Peace and War Times

The Victor Named His Territory

2009-06-24T16:15:00.003+03:00

While looking to a map of Iraq, I found curious and funny how our soldiers named the streets of their occupied territory. What got my attention is that it shows that the names of these streets were obviously made by men. Here are some examples:

Using beverage names: Colt, Budweiser, Red Bull, Corona, Guinness, Becks, Labatts, Schlitz, Miller, Heineken, Sharps, J. Daniels, Tecate, Wild Turkey, etc.

Using Metals names: Cooper, Silver and Gold

Using Animals names: Goat, Cow, Predator

Using Sports Teams names: Cubs, Rangers, Marlins, Senators, Dodgers, Grizzlies.

Using USA Locations names: Texas, Dakota and Tampa

Using Space names: Venus, Pluto and Apollo

Now imagine, if instead of these names created by men, the names were created by females instead. I am very sure there will be names like:

Stilettos, G-string, Bra, Rollers, Hot Iron, Curls, Flat hair, Crying Baby, Bitch Alley, PMS, Maybelline, Clairol, Menopause Avenue, Stress Out, Lipstick street and such.

There is no telling what a woman come out with, when it comes with names. Never less, what names the guys in Afghanistan use to name their streets. Bottom line, the victor always name its prize and in the process, it change history as well.

The Raiders are here! Not! ...The Raiderettes!

2009-06-03T21:36:00.002+03:00

June 3rd, 2009. The day before I left JSS Sadr City for good, the Raiders’s cheerleaders came over to visit our base.

One of the soldiers of 2-5 CAV unit, got reenlist through this event, and while these cheerleaders were holding the USA flag this young soldier raised his right hand and swear to defense the nation for another term.

It’s very obvious that in bases where the main number of occupants are males, more likely it will be entertainment for only men, but for the girls of JSS Sadr City we really have a ball out of this event.

Yes, it was quite amusing to see how these men acted in front of these beautiful girls. The experience was priceless, LOL!

Type the rest of your post here Some were very well behave, others were like children in a candy store, almost drooling and going gaga over the candies in the jars, lol. It’s was very obvious that they have being here and away from home for quite a while for sure. I went through the line of girls, asking for their autographed photos for my husband. They were very warm and with pleasant personalities. One of them thank me for my service, which it was real nice of her.

Another one asked me, if my husband was a fan of the Raiders, I didn’t recall if he did since he always told me that his favorite team was from Florida. My response to the girl was, “No, he is not a fan, but is he knows that I am here with you girls and he is not, I am very sure is enough for him to kick his own butt for not being a fan of your team, LOL”.

After the all the soldiers lined up to get the autographed photo and talk to these girls, it was the turn of the local linguist we have on base to have the thrill to have a photo as well. Yes, they went through the same effect of the candy store, LOL

The girls, stayed with us for quite a while in our base, they ate dinner with the soldiers and also play pin pong for a while. It was very pleasant to have the Raiders’s Cheerleaders on our base, it did good to our soldiers for sure.

To read more about the Raiderettes visit to service member, click here

My Visit to Downtown Baghdad

2009-04-17T17:53:00.003+03:00

I really can't complaint of my time in Iraq, now I can say that I have being in places despite that I barely get out of the wire. After traveling back from the states back to Iraq, I have the opportunity to stop by the green zone in Baghdad. Among visiting the embassy, we visited the most famous point of Baghdad--the famous parade road of Sadaam Hussein. I know there is several soldiers at there that have similar photos from back in the days of Desert Storm, but today I finally have mine.

These famous swords have steps that you can escalate for a better view of downtown, I was no so adventurous to dare to go up for fear of having an accident. There is no telling what's the condition of such steps. I took several photos of the guys that took me there and in return they took some photos of me at this famous point. In Baghdad, Sadaam's legacy have been destroy but not so with this particular place. Although the hands on the swords are either in bad shape or in decadency, the place still remain as the only memory of Sadaam's passage in Baghdad's history.

Sadaam’s Parade Road, Baghdad Iraq

Helmets of falling soldiers at the base of swords

She Called Me "Grandma"!

2009-03-29T20:26:00.008+03:00

        Did you remember the first time you were call grandma? How did you felt or what passed through your mind? Most certainly, you felt older for sure! or perhaps going down hill kind of feeling. Honestly, nothing can prepare you for such moment, if you have kids of your own, it will come whether you like it or not. In my case...

       ... I haven't met my first and only granddaughter in her first two years of life. To NOT witness her birth was painful enough alone with the distances, job and the military. However, going on R&R leave to my homeland Puerto Rico to meet my granddaughter, it really gave me a mixture of joy and sadness feelings when hearing her voice and receiving a sweet hug and kiss from this tiny girl. However, the most melting moment was when I heard her calling me "Abuela" which is grandma in English. To me was like the war I left behind to meet her, it never existed. I felt like this moment was totally priceless.

       Out from my 14 days of R&R leave, I only expend 7 days in Puerto Rico, I flew right after to Mississippi to meet my husband whom I haven't see since August 12th 2008. These days of vacation were really refreshing and enlighten with joy and great memories. I only hope, it doesn't take more than a year to see my granddaughter again.

