16-23 January 2011

16-23 January 2011

I thoroughly enjoyed my day off. I have been under the weather and even went home early last week to get rest. It was lovely sleeping in Saturday and not hearing the alarm. I normally wake up around 1045-1100, this day I woke up around 1300, slept some more and finally came out at 1500. I was meeting three others to venture to the other side to find mischief and trouble and started the trek to the showers.

I think I am cursed by the shower gods. You will remember in BAF, I didn’t have running water in my building for months and had to travel next door. I remember trying to stay positive and thank full as so many deployed troops don’t have showers at all. And as I admired the different shades of mold on the ceiling, I again was thankful to at least have showers. In comparison, Sather has very clean bathrooms. There is no room for complaint in that department.  Every Cadillac I have visited has been well stocked and clean. Cadillacs are bathroom trailers outfitted with showers, toilets and urinals. Yes, even the ladies have two, always pristine urinals in the Cadillacs. I paced the distance to the closest Cadillac for my CHU- 200 paces. I figure its equivalent to walking down the stairs at home, out the front door, turn right and head to the creek, turn right on the trail and stop around the second house.  For our convenience, they do have porta-potties stationed along the way.  Again, I am reminding myself to be thankful to have showers in the first place and thankful the AF has a high quality of life. Sather has sidewalks and rocks and at first these rocks are very annoying and my feet are still bruised for making the mistake of walking to the Cadillac wearing only thin shower shoes on day one. These rocks, however, provide a barrier between the mud and my feet when it rains. The Army side does not. When it rains and the water pools and makes mud, the Army has to walk through this. For the most part, we just have gigantic mud puddles.  Again, I'm trying to be thankful and find amusement when walking to the showers with my hot pink towel over my shoulder carrying my hot pink shower caddie.

I met up with the three others and off we went. It had rained earlier in the day and it was cold, dark and muddy. Bussell was our designated driver and we piled in with weapons and our IBA/helmets. We decided to head to the Mediterranean Café for dinner. Of the four of us, I was the only who had been there; Scotty had driven me there in the first few days, but I had not actually driven myself.  Did I mention it was dark? Bussell was familiar on how to get to the PX and I vaguely remembered how to get to the café. “Its somewhere over there” was a reoccurring statement. Bussell got us to the PX without incident and then turned to me and asked where to.  I remembered turning right on the road next to the PX, but that was about it. We drove for around 45 minutes trying to find this place. We would see signs for it, but not one had an arrow or gave directions. We found one sign that said it was near Eisenhower, Lost Bridge Road and CP2. Very few roads have signs or markers of any sort and when it did, they didnt say Eisenhower or Lost Bridge Rd. I'm sure we drove a circle around the Café trying to find it. After a pull the truck over now, I have to pee stop, mud and all, we finally found a road marked Eisenhower.  We made a 15 point turn around, drove down Eisenhower and it was right there.

We walked the little area looking for the Mediterranean Café and saw several eateries, but not the Café.  We figured out the Mediterranean Café was not an actual single location, but rather a place describing the various Mediterranean style places; Italian, Turkish, Iraqi and Chinese.  I'm not sure how Chinese and Iraqi cuisine fits in; maybe they were confused between Far East and Middle East, with the Middle East being “close” to the Mediterranean.  We decided on Turkish and ordered our meals. Edwards and I shared a chicken dish of sorts which came with wonderful pita bread and rice. I also ordered an olive salad and some sort of fried dough with honey for dessert. It was delicious.  Everything was wonderful. The only thing missing was an adult beverage. As we ate, we noticed people would walk in and disappear upstairs. We ventured up and discovered a large lounge where you could sign out a hookah and watch the soccer game. The place was packed, but really not our thing. We headed on to the next stop.

Outside, the fire pits were lit and gave a feeling of being somewhere other than on a base.  Around the fires were rattan tables and chairs inviting people to gather. Unfortunately, very few people were braving the cold and we were the only ones there. Its ranges 43-47 degrees when I'm getting off work at midnight and the night shift says it gets bone chilling around 0400-0500. It didn’t help matters with the pits being surrounded by mud. A worker would walk by the fires and throw fresh wood on the fire. The wood looked like broken down wooden pallets and varies scraps. I had visions of the base drawdown including huge fire pits. We stood around the fire taking it all in, but I felt as if we were in a rush. Maybe it was because it was our first time out at night or maybe the cold, but we didn’t stay long and off we went.

Across the street is relatively new place called the Cigar Lounge. It’s been open for approx. three weeks and we had heard good things about it. When we walked in, it was like being transported to a lounge back home; wood floors, dark leather, and televisions with men gathered around low tables smoking cigars and engaged in conversations. We sat down and joined two Army Warrant Officers. It was nice talking with a different set of people and hearing about their time here. The lounge also offers different teas and has finger foods like sandwiches.

I ordered a pot of cardamom tea and tried to relax in my jumbo sized club chair. Again, I kept feeling I was being rushed and we didn’t stay long.

After the lounge we headed home and checked back in. I'm hoping future night outs are a little more relaxed. Maybe it was a combination of driving around lost and being new in the area that added to the air of tenseness.  I'm hoping it wasn’t a case of what does the Master Sergeant want to do. Next time, Ill be sure to sit in the backseat and go along for the ride. 

The next day was Sunday and Julie’s first day off. Vehicles are hard to come by and all outing must be on the buddy system. We had discussed if the office was slow, I would drive her to the PX using the ATOC vehicle.  We grabbed our IBA’s, checked out and headed to the other side. With last night’s drive still fresh in my mind, l was determined to master my surroundings. We arrived at the PX, which was fairly easy since it didn’t require any real turns. Julie had a long laundry list of items she wanted and we kept our fingers crossed the PX would be stocked. Our little PX had not been stocked since before our arrival and has bare shelves. On my last trip to the big PX, it too had empty shelves, but I was hopeful it had been restocked. As luck would have it, it didn’t matter because it was being inventoried and was closed.

