Next week I report for a week's training required by McClatchy for reporters headed for Iraq or Afghanistan. A British outfit will put us through our paces in rural Virginia.

Then I'm goin' to Iraq. For about six weeks. Got the dates on April 21: I'll be there May 27 to July 7.

Not sure what I'll be doin' there. Facts on the ground will dictate our coverage. Seems this week a full-blown Shia uprising may be on the horizon. Could be a hot summer.

Ideally, I'd like to embed with Marines for a couple weeks, soldiers for a couple weeks, then help our Baghdad bureau brethren (and sistren) the last couple weeks.

Here's Leila Fadel, our award-winning and intrepid Baghdad bureau chief, on a recent PBS show:

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04182008/watch.html [1]

Got a couple names of Mercedians serving there now and will try to contact 'em.

I'd like to hear from you all about what you may want to know from this war. Can't guarantee I'll be able to get you answers, but I do promise to try.

Thanks in advance for your input and suggestions.

After all, it IS your war--you're payin' for it.

Between $2 trillion and $3 trillion--plus three young people from Merced County and their families paid the ultimate price.

So you deserve some answers.

I'll try to get you some.