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DEL.ICIO.USRoad to danger
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Baghdad, Iraq — The medians along the road were dotted with the stumps of date palms that once provided cover for insurgents taking aim at foreigners.
The three-Humvee convoy driven by soldiers of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team avoided giant craters in the four-lane road, reminders that this was once deemed the most dangerous stretch of highway in Iraq, maybe even the world.
Bita Honarvar/AJC
A Humvee rolls along the BIAP (Baghdad International Airport) Road, or Route Irish as the military calls it, toward the airport Monday.
They were traveling the road where U.S. forces opened fire on a car carrying an Italian journalist and where American aid worker Marla Ruzicka was killed by a car bomb back in April. This was the road that prompted travelers to say a prayer before they began driving.
It’s only a six-mile ride from the Baghdad International Airport, known here as BIAP, to the heart of Baghdad traveled daily by scores of soldiers, diplomats, aid workers, journalists and, of course, Iraqi citizens.
Many of the foreigners head to what’s known as the “Green Zone,� the heavily fortified area in the Iraqi capital that is home to U.S. military headquarters and other nations’ embassies.
BIAP road got so dangerous that a helicopter service was started to shuttle foreigners in and out of the Green Zone. It depends on who you are, but the waits for a seat can be long.
It’s easier to drive the short distance on the BIAP road, but not safer.
Spc. Jermaine Pickett, a recent graduate of DeVry University, said he makes the drive every week as part of the 48th Brigade’s security detail into the Green Zone. He said “Route Irish,� as the military calls it, has been calmer since Georgia’s citizen soldiers arrived in Iraq in early June.
After months of rampant bomb attacks and snipers, the military swept through Route Irish. Now, along with U.S. soldiers, Iraqi Army and Iraqi police stand guard along the way, especially along overpasses and off ramps, looking for suspicious behavior.
U.S. military vehicles use sirens at intersections and have the right of way. Other traffic must stop to let the Humvees pass.
“We haven’t encountered any problems so far,� said Spc. Shawn O’Kelley, a volunteer firefighter from Watkinsville who works for a glass company. “But think about where you are. You’re never really safe here.�
Comments
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By Spc.antonio Williams
August 5, 2005 02:57 PM | Link to this
Please let us all take the time out to say thanks for those soldiers who put life and limb on the line. Let’s not make just one day to honor the fallen,let’s take every moment of the day, hour,minute,….yes….even seconds…to remember the soldiers we call love ones!!!!!!! Spc. Williams 3rd army soldier!!!!!!!!! Freedom Rules
By Jean D
August 5, 2005 08:54 PM | Link to this
Only recently I found out that My Son Sgt. Daniel takes Route Irish on a daily basic taking Fellow Soldiers to the airport who are headed home on Their 2 week leave, My heart sink to My feet each time I hear of a humvee being blown up, Sgt.V. Daniel is My only child and I ask Jesus everyday to bring Him and all the other wonderful Men and Women of Our 48th home safetly. Pray for them all. write to them, call them and send letters and care packages one after another. Show that We are thankful,don’t just say it.Love You SGT. V.Daniel,Top, SGT. B. Westbrook, Ladd and the rest of You, God Bless
By Charles
August 6, 2005 03:45 PM | Link to this
I too am a fellow Georgian serving in Iraq. Not with the 48th BDE but on avtive duty out of Ft Carson. On a Medevac Flt crew that supports the Baghdad area i can assure all family memebers, friends and love ones that no one will pay the ultimate sacrifice on my watch. I have not lost any US soldiers the whole time i have been here since Dec 04 and i will not start now. Rest assured we will take care of each other and come home safely to our families and friends
By Carol Neal
August 10, 2005 04:05 PM | Link to this
Hello Jimmie, I have being reading the news about your unit I am very sorry about your fellow soldiers deaths. May God bless and keep you’ll. I am praying 24 hrs a day. I miss you so much . I am very, very proud of you darling and I support all the way. Take care of yourself and be safe.
Your Wife, Carol NealBy Carol Neal
August 10, 2005 04:13 PM | Link to this
Hello Jimmie, How are things going besides the heat and the dust storms. Ilove You very much and miss a lots. Cocoa says hello (smile). Everyone is getting along pretty goods I am very proud to be your wife Hugges and kisses.
Your wife, Carol Neal