OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

File: 970815_sep96_decls54_0043.txt
Page: 0043
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






             We receive orders today to close the hospital in 48 hours,
       and to pack it up to prepare to move back to the Brigade rear
       area. We are all filled with hope that this will be "the
       beginning of the end" of our long and arduous assignment in the
       Persian Gulf. At the same time, we are wary and cynical, because
       orders here often change with lightning-like rapidity. We are
       ready to leave this part of our lives behind, but there is a great
       deal of work immediately ahead of us.


       10 April 1991


             Temper tents are being disassembled and packed, and isohuts
       are being cleaned, packed, and sealed. We ceased taking patients
       at 0001 hours this morning, and are awaiting helicopter evacuation
       of our few remaining patients. This evacuation was supposed to
       take place yesterday, but severe thunderstorms and sand storms
       prevented this. Repackaging this hospital for movement is an
       Incredible amount of work, but it is speeded by the anticipation
       of our departure from this foreign and trying land. Now we are
       curious as to how much of our hospital will return to America with
       us, as we are told that there is a possibility either the Kuwaitis
       or Saudis will buy it as is. Further, each piece of equipment
       must be cleaned before it is packed, and the desert makes this job
       extremely difficult. No one is quite sure how we can keep sand
       out of our equipment and tentage, as it is everywhere!