AJC.com > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > June > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStaying connected is a chore
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Curtis Compton/AJC
Sgt. Monte Franks, 35, of Rock Mart holds a picture of his son, Tristan, 8, and daughter, Rose, 5, as he talks with them and his wife, Cari, from the Internet Cafe. Franks said his daughter said, “Daddy, you can hold a picture of me when you talk to me on the phone.”
Forward Operating Base St. Michael, Iraq - As a result of numerous e-mails from families and friends of 48th Brigade Combat Team soldiers asking why they haven’t heard from their loved ones yet, I thought it appropriate to provide a short description of some of the things they must do here to reach out to people at home.
The “Internet Cafe” at this base is about the size of a double-wide trailer. It sits in a dusty corner of this dusty place, surrounded by concrete walls that protect it from daily mortar and rocket attacks.
Soldiers are required to wear helmets and body armor whenever they venture outside, but they can shed them once inside. A wooden rack between the walls provides a place to stow the heavy, protective gear while the soldiers are online.
Inside the trailer are 10 phones and 20 personal computers, only about two-thirds of which are functioning at any particular time. That average is remarkable since most of the computer equipment is at least 10 years old. If there’s a heaven for office equipment, this stuff will surely go there because its life on this earth has been hellish.
Laptops with smashed and broken keys are linked to separate keyboards so that they can still function. And even those keyboards are cheap throw-aways whose springs are worn out and keys stick from years of hard use.
The one I’m working on now, for example, requires forceful pinky fingers to make capitals because the “shift” keys must be held down firmly.
To get to the phones and computers, soldiers have to wait for 30 minutes or more at peak times. The most desired online times are first thing in the morning, while it’s still late evening at home, or, late at night, when it’s early afternoon at home. (Iraq is eight hours ahead of Georgia time.)
Soldiers, particularly the younger ones, prefer Instant Messaging and video conferencing to straight e-mail, so they fill the Internet Cafe during hours their friends are likely to be online. In “researching” this story, I glanced at the computer screens of a few instant messagers around me to find out what they were talking about.
I was always pretty good at sneaking peaks at smarter kids’ test sheets at school, so I figured my chances of getting caught in this breach of Internet etiquette were pretty slim.
But my blushing face might have easily given me away. These Army boys and girls aren’t shy about describing exactly what they intend to do to each other when they get home, the manner in which they will do it or the duration of the activities.
The computers operate at a glacial pace, especially when the Internet Cafe is full of phone users. The phones work on “voice over Internet protocol,” so they demand lots of bandwidth.
When the phone lines are full, which is virtually all the time, the Internet slows to a trickle. Simply checking e-mail or sending a few text messages is a time-consuming process — and each soldier is limited to 30 minutes.
Some soldiers say they prefer e-mail or even hand-written letters to telephone calls. There’s an awkward pause as the signal makes its way around the world, and it’s easy to feel tongue-tied and clumsy. The soldiers want to put on a brave face, but hearing loneliness and hurt in a spouse or child’s voice is almost too much to bear when they know there’s nothing they can do to fix it from 8,400 miles away.
Also, it’s hard for those of us who have never been in the military to realize how hard soldiers in a war zone work. It’s not an 8-to-5 job.
On the short walk here, I passed a group of soldiers in about half a dozen armored Humvees who had recently finished a combat patrol. Evidently, they were still on call because their vehicles were idling and they were dressed in full “battle rattle” despite the stifling mid-afternoon heat.
I nodded at one of the drivers but he ignored me. Then I noticed the soldier in the back of his Hummer was flopped face-down in the baggage area, sound asleep atop a mountain of gear. As I continued walking, I encountered a group of about five more soldiers who had found a rare bit of shade. They were sprawled on the filthy ground, rifles beside them, exhausted.
It was only then that I realized the driver who had ignored me wasn’t being rude. Strapped into the driver’s seat, rifle on his lap, he wasn’t even awake.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Christy Ferunden
June 1, 2005 05:38 PM | Link to this
I am the wife of CPT. Michael Ferunden, Commander of the 1/118 Service Battery. You posted a story about a soldier who was killed in an accident in Kuwait. Sgt. Gillican was a soldier in my husbands unit. The picture of Michael at the memorial service for his soldier, that he truly admired and respected was very touching.I cannot imagine the emotional strain these guys are under and they are in my prayers daily. I was hoping that maybe you could get a picture of my husband smiling to give me a little peace that he is okay. I know the top of his head is really cute but he has the most gorgeous blue eyes and smile you will ever see. Please keep praying for the Gillican family. Thank you for the coverage of the 48th brigade it really helps me feel closer to my husband. Michael, I love you. God Speed. Christy ferunden, Covington, Georgia.
