7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0014.txt
Page: 0014
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








                The occasional tank, armored personnel carrier, or aircraft
           overhead quickly returns reality. The U.S. refueling stop was
           manned by a "bunch of good ole boys" from the Alabama National
           Guard. All were working almost around the clock and covered from
           head to toe with a thick layer of dust. Spirits were good,
           however, as they were quick to discuss the merits of local camel
           and sheep. We pressed on to the Corps reception area and a lone
           camel was silhouetted in the setting sun.

                As we passed other drivers relieving themselves on the
           roadside it became more apparent why the locals use the right
           hand for formality and the left is never used in a greeting or to
           pass anything. The left hand is considered unclean. That is the
           hand used in place of toilet paper. We have all made a mental
           note to avoid the left hand of anyone.

                By nightfall we arrived. The Vil Corps reception area was
           relatively new and very austere. A cold tent, cold MREs but at
           least a cot for resting. First night in the desert and one
           quickly learns that when the sun sets it gets cold -- very cold.
           This night so many miles from any lighted area revealed another
           spectacular event. The sky was breathtakingly majestic filled
           with infinite stars. We spent over an hour shivering outside
           just gazing at the heavens, mouths open and full of awe. Voices
           passing in the dark were heard to remark, "more new guys, first
           night in the desert." we did not care, four shooting stars
           across the sky in an hour was worth it.

                Around midnight our main convoys departed the port. The
           long ride would take them thirteen hours to a new home in the
           desert. The next morning for the advanced party was spent
           staking out our tactical area. It was flat, wide open and rocky.
           There did not seem to be another living soul in a hundred miles.
           The only thing my binoculars could see were a few goats, some
           camel herds, and an occasional Bodouin tent -- the nomadic tribes
           who have wandered around the desert for centuries avoiding any
           form of civilization. The only exception is the recent addition
           of Toyota and Nissan pickups which the Bedouins use to speed
           across the desert in all different directions, raising clouds of
           dust, and on the main roads frequently crashing into each other.
           Their ways are simple and mysterious.

                we erected preliminary tents and began to mark the way.
           There are no other navigable land features. At the turn off
           point I erected a large sign that said 117E Bowers Goat Farm This
           Way" in honor of my Command Sergeant Major, Dennis Bowers. After
           the long convoy, the troops would need a bit of humor.



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