Right now it is Ramadan in Kirkuk. As I learned from Drew's boss, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it’s the month when the Qur’an was revealed to the Islamic prophet, Mohammed. The most prominent activity during Ramadan is fasting from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, water, and smoking. All physically-able Muslims are required to fast for the entire month. The intent here is for Muslims to come together at night for community meals, spiritual reflection, and ultimately to change their lifestyles to establish healthier habits (particularly with regards to diets and smoking).
In years past, this presented an opportunity for the bad guys to come out at night and attack while everyone was gathered. This is the first year where Ramadan has taken place in the heat of the summer. (They have a different calendar so it gets earlier and earlier every year.)Because it is so hot and they are not allowed to eat or drink, people are passing out from the heat of the day. Our guys observe Ramadan when on patrol to be respectful, but that only means not eating or drinking for a few hours for our guys. These poor guys are not drinking any water in the middle of the desert! Anyway, Drew's boss doesn't see the threat he has seen in years past because everyone is exhausted. But of course, they are still taking their normal security precautions.
Drew also had a PT test yesterday and did the best he has ever done. He got a 281 which is great! He has been working out a ton and increasing his endurance so he was pleased with his score. The other guys did well too so they will no longer monitor their food and exercise. Good!
Drew's promotion to SPC made the company newsletter. They also have a picture from their BBQ which I have already shared with you. I wasn't expecting to see his picture when I read it. I love when I stumble across his picture. Proud of him!
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