The Guard in Iraq

A soldier keeps watch over Baghdad from a rooftop observation post in the Green Zone.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Sgt. Kevin Phillips on a security escort mission to Abu Ghraib prison outside of Baghdad.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Members of the California National Guard’s First Batallion 160th Regiment visit the paymaster’s office in a palace of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in the Green Zone in Baghdad.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

First Sgt. Paul Balboa, a Calfornia National Guardsman serving with the First Batallion 160th Regiment, is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the War in Iraq.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

At an Internet cafe in the Green Zone, Sgt. Kevin Phillips, a California National Guardsman based in Baghdad, sees his wife back home in Lakewood via a webcam.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

A California National Guardsman is reflected in the window of a Humvee during a security escort mission to Abu Ghraib prison outside Baghdad.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Sgt. Jorge Velasquez, a California National Guardsman and resident of Hesperia, rides a Humvee during a security escort mission on a Baghdad freeway.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Sgt. Paul Teso, left, and Sgt. Juan Reynoso get ready for a security escort mission from Baghdad International Airport to the Green Zone, a treacherous five-mile strecth of road where American forces constantly come under attack.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Spc. Jeffrey Groulx sleeps after a night of guard duty around Camp Steel Dragon in Baghdad’s Green Zone.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Sgt. Kevin Phillips wipes the dust out of his eyes after a security escort mission at Baghdad International Airport.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Sgt. Francisco Espinal of the California National Guard’s First Batallion 160th Regiment takes a drink before beginning a day of security escort duty on the streets of Baghdad.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Spc. Casey Dickinson keeps his gun at the ready as he rides through the streets of Baghdad.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)