By Dorothea Graham
June 1, 2005 06:02 PM | Link to this
I have been very blessed to talk to my husband each day. He does say that the lines are bad, and some days the line is worse than a cell phone with bad service. The calls keep us and our kids going.We miss you Sgt. Graham.
By Glenda Welsh
June 1, 2005 06:29 PM | Link to this
What can be done to get these boys better communication access, such as new computers donated?
By BLF
June 1, 2005 08:36 PM | Link to this
Thank you for the description of the FOB, and the communications available to the soldiers. Familes do tend to get a little worried when its been a period of time with nothing but silence from their soldier. It’s a shame the computers are in such poor condition. Would the Atlanta Journal Constitution knowing this information be compelled to send 10 new up-to-date Desktop Computers to this particular FOB so the soldiers would have better equipment to work with? I believe it only takes 2 weeks for a shipment of boxes to reach Iraq military areas. Three weeks at the most. It would be a shame to see these dino PC’s go to the big “heaven” in the PC sky, and the soldiers be left with only one or two PC’s to share amoung the many that are there protecting our Freedoms, liberties, and assisting the Iraqi people with their’s as well. God Bless our Soldiers BLF
By maria gomez
June 1, 2005 08:38 PM | Link to this
hi my name is maria gomez and i a’m so happy to read at least a little bit of what my husband does every day it keeps me in a stage becouse if this ajc.com was not here i would be woried allways thinking how are they doing, or whats going on over there and it makes me feel more gathered with them just knowing how they are. thank you DAVE HIRSCHMAN YOUR STORIES ARE GRATE AND KEEP ME UNWORIED AT TIMES SENCIERLY , MARIA GOMEZ,(WIFE OF SPC.ARNULFO GOMEZ)
By Tracy Ledford
June 1, 2005 11:13 PM | Link to this
Thanks for your article Staying connected..” My soldier,Sgt. Jason Ledford/248th MICO, has told me how difficult and time consuming it has been for them to get to a computer and/or phone. He had tried to describe the internet cafe and the photo looked just as he said. Your articles and photos are becoming an everyday part of my life in an attempt to feel connected somehow to my husband. I wish they had the same opportunity as we are getting to keep up with us. Thanks again for what you are doing. I’ve read that you will be there until July. What will we do without you after that????? Be Safe, Tracy Ledford
By Penny Schneider
June 1, 2005 11:15 PM | Link to this
Thank you for giving me that personal “day in the life” of our soldiers feeling. You are doing a great job at keeping the families back home informed. Thank you very much from a proud soldier’s wife!
By Nan Keezer
June 1, 2005 11:23 PM | Link to this
You are with my son-in-law, Erich, father of three boys. I grateful to receive your updates and look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for keeping us connect through your work.
By Laura Lee
June 2, 2005 12:29 AM | Link to this
My thanks goes out to the AJC and it’s coverage of our troops. I know many friends and families of our troops are concerned about what they should and should not discuss via internet, phones, letters, etc. I was concerned also because all I want to do is what is best for my husband and his fellow soldiers, so I obtained a copy of OPSEC (Operations Security) from my local Armory. This information is very helpful in putting worried minds at rest when they are frustrated about what they can and can’t mention about our troops. If you worry that the Atlanta Journal Constitution is putting out too much critical information check with your local Armory and see if they have a copy of the OPSEC guide for family and friends of our troops and let us go back to praising our embedded reporters from the AJC for a wonderful job of sharing this appreciated information with us back at home.
By J. Ballenger
June 2, 2005 07:46 AM | Link to this
Each day I eagerly read your section on the 48th Brigade. It makes me feel more connected to my son, John. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of what they experience on a daily basis.
By Frances Siple
June 2, 2005 09:38 AM | Link to this
We are all anxious and hoping to hear from our soldiers. Being parted from our loved ones is at times unbarable. Everyday, the headlines read, “…US troops killed in Iraq today… BAGHDAD, Iraq - A car bomb explosion killed… identities of the slain soldiers have not yet been released pending next-of-kin notificationâ€? I know I spend my whole day thinking about those headlines. When I get home the red flashing LED from my phone causes my heart to pound and my fingers to shake as I download for my messages online. Today my stomach lurches as I do not recognize the number displayed on the Caller ID. The message is 3:15 minutes. I press the play button and hold my breath. I let out a trembling sigh and tears spring forward in gratitude. I have to pay my car note—it is late. I doubt I’ve ever been so happy to hear a collection call ever!! Today he is alive. I for one, appreciate AJC reporter Dave Hirschman and photographer Curtis Compton for sharing what the 48th is upto. It is MOST comforting! Their dedication to recording this history, our history, is admirable. Thank you. Oh, and if you happen to see our medic,PFC Pedro “Cesar” Mendez ask him if he’s found “The Brick” our Dad left it there in ‘91. He’ll know what I mean. Thanks guys!!
