(17)The Iraq Trip: An Update
In the three days since I announced my plans to travel to Iraq and embed with RCT-2 in Anbar province, the response has been phenomenal. I have received media credentials, thanks to Dr. Michael Ledeen and the American Enterprise Institute. I have received a generous offer to assist with travel by the use of frequent flyer miles and hope to purchase the tickets soon (thanks Cheryl and Justin!). The current plan is to leave for Iraq on November 19th.
There have been 90 online donations approaching $7,500 and about 30 pledges to send a check via snail mail for an unknown amount. I will need to raise about $25,000 total to pay for the trip. We've done a great job the past few days but there is still a long way to go. If 1000 of you who have not thus far donated were able to contribute $15, we would easily meet the goal.
The most significant expense is life insurance, which is somewhere in the $10,000 range for a month. I need to get appropriate insurance coverage as I have three children, ages 1, 3 and five years old. Also, please understand that this leave is unpaid, so I will not be earning money from my job while reporting from Iraq.
If you are more inclined to donate equipment, I require the following items:
Bullet proof vest with Level 4 API plates
Tactical backpack
Cold weather sleeping bag
Rough weather/terrain computer
Video camera
Digital camera
Extra batteries
Audio recording device
Please email me if you wish to provide for one of these items, or if you are not comfortable using PayPal or the Amazon Honor System to contribute.
Thank you for all of your support and kind words of encouragement. I am honored to have such generous and committed readers, and I must say the support I have received has left me speechless.
