Preparations for the Iraqi Elections began early in January. There was a great deal of planning and coordination that needed to be done. Camp Habbaniyah lies in the center of the Al Anbar Province or what is otherwise known as the "Sunni Triangle". It is called this based on the historical split of the Muslim faith in Iraq- Sunni's (the Sunni Triangle) and Shiites (all the rest of Iraq excluding the Kurdish north). When Sadam was in power the Sunni's, although the minority, were Sadam's privileged people and made up the majority of Sadam's Bathist party. Now, with the approaching election, many of the Sunni's knew that their rule of Iraq would be coming to an end.

With all this said it was of the greatest importance for elections in this part of the country to go smoothly. Local insurgents tried to spread propaganda that election results would be corrupted by Coalition Forces. Insurgents also threatened to kill anyone who voted. They would do everything in their power to make the election a tainted, non-event. To counter these threats, Coalitions Forces provided the outer security of the polling sites and Iraqi soldiers provided the inner security.

January 30th was election day. This significant day arrived quickly, and on that morning no one knew what to expect. So what was the turn out...? Over 1,000 male voters and almost 100 females – totally unexpected. The election was a huge success, doubling a very high set goal. To have females vote in such numbers was a statement of the new found freedoms of a free Iraq.

One great story of Baker Company's role in the success of the election comes from PFC Brandon Velazquez. While on patrol election day two older gentlemen approached Velazquez and commented, "The reason we are voting today is because the security is so good. Thank you." The day ended with no major incidents and many smiling Iraqis with purple ink on their index fingers. The insurgents who were hoping to make the election a non-event failed miserably. Instead, their empty threats became the only non-event of the day.

In February Baker Company has enthusiastically taken on a new mission. We are responsible for the security of FOB (Forward Operating Base) Habbaniyah. This new mission means a more predictable schedule with fewer trips outside the wire. Loved ones will have more frequent access to the phones and internet in their free time.

Baker Company also began an international soccer league. The Iraqi Army regulars that lived and worked with us for the elections, one day encouraged soldiers in an impromptu soccer game. Since that day it has become a scheduled daily event in Baker Company's gravel parking lot (see attached photos). Friendships have grown and bonds have been formed with these professional Iraqi soldiers.

The past thirty days have gone by very fast, and each day that passes brings hope and anticipation for our reunion with family and friends. Thank you all for your continued support. It would be difficult to do our jobs without it. And especially thank you for your prayers. We have seen answered prayers, and it is the most important thing anyone can do for us. Happy Valentines Day! You are in out thoughts and prayers.