My team and I swooped in on BIAP (Baghdad International Airport) last night around 2230 courtesy of Uh-60 Blackhawks flown by "Catfish Air". They're a great outfit from the Alabama National Guard and did a damn fine job flying under night vision. The only "action" was a test fire of weapons by the side door gunners after we took off. I tried to film it but lighting was no good. Now we're at Camp Striker conducting redeployment training and we'll enjoy our stay here for a few days. This place is just one of several camps that comprise the massive Camp Victory complex that surrounds the airport. Camp Striker is a labyrinth of massive jersey barriers surrounding tents and trailers. It's pretty standard stuff around here. I get to stay in one of the "VIP" trailers. It's about 10x10 with a TV. I still have to walk about 300 meters to the shower. Latrines are courtesy of KBR port-o-jons. Stay tuned for a story on that subject.
I stayed at Camp Striker briefly back in 2005 and much has changed since then. One of the changes is the mess hall. Back then it was a tent mess hall. Now it is a huge warehouse facility, completely modern, with seating for probably 2,000. Like all the other DFACs here it is run by KBR. There's a short-order, stir-fry, homestyle meals, sandwich, smoothie, salad, pasta, and ice cream line. Today there was a group of soldier musicians serenading us with Dixieland Jazz while we ate. It's an amazing facility in the middle of this place. Walking into the mess hall today made me think of something about Iraq that every soldier experiences. It's the question of toilet paper or paper towels. Let me explain....
When you walk into any DFAC (dining facility) you are required to wash your hands. Several sinks and soap are provided. The problem comes when you go to dry your hands. There are towel dispensers but the paper has the consistency of very flimsy toilet paper. So you have to pull a huge wad out to dry your hands without making a sticky mess of paper goo. Ok so you've eaten in the mess hall and it's several hours later. Now you pay the price and have to visit the Port-o-let. You go to wipe, only to find that the toilet paper has the texture of course paper towels and feels like sand paper on your ass. I've heard it called "John Wayne toilet paper" because it's "rough as hell and doesn't take shit off of anyone." So it's one interesting dilemna because the TP would come in handy at the DFAC while the "drying towels" would be much more useful wiping an ass. Ah the goofy tales we'll tell our grandchildren....
Till tomorrow friends!
I stayed at Camp Striker briefly back in 2005 and much has changed since then. One of the changes is the mess hall. Back then it was a tent mess hall. Now it is a huge warehouse facility, completely modern, with seating for probably 2,000. Like all the other DFACs here it is run by KBR. There's a short-order, stir-fry, homestyle meals, sandwich, smoothie, salad, pasta, and ice cream line. Today there was a group of soldier musicians serenading us with Dixieland Jazz while we ate. It's an amazing facility in the middle of this place. Walking into the mess hall today made me think of something about Iraq that every soldier experiences. It's the question of toilet paper or paper towels. Let me explain....
When you walk into any DFAC (dining facility) you are required to wash your hands. Several sinks and soap are provided. The problem comes when you go to dry your hands. There are towel dispensers but the paper has the consistency of very flimsy toilet paper. So you have to pull a huge wad out to dry your hands without making a sticky mess of paper goo. Ok so you've eaten in the mess hall and it's several hours later. Now you pay the price and have to visit the Port-o-let. You go to wipe, only to find that the toilet paper has the texture of course paper towels and feels like sand paper on your ass. I've heard it called "John Wayne toilet paper" because it's "rough as hell and doesn't take shit off of anyone." So it's one interesting dilemna because the TP would come in handy at the DFAC while the "drying towels" would be much more useful wiping an ass. Ah the goofy tales we'll tell our grandchildren....
Till tomorrow friends!
1 comment:
Your toilet paper stroy made me laugh out loud.
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