7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0010.txt
Page: 0010
Total Pages: 49
Subject = 7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A                             

Parent Organization = ARCENT      

Unit = VII CORPS   

Folder Title = 7TH ENGR BDE-COMMANDER REPT-VOL 18A -FORWARD AND COMMANDERS PERSPECTIVE                         

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX000313







                With equipment packed and shipped, days were filled with
           final briefings -- survival in the desert, climate, Saudi
           culture, the do's and don'ts, increased intake of water, and the
           close scrutiny of battle plans for possible warfare in the
           desert. The nights were filled with rare and very brief moments
           of family tine. Christmas trees were erected in November.
           Families exchanged gifts early. There would be no Christmas this
           year. Wives held husbands tight, fearful of the unknown,
           wondering if it would be the last night -- ever. Smiling little
           faces crawled into laps and soldiers hugged their little ones and
           poured out all the love that was humanly possible. The older
           children knew and understood and withdrew quietly to their rooms.
           Muffled sobs could be heard. The younger ones just know daddy
           was going away and could not understand. It was a heartbreaking
           time for all. Some of us are older and seasoned veterans but it
           never gets any easier. Perhaps we are just wiser and know the
           eventuality and possibilities.

                Finally the day arrived, earlier than expected or
           programmed. The Air Force was driving the train and we were
           forced to fly early, knowing that our equipment had not yet
           arrived in Saudi. Final checks were made, duffel bags, weapons,
           and rucksacks were loaded and for a brief painful moment it was
           final good byes in a cold and impersonal parking lot. There were
           signs and banners wishing us well. Children cried for their
           daddy, wives cried, and soldiers cried. It was hard, very hard.
           I prayed to God to give me the strength, courage, and tactical
           sense to bring these good soldiers home, safely.

                In a flash we were gone, conveying to the airport. Emotions
           were quickly put aside and the seriousness of our mission once
           again prevailed. Processing through the port of embarkation went
           smoothly and soon the long convoy of busses discharged us into a
           waiting TWA 747. Nervous jokes were made that the in flight
           movie was Lawrence of Arabia. The TWA volunteer crew could not
           have been more cheerful, more helpful or more supportive. It
           seemed they could not do enough for us. A stewardess made a
           heart warming speech wishing us luck, guaranteeing full support,
           and offering prayers for our well being. A crew change occurred
           in Rome and we were again underway. Some slept, some read, some
           visited the cockpit or talked with the flight crew and most
           wondered what would the new home be like. There were hushed
           conversations about war, Saddam Hussein, and best ways to breach
           his obstacles. We left behind frigid temperatures.





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