Rest, Recreation and Return.
All good things must come to an end, unfortuantly. The end of mine began a few days ago and is still continuing. One of the most awe inspiring moments for me as a soldier was when we left the Atlanta Airport. There were a bunch of us leaving USO and going through the main terminal. As we walked through, we were surrounded by a standing ovation all of them complete strtangers. I've come home to see family members gathered in a Field House or a gym to welcome home the soldier, but these were ordinary Americans who were waiting to go about their business or finish their coffee. It was one of the most unique experiences in my life in the military.
We flew across the Atlantic, refueled and flew into Kuwait. After an hour wait cramed on buses and anoughter hour long ride, we returned to Ali Asaulim (sp) Air Base. After anoughter long pause we were given a briefing, reclaimed some of the equipment that we had left there durring our R and R, and finally issued a tent to sleep. After 4 formations and two days of delays, we found ourselves on a cramped bus, waiting again, for hours to board our plane up north.
Ali Asalim is growing to now include a Subway, a Hot Dog stand, a donut stand and an ice cream stand. The fair prices you have to pay for the stuff really are not worth it as you can get all the same food in the chow hall. For example; at breakfast, they have donuts. Thy serve chow 4 times a day, so my advice is stay away from the $2.50 bag of fries and just go to the chow hall for free. Also in the chow hall, look for the Nescafe machine! The chapel is new, and the PX is getting a building which should be ready shortly. There are also Hajji shops for sewing and for rugs, carpets and plaques.
No Uncle Frosties, though! A staple of living on Camp Doha is gone just like the camp itself is gone. There is tale of one at Camp Arifijan, but I do not remember from my brief time there in visits in 2003. Also there is no MWR with TV service. What happened to all the TV's that were in Uncle Frosties?! One more thing you will pay for, unlike up in Iraq. Internet (at 5.00 per hour) and they only have A T and T phones. I stayed away from the internet as I knew that I would be heading up north soon.
Now I'm continuing my journey at LSA Annaconda. Dusty conditions threatened to stop my movement to my next destination, but I was able to continue on FOB Warhorse in the middle of the day. It was another long, cramped ride that seemed to take to long, but we made it safe and sound with no incidents. Now I have only one more step to take. Soon I should be riding in a Combat Patrol (convoy) to be back at FOB Normandy. Hopefully, soon. Just as badly as I wanted to get home as quickly as posibile, I know want to get back to my unit as soon as I can.
More to follow [:)]