OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

File: 970815_sep96_decls54_0023.txt
Page: 0023
Total Pages: 44

Subject = OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

Parent Organization = ARCENT

Unit = VII CORPS

Folder Title = SUBORDINATE COMMAND HISTORICAL REPORTS-2D COSCOM-332D MED-341ST MED-912TH MED

Document Number = 3

Box ID = BX000308

The realities of the upcoming war and dangers of mines are now
uppermost in our minds. The command splits the various
professionals into different vehicles, so if one is "hit" an
entire section will not be lost. At this time, we lost the ability
to hear Armed Forces Radio, so our sense of isolation increased,
and we find that our only news source is the BBC on shortwave.

We set up our tents again and settle in early, trying to
make up for a very short night. our camp is now set, but we have
no idea for how long. In the early morning hours of 20 February,
we experience yet another aspect of the ever-changing desert
weather. A severe thunderstorm with gale force winds hits the
camp. Hail, rain, blowing sand all hit with incredible ferocity.
The tent belonging to the female officers blows down, and many
other tents are ripped by the force of this desert blast.
Fortunately, no one is injured, but the next morning the camp is
filled with the detritus left in the wake of the storm. We arise
early and put everything back in order, reinforce the tents and
tighten the ropes, and prepare for the next move. We only brought
enough gear with us for a three to four day stay, and our showers
and latrines were at a logistics base south of us (Log Base Echo).
This site was some 25 miles away, and we didn't receive these
comforts until 21 February 91. It is a reflection on how used we
were getting to living simply that a major cry of excitement went
up as the trucks bearing the latrines pulled into camp. Our spare