Going Home For R&R

2009-03-27T20:30:00.003+03:00

        As well you all may know, I left Iraq for a 14 day pass, after almost 9 months of being away in this 12 month deployment. It was quite challenging to take off from where I was and I got in a real trouble while doing so. First, I have less than 12 hours to pack and wait for a Black Hawk helicopter to pick me up. When I arrived to the helicopter pat to wait for this bird, I noticed that they put concrete fences around it, not knowing where was the entry, I walked around it fully loaded with two bags, a rifle, a hand gun, bullet proof vest and helmet to discover that I was going in the wrong way. I was already wear out of walking and the bird was coming. I ran the best I could to get near the helicopter pad, I felt like I was about to die from it, LOL

       The helicopter showed up in time, I approached with caution and one of the crew helped me with the bags. I was so heavy, I couldn't go in like a normal person would do, I crawled into it and having difficulties, the crew member, pushed me in-- by my butt....talking about getting in a helicopter in a hurry with fear to snipers!, I guess the push was a drastic measure, LOL. I traveled in this helicopter full of people from other places, I was sitting next to the gunner and he saw me taking pictures, he took my camera and gave me the impression that he was confiscating my camera but instead he took few pictures for me. That action alone was quite worthwhile for me, above this blog, there is one of those pictures he took with a view of Baghdad and the Euphrates river.

       That flight was about 18 minutes, arriving to another camp near by, that is when all my troubles began. No one came to pick me up and I didn't have no phones to call anyone for help. My main concern was the weapons I was carrying and the need to get rid of them before going on leave. A civilian miss lead me on what to do and put me in a bus that drove me for 30 minutes to the international airport of Baghdad (Biap). At there I waited from 1100am to 11:30pm to board another airplane, a C-17. That flight was the most uncomfortable flight I have so far, we were sitting in hanging seats made out of straps, and seating in from of each other, touching each other's knees, fully loaded and traveled alone with our bags palletized by the tail of the airplane. Being uncomfortable, with no windows and taxing the runway for quite a while before taking off, it became quite an ordeal to endure the one hour and forty five minutes of flight with a hell of a landing.

I made it to Kuwait with my weapons and gosh, they were yelling at me for it, they almost send me back to my base, because I was not supposed to arrived Kuwait with weapons when the intention was to go to the states. I spent about 9 horrible hours, trying to do something with the weapons. I was praying all the time for a solution until it came, someone from my battalion came to pick them up, alone with another butt chewing of the third kind, because I was not suppose to be there with them. I tried to explain but it was in vain, nothing was acceptable at that moment.

      I waited for 6 hours more, I was lined up with the rest of the people that was landing in Atlanta. There was a lot of paperwork alone with struggling with bags. Finally, it was time to go to the custom section, these bastard emptied completely my bags and check every single item, making sure I was not taking any war souvenirs, however I was allow to take scorpions and spiders as lone they were in a glass secure container, so go figure LOL.

      From the 27th of March when I initially took off from my base, finally on March 28th, I made it to another waiting room, waiting for the flight. We were feed, faced few briefings including the chaplains speech. It was already 6:45pm when they told us to board the buses in the dark hot night of Kuwait, in route to the international airport of Kuwait. We traveled for about 2.5 hours in buses toward this airport, we stop to rest prior to get back into the bus towards the runway. An unmark 757 was waiting for us at the end of the runway, the buses stopped and we were told to run towards the airplane, seeing more than 200 soldiers running toward this aircraft was quite a sight. We filled that aircraft quickly from back to front, despite the amount of people everything was done so fast, we took off in no time.

      We flew from Kuwait toward Ireland for 6.5 hours, waited in Ireland for 2.5 hours more, loaded the plane again and flew for 9:45 hours towards Atlanta, Georgia. Since my destination was Puerto Rico, they gave me only 20 minutes to make it to my departure gate, talking about running and taking trains inside this airport! I arrived when they were about to close the door on me! LOL I flew another 4 hours towards Puerto Rico, made it there about 2pm of March 29th. It took me 3 days to make it there and I was wear out and super tire, could not even enjoy the moment of seeing my dad that I haven't see since 1998 or my daughter that I haven't see since 2003 and neither my new granddaughter that I just met at the airport. My reward with that little girl was, that she gave me a kiss and called me grandma. Hearing that for the first time, was quite a shock but worth waiting for. I was in PR until the 8th of April, I am now with my husband in Mississippi until my departure day on the 14th of April...wish me luck for the departure...I am very sure there will be lots more to tell about it, LOL

Something to tell my grandkids...

2009-01-07T21:43:00.008+03:00

The USO always tries to do the best they can, to keep up the moral of our soldiers or at least to give them something that reminds the comforts of home. I have to give it to then; they have done a good job. At times, I just wished I have the privilege that some Armed Forces had of see Bob Hope in person back in the days, but what he started then, still going on Thanks to the USO.

(Left photo: Me and Miss USA 2007,Rachel Smith )

When I first got deploy to Bosnia in 1995, I remember the USO brought to us, Alex Trebek of Jeopardy and Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher) from Star Trek “The Next Generation”. I wish I have those photos now to show you, for you to see how happy the soldiers were to see these people, talk to them, and take pictures.