We left and headed to the Mediterranean Café for lunch.  In my head I was saying turn right after the PX, cross the funky bridge which is sort of a right turn, go thru the traffic circle, turn left and it should be there. Success, it right where it should be, the Cigar Lounge on the right and the shops on the left. 

We ordered a pizza from the brick stone oven place and sat outside around the fire pits. It was great sitting outside with a girlfriend, sipping a diet 7-Up and enjoying a shared pizza. Another great thing about Julie is she doesn’t do mayonnaise or onions either, sharing food is always a breeze.

Julie wanted to see the grocery store and I have not mastered how to get there from the cafés. I'm not sure you can, but with the labyrinth of roads, I cant imagine them not connecting.  Since I was technically working, I didn’t want to invest the time driving around aimlessly to find out if I was right or worse, wrong. We back tracked to the PX and from there headed to the Taha Mall. From the PX there are two ways to go, one way I knew for sure was to take the main road towards Sather and turn at the D&F sign which is the long route or the short cut way which I was unfamiliar with.  I had gone the short cut  way the previous night  in the dark all tipsy turvy. Feeling brave, I went with the path less known. Easy breezy. Go straight, turn left, turn right on Strawberry Hill, follow the lake, don’t turn when you think you should, and BAM! You hit the T wall, turn right and you cant miss it. We walked in and headed to the grocery store. She was just as thrilled as I was to find cheese and other assortment of goodies.

One of the main items on Julie’s list was a dust buster. I had looked the last time I was at the big PX for her and didn’t see one, and we had looked at the bazaar just outside of the PX and came up empty. I told her I thought the appliance store at the mall could be the place. After the grocery store we went there and hit pay dirt. Not only did she get a dust buster, but she found a blow dryer as well. Although we didn’t get everything on the list, those two items were well worth it.

Appliances are strange here and it requires a bit of thought and planning. At least for me, I think Julie could wire her own CHU or build it for that matter. Me, I'm rather challenged in that dept. Our CHU’s are wired with what I’ll call Middle Eastern plugs. It’s a three prong of sorts. Most appliances come with a European two prong plug and both are 220v. Our offices are wired with standard 110v. If the appliance has a large draw then a simple adapter/converter does not work and you need a transformer. Julie had to explain that part to me. My CHU has a refrigerator which I acquired from the next door neighbor when she moved out. This is plugged into a two outlet transformer plugged into the Middle Eastern outlet.  I have a multi plug strip plugged into my wall that has European outlets. This requires additional adapters to use my American lap top. My clock and lamp are European plugs and plug straight into to the strip. Its worth noting that 110v bulbs do not last long in 220v lights. I blew my green and environmentally friendly bulb the first night and I couldn’t figure out why. My own light bulb when on a few days later when I realized it was a volt thing. I'm not sure why, but when I plugged something into the other outlet in my transformer, I blew the breaker and all three CHU’s (3 CHU’s to a trailer) went dark. I decided to not use that plug again.

We headed back to the office and Murphy had been there. It seems while I was out, Air Movement Division (AMD) and the master of all air flow had called and the conversation went like this-

Flight XYZ is designated to carry the Human Remains (HR) out

You mean the plane taxing out right now that is leaving? And what HR?

It seems the previous shift forgot to tell us there was an HR that day. The plane was contacted and came back to pick up its special cargo. Normally we know of HR movements in advance and monitor the various coordination points to ensure a smooth transfer. Fortunately, all things worked out and there were no severe consequences. We have had several HR movements since Ive been here, but the other shift has been on duty for the actual loading and departure. This time it was on our shift and I wanted to witness the ceremony. I headed out, but the road on the flight line had already been closed and I had just missed the honor guard ceremony. After waiting for a few minutes, the road opened up and I headed to the C-130. TSgt McPherson was already there performing his job functions and I joined him on the ramp as the loadmaster was checking the straps of the transfer case. This was the first time I had actually seen the flag draped case loaded on an aircraft. It moved me in a way that still makes me cry as I write this. This was by no means my first HR, and sadly won’t be my last, but my first in witnessing this part of the process.

I wrote an essay on HR’s in Bagram for a leadership course and I have posted it below. After reading it, I hope you will understand why I needed to witness this part of the transfer. I will make every effort on this deployment to be a part of sending our warriors home whether they are civilian or military personnel.

The day was half over, but it seems Murphy was not done with me yet.  We had a trailer in the cargo yard that was finally going back to the States. It had been here for around 8 weeks and was a true thorn in our side. Scotty had tried twice before I believe to get rid of the beast, but Murphy bit him and now it was my turn.  Our systems told us the inbound C-5 had 18 pallets on board and we were sending out on the upload, one trailer, one -three pallet long “train” (T3) and 4 single pallets. Our RAMP section had coordinated for the download and upload with the required available equipment. Prior to landing, the crew will call in what the load is, they called 12 rolling stock and 6 singles.

