Dean Resch (aka: "Billy Biap") while stationed in Iraq

November 23, 2006

A View from the Best Seats in the House!

Hello B95-fun listeners,

As you can see from the title, this is an upbeat report from your humble Billy. Upbeat, because I am now back in the United States and happy to be here. My six months and two days in Iraq are over and I am HOME! Home to my family and friends.

What an experience it has been. Really a bitter sweet assignment, bitter because of the losses that we continue to sustain and the dire straits that the country of Iraq is in, but sweet for the honor of meeting, living, and working with our magnificent and remarkable military and those who support them.

I was assigned to the Baghdad International Airport more commonly known in Iraq as "BIAP". Hence the name Billy Biap. I worked as an Aviation Security Advisor/Agent for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, but I was assigned to work on and lived near BIAP. My initial task was to bring the airport into compliance under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Annex 17. It did not take me long to realize that the airport and indeed the country was not ready to rejoin the international community in any area let alone aviation. In my humble opinion, Iraq was and is not ready for self-sufficiency. They only know a system of patronage and corruption which flourishes today. We should have maintained martial law for several years before granting sovereignty to a country ill-prepared to accept that responsibility.

However, I found my niche in BIAP (and in Iraq) by recovering lost, stolen and/or "misplaced" weapons and equipment. This equipment included vehicular IED detection devices, AK-47s, Bulgaria machine guns destined for the Iraqi Police, and Iraqi Special Forces uniforms to name a few. Not sure what the final disposition would have been, but I would like to think that I may have kept this equipment out of the wrong hands. This equipment was found in various locations on the civil side of the International Airport (under Iraq sovereignty).
My travels to and from the airport and convoy travel to and from the Embassy brought me in contact with some of the most dedicated and loyal Americans imaginable. I just can't tell you how remarkable they are. It has been my privilege to have served with them for our country and its effort to bring peace and stability to Iraq.

When you sit down to your Thanksgiving meal, please reflect for a moment on the people representing you and me in the Middle East and around the world.

They are simply "the best".

Happy Thanksgiving!

For the last time I remain as always,

Dean Resch aka Billy Biap

November 6, 2006

A View from the Calm Before the Storm

Hello to All,

I have been rather critical of the operation here but this week I am taking a turn to moderation. As I was walking the perimeter of the compound where I live, I heard something that I have not heard in the six months that I have been here.

Children laughing!

This may sound strange but on this the eve of the Saddam Hussein's sentencing, it is eerily quiet save for the occasional helicopters passing over or nearby.

I turned towards the sound of the laughter and saw a beautiful moon rising over the wall surrounding our camp. On the other side is the "red zone" and laughter is generally not the noise that comes from that area. I happened to have my camera with me and took some pictures shortly after I first heard the kids. I even caught some birds in flight.

Kids! How quickly we forget the little ones that really have no status or say in the daily crisis evolving from day to day. It made me stop and reflect on how absolutely peaceful it seemed to be and with children laughing, how, dare I say, normal. But then in an instant my serene surroundings dissolved with the distant sound of gunfire. A very dangerous and joyful moment came and went, dangerous because I should never have been "daydreaming" out in the open and yet joyful because of the children and their laughter. It is very bad to lose situational awareness, it can even be deadly, but the lure of some semblance of normalcy overrode logic and good judgment. It won't happen twice.

The next time I daydream, it will be from inside this: (see the photos)

Now that the verdict is in, I hope that the country doesn't go ballistic and start another killing rampage. For the kids sake.

I remain, as always,

Billy

Don't forget to Vote!

"Everybody's got to believe in something…. I believe I've
seen enough."

October, 30, 2006

A View from Lying Under the Cheap Seats

Hello from Bloody Iraq!

If I were to write a book, I would have to name it Lying in Iraq.

It is just beyond my comprehension that it is said over and over that we have enough troops on the ground. And furthermore, if commanders needed more, all they have to do is ask. Ha! We do not. As long as we are stretched so thin, we will always be playing catch-up. And if you think that the Iraqi Army will pull it's own weight and "destroy" the militias, I would sure like to sell you a retirement home here in Iraq.

The corporate contractors here are making millions It has been impossible to get a valid number of contractors that are here, but I would not be surprised if they do not outnumber the troops. Is there something wrong with this picture?

The number of high ranking military officers at the Embassy and at Corps Headquarters is staggering. A simple question…why are they not out leading their troops? In my travels in and around I see few field grade officers and certainly not out with the troops. What is wrong with that picture?