Since I have been on this base, Comedy Central brought us three comedians (Scott Kennedy, Bob Kubota and Mike Pace) whom filed our day with laughter making us forget the stress of our jobs.

From left to right: Bob Kubota, me and Scott Kennedy

But on January 7th, 2009 they brought us three girls, Miss USA Rachel Smith, Deanna Pappas (The Bachelorette) and actress Christine Lakin.

I remember I was sick like a dog that day, and step out of my room to see the sunlight, when I was surprise by these girls that were shaking hands of our soldiers. I was walking with a can of Cheerios as a snack, since my stomach couldn’t hold food due to my sickness. Miss USA (Rachel Smith) surprises the heck out of me by shaking my hand and then put her arm around me for the guys to take a picture. It was funny that I was still holding my Cheerios on my hand and she immediately took them out of my hand and sight and smile for the photo. It happened so quick it was funny as hell, so if you see me smiling on the top photo, honestly was because the way she got rid of my Cheerios. Yeap, this is something worth to tell my grandkids, LOL.

Holidays in Iraq

2008-12-25T20:02:00.001+03:00

It's funny how Military deployments works around people's lives. Myself, like any soldier could said, all my holidays and important celebrations related to my life has been away from home and with the military. Since this deployment started, I have expend my 46th Birthday, husband's birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's eve and as far as I know, I will expend also my daughter's birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, my 11th Anniversary, my 20th year in the Army and my 47th Birthday. If I am lucky enough, I will make it home, for my husband's Birthday...

While I was in active duty (1993-2000), I expend most of my special events in the field or somewhere in Germany on TDY orders. I will say that those days were days in which I barely stayed at home. Those days were hard on the family as well on my body, but back them everything was possible with a little of support.

This will be my last deployment through my military career and the last time I will expend any holiday or special event away from my love ones. I have my share of tears during these holidays, I leave this for the young ones behind me. As I always heard, any soldiers will pay its dues at the end of their careers, for me twenty years of tears, lost and family separation, have been enough. I pass the buck to whom ever feel brave enough to endure it.

Iraqi Food, Anyone?

2008-12-10T18:52:00.000+03:00

I don’t know how Iraq was before the war, but I keep hearing from the Iraqi linguists that work for me; that Iraq used to be nicer than now. Since I arrived here, I have seen nothing but trash and remains of building every where. Despite all the damage and war time, these people keep on with their lives, like anyone else on this planet. Some of them are very apprehend or scare of US soldiers, but others go the extra mile to make us feel at home.

Among my job duties I have witness the behavior of Iraqis towards us which by the way, it has been very respectful. After all, treat them like you want to be treated to get the same back. I have seen them coming here to ask for help, while others come to provide help to bring Iraq back to what it used to be or better. A notorious way of their gratitude for the help we have provided, is sharing their food with us.

I have seen all kind of Iraqi food you can imagine. These people must have the 365 ways to prepare lamb on earth, about ten ways to make rice and variety of salads, and don’t ever forget the humus of different types as well. A lot of it is fry food or broil meat. Among their food, I think the best is their pita bread. However, a word of advice, you must have a strong stomach for Iraqi food.

I have seen so much food since I started this job back in October 27, 2008, to the point that when they bring these banquets of food, I have to step out of my office. Do not get me wrong, its real good and tasty, but too much of it like 3 or 4 times a week can get you tire of it quick. However, I see their pride in their faces when they share their food creations. They seat with us to eat in peace, despite there is a war going on outside the walls that protect us. Sometimes, I see this happening every other day in my office and makes me wonder why we continue been in war. Why we can’t get alone and be in peace.

Accidents Happens!

2008-12-05T22:14:00.002+03:00

Well, the unthinkable happened last night. I made my mind that I will take a shower no matter what, since I missed my times to use the showers the day before. It was 9:15PM when I arrived to the showers, I started to swept mud and dirty waters from the floor into the drains. I didn't want to take a shower and then walk into the mud. After I finished cleaning the floors, I got naked and ready to take a shower.

I open the faucets but both were giving me scorching hot water. I closed them and then the unthinkable happens, a big explosion. I thought, "darn...finally I got attack, but darn I am in the darn shower naked!".

Gosh, what a way to be attack, I thought.

The whole shower trailer filled with hot steam, cutting off my oxygen. I started to think fast, what should I do first. My first thought was to run out from the place, but then I realized when I tried to do that, I was butt naked. So, I dressed up as quick as I could, hoping no one come in and see me naked. I started to move out from the trailer but as I did, the stream of hot steam burned the back of my legs and my butt, since it was right at the exit doors.

Hopefully no one came in, doing so would got their face burn for sure. I asked for help immediately and I was taken to the medical facility of the post. I was treated and relieved with a couple of Motrin pills and cold pads for the affected areas. I am ok but now I am pointed out as "the girl that got the butt burn last night".

Bottom line, I have to find a way to take a shower today and just to be in the safe side, I will use cold water ONLY. LOL

When it rains, it pours!

