Post by Admin on Feb 20, 2008 10:12:06 GMT -5
Well we made it. 18hrs and thousands of miles later we all made it half way around the world to Ramadi. The days of travel were followed by a few days of nothing, as we waited to get the required briefs. This was good though because the Team needed some time to get used to the 11hr time difference. One Corpsman, who will remain nameless, probably struggled the worst as every time I see him, he’s always in the rack. Even 10 days later.
We have had a busy week or so since. The 5/10 team we are replacing is setting us up for success, by teaching us what they know and how they operate. They are leaving soon so it’s important to get as much knowledge from them before they take off. Our first few missions have been to local Sheiks houses for lunch. A Sheik is the tribal leader of an area and they are our key to success in Al Anbar. Luckily our team is a pretty likeable bunch so it’s no problem to get them to invite us over.
The quantity of food served is amazing (we’ll post some pics soon), and you eat it with your right hand. No utensils needed. So if your Marine comes home and is a little mess at the dinner table, then you know why. This is going to be a regular thing for our team, and everyone seems to enjoy it. Even Cpl. Johnson, who was so disappointed to hear that we aren’t going to eat at the Ramadi Chow hall for every meal, is starting to come around. The food is good, but we all agree it’s not quite the same as a home cooked meal. Cpl. Mia has made clear as well that his mother has the same mentality as the Sheiks, “No one leaves hungry”. Maybe that explains why Cpl. Mia is as large as he is.
So far the biggest problem we have had is that SSgt. Lee has been trying to hunt down his pen that he lent to a LCpl. from our DET who isn’t on the team. I never knew a man could be so attached to a writing utensil. He even sent his “Enforcer” PFC. Oliveras to retrieve it from the LCpl. It wouldn’t have been an issue but the LCpl. happens to be about 6’7” tall. Needless to say, the pen is still missing.
We’ve also learned a lot about each other since arriving. For example, LCpl. Ray is fairly good at backing up a HMMWV, so that when he gets lost and makes a wrong turn he’s able to back out for 50m on the side of a Canal. We also learned that he should probably teach Doc Laranang this skill, because Doc likes to give everyone in the vehicle whiplash by hitting the brakes every two feet. A Second example is that Cpl. Johnson is afraid of Bears. Especially the Bears in Iraq, and he beliefs there are bears in Iraq.
So overall, Iraq isn’t exactly what we expected it to be. Most of us have heard the stories of years past and now realize that this is a different kind of war. Almost all of the shooting has stopped at this point, and we are truly in a rebuilding stage. One trip out through our area makes it easy to see that these people need our help. Being in a civil affairs mission is the best place to be so we can have an impact. It has been said that our mission is the Main Effort at this time, and we plan to succeed in our year here.
That’s all I’ve got for now. I’ll do my best to keep regular posts on here, as the main purpose of this site is to keep you informed about what your Marines or Sailor is up to. One thing I can assure you is that we are doing a good thing and making a real difference in the lives of the Iraqis. Thank you for your support.
2ndLt. Gilliland
OIC Team 3
We have had a busy week or so since. The 5/10 team we are replacing is setting us up for success, by teaching us what they know and how they operate. They are leaving soon so it’s important to get as much knowledge from them before they take off. Our first few missions have been to local Sheiks houses for lunch. A Sheik is the tribal leader of an area and they are our key to success in Al Anbar. Luckily our team is a pretty likeable bunch so it’s no problem to get them to invite us over.
The quantity of food served is amazing (we’ll post some pics soon), and you eat it with your right hand. No utensils needed. So if your Marine comes home and is a little mess at the dinner table, then you know why. This is going to be a regular thing for our team, and everyone seems to enjoy it. Even Cpl. Johnson, who was so disappointed to hear that we aren’t going to eat at the Ramadi Chow hall for every meal, is starting to come around. The food is good, but we all agree it’s not quite the same as a home cooked meal. Cpl. Mia has made clear as well that his mother has the same mentality as the Sheiks, “No one leaves hungry”. Maybe that explains why Cpl. Mia is as large as he is.
So far the biggest problem we have had is that SSgt. Lee has been trying to hunt down his pen that he lent to a LCpl. from our DET who isn’t on the team. I never knew a man could be so attached to a writing utensil. He even sent his “Enforcer” PFC. Oliveras to retrieve it from the LCpl. It wouldn’t have been an issue but the LCpl. happens to be about 6’7” tall. Needless to say, the pen is still missing.
We’ve also learned a lot about each other since arriving. For example, LCpl. Ray is fairly good at backing up a HMMWV, so that when he gets lost and makes a wrong turn he’s able to back out for 50m on the side of a Canal. We also learned that he should probably teach Doc Laranang this skill, because Doc likes to give everyone in the vehicle whiplash by hitting the brakes every two feet. A Second example is that Cpl. Johnson is afraid of Bears. Especially the Bears in Iraq, and he beliefs there are bears in Iraq.
So overall, Iraq isn’t exactly what we expected it to be. Most of us have heard the stories of years past and now realize that this is a different kind of war. Almost all of the shooting has stopped at this point, and we are truly in a rebuilding stage. One trip out through our area makes it easy to see that these people need our help. Being in a civil affairs mission is the best place to be so we can have an impact. It has been said that our mission is the Main Effort at this time, and we plan to succeed in our year here.
That’s all I’ve got for now. I’ll do my best to keep regular posts on here, as the main purpose of this site is to keep you informed about what your Marines or Sailor is up to. One thing I can assure you is that we are doing a good thing and making a real difference in the lives of the Iraqis. Thank you for your support.
2ndLt. Gilliland
OIC Team 3