Iraqi Freedom
In May of 2004, I got the call to report for duty, my first assignment in the Middle East.
Like all others who had gone before me I was apprehensive and anxious.
The mind is a strange thing, and the thoughts passing through it as the departure day approached, were to say the least somewhat mixed.
But there was this calm, because I had made a decision at least that was one thing less I had to worry about.
The Military Family
My family were foremost on my mind, what if something happened to me when I was away, who would care for them, would they feel unloved because of my decision to go away or did the think it selfish of me.
I landed in Kuwait on the 16th of May 2004, it was early in the morning around 06.30 in the morning and the first thing I can still remember was the ferocious heat that blasted into my face as the automatic doors of Kuwait International Airport separated to allow me into this country, where I would spend a lot of the next four years.
For anyone not familiar with Kuwait, the first thing that will test your resolve to be patient is getting through immigration, be prepared to wait at least an hour and sometimes longer for officials to return your passport with your visa that will allow you into the country for ninety days.
If you want to stay longer and work this requires you to obtain a visa 18, a much more complicated and lengthy process, and my advice to you is to book the services of a good agent.
Military Rings and Kuwait
During my time in Kuwait, I was on Camp Victory, Camp Virginia, Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring, LSA and Camp Doha.
My assignments in Iraq were in Balad, Camp Annaconda.
This was my first experience of what war was all about, the roar of the jets taking off on their missions at night, the rattle of machine gunfire around the perimeter of the camp.
Going to sleep and then to be woken up during the night to run to the bomb shelters for safety, this could happen a few times during the night, and I must say the nicest memory of the place was waiting at the PAX terminal to get to hell out of the there.
My thoughts are always with the ones who would not be comming home and of course to their loved ones.
Military Rings and Home-Sickness
I remember on the 3rd of May spending my birthday sitting on top of a container, which was my bunker, my home and which now held my few possessions and at night my dreams.
Those were dreams of beautiful other half Eleanor, my two daughters and three fine sons who supported me at all times, and my Mum and Dad and other siblings.
I spoke to soldiers, who were right on the front line, who were injured, some whose buddies had been killed, but I was always impressed by the sheer determination of these fine young men to get the job done and make this world a better place.
Its these fine young men that we shall always owe a debt of gratitude to, for our freedom.
In years to come, lets remember these men as brave warriors, and look after them as they go into the autumn of their lives.
Lets no let history repeat itself.
Whatever administration we elect to manage our affairs and run our country, demand of them, the acknowledgement of these fine young men the make up all the Dept’s of our Military, and who fought for our freedom.
Are we ever really free? —————-
Now the Soldier’s Creed might make Sense to all who read it.
The Soldier’s Creed
I am an American Soldier.
I am a member and a warrior of a team.
I serve the the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat. I will never quit.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and
Proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I will always maintain my arms my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the
United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
Guide and protect me and my fellow soldiers and deliver us safely home to our loving fanilies.
I ask that I do what I have to do with compassion and fairness.
Deployment Information
What You Need To Know
When any young man or woman joins the military especially in the present climate they are nearly certain to spend a little time of their years in the service on deployment outside the country of their birth.
Now rather than been downbeat about this try and look at it another way, you will get the opportunity to travel at the expense of the government, travel to places that you would normally never dream of going near, and experience the diverse cultures that exists outside your own comfort zone.
What To Bring.
- If you are a religious person a bible or a prayer book will help a great deal, and I have spoken to soldiers on deployment who before they left the US would never read or say a prayer and now today would advocate the comfort they experienced by reading the wartime prayer book.
- Photos of loved ones help a great deal, put them in your billfold or in your military accomodation and show them off to your friends.
- Bring some cd’s or other forms of music that remind you of good times back whom.
- Your address book with all you addresses so that you can send the odd post card, and let me tell you their is nothing as nice as to get a hand written letter from someone, if in this modern age of communications a letter is so treasured.
- Purchase your self a nice custom military ring from Military rings.com
- and put some details on their that will remind you of good times you had with your buddies or family.
- Bring your personality with you, have a laugh and surround your self with good, true and honest friends when on deployment.
What You Need To Do
Get to know your host country, the culture and the terrain, simple things like how to greet people, this will open a lot of doors for you.
Remember what is accepted at home is not necessaraily the same in the host country.
Always Remember You Are Loved and Treasured.
