What a day! Before the sun came up, I was headed to Landing Zone Washington in Baghdad from the press center. At 8am sharp three Marine Corps helicopters arrived to take us to Al Asad. They were sent straight from the Commanding Officer. I was riding this one alone. Why three? Two were support aircraft to assist in case we came under any kind of hostility. In my helicopter, it was the pilot and his co-pilot, and two machine gun shooters ready at their guns. They strapped me in, handed me my camera, and it was all business for the next 50 minutes.
The scenery was really something. Some places were lush with palms but mostly it was just desert. Dirt, bombed buildings, abandoned structures, and more dirt is what I saw. We were not flying too high so I could see the ground clearly. And clearly….there wasn’t much life between Baghdad and Al Asad.
Al Asad was formerly one of Saddam Hussein’s Air Force bases. We overtook it at the beginning of the war and made it ours. Saddam had about 3200 military members on this base..the United States has more than 15,000. We have built our own waste water treatment plant, developed a water purification system which turns water from the Euphrates River into potable water for the base. It is also Americanized with a Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and a PX which serves as there mini Wal-Mart.( I already checked it out.) They take credit cards and American money.
There are many different nationalities working on this base. They are called “TNC” or third nation contractors. They do such jobs as work in the mess hall, the PX, some are gate guards, and others have many other different jobs. They all have been friendly to me.
The highlight of my day was getting to hang out with Col Caveman Holzworth again. He is such a passionate Marine and you can tell he has already gained the respect and admiration from this command just as he did in Pensacola. He personally escorted me to ATC…Air Traffic Control. There I met with about a dozen Marines and sailors and 9 of them were trained in Pensacola. One actually still lives there! Two of them recognized me from Kooter Brown’s 98 Westend (why is the theme song from “Cheers” popping into my head?) What a small world it is indeed.
The tower was amazing. It was so neat to watch them put to use the training they received on Pensacola half way across the world in a war zone. We should be very proud that are very own Pensacola is turning out such fine men and women.
Tomorrow is a full day and I will have a full report. Bi plans are in the works for Thanksgiving here and I think there is word of a dodge ball tournament! I am so in if that is true!!
I am moved into my little trailer which has internet connection, 2 twin beds, AC, and 2 lockers. The bathroom is about a 70 feet from my trailer but I checked it out and it’s not too bad. There will be another shoebox shower tomorrow but that’s ok! Better than nothing.
Talk soon.
Dana
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday 3am Iraqi time
I am still here at CPIC (the press center) waiting to leave at 0530 to board another helicopter which will take me to Al Asad….finally! Col Caveman Holzworth should have an escort waiting and then the fun begins! I am SO ready to begin my reports with the Pensacola trained Marines there. I am sure Caveman has a full itinerary for me and I look forward to sharing it all with you.
The Press Center has been great. I have had internet, phones for reports, food, showers, and movies. We have watched one DVD after another waiting to pass the time. I have been sharing the center with reporters form all over who are in Iraq to report for different newspapers, tv, etc…. There was a group of Iraqui TV journalists here earlier and now a couple of British reporters just came in to get some sleep before heading out to report some more. Drew, a writer for Stars and Stripes, has been here longer than me. I’m not sure if he is waiting for a flight or what. He doesn’t talk much but he has been letting me use his adapter to plug in my computer to charge. The outlets are different here and I didn’t bring an adapter. I also needed it for my hair dryer.
I finally got to take a shower after not having one since Saturday morning….yuk! The showers and bathrooms are in a trailer and it is a lot like taking a shower in a shoebox. Very little room to move around but after 2 and a half days…it was heaven!
I have to brush my teeth using bottled water which is kind of weird but I am used to it now. So far, I am the only blue-eyed blonde girl around. Even in the group of military women who are working here. Everyone is very nice…but I still stand out.
There are some Iraqui’s working here. I was searched by a few already coming into the press center. One is particulary enamored with me after finding a female “product” in my pants pocket. I guess she thought it felt kind of like a weapon and didn’t understand me when I was trying to explain what it was. Finally she reached in to pull it out herself and laughed really big when she realized what it was. I told her you can never be too safe when traveling! I think I am her new BFF.
About 2 hours until I board. I hear I may be riding over to Al Asad with presidential hopeful John McCain who is visiting the same place I am. That should be fun!