 Rolling stock can be any type of vehicle/trailer on wheels and requires a completely different plan for the download. Crews are notorious for calling out the wrong download and when we heard that, we ignored them. Well sure as shit, when TSgt McPherson and I met the plane it had 12 R/S and 6$ onboard. And to make it fun, two of the rolling stock were trailers without a prime mover. Meaning the trailer was not attached to a vehicle and the remaining 10 vehicles onboard were not rated to pull it. We had to provide the vehicle to pull it off the plane. And we had a time consuming upload. And the gods had only given us an hour and half ground time before it had to leave. RAMP made the required adjustments as we waited for the C-5 to kneel. Once it kneeled the nose would rise up and the ramp lowered allowing the two rows of vehicles to drive off.  While the vehicles were being driven off, the plane took on two trucks of fuel. With the vehicles off it was time for the two trailers to be downloaded. I saw we were not going to meet our ground time and I headed back to the office. I asked TACC (air gods like acronyms) be called and request an extended ground time. I didn’t want a delay even though it could be explained by a complicated download. McPherson was teasing me and since this plane was sent directly to us for our trailer beast and going directly back to Ramstein, a delay was not a big deal and easily explainable. Basically I was being a worry wart. Worry wart or not, I don’t like delays. TACC was gracious and gave us three extra hours. As I headed back to the plane, I saw our 10k AT with pintle hook and a large group of people standing off to the side of the flight line. It seems the driver got it stuck in the mud. Oh about 2 feet of mud. “It was stuck good.” Another 10k AT was available and they quickly put the pintle hook on the other one and headed to the plane. The two trailers were downloaded quickly and it was time to unkneel and close up the ose. We still had to download the 6$ before starting the upload, but you cant download from the back while in a kneel. And you cant unkneel while taking on fuel from the third fuel truck.  We waited. Patiently. Ok, everybody but me waited patiently.  The remaining singles came off quickly. Now for this beast of a trailer weighing over 23,000lbs to be loaded, which has to be driven on backwards I might add. All rolling stock is loaded rear first. This provides for a rapid download if necessary as the rolling stock will be pointing out. I will leave out all the drama surrounding the required truck necessary to hitch up to this beast, but lets just say there was drama earlier in the day. TSgt Carranza did an outstanding job driving/pushing the beast on the ramp and up on to the C-5. I believe this was his first time and he rocked it. If there was a bigger worry wart than myself that night, it had to have been the loadmaster. He didn’t think the trailer would fit where we had load planned it and wanted it in a different pallet position resulting in a decrease of available space. He was threatening to bump our T3 off. By now it was shift change, the loadmaster accepted the T3 and the singles were being loaded. I called it a night and passed the baton.

I still wasn’t kicking my cold and the PX was out of everything. I cant get over how the shelves are empty, but there are plenty of condoms and pregnancy tests. I broke down and went to sick call. I only needed some over the counter drugs, but on this side that service is not available, but it is on Liberty. Go figure. I was put out for having to go through the process, but it actually worked in my favor in the end. I was able to document in my medical records that I still have a cough from Bagram, plus the Dr. gave me good drugs to include Robitussin with codeine.  I'm feeling much better now other than this lingering cough; I go back in three weeks for a check up.

Special Delivery

While stationed at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, I was assigned to the work section of Air Transportation Operation Center (ATOC). Shortly after I arrived and still fairly new, our work section was notified of a “Fallen Comrade” ceremony. We were instructed of the time and told mandatory participation was required. I asked one of the “salts” what this was and what did it entail. He told me flatly it was ceremony for those killed in the line of duty. He did not offer any more information and did not invite conversation.


At the prescribed time, we exited our building and lined the sides of the road. We stood shoulder to shoulder. We did not speak. We did not look around. As personnel arrived and joined our ranks, they all performed the same ritual. Sunglasses were removed, a posture of pride was taken and the solemn face of a warrior was worn as a mask. We stood and we waited together as strangers, but united in an unspoken understanding of brotherhood. In the deafening silence you could hear only your own heartbeat. My own thoughts raced from excitement in being involved in something new to guilt when I took the time to realize why I was standing there.

The motorcade approached. No other sound was heard and it was if the world had stopped for those few minutes. The first vehicle passed quickly within seconds as police lights flashed and disappeared onto the flight line. Next came the vehicles of the Base Commander, Commanding Officer and various staff members. It seemed to take minutes for them to slowly pass in front of us as they followed after the fading lights. In the corner of my eye, I could tell my fallen brother approached. As we stood at attention, we stood taller; we pulled our shoulders back farther, and rendered a sharp salute. I could see the faces of those standing on the opposite side of the road looking through me, past me, their mask failing them. I could see the tears run down their faces. I could see the strain of discipline in not wiping away those tears and not moving; not wanting any movement to be directed away from the passing hero. The truck came into view and I experienced my own tunnel vision. Time stood still, but yet one object kept in motion. In the open bed of the truck lay my country’s colors draped over a Soldier. He was surrounded by his comrades who were oblivious to us, our eyes and our own silent mourning. You could see and feel the pain of each comrade as they sat and protected him one last time. The truck suddenly was gone as it too disappeared for the final honor of being carried onto the aircraft that would delivery him home to his waiting country and loving family.

I carry that first week with me and doubt I will forget the emotions, thoughts and feeling it brought to the surface. At the end of my tour, I had participated in two ceremonies to include this one. I volunteered to stay in the office and ensured ATOC stayed diligent in the process of sending these warriors home. For me, this was how I handled the stress, helping the process was my coping mechanism. There is no right or wrong way to cope with what is required of us as Airman and Aerial Porters working in our duties, but it is important to recognize the need. I have spoken to fellow Airman both there and after returning home and each one of us handled it differently. The importance is not how we recognize and cope, but rather we do.

Care Packages

Care Packages

I received several care packages today and I can’t say thank you enough. Packages and letters from home brighten my day and bring a little bit of home here.  If you would like to send cards or letters Ive posted my addresses below and if you need ideas for care packages, here are a few ideas. I share most of what you send with my ATOC shift mates, but a few items I hoard for myself like cheese and dark chocolate J

We are planning monthly parties starting with Valentine’s Day, followed by St Patrick’s Day, Easter, and hopefully we won’t be here, but ending with Cinco de Mayo. If you have decorations for these holidays, send them our way.