2008-11-29T15:47:00.007+03:00

About 14:00 hours today or 2:00PM, we were surprise by a strong rain that flooded our place of work, including our living quarters. While it kept getting stronger, I started to notice small pieces of ice. Among all the things I have experienced in this place; hailing was something unusual for me. I guess this will be the closest I will be to see ice falling from the sky, while in Iraq.

The waters started to drip through the 12 feet tall concrete walls that surround our living and working areas. Right after, we all were walking on 3 inches of water and as I writing this blog, the water still rising. The sounds of thunders can be heard for miles.

We all took our cameras out, to take pictures and video of this event, while standing on mud water. Others were taking the pieces of ices and started to play like it was snow. After attacking each other with it, we started to make balls with the ice and put it inside each others shirts.

Others stand on the halls just to be hit by the hail, I guess dreaming of snow, LOL.

However, the sour note of this entire unusual event was when I came into my bedroom. There are drips of water coming from the walls, roof and light features. My roommate and I, placed buckets to avoid any flooding in the room but despite that, we will have to sleep in the conference room tonight, for safety reasons. I guess all fun has its end after all. ….Yeap, we are back into the mud, LOL.

A piece of hail

A view of the flooding halls

A view of the hall towards my room

This is a view of my bed, while I have a bucket catching the water coming out of the light feature

Military Care Packages to US Soldiers

2008-11-14T12:26:00.004+03:00

The Postal Service offers Military Care Kits, Known as Mili Kits, to help military families and friends send care packages to their loved ones stationed overseas. These kits can contain boxes, labels, sealing tape and eight customs forms with envelopes. These Military CARE KIT are available without charge. Shipping charge is only $8.95, regardless of the weight or destination. $10.95 for 12x12x5.5 by request.

All packages and mail must be addressed to individual service members, as required by U.S. Department of Defense regulations assigned an APO or FPO ZIP Code and, in many cases, that ZIP Code travels with the unit.

The Postal Service places APO/FPO mail on special charter flights (SAM = Space Available Mail), commercial airlines and military aircraft to reach armed services members overseas as quickly as possible. To take advantage of this option call the following number:

1-800-610-8734

and ask for the Military CARE KIT available in your area.

Note: Must have APO address of the soldier before you call. Also ask your post master about things that "should not" be send to Iraq or Afghanistan or muslin countries.

For all the people that asked me about my address while I am in Iraq, is as follow:

SGT Elizabeth Lougee 6195
CMOC NCOIC Civil Affairs
HHC T.F. 1-6 INF
JSS Sadr City Iraq
APO AE 09378

Note: Be aware that this address might change after February 2009. Kim if you read this, you are welcome to write, Thank you for reading and keeping up with my blog :)

Placing Comments On This Blog

2008-11-09T09:35:00.006+03:00

It's been a while since my last post. Since I arrived to this place in Iraq, I have been real busy with work and adjusting to my environment. It's been quite a culture shock as well as military. In the following days, I will do my best to post about my daily life at here, to give you a view of what I go through every other day. The main reason of this post, is the fact that a lot of people wants to place a comment on my post and they are unable to. I will do my best here to explain in how to place a comment. :)

Lets see how can I explain this in the most simple way. When you open any post, go to the bottom outside from the post frame and find the following:

Click on "Post a comment" a page or small window should pop up, allowing you to place your comment. If you have any problems with it, just write at my email skysnowyowl@gmail.com with your comment and I will do my best to post it for you.

Thank you all for your support and for reading my blog :)
God Bless ya'll
Liz

Moving From Bad To Worst

2008-10-27T22:28:00.007+03:00

Time to be on the move again! This pilgrimage has turned into quite an ordeal since I left Ft. Dix, NJ back in Oct 10, 2008. I have traveled in military buses, commercial airliners, to military aircrafts and now, convoy all the way to another mud hole in Iraq.

At first, we were scheduled to flight in a Black Hawk from Taji, but that plan was spoiled by the bad weather. Yes, we expend another night at the Toomers Inn. This time, was quite tough, with no access to my clothes or sleeping bag, since my bags were under a pile of other’s bags, inside a truck parked in a far away motor pool.

Morning and evening came among us and it was time to move again, this time through convoy. Boy, this was quite a trip that felt like an eternity!

We traveled through the night, to a place that I rather don’t say the name for security reasons but for sure, it’s nothing but another mud hole, worst then the one I just left behind. During the travel, I was able to see up close, the streets of Iraq and its night life. In the forty five minutes of travel, I barely saw any woman or child on the street which it kind of worries me at first. There was nothing but lots of cars, trash and mud.

In a whole strip of businesses, there were more barbershops than any other kind of store. Too close from each other, on a street of one mile long. The traffic was so bad, that at one time the whole convoy went against the traffic to avoid congestion in the street; a measure that irritated the Iraqis also traveling through those streets.

Suddenly, I found myself into this “micro” base, with no electricity, no water or decent power for the past 5 days. The whole place was flooded with mud and waters every where. The latrines were awful and quite trickier to get into it through the labyrinth of concrete walls.

Yes, indeed! These soldiers on this post are having quite a hard time!

