USDA Video on Iraq

Check out the USDA Video. Yeah I am in it.

http://www.fas.usda.gov/

Leaving Iraq

I have finished my year in Iraq. I have seen giant spiders, played with chickens, ate more dates and lamb than ever before, and survived dust storms. I have seen and done things that I never imagined myself doing. I gained many new friends, both Iraqi and American. I was a great year, and I am thankful for that. However, it is not the end of my time as an Agricultural Advisor.......

I am leaving for a new adventure in Afghanistan where I will serve as the Agricultural Advisor for the Paktya PRT. I have set up a new blog to chronicle my time there. http://www.huskerbrewii.blogspot.com/

Diyala Ag Team

The Diyala Agriculture Team has done some great things is this province in the last year. There were many members over the past year and eveyone of us worked very hard to advance agriculture in Diyala. They all gave up at least a year of their lives to serve in one of the most difficult places in Iraq. I greatly appreciate their sacriffice, their hard work and most importantly their friendship.

The throne was given to Saddam by Yasser Arafat. If you look closely at the top of the chair you see the Quran. Inscribed on the page is a verse from the holy book, the verse reads: In the name of God the merciful and gracious, Glorifies who traveled his servant by night from Mecca to Jerusalem. Written on the arch: Victory from God and conquest is soon. You can also see a patterned “head dress” like symbol in the background. The pattern of the scarf is “Al Ghetra” which was worn by Arafat.

Saddam's Palace

These are pictures of one of Saddam's Palaces. Notice the great golf swing!

The Generation of Change

Pictures of the people who will really change Iraq.

Iraqi Food

I love to eat, and I love to eat good food. One of my favorite things about my assignment to Iraq were the meals I had with the Iraqis. Like rural people around the world, the farmers I worked with are some of the best hosts and share everything they can provide with you. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed the food.