USA! USA! USA!

Well, shoot, we got stuck overnight in Spain, how terrible!

But a $27 a night BOQ (Bachelor Officer Quarters) with indoor plumbing, a queen size bed, and all the amenities of home made it okay. We flew out the next day. The flight crew allowed me in the cockpit for the flight. C-5's are huge airframes, so it was fun to watch the crew work to get it off the ground and then around some thunderheads. I took a few pics and will post them when I can get on a computer that will allow me to do so.

Last night we arrived at Ft. Hood, and today we spent the entire day in briefings. Tomorrow will be a reset day, Monday will be reverse SRP (Soldier Readiness Processing) and if I'm lucky (very lucky) I'll fly home on Tuesday. After a two weeks on terminal leave I will come off Title 10 and be more "Citizen" than "Soldier".

Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. I can't wait to come the rest of the way home and see you all.

Jim

God Likes Me!

Yesterday afternoon I was wandering around brigade, saying farewell to some friends and looking forward to leaving late at night the next day or following morning. Then someone asked, "Hey Chappie, do you want to go on the supercargo tonight?" Now for those of you who are unaware of what I am talking about, these were the options:

1. I could wait until the late night of the 12th or early morning of the 13th and fly to Kuwait in a Sherpa wearing full battle rattle. I could then spend anywhere from a day to a week or longer in 135 degree heat, sleeping in a tent waiting for a plane. Then I would be bused to an airport and fly to the east coast of the US. I would then change planes and head to Ft. Hood.

OR

2. I could go on a C-5 Galaxy (55 seats with three passengers). I would land and spend half a day in Rota Spain with my 2 other friends, then fly to the east coast in comfort to spend a half day there, then on to Texas. No battle rattle. No customs. No Kuwait.

So, hello from Rota, Spain! It is a beautiful 90 degrees (as opposed to the 120 it is supposed to be in the shade in Balad today). The sky is a beautiful mediterranean blue, and the grass is a verdant green. I have not seen this beautiful a sight in a long, long, time. We had a nice lunch at an outside cafe and will soon be heading over to the gym for a shower. Tonight we head for the US.

Best of all - WE'RE OUT OF IRAQ!

Bronze Star

To all who shall see these presents, greeting: This is to certify that the President of the United States of America authorized by Executive Order, 24 August 1962 has awarded

The Bronze Star Medal

Major James B. Higgins, United States Army

For exceptionally meritorious service during operation Iraqi Freedom. His outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, and the United States Army.

From 30 August 2006 to 14 August 2007

Given by my hand in the City of Washington
This 15th day of June 2007

Raymond T. Odierno
Lieutenant General, USA
Commanding
PO 166-020, 15 June 2007

It has been awhile since I have posted due to my schedule, and trying to get to a computer that will allow me to post to my blog. The good news is that my delay has been in large part to wrapping things up here. This week I will leave for Kuwait, and, Lord willing, by this time next week I will be at Ft. Hood. The next stop after that is home!

I'll keep you apprised.