Where were you when OIF kicked off? What do you about OIF?

I was in the Cardiac surgery ward of Walter Reed Army Medical Center recovering from mitral valve repair surgery with complications. At the time I had been mobilized to HQDA G-4 since November 2001. We had been supporting OEF and helping in the preparations for what would be OIF. As I was recovering and barely able to move I saw one of my USMA classmates BG Vince Brooks conducting the daily briefings. Several of my other classmates were commanding the brigades working their way towards Baghdad. I was on significant cardiology and pain meds but still aware of what was happening. My memories flooded back to the late 70s when were at West Point as young men with the realization that significant time had passed and that the training we had received so long ago. At the time I could not discuss what I knew which was limited.

I was in Northern Iraq participating in the kick off party!

I was in Camp Virginia, Kuwait V Corps Rear CP, watching and hearing the troops cross the boarder. Been there for a while getting ready. We all had a great time!