Good afternoon Wardawgs family,

This will probably the last FRG newsletter before we are all heading back to our beloved Fort Irwin, California. Everything has actually gone smoothly with very little set back. On Christmas day, the platoon conducted Secret Santa and some Soldiers went over to my room and asked me either to help them wrap the gift or asked for a wrapping paper to wrap the presents themselves. Some Soldiers even told me that they did not remember the last time that they wrapped the present. Everybody was quite happy about the event and I actually got the chance to see the Soldiers with refreshing smiles in their faces. Once the Secret Santa Operation was completed, we all went to the Dining Facility as a platoon and enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Lunch. I also posted the Christmas pictures on the blog site (www.wardawgs.blogspot.com) so if you have access to the internet, please check out the blog.

On the 31st of December, the patrol rolled out like any other normal days to look for Improvised Explosive Devices but we returned to base on time to have a bon fire and welcomed the New Year with German Near Beers. I actually drank two bottles and got a little buzz, as I do not drink alcohol at all (may be a few times). The Soldiers laughed at me when I told them that. I wonder what will happen to me if they force me for a few real drinks when we redeploy. I am worry!!!

As the New Year came, the temperature dropped to 27 degree Fahrenheit and it has been cold since then. None the less, USA Today reported that the Month of December has the lowest casualty combined in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The Status of Force Agreement took effect on January 1st and Iraq has become an independent democratic nation. We have completed our job knowing that 20 to 30 years from now, we will be able to recognize that we have contributed in helping Iraq become a democratic country. But for now, we know that in a few short weeks, we will be home hugging you, the wives, children, parents, aunts, uncles and friends with a bright smile and a sense of relief from a long and tenuous deployment. It is almost over and I am thanking you very much for being strong, patience and endurance in the last 14 months while being away from us.

Sincerely,
1LT Pham, Tho
3rd Platoon
Platoon Leader