I'm also trying to decorate the outside of my CHU. I have a chair cover for my patio chair and Ive started growing my Chia Pet. Mom sent silk flowers for my planter, but I used the spot of color instead for my nightstand. Any silk or plastic flowers would be great or whatever you can come up with.

As far as snacks go- crackers, cookies, Nature Valley Peanut Butter Granola Bars, nuts, dried apricots, BREAD (wheat please), cheese, cookies, Velveeta, Ro-Tel diced tomatoes, sausage/salami, salsa, dark chocolate, or Entenmann’s Cheese Danish. You really can’t go wrong, but please try to not send glass. I received one packages last time that was jarred salsa and it broke and molded the entire contents. If you feel like a rebel , maybe you could even sneak a few avocados in that are still green. Just don’t put it on the custom label as I think it would be considered an agricultural product.

Everything is appreciated and means very much. I use the Velveeta and Ro-Tel to make queso and Bill sent cheese and sausage and it traveled just fine. The bread here is horrible and I would compare it to compressed sawdust. Bread also travels well and is still fresh when it arrives.

Drop a card in the mail for I would love to hear from you! Thank you for your emails, blog comments and most of all, your support!

Katrina Faulkner

477 ELRS/ATOC

Sather AB

 APO AE 09321

8-14 January 2011

8-14 January 2011

This week is filled with mixed emotions. Scotty left on the 8^th and headed home. The day he flew out happened to be my first day off. After sleeping in an extra hour and playing possum for another hour, I poked my head out and there was Scotty and Lettice on the sidewalk between the CHU’s. Scotty still needed to take his bags over to PAX and we agreed to meet at the Green Beans when he finished his chores. Lettice and I went to the Faiz Shop where I picked up some chic flicks and the complete Private Practice series. Movies are only $2, but you are taking your chances. While watching Eat, Pray, Love, I had subtitles either in Turkish, Hindu or Farsi. It was all Greek to me. You get what you pay for.  We met at the Green Beans and I ordered my iced MOAC, no sugar, with cream. My first MOAC of the tour and it was as good as I remembered. This was my first MOAC and the last time I would see Scotty, a little bitter sweet. Scotty left us to hunt down a missing bag of his and Lettice and I headed home.

Lettice was going to go to the PAX terminal to see Scotty off and I agreed to meet in an hour. When the time came I just couldn’t do it. Scotty is my first goodbye this trip. It amazes me how compact time is here. I worked with him for only 9 days and by the end of the week our turnover was complete and he would just pop in and say hi as he had turned everything over by that point. I might never see Scotty again, but I know without a doubt, if I am ever in Georgia, I have a friend for life that I can call on. One day here equals a month. After a few days working side by side you feel as though that person has been your friend or co-worker for years.

Maybe it’s the assumed trust we have in each other. I not only trust those I work with, I blindly trust those whom I pass on the sidewalks and trust those protecting my life that I never see.  Civil courtesies and politeness are the norm here. People say please and thank you. Strangers hold the door without a second thought. A short talk or a shared work week makes instant friendships.

I'm re-reading this and proofreading and rather than delete I will correct my earlier statement. I should not use the the word "blind" because I do size people up when passing on the sidewalk. I look at how they carry themselves when they walk, do they walk with purpose or diddy bop with no idea of their surroundings. And more importanly, I look at how they carry their weapon, is it a part them or a cumbersome hassle. Situational awareness will tell you a lot.

I still can not explain the instant bonds that are made and maybe its something Ill never be able to, I just know it exists and I only experience it here.

As I said good bye to one friend, I said hello to a new a friend.  I met a person who I have a feeling will be one of my best friends here. Under other circumstances she would be what I call trouble and a bad influence on me. Of course I say that with a grin and a twinkle in my eye; in other words, a perfect combination of attributes I find to be a positive. Her name is Robyn and she is the manager of the USO here. She recently promoted into the position of manger and has worked for the USO for several years. She started volunteering her Saturdays and quickly realized Saturdays were her favorite day and began dreading the remaining six. Robyn followed her passion, quit her job and now works full time. She calls herself a modern day gypsy. The post she had prior to Baghdad was Basrah and she has some pretty good tales to tell from that place. My two tours can’t compare to the living conditions or threat level of what she has seen and lived. Oh yes, I forgot to mention she went to Paris Island in 1991! Ooh Rah! She is a spit fire with a heart of gold. She truly enjoys what the mission of the USO is and gives everything to it. The USO is located next door to where I work and I pop over whenever I can.

Part of my personal mission while here, is to get out of the port, meet people and be involved.  The Top 3, which is an organization for E7-E9 meets every other week to discuss how to provide professional development, mentorship and guidance to the enlisted ranks. I attended my first meeting last Thursday and enjoyed it. The meeting followed the agenda, was quick and on topic. Fortunately, the airflow supported me leaving work for a little bit and I walked over as the meeetings are during my shift. I'm hoping to meet other Top 3 as well and maybe develop work contacts. I guess this would be called networking in the civilian world.

One of my troops went to Freedom Rest for three days. It’s a place on the other side near the palaces where troops serving longer than 6 months can go for R&R. It offers alcohol plus different amenities and a pool. My guy chose to take his three days here in place at Sather, rather than go over. He said the two beers a day rule would have just pissed him off, plus he was going solo and wouldn’t have had friends to hang with. He had a point. The agreement made prior to my arrival was during the three days, there would be no days off since we would be losing our extra person. I bought pizza for the shop to let them know I appreciated their hard work. Not having a day off in two weeks is hard.

