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As we watch the reports of violence and tragedy, we forget that there are actually people over there, just like us, working every day for us.

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Originally posted by Zoasterboy:
Lord of the Rings or Indiana Jones?
Lord of the Rings

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Who would win in a fight Bigfoot or Chewbacca?
I'd have to go with Chewbacca.

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Each day we go around, doing our everyday tasks, and basically living from our own little world. What we hear from the outside world is usually from the news or the Internet. One current hot topic is the war in the Middle East and Iraq. As we watch the reports of violence and tragedy, we forget that there are actually people over there, just like us, working every day for us. Captain Waters, a SHS graduate and former student of Bonney Lake, and Mcalder Elementary, also went to Lakeridge Jr. High. I got a chance to talk with him recently. He found the SHS purple Inc. site and contacted us. I will also be asking for a “Iraqi weather update” and a couple questions from students each issue. You can send questions for Captain Waters to shspurpleinc@yahoo.com

What Elementary School and Jr. High did you go to?
I attended Bonney Lake Elementary and McAlder Elementary as well as Lakeridge Junior High.

Where you apart of any clubs or sports at SHS?
I played football and baseball throughout high school. I was very involved in Earth Savers. We organized highway clean ups along 410, helped build up the school's recycling program and promoted environmental awareness. I'm a big believer in protecting the environment. God gave us one planet and it's our responsibility to take care of our home.

What are some of your most memorable classes at SHS?
Spanish, with Ms. Berger, was one of my favorite classes, especially at the end of the second year when I was able to hold a short conversation with someone who only spoke Spanish. After that class I didn't take any more Spanish and quickly lost that ability. If you learn a language, don't let it slip away. Other classes I remember were European History with Mr. Urlander and Math with Mr. Jones (I met my wife in that class).

Why did you decide to join the military? Did you decide in SHS or later in life?
I always liked the military, I think because it's physical in nature and I've always valued people who make personal sacrifices to help those less fortunate. When I was at SHS I was applying to the U.S. Military Academy when I found out about R.O.T.C. I ended up earning a R.O.T.C. scholarship that paid for 5 years of school and a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Texas (yes, I spent 5 years in college) in return for 3 years of service to the Army.

How did you get the rank of Captain?
After graduating from UT and completing the R.O.T.C. program I received my commission as a second lieutenant. As a lieutenant I was a platoon leader in charge of about 25 soldiers and an executive officer, second in command of a 90 soldier company. After 4 years as a lieutenant I got promoted to captain.

Where in Iraq are you stationed?
I'm stationed right in Baghdad.

What are your daily duties in Iraq?
My job now is as an engineer planner for the 4th Infantry Division, which means I sit behind my computer most of the time, in an air conditioned building, communicating with people via e-mail and telephone and producing PowerPoint slides.

What do you get to eat?
I compare our food to Denny's quality, with a wide variety, including burgers, pizza, spaghetti, prime rib, steak and lobster every Friday.

How often do you interact with the Iraqi people?
About once every two weeks I get outside the base and interact with members of the Iraqi Army and see the city itself. The people here are generally very nice. The Iraqi people, like many most Arab people, are much more comfortable with physical contact than Americans. Men kiss each other on the cheeks when they meet and it is not uncommon to see two men holding hands as they walk down the street (as friends).

How do you think the reconstruction is going?
Reconstruction is going okay. The violence in Iraq makes it difficult for contractors to work quickly and efficiently like they could in the U.S. Having said that, there have been many success stories here that do not get much publicity at home. I think that the media tend to focus on the spectacular violence, because those are the headlines that grab people's attention and help them to sell their products.

What is your favorite time of day?
At dinner when I give in and have a bowl of Baskin Robbins Ice Cream (we don't have all 31 flavors, but we have 8 and that ain't bad for being in Iraq).

What is your opinion on troop pullout? Should the troops stay, leave now, or continue gradually pulling out?
Our goal is to leave Iraq in a position that their government can maintain security for the people here. Of course I would like it if we could pull out and not have so many soldiers away from their families. I would also like our government to be able to spend the money on projects at home. But, when we invaded Iraq, we accepted an inherent responsibility to leave this country in better condition than we found it. We're not there yet, but we will get there.

What are some comforts you have other than the Internet?
There are recreation centers on most bases. Ours has pool tables, TVs, and video games. There are also a couple of big screen TVs in the dining facility that show sports and news (I've seen the M's and Hawks a couple times while eating).

Who would win in a fight Bigfoot or Chewbacca?
I'd have to go with Chewbacca.

Lord of the Rings or Indiana Jones?
Lord of the Rings

Coke or Pepsi?
Coke

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What Elementary School and Jr. High did you go to?

Where you apart of any clubs or sports at SHS?

What are some of your most memorable classes at SHS?

Why did you decide to join the military? Did you decide in SHS or later in life?

How did you get the rank of Captain?

Where in Iraq are you stationed?

What are your daily duties in Iraq?

What do you get to eat?

How often do you interact with the Iraqi people?

How do you think the reconstruction is going?

What is your favorite time of day?

What is your opinion on troop pullout? Should the troops stay, leave now, or continue gradually pulling out?

What are some comforts you have other than the Internet?

Who would win in a fight Bigfoot or Chewbacca?

Lord of the Rings or Indiana Jones?

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Originally posted by Holliewood:
How about we give them both

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Originally posted by Holliewood:
Are you a soldier? I don't think so. Therefore, your response doesn't count.

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Originally posted by Holliewood:
Well, how about one of the questions to the soldiers be: What would you rather answer questions about... current events or movie trivia?

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Originally posted by Kate127:
I like the movie trivia idea.

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Originally posted by NoiseInTheShadows:
I like Return of the Jedi better, myself...