Visit to Muqdadiyah...

The top U.S. Commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus (L), shakes hands with a soldier from the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment as he gives him a coin in a base near Muqdadiyah, in the Diyala province July 26, 2008. Sunni Islamist al Qaeda has sought to stoke tensions in Iraq's ethnically and religiously mixed northern cities, such as Diyala and Mosul, after military campaigns pushed its militants out of former strongholds in western Anbar province and Baghdad.

REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (IRAQ)


One of the Iraqis asks the soldier how much he makes to fight here, and the soldier retorts, saying this isn’t his country. “If it was my country, no one would have to pay me.”

Scott Hadley
Ventura County Star

Afternoon...

The top U.S. Commander paid a visit to the Diyala province today, with security provided by our warriors from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. Photographers from AP and Reuters captured the visit through the following photos.

These shiny objects also caught my attention today...

US says women suicide bombers seeking revenge in Iraq

Iraq provincial elections law deadline nears


Iraqi forces aren't quite ready to take charge

Enjoy your day and the photos...maybe, just maybe you will see someone you recognize...

Lest we forget...the 2nd SCR remains right in the middle of the fight in Iraq.

Continue to support them in whatever way you can...

They are truly heroes!

Chris, I love you son...our eyes, hearts and minds are on you and the entire 2nd SCR. I remember...

Be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

A soldier from the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment provides security, as the top U.S. Commander in Iraq General David Petraeus, joins his unit for a patrol in Muqdadiyah, in the Diyala province July 26, 2008.
REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (IRAQ)


Soldiers from the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment hold their weapons as the top U.S. Commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, joins them for a patrol in Muqdadiyah, in the Diyala province July 26, 2008.
REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (IRAQ)


Soldiers from the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment provide security as the top U.S. Commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus (L), walks with the Mayor of Muqdadiyah, Najim Abdullah al-Harbi in the Diyala province July 26, 2008. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (IRAQ)



Soldiers from the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment hold their weapons as the top U.S. Commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, joins them for a patrol in Muqdadiyah, in the Diyala province July 26, 2008.
REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (IRAQ)


The top U.S. Commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus (R), shares a laugh with the Mayor of Muqdadiyah Najim Abdullah al-Harbi and Iraqi Police Commander Brigadier General Muhammed, during a patrol with the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment in Muqdadiyah, in the Diyala province July 26, 2008.
REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (IRAQ)


Soldiers from the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment hold their weapons as the top U.S. Commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, joins them for a patrol in Muqdadiyah, in the Diyala province July 26, 2008.
REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (IRAQ)


The top U.S. Commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus (R), stops for a fruit juice as he joins soldiers from the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment for a patrol in Muqdadiyah, in the Diyala province July 26, 2008.
REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (IRAQ)


The top U.S. Commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus (C), talks to a soldier from the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment as he joins the unit for a patrol in Muqdadiyah, in the Diyala province July 26, 2008.
REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (IRAQ)