More to come….thanks for reading
In Baghdad, Iraq
It was great to finally leave Kuwait after being there 12 hours. I got on a huge C17 with about 22 others. Some military, some contractors...and me. It was a loud flight but we had earplugs. It was really cool though. It reminded me of being inside the belly of a huge whale.
When we landed, we headed into theprocessing center at BIAP...Baghdad International Airport. There was some sort of fire warning in effect, so we had to stand out in the cold until things were clear. I was manifested on a helo that was leaving less than an hour later. I boarded the helicopter with a few others and embarked on a short 10 minute flight to IZ (International Zone.) From there, I went to the Embassy to wait for a CPIC rep to come get me. CPIC is Compined Press Information Center. It is where all reporters have to come to get creditialed befroe being able to report anywhere in Iraq. There is an extensive screening process which includes biometrics..scanning of the eyeball, fingerprints etc... I finally have my pass and now just have to wait for ANOTHER military flight which is going to AL Asad. Probably not until tomorrow. Yikes! There are beds here and weird looking showers so maybe I can get cleaned up and rest.
I can't believe I am not in Al Asad yet...but I am getting closer!
When we landed, we headed into theprocessing center at BIAP...Baghdad International Airport. There was some sort of fire warning in effect, so we had to stand out in the cold until things were clear. I was manifested on a helo that was leaving less than an hour later. I boarded the helicopter with a few others and embarked on a short 10 minute flight to IZ (International Zone.) From there, I went to the Embassy to wait for a CPIC rep to come get me. CPIC is Compined Press Information Center. It is where all reporters have to come to get creditialed befroe being able to report anywhere in Iraq. There is an extensive screening process which includes biometrics..scanning of the eyeball, fingerprints etc... I finally have my pass and now just have to wait for ANOTHER military flight which is going to AL Asad. Probably not until tomorrow. Yikes! There are beds here and weird looking showers so maybe I can get cleaned up and rest.
I can't believe I am not in Al Asad yet...but I am getting closer!
waiting in Kuwait
Ok….I am STILL en route to Iraq. The good news is….I am in Kuwait. I’ve been here for several hours and am scheduled on a C17 to Baghdad at 0500. That is in 10 more hours! I was greeted in Kuwait by two very nice army guys who were expecting me and saved me form another 3 hour wait as they took me in their private vehicle to Ali Al Salem LSA Army Base. They have been my personal escorts and have made sure that I have gotten my luggage, found the latrines, ate some food, and got manifested in on the flight to Baghdad. I am now on my own as they have turned in for the night.
The flight here from Atlanta was a lot better than I had expected. The first leg of the flight was about 8 hours and we stopped over in Germany to refuel and change crews. We only stayed about an hour which gave me just enough time to stretch my legs, drink some wonderful German coffee and browse a neat gift shop. We then boarded the plane again and were off to Kuwait on about a 4 hour flight. I slept most of both flights which made the time pass quickly.
I am very excited to get to Al Asad, Iraq and begin broadcasting. It seems I have been caught up in a bunch of processing which I know is necessary but very time consuming. I am growing very tired of lugging my bags around and look forward to settling in at one base.
I have already met some very interesting people. There is the Marine Intel officer who I will probably run into again in al Asad. He is taking a straight hop to Al Asad, but I have to stop in Baghdad to receive my media credentials before heading that way. This will add another day of waiting before actually getting into Al Asad. I am scheduled to do my first broadcast at 2p local Iraq time on Monday which will make it 5am on The Cat Pak morning show.
Another interesting character I met at the airport in Atlanta while waiting to board, is MSgt Sams from Tennessee. He is stationed at another base in Kuwait which I don’t believe I will be visiting. That is too bad really, because apparently there is a Hum-V rollover simulator that would be neat to try.
Here at Al Salem, it’s mostly tents, dirt, rocks, more tents, a lot more dirt, and oh yes…a McDonald’s. There is also a KFC, donut shop, Chinese food place, and rec center. There is also a lot of dirt. (Did I mention that?) The men and women stationed here and those that pass through have minimal things to do but I haven’t heard a lot of complaining about it.