We have had a few “Alarm Blacks” since we arrived, but things seem to be cooling off. Historically, BIAP has been attacked during Christmas and New Years and then it tapers off. Although, we go red then black followed by green, there is little threat to us at Sather. We suit up, take accountability and wait for green. I said earlier we are surrounded by the other bases/camps and that makes it very difficult to reach us.  We also have "controlled det.” As in Bagram, the Giant Voice will usually announce the detonations prior to. What really happens is the voice tells afterwards or you cant hear it at all. Its always a surprise. Whenever we hear/feel the boom, we look at each other with the unsaid question is it or is it not. After one night of an alarm black, we went home as usual after shift. The next morning I hear a loud boom and my little CHU shook. It woke me up and then another big boom. It was right in the middle of my sleep and I couldn’t hear any Giant Voice announcements. I went back to sleep and figured if it was important ATOC would start accountability and call my room. No call came and I went right back to sleep. I later found out the controlled det was actually 12 booms and I had slept thru most it.

We are now armed 24/7 and again, I must repeat how happy I am to have an M9. While most are lugging around the M16, I only have the shoulder holster. Part of the arming was consolidating armories and they took my armory away. The Duty Officer’s office looks rather bare with the M16s and racks taken away and looks rather ordinary. I'm told it is all a part of the drawdown and starting March, all deployers will bring their own weapon from home and the weapons here will be rotated back to the States as troops go home.  

There are little changes happening all over if you pay attention. Next week sometime the remaining haji stores outside our mini PX will be gone. The Harley Davidson store is also closing and giving last minute deals. No, you cant ride your bike here, but you purchase it and have it shipped home, supposedly the prices are cheaper. The car dealerships like Ford have already pulled out. The shopping area is like a ghost town and I never see people sitting under the awnings. I'm told its because its cold and people are hibernating, but I'm not completely convinced. We were told the number of how many troops are here and it is relatively low number all things considered. Its just an odd feeling this time around and I cant quite place it.

First Week

01 January 2011

I can hardly believe its January and Im in Baghdad, Iraq, unbelievable. I have had a great day today. This is my second day at the job and so far, I have nothing to complain about. The person I am replacing, MSgt Brown, has been giving a very good turn over. We actually started communicating a few weeks ago via email and by a few phone calls. By already having a rapport, meeting in person was a breeze. The air flow here is lighter than what it was at Bagram, but Im told as the drawdown continues our tempo will pick up.  I plan on using my time to complete some professional development courses I have been putting off and being involved in volunteer organizations here on base. The atmosphere is very comfortable and flexible in allowing members to pursue outside activities as long as the mission is not compromised. Without activities or personal goals, one can go a little crazy.

Today I went for an adventure, but we called it “orientation” and some could accurately call it a boondoggle. MSgt Brown, MSgt Lettice and myself left Sather and explored of base. At first, this sounds like we went outside the wire, but we did not. Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) is made up of several compounds-Camp Victory, Camp Liberty and Sather Air Base. There were several more during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), but as the Army and Marines have drawn down, their bases have closed. I believe our official campaign is now called New Dawn. The entire compound is roughly 50 sq miles.

I keep trying to think how to describe how this place looks, but words escape me. Bagram was a mix of Tijuana meets the Wild Wild West and this place is like an urban sprawl of military bases colliding with no rhyme or reason to the layout. If you think of the wooden maze game with a ball that moves around the holes that is what BIAP looks like, but mazes within mazes. The maze walls are made out of concrete 15’ high “T” walls; put these games together to form a square and you are the ball trying to navigate BIAP. Each area within Sather is lined with these walls. Our sleeping area perimeter is lined with these and then within that area are smaller squares lined with these walls. Inside the squares are our billeting trailers. Outside of our door is a smaller “T” walls protecting the entrance. Anywhere you think would be a fence, picture “T” walls. My home away from is on the left marked with the plastic flowers. The flowers have seen better days, but it acts as a good land mark for me. You can see the 15' walls in the background surrounding this POD. There are several PODS within the living area.

Back to the boondoggle- the three of us headed to the armory and drew our weapons. Currently personnel on Sather are not armed 24/7 and anytime you leave, you must draw your weapon. I have to say its pretty nice this time around as I am qualified to carry an M9 Berretta and I don’t have to lug around my trusty friend the M16A2 draped over my shoulder. An additional bonus was I had to buy accessories and who doesn’t like to shop for coordinating shoulder holsters? A girl does like to match after all. Brown drove and I was instantly amazed as we left our compound. As I mentioned, the entire area is approx. 50 sq miles. As we drove it was a sea of “T” walls and mini camps and vehicles going in every direction. Helicopters were flying overhead adding to the surreal feel of the day. We came to the PX on Camp Liberty and the entrance to the parking lot has a sign “No vehicles larger then MRAP authorized.” I suppose this is similar to no semi trucks allowed. It had recently rained and the parking lot was a giant mud pit. The dirt here is very fine and the ground hard, when it rains there is nowhere for the water go and it just makes mud. As far as field PX’s go, this was a big one with every comfort a soldier would want. It had TV’s, appliances, snacks, game boxes, you name it. There was one hadji shop inside selling leather goods. He was packing up and today was his last day. There was a beautiful butterfly style chair handmade out of leather that caught my eye. I felt a little foolish wanting to buy something my first day and Brown said he would drive me to another area where they might also be. If the other places did not have any, we could come back for it. We hopped in the truck and headed back out.

As Brown drove he also gave a little history of the place. Back before we occupied this area, it had been Saddam’s private hunting area and had been a lush forest. To look at it today filled with mud and concrete barriers it was hard to imagine. We drove by lakes with homes built on the edge and overhanging the water. Rumor has it, his regime thought if you committed crimes over water, God could not see it. There our tours offered of the different palaces here and it gives me something to look forward to plus involves additional adventures. Brown also said while he took a tour of the Baath Party House, the tour guide said the indoor swimming pool had been built as a spectator sport for torture. Forensics had confirmed this with the samples they took from the walls. There was a palace on the opposite side of the lake that is also available for tours, but we headed in a different direction and saved that for a different day.