By Carolyn Morgan
June 2, 2005 09:44 AM | Link to this
I have enjoyed your articles very much and I think it is wonderful of you to spend your time with our soldiers of the 48th. I have friends that are in that unit.
After viewing the photos and reading the articles on what the soilders had to comicate with I was shocked to see such poor equipment. You would think our men and women who are there fighting for our freedom would have better equipment so they could stay in touch with their families.
It’s really sad to see what our soldiers have to go through to be able to communicate with their familes. Why can’t something be done about this condition? If our government won’t do anything about it why can’t donations be made to get them better equipment and service.
Sincerely,
Carolyn R. Morgan
By LaJacinth
June 2, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this
Thank you for putting my mind at ease. I had heard from my soldier last week and I was worried because I hadn’t received his mailing address as of yet. Thank you for all you do and please let SGT PHILIP TRAVIS of the 48th HHC/148th FSB that he is loved beyond measure and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!(June 7) Forever Your Honey La’Jacinth J. Curry
By E. Atkinson
June 2, 2005 12:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks so much for what you are doing. I feel that you let us at home know what is going on with our loved ones. God bless you! Please let us know about our guys in the other units too. My son Nat (Pvt.1st class) is with the 2/121 and is a mechanic. He is 19 years old and is at Camp Stryker. Maybe you could feature that camp if you have time. Thank you for your photos and reports. They mean a lot. E.Atkinson
By Jeff Wilson
June 2, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this
Thank you Dave Hirschman for your efforts in bringing the news from Iraq to our internet Please let Srgt First Class Joseph W. Wilson Jr. from the 108th Armor unit his brother Jeff and family are praying for his safe return and also praying for the entire Brigade Unit to come home safe Go get m Gi I Joe Love Ya Peace out
By Sherry
June 2, 2005 03:19 PM | Link to this
Thanks for for the great coverage and photos. My husband is in the 48th and it is great reading about their everyday lives in Iraq; it helps me feel a little more connected. I just wish they had more phone lines and computers over there. I’d love to here from my husband more :)
I wish all the soldiers a speedy return. God Bless You All!
Sherry Strickland 248th MICO Spouse
By Devon Starnes
June 2, 2005 04:30 PM | Link to this
Thank You so much for keeping my family up to date on what is going on in Iraq. I feel sometimes I am closer to my Daddy when I read the section on the 48th Birgade in the AJC. I think as if You Guys are serving our Country just like my Daddy PFC Robert J. Starnes. Without You; how would we know how are soldiers are doing? Thank You!
P.S. Will You tell my Daddy his family misses him very much; but not to worry about anything. We are ok because I am the man of the house just like You said. We love You!
By Marie
June 2, 2005 11:51 PM | Link to this
Well………first of all this isn’t eighth grade. Second of all……the guys notice when you are looking at their screens even if they do not outwardly show it….these are men that understand the smallest nuance of human behavior….their lives depend on it……my recommnendation…..do not intrude on private IM chats. We get little enough privacy to share intimate thoughts with our soldiers as is without you intruding on the most private of moments. Then to share with the world what we might be saying is a breach of our privacy. Report about things that are relevent and important for the world to know and leave our private moments with our loved ones who we miss and love alone. They deserve that.
By Amanda Zerzan
June 3, 2005 09:43 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to give a shout out to Kevin Ruppe! We love & miss you, and are praying for y’all everyday! Sending a “squish” from Athens, GA. Love, Amanda Zerzan & Martha Beckley
By Teresa
June 4, 2005 07:40 AM | Link to this
First off GREAT job guys. I log on each moring and rush to the computer time I get home. I look forward to reading your articles. Second the lady that seemed to be upset that you breach her privacy is not accurate. To enlighten us about the general topics they discuss is not a breach. Now had you said PFS Jones told his wife that etc… you get the picture then that would be a breach.
So I praise you and all of our soliders. Keep up the good work. Post more pictures, and keep your head down.
God speed to all.