Luckily for me, I have expend only one night at this place and what a night! I slept on my uniform, with no blanket--in one of the coldest night I have so far, at here in Iraq.

Morning came again and we were on the move AGAIN! Yes--back in the convoy. It was a shorter trip than the night before. I was able to see, the streets full of life and what a view……

Yeap!….nothing but trash and mud among the destruction, typical of the path of war every where; however, there were lots of people, dogs, cats and donkeys.

One of the soldiers that were the gunner of the vehicle was able to shot one photo of the streets from my camera. It was not a good shot but it was better than the view I was having inside the vehicle. Ultimately, we made it to our final destination…..

Yeap! Another mud hole!

Myself and other soldiers were fishing for our bags through 2 feet of water and mug, in which this container was setting.

This photo was taken by the gunner of the vehicle where I was traveling from

Ready to go on the road again!

Taji, mud as far as you can see!

2008-10-23T11:23:00.005+03:00

Yes, I made it to Taji, Baghdad and I must say, this is the biggest mud hole forgotten by God, I have ever seen. The terrain is cover in part by deep gravel brought by the US Army and despite their intention, there is nothing but mud any where you walk through.

First, they took us to a big warehouse calls Toomers Inn; it was better than a tent but still limited of comfort. This warehouse was located in the middle of no where, surrounded by mud fields and a junk yard of torn Iraqi vehicles dated since Desert Storm.

While at there, a big rain storm came among us and this mud land turn into little lakes of mud every where. The terrain here is a mix of sand, mud and clay that stick like a bad reputation to your boots and clothes. When it rains here, it literally pours, like the sky opened and dump all the water in this spot forgotten by God.

My boots turns from sand color to brown reddish color of mud as well my pants. I feel for the soldiers that actually stationed on this post, believe me its terrible. The dinner facilities are all right, with lots of choices but not as good as Biap. The PX store sucks…BIG TIME!

As days pass, the members of my unit were wit out one by one, to go to different locations in Iraq. As they went their way out, we said our goodbyes and remind each other that we will see each other in one year. After all these months together during training, it was sad to see some of them go while I was glad to see the despiteful ones leaving as well. I guess the Army has a little of everything when it comes to personalities.

I will be here until my turn to move out comes, where I will end up? only God knows…

One of the many motor pools in this region

A view of the type of vehicles use in this region

Note: First photo, the tent is set in about 2 feet of water, as many tents and areas in Taji.

Time To Fly Again!

2008-10-22T11:10:00.004+03:00

Good times don’t last long, since the time to pack, and be ready to fly came among us too fast, destination the city of Taji. However, this time--instead of going on a C17, the wild ride was on a Chinook Helicopter. Talking about wild ride, yes this one was indeed!

We were all waiting outside from the base’s walls, waiting for transportation towards the airport again. It was a windy night, full of noises of war echoing around us. On arrival to the airport, we all end up, laid down on the concrete of the parking lot waiting for the next available flight. An opportunity to fly that didn’t come until wee hours of the morning of next day.

As the time arrived, we put on all our IBAs (bullet vest) and helmets, and line up with our weapon in one hand and a carry-on on the other. In single files we walked thought the airfield towards this metal bird that just arrived for us.

We were not allowed to take photos, in order to avoid messing with the night vision of the crew, we went inside and took our seats. I was lucky enough to seat right beside the gunner. We took off in no time and as we move away from the base, I was able to have a clear view of the night life of the streets of Baghdad. There were lights every where as well people in the streets, which it increases the danger for us, up in the air. Flying low and in the dark, those forty five minutes felt like an eternity.

At one time, I noticed the gunner loading his machine gun in a hurry, it got me concern because for a moment he gave me the impression that we were about to be under fire any time. Thankfully, nothing happen and we continue our travel without any interruptions.

The time of arrival came among us and it was time to get up and run out of this metal bird. We were literally running away from the heat of the helicopter and toward a safe spot. Yes, we made it safe and sound to the city of Taji, Baghdad.

Outside the "T" concrete walls in Biap, Iraq"

First Day in Iraq

2008-10-21T11:16:00.013+03:00

After being transported from Biap Airport in Baghdad to our accommodations, these became the most impressive concrete fortress I have ever seen. Yes, the whole base is surrounded by 12 feet tall walls in any direction you look at it. I have to maneuver through labyrinth of concrete walls, to get to a dusty tent.

There was dust every where in that tent, I am surprise my allergies and sinus didn’t bather me after worth. Among the people on base, it was a mix of civilians and soldiers of different countries. During day and night, the machine guns and mortar can be heard in the distance, alone with black hawks’ helicopters flying over us, all day and night.

Their dinner facilities were more impressive than the one I saw in Kuwait. Definitely, soldiers at here can’t go hungry but at the same time, it opens the opportunity to become fat if they don’t work out regularly.

I hopped in the shuttle bus, alone with other soldiers, towards Camp Liberty. This camp is one of many around the area; the goal was to go to the main PX or shopping store.

It felt weird to travel through the streets of what used to be a beautiful place, now all destroyed. I was told that the whole place used to be the hunting ground of Sadam Hussein, (hope I spelled right).