We pulled into a strip mall of sorts that had little shops selling trinkets. Parallel to the strip was a seating area with little fire pits all the way down. There are also a few dining shops to include a Turkish Restaurant. During the evening the fire pits are lit and personnel sit around and socialize by eating and smoking the hookah. I cant say Im interested in the hookah part, but when I have a day off, I would like to come back in the evening and enjoy a Turkish meal with friends.  I did not find any leather chairs and we headed back to the main PX.

When we first were at the PX, we ran into some folks we knew and they had been shopping also. It seems today was the last day for many of the vendors. Their contracts had expired and as the drawdown continues, services are also being eliminated. They mentioned not only the hadji vendors, but some of the food vendors as well like Burger King and Subway. I have a feeling the BIAP I see today, will not be the same one I see when I leave. I have heard many of the jobs are being replaced with contractors. My cynical side is wondering just how are we pulling out when all we are doing is replacing personnel with civilian contractors. By December 31, 2011 Sather AB will be turned over to the State Department, ie civilians.

We headed to the leather good area and the store owner was packing up the last of his goods. The boys did their best at haggling with the shop keeper for a better price, but he didn’t budge.  We tried every Mexican border town haggle, but he kept firmed.  There must have been a neon sign flashing on my forehead that I was leaving with that chair no matter the cost. I walked out the proud owner of a new leather chair and we headed back to work.

Scotty was feeling manly and took the duty of assembling the parts. With minimum written direction provided, he took 6 metal U shaped tubes and after much laughter and deciphering of the color code, it came together. We draped the leather seat over the frame and it was a beautiful thing. It soon became known as the camel chair. As Scotty pointed out when asked, “You don’t see any cows around here do you?”

07Decemeber 2011

Its Turkey Day, once a month the Turkey Embassy sends a bird over to pick up and drop off embassy employees. It requires very little support from us and is a pretty simple mission. Scotty has already turned over the reins and is now out processing- boondoggling.  Being this was my first time he showed up to ensure a smooth turnover. When it was all said and done, I turned to him and asked if he had been asked to be in pictures with the various outbound embassy staff like I had been. He laughed and said no ma’am. It looks like you have something I don’t.  I guess woman serving is a little bit of an oddity.  

The main reason he came over was to finish his orientation of the base with me. Our previous drive had not covered the entire compound.  We headed out of Sather and made a left rather than the a right as we did the previous time.

 I'm truly amazed how large this compound is. I wish I had been here a few years ago when it was in its hay day and filled with troops. Its rather like an empty ghost town with a fading past. We past old signs directing traffic to now closed bases and again roads lined with “T” walls.

We first headed to Flintstone Village. I tried Googleing to confirm the story, but all I found were other people’s blogs and little facts. The story goes Saddam’s daughter’s husbands realized that dear old dad was a sandwich short of a picnic basket and headed to Jordan. After much persuasion and promises of forgiveness from Saddam, the two families headed back to Iraq. Shortly after the arrival home, Saddam had the two husbands shot. Feeling somewhat remorseful for the grandchildren he left fatherless, he built Flintstone Village based on the American film from the ‘80’s.  We walked around the paths with tunnels, fun play rooms and open areas. As different coalition forces have visited, they have left their “mark” with various tributes there to units, loved ones and home states.  

The weather and time has taken its toll on the structure, but it is easy to see the construction was not the best quality. You could see the thin layer covering the rebar with a large fall into the mucky lake/seepage water below. Even when finished and in pristine condition, I could not image a group of young kids running around this attraction. Maybe Ive been brainwashed with today’s over reaction to everything safety, but there is no way I would have allowed a small child to play there.

We then drove around the Palace, Victory Over America and took more pictures. I have a tour next Saturday with an official tour guide and I'm looking forward to hearing the history of this building and actually walking through it.

Scotty then pointed our truck in the direction of the highlight of this trip. There is a true grocery store, not a commissary or run by the government.  As we drove he would quiz me as to where we were and how we would we get home. I'm not kidding when I say everything looks the same and it’s a maze of roads.

I found my nirvana. It has aisles with food, a refrigerated section, a meat counter and the all important dairy section. I have no idea what the packages say, but I can read pictures. I figured out the package with a picture of the cow is butter and the glass jar with olive oil is feta.  I think I'm on a roll here. I picked up a square of “Extra Tasty” and looked for the cracker section. Slim pickings as my two choices are something that looks like melba toast and vege cracker. Vege cracker it is. The heavens opened and I heard trumpets. I walked up and down the little store and marveled at the shelves. I cant wait to go back.

We headed back to work and it was a good day.

In Transit

30 December 2010


We arrived in Al Udeid, Quatar somewhere around 0100-0200. It’s all a blur. Al Udeid is referred to as “the deed”, IUD, or cutter. It only took me four months working the info controller desk to realize when people said cutter, they were referring to Quatar. IUD is the three letter code like LAX, so that was an easy one.

The flight over wasn’t bad. I was in the middle row which had four seats and there were only two of us. I caught a cat nap, but I haven’t had a good sleep since I last slept at home. It’s been little naps for about 6 days now. I thought I would sleep in Ramstein, but I clock watched all night thinking I would sleep through the alarm and be late for my pax call.

