TRAVELING from unit to unit here in Iraq, I’ve asked New York-area soldiers what three things they miss most about the greatest city in the world. I told ’em not to say “my family,” since that’s a given for every man and woman in uniform.

Some wouldn’t follow orders (make ’em do more push-ups, Sarge), but here’s what your fighting fellow citizens had to say from the “boroughs” of Baghdad:

“Penn Station Pizza, the New York Yankees and the Jersey Shore.”

– Capt. Matthew Falvo, Woodbridge, N.J.

“Junior’s cheesecake, 24-hour diners and my daughter, Tiarah N. Bruno.”

– Spec. April Rountree, Brooklyn

“Family, being able to enjoy the freedom we have in the U.S. and the smiles on the kids who enjoy the freedom we’re here to fight for.” – Spec. Jose Pimentel, Queens

“Jones Beach, three-hour meals in a nice restaurant and driving my car.”

– Capt. Rohin Sharma, Massapequa

“Culture and activities – there’s always something going on in the city. Sidewalks – you’d be surprised how important they are. And bagels – hard to find a good bagel joint in Baghdad!”

– Maj. Dan Koprowski, Garden City

“My friends and family, the city – it’s true, it never sleeps – and the 24-hour restaurants.”

– Sgt. Tanasha S. Stachelczyk, Brooklyn

“Real pizza, family and individualism.”

– Staff Sgt. Richard Didymus, Jr., Poughkeepsie

Hey, who’s your Bagh-daddy, New York?

– RALPH PETERS