Its Tuesday night here in Fallujah. I am still very tired. It’s hard to sleep when you travel at night. I am Camp Baharia with the 1st Batalion-24th Marines. It’s a Marine Reserve unit out of Detroit. I am so happy to be here with these guys. They patrol the most dangerous place on earth. Downtown Fallujah. In the last 15 min I have heard 4 mortars go off. I will going out on patrol with the guys in a few hours. It’s what I have been looking forward to my whole trip. There are Detroit Police officers here, lawyers, and firefighters. So many people from Detroit that I want to see. I will be here the rest of my trip until I fly out. Today Master Sergeant Mowery told me to get full issue Marine gear. I need to look exactly like everyone else when I am out there. From fireproof underwear to new boots, gloves, helmet, pants, shirts and goggles. The Kevlar vest wont work I have from the Macomb Co Sheriffs Dept. I need a much bigger one that weighs 55 lbs and covers a lot more of me. I was told that I will be most likely shot at and there is a good chance and IED will go off when ever you go outside the wire. ( The wire is the outside of the razor wire around the camp. ) I found out something sad that I was a bit shocked by. Al Qaeda pays the Iraqi children the equivalent of $20 to throw grenades at the trucks when they go by. They get $100 if it goes off and kills someone. When your not working and don’t have any money for your family lots of kids take them up on the offer. It’s a war and there are no rules. I woke up last night at 2:30am to the sounds of the alarm “Incoming, Incoming, Incoming” I just laid in my sleeping bag. I guess you’re supposed to put your helmet on and body armor but I didn’t. I was way too tired. I noticed that I had a bit of a rash today I won’t say where. It hurts and I think its spreading. So I just got back from the Medical unit. I was so embarrassed to go there for something so stupid but I didn’t want it to spread and have a bigger problem. The navy medic’s were great. Some from Michigan and some from Chicago at Great Lakes Navel Base. We laughed about it and I got some cream. They doctor said you need Terbinafine Hydrochloride Cream. I said what’s that? He told me it was for Athletes foot. Who but me would get that in their crotch? So I left with my tube of Lamisil. Ha Ha I am a little nervous today ( Wed ) we will be going to pick up Iraqi detainees. It’s very dangerous and at first they were not going to let me go. I had a talk with the major and said I would stay out of the way and do what ever they told me. So he agreed. Anytime you leave the camp it’s very very dangerous. The insurgents want to kill anyone from the media. It’s a bigger story. Now when a Marine gets killed it’s not as big of news as it once was. So they look and try and pick them out of the rest of the Marines. There are not that many of us here in the press in Fallujah. Only 3 of us in the city. The Major even brought up the fact that my hair was longer the everyone else’s and they would spot that in a second. And that’s even with a helmet on they can see that. They have snipers all over looking for people like me. Well more later Its time for Chow and then I am off to the convoy. Grunwald

Get your hair cut so u blend in.

Poor Guy!!! It doesn't look like Mr. Happy will be seeing any action soon. Between that and inhaling helium for "Helium Theatre" - I don't know. You may be the poster boy for E.D. On a more serious side - this is by far the scariest blog you have written so far. Please be care, keep your eyes wide open, your wits about you and STAY SAFE!!! Take care -- Kim :-)

Get a buzzcut like the rest of the guys there so you will blend in. It's only hair and it will grow back. Besides, take a look at 300 - I'm sure that the top of his head is blue from that Old English D he had put on for the World Series.

My brother Sgt Jared Sexton is over there, somewhere on that base....tell him Mandy says I LOVE YOU!

As a military mom, I know too well the reality of Iraq. Although my son has returned home safely. The year he spent there was the worst time in our lives. He says it's just his job, that is how they all look at it, just doing what needs to be done, but it isn't easy, not by a long shot. Thank you Grunwald, thank you for bringing home a little reality of what our service men and women go through. People need to be reminded of all they have to be greatful for, all the sacrfiecs that have been made on thier behalf. Tell them from this military mom, keep up the good work, stay safe and come home soon.

cut your hair! it's not worth it to have insurgents shoot at you just because you hair is different than the rest! it will grow back ! plus it will always serve as a reminder of where you went and what you did! CUT IT!

Just wanted to tell you to please be safe. Let EVERYONE there no that DETROIT LOVES EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM. We all appreciate all the sacrafices they are making for us. Let them all know we love them and to come home safe.

Remember that you will go blind if you touch it. So leave it alone

It's scary to hear what these guys are going through. My nephew is with the 1st Batalion-24th Marines Reserve Unit. Say hi to Matthew Basham and let him know we are all praying for his safe return and for all who is serving with him. We send our love.

I agree with everyone else --- cut your hair! Way too scary for me. We will be happy when you return.

Please cut your hair. It will grow back. What's a haircut when you have crotch rot!!