I took as many photos the best I could, however there some limitation about taking pictures and what kind of pictures I can post online. While at the camp, I have the opportunity to bump among other people I have gone to school with as well been training with at Ft. Dix, NJ. Overall, it was a great day to wondering around Baghdad.

A view of my dusty tent

A view of the shower trailers among the concrete walls

Views of Baghdad

In our way to Iraq

2008-10-21T03:00:00.009+03:00

I have done a lot of daring and adventurous things in my life but I must admit that this deployment has become the top of the cake for sure. Since the day I left Ft. Dix NJ, I have put more air millage on my butt through the military than any airliner. Too bad, I can’t collect points for this! LOL

As the time came to move into Iraq; we were transported to an airport in the middle of no where while in Kuwait. As we walk towards the airplane which this time is a C17 aircraft, I must say that the view of all of us, getting inside this airplane was the most impressive I has seen.

We flight alone with all our bags into Iraq in the middle of the night, with no windows, no movies, and no complementary snacks either, just a bottle of water, alone with our entire heavy outfit and weapon. Younger soldiers were excited to be inside that aircraft and they started to take photos left and right of themselves and their friends.

Yes, it was a “Kodak Moment” for sure!

The aircraft started to tax around the airfield, this became the moment in which it really sunk-in the fact that I am going to be in the war zone in no time. As we take off, someone out of the crowd screamed his heart out. We all cracked laughing for it! After the laughs subsided, a moment of quietness came among us as we were gaining altitude. As I look around these soldier’s faces, I saw some praying while others were wiping their tear off from their faces.

Experiencing this moment, made my heart to bit so fast, that I have to take a deep breath to control myself and hold my tears from coming out.

The flight took about 45 minutes that felt like hours…as we landed; the back door opened as the aircraft tax the airfield towards its destination. After all our bags were taken from the aircraft by forklift, we placed our boots in Baghdad at 8:40PM. It became a moment of run with everything you got on, out of the aircraft.

As I moved away into the building, I was able to see the city lights of Baghdad as well flair from the sky from helicopters. Don’t know whether was an attack or just military practice, but for sure it was very impressive.

Yes, we are on the WAR ZONE!

Me, seating on the side seats of a C17

Soldiers exchanging cameras

Forklift picking up the cargo from the aircraft

First Days in Kuwait

2008-10-14T13:15:00.002+03:00

We arrived in Kuwait, on Oct 12 at 3:30 AM; first stop after getting out of the airplane was outside the airport, where we picked up water and rest for about 30 minutes. Then we traveled for about 2 hours on the highway from which the only things you can see was sand, fuel tanks and buildings. Tire and hungry, we arrived to one of many military camps in Kuwait. We formed up and got ready for more briefings, then drove to our barracks.

The barracks is nothing but a huge tent that holds up to 70 people, with air conditioner filled with army foldable beds ready to be use. Alone with bags and equipment, we were very cramp up into this tent with barely space to walk thru.

The weather it’s hot but not quite compare to Iraq as other say. Even on its 90F still was hot enough to suffocate into it. It’s like walking towards a blow dryer while on hot setting.

There were soldiers everywhere, some coming in, others waiting to leave back to the states. Among US soldiers there are the British and Australian Armies, I must say it is quite a display of different uniforms at here.

This post have everything a soldier might need, from a mighty chow hall, to Burger King, Subway, Taco Bell, Café places, phones, and internet. I am very impress by the amount of things available in post and the huge size of this FOB. The place is so huge, you can’t see the ending fence of it, and there is nothing else around but flat land full of sand.

Yeap, this will be home for a couple of days, until we will be again on the road to our final destination, Iraq.

A view of the tent city, where we were located

3rd Day in Iraq, morning surprise by overcast of sand

Departing From Ft. Dix NJ

2008-10-11T03:26:00.007+03:00

Finally, the day of departure has come alone with the stress to load everything and seat and wait for a long time. We started early morning to clean the barracks and pack anything left into our bags. Most of us, were carrying two duffel bags, one rucksack and one carry-on, alone with our weapons and gas mask, while others were carry all that and more military equipment and paperwork. Honestly, it was a stressful day indeed.

We departed from the barracks to the airport around 7:45PM and waited at there until 12:45AM, to board the plane. That plane departed exactly at 01:11AM from Ft. Dix, NJ and as it take off, my heart was about to take off from my chest as well. Honestly, I never thought this day will come but I have live through it.

They say, “Be careful for what you wish for” I can honestly feel that saying all over my soul.

Since 9/11, I had place myself in every volunteer list you can think of, that will take me to the battlefield, to be with my brothers and sisters, fighting side by side, for the freedom we ALL enjoy at home. Through the years, never became selected by any of these volunteer lists I have applied for, until the end of May of this year 2008.

First, sent to a civil affairs reclassification MOS class to become a 38B, and right after…orders of deployment. Everything happened so fast; however, here I come, fully loaded and ready for what they have for me. Next stop will be Germany, then Kuwait for a short stay before we set foot in Iraq, God helps us all…….

Loading our bags into a 18 wheeler

Me, seating at the airport..tire with not sleep, how so ever, LOL

Brave soldiers,they sleep where ever they can!

