Monday's Internet Edition, October 06, 2008.
crime down
Deputy tells council
extra protection helps
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| J.B. Davis displays his new uniform and weaponry. |
Davis is stationed at the town of Rabiah. The mayor, Col. Yahey, doubles as the chief of police.
Catherine Davis has given The Courier several emails and photos she has received from her husband. He’s getting a farmer’s tan. He misses ice and cold drinks. And he’s eaten some strange foods.
“Jim is doing well over there,” she said. “Conditions are not very good, but he deals with it.”
He gets only two meals a day, and he lives in a warehouse, sleeping on a cot. The temperatures are over 100 degrees in the daytime.
“The people in the town love him. They are so happy to have an American policeman there to teach them. They are very eager to learn. The people are seeing another side of America and Americans, plus I believe they see something special in him which I attribute to Jesus in him,” she said.
His diet includes lots of eggplant falofals and dishes he had never tried before.
Here are some of his messages:
“Once again I find myself tired, dirty, smelly and a bit hungry, but no one ever died from any of that. The test goes on.
“Today was great. We taught the IP’s (Iraqi Police) first aid ... at each break I would walk the halls and try and communicate with the troops. They have taken to me and light up when I come around. They are always saying I’m Iraq or Lebanese. I say, ‘No, Americee.’ (That’s how it’s pronounced) ...
“You wouldn’t believe some of the things I’ve eaten.
“Tomorrow we go on foot patrol looking for ‘Alli Baba’ (Iraqi for bad guy.)”
Here is a later email:
“Got a good night’s sleep and am up and at it. As you know today we hunt for Alli Baba, but not his 40 thieves. There will only be five of us and 10 Iraqis.
“As you can see, I’m working on my tan, but only from the neck up and my arms, so do not make fun of me when I come home. We got our AC fixed yesterday and have some beds coming tomorrow. They put in the request for Internet in the room and TV ... I would love to watch Fox News. I have no idea what’s going on.
“I love and miss you all and can’t wait till August. We will have many pool parties ... and eat regular food ... and have drinks that are cold and have ice. Now that would be great!”
Here is a later email:
“No Alli Baba to be found! The patrol went well they did better than expected. It is hard work and so hot walking around in all that gear. We were all soaked through when we got back.
“I, of course, shook hands and spoke to everyone. I’m learning the language as I go ... All the kids think I’m Super Police, and I have to make a bicep muscle for them. They grab it and run off to tell their friends. It’s kinda crazy but you know me, I just play along. Iraqis are not that big on exercise and not a big/tall group of people.
“They all (my IPs) wanted to see my family so I took out the family portrait. They whistle and carry on. They think we have a large family and they all love the high cheek bones on my Madam. (They think Mom is hot.)
“I guess we go to the big base tomorrow to refit. I’m going to get a Pepsi with ice and some ice cream!”
His mailing address is: James B. Davis JR, CPATT FOB SYKES, APO AE 09334-1138