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DEL.ICIO.USGone with the wind. Almost
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Patrol Base Hawks, Iraq — The wind began picking up right after the guys were done with chow. On the menu this evening: BBQ ribs, rice and mixed veggies that arrived in the Army’s Mermite containers from nearby Forward Operating Base Falcon.
Then the tent started rattling. The metal beams holding up the tube lights began creaking so loud that we put on earplugs. Tornado-like winds whipped around us.
Photographer Curtis Compton and I sat there with our laptops, watching the dust accumulate on the keyboard. And wondering whether everything would come crashing down on our heads. Is this how it might all end for us in Iraq?
Luckily, the soldiers of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, who are based at this rustic outpost, thought the same thing.
The Georgia-based infantrymen came rushing to the aid of their embedded journalists, tying things down with 550 cord and hammering down the stakes of the tent.
Then came a dozen military policemen with the Delaware Army National Guard who have been here for a few days to assist with an Iraqi Police recruitment drive. They had no secure place to sleep so they sought shelter in our about-to-tumble tent. Safety and comfort is all relative here in the war zone.
Suddenly, there I was at a wooden picnic bench, inhaling dirt and surrounded by a bunch of soldiers setting up cots to sleep. Bravo’s first sergeant, Jovito Casanova, gave up his personal space so that we would not have to stay in the tent.
Thanks, Top.
Dust storms and high winds are common here in Iraq, but tonight’s was a doosie
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Moni Basu
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By Brian H
March 23, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
“doozy” Don’t be afraid of zee humble zee! ;)
You missed a great chance to try out the exciting sport of “tent-kiting”, I see.