Are you getting a hint that I am frustrated. You would be correct. I hope you read the report the other day about all the missing weapons here. They are issued to the Iraqis who in turn sell them on the black market. The report went on to say that we did not even list half the serial numbers. Where is the accountability. How will we know that the weapons we are handing over to the Iraqis aren't the same ones killing our soldiers and Marines?

The American death toll as of this morning Iraq time is 101. I can't say anymore, as this number speaks volumes as to our control of the situation.

There is only one picture this week, it says it all. Welcome to Iraq

I urge you to please get out and VOTE.

I remain, as always,

Billy

October, 18, 2006

A grumbling view from the cheap and bloody seats

Hello B95-1 Listeners!

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is a flightless bird native to Africa. It is the only living species of its family, Struthionidae, and its genus, Struthio.

The ostrich may be native to Africa, but it has sure made it's presence known here in Iraq. I will not go so far as to say that we are in retreat, but we certainly have our heads in the sand. We keep our heads in the sand when it comes to Iraqi corruption, non-accountability of resources, tragic American and Coalition Forces casualties day after day. Heads in the sand when reporting on the Iraqi capability to govern or self-rule and let's not forget about the Iraqi Police.

I recently mourned the loss of two of our finest from a unit I served in many, many years ago. Both were killed by sniper fire in Baghdad. Did you know that if a sniper shoots from a building or house, our forces cannot fire back for fear of "collateral damage". Can you just imagine? Well, guess where the majority of sniper fire comes from? You guessed it, houses and buildings.

If Billy were King for a day, my orders would be not only to shoot back but take out the entire room or floor from where the sniper fire came from. It would not take too many times before they figured out that this is not a good place to be shooting from. It is obvious from the news reports day after day that most Iraqis have a different value for human life than we do. If they have so little regard for human life, why are we so "sensitive" to their values (or lack therof).
Our system of values does not work here so we should get tough or get out. We currently do not have enough troops to do the job.
How about a national referendum where the Iraqis can get another purple finger and vote on whether our Forces should stay or go. If the majority wants us to leave, we leave. We can honestly say that we caused a regime change, help to form a government, established rule of law and left honorably. No shame in that.

Oh I know what your thinking, Iran and Syria are just waiting to get in. Well guess what, with us gone who do you think that the Iraqis will turn on next?
Let someone else stand up and die for their country, enough have died for ours!
Am I frustrated? You Bet! Somehow I hope we get through this with no more loss of our most valuable possession…..America's finest.

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!!

By the way, elections are coming up next month so please, hold your politicians accountable and get out and vote!

A little change this month. I am attaching a "Tourist Guide to Baghdad" It is an excellent document and well authored. We have visited some of these sites via my earlier pictures. I hope you enjoy the guide as much as I do.

Until next time, I remain,

As Always,

Billy

October, 11, 2006

Billy BIAP's News from the dusty seats, brought to you by those great people at B95.1FM

Hello to those back home,

How about our Secretary of State dropping in for a quiet visit. Can you imagine flying into a dangerous airport in a dangerous country with dangerous people trying to do bad things. Not sure if it was reported back home but several minutes prior to Secretary Rice's arrival, several rockets hit the airport complex. This was not the type of welcome that one would expect anywhere else, but here it is a normal (if not fearful) event. The Secretary passed through Sather Air Base on her way to the Embassy and took a few moments to talk to some of the military folks. She is a gracious lady!

I can't say that things have improved in the least as a matter of fact things seem to be worse now. The Government is corrupt, the military and police can't be trusted. Can you imagine what it must be like for an Iraqi family trying to survive? If there is an assault, rape, kidnapping or murder, who would they turn to? Certainly not those mentioned above. They turn to the Militias. The Mahdi Militia began as a small group of roughly 500 seminary students connected with Muqtada al-Sadr in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, formerly known as Saddam City. The group moved in to fill the security vacuum in Sadr City and in a string of southern Iraqi cities following the fall of Baghdad to U.S-led coalition forces on April 9, 2003. The group initially dispensed aid to Iraqis and provided security in the Shiite slums from looters.

