish more for your safety than that of others, but I do.

Posted by: dr ngo [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 22, 2006 12:08 AM

Andy,
Please keep yourself safe, your eyes open, your neck on a swivel, and your buddies close. For your sake and Amanda's come back in one piece.

I'm sorry we have to send any of our people over there. But I can't think of anyone better to represent the decency of Americans and our soldiers. Show them what we're made of, make some friends, and get home!

David Corn

Posted by: bridgecross [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 22, 2006 10:11 AM

I hope that you are able to contribute as much there as you do here.

Best wishes for a safe return.

Posted by: dmbeaster [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 24, 2006 07:36 AM

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