At Last...4 Days Pass!

2008-10-02T03:15:00.005+03:00

We finally made it through the combat training and the reward was a four day pass. Although I didn’t have a set plan of what I wanted to do on these days, I must say it came out to be, nice after all.

While some of the soldiers went home, others like me, stayed at the barracks with no specific plan. Honestly, I choose of not going home, since the first goodbye was painful enough, I don’t think my heart can go through a second one.

During the first 3 hours of the pass, I noticed how the barracks were getting desolated as soldiers were leaving in taxies, rental cars, with families or on foot. I was the last one remaining on my room and although I liked the idea to stay alone for a chance, the silent was not good enough. There was a MP (Military Police) company left behind alone with all the noises.

I walked to the bus station to stay away from the barracks environment for a while, and as I did so, I stumbled among friends of mine from Civil Affairs school, who where kind enough to invite me to spent a couple of days with them. I must say, sleeping in a hotel sofa with my own TV was heaven, compare to the barracks living style.

It was good; to stay away from the company area and from people I see everyday. Among those days, I went to malls and fewer stores, including Wal-Mart….gosh, I never thought of myself being happy in Wal-Mart! LOL

I also went to Philadelphia, however this time, instead of shopping…I went into a history tour.

Among places I went in Philadelphia, was “The Liberty Bell”, “Independence Hall”, “Betsey Ross’s House”, “Benjamin Franklin’s Post office and library”, “Benjamin Franklin’s grave”, and the “Independence Convention Center”.

We did so much walking among the streets of Philadelphia, I am surprise I was able to survive it. The only things I might regret, was of not be able to go to their science museum and be able to eat one of their Philly steaks sandwiches. Overall, the trip was worth it and a lot better than staying in the barracks reading books.

The return back to the barracks will be quite something, since we are getting ready to pack everything and depart to our next destination, Kuwait.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

President, for one day...NOT! LOL

Learning Through Pain

2008-09-27T03:02:00.006+03:00

During the past years, the Army have decide that having everyone train to do a medic’s job during combat, increase the chance of survival of any soldier, compare to the ones that just have to wait for a designated medic to come by. So, the Army created the “Combat Life Saver” course.

It is basic in nature, but enough to keep a soldier alive until real medic or doctors come by to further assist that fallen soldier to survive. The part that most soldier might hate, it’s when it comes to apply “IV” on each other.

Yes, this part takes apart the men from the boys!

For some reasons, there are people so afraid of needles, that in some rare cases they can’t go through this portion of the class without further assistant from the instructor.

In my case, I have no problem in finding others vein, when it comes to place an IV, but when it comes to me, they always end up placing the needle in the worst part of my body, my hand.

It hurts like hell--but thanks God, the girl that was sticking me with that long needle, was able to find my vein quick and without digging for it.

Like they said, “No pain, no gain”.

I must said, that through the years, in which I have been taking this course, I have seeing a quick improvement within techniques and new product in the market. Such advancement, made me feel more comfortable in applying what I have learn in any fallen soldier.

Trust me, I am in real pain as you can see me in this picture, I hate needles! LOL

Remembering September 11 at Ft. Dix NJ

2008-09-12T05:09:00.004+03:00

       It is, if I may say, “Amazing” how an act of terrorism makes us realize how vulnerable we are. Years have passed since September 11, and little by little Americans forgets that infamous day, by doing all kind of anti-war demonstrations without realizing that what happened on that particular day was an act of war itself against this nation.

       That particular day I was attending a speech class at my local junior college. The professor was pull by another one, to receive the news of what just happened. She came and turns the TV and in terror and dismay, we all watched how these two airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center Towers. Shortly after, the college’s ground were deserted, everyone went home in silent.

       Today, at Ft Dix, New Jersey on the Doughboy Parade Ground they celebrated September 11 in the most unusual way. The post’s fire department took this huge American Flag and placed it at high while everyone was gathering to view the country band “Lone Star” to play their music as a tribute to the victims of September 11.

       The ceremony started with a woman singing the American Spangler Banner and as its started, everyone turn towards this huge American flag, either with their hand in their heart or in salute mode by military personnel while the song continued on. Right after, came three minutes of silent, for the victims that perished that day, by turning the lights off from the park and into the darkness, everyone raised a blue light above their heads. It was a very significant moment for everyone present, when the lights were on, I saw people wiping their tears, not only from civilians but from military personnel as well.

       The country band “Lone Star” started their concert and I must say that they were awesome artists. This concert was totally free for everyone on post and I was lucky enough to have time to be present and enjoy a moment of freedom from my daily training. Even people that do not like country music were there, in front roll. I am sharing some of the photos I took on this particular night, hope you like them.

I Can't Go To Iraq, I Am Hearing Voices!

2008-09-10T22:58:00.000+03:00

       As you know, I am in the process to get deploy and send to Iraq soon. I was in the medical station where they check all the soldiers (GIs) to make sure they are in good medical standard to be send to war. I was in this particular station where they check your hearing to make sure you don't have more hearing lost than require.