Gradually, the militia grew and was formalized by al-Sadr in June of 2003. Mahdi Army grew into a sizeable force of up to 10,000 militia who even operated what amounted to a shadow government in some areas. Al-Sadr's preaching is critical of the US occupation and he has strong ties to Iran. It is easy to recruit people when there is no other place to turn to for help. The Mahdi Militia or Jaysh al-Mahd? Militia (JAMMS) have infiltrated the International Airport and surrounding area and gather intelligence on Coalition Forces and intimidate local citizens. They also represent a military force which is increasing in size daily. What a mess! Let us hope that there is a peaceful way out of this maelstrom.

This weeks pictures are reasonably self-explanitory.

Until next time, I remain,

As Always,

Billy

 
September 26th, 2006

Billy BIAP's News from the cheap seats, courtesy of B95.1FM

Hello from Forward Operating Base "Central". The weather has definitely started to change for the better. We actually had a day in Baghdad the only reached 99 degrees. Mornings are a lot cooler too. Going for a run (or walk for us old folks) is much better in the mornings when the temperature is only in the high 70s. Unfortunately, the dust is still everywhere and a good walk or run puts dust (or mud) into the old lungs. But in spite of all that I am so happy to see our troops working in cooler weather.

Again I must tell you, they are magnificent.

My job is going well. My team has recently recovered uniforms, weapons and equipment destined for U.S. and Coalition Forces that have been "misdirected". What a great feeling to recover weapons that could potentially be used against our own soldiers. Makes all the isolation and heat worth the effort when in some small way we can assist the military in support of their mission.

I have attached a short video this week in lieu of pictures. The video was taken along Route Irish from Baghdad to the International Airport.

There are three vehicles in the video starting from right to left are:

A Cougar, a Humvee and a Buffalo. These vehicles are searching and detecting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the route. They are equipped with all sorts of detection devices necessary to keep the routes open. As I am sure that you know, IEDs are devastating and take the lives of our finest almost on a daily basis. It is good to know these vehicles and technologies are here to help and protect our Forces. You may also notice that we are riding in the same direction in the opposite lanes. The lanes being swept are closed to traffic and the opposite lanes are open to two way traffic temporarily until the sweep is complete.
The video is short, but consider the quality of the work being done in a short period of time. Billy's hat is off to these dedicated troops and their hazardous jobs which they do professionally and on a daily basis.

I hope you are proud of your Military over here too!

Until next time, I remain,

As Always,

Billy

September 17th, 2006

A View From the Up Close and Personal Seats

Please continue to support those great folks at B95.1 FM

Can it ever get any worse? Can you imagine over 100 people tortured, murdered and then dumped all over different parts of town?

It happened here in Baghdad in the last two days. The outlook is bleak and there seems to be no coordinated effort by the Iraq Government to gain control over this horrid situation. It would be the highlight of my time spent here to report no deaths in Baghdad for the past week. Wishful thinking, yes, but we must always have hope and put our trust in the fine men and women of our Armed Forces and those of the Coalition Forces.

I can tell you that Iraqi armed forces killed al Qaeda in Iraq second-in-command Abu Jaafar al-Liby during an operation carried out over the past few days. This is a major victory politically, but we are still suffering casualties daily. When will we see a military victory on a large scale? We can only hope.

Maybe the solution is the partitioning of Iraq with the Kurds in the north, Sunnis in the middle (including Baghdad), and the Shiites in the south. All could collectively share the wealth of the oil exports and remain separated thereby not killing each other. Sounds too easy.

Well, on a lighter side, in the past I have shown pictures taken by yours truly while in the Baghdad area and points south. This week I will add some pictures of the northern part of the country including the areas of Mosul, Irbil and Sulaymaniyah. The area is beautiful up north and you could almost forget there is a war going on (except for the machine guns on the helicopter).

Please remember our Troops serving here and Afghanistan.

I Remain As Always,

Billy

PS See if you can find the cities listed above on the map here.

September 2, 2006

A View From the Armored Cheap Seats.

Hello from Baghdad, Iraq and thank you for supporting B-95.1 FM.

Once again my news is not good. The violence continues. Bodies are stacking up at the local morgues faster than they can be processed and released to the families. Drive-by shootings, snipers, car bombs and IEDs, what a lethal mix. The place is spiraling out of control and the US and Coalition Forces are in the middle. I sure hope there is a master plan by the military strategists to protect the troops here because it will only get worse. The militias are growing in numbers and are now spreading beyond Baghdad.

