Life at the Iraqi AF Academy

Today marks the end of the 1st month -- only 5 to go. I'm really starting to enjoy my class of 11 Iraqi 2nd Lt's, to whom I'm teaching English (i.e. Nebraskan). They are struggling through it. A few might meet the English proficiency requirement to enter pilot training. The ones that don't will enter other career fields (fireman, security forces, maintenance, etc.). They are a lively bunch that have been difficult to handle for other instructors and they are challenging for me too - but it makes for a fun, eventful day -- for all of us! They have been begging me to eat lunch with them at their dining facility. Let me say this -- nothing can compare to the Coalition dining facilities! I have nothing whatsoever to complain about. So that said - I wasn't excited about theirs. I received the proper warnings: don't eat the salad, if you can't peal the fruit - don't eat it, if there's a sauce or soup -- feel it to make sure it's hot, and drink nothing that isn't a soda or bottled water. My class was so excited to escort me and were very proud to host me. It was like going to lunch at your child's elementary school -- everyone stares and talks about you! Lunch consisted of rice (excellent), flat bread (good), potato soup (potatoes were good, didn't care for the broth), pasta/vegetable salad (didn't take it), orange soda & bottled water. Not bad all considered and mission accomplished: I didn't get sick. It meant a lot to them. On the walk back they showed me their BX (a small room w/ food/supplies) and they bought me a soda and a candy bar. Here are 2 pictures: above is of some of my students along with Major Muhammad (he was in the Iraqi AF under Saddam & refused to attack the Kurdish people and thus spent a number of years in prison -- he is now flying helicopters) who the students really respect.
The second (below) is another picture of Mustafa (my student) holding my hand. Don't be alarmed! This is very natural for the Iraqis and is a sign of friendship.

This picture below is me and a few of my students checking out this old piece of anti-aircraft artillery that sits outside our school. Check that -- they are posing while I'm looking for targets. Gotta love it!

Yesterday my students found a baby bat right outside our school building. It fell out of their nesting place - like I say, "There's never a dull moment here." I keep my camera on my belt - you just never know. That's all for now -- have a great Taji day!