In Iraq, colonel focuses on everyday courage

Cape Cod Times ^ | November 12, 2004 | Amanda Lehmert

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The harried delegates chat eagerly at the first Iraqi National Assembly. Click.

During his tour in Iraq with American Forces Network, Lt. Col. Dan Epright documented life for the troops, including this soldier providing security for a supply convoy. Click.

Smirking soldiers snack on sandwiches from the busiest Burger King in the Middle East. Snap.

A man climbs to the top of a palm tree to harvest bundles of Saddam Hussein's exquisite dates. Click-click.

These are photos from Lt. Col. Dan Epright's "summer vacation." He left his post at the Cape Cod Air Force Station, on the Massachusetts Military Reservation, as well as his wife and grown son to spend four months in Baghdad as commander of American Forces Network, Iraq.

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If the Iraqis keep their courage up, Iraq can be paradise in five years -- with a little help from the U.S.