The best place to get the scoop on just about everything? The smoking area. I don’t smoke, but hanging out in the smoking area almost made me want to start. (Not really, Nick.) This is the gathering place of all the gossipers and is the equivalent of the water cooler at the office. From British soldiers, to Aussies, to Army reservists, to any other branch of service….they all meet for a good smoke and the latest gossip. The funniest thing is listening to all the “one-upping.” You know, someone tells a story and then someone else one-ups them with something better. Really a great way to pass the time if you can stand the smoke.
As I enter my 25th hour of travel time….I look at my dusty shoes, dirty pants, ratty hair, and dark-circled eyes. Yet…I am still SO EXCITED to be here. More to come…thanks for the prayers. Keep them coming!
Dana
The flight here from Atlanta was a lot better than I had expected. The first leg of the flight was about 8 hours and we stopped over in Germany to refuel and change crews. We only stayed about an hour which gave me just enough time to stretch my legs, drink some wonderful German coffee and browse a neat gift shop. We then boarded the plane again and were off to Kuwait on about a 4 hour flight. I slept most of both flights which made the time pass quickly.
I am very excited to get to Al Asad, Iraq and begin broadcasting. It seems I have been caught up in a bunch of processing which I know is necessary but very time consuming. I am growing very tired of lugging my bags around and look forward to settling in at one base.
I have already met some very interesting people. There is the Marine Intel officer who I will probably run into again in al Asad. He is taking a straight hop to Al Asad, but I have to stop in Baghdad to receive my media credentials before heading that way. This will add another day of waiting before actually getting into Al Asad. I am scheduled to do my first broadcast at 2p local Iraq time on Monday which will make it 5am on The Cat Pak morning show.
Another interesting character I met at the airport in Atlanta while waiting to board, is MSgt Sams from Tennessee. He is stationed at another base in Kuwait which I don’t believe I will be visiting. That is too bad really, because apparently there is a Hum-V rollover simulator that would be neat to try.
Here at Al Salem, it’s mostly tents, dirt, rocks, more tents, a lot more dirt, and oh yes…a McDonald’s. There is also a KFC, donut shop, Chinese food place, and rec center. There is also a lot of dirt. (Did I mention that?) The men and women stationed here and those that pass through have minimal things to do but I haven’t heard a lot of complaining about it.
The best place to get the scoop on just about everything? The smoking area. I don’t smoke, but hanging out in the smoking area almost made me want to start. (Not really, Nick.) This is the gathering place of all the gossipers and is the equivalent of the water cooler at the office. From British soldiers, to Aussies, to Army reservists, to any other branch of service….they all meet for a good smoke and the latest gossip. The funniest thing is listening to all the “one-upping.” You know, someone tells a story and then someone else one-ups them with something better. Really a great way to pass the time if you can stand the smoke.
As I enter my 25th hour of travel time….I look at my dusty shoes, dirty pants, ratty hair, and dark-circled eyes. Yet…I am still SO EXCITED to be here. More to come…thanks for the prayers. Keep them coming!
Dana
Saturday, November 17, 2007
En route....still!
So...more than 24 hours after my departure from Pensacola, I am ALL THE WAY TO.......Atlanta. The military is very strict about having their manifests (list of passengers) all turned in to Kuwait several hours before departure. I missed the cut-off time and had to be booked on the next flight out which is 24 hours later.
Right now I am waiting at the airport and continuing to prepare myself mentally for what lies ahead. I stood in line at the military flight counter with about 100 Army soldiers who are returning to the desert after spending 18 days here in the states with their loved ones. Their faces are somewhat somber, as you may imagine, but there is also a look of " I'm ready to return to my mission." Most of these men and women are serving a 1 year deployment and find comfort in the fact they only have "7 months left," or "half way through!"
Something that brought tears to my eyes and really warmed my heart, was the response from the people travelling in the airport. Many have come up to the line to say thank you or to take pictures of the men and women in uniform. The soldiers are receptive and seem appreciative.
The USO here in Atlanta seems to be quite active as well. An older woman , clearly a volunteer, led another group of soldiers to the holding area. She was dressed in red,white,and blue and was waving an American flag as she walked on front of the line.
The majority of these soldiers are reservists. They are leaving their everyday jobs and family to spend the next year overseas. To me, this seems like it would be very difficult. You know, to have to adjust from civilian life to military life at the drop of a hat.
