It snowed in Iraq today. Yes, snow in the desert. Most people here were in awe at the mere fact that some little part of home had found us. Somehow, some way, a thing we never thought to see made it 6,000 miles across the world – literally showing up on our doorstep.
I cannot begin to tell you what a difference a quarter of an inch of snow did for everyone’s spirits. That morning tent flaps and trailer doors were opened across Iraq as troops prepared for another days work, only to have white stuff here and there. It was all over, on the ground, on the bomb shelters, inside the latrines…it was great! What a wonderful outburst of energy and vibrancy in the people here, reminiscent of a five-year-old on Christmas morning.
Then the sun came out. In only ten short minutes, that wonderful white stuff was gone. Just like that.
You see, here in theatre, the little things that tend to make life miserable at home will bring smiles to faces. All those little things begin to count for something when you haven’t got much. For instance, having a bathroom (or latrine as the military likes to call them) within five feet of you. Now that is a creature comfort. Heck, having a heated latrine – now that’s even better! Running water for that matter, or having a latrine at all…some troops here have plastic waste bags and not garbage waste either!
A hot meal is another little thing. At home these are available on almost every street corner – even in your own kitchens. Out here, depending on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) they are difficult to come by. Most small FOBs will offer only one hot meal a day. The rest of the day’s meals are MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) rations. Yum!
Now, this is not to say that troops in theatre have it bad. It just goes to show that the little things are what makes life out here bearable!
Hot meals, running water, friends, snow, support from those at home. It’s the little things that matter most. Most troops here are well supported by their families and friends at home. That, believe it or not, is one of the biggest little things that those in theater can have! For the most part, America has really held up the troops throughout this “war.” While people (both civilian and military) disagree with the reasons for being in the Middle East, the troops are being supported. Unlike Vietnam, when the troops who fought were shunned and exiled from society, today’s military are welcomed home with open arms, many times to cheering crowds. And while most of the military will never understand what it is that we’re doing that deserves such reception, it is highly appreciated.
As a soldier, all I can say is thank you so much for the support you show your military. Many will tell the troops coming home “Thank you for serving our country,” usually followed by a hug or a strong smile. All the while, the only thing going through our heads is, “No, Thank YOU for caring.”
Because without the support from those at home, what would be the point?