Farewells and First Impressions

After a long journey, I arrived safely Kuwait. But let me start by sharing a bit about my final days at Camp McCready. We had three days of training remaining since I last wrote. The last three days dragged a bit (or at least I did) but we got in one more live fire with the M16, some field classes and long classroom sessions on IEDs. All of this culminated in what felt like a final exam- a convoy operation complete with controlled explosions and dummy rounds. We were split into convoys by platoon and then broken into six humvees. I was the driver for our humvee and felt very comfortable in that role. We were asked to maintain 25 meters between vehicles so I just imagined looking across the pool at a swim meet and kept that distance. Thanks Amelia! We also had to ensure good communication between the vehicles and keep good situational awareness of what was going on around us; these were skills I arrived with so it was nice to feel comfortable for a change. Our convoy managed quite well and we all left feeling good about our last exercise.

That ended our official training but we mustered for one last time the following morning at 0515, had our M16's inspected for cleanliness (mine was not as clean as expected, hence more cleaning...I thought it was clean) and then lugged all our seabags (four) out to load-up for the airport. We then had a couple of hours before loading the buses, finally a little time to relax.

As I waited, I detected an unsettled feeling within me but I tried not to focus on it. We loaded up the buses and just before we pulled out I noticed that we had motorcycle escorts comprised primarily of Vietnam era gentleman. They and their motorcycles were decked out patriotically, one motorcycle flew the USN flag and the USA flag behind it. I was done for; the sweetness of the gesture and the respect for what we do and where we were headed was just too much. My eyes filled repeatedly as I tried not to let the tears spill. Maybe one or two did but I mostly held it together.

We arrived at Columbia Airport and were escorted to a hangar bay where an Army unit was already mustered and a farewell sendoff was set-up. Members of Boys Scouts, Blue Star Mothers of America (Midlands Chapter 1,) American Legion Family and members of the USO had all gathered to send us off. They gave us lunch, treats for the plane, pocket flags to remind us of home. Women representing Operation Military Stress Relief Dolls offered us Dang-it Dolls; dolls that are handmade and meant to, well, bang it while yelling dang-it! They look a little like large voodoo dolls but are clearly made with love; I chose one with an adorable print but you could choose one with your favorite football team fabric or from many other patterns. The ladies shared with me that their group has made 47,000 of these dolls. The warmth and caring was overwhelming but I appreciated it and enjoyed saying thank you and sharing pictures of my family that I carry in my sleeve pocket. I have included a photo of the first group to board the plane, I captured it shortly before I headed out the hangar. The gauntlet of well wishers was longer than captured in the picture. Everyone shook my hand, patted my back or gave me a hug. I almost made it to the end before it was just too much. More tears but also a profound appreciation for their generosity.

I boarded the chartered 767-300(coincidentally, Adam's aircraft) and was surprised to see that there was a small business class section. Based on my rank, I was directed to it. I had prepared myself for a very long trip in coach but was honestly quite delighted to sink in the seat and take a few deep breaths. We stopped in Bangor, Maine for a crew change and were treated to more hospitality by the Maine Troop Greeters. I have been told that they have been featured on CNN, I can not remember the exact number but they have welcomed over a million military members since their founding. More kind people with cell phones available to use; that meant I could say goodbye to the kids and Adam one last time before making the trip across the Atlantic. It was quite an emotional day.

Next stop was Leipzig, Germany. We had a three hour layover to allow for a crew swap before our final five hour leg to Kuwait City, Kuwait. We arrived in Kuwait in the afternoon. The pilot had told us the temperature was 115 degrees Fahrenheit so I prepared myself for the hot air. It was like an oven. We were quickly shuttled onto buses and after a short delay, made the trip to Camp Virginia. We were quickly driving in barren land, on a two way road that felt like it went no where. A highlight was spotting camels in the distance shortly before arriving at Camp Virginia. Camp Virginia is an entry point for those going forward to Iraq and Afghanistan. The time is used for a little training and acclimatization to the heat and time zone. It is not a permanent base and the plan is that we will leave no trace when we depart. For this reason, nothing is plumbed or wired; the base operates on generators and solar power, and portable showers and toilets. There is a constant hum of generators here; I always think a helicopter is landing nearby. The building are temporary, mostly trailers or tents that can be removed. Gone are my Cabana days at Camp McCready, I am on an army cot with my army issued sleep system (that's army speak for sleeping bag) but it is air conditioned in the tent so it is just fine with me.

Shortly after we arrived they brought us in for a brief and covered the hazards of life in the desert; scorpions, snakes, spiders and gila monsters. But so far the most dangerous thing I have run into is the dessert section at the dining facility (DFAC). No pictures allowed in the DFAC but picture a glassed dessert case with carrot cake, chocolate cake, cheesecake, pumpkin pie and trays of cookies. Next to that- the most dangerous part of all: six flavors of Baskin Robbins ice cream in the big containers just like the store. This middle eastern vacation includes complimentary "all you can eat" dining- yikes. Admittedly I enjoyed a scoop of Pralines and Cream on that first night but I pledged to my fellow diners that I would only get dessert once a week. All agreed that some restraint was going to be needed in the DFAC. Fortunately the DFAC is about a 15 minute walk from my tent so there is also some exercise worked into the day but given the heat- that is about all I can manage right now.

Well, I think that is enough. I will share more about the base in my next update (with pictures) but leave you with the knowledge that I am safe, well fed and sleeping soundly in the air conditioning. Hoping you all are enjoying the final weeks of summer and, as always, thank you for your support.