7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0025.txt
Page: 0025
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







                Brief moments of sunshine cause surges in morale. in spite
           of busy schedules, soldiers capitalized on every spare second
           that was free. Ten free minutes could result in a frantic touch
           football game or modified baseball with a small rubber ball. All
           were indicators of good spirit and morale.

                Soldiers continued the drudgery of guard duty, cleaning
           weapons, checking equipment, washing clothes, conducting combat
           drills, chenical defense response, tactical training, and
           operating heavy equipment. There was no let up. Sporadic mail
           caused moments of true delight. A rare phone call to loved ones
           through special AT&T phones brought more brief happiness.

                Daily the mess sergeant continued to nanage morale by
           preparing absolutely outstanding meals. Although drawing only
           meager rations of dehydrated food, he was continually able to mix
           up concoctions that thoroughly delighted solders. All were
           amazed that so much could be created with so little. Soldiers
           began to look forward to and crave the early morning hot
           biscuits. For many, however, the cold MRE's continued to be the
           only nourishment. We were managing two hot meals a day in base
           camp.

                Sundays came and went. The Chaplain ran services almost
           daily with evening Bible Study. As the threat increased so did
           attendance at the various services. one's immortality became
           more apparent. At every level a strong spiritual base was
           recognized. From prior combat experience in other lands at other
           times I could easily testify to the need for a spiritual base.
           often it is the only hope in grim situations and provides
           exceptional strength at just the right time.

                More new soldiers arrived at our tactical area. Clean
           uniforms, vehicles, and equipment coupled with regular haircuts,
           close shaves, and a clean body immediately identifies those new
           to the desert. We took them in and began teaching them the ways
           of the desert. How to live and how to survive.. It was one team.
           No National Guard, Reserve, or Active, no new guy versus old,
           only one team with one common goal.

                The desert continued to fill with men and equipment of war.
           The once flat barren landscape now was crisscrossed with ruts,
           quickly drying mud and the tracks of thousands of vehicles going
           in all directions. Dust began to replace mud but as far as the
           eye could see the landscape was greatly altered. One wondered if
           the desert would ever return to its natural state or would the
           scars remain forever? We knew that soon, very soon we would be
           adding more scars upon the countryside.


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