When I stepped off the plane, it was an instant flashback. I felt like I had just been here. When our group went to Bagram on the last deployment, we also processed through IUD. The smells, the feel, it was all exactly the same. We processed in, went through customs, PERSCO (kind of like human resources), were issued our body armor, first aid kits and a bag of crap Ill never use. We have the new individual body armor (IBA) which is different from last time and weighs about 35lbs. When wearing it and the helmet, you feel like a turtle when sitting, the only thing you can move are your arms and legs. After processing we were issued our linens and assigned a bunk in one of the tents. It was way past 0500 by this point and we headed to the row of transient tents. Mind you our PAX call back in Ramstein was 0900 the day before. Having been here before, most of us knew the layout and helped the others. It was amazing how it all came back. It felt like it had only been days since I was last here.

A few people slept, but all of us girls headed to the chow hall and took care of some errands. We went to finance and loaded up our Eagle Cash cards, equivalent to a debit card. If you didn’t bring cash with you, it’s hard to get. There is a set withdrawal of $100/month in US currency at Finance. If you do pay in cash the change you receive is in paper pogs- round cardboard disks printed with the $ amount and only redeemable at AFFEES. The moral of the story is to load your Eagle Cash. After that we headed to the PX for those last minute articles we couldn’t live without. Plus, it was the only form of entertainment available.

We pooled our laundry together and did a last minute load. IUD is a supply staging area and we could be here anywhere from 1-3 days. After we first landed, our luggage was stored and we didn’t have access to it. We are instructed to pack a separate bag to last us 72 hours and you never know when you might get clean clothes.

We still hadn’t slept and I think our bodies were well past the wall of exhaustion. Our minds were still going a mile a minute and our bodies were just on auto-pilot.

After another run to the chow hall we waited for our 2030 meeting with the troop commander. This meeting would tell us we either had a flight or not. If we didn’t, we would meet again at 2030 the next day and keep our fingers crossed. We lucked out and had a flight out, but our show time to process out was 0430. That left us 8 hours. We headed to “the bra” to enjoy our three beers or cocktails and hopefully connect to the internet. That was a nice change from last time as they had raised the ration card from 2 to 3 drinks in a 24 hour period. The canopy covering the recreation area looks like a circus canopy with two high points, hence the name “the bra.”

I ordered my beers and settled in, but it was all catching up to me. I barely finished two and headed to my tent. I tried to sleep for a few hours, but mainly tossed and turned. I had the privilege of having a bunk at the front of the tent next to the door. Every time it opened light would shine in my eyes. I hung a towel to block some of the light but well…. Ya, plus the noise and blast of cold air with every door swing. By 0230 I was up and packing my bags.

We processed out, grabbed our IBA/helmet and loaded up. We were on a C-130 looking at a 2 hour flight. Not bad.

As we were flying over the Persian Gulf, I looked out the rear windows and saw my last look at the ocean. There was nothing, but desert and ocean. The water was peaceful and beautiful. At some point we must have hit an oil rich area of the ocean floor; for miles there were oil platforms scattered over the ocean. Every so often a port would appear with a long pier and a bunch of buildings. These ports were isolated and it didn’t appear to have a town or anything, just desert surrounding it. I assume these are processing plants of some kind and maybe the oil is shipped from here after its delivered from the oil platforms. Its just a guess on my part, but I do know, they don’t have a California Coastal Commission to worry about.

We landed in Baghdad, did more in processing and met our counterparts. My shift was currently working and after I dropped my bags in my CHU (containable housing unit) I went to work. MSgt Scotty Brown took it easy on me and gave me a quick low down and then sent me home for some sleep.

Address

If you would like to send a card or care package, here is my address:

Katrina Faulkner
447 ELRS/ATOC
Sather AB, APO AE 09321

Wheels Up

23 December 2010

Katrina Faulkner is anxious. What am I thinking? This isn’t Facebook. No third person necessary.

Well, Im anxious. Im tired of preparing and want to get on with it already. I’ve been telling friends and family goodbye for a month and Im sure they are thinking “Will you leave already.”

Its Friday December 23 and Im still at home. It seems I have been “getting ready” for ions. There was the week in Georgia for Air Transportation Leadership Course, the week at the base and the countless weekends of repetitious briefings, endless online courses and the normal chatter of excitement. And, the time at home and work making sure this part of my life is taken care of and no loose ends are left behind.

We reported to base yesterday and received two briefings. Today, we had one briefing and were sent home on pass for Christmas. We report back zero dark thirty on Sunday and start the trip oversees.

I’m anxious to get this show on the road; although, it is nice to be put on pass for Christmas, it was odd leaving today not on a big blue “Blue Bird” bus; Blue Bird is the standard bus all military use. I was ready to leave and these extra days are just prolonging my departure.

One nice aspect this time around is Ive been in contact with the person Im replacing. We email everyday and when Im on base I call. I have to say it’s kind of cool to be able to call Baghdad direct.  We have already started the turn over process and it’s giving me peace of mind knowing what I’m walking into. Fear of the unknown is mitigated.

I’m still looking at my work email and feel a little left out. While the office has been working activation hours (24/7) due to the heavy storms, I’ve been watching from a far. It’s like going to training camp and not playing. I miss my co-workers who are more like family and miss making grilled cheese in the wee hours.

27 December 2010

I think its December 27. Whew- what a whirlwind of the past few days. Bill and I shared Christmas morning with the kids and spent a quick few hours with his family. After leaving Orange County, Bill and I stopped off in Norco and picked up burritos for everyone. Since our show-time was 0330 on Sunday, I was sure people would not have had breakfast and there would not have been many options open that early. I arranged with Botich’s wife, whose family owns a Mexican restaurant, and was gracious enough to  donate burritos for everyone, to pick them up Christmas Eve. (You might remember Botich from last deployment and he is in many of my photos.) Bill added orange juice and fruit to round out the selection.  We arrived on base Christmas Eve and tried to catch a little slip eye. Im not sure if it was nerves or the hoagie sandwich I ate at 9pm, but I was up most of the night not feeling very well.

