The war in Iraq

This is the note the Ventura County Star posted on its Web site about Dani's stint as an embedded reporter in the war in Iraq.

"The 600-member Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, based at Naval Base Ventura County, received its orders in January to deploy to the Persian Gulf for the anticipated war with Iraq.

"With the Seabees every step of the way will be Ventura County Star staff writer Dani Dodge, a veteran reporter whose latest assignment has been covering law enforcement in eastern Ventura County. To get ready for this assignment, she has been writing about the Seabees for the past month - in addition to preparing herself with everything from shots to camouflage outfits.

"Her stories about the men and women of Port Hueneme's Seabees, your neighbors and friends and loved ones, will appear in The Star as part of its expanding coverage of the events in the Persian Gulf."

Seabees leaving Iraq undergo hostile fire in Baghdad convoy (April 23, 2003)

Easter message includes reflection on war effort (April 21, 2003)

'Worst duty' for Seabees - latrine detail (April 18, 2003)

Seabees also gatekeepers while rebuilding Baghdad bridge (April 11, 2003)

Seabees span canal in 4 days (April 7, 2003)

Hueneme Battalion 4 crosses into Iraq (March 23, 2003)

Local battalion's first sign of war: 2 flashes overhead (March 22, 2003)

Seabees head to Middle East (Feb. 10, 2003)