Just a few photos from when I was younger, in better shape and in the Marine Corps. The photos here were all taken with a sony point and shoot camera in Iraq in 2008. 

Me waiting for a bus in Iraq. Al Taqaddum Airbase.
Camel Spider our Captain managed to kill but leave intact. I do not miss them.
View of Habbaniyah Lake from Al Taqaddum Airbase. Wouldn’t go in that water even if we were allowed to.
Landscape shot from Al Asad Airbase.
Sunset in Iraq. Al Asad Airbase.

I was in Iraq from April to November 2008. I was stationed on Al Taqaddum Airbase and also spent three weeks at Al Asad Airbase for some training. 

It was hot, sand got everywhere and often pretty miserable. Sand storms and camel spiders were a nuisace and days were long and boring. My experience pales in comparison to the true heros, my fellow Marines who were out drivinfg around the country in harms way. I have so much respect for those guys. 

As much as I hated being there at times I am glad I got to go. It is an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Semper Fidelis!