On Sep 11, 2001 OUR NATION WAS ATTACKED. AND WE FOUGHT BACK.
On Sep 11, 2004 B Company Warhawks deployed for OIF III.
From Los Alamitos-to Fort Sill, then on to Kuwait and Camp Speicher.
The company I am about to speak of, came together when the tough usually get going. They were an unusual bunch of guys.
Made up of soldiers from many units throughout the state, i.e the 1/18 Cavalry, 640th Avn., and the AVCRAD out of Fresno.
Comprised of 35 authorized soldiers, B Company deployed with only 34. When asked to do additional assignments outside of the
normal, they stepped up. This band of misfits, was also known as a very experienced, knowledgeable company. They shined brightest
when put to the test.
On Sep 14, 2004 we said our goodbyes to family and friends and climbed on the buses. We were driven to our plane, awaiting
to fly us onto our first destination, the first of what would be a long fourteen months. Hours later we landed at Fort Sill
Oklahoma, otherwise known as Purgatory.
First we moved into our condemned barracks. Bugs, spiders, and a backed up septic tank would be our accommodations for
those three months. But we were soldiers and learned to make do with what we were presented with. Soon there were the aromas
of candles wafting down the hallway, emanating from the "Tiki Room", otherwise known as Mr. Brown’s, Monticelli’s,
and Jones’ room, where you could walk through a curtain of bamboo into a paradise filled with Tiki’s, Leis, KooKooi
nut necklaces, and the gentle sounds of a tropical rainforest.
Then the "training" began. There were many valuable training classes that would be worthless to our mission success in
Iraq. These classes included: convoy training in the back of a 5 Ton truck, minefield clearing, convoy training, building
clearing, convoy training, weapons qualification, convoy training, prisoner searches, and last but not least the convoy training
in the back of a 5 Ton truck. Soon would be released from Purgatory with a plane ticket straight to Hell.
Dec 15, 2004 we arrived in Kuwait. Through the freezing cold and blowing sand, the Warhawks prepared for war. Living in
tents and sleeping on cots was the norm, but this was expected. The training was routine, not geared toward aviation, but
this was expected. The lack of proper equipment, protective gear, and adequate vehicle protection was to say the least expected.
The 2 weeks spent training up for Iraq, were for lack of a better word, expected.
Jan 6, 2005 The Warhawks crossed over into Iraq to face the enemy. The flight over was routine, but a little different
scenery than the boys of Los Alamitos were used to flying over. The flight was uneventful except for a few bird strikes and
a precautionary landing due to fuel consumption, but they all made it to Camp Speicher.
We arrived at Camp Speicher, like High School Freshman. Eager to learn, to succeed, to graduate. The unit we replaced met
us on the flight line, helped us with our gear, and showed us to our new living quarters. The tents, yes, tents seemed ok
at first glance, but the best was yet to come. While, the Warhawks settled into becoming familiar with the missions, our one
concern was "How quick could we get wood". Yes, wood; wood to build such things as proper shelving and book cases.
Months passed as the Warhawks took over the missions from the 2-1. Living in tents and sleeping on cots, they proved themselves
as professional soldiers. And, then the night of the big storm hit. It came out of nowhere, first the wind, then the rain,
and finally the eye. The tents although reinforced, were no match for the mighty Iraqi wind. The wind ripped open the flaps,
tore holes in the roof and the water poured in. If not for the quick response of a former member of the Cav, all would have
been lost. Just when we thought we would be washed away, CPT Carlson, aka "the Shark" showed up with extra tents to reinforce
our washed out living quarters. Each member of Bravo Company along with a few members of the 1-140th managed to cover a tent
with another tent in the middle of the storm. Each man, working as a team to get the job done. We will never forget that night.
Memories, from the corners of our mind, misty water colored memories of early morning wake-ups, hot coffee and freezing
pre-flights were just some the memories these soon to be seasoned veterans, will remember for a lifetime.
Oh yeah, and our BC being removed for cause, not resigning like some would have you believe.
Looking back on our missions, we can honestly say they were rewarding, in the fact that for every soldier transported to
another destination via Blackhawk, it meant one less traveling on the very dangerous roads below. After, each flight the men
would work together to ensure the maintenance was completed for the following mission and then crash from exhaustion.
The Warhawks came together this past year and proved that a National Guard Company working together, sharing knowledge
and experience can succeed. They came with the right attitude- get the job done, watch each others back and come home safe.
I was proud to serve with all the members of this outstanding Aviation Company. I will share stories of our exploits with
my family and friends.
Each member of Bravo Company will take something special back from this place (hopefully it will not be a case of leishmaniasis).
As Bravo Company returns home, the pain caused by the thoughts of their loved ones being so far away for so long, will be
replaced by thoughts of the soldiers who remain in this God forsaken country- those men and women who stand on the front line
so that we can sleep at night. They will also remember those who supported them, for when these soldiers return, they will
return to smiling faces.
So, I say to all those liberals and fellow Americans, come visit this place of sun and flea infested sand. Spend not a
couple of days, but a year in this place of the ancients. Live in tents, freeze and sweat yourself to sleep each night, and
then ask yourself just one question. Who am I to judge?
