I am curently in Balad, Iraq and will receive orders for Vinceza for next Spring. I have looked at all of the websites but they really aren't very informative. I was wondering if people currently living there have any advice. Things that concern me are shipping the car from CONUS. We only have one and it recommends shipping early, but then we are left w/o a car. Also, housing and schools for our young kids, etc.

Shipping time depends on whether you're shipping from east or west coast. This site has more info http://www.whereismypov.com/ .
But you generally are left without a car for some time at one or both ends, so you end up depending on friends, your sponsor, renting, or buying a beater while waiting.

Caserma Ederle has DODDS schools. If your kids are below school age child care is available at subsidized prices.