Well, I have finally completed my last mission.  As I sit here at 0400 on my 43rd birthday and type this post, my time here is rapidly coming to an end.  My final journey was to BIAP and back and was uneventful!  I am glad as everyone is that we are finally getting a break and will not be going into harm’s way any more.  We have but a few more ceremonies and the final TOA (transfer of authority) and voila, we are complete!  We have just under a week left to spend here and then its back to Kuwait and then the big freedom bird back to the real world and our families!  Thanks so much for all of you who have supported me and the rest of the guys with packages, emails, phone calls, thoughts and prayers.  You will never know how much it is appreciated!  Just remember to give your loved ones a little time to adjust before you overwhelm them with requests for their time.  They have all earned the right to be a little stingy and selfish when it comes to outside activities.  Just look ‘em in the eye and say you are proud of them for serving and that you love them!  Looking forward to getting home myself and seeing the wife, my daughter’s family (especially Lil Jack), my dogs Sadie and Erin, and shooting some basketball pic of the Southwestern Lady Rebels!  Thanks again to all those who sent an email or some form of support and prayer.  Take care and I will see you all very soon!  SSG James Terrell, A Troop 1-152 Cav, 76th Inf Bde, Indiana National Guard

Hello to all! Just a quick note to say that I’m doing fine and it is finally September!  We are getting real short as to our time remaining in this country.  They say we will be home for Thanksgiving and it won’t be soon enough for me!  I can’t wait to get back and get to shooting pictures again.  This pic shows me in the hatch of an Armored Security Vehicle (ASV for short) before a mission a while back.  Obviously, I am not the photgrapher but its hard to get pictures of yourself sometimes!  Thanks to all the people who keep supporting us with their prayers, letters, and emails.  It is really good to know what is going on back in our own worlds.  Also I wish to say congrats to my daughter Sarah and her husband Barrett for both graduating from Baylor University this year!  I’m really proud of them both!  And Lil’ Jack has started eating pizza as of late I hear from Grammy Jo’.  They dont stay young for long!  Everyone take care and I hope to see you all at Thanksgiving!  Later, JT

As I write this post, we are closing in on one of those milestone days.  We are fast approaching the 90 days left in country mark.  I can’t be exactly sure when it is because we don’t have an exact date yet but we are getting close that’s for sure!  This shot is me giving a convoy brief for our, 37th or 38th or somewhere close to there, trip outside the wire.  A lot of planning and briefings must be completed before we roll and everyone, including the KBR civilians must get all the information.  All in a days work as the saying goes.  Well, not much time as we are heading back to TQ so you all take care and I’ll talk at you when I can.  Later, JT

Me and the Boys

Here is an early morning (0445) shot of my crew in Gun Truck # 4.  I have been trying to get some pics for a photoshop collage for when we return and I thought this one would be a good update shot.  The three pictured are myself, SSG Jimmy Terrell, TC, SPC Curtis Shelpman, Dvr, and PFC Cory Lazzell, Gnr.  Sorry about the lapse in posting but have had pic upload problems hopefully cured by a new geek stick.  Very hot lately and still very busy.  This post comes from BIAP at 0240am after a very frustrating trip following slow people and then sitting outside the gate while some officer made us back out of the entrance shoot(Semis with tankers mind you) so his four Hummers could leave the gate.  It was crazy as many things here are.  I am fine and fairing well and am looking forward to August.  Take care and God Bless you all!

I  want to wish my daughter and her husband a very Happy Anniversary from your dear old Dad in Iraq!  Sarah and Barrett have reached the first milestone of their marriage by completing their first year as husband and wife.  Along the way Barrett has completed his studies and graduated from Baylor!  Sarah will be graduating later this Summer and beginning Grad school in the fall.  Little Jackson is a hoppin, jumpin, spittin bundle of flames rarin to go all the time from what I hear.  Ahh to be young again!  The two of you always remember that marriage is a compromise and to have fun no matter your circumstances and let each other know you love and appreciate each other.  Everything else will work itself out eventually.  Congratulations and keep dedicated to each other.  You know both of your families love you and care for all three of you deeply.  You’re through the hard part and can look forward to better days ahead for you all!  Love Dad, all the way from Iraq!