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DEL.ICIO.USGetting there is half the battle
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ali Al-Salem Air Base, Kuwait — Iraq certainly isn’t the world’s most popular destination these days — I can think of a lot of folks who would give anything to get out — but who would have thought it would be so difficult to get a flight into Baghdad?
Photographer Bita Honarvar and I have been waiting in Kuwait to catch a military flight into Baghdad International Airport for almost a week.
Our first attempt Friday was foiled by luggage lost on the way in from Atlanta. We waited patiently several days while Air France and KLM searched for our missing bags and finally were able to return them to their rightful owners — us.
Saturday, we were put on standby. The flight was full.
We tried again Sunday morning, starting our journey at 1 a.m.. With no sleep that night, we traveled by bus on a lonely highway to Ali Al-Salem Air Base, about an hour’s drive from Kuwait City. We waited while our papers were processed; our bags checked by a bomb-sniffing dog that arrived late and then had to be excused for a bathroom break.
About 20 soldiers going back to Baghdad after leaves at home joined the two of us and a dozen federal employees and American contractors from various companies such as DynCorp International, which provides a variety of services to the government from security to base operations.
The soldiers entertained themselves by playing cards. Others found a corner to stretch out and make up for lost sleep. I watched the Yanks battle the A’s on a big-screen television set in a modest on-base entertainment facility. I never did find out who won the game.
As the sun rose and breakfast time came and went, U.S. Air Force soldiers trickled in to catch a game of pool and chat with their buddies.
Finally, at about 9 a.m., word came that the flight had been cancelled due to a blinding sandstorm in the Baghdad area.
With droopy eyes, we drove back to Kuwait City and waited for a Monday morning plane. Shortly before we were to leave, that flight, too, was cancelled. The C-17 had been loaded with armored cargo and could not take any more weight on board. Guess who got bumped?
We’re on our way back to the air base Monday night to try again. We are eager to reach Baghdad, meet the soldiers of the 48th Brigade Combat Team and begin our assignment.
We’re hoping the third time will be the charm.
The AJC’s year-long coverage of the 48th Brigade Combat Team at war continues with reporter Moni Basu and photographer Bita Honarvar. Both spent time with the unit during training in California earlier this year and are experienced journalists with a number of previous overseas assignments. Bita spent time in Afghanistan following the fall of the Taliban and was in Iraq shortly after the end of major combat operations. Moni covered the devastating 2001 earthquake in India, traveled to Cuba in 2002 with former President Jimmy Carter, reported from Saddam Hussein’s Iraq in late 2002 prior to the start of the war and teamed with Bita in 2003 for an examination of post-war Iraq.
Comments
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By Tracy Perryman
July 25, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this
Hi Moni, This is Tracy Perryman SFC Ronnie Perryman wife from the 118th FA,,, Keep your chin up for all of us are behind you girl!! We miss you and when u do get there give my hubby a hug and kiss for me!! I will be watching and reading everything you do,,,,,Keep it coming… Your Friend, Tracy Perryman Rincon,GA
By W
July 25, 2005 06:35 PM | Link to this
Hi Moni, I’m not really a sports fan but I checked on ABC7.com (LA) and found that the Angels won 8-6 over the Yankees last Saturday. I hope that is the one you were writing about watching but didn’t know the score.
By Geneva Reed
July 25, 2005 09:40 PM | Link to this
I am praying for the entire unit 248 MICO and special prayers for my friend and sister Captain Josie Hobbs. With Love Geneva
By Ann
July 25, 2005 11:10 PM | Link to this
My Fiancee is comming home Wednesday. He was suppose to be here Monday. What happen you asked? The sandstorm kept him at the Baghdad Airport for two days. The same one that kept you from going in. At least he isn’t out in the field getting shot at so its not so bad. He had told me that there has been soldiers waiting on the same seat he was on for 5 days just to go on leave, so going in and going out is difficult.
By 1SG Smallwood
July 25, 2005 11:17 PM | Link to this
Moni, Enjoy the down time you have at the moment. Your accommodations in Baghdad have been taken care of. Just relax, and let the system work it’s wonderful magic. You are on IRAQI time now. Be safe.
By Robert Hobbs
July 26, 2005 08:08 AM | Link to this
Hi Moni & Bita,
Yep, getting there is half the fun all right. Took me seven tries to get to Baghdad from Qatar last year due to flight problems. Be patient and you’ll get there. Be drinking plenty of bottled water every day to stay hydrated.
Your Friend in Rex,
Robert
By Janicia
July 26, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this
Thank you AJC for continuing this follow up of the 48th. You have no idea how much we look forward to reading your blog each day.
By SFC Robbin LEWIS
July 26, 2005 10:21 AM | Link to this
To my Friend Josie Hobbs god bless and keep you in his arms
By Perry
July 26, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this
Hi Moni and Bita, when you get to Baghdad, in addition to covering the 48th, look up the 209th Public Affairs Detachment. They are based out of Rome, GA and are running the Armed Forces station there.
By Mary
July 26, 2005 03:35 PM | Link to this
Moni and Bita, Are you there yet????? If you are at Camp Stryker for any period of time please include a few words about the 148th SB. Their families would like to hear what they are doing and maybe see a picture or two. Godspeed and stay safe.
By Glenmore
July 27, 2005 06:30 PM | Link to this
Much as I like having reporters in Iraq to keep us informed, I am glad they ‘bumped’ you in favor of ‘armored cargo’. (I am sure you are too.)