Where in the world is Mike?

OK, so LOTS of people are asking for details about Mike, so here we go.

Mike is stationed at a base in Baharia, Iraq. He is on a security force there and works 12 hours a day! It’s really hot there, and he gets to wear extra clothes so that he won’t catch on fire…really…not because he will spontaneously combust but for safety reasons which I don’t totally understand.

Baharia is in between Baghdad and Al Asad



He works the “night” shift and he said that its 110+ degrees outside in the dark—FUN! Luckily he is inside while the sun is up. Other than work he is busy finding ways to get things done. This base is quickly loosing it’s amenities, so some of the simple things that we all enjoy will be gone soon. He was so glad to find that laundry services were still available this past week!
He called me the other day and was telling me about where their communication stuff was. He was in an old bathroom…the sink basin had computers on it, and the stalls had phones in them now instead of toilets…interesting! They also don’t have regular chairs, they use ammo cans. He was a bit uncomfortable while we were talking because he got the short can.
All is all he is doing well. He doesn’t get bored too often, but is running out of things to talk to the guys on his shift about…12 hours of conversation a day with the same people gets tough!
He would love mail if anyone is bored and wants to send him a letter! Here is his address: (this will change in mid-August…keep watching for the new one)
Sgt. Mike Barton
Task Force East
Unit 77500
FPO-AE 09509-7500

I’m doing OK too. Thanks to all who have asked!