|
Baghdad Happy Thanksgiving Long Island, I would also like to say hello to my son’s elementary class in Rocky Point (Ms. Volkman’s class and the nursing department), the staff at Hampton Dermatology in Southampton, Mrs. Havemeyer for sending much needed care packages to one of my 19 year-old soldiers that doesn’t receive much mail, Mr. Paez for his generosity, the Soldier’s Angels support group, the courageous Poole Family, and all the wonderful people that constantly provide encouraging email to us. While I was home in September for two weeks, I had the opportunity to speak to my son Cody’s class. I spent almost a year preparing for Iraq but no amount of time could have prepared me for answering questions from a classroom full of nine-year-olds. They ask the most intriguing questions and caught me off guard. Needless to say, it was a wonderful experience! Changing to a different subject; let me begin to explain my Company’s journey to Iraq. We left our home station, Fort Hood, Texas in the middle of March 2004. We had conducted training for months prior to our departure. We arrived, “boots on ground” in Kuwait where we received many classes and prepared for our three-day convoy (drive) to southeastern Baghdad. For most of us it was an incredible adrenaline rush heading into combat and finding out where we would be spending the next year of our lives. We received extensive education on the Iraqi customs and courtesies, climate, religions, and many other things. No matter how much training you receive, there is always the anticipation of heading into the “unknown”. When we arrived to Iraq, it wasn’t very hot yet, about 105 to 110 degrees and dry. Arriving at the outskirts of Baghdad was a welcomed change of scenery, we drove for three days (resting each night) through the desert with nothing but sand, camels, and mud huts to see. On occasion, Iraqi citizens appeared (almost out of nowhere), standing on the side of the roads, welcoming us by waving, giving a “thumbs up”, and begging for food and water. It made me feel proud of what we do when I saw bottles of water and Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s) being tossed out of our vehicles to the adults and children on the side of the road. It was a pivotal moment for me, knowing that we were here for a good reason. Arriving into Baghdad for the first time, I was mesmerized by my surroundings, trying to stay alert and cautious, at the same time taking in all the history and architecture that this land has. For me, it is also something of spiritual significance because being a believer in the Bible; I crossed significant landmarks like the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. There were many buildings we could see like Sadam Hussein’s Palaces, and several mosques (Islamic religious centers). When we finally arrived to our Forward Operating Base (FOB), we were all very anxious to see what kind of accommodations it had to offer, we weren’t disappointed. This FOB offers sleeping quarters inside buildings (not tents), a very suitable dining facility, phone centers, gyms, and a small Post Exchange (store). We discovered the Aid Station was cluttered and needing improvement. Working together vigorously, the soldiers of Echo Company worked around the clock etablishing a fully functional and organized treatment facility. Commanders from FOB’s all over this country have heard about the dedication and hard work that these soldier’s do here in addition to the expert medical care that we provide to some of the most serious casualties this conflict has seen. As a matter of fact, the very first night that we assumed responsibility from the unit we replaced, we were put to the test receiving numerous serious casualties and prevailed. Within a few weeks, we had a modern treatment facility equipped with everything required. As the months went along, we dedicated numerous hours with the help of Iraqi civilian day laborers, to beautifying our area. We had the entire Treatment Facility painted, established a very nice Soldier’s Lounge, equipped with a 31” color TV, DVD Player, makeshift ping-pong table, dart board, seating, and partial cable access (mainly CNN and ESPN). In addition, we developed a nice courtyard with a horse shoe pit, makeshift barbeque grill, plastic patio furniture, a canopy for shade, and the First Sergeant’s solar screen (to drive golf balls into). Although all of these amenities may not be state-of-the-art, we make do with everything we have and it builds morale. We have holiday committees that plan festive events that we enjoy. I am curious to see what they come up with for Christmas; rumor has it that there will be caroling and gift giving. During the months of June through August, the weather was grueling; temperature reached 130 degrees and did not fall below 100 degrees for about three months. Having no rain made it difficult but there is plenty of bottled water available. Wearing our Desert Camouflaged Uniforms (DCU’s), and on occasion, our protective equipment (helmets and vests which weigh about 30 or 35 pounds), made it very uncomfortable but there wasn’t much complaining because this equipment saves lives. Being indoors wasn’t bad; we have air conditioners in our workplaces and also our living quarters. From time to time, the generators would shut down (because of the heat) and it would be scorching. I give great respect to the veterans who truly endured every imaginable hardship, to include sleeping in tents and not having luxuries that are provided to us here. Currently, the weather has cooled down, we are seeing temperatures in the mid 80’s and it is now the “raining season”, which has provided much needed precipitation. It has rained about six days this month however it hasn’t been real heavy. We should experience further drops in the temperature in the near future. We have four more months to go giving us a “light at the end of the tunnel”. For us this means reuniting with our family and loved ones. Next week I will discuss the Iraqi people and the impact we have made on them, and they on us. God Speed to our fallen comrades and prayers to their families and loved ones….they have made the ultimate sacrifice!!!!! SGT Shawn Wilkins read archived articles | submit an article for review
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
I would like to say a special Happy Thanksgiving to my beautiful wife, Krisie, three children (Cody, Kevin, and Rory), my mom, dad, brother, three sisters, and all of my friends back in the Hamptons…..I’m sorry I couldn’t be home.