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Reflecting on smaller Coca-Colas
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Forward Operating Base St. Michael, Iraq — Soldiers with the 48th Brigade Combat Team seldom discuss the reasons for the war they’re fighting in Iraq.
It’s fairly pointless since they’re already here and their chances for a safe return depend largely on their ability to focus on the specific military tasks at hand - not abstract geo-political debates.
But in a rare moment of reflection, Sgt. Tim Hass shared his theory on the nature of Arab rage against the West.
“It’s all about Coca-Cola,” said Hass, 33, who was drinking from a red soft-drink can at the time.
“You see,” he continued, “the Coke cans are smaller here. They’re about 10 ounces each instead of 12 ounces like we get back home. Hajjis are smart. They’ve probably figured out that they’ve been getting shorted two ounces on every can for all these years. I’d be mad, too.”
The soft-drink cans here typically hold 330 milliliters, about 40 fewer than 12 U.S. ounces. The cans are noticeably shorter, and they have the kind of detachable pull tabs that have been banned in the United States since the 1970s.
Pvt. Dustin Taylor, 19, of Morganton, N.C., an M-1A1 Abrams tank driver for 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment, seemed fascinated by the tabs themselves.
“They look like little exclamation points,” said the sandy-haired soldier born in the mid-1980s. “I’ve never seen them before. They’re pretty cool.”
Note: Last week’s directive not to refer to Arabs as Hajjis has had no impact, except perhaps, to increase its usage.
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Comments
By Helen Parks
June 5, 2005 03:49 PM | Link to this
You have awesome coverage. Your stories are my home page. I love the photo. Do you think you get some stories on the 48th Brigade BCO 2-121 Bravo Bulls they are @ Camp Stryker I think. Go Soldiers and May God Bless You all
By Helen Parks
June 5, 2005 03:55 PM | Link to this
Your stories and photos are awesome & Your stories are my home page. Do you think you could get a story and some photos of the 48th Brigade Bco 2-121 at Camp Stryker? or if you see my son Spc. Jason Parks tell him I said hellow from his mother. I pray daily for our SOLDIERS safe return. GO 48TH & GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!!
By Heidi Shelley
June 5, 2005 07:19 PM | Link to this
My husband is a specialist in 2/121 48th. When reading the part about the “cause of the war” due to the size of the cans of coke, I couldn’t but laugh and cry all at the same time! That sounded like something he would have said. Thank you AJC for brighting my day. Heidi Shelley Valdosta, GA
By Martha Duvall
June 5, 2005 10:27 PM | Link to this
Y’all are the greatest! I can’t wait to read the AJC blog on the 48th everyday. Some are serious, many are funny. They are all loved. Our Georgia Boys are the best! And you guys make it a little more bearable that they are not at home right now.
By Theresa Cobb
June 6, 2005 12:00 PM | Link to this
Sgt. Tim Hass, You are a total trip!!! Your “Tim-isms” are missed greatly from the Motor Unit. Take Care!!!! Be Safe!!!
Theresa Cobb (Officer M. Cobb’s Wife)