When I first arrived in Ramadi, Iraq in September of 2006, I experienced a range of different emotions. Anxiety. Excitement. Fear. Not fear of death, but fear of change and the unknown. Being In Iraq for a year changes you; some of us for the better and some for the worst. It makes you tougher, hardens you to deal with bullsh*t, and makes you appreciate the smaller things in life. <READMORE>

In Iraq, each day of your life is precious; it is measured by the hour and minute, literally. Not only for the military, but for the people who live here and are just like you and me. The people who wake up each day and try to make a better living for themselves and their children. Their hopes for their kids' future are the same as any parent. The kids there are a wonderful sight. They’ve endured more hardship than most people stateside will ever see in their lifetime, and yet they smile, wave, and ask for candy as if oblivious to the world they are living in. Their innocence is the bright spot for this war torn country. Hopefully they will make the changes necessary for a brighter future to live in, for themselves and future generations.

Over the last twelve months I’ve done my best to keep in touch with family, friends, and current events. Unfortunately our communication methods are pretty primitive. Even with the slow internet, I was able to follow news events, most of which were irrelevant to our current situation. There were three key events that took place over the last year that had a big impact on me. The troop surge, mandatory active-duty extensions, and of course the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act were the most prevailing:

1. The decision to boost the forces was understandable, but seemed overdue. Time will tell if this decision was the best for the situation and timing.

2. The active-duty extension from 12 months to 15 months was agonizing. The Army already serves the longest tours of any military branch, and that puts strains on the soldiers and their families. The leaders, however, believe boosting the months will ease that strain, because the families will know the exact date their loved ones will return. These decisions look good and sound good on paper, but I doubt they ever consulted the average military family. I keep my fingers crossed that one day soon we will find an end to all of this.

3. The UIGEA being passed was a bit unsettling. Everyday as service members, we’re reminded that we are in Iraq to protect freedoms back home. The passing of this bill was a direct contradiction. Poker is a game that has deep roots in America’s past and present culture. It’s a game in which anyone can pick up the cards and play, regardless of their level of skill.

On any given night this past year, you could find poker games being played around our numerous living areas. It’s where life long friendships were made, where we escaped reality, and for a few hours we were reminded of life back home. It was our choice to play, a personal freedom we could enjoy, a decision that was made by us and no one else. Playing poker should always be a personal choice and a personal freedom. Without the power to change things on my own, I've joined the PPA in hopes they can make a difference and restore some faith in our already unstable government.

No matter how the world was changing around us, we had a job to do. No one ever let decisions made back home affect the overall mission, myself included. When you’re deployed to a combat zone, you have ONE goal. That is to make sure to look after the buddy next to you and bring everyone home safely. Unfortunately, we lost some really good people this last year. I will always be grateful and appreciative for the sacrifices they have made.

What I’ve learned overall this past year is that life is short. I don’t regret the time I spent in Iraq, and I will cherish the experiences and memories, such as the many nights spent in hundred degree heat playing poker and talking about life outside Iraq. Everyone coming home, as well as those who couldn't make it back, had dreams, passions, and goals in life. If playing poker is your passion, then pursue it to the fullest. If your goals and dreams lay elsewhere, follow them. I made a promise to myself, as well as to those who were lost this past year and the years before. I would pursue my dreams and live life each day to the fullest in honor of them. I hope you do the same for you.

We had a saying we believed in: “It’s not what we are here for, it’s who we are here for,” and that was each other. Please try to appreciate this about these troops, regardless of your feelings about the war itself.

I would like to thank some people who have been very supportive this last year. Platinum Entertainment, who donated the chips that we put to good use, Ari for sharing his knowledge and support, and of course PocketFives.com and its members, whom I could always count on for a good morale boost. Last but not least, I want to thank all the fallen heroes.

Moses Rob
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