YES! Sunday morning finally arrived and we boarded the Blue Bird bus and headed to Ontario Airport. Our group left on two plans with both groups meeting up in Dallas for our final leg. I was on the second leg and landed at Dallas/Forthworth around 1330. We were to board for Frankfurt at 1400. That didn’t leave much time.  The flight attendant assured us we had plenty of time to catch the tram and get to our gate on the other side of the airport. Now if we could only park the plane and deboard. It seemed a previous plane had mechanical issues and was in our space. Tick tick tick. We finally gated , exited the plane and caught the tram. Our plane was in the process of boarding when we arrived, a little to close for my comfort, but all went well.

Im starting to fade after a very long day.  More tomorrow.

28 December 2010

Currently Im in the PAX terminal in Ramstein AB waiting for our flight. I’ll try and catch up before head out.

We arrived safetly in Frankfurt  and headed to Ramstein Air Base via shuttle bus for our final leg. Our driver spoke English and as he drove he would point out local sights to us. We crossed the Rhine River which is cool to say I saw, but it’s just like any other bridge crossing a river on a cold winter day.  We passed vineyards and rolling hills. Germany had also been experiencing a storm the same time we were in Southern California and the countryside was blanketed in snow. As our driver went Mach 3 down the freeway, we whizzed past white fields and snow covered trees.

After checking into lodging, we had around 24 hours before our show-time and we all took advantage of seeing the sights.  Twelve of us took two shuttle rides into Kaiserslautern. Based on the recommendation of a local worker we headed to an eatery. We were a bit lost as we walked around, but eventually found it. The area we were in was a pedestrian walk area with no vehicles allowed. It was cobble stoned and very quaint covered in snow. There were little outdoor shops selling hot coffee and coco, street food, crafts, etc. I ordered a coffee and it was served in a miniature ceramic coffee coffee cup shaped like Santa. In the center was a gorgeous church which I tried to enter, but all the doors were locked. Several of us walked around, but every entrance was locked. It looked like a service would be in a few hours and thought I would try again, but I never made it back.  We found the restaurant and were immediately reminded there is not a "no smoking" policy. It looked like what you would imagine though. Dark woods and Bavarian architecture. The people were very friendly and we ordered beers and food. Being a large group, we tended to be a little loud and I was a little relieved when some folks walked outside to sample the street food. After we finished, we walked around the ped area and Manriquez and I pulled a crazy Ivan. We turned right and the group continued straight. We were too loud and too large and it just wasn’t fun.  Manriquez and I headed out and look pictures of the buildings and found a few pubs.  For those of you wondering and know of my love for all hot dogs types, yes I ordered a bratwurst from the street vendor, out of this world yummy goodness. I could eat those every day. The first pub we hit was closed and we searched on. The second was perfect. Again, exactly what you would expect. It had a circular bar with a few table surrounding it in dark woods and the feel of being there centuries. All types of people would come and go from a family with a small child to an older women and the business man coming in for lunch. If only we had places like this in the States.  We tried the first pub again and this time it was open. I sat down and Manriquez headed straight for the restrooms. I looked around and this place just felt different. It was all men and the magazines they had, all had men on the covers. When Manriquez came back, I told him I thought we were in a gay bar and he instantly agreed and had felt the same way.  We laughed and enjoyed our beers. We had agreed as a group to meet back at the giant Christmas tree at 1400 and we headed back. After waiting for 20 minutes in the very cold temperatures (30ish) and dressed for 60ish we decided to taxi to another town closer to base. We jumped into a taxi and the gal didn’t speak a bit of English and we didn’t speak a bit of German. Using our palm as a map, repeating Ramstein and pointing, we agreed upon a town that was close. You can see where this is going right?  Well the cab was nice and toasty and I was mighty sleepy. I dozed off in the back seat and woke up when she stopped.  We paid our fare and jumped out. Manriquez said he almost nodded off as he was tired too. I’m thinking he might just have as well. We could have been in Czechoslovakia for all I knew.  We started walking down the street and it was a small village with not very much around. I spotted a US military uniform crossing the street and we headed in that direction.  I didn’t see the guy, but there was a hotel and we walked in. I walked up to the desk and asked the gal where were we. She kind of giggled and told us we were in Landstuhl just outside of Ramstein.  She called us a taxi and we headed to the town of Ramstein which is a very small village just outside base. This taxi driver spoke English and all was well. Our Commander had told me of an Irish pub and we headed there, but it was closed. At this point we gave up and headed back to base.  This is where the story gets very sad. As we approached the main gate, I realized I had lost my camera. We asked the taxi driver to take us back to the Irish pub as I was hoping it fell out of my pocket as I ran to the building to check if it were open.  Nope not there. The last time I took a picture was back in the ped area taking pictures of the warming fires, which were pretty cool actually. I probably lost it in the taxi on the way to Landstuhl. I had just recently looked at the pictures I hadn’t transferred over before leaving home thinking I would have time to organize them once I got settled in Iraq. I pretty much lost the entire year of 2010.  Cabo, Hawaii, GA, AL, Christmas, Jeff’s HPV race, mom/daughter/g’ma day, and who knows what else. I’m still not over the loss.

This was quite a downer and we when got on base I bought a new camera and called it a night. I met up with a few folks, but shortly after that headed to my room.  This was to be last night with my own shower and bathroom and I planned on savoring it.

December 29

Wow.  I keep thinking I will have time to write. Thought it would be tonight but just learned we report for our next rotator in 4 hours. I have to catch a nap and pack up.  Plus enjoy my last beer.  I promise to catch this up and get it posted in the next few days. 

Next posting will catch you up from my arrival in IUD.