William R. Flowers, E-4, Combat Medic 9th Engineers, HHC 1st Infantry U.S. Army AKA's: "Iraqi Bill" or the more commonly known, Bill "The Thrill" Flowers

(Why the bouncing Hearts? Because Bill would want it that way!!)

As the Whitson family's "Solider of Choice" and beloved son, Bill is currently stationed "Somewhere" in Iraq, serving his nation with the Historic 1st Infantry.  As any hard-working solider, Bill loves to get e-mail, regular mail and packages, so send him an e-mail and brighten his day!! thethrill@farts.com (Okay, tacky e-mail address, we know, but he's had this account since he was a teenager. And really, can you expect anything more from a teenager??)

Read Bill's Latest News from Iraq November 1, 2004: "Mortified Moon" They've got a special place in Iraq called Lake Dokan. We arrived by helicopter to enjoy our 4-day pass at an Iraqi-owned hotel. We weren't allowed to swim in the lake because it was high in mercury, polluted and they just didn't think it was safe. The villagers think it's safe enough to do their laundry, fish and swim in. But I did go on a motorboat ride. it was quite scenic. I laid on my stomach in the front of the boat so that my arms could almost touch the water and pretended that I was flying. One of the highlights of the trip is supposed to be the allowance of 3 drinks a night. But that's just like CENSORED (THIS IS A FAMILY  SITE AFTER ALL BILL!!) And since I'm the last person you need to tell that you don't need alcohol to have a good time, no worries. I didn't have a bathtub in my room but they had a beautiful outdoor pool. Thinking back now of my time at the pool, I remember I was able to utterly forget about the life I live. And what a relief that was to get away from the rigors of life in a combat zone. While I was unpacking I noticed a lizard no larger than a beer bottle cap. Though it was small, the reptile crawled around on my things with the confidence of a dragon. When he stuck around the next day I decided to name him Saddam Hussien. On my way to the pool, I thought, never did I want to break a rule as much as the "no running by the pool" rule. So I ran on the inside. It felt like returning to an old lover. Being submersed is like being completely embraced. Breathless. . . Weightless. . . Free. . . If I were to swim laps I would do the breast stroke. After a long day of stroke after stroke, the relaxing feeling of being drained of all energy brings me to a poolside lounge chair. Then I start getting hot again. So hot that I can't resist but to jump in again. Still remembering to be safe by ensuring there's a lifeguard. Because reckless swimming without a lifeguard could be dangerous. One night they had a special barbeque instead of the normal cultural Iraqi cusine. While I'm enjoying the grilled variety I glance at the darkened pool and think of the the exhilarating feeling I would get from a dip with the alcohol streaming through my veins. But alas, swimming and alcohol is not allowed. therefor my fantasy will remain unquenched!

Lady Lex Links Veterans of the Blue Ghost Home Page George "Ray" Rabenstine History Page Helen Rabenstine History Pages Chester "Pete" Zeller History Pages Add Your Oral History! Questionnaire for Veterans of the Blue Ghost US.S. Lexington Museum on the Bay Tarawa to Tokyo Sabrina Roper's Fantastic site on the U.S.S. Lexington U.S.S. Lexington CV-16 Association NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive History of the U.S.S. Lexington at Wordiq.com About Me References Send Some Love to "Iraqi Bill"

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