LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Maj. Lanny B. Greenbaum, Jr.
Home Unit: Global Cyberspace Integration Center (GCIC), Modernization & Innovation Operations Division
Location: Camp Dublin, Baghdad, Iraq
What do you do? I am the NATO Chief of Logistics & Communications (J4/J6) at Camp Dublin, Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq responsible for supporting Iraqi National Police (INP) cadet training, led by the Italian Carabinieri (federal police force). My team is responsible for support activities, such as e-mail, phone service, vehicle fleet management, supply and logistical support for NATO distinguished visitors, personnel, and cargo.
What's a day in the life like ... while in Baghdad? On any given day, my staff and I deal with a variety of issues, such as working with local contractor support to repair broken hot water heaters, water mains and HVAC units, dispute resolution, and providing support for VIPs.
What was the best part of being deployed? Working with a great Coalition team (Italian, Ukrainian, and Romanian) and the impact we made in building a better life for the people of Iraq. It is my hope and prayer that someday Iraq will be safe enough to return with my family. Also, attending a live taping of "The Colbert Report" and meeting five NFL coaches and four congressmen.
What's the most useful item you packed? My MP3 player and a digital camera.
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore?" When I was in the middle of a 10-day sandstorm, described as being "Biblical in proportion," and the worst sandstorm in 100 years. Visibility was extremely poor and hampered flight ops. I cleaned my A/C filters no less than twice a day.
The worst part of being deployed? Being away from my family, for sure. My 13-year anniversary was in August. This is my second deployment for my 4-year-old daughter, and I missed her learning to swim. I also missed milestones of my 8-month-old son, who learned to roll over, sit up and crawl.
What new survival skill have you learned? Many, including firing a Romanian pistol and a Ukrainian AK-47, working in the cargo yard to build pallets and driving a 25-passenger van.
What do you do during down time? Keep in touch with my family, volunteer by painting for the grand opening of the Sather Air Base USO. I've visited Saddam Hussein's presidential palace, seen one of the few remaining murals of Saddam Hussein and toured the remains of the Victory Over America Palace and Ba'ath Party Convention Center. I've taken an armored convoy to NTM-I HQ in the International Zone, witnessed an Iraqi National Police class graduation, attended an Italian change of command ceremony and climbed to the very top of al-Faw presidential palace for a great view of the area.
What is the first thing you will do and eat when you return? After playing with my children, I intend to eat a large steak dinner with my family and catch up on sleep.
What do you miss the most? A good night's sleep. I live near a shooting range and within range of Sather AB's "giant voice". It not uncommon to have gun shots and explosions go off at all hours of the day (and night). I will also miss fresh Italian pizza and espresso.
How is your job that you are doing now different from the job back stateside? Having a small support staff responsible for a wide range of activities can be challenging. As a 33S, most of my day involves logistics (supplies, vehicles, moving people, cargo, and creature comforts). It gives me a better appreciation for flight ops and different support career fields.
Have you tried the local cuisine? My mission has not taken me into the Red Zone, but twice I have tried local bread and other treats from our interpreters. The Italians built an outdoor oven, and on occasion we enjoy fresh pizza and pasta.
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment? If so, what will you buy? Yes. I'll continue to save for our first house, invest and buy a larger vehicle for our growing family.