Should come see the 0311 while you are here

I hope you cut your hair, after all, your life is way more important than hair. Everyone in Wixom is thinking of you and those brave men and women along side you.Take care and God bless.

I'm another military mom, glad you are telling it like it is. My son is with the 1/24. He is proud of what they are doing and asks what the news says about the war back home. Your support will mean a lot to him. (He loves country music!)

Shave it all off. Be safe. It's a Great Thing you are doing. Bless You Barb

CUT IT CUT IT CUT IT CUT IT CUT IT

You make me proud to say that I am from the Detroit area. I am sure you have a secret angel looking out for you since you are out there looking out for our troops. I agree with everyone else too, cut your hair to stay safe, it will grow back!!! God Bless!!!!!

i think you should cut ur hair..if thats what will keep you safe!! we want to see you at coyote joe's

Blessings to all that are serving our country. Hey Kevin from Port Huron

I ditto everyone else Steve, cut your hair..This is the scariest blog yet. I continue to pray for your safety. You have really shed light to what is going on over there. What an experience. Be Safe, God Bless You, and HURRY BACK...KIM

Hey steve, good work, and come back so someone can keep Dr Don in line. I have a personal chef service, I don't normally cook for skanks, but if you want a nice dinner for a date, let me know. Chef Chad www.letmecook.com

Cut that hair off. It's better than getting shot at. Keep your hands off you know where - keep putting the cream on. KEEP SAFE Steve! Gerry

I don't think it will fall off, turn blue, or shrivel up and die, BUT FOR GOD'S SAKE, KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF YOUR PANTS!!!! :-) P.S. Regarding your hair - High and tight - just like you said about Bob's pants!!! :-)

Just watch how much you are telling you don't know who is reading these. A Military Mom

and then get a hair cut b4 you go outside the wire

Steve, cut your hair and stay safe! Tell everyone over there we are proud of them and to come home safe!

One of the girls I work with has alopecia. She shaves her head completely every day and is as bald as a cue ball. You don't even notice that she doesn't have any hair. We always rub the top of her head for good luck. I will do that tomorrow and saya silent prayer for your safe return. The Richmond Smart Ass :-) P.S. Think of all of the money you will save on hair gel!!! STAY SAFE!!!

Just think, this will probably be one of, if not the, greatest experiences of your life! You are doing a wonderful thing by honoring our men and women in uniform. And for god sakes, cut it off..it will grow back! Be safe and god bless!

I love your hair, but voted for you to cut it if it will help you stay safe!!!

Go for it Steve. It sounds like not only will cutting your hair help protect you, but will help keep those around you safe as well. Think of it as the ultimate show of support for those your with. Keep safe - Patsy

get a butch cut so you don't stand out. And stay safe..you and all our soldiers. we love you all. xoxox's Jyl Forsyth

APPROACH CUTTING YOUR HAIR THE SAME WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED THIS PROJECT.. WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART YOUR IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS- THE DEROO'S

Steve a friend of mine who just got back from Iraq said for your safety cut your hair it will grow back. Can you say "hi" to Lcpl Chong he is with the 1/24. Thanks for what your doing and come home safe Julie

I just wanted to let you know that it means the world to those soldiers, that someone like you has taken the time to realize what they go through. Hair is only hair, im sure its not the WORST thing u will experaince if you cutt it. :) Life could be worse, you could be stuck there for a year with no hair, getting shot at everyday. Thank you for what you've done for all the soldiers there. Thank you for bringing a little bit of reality back to detroit. It means alot to us familys who have soldiers there or will soon in the future! god bless you, and come home safely! -Alyssa

Sorry to hear about your war wound :( Wish I could wave a magic wand and make it all better (kind of like Mickey in Fantasia!) And shave your hair so you can get back here safe...remember what is important :) Everyone just wants you to get back home safe and will still love you without hair!!

STEVE, I DON'T HAVE ANYONE THAT I PERSONALLY KNOW OVER IN IRAQ, AS I SIT AND READ EVERYONE'S LOVE AND SUPPORT IT BRINGS JOY TO MY HEART AND TEARS TO MYSOUL. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR NOT JUST WHAT YOUR DOING. BUT WHO YOU ARE!! THE JOY AND COMFORT THAT YOUR GIVING TO THESE HEROIC MEN AND WOMAN IS WONDERFUL. CUT YOUR HAIR TO BLEND IN AND STAY SAFE.GOD BLESS LIZ

remember to wear hearing protection, your bullet proof jacket and your helmet at all times. Pass on all our Shalom, hugs, prayers, and love. Thanks for all you are doing. It's extraordinary, inspirational, and is just the right thing to do. Be blissfuland jovial. Again, thanks a million!

