A Note from Iraq
A Note from IraqWIBW Blog Listing
A Note from Iraq
Topic Author: Stephanie Ramos
Posted: 10:41 AM Mar 4, 2009
Replies Posted: 13 comments
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Topeka, Kansas! How is everyone?! So it’s been 3 months and I have been itching to blog the entire time. Believe it or not it’s taken this long to get approval from “higher”. That was one of my “potential blog topics” in the brief I put together…how difficult it is to blog back to the states. It’s all for a good reason....security. My main concern was making you all think I had deserted you. I haven’t. I think about returning home to Topeka every day. I have so much to share with you all, but first I will start with my position here. I am the MWR Officer for Camp Slayer, which stands for morale, welfare and recreation (on one of many camps throughout Baghdad). I ensure that all the soldiers and civilian contractors here on Camp Slayer, Iraq have enough events  they can enjoy on their down time when they return from missions outside the wire. Along with being the MWR Officer here in beautiful Iraq :) I give guided tours to distinguished visitors of Saddam's palaces. So far I have escorted nearly a thousand people through the rubble and palaces Saddam Hussein called home. Visitors range from Iraqi Generals, U.S. Military Generals to USO entertainment groups that travel to Iraq and Kuwait performing for the soliders. The tour includes the former "Victory over America" palace, "Victory over Iran" palace, one of the last murals of Saddam, Uday's home (Saddam's oldest son) and the Ba'ath Party Convention Center. I am enjoying myself as best as I can here in the desert. Every once in awhile I hear ak47's outside the wire and  see random flahes of light in the air, but all I can do is continue to do my job here until it's time to return to America. Take care everyone. Pictures included! Enjoy!

~LT Ramos

Me in Diana

Me and Sddam

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  • by jason Location: Wash DC on Dec 19, 2010 at 08:41 PM
    I was one of the lucky ones who had you for a tour guide in the Summer of 2009. You gave me and some of my co-workers, from one of those 3 letter alphabet agencies, a good tour of the palaces. I'm on another TDY and found your blogs about IZ interesting. Good to see you were promoted. Thanks again for the tour.
  • by Jean Location: Topeka, KS on Apr 24, 2009 at 08:41 AM
    Glad to know you're doing okay. I too am in the military (Kansas Air National Guard) plus I work out at the VA Hospital fulltime. You are in my thoughts and pray. Stay safe, see you on WIBW when you get back. Take care and tell all your soldiers Topeka says "Hello".
  • by Barb Location: Topeka on Mar 27, 2009 at 07:27 PM
    Stephanie, Thanks for sharing info and pictures, just keep yourself safe and come home soon, we miss seeing you on WIBW. Keep blogging when you can and send pics. Thanks for what you do for us.
  • by Eldon Location: Emporia Ks on Mar 27, 2009 at 12:20 PM
    Miss seeing you on the news and want to let you know I too served, only in the Navy. Any how, incase you did not know, there is a law "ESGR" that guarantees you get your job back at WIBW as if you never left once you return. That is if you are gone 5 years or less, which we know you'll be back way before that. Any how, stay safe, and if you have question, just ask...Proud of all of you...Eldon
  • by Camryn Stallbaumer Location: Wakarusa on Mar 21, 2009 at 12:44 AM
    I hope that all the army guys are safe and don't get STEPHANIE: So far here on my camp...we are all good.
  • by Connie Location: Wichita on Mar 17, 2009 at 03:25 PM
    Hey Ramos!!! Miss you and hope things are going good there!! Be safe!! STEPHANIE: Thanks so much Connie! Good to hear from ya. Everything is ok here...staying busy. Hope everything is well in Wichita.
  • by Susan Location: New York on Mar 16, 2009 at 01:52 PM
    Stephanie! You brother stopped by PPAS today, and told me you were in Iraq! An officer, as well as a journalist. I am sovery proud of you, and hope you keep in touch. Love, Mssab
  • by Patrick Location: San Antonio on Mar 15, 2009 at 07:11 PM
    Stephanie, Hi! I just ran across your blog randomly and would like to have a collaboration on life in CP Slayer. I am a civilian contractor from the Treasury Dept. and will be going there soon. Just curious about everything and anything about what life is like so I can come better prepared.
  • by Jaime Location: Topeka on Mar 12, 2009 at 04:36 PM
    Stephanie, It's good to see you blogging again. Thanks 'Uncle Sam'. Take care and pray for your safe return. Vaya' con Dios
  • by Cary Location: Osage City on Mar 9, 2009 at 10:02 PM
    Stephanie, It's great to hear about your tour of duty, sounds like you are dealing quite well with your responsiblities. We pray for your safe return and joining us again on the news at WIBW. Keep us posted.
  • by Stephanie Location: Westmoreland on Mar 9, 2009 at 06:09 PM
    Glad to hear you are doing okay and trying to make the best out of your deployment. I've been thinking about you and glad you wrote. Hand in there and take Care. Thank You Stephanie.
  • by MR. N on Mar 5, 2009 at 09:25 PM
    Glad you wrote, I always like reading your blogs. Sounds like they're keeping you busy over there.
  • by Lois Location: Topeka on Mar 4, 2009 at 10:53 AM
    Stephanie, how good to hear from you again and to learn what you are doing on the gov's time over there! It's much better than being out in the 'field', that's for sure. Do take care and we are all looking forward to your return.
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