These are a few of my favorite things. It's been a long, long 14 months. And while I've taken these two precious things for granted most of my life, I've finally returned to the basic reminders of civilization with our recent move to FOB Stryker. No more pooping in bags! Huzzah!
So what is this Stryker place anyway? First of all, FOBs are our big bases here in Iraq - the kind with McDonald's and Pizza Hut that you sometimes hear about. In addition to such unhealthy amenities, the bathrooms are nicer, the bases are larger and usually safer, and life is a lot more like being in garrison back home in the States. The downside of that is more the silly rules and regs bullshit - saluting is required, our reflective PT belts must be worn, and you can't go in the chow hall in a dirty uniform (so too bad if you're hungry because you've been packing and "working" all day and just now finally found the time to eat).
That all said, Stryker's a dull, drab, and soulless place filled with concrete walls and barriers and few landmarks. It's exists as an uninteresting cross between limbo and purgatory that most every Soldier must cross on their way to more interesting places. Think New Jersey. Maybe even the turnpike or, better yet, a construction area thereabouts. Now just add some sand, 120 degree temperatures in the summer (much cooler and muddier now), and lots of obnoxious and uptight people in camouflage uniforms and you've got a pretty good mental image.
I hate this place. Even more so for some earlier trips here and the time I was forced to waste here. But, hey, at least it's closer to getting home.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
sorry to hear that you're not having such a hot time. Just hold n a little more and you'll be back in the states soon!
Post a Comment