Everyone has been very nice to me and really happy to talk. I am confident that there will be a lot of stories to tell from the great bid sandbox once I finally arrive.
Talk to you soon!
Dana
Right now I am waiting at the airport and continuing to prepare myself mentally for what lies ahead. I stood in line at the military flight counter with about 100 Army soldiers who are returning to the desert after spending 18 days here in the states with their loved ones. Their faces are somewhat somber, as you may imagine, but there is also a look of " I'm ready to return to my mission." Most of these men and women are serving a 1 year deployment and find comfort in the fact they only have "7 months left," or "half way through!"
Something that brought tears to my eyes and really warmed my heart, was the response from the people travelling in the airport. Many have come up to the line to say thank you or to take pictures of the men and women in uniform. The soldiers are receptive and seem appreciative.
The USO here in Atlanta seems to be quite active as well. An older woman , clearly a volunteer, led another group of soldiers to the holding area. She was dressed in red,white,and blue and was waving an American flag as she walked on front of the line.
The majority of these soldiers are reservists. They are leaving their everyday jobs and family to spend the next year overseas. To me, this seems like it would be very difficult. You know, to have to adjust from civilian life to military life at the drop of a hat.
Everyone has been very nice to me and really happy to talk. I am confident that there will be a lot of stories to tell from the great bid sandbox once I finally arrive.
Talk to you soon!
Dana
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Iraq Bound ~ 1 day to go!
What does a girl going to Iraq need to pack? Well, the list is long and the bag is small. I have always been one who over-packs. You know, better to be safe than sorry. But this time, for this trip, I think I will try to uncover some hidden packing skills. Mostly because I have been told that there is a lot of walking to do and no one to help carry a girl's bags. I'm not really concerned with that though....remind me to show you my biceps one day. :)
So what are the necessities? I am told baby wipes, baby wipes, baby wipes! Jeans, boots, Cat Country 98.7 shirts, my awesome Kevlar helmet, Flak jacket, and thousands of letters written to the troops from members of this wonderful community!!
I have no idea what to expect when I get there, but I certainly have a mission. I want to tell the stories of the troops....not the war. There are men and women serving overseas who are form right here in Pensacola or were trained here. That is who I want to talk to. Get their stories about what it's really like to be there not only as a service member...but as a person. Who did they leave behind? what does this war mean to them? You get the idea. I also want to brighten the troop's Thanksgiving by bringing them a little piece of the U.S.....the letters. I can't tell you how amazing it is to see the letters POURING in after only a few days notice. If you think writing one letter to a stranger who is serving our country won't make a difference...try it. I guarantee you will be surprised when you hear how much it means to them.
Although I will be a world away for the next several days, you can keep up with what I am doing daily. I will be blogging everyday as well as reporting to Cat Country 98.7, NewsRadio1620, The Pensacola News Journal, and WEAR Channel 3 ABC, and Fox National News Radio.
You can email me at danairaq@catcountry987.com as well.
I can't thank you enough for all the support and well wishes. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
~Dana
So what are the necessities? I am told baby wipes, baby wipes, baby wipes! Jeans, boots, Cat Country 98.7 shirts, my awesome Kevlar helmet, Flak jacket, and thousands of letters written to the troops from members of this wonderful community!!
I have no idea what to expect when I get there, but I certainly have a mission. I want to tell the stories of the troops....not the war. There are men and women serving overseas who are form right here in Pensacola or were trained here. That is who I want to talk to. Get their stories about what it's really like to be there not only as a service member...but as a person. Who did they leave behind? what does this war mean to them? You get the idea. I also want to brighten the troop's Thanksgiving by bringing them a little piece of the U.S.....the letters. I can't tell you how amazing it is to see the letters POURING in after only a few days notice. If you think writing one letter to a stranger who is serving our country won't make a difference...try it. I guarantee you will be surprised when you hear how much it means to them.
Although I will be a world away for the next several days, you can keep up with what I am doing daily. I will be blogging everyday as well as reporting to Cat Country 98.7, NewsRadio1620, The Pensacola News Journal, and WEAR Channel 3 ABC, and Fox National News Radio.
You can email me at danairaq@catcountry987.com as well.
I can't thank you enough for all the support and well wishes. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
~Dana
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