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3rd time has certainly been a charm. I met President Obama in Chicago this past summer, tried again in Kansas City, KS and this time, in Iraq, I was a bit more successful. The rumor on the streets of Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, Iraq the day before a historic visit was that the President of the United States was on his way to Iraq for the first time in his new position. And he made it! President Barack Obama landed in Baghdad wrapping up his 8 day trip overseas to show his appreciation for the troops. It was a sea of Army green as the rotunda in the Al Faw Palace, one of Saddam Hussein’s 85 palaces which is now used as a headquarters by U.S forces, was filled with enthusiastic soldiers from all over the world. It was a moment I’ll never forget. To be gathered in a foreign country, that is fighting for stabilization, with soldiers who are all doing their part to get them there one way or another is very surreal. No matter what our missions are here we are all contributing to this war. Saddam Hussein’s destructive reign has come to an end and the Iraqis I come across could not be happier. They feel free. As President Obama said, “Saddam was taken down". Yes we did it. Being here has given me a whole new perspective on why we are here and what we are fighting so hard for day in and day out. We are fighting for present, future and past generations. To help Iraq stand alone, so they can have a stable democracy. I’ve met with many soldiers who have helped Iraqis build businesses and schools. The process from what I’ve seen on ground here is slowly working with the help of soldiers from around the world and civilian contractors who have made the decision to be here. We are here for a purpose and I hope when we all leave the work was not in vain. But we can’t stay here forever so time will tell.

Moving on…as many of you may remember from one of my previous blogs and a recap of my encounter with, at the time, president elect Obama on my weekend morning show, I haven’t had much luck capturing a good picture. First time around, I attempted to take the picture myself while being in it and the camera was zoomed in all the way so I got a nice close up of his tie. Darn! This time well..I got a decent shot the firt go around but thought I could get a better one. So as the President made his way past my little crew for the 3rd time (Major Massengale, Specialist Turner and I..oh and of course hundreds of other soldiers) I asked him if he would pose for another picture. He said sure. Guess what??!! The picture is somewhat chopped of. Yep you can definitely see me and half of the Prez. It’s ok though. The whole night was eventful….it was intense at times with press everywhere and soldiers going nuts as though we were at a rock concert but I can assure you that this is only the beginning. As the President said, the next 18 months in Iraq will be critical as we anxiously await the hand over to Iraqis. Anticipating an outcome in hopes that they will take full responsibility for their land.

On that note, below are some photos of the event. Enjoy! And I want to give a quick thanks to all of those that have posted comments on my last blog…did’nt quite get to respond to all of you but I do read them as well as emails. Please know that Toepka, Kansas holds a very special place in my heart. See you all soon. Reporting from Baghdad, Iraq….Stephanie Ramos ;)