"Welcome to Iraq! My cousin, 1st Lt. Mark Weigel.

My first cousin (mom's sister's oldest) - 1st Lt. Mark Weigel - is stationed over in Iraq, half-way through his one-year tour of duty. He's a cavalry officer for a scout platoon in Troop A, 1-105 Cavalry, which is a reserve outfit located in Fort Atkinson, WI.

Mark lives in Irbil, which is the capital of Kurdistan. One of his regular driving routes is through Kirkuk - a city rich in oil reserves, RKG-3 grenades and car bombs. I won't divulge the task assigned to Mark and his platoon - let's just say they're doing their duty to God and their country. God's speed to you, Mark. You've got two boys at home who love you dearly and can't wait to see their daddy.

"Animo et fide" (Courageous And Faithful)," Lt. Mark! I salute you. Click on READ MORE! for more photos from Iraq.

Mark's platoon and the Wisconsin flag given them my Governor Doyle.

"Stop Chick Point". Nice.