Return to Namelessville

     This morning soldiers from "Killer" Company rolled up to the TOC - ready to provide an armed and armored escort for our return to the small hamlet nestled in "Little Vietnam". In the days since our last visit word has spread about the children's lack of shoes and a small fund had been established. Once the money had been collected one of the interpreters went to a local market and returned with an oversize cardboard box brimming with sandals. Since I was buried under a mound of paperwork that looked more like a "Jinga" game then an in-box one of my soldiers, SPC Rivers, went along with the convoy.

     The patrol to the overgrown palm groves flashed by, and as the vehicles approached the foul oil soaked road it looked like it would be a quiet and uneventful journey. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

     It wasn't the report of a rifle or the shock wave of an IED that broke the silence. It was the keening cry that seemed to blaze a sonic trail behind the children racing one another back to the village. As the vehicles pulled into overwatch positons the sound only grew, until the sound of children's breathless laughter pierced the armor and drowned out the growling turbo diesels. By time the engines shuddered to a halt the vehicles were awash in a universe of smiling children and hopeful parents.

     As the soldiers started to dismount several Iraqi soldiers in the area came to see what was causing all the ruckus. As the HMMWVs slipped into their view you could see the tension bleed off, and they eagerly approached our vehicles. Within a few short minutes the soldiers not pulling security were laughing with them and posing for the "Hollywood" photographs that are part and parcel of any "bilateral" operation.

     Meanwhile something altogether unheard of was occurring... the children were self organizing. For a moment entropy stopped in its tracks and that rarest of creatures, good order, seemed to spontaneously appear. It was if a phoenix was rising from its own chaotic ashes - its every feather in perfect alignment. And surprisingly the children remained patient as SPC Rivers pulled out the box of sandals. By time the box was empty all the children were proudly parading around in their new sandals, stopping every few steps to admire their feet like little hens. The troops spent a few more minutes conversing with the heads of the household before moving back toward their vehicles. The children followed in a giggling, smiling group to see the soldiers off.

     But the giving wasn't over. As the children approached the vehicles the gunners who had been providing security reached into their turrets and pulled out bags of candy. Each gunner grabbed enormous handfuls of candy and tossed them in long parabolic arcs towards the kids. Before the first handful had even reached the ground any semblance of order was gone. If you have ever been at a children's birthday and seen the wild abandon with which children attack a pinata then you know exactly what I mean.

     As the village faded into the dusty wake of the HMMWVs the soldiers once again slipped into the hypervigilence that combat patrols demand. But the smiles splashed on everyones face at missions end came from more then just a safe return. It came from a job well done.

Comments

[ward baze]

Just want to let you and your troops know how much you are appreciated for what you are doing. Ya'll are allways in my prayers. Come home safe and God bless.

[Brian H]

Buying from local suppliers is important, too. After all, what merchant or farmer can compete with "free"? So you did double duty, there.

[Cathy]

Service does a body good! Thanks for your positive story. Jesus said, "The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? It is not the one who is at the table? But I among you as one who serves." Luke 22:26-27

[Donna]

Sir, I recently found your blog and like it very much. Thanks for what you and everyone else is doing over there. I'm proud of you. May God be with you, and may you return home safely.

[MOM]

I feel as if I am there with you when I read your words. Thank you for allowing me this journey.

[devildog6771]

Everytime I read one of your stories, I feel like I am right there beside you. I would love th see the look on the faces of those kids. You guys are so awesome. You are by far among the best anbassadors for peace. Quite a paradox. A soldier who acts like Santa Claus. HHmm!! Occupier??? I think not.Ally, you can damn well beloeve it.

[Ken]

Hey CPT Things are heating up back here in the USA and BEWARE of the damn media and their partners. Gather all the info you can, because our press and the Democratsis turning on the US soldier and everything he/she stands for. Imagine a US congressman comparing US soldiers to Hitler, Stalin and PolPot. Yes Senator Durbin, the No.2 man in the Senate, is doing just that. And the press making up stories about the treatment of prisoners. You are so good with you writings. Please write on this leftist move. I know and pray that you guys are doing the best job in the world. Keep up the good work. You're making a diffrence. God bless America Ret MSG Ken

[YankeePaPa13]

..And maybe just a little bit more "good" news we might be able to spread around..This is an important accomplishment for all concerned..but more so for the "people" of Iraq sending a Message..Outstanding work America's Best..Carry on the good fight..Semper Fi.. http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/06/16/iraq.main/index.html

[AFSister]

Do you want us to send you some children's shoes?? Please let me know- I'd be happy to help

[Curt]

As the days progress, your stories have turned from ones of hot metal and red blood to the smiles and laughter of children, and respectful relations between humans... I'd say there's plenty of hope to go around, even if a few more of your posts may have to deal with the combat issues. What other armed force in history conquered by improving the daily quality of life for the people in the conflict? You and your troops are doing the hard work of freedom, making the entire world a better place. Thank you.

[Fiona]

Great to see that there is some joy to spread around..... Keep your spirits high....there is nothing better than a childs smile of joy.

[Beth]

Awesome! What fun, and what a joy to be a part of that. Btw, your writing just gets better and better. I loved the turn of phrase here: "...all the children were proudly parading around in their new sandals, stopping every few steps to admire their feet like little hens. " "Like little hens." What a perfect description. I stand in awe of your literary skills.

[YankeePaPa13]

..Damn..Think you can package some of that up and send it back here..Heck of a Story..Outstanding for the Troops and people are people after all..aren't they..Excellant work T-6..Semper Fi..

[susan]

The bliss found in humble actions.

[Chevy Rose]

Another star in our soldiers' crown. Well done.

[Sgt. B.]

Oh yeah...THAT sounds like the best kind of OP... Thanks for taking us along!