In my humble opinion, it is pay me now or pay me later. Either handle 10,000 militia members now or a 100,000 later. Quite frankly I don't think we have enough troops here to handle either. I sure don't like to be in the "retreat mode". Let us hope this coming week brings a little peace and progress.
I want to show you some special pictures this week. They were taken at a CMOC (Civilian Military Operations Center) located at one of the Forward Operations Bases located around Baghdad. Locals sneak in and receive medical treatment by military doctors that donate their time. Can you imagine the jobs they normally perform and yet still find time to help the innocent and weak. I have said it so many times before, our military are simply magnificent!

Look at the pictures and look at and into the faces of those that face death on a daily basis and yet have the courage to come to the CMOC for help at tremendous personal risk. Look at the wheelchairs in particular and imagine that your local hospital provided you with one just like it. We sure have a lot to be thankful for in America. Look again at the faces. They are what we are here for in Iraq. They are the reason why our soldiers endure each day with the excessive heat, the threat and the isolation from their home and families.

Count your blessings every day. I count mine!

Also trust me that I will be keeping my head down and will remain,

As always,

Billy

August 23, 2006

How about a hot date with Billy? More to follow:

Hello again from the cheap seats, and thank you for supporting B95.1 FM. What a great group of professionals they are!

I know that I am a little behind on my views of Iraq. I have been very busy and traveling quite a bit. Add to that the current military sweep going on in and around Baghdad, one must be ever vigilant with personnel safety uppermost in mind. The days seem to run together and most times I am not sure of the day or date. Please do not take this as complaining because we only have to look at the burden of our Armed Forces here and all my problems seem small in comparison.

Coming back and forth on Route Irish you can look down the streets that are perpendicular to the Route and see US and Iraq armored personnel carriers and/or Humvees blocking the roads while the soldiers patrol and round up the bad guys. This past weekend was a religious holiday and I am sure that you read about the sniper killings around the Mosques and parade routes. In my humble and personal opinion, the country is not near civil war, just violence between two factions of Criminals! I say criminals because there can not be any religious reason for the violence and indiscriminate murdering. It is a struggle for power and territory. As the government gets stronger, the factions get weaker so they are acting now while they can.

Please take a moment to count your own blessings and freedoms afforded you as a citizen of America.

Now for the hot date…If you remember several articles prior, I spoke about the vast amounts of date palms in Iraq. Well the time has come and they are now ripe. Of course they ripen in 115-120 degree temperatures (hot date). The pictures included show some of the different date trees and some dates that fell off the tree and because they are ripe, are impaled in short palms. Look close for those. I have also included some more local tenants where I live.

Until next time, I remain,

As always,

Billy

August 11, 2006

Greetings from (under) the cheap seats,

Things are really happening here now. The Coalition and Iraqi Forces are systematically clearing neighborhoods in Baghdad. Wouldn't you know that I happen to be in Baghdad and at the US Embassy during this major operation? It is like moving from Hiroshima to Nagasaki to get away from the heat. Anyway, I received the following from a friend and neighbor back home (also a veteran) and I could not think of a better way to comment on our Forces here and the job that they are doing.

The pictures are of the US Embassy in Baghdad and some local spots in the IZ (Green Zone).

Please take a moment to read the following:

Your alarm goes off and you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10 minutes. He stays up for days on end.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends. He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You make sure your cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.

You talk trash on your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and
terrorists.

You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe
his brow.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He does not get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for months, but makes sure his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.

You are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He is told he will be held an extra 2 months.

You call your girlfriend and set a date for that night.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if
they'll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves
anything. He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own government and remembers why he is fighting.

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of the men like him. He hears the gun fire and bombs.

You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the bodies lying around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does what he is told.

You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call and write home, sleep, and eat.

You crawl into your bed, with down pillows, and try to get
comfortable. He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap,
only to awaken to gun fire.

You sit there and judge him, saying the world is a worse place
because of men like him. If only there were more men (and women) like him/her.

Again Billy says to you:

IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS,

PLEASE, FEEL FREE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!

As Always,

Billy

July 30, 2006

Hello again and thanks for looking at Billy Biap and listening to B95-1.

Needless to say (again), things have been really nasty here in the Baghdad area. I have been traveling to several locations out and about and it is very hazardous. You know that I normally fly by helicopter in my travels and have shared some pictures, but lately I have been taking the ground convoys. I really feel that if it is good enough for our military to travel around it is certainly good enough for this humble citizen.

