7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0047.txt
Page: 0047
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








                Entire families cross into the American controlled sector.
           They seek food, shelter, medical assistance, and protection.
           Many have left their home and all personal possessions. They
           simply want to be away from Saddam Hussain. many show signs of
           abuse. Engineers pitch in doing their share. My soldiers share
           food, water, and fuel. Engineers assist in erecting tents.
           Medical care is provided. Bullet wounds are cleaned, cuts sewn
           up, and babies are delivered.
                A family of ten stops at my field headquarters. They only
           ask for protection for the night. They are fleeing Iraq and are
           afraid Hussain's soldiers will kill them. The old man and old
           lady -r'e'm-ind us of our own grandparents. A lovely young girl of
           18 speaks some English. The little girl, maybe 7 years old, has
           the biggest, blackest eyes. She melts the hearts of everyone. A
           tiny baby is gently held by big engineer soldiers. The little
           girl says little but smiles a lot. My soldiers are totally
           captivated. This family probably receives more this one moonlit
           night than they have in a year. It is a festive occasion for
           all. Early the next morning we bid them a fond farewell. The
           entire headquarters is on hand to see then off. As they slowly
           fade away in the dust I think of their fate. They are not
           welcome in Saudi Arabia, not welcome in Kuwait, and when the
           Americans leave Iraq, Hussain's troops will love back in and kill
           them. The little girl's beautiful big eyes and shy smile haunts
           us for days.

                After six weeks of miserable sandy living word comes of
           possible move out. A schedule is posted. There is great
           excitement. We prepare to move southward and rejoin our
           headquarters company in Saudi Arabia. After seven weeks the time
           finally arrives. The Command Sergeant Major and I lead a small
           convoy southward. It is a windy dusty day. The drive takes
           seven and one-half hours over rough roads.

                Rear detachment is ready for our arrival. There is a
           semblance of civilization. There are even small. rooms. We are
           exhausted and following a great neal sink into a deep sleep in a
           semi clean environment. I think I am truly in heaven.

                The bureaucracy in of turning equipment, cleaning equipment,
           and packing begins in earnest. Again there is little free time.
           Everyday brings new rules and plans, and changes to the previous
           days rules and plans. It is the Army way. One thought keeps us
           all going. Soon, very soon, we will be home with our loved ones.
           We can hardly wait.




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