It looks like Paul McKellips, Global Outreach Officer, US Embassy Baghdad, The Green Room – Public Affairs GO Team, is going to get a little rest and relaxation after his latest posting into Iraq. Here’s his final report.
You can listen to his last audio report here.
In this report he asks some Iraqi’s that he’s been working with 4 questions: four-questions.mp3
Dear Friends,
Today is Day 47 of my 45 day assignment (government math) and this is the last radio report I’ll be filing from the Independent Radio & Television Network outside of Ba’qubah in Diyala Province in Iraq. Sunday we officially launch our radio station as our UHF TV station finally goes on the air with their first ever “live” news show, including a Farm Report segment. Our listening audience is estimated at 11 million Iraqis.
As IRTN moves forward I’d ask you to consider promoting their website (www.IRTNiraq.com
Last night I sat down with Rafed (Shia) and Samir (Sunni) and asked them four questions. The interview runs just under 5-minutes and it’s uncut. I asked them what they thought about 9/11. I asked what they thought about President Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair. I asked them if they were glad that the Coalition Forces removed Saddam Hussein from power. And I asked them what they’d say to the mothers and fathers of nearly 3,200 Americans who have died on Iraqi soil for their freedom.
I believe you’ll find the interview very moving.
After we launch the stations on Sunday I’ll be heading home for 3 weeks of R&R. My sons (15, 13 and 8) are ready for Disney World and my wonderful wife of 25-years is ready for someone else to throw the football to the boys.
I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your prayers and relentless support. Your emails of encouragement have touched my heart. War is a horrible event. But I’ve been surrounded by friends back home and heroes here who wear the uniform for our great country.
God bless you…and God bless our America,
Paul
US Department of State
Public Affairs GO Team
On Detail Assignment from USDA’s Farm Service Agency