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DEL.ICIO.USA cold hard rain
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tal Afar, Iraq — Mention of Iraq conjures up images of hot, dusty towns. A few nights ago, it felt much more like Atlanta in early March.
It started drizzling in the evening and by midnight, the skies had burst open.
The cold winter’s rain pounded down on the metal containerized housing units that dot Forward Operating base Sykes. Ever been in a house with a tin roof? This is louder.
Lightning lit up the entire base, where it is normally pretty dark. The thunder could have eclipsed falling mortars.
After the storm moved on, the skies cleared. There’s not a single cloud visible today. Just blue skies and the city of Tal Afar in the distance.
Daytime temperatures have started rising into the 70s. That presents Georgia Army National Guard soldiers with dressing dilemmas. Company H, 121st Infantry (ABN)(LRS) goes out for days at a time to keep watch on the Syrian border. They are often out all night and sleep under the moon. They have all sorts of cold-weather gear to keep them from shivering — Gore Tex jackets and sleeping bag covers, hand and foot warmers.
All night in near-freezing temperatures can be dangerously cold. But during the day, all the stuff has to come off — think layers.
Soon, they won’t be needing anything but air-conditioning. By May, the rains will dry up; the nip in the air will turn to heat that makes Atlanta summers seem pleasant.
The people of this region are hoping for more rain before summer sets in. Their crops need a good drenching. And besides, as one Iraqi American working here told me, all of Iraq could use a good cleansing.
Comments
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By Becky
March 8, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
Chris, I miss you and can’t wait until you’re back home. We’ll celebrate. Be careful and take care of yourself and those around you.
By G
March 11, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
We miss you Spc.Andrew Prater! Be safe & come home soon!
By GRF
March 11, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
We miss you Andrew Prater. Be safe & come home soon!