Hey, I just wanted to tell you that you are doing a very brave thing with this trip. I have been listening to your reports on the radio going to work. I have to say I admire your guts and the guts of all our military who do this day in and day out. You all be careful and get back here soon. - Anne

My son has been in Iraq since the beginning of July and we have only been able to speak with him twice. He is at Camp Stryker in Bahgdad. He has a difficult time telling me many of the things he is going through because he knows I will worry even more. He says there is a constant earth shaking day and night from the mortars that are being lobbed onto the base but he only has to worry when he starts to feel the concussions in his body because then they are getting close. Cut your hair, blend in, don't take unnecessary chances. God bless you - stay safe and tell Spc. William Bettendorf that he is missed and loved by his friends and family.

I personally think you would look really cute in a Forrest Gump cut. Do it so you won't stick out and get yourself stuck in a situation you can't get out of. One of your readers stated that it's a show of support to your fellow commrades. It's true!!! Do it so you won't stick out like a sore thumb (or other body part!!)

Remember we here at home are free because of the brave. Thank you, Grunwald, so much for what you are doing. And let our guys and ladies there know that they are not forgotten and are appreciated more than anyone can realize.

Steve - I can't beleive the stories you have and I always wait for the next one. Cut the hair so you'll blend in. It'll grow back and that way you'll come back safely! Tell the troops we're all behind them all the way and to do their job and get home! - Angie

you may be surprised at how many women you'll get with that hair cut. BE SAFE, I can't wait until you get back.

Cut your hair Grunwald! We want you to stay safe and come home in one piece! The hair will grow back!

Go ahead and cut the hair if it means staying safe. It was good to see the pictures, the one with SSG Balderson is a guy we work with. You both look great.

BE SAFE, AND CUT THE HAIR IT WILL GROW BACK. TELL EVERY SERVICE PERSON WE ARE THINGING AND PRAYING FOR THEM EVERY DAY. STEVE COME HOME SAFE. Melissa North Branch

Do what they tell you to do to be safe. If they recommend it, do it. Come home safe and sound you can catch up on any sleep then. ~ Cindy

Steve - Cut your hair!!! Nothing is more important than your life and if cutting your hair will help you stay safe - then cut it. I think what you are doing is great and give our blessings to all the guys over there. - Sandy (TK Warrior)

I am from Westland and was a friend of Sgt Burgess. My prayers are with them. Stay safe, be careful and do what they say! Cut the hair go for the full experience.

I am a military mom.my son is with 1/24,glad you can keep me somewhat posted. You bring him a little closer to me.Not easy worrying about them. Keep up the good work. Proud Marine mom of Sgt.Brian E.

Everyone stay safe, Michigan loves you all Love and Light, cut the hair

I would like to say thank you to all our men and women over there. Cut the hair Steve. I cried reading this blog. THANK YOU again to all over there, we can live safe because of our service people. I will prayer for all of you over there to come home safe.

All the people are telling you to cut your hair right above an ad for laser hair removal...Is this Bob's idea of a joke??? Derail

I love the pictures and your daily blog. Tell all the Guys and Gals Thank You for keeping us safe. I hope the all have a nice Thanksgiving.

Stay safe Steve, you seem to have many angels here watching and praying for you. God Bless you and Thank you. Tell the troops that Arizona Thanks them for their huge sacrifices and support! God Bless You all! - Nanci (Veteran Wife, Ft.Huachuca, AZ)

Like the haircut!! Holly

Hey Steve, its a good thing your doing over there. Stay safe!! My you and all of our armed forces come home with God's Speed take care one and all. --Rainie. P.S. the hair cut's not so bad (kinda cute)

Look it is Civilian hot stuff, Steve!! Hey, you still look hot with your new haircut. Janie

The new haircut looks great!!! YOU LOOK MAAHHVALOUS!!! There is a resembalance between you and Forrest Gump!!! It'll grow back - you did a great thing!!!! How could you not - I think at your Welcome Home party they probably would have shaved your head there if you didn't get a haircut!!! I hope you didn't cry and that it didn't hurt that bad. STAY SAFE!!!! Kim

Hey Steve, I am a listener and reader in Monroe, MI. and I have been reading all of your blogs and would just like to say that you are missed on the radio, but you are in our thoughts and prayers for your safe return home. The hair thing isn't so bad, Ihave had that style cut for years! Our hats are off to you for your bravery! Always listening in Monroe

As a listener from Ontario Canada i am so pround of what you are doing for your soldiers it is a great think you are doing.. thank you for cutting the hair and staying safe...cause the morning show would not be the if something had happened to you, and you are still my pork chop only more manly (love the hair cut)God bless you and stay safe... hurry home from Canada

Stay safe Steve,and quit whining about your hair it will grow back! Seriously thou, thanks for reminding all of us that our brave men and women put their lives on the line for us everyday and we are all so thankful and pray that each of you come home safe!