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Monday, October 3, 2005
‘Serving’ in Iraq
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Camp Taji, Iraq — People will go to great lengths to keep habits going, even in a war zone.
LOUIE FAVORITE/AJC
Spc. Steve Croft practices his forehand at Camp Taji.
Spc. Steve Croft’s habit is tennis. He has been playing since he was 12. He now coaches the sport at the Frederica Academy on St. Simons Island.
There are no tennis courts here, but Croft has found a way to get his tennis fix.
There is a concrete bunker in the parking lot next to one of the mess halls. It’s a perfect surface.
He leans his rifle up against the bunker where he can see it in the morning sunlight. And then he effortlessly switches from forehand to backhand, bouncing the ball against the bunker.
“It allows me to work out. Unlike a partner, the wall never misses,” said Croft, 38, who teaches English at the academy.
A few problems. Croft has to dodge the trucks pulling in and out of the lot. The ball occasionally sails over the bunker. And then there is the loose gravel all around him.
But Croft doesn’t let any of that deter him. Tennis is his game. He is determined to keep playing.
