Home > Georgians@War > Archives > 2007 > March > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSpa-like conditions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The last time I wrote about my adventures in the Wild, Wild Iraqi West, several readers wrote in calling me spoiled. Obviously, my blog was an attempt at humor — not a cry for sympathy. We could all use a good laugh in the war zone.
So here is the continuation of the story.
Trip No. 2 to the Syrian border was with 2nd platoon, Company H, 121st Infantry (ABN)(LRS). Living conditions are difficult at the border forts, where electricity is scarce and there is no running water.
Once again, I knew that the bathroom situation would be awkward for me, the only woman for miles around.
But 2nd platoon rose to the challenge.
Spc. Andrew Prater, the platoon’s young medic from Newnan, strung together three Army cots to create a small room. Everyone was impressed with Prater’s engineering feat.
Each day brought further improvements: yellow flowers in a cup, wet wipes and hand sanitizer placed on a small ledge. When the rains came in, Prater even covered the roof with a camouflage tarp.
Welcome to the Ritz Carlton of the Iraqi desert.
I knew what I was getting into when I volunteered for this assignment. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t rather uncomfortable at times.
Prater’s was a small gesture that went a long way. And I am grateful.
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| Louie Favorite/AJC |
| Spc. Andrew Prater (left) and Spc. Ernie Churchwell stand by the latrine they had just finished for Moni Basu. |
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Moni Basu
Comments
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By Fiction
March 23, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this
Always remember, the vast majority of AJC readers are humorless rednecks who lack the education or sophistication to understand irony.
You really need to dumb your writing way way down due to the southern misedumacation of most of your readers.
By Melissa & David
March 23, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
Moni,
It is good to see that even in a war zone, that Spc Prater (our son) still remembers the lessons of respect that we tried to teach him. We really apprecitate your stories and look forward to getting home in the evening and seeing what is new on here. God Bless you and all of Co. H. (Stay Safe) I hope that you and the guys of Co. H can see the comments that are being written, because for the most part most of them wonderful,supporting words for our guys over there. For Andrew we love you and Stay Safe.
By Jennifer
March 23, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
I am blessed to know many of the Co H soldiers, as my husband served with them at the 221st for several years including the 2003 deployment. This article just proves what I have known all along - that these are some of the finest soldiers in the Army! May God bless you and keep you safe!
By Gloria-Ruth
March 24, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
Its just like Andrew to be helpful. I am so proud of all that he and the rest of Co. H is doing! thankyou
By Laurie Vines
March 24, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
I hope Andrew Prater will be able to read this. I’m thankful for your service in Iraq and thankful for God’s protection. Our family will continue to pray for you and your fellow soldiers. Great job on that port-a-latrine. Love, Miss Laurie in Bama
By A1C Joshua Prater
March 25, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this
I am proud to call Andrew my brother not only blood but also in service to our great nation, and I hope hey will make it home safe along with the rest of Co H. Love, A1C Joshua Prater (USAF)