From: Hostetler, David W CPT MIL USA FORSCOM
[david.w.hostetler@us.army.mil]
Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2008 2:36 AM
To: Ackerson, Steve; Brinson, Christopher; Brinson, Mary; Conrad, Jamie;
Conrad, Mark; Cummings, Xavier; Dana, Caroline; Dana, Frank; Dana,
Susan; Edwards, Anthony; Foster, Donna; Gilpin, Alex; Gipson, Jeremiah;
Gishler, Ann; Hostetler, Curry Anne; Hostetler, John; Hostetler, Katy;
Hostetler, Nelma; Hovind, Emily; McFarland, Jack; Miller, Tom; Naylor,
Ron; Remtema, Hannah; Robbins, Meredith; Schmidt, Lynn; Schweitzer,
Mariah; Taylor, Molly; Thomas, Allan; Thomas, Scott; Zuk, Denise
Subject: Snow in Baghdad, and other details

Happy New Year All,

It's been a busy couple of weeks here in Iraq. While I wish that I could say that we are settling into a routine, the truth is nothing is routine around here. Our Iraqi unit is getting used to their new home (they arrived here around the same time we did) and have begun conducting operations. To say that it has been interesting would be an understatement. Our sector is relatively quiet these days, but there is always something to keep us busy. There is quite a bit of active reconstruction work going on here. Building/fixing water treatment plants, clinics, schools, roads; you name it we're trying to get it fixed. While we don't manage any of these projects, coordinating between Iraqi and US units in our sector is our job, and that can be a challenge. Its going well though, with many of the US units in sector complementing our Iraqi battalion on their capabilities and professionalism. 

For those of you who don't pay attention to the weather here, it snowed here for the first time in almost 100 years. There is frequently snow in the northern mountains and the western desert, but it is very rare in the greater Baghdad area. It didn't stick, but did create a muddy mess. It was a little bit surreal to be standing in Iraq in the snow. I'll try and send some pictures if anybody took some (I didn't get a chance). 

We've done quite a bit of work to the compound that we live in, it's given me a chance to work on my carpernter's skills. Everything from boarding up windows to building furniture, and even a little electrical and plumbing work on the side. There's always something to be fixed, but between guys on the team we always seem to get it done. 

I want to thank everyone for the packages, letters, cards, thoughts, and prayers. This would be much more difficult without the love and support that I receive from you all. 

Sincerely,
Dave