I was in the Gulf area during the early 80's.. Escorting oil tankers through the Straights of Hormuz. Then I was Navy, and a Non Com Crew Chief on H-53 Sea Stallions. Iran was using oil platforms as launchers for SilkWorm anti shipping missles. We got to light up a few of these platforms
Got out of the Navy, and used GI Bill to go back to college. Moved back North after school, and took commission in the Army Guard. It was a nice way to pay for a vacation every year. As a plus, all the cool toys!
We are an Engineering outfit. Mostly road builders, and construction people. Our task for this deployment will be to setup waste water treatment systems, and road building. Sounds easy but there is always someone trying to throw a "wrench in the works" so it will be an interesting time I think.
We will be deploying sometime in July, and won't know where we are going till the very last minute. I will try to keep everyone informed as to how things are going, plus some pictures if I can. All of the people I've talked to that have just come back inform me that the Iraqi people are glad we are there, but the few that are causing all of the trouble are from elsewhere... not locals. Hope that's the right story
Since the people of the United States paid for my education I figure it's time I pay them back before I get too old ( Don't let anyone tell you this is a young persons war. My Command Master Sergeant is 58 years old, and won't stop calling me "kid".). Kind of gives new meaning to "The Walker Brigade". We are the only unit to be outfitted with Rascal motorized chairs! The CO is trying to get us billited next to the chow hall so we can get there for the early bird specials.
Smitty