By Stephen D. Smith
June 4, 2005 01:21 PM | Link to this
AJC, I sincerely appreciate your information updates about all of the units, especially my unit (Aco. 1/121st INF.). I was a Platoon Sergent for the 3rd Plt. A Co. 1/121 Inf. I retired in November 2004.To hear about the attack upon my brethern after only a week in country, made my heart stop. I pray for these guys each and every day. Please, please keep posting whatever unclassified info you can about this unit. Hoooooah! Thanks, SSG S.D. Smith (Ret.)
By cindy
June 4, 2005 02:12 PM | Link to this
Dear David and Curtis from the bottom of my heart for all the time you are speinding in such a dangerous place to let us know more about our loved ones and their conditions. I admit I also am now on the jump on the computer train. I log into AJC first thing in the morning, several times during the day and again of course just before retiring at the end of the day. My husband was very frustrated with me when I bothered him about emailing me more, so I just had to let go and not put pressure on him like that so instead I look to the AJC to see how he and his team is doing. I told him that I can easily do that because I know there are alot of families putting up with alot more than that at this time. I’m sorry, I am rambling, but again thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely, Cindy Thurman
By Marie
June 4, 2005 05:48 PM | Link to this
I would just like to respond to Teresa….I am sorry that you disagree however I do still indeed feel that it is a breach of privacy…. NUMBER ONE to be looking at another persons private conversation and then further to report on it no matter how “general” the assignation might be. It would be different if these types of conversations could be saved for a totally private moment but since that is not possible then common courtesy would hopefully dictate discretion and respect. With all due respect to you Teresa and the fine well intentioned reporter, I stand behind my initial posting, I personally find it offensive and if you do not and that is certainly your right…then please give Dave your husbands name so that he can “generally” report on what you have to say privately to your husband, thereby leaving me free to not worry about who besides the man I love might be reading words meant only for him. What a wonderful solution don’t you think?
By Debbie Lipscomb
June 5, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this
Can we send some keyboards over there to be used? I’m sure there are some newer ones, or even perhaps some computer distributor would donate some. I want to help. Tell me what is allowed.
By Wendy Braud
June 5, 2005 04:30 PM | Link to this
I think it is a shame that there aren’t any better computers for the soldiers. My brother-in-law who works at Robins AFB says that the base has many computers that are not being used. And they are still good. The government should see about sending those extra computers to our troops.
By james
June 5, 2005 05:50 PM | Link to this
Staying in touch is wonderful; however that very same cell phone has a GPS transponder in it and can be used by the enemy to pinpoint location of american and coalition forces. whata price to pay the lives of our soldiers so you can talk to your husband — think about it — although deployments can be hard and the sacrifice is greatly appreciated by the people of the US, folks need to make sure those few moments of conversation don’t lead to more injured or wounded soldiers.
By cindy
June 6, 2005 12:11 AM | Link to this
Was anyone able to find out if keyboards could be donated?
By Helen Parks
June 6, 2005 03:58 PM | Link to this
Thanks for a job well done. My son is in the 48th and it helps me a lot to read your stories and see a little of what the soldiers everyday lives are like. Thanks Again. Mother to Spc. J. Parks Bco 2-121
By Dave Hirschman
June 7, 2005 12:13 AM | Link to this
If anyone would like to donate computer equipment, please pack it well and send it to:
SFC Greg Simmons HHC 1-108 AR, 48 BCT, 3ID APO AE 09372
Greg will make sure it gets to the right place. Warm Regards,
Dave Hirschman
By Billie
June 8, 2005 04:32 PM | Link to this
Came across your web site looking for information on my son Sgt. Flynn. He is with the 48th and we have only heard from him when he first arrived. Every day I worry and I wait to hear how he is and wanted to say Thank you for the News Updates, they do help.
By Harlene Kegley
June 9, 2005 08:21 AM | Link to this
My husband, Walter Kegley Sr., just retired as the command Sgt. Major of the 48th Brigade. He has been in the military (Marines and Ga. Guard) almost all of our 38 yrs. of marriage. Some say that makes me an old pro at dealing with military life. However,it never is easy sending your loved one to war. When your husband leaves part of you leaves also,but I have discoverd something else. There is another feeling you get when your son leaves for war. My son Walter Kegley Jr. is also in the 48th Brigade, serving in Iraq. There are no words that can describe a mother’s feelings for her child. It’s in your gut,your heart, your whole being. I thank you for your support for these guys. You are putting yourself at risk to help keep us informed. This is new to me beause my husband, being a Vietnam vet, was out of contact to me for up to 4-6 months at a time back then. My son is the gunner in Capt. Lassiters bradley( co B 2-121). If you see him please tell him we love him and our prayers are with all of you. My husband is currently in Kosovo helping to train US soldiers there. Thanks again.
Harlene Kegley