Speaking of shell shocked, I’ve noticed a peculiar phenomena intrinsic to Camp Virginia: it’s a sort of Purgatory. The Marine Corps and Army personnel are returning here from extended combat tours of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan (often of fifteen months or more). The Navy personnel are arriving here on their way to extended Individual Augmentee tours between six and thirteen months. Either way, our existence here at Camp Virginia lies between the paradise of back home and the hell of Iraq/Afghanistan/Horn of Africa. We’re all here awaiting some kind of fate -- either the joy of returning home or the hardened resolve of going to get a particular job done somewhere in-country.
This manifests itself in the way people here carry themselves. We all walk, but mostly plod, through the shallow sand drifts on our way to and from the Dining Facility (DFAC) and the PX and the USO tent and the mini-mart. We’re constantly all walking somewhere but going nowhere. After all, we’re surrounded by, and in the middle of, nowhere. Everyone in my IA group desperately wants to be somewhere more real.
This manifests itself in the way people here carry themselves. We all walk, but mostly plod, through the shallow sand drifts on our way to and from the Dining Facility (DFAC) and the PX and the USO tent and the mini-mart. We’re constantly all walking somewhere but going nowhere. After all, we’re surrounded by, and in the middle of, nowhere. Everyone in my IA group desperately wants to be somewhere more real.
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4 comments:
WARNING!!!!
Udari Range has the worst messhalls in theater. They were flytraps that we were happy to get into Iraq to avoid.
Hey Enrique! Henschel sent me a link to your blog. I want you to know that you and all your comrades out there are on my mind and in my prayers; stay safe! And for God's ske let's come up with a better name than 'wet crappers' ok?
Jon Whitney
Nice blog Rico. I thought I was reading Hemingway. You are in our prayers. Be safe. Wais
Enrique,
Bob sent us your link last night. Our kids are learning about "civic duty" in elementary school. Wouldn't picking up someone else's litter or collecting coins for UNICEF while trick-or-treating, been a little easier? We'll are very proud of you, and will be sharing your blog with the tribe from now on (abridging as appropriate). Having a family member do what you're doing, for the benefit of us back home and for people you will never know, is greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. Jordan asked, if you are a hero? HERO 1. a man with great courage or one admired for his exploits 2. the central male character in a novel,play etc.(blog). so by Webster's and our definition, you are. If you or yours needs anything, don't hesitate. Be safe. The Mountaineer Clan.
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