In my last Dairy, Hello from Baghdad, I spoke briefly about how my deployment is going so far. Many of you had words of support and I greatly appreciate it. A few of you had questions so I figured I'd write a follow up diary, since I was unable to spend much time posting on my last one.
First, a lot of you were keen on the idea of of sending care packages to the local nationals who work with us. I already have a care package on the way, which I'm going to distribute personally. I'm going to have to take this one slow and careful because there are some factors to consider. There are certain items, for example, electronics, that the LN's (Local Nationals) are not allowed to remove from the FOB. I spoke with the Public Affairs Sergeant and he thought it was a good idea, but also advised that, before I do anything large scale I speak with Legal and the Public Affairs Officer to make sure there aren't legal considerations. Next I have to consider volume. I can handle distributing candy, (non-electronic) childrens toys, etc. to LN's that I know but it has to be something I do on my own time. I still have my own duties to tend to, and those are a priority. And then there's the logistics involved with distribution to other battalions and such.
In short, nobody could name any organizations or military sections that are dedicated to servicing FOB workers. There are, however, organizations who distribute such things to locals in war zones worldwide.
If any of you have the time, ability and resources to start such an organization I think it would be a good idea. Starting and coordinating such a project with the US military would be a rather large undertaking.
G2geek asked: "I hear a lot of them, particularly the translators, are at high risk if their job status becomes known to the insurgents. So, are steps being taken to be sure they don't put themselves at risk by being seen with whatever goodies folks over here send?"
The local nationals generally aren't sent goodies from stateside. As far as their safety, that is a top piority and many steps are taken. For obvious reasons I can't go into detail about what those steps are.
MoDem asked: "Thanks for writing.
If your position allows, it would be nice to read what you experience, what the troops say about the change in the White House, etc.
Take care and come back safe!"
On a limited bases I can talk about my experiences. I might be being a bit too careful, but better to say too little than too much. As far as how "the troops" feel about the change it really depends on who you ask. We have a mix of political ideologies just like everywhere else. A friend of mine had to pull guard in a building with the chain of command on the wall. He laughed at the varying reactions to Obama's picture. He also has a degree in political science, and yes, he's a Democrat :)
Ice Blue asked: "Doesn't the Army issue you guys great long undies, USArmyParatrooper? If so, what kind? They've gotta be better than that worthless crap I bought last November. A pair of nylon tights would have kept my ass warmer in twenty-five below."
Yeah, we get issued silk and polypro long underwear. You can't wear the polypros when out on mission because, well, they melt when exposed to fire.
Dave925 asked: "Tell us, is that Percocet Propagandist Limbaugh still being broadcast over AFR without rebuttal or equal time?"
I don't really listen to AFR, but I watch a fair amount of AFN TV, which is pretty much non-political in their broadcasting. On my FOB Fox News is always up in the main section of the chow hall, where another section always has CNN on. From what I've seen lately Rush has been the darling of Fox News. In Kuwait it was more evenly matched, they split between Fox, CNN and even MSNBC pretty regularly. I was blown away to actually see the Keith Olbermann show there once.
Scoopster asked: "Are you guys hearing any news about the election results yet? They're saying on the news here it takes about a week just to get preliminary tallies.
Oh and can you send some of warm air back our way? It's freeeeeeezin' in New England!".
We get news just as quickly as in the states, as we do have access to the internet and cable news. As far as sending you some warm air, in August I'll be wishing that were possible!
vets74 wrote: "1. e4"
1... c5 :)
Ice Blue asked: "does your colonel play chess? When you consider the game's origins, it's amusing to think of you kicking his ass at it."
I have heard our Deputy Commander, who's a Lt. Colonel is quite the chess player. I've been wanting to challenge him but as a lowely Sergeant I'm not sure how it would go over if I just walked up to him like that.
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Thanks again guys for all your support. I'm going to take some pictures for the next diary, but again, due to OPSEC I have to be very careful about what I show. Even the smallest details can be used by unsavory characters.
Keep fighting the good fight stateside.