Life is an adventure, so live it to the fullest.
Let me tell you a story of the visit that almost didn’t happen.
I headed out on a HET mission into Iraq last week. While at one of the camps on our way up, the CC told us that we were going to be getting our back haul out of BIAP. Well, ya know that got me excited. I talked to the Sgt and gave him all of Kenny’s information on where he was in the camp and he said that we would be dealing with that Unit for our reload. That was cool. We made it up north and unloaded and staged. The weather got bad and due to a dust storm we did not push out that night. I was disappointed. Kenny was going to be flying to Kuwait in a day or two and I was scared that I was going to miss seeing him. I had been told that I would not have to do a mission if it got close to time for him to be here in Kuwait, but on HET’s things just do not work that way. There are a limited number of us and if they need you, you have to go.
The next day was looking great for us to push out. The sand storm had blown over and I went to the MWR to shoot Kenny an email to let him know that I would be in there that night. Man was it perfect timing. I caught him online and we IM’ed for a bit. I told him I was headed his way and about what time I thought I would be there. We set up a time and place to meet. I was really excited now. Before I had been afraid that he might be out on a patrol and I would miss him. But with his knowing I was coming he said that he would talk to the Lt and he should have the day off.
Well, as my luck would have it, a few things happened that afternoon that had the camp on lockdown and nothing was rolling out. The Sgt told me to just wait till time to roll and he would check again and see if we could roll out. About 2 hours before time to push the Sgt told me he was headed over to check things out and would let me know as soon as he got back to the staging area. There was a bit of teasing about what would happen if we could not go. Everyone in the Greens and our escorts knew by now that my son was in BIAP and that I had not seen him since last December. They were all rooting for us to get there and for me to see him. When the Sgt came back from the meeting I was sitting with a couple of friends in the bobtail. Since the Sgt didn’t come straight to my truck I had this big sinking feeling. I told them that I was not sure that I wanted to go hear the news. I just knew that if we were going to get to push, he would have made a b-line for my truck.
Really, the whole unit made a deal out of me and my son seeing each other. It almost felt like it was as important to them as it was to me. I know that I probably bothered the guys in our crew talking about it. But what can I say, I am a mom and I wanted to see my son. Well, the guys kicked me out of the truck and told me to go see what he had to say. As soon as the Sgt saw me walking towards him, he hung his head and shook it. I just stopped, my heart sank and it was all that I could do to not just turn around and go to my truck and cry. I walked up and he told me that we were still on lock down. But that if at any time during the night they lifted it, we were going to be rolling out. The Sgt and the guys that were in his Humvee all said that they had a debate on the way back over because none of them wanted to be the one to tell me that we were not rolling. See, I was at the point that if I didn’t get into BIAP that night so I could see Kenny the next day, I was not going to get to see him, he was flying out for Kuwait the next night and I would miss him. There was a bit of joking as they tried to make me feel better, but nothing helped. I went and told Mike E. and Mike K. that we were not rolling and because I didn’t want the guys to see me cry, I went to my truck.
I don’t know how long I sat there with tears in my eyes and saying a little prayer that things would straighten out and we would roll. Everyone left me alone and let me sulk in peace. After a while I decided that I would check with the Sgt again and see what he had heard. When I walked up to his Humvee he told me that he had sent a message to MCT about us pushing out. See, the Military MCT gave us the SP time and KBR MCT told us we could not move. So the Sgt was trying to get the Military to over ride KBR. After about half an hour and no answer, the Sgt said that they were just going to go over there and see what they could do. I wished him luck, said another prayer and went to talk to some of the KBR tanker guys that were there that I knew.