       If you ever have one of these test, they put you in a noise proof booth, give you some headphones and a button to push every time you hear a beeping sound. This particular booth have 4 seats, so they can test 4 soldiers at the same time. In this particular day, there was 2 soldiers alone with me to get this hearing test. One was a black young man from Alabama and the other one a crazy hillbilly from Missouri(sorry for miss spell) and then me (Puertorrican).

       I was excited about the test, despite I have several of these test before and they found me normal, go figure, its the Army, LOL. This big staff Sergeant in charge, told us the instructions and closed the door of the booth with us inside ready to take this test.

       I don't know what the heck happens with these two fellows that were with me but one started to click the button before the sound come out and the other started to fart real nasty. I was praying to finish this test, since the agony these GIs put me through was too much. Finally, the test was finish and we were out of the booth and line up against the wall when this big black American staff Sergeant came to tell us the following:

Staff Sergeant: "OK, folks, this test have proved that you all have normal hearing and none of you suffer from tinnitus or ringing in the ears"

After a quick silent this GI from Missouri came out of the blues and stated: "That can't be possible Sergeant!"

Staff Sergeant: "Soldier, what you mean by can't be possible, your hearing its normal"

Missouri GI: "Sargent that impossible because I hear voices all the time"

       I looked back in dismay on what this soldier said, while the other GI from Alabama also stared at him. We knew immediately that this GI was trying to get off from being deploy to Iraq by such statement. I immediately jumped and screamed "I heard voices too Sergeant, all the time at different hours of the day and night". The GI of Alabama, followed sue by saying "Me too" and added "I see dead people!".

       The Staff Sergeant looked at the three of us with a dead serious face and said: "Ok, don't feel bad about hearing voices, I believe I am Napoleon Bonaparte but the Army said that I am deployable to Iraq"

He stamped our hearing test paper with a big red stamp saying "DEPLOYABLE".

       The 3 of us stepped out of that station and once far away from it, the Alabama GI told the GI from Missouri "Nice try butt hole, now that Staff Sergeant will refer us to the mental section". We all cracked laughing from it and shacked hands, after the faint attempt of sabotaging the opportunity to be send to war.

Freedom, For Just One Weekend

2008-09-05T16:08:00.009+03:00

       After few weeks of continuous training, the opportunity to have a weekend off came, but with limitations of where to go. Yes, they told us, to go anywhere but not more than 50 miles radius. How can you limit soldiers of where they go, after being in lock down with continuous training? I seriously doubt that anyone follows those rules….

       Yes, I was one among those that did not follow; I went to Philadelphia and Atlantic City!

       Despite that, the awful weather was threaten to mess up our plans, three girls and myself went to rent a car for the weekend. First stop, The Gallery Mall in downtown Philadelphia. This huge 5-story mall with an underground train station was too much for my taste, but I endured the 6 hours shopping spree for sure, among dealing with the local populous.

       It was pouring rain outside with heavy winds and despite that, people never stop coming to the mall, quite a view for an “economy in crisis” as the tabloids refer to.

       The following Sunday, we headed to Atlantic City. A city full of shops, restaurants, and casinos and as its typical to be in company of women, yes…you guessed it…shopping spree again.

       While my friends were shopping, I was envisioning of sitting in the sand in front of the Atlantic Ocean for few minutes. After all, I have not seen the ocean since 2003 from my last trip to Biloxy, MS. I got my wish, but not to be there for a long while, and admire the vast ocean at my leisure. At least, I can say, I was very near and able to take few pictures of it.

       While at there, we had dinner at “The Rainforest Café”. It was quite an experience, to be eating and suddenly see the mechanical animals going crazy every 30 minutes. We sat near an elephant that was getting louder every time it comes out. At one moment, I thought our booth caught on fire, since a mist or smoke was coming out of the vegetation around us. It was part of the scenario of this restaurant, alone with the waiters dressing like zookeepers.

       We came back more tire than we went after a hard week of training but for sure, it was nice to get out, wear civilian cloths and just felt free for just one weekend.

Rollover Beethoven!

2008-09-04T02:33:00.003+03:00

       No, I am not going to write about the song; instead, it will be about one of the reasons soldiers get kill in Iraq. Despite angry crowd, snipers or suicide bombers---IED or Improvise explosive device---still the main killer in Iraq. In most cases, the detonation of these IED causes military vehicles to rollover causing serious injuries and death.

       The US Army came with a new approach to train our soldiers to survive a rollover vehicle. They built a military vehicle or HMV into a rollover platform, to create “muscle memory” into soldiers, giving an idea of how it feels like to be up side down in a vehicle and what to do in such event.

       Trust me on this, the sensation of been upside down wearing helmet, bulletproof vest and weapon, plus heavy equipment inside the vehicle, is not good AT ALL.

       I have heard horrible stories of soldiers getting trapped inside their vehicles while on fire, been ejected from the vehicle or of a gunner been cut in half while rollover.

       At the beginning of this training I was anxious and apprehend of the unknown, since I have never been in the situation of a rollover and nerveless been sold into the use of seat belts.

       I do not know how long the US Army has been using this simulator but for sure, I hope they keep it. The training was a revelation and something to think about while in Iraq.

Thumbs up, US Army! Good Job!

Photo taken by SGT Lougee, E.

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