We traveled east to west and west to east six times on Route Irish and it really enhances my admiration for these soldiers. Imagine 120-130 degree temperatures in a hot vehicle gun turret wearing a fifty pound armor vest. Look close for the turret gunners in the pictures. These soldiers are unbelievable!
This week I would like to feature pictures of a road convoy on Route Irish. They will be taken from trips in both directions from the Al Faw Palace on Camp Victory, which has been featured previously, to the International Zone(IZ).

For security reasons, there will be no checkpoints shown and no logical sequence. Look for the crossed sabers and several other landmarks that you saw from the helicopter pictures while you take this trip. Please also remember that each time you see a civilian car remember that it could be murderous extremist bent on killing our soldiers.

As we travel, look at some of the scenery along the route and for the most part you will not see much greenery. When we enter Baghdad city limits, we will see a few trees which are a welcome sight. Watch for the apartment buildings and homes along the fence and visualize a sniper in the window or for that matter maybe lying under a parked car hoping to get in a lucky shot. This is business as usual for our troops.

So, the next time you are in traffic and it is hot and the air conditioner does not seem to keep up with the heat or a car pulls up next to you in traffic with a stranger driving, think of our soldiers and the consequences they face day in and day out. We really don't have it so bad, do we?

The first trip is in the "Rhino" armored bus. The next in a Humvee. Enjoy the pictures.

As Always,

Billy

July 13th, 2006

Billy Biap Presents:

Some good news.

Hello from Iraq. This has been another horrific week in Iraq, more especially Baghdad. As I am sure you read, many Iraqis have been killed in the name of religious intolerance. It will only get worse. What you may not have read is that the Coalition Forces are turning over more and more control to the Iraqis out in the Provinces. Also, more and more areas of responsibility is being handed off to the Iraq Army. This is good and shows that the Iraqis are taking on and accepting responsibility. In the North, the Kurds are thriving. Many international investors are coming to the Northern Provinces. If we can establish law and order in Baghdad, Ramadi and Falluja with the proper controls Iraq will continue on the road to self sufficiency. If the militias, criminals and foreign influences would cease their internal meddling and incitements, things would be much better.

Over the weekend there will be a tour of the newly renovated Baghdad Central Railroad Station (A Six Million Dollar Program) hosting the US Ambassador to Iraq and the Media. The Baghdad Central Station project is an example of U.S. government efforts to re-build critical infrastructure in Iraq needed to promote long-term economic development and stability. This landmark structure will continue to serve as the Main Passenger Station and the headquarters of the Iraqi Republic Railways, it is fitting to have such a distinctive building and landmark.

This week's photos are here.

So ends another week in Iraq. Let us hope the next one is without loss of life and only good news.

As Always,
Billy

Thursday July 6th, 2006

Billy Biap Presents:

A PATRIOTIC VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS
Happy July 4th to all.

I hope you had a great weekend and a great 4th. Wouldn't it be nice if one day the Iraqi people could also celebrate a 4th of their own, the day that the fighting stopped and peace and harmony prevailed. We can only hope.

We suffered three injuries, one severe, from a mortar that directly hit one of the buildings in the forward operating base where I live. I say we because something like this affects all of us, especially since this is a relatively small base we know most everybody and have daily contact. This is one 4th of July to remember.

Speaking of Independence Day; Did you know that on September 6, 1774, the Continental Congress made their first official act a call for prayer after just receiving the news that British troops had attacked Boston.

Did you know July 4, 1775, General George Washington gave the following order:
The General most earnestly requires and expects a due observance of those articles of war established for the government of the Army which forbid profane cursing, swearing and drunkenness. And in like manner he requires and expects of all officers and soldiers not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance of Divine services, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.

I spoke earlier of hope, I have been hoping for a chance to get a picture of Lucky, the Golden Jackal. Guess what?.............…may I introduce to you, my neighbor and free of charge pest exterminator…."Lucky"

The other pictures enclosed were taken by this humble citizen on the morning of July 4th. This convoy was preparing to go from the military complex at the Baghdad International Airport to the US Embassy in Baghdad. The route is along the notorious Route Irish, one of the most dangerous places in Iraq. As I briefly spoke to the soldiers of the convoy, to them it was just another day in the office.
Most did not realize it was the 4th of July. These soldiers are the best that there is. I can only hope that you at home are as proud of these young men and women as I am.

God Bless America!

