HUSSEIN HEADS—These colossal statues, which depict the bust of Saddam Hussein dressed in a military uniform and wearing a replica of the golden dome of Jerusalem as a helmet, used to reside atop the former Republican Palace in Baghdad, Iraq. Now they sit in a dusty parking lot outside the Headquarters. Originally there were three, but one has been dismantled and is slated for shipment to an Army post in the United States, with the other two expected to follow. This photo was taken by Curtis Johnson, a 2004 Orofino High School graduate and U.S. soldier now on his third tour to Iraq.
PARADE GROUNDS ENTRANCE—This giant crossed swords monument, also known as the “Hands of Victory,” marks the entrance to parade grounds constructed to commemorate Iraq’s supposed victory in the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War. The area is now a part of the International Zone, the heavily fortified headquarters for coalition forces and Iraqi Reconstruction Ministries. Also known as the Green Zone (as opposed to the Red Zone, which is anywhere outside the Green Zone and is considered very unsafe), it is located around the former Republican Palace in central Baghdad, at the crook of the Tigris River. This photo was taken by 2004 Orofino High School graduate Curtis Johnson, a U.S. soldier on his third tour to Iraq.
U.S. ARMY CONVOY—Curtis Johnson, a 2004 graduate of Orofino High School, is part of this U.S. Army squad convoy in Iraq. Johnson lived in Weippe until halfway through his senior year of high school, whereupon he moved to Orofino for the remainder of high school. He is currently on his third tour in Iraq. Photo by Curtis Johnson
REPAINTED MURAL—The mural in this picture, which sits on the median between two highways in Iraq, has been repainted with its current image to encourage the unity of all Iraq. Previously the mural had featured a giant picture of Saddam Hussein. This photo was submitted by Curtis Johnson, a 2004 Orofino High School graduate who is presently on his third tour to Iraq.
IRAQI POLICE TRAINING GROUND—The Sadiyah district of Baghdad, Iraq, pictured above, is where the Army unit of 2004 Orofino High School graduate Curtis Johnson trains Iraqi Police, whose assistance is needed to help stabilize the country. Photo by Curtis Johnson