I knew it would be difficult to write here while on my tripe, but the lack of sleep I gave myself beforehand cemented my inability. Most of yesterday was a surreal dream. After over 24 hours of travel, I made it here to camp in Kuwait. I write from my cot.
The night of the 6th I made my frantic final preparations and—thanks to being anxious and a 3 am start time—got no sleep before drawing my weapon and getting driven to Tuscon. Who heard of a 6:30 flight!?
Anyway, it was almost all for the better because over the course of the trip I was able to sleep easily (especially from TUS to LAX and LAX to IAD). Zzzz.
When I got off the plane in VA, I was surprised to be hugged by V and greeted by Mom/Sis. We had arranged to meet but I wouldn't be certain if they could make it beyond security until after I had made it off the plane. What seemed at first like a fortunate amount of time flew by like it was only a few moments. In the two and a half hours I got to spend time with them, we did a little walking around the airport and had a nice lunch at Moe's. I regret not having my "last beer" then. Of course, there is always O'Doul's! Yum.
I had not seen V since she came to AZ with me and was so glad to have one final reminder of just how happy we are together before I left on this deployment. Everything about her makes me myself, and we're goofy for each other. I know she'll keep me cheery over the next through months as I try and conquer the monotony of deployment. Even on this transient base here in Kuwait where the comforts of fast-food, a PX, gyms, and a USO it seems somehow contricting and I know this will be the case when I touch ground in Iraq.
It was tough saying goodbye to the three girls and my mom started the waterworks on cue after she and I took a picture together. It was somewhat humorous for me and making humor out of it was the best I could do. I told them, "I'm such a celebrity. Everyone cries when I leave."
After creeping back as far back in the line as I could to delay the inevitable, I made my way towards the gate. V came to give me one last kiss and I was off. Twelve hours of airtime followed, during which time I mostly slept (see, Tried to Sleep) save for watching The Social Network.
I had made long trans-Atlantic flights several times while the family was stationed in Heidelberg, but somehow twelve hours feels much longer than the eight of so it takes to get to Germany. Guess the reasoning behind my travel also played a part in that. Luckily, I had an aisle seat and could move around a bit if I wanted.
The flight passengers on that IAD to Kuwait flight were unlike any demographic I've seen—soldiers returning from leave and tons of contractors. That sight didn't weird me out. The terminal in Kuwait City did.
After getting through security all the eye could see was Muslim garb. Even this didn't get to me until the civilian-clothed DoD rep told me to take off the patches on my uniform. I wished immediately I had flown in civies and cursed that I should have been directed to do so way back in AZ.
I got my gear and weapon and was escorted to the shadiest security guys ever. They cleared the weapon and made it to the van. The amount of security for me was near zero at this point and over the course of the thirty minutes I was about at that the whole time I was at the airport. It was a very odd way to get in to theater. I was happy to make it to the first AFB where I awaited a shuttle and slept underneath the terminal seats like a baby.
When I got here to Camp A, I finally saw a glimpse of what "down-range" looks like and as I sit here in my tent in "Tent City" I actually must go for now. I need to go meet my unit rep (LNO) to find out what I will be doing next. As usual I'm in a fog. All I know is that I'll start training at another camp in KUW.
Later a description of my first night at Tent City is due.
MON TRNG CAMP B
TUE Pick Up/Move Back to CAMP A
After Training/Equipment done, Move to Iraq
About to be driven to CAMP B for training that is to start in the morning. SGT G Aviator (named so because he told me he is going to get out of the Army, do ROTC and become an aviator) is getting the truck now. SFC G Done was able to square me away on the tentative schedule above.
After arriving at Camp B, getting a tour, and being dropped off to do my own thing for the day I took the following notes:
-0600 – 1100 Mando IED trng
-1300-1600 MET
-1600-1700 HEAT
LT GLITZ Acting C Co CMD
From the Camp B USO: Just spoke with CPT Walk for the first time since thinking I'd be assigned to Alpha. That's right since thinking I'd be assigned to Alpha. Guess I will be going to C Co now! The changes never end. Time to sign up for a computer to check out where I might be on the BN newsletter (my lone source of intel half the time).
I got to talk to V for a whole hour on the phone prior to hearing this news so I am in much better spirits. Also, I'm staying in an entire barracks-sized tent by myself tonight. Should be nice to enjoy a little privacy and get some good sleep before training tomorrow.
Quick Note: Cool USO volunteer spoke with me about Ulysses memoir. He offered to give me the book tomorrow. Meet around 1100.
Charlie Co. Heavy Signal Company.
-CMD CPT DD
-XO LT Glitz
-1SG Stt
-LOC: COB Speicher. Named after Navy Pilot who was killed in action in '91 Gulf War. Formerly Al Sahra Airfield. 170 km N of Baghdad. 11 km west of river Tigris. Two large one runways, one small. Fast food amenities, soccer stadium, PX's, shops, gym. CHU's, daily mail, etc.
-Speicher is HQ with locations spread out (in the North)