As Always,

Billy

Thursday June 29, 2006

Billy Biap Presents:

A DIFFERENT VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS

Hello to the Fans of WBPC-FM 95.1,

Had enough of Baghdad? Well, me too. Old Billy took a trip to Najaf this week and would like to share some of his experiences "outside the wire". Located 190 km. south of the capital of Baghdad, Najaf is considered a "holy" city among Shi'a Muslims. It is here that 'Ali is buried: the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the person whom Shi'a Muslims believe should have succeeded the Prophet in leadership after his death. In 661 A.D., Ali was assassinated in Kufa, a town 11 km. northeast of Najaf. The "Imam 'Ali Mosque" is central in Najaf, and is often a pilgrimage destination for Shi'a Muslims, especially from Iran. The name of the city means "dry river" (nay-jaff).

What I really would like to share is the sights and terrain on the 45 minute Blackhawk flight to Najaf.

The thing that really struck me was the immediate transition from urban Baghdad to rural countryside and farmlands. I saw farms, sheep, cattle, water buffalo, dogs which are rare in Baghdad or at least "within the wire", rice paddies and plantings (the area around Najaf is called the rice bowl of Iraq) and many, many groves of date palms. There are over 100 varieties of dates which are usually harvested in August/September time frame. But what was truly amazing was the abrupt change in terrain and topography. We went from farmlands to valleys to desert within minutes as the pictures will show. I also wonder if the rural farmers and herders are even aware of the unrest and horror that is occurring in Baghdad. It seems so peaceful in the outlands where the people actually wave at the passing Black helicopters. It gives me some hope that peace may be possible and that Iraq could become a productive International partner.

The flight left the International Zone (IZ) and headed south-southwest. The pictures will be in order of Baghdad to Najaf (north to south-southwest). The route of flight is never straight line, but constant zigzagging and crossing over from side to side. Good survival tactics.

"It is the Veteran, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of
the
press.

"It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of
speech.

It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom
to
demonstrate.

"It is the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to
burn the flag."

"If you can read this, thank a teacher"
"If you are reading it in English, thank a Veteran "

As Always,

Billy

Thursday June 22, 2006

Billy Biap Presents:

A SAD VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS

Hello to all!

Another week has passed and it has not been a good one. Two of America's military have been ambushed and abducted. We received word that the soldiers of the 101st have been found and that they were tortured and murdered. I know I speak for all here and I hope many if not all at home when I say that I am outraged. The perpetrators will meet justice in this life or the next.
If you read my column last week you may remember that I spoke of the families back home receiving word about the loss of a loved one, how prophetic that it has happened in the worse way possible. At least the families have closure in that the soldiers were found and are returning home. Please think of these soldiers and their families.

I am having a very difficult time writing anything else at this time so I will close in saying that the pictures this week focus on the City of Baghdad (from the air). I hope you notice all the satellite antennas on the roofs. Cell phones are extremely popular also. My favorite view of the city is the last picture, but I guess that is because of my thoughts of retribution. I hope we can all remember that the majority of Baghdad citizens are family oriented and are just trying to survive. They live in fear of abduction and murder every day and still have to make a living to support their families as we support ours. My heart goes out to them.

Until next time I remain as always,

Billy

If you don't stand behind our troops...feel free to stand in front of them!

Thursday June 15, 2006

Billy Biap Presents:

MY VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS

Greetings from "inside the wire" (any area within security protection).

My thoughts this week focus on you. The Special Forces (with whom I am fortunate to live) lost one of their own last Thursday from an IED. I can't help but wonder what it must be like for the soldier's family to be notified ("which is always done by an officer or non-commissioned officer and a Chaplain." ), that their husband, wife, mother, father, brother or sister has been killed in the line of duty. There is the initial shock, grief, anger and every range of emotion known, before the realization and finality of acceptance. Then come the phone call and offers of help from friends, family and church. Talk about stress!

We all offer our prayers for the troops in combat, but I ask each of you to please remember the families back home, like you, who sacrifice daily to support their loved ones over here. For this, I sincerely thank you.

As for Iraq, Saddam is still the main attraction at the local circus…I mean trial. The government is still posturing to gain power and position and there are still vacancies to be filled at lower levels. As I am sure you realize, nothing happens quickly in Iraq.

The weather here has been hot (between 110-120 degrees) and windy. Of course with the wind comes the dust which is a constant like sunrise and sunset. The cities of Fallujah and Balad are usually 10 degrees higher than Baghdad.

