Capt. Rich Connaroe, one of the original Team Jedi members, is currrently on leave back home in Virginia. He recently wrote this article about the changes that have occurred in Iraq since the first free elections were held four years ago. It’s something of a revelation about the strides the Iraqis have made, but also underscores how effective and important a job U.S. Military Transition Teams, such as Team Jedi, have done of teaching Iraqi soldiers how to protect their fellow citizens.

12 Dec 08

Combat Outpost Meade, vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq

In 2006 the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Muhammad Yunus for his work in giving micro-grants to people needing a little help to improve their small businesses. He showed the world how grants as little as $1,000 could change the lives of those (high-potential, low income) people. This week, I began handing out micro-grant applications to local sheiks (who will help me find and nominate the best candidates from the area).