How about that unexpected visit by the Commander in Chief. Talk about a morale booster. The troops really appreciate the courage and example set by our President.

The pictures this week focus on flying.

Until the next time, don't forget:

Life is expensive on earth but it includes a trip around the sun once a year!

Billy

Thursday June 8, 2008

Hello Again,

It Is Billy Biap's

A VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS

Well the big news today is the targeting and demise of:

AL-ZARQAWI

There is no piece of news, including more new Iraq Government appointees, that will have a bigger impact on Iraq than the elimination of Zarqawi. The horrific things this man has perpetrated on the people of Iraq and our own Coalition Forces is only second to Saddam, Ouday and Cousay Hussein! I am sure that their reality of Paradise is somewhat different than they expected.

Enough of death, let me say a few things about life. Although I see very few animals (dogs and cats) here, the wildlife is abundant. Most especially the birds. Amid the dust, ruin and desolation, I have seen many beautiful birds, including owls, crows and beautifully colored species I have never seen before. How amazing that nature always prevails over man.

I have included a picture of the International Airport at Baghdad, and several of a dining facility called a DFAC, formally called "mess halls" located west of Baghdad. It was part a former Saddam Palace. It is a beautiful structure which is so greatly enhanced by the colors of red, white and blue. I must tell you that when our forces get in from the field, the DFACs are a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy good meals. A tip of the Kevlar helmet to all those who serve our Forces!

Please enjoy the pictures and think about our troops as you go about your daily routine. I know they are thinking of home.

Until next time,

Very truly yours,

Billy

Thursday June 1, 2006

Hello Again,

Billy Biap presents,

A VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS:

I am sad to report that this has been an extremely violent week in Iraq and especially Baghdad where I have spent the last three days. I was rattled at 06:00 this morning when an IED went off across the river from the International Zone (formerly the Green Zone). Reports said that one person died and fifteen were injured and three days ago forty died and yet all eyes and news articles are focused on our Marines that may have reached a breaking point. I do not condone their actions, but I do not know all the facts involved either. When soldiers suffer a loss or losses, they do not forget…ever. Please make no mistake, this is a war and in war people die, some for cause, some by mistake, and some by accident. Let us let the military investigate and get all the facts and don't try and judge our Marines in the press. If you have not been here or in any country at war, you just can't imagine the stress and horror that may influence decisions that are made in a split second in what may be a life or death situation.

The Iraq Government is moving forward slowly as the Ministers form their new staffs and deputies. Many key decisions hinge on these new appointments.

I have include some more pictures with a small explanation of each.

Until next week,

I have the honor to remain,

Sincerely Yours,

Billy

Monday May 29, 2006
Memorial Day

A tip of the Kevlar hat to B-95.1 for allowing this humble American citizen a chance to share my views of my Iraq experience.

Do you remember "Shock and Awe", from the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom? Well I experienced shock and awe when I arrived in Iraq. I was in shock to see the conditions in which our troops have to live and function and I am held in awe at the manner in which our forces perform. No matter what you may see or hear at home, no matter how you feel about Iraq, be assured that our troops are magnificent. I cannot express in words how proud I am that these young men and women represent the United States of America.

My first impression of Iraq upon my arrival was hot and dusty. The dust is very fine like talcum or baby powder and is in and on every thing. The heat during the day is relentless and a clouded sky is a rare occasion unless it is a dust cloud. I have visited many of Saddam's palaces and I have to say that the money he spent on the palaces instead of helping his people really confirms the reputation of the villain that he is. The Iraqi people will be the judge of his destiny.

As for me, I am extremely fortunate in that I am living and working in a compound surrounded by US Army Special Forces, which helps me get to sleep at night while listening to every sound outside from the howling of wild dogs to the occasional sniper and mortar fire. What a serenade to fall asleep to! I am not a dog person but I have taken a liking to a special Golden Jackal, native to Iraq. I call him "Lucky" because he lives on the compound property in the area of unexploded ordinance. He is very elusive and I have not yet been able to get a good picture of him but I have attached one I got off the local military net. As for the other pictures, they are of some of Saddam's palaces and the Baathist Headquarters all of which were pin-point targeted.

Well, I will close this one out and attach a few pictures with explanations.

If this little Iraq expose is reasonably well received, you just may hear from me in a week.

Until then,

Please pray for our troops.

As Always,

Billy Biap