While standing there, the KBR MCT guy drove up and told them that the lockdown had been lifted and everyone would be pushing out. I gave Chris a hug, he used to be in reefers with me, and wished him a safe trip and ran back to our convoy. I told the guys what KBR MCT had just said and we waited for the Sgt to show back up. We heard him on the Military radio tell us that we would be rolling in a few minuets and to get everyone ready for the briefing. When the Sgt rolled up he had the biggest smile on his face that I think I have ever seen on a soldier in Iraq. I asked him if he had something to do with this and he grabbed me, gave me a hug and told me about talking to a Sgt Major and telling him that we had been there for a while and what was up and that we needed to roll. The Sgt Major checked things out and lifted the lock down. We had our briefing and everyone got ready to roll. While standing there talking to some of the soldiers from the greens, one asked me why I was so excited, “Did I have a hot date or something?” I told him yes I did, with my son. He smiled and said that he couldn’t argue with that so lets get moving.
Kenny and I worked out that if I was not there by a certain time that he would be in that same place a few hours later. We were cutting it close when we pulled into BIAP. Mike K., our CS, told me to drop my trailer and get a move on. Both Mike’s went in a bobtail and I went in mine to find the place I was to meet my son. Because we went to the wrong place, I was late in getting to the right one and Kenny was not there. My heart was beating so hard that I thought it would just jump out of my chest. It was the early hours of the morning and I had no idea where the pad was that he said his room was. I was about to go nuts! We ran into some soldiers that were on patrol in the camp and talked to them. A Sgt said that Spc Elliott was one of his guys and he would go get him for me. I was to stay there with another soldier and he would bring him back.
A few minuets later, the Sgt came across the radio and asked what state the subject was supposed to be from. I told them and he said that they had the wrong Elliott. My heart sank again. I told them the information that Kenny had given me on how to find his living quarters. The Sgt said he would see if he could fine it. Another LONG few minuets passed and the radio crackled and said that they had found him and was in route to my location. I could hardly contain my self. As both Mikes and I walked back out to our bobtails, a Humvee drove up.
I knew Kenny was in it.
I can not tell you how good it was to see my son when he stepped out. He gave me a big hug and we chatted for a few minuets. I introduced him to both Mike’s and we talked for a while. The guys left and Kenny and I just sat there talking in the quiet of the night under the stars. I have to tell ya, it was one of the most beautiful nights in my life. I got to spend all day with him. I met his Platoon and a few other guys that live around him and are in his unit. I took him over to meet the crew I was running with and to meet the Sgt that had made it happen. It was such a great day. I sat with him and his room mate and listened to their war stories and told a few of my own.
When it came time to me to go back to the convoy so I could get some sleep, (I had been up over 24hours by this time), Kenny took me to meet another guy in his unit. When we walked up, Kenny looked at him and told him that he wanted him to meet his mom. You should have seen the guys face!! I wish I had gotten a picture of it. His jaw dropped to the ground. He looked at me, then at Kenny and then asked the guy standing beside him, “We are in Iraq, right?” It was so funny! Kenny and I both laughed. Kenny’s friend said that this was such a shock. Kenny had walked up and said he wanted him to meet him mom like it was nothing and we were all back in the states. He was so amazed. After talking for a while with him and several others that Kenny knew, it was time for me to go. Kenny walked me to my truck and we said our goodbyes. I told him that I should be back in Kuwait while he is down here going out on leave. Neither of us were sure if he would have the time to see me or not with him having to out process and all. I got back yesterday and am waiting to hear from him now.
I know that everyone has asked me over and over if I have gotten to see my son yet. I was starting to get frustrated at not having seen him yet. Several times I have been by the turn off for BIAP and not been able to stop and see him. Running convoys in a combat zone limits your being able to just stop and do what ya want and see who ya want. But this time, it worked out. I got to see my son. I got to hug my son. I knew that for today, he is alive, well, and all in one piece. I am a happy, and proud mom!!!
IAP got part of the Heavy Lift 6 contract, but not the Western drivers part. PWC got that. So as far as I know right now, we will be working till July 15. With the push being on right now and lasting over the next several months, it is possible that we could get extended for several months. But nothing is for sure yet. I am looking into other jobs that will keep me over here or even working in a different country. Not sure what I am going to do yet. As for now, I am going to hold on here. Maybe things will change and we will get back something that needs Western drivers. I know that there are going to be lots of people that are going to abandon ship as soon as possible, I am not one. I will look at other things, but will not leave till they tell me to pack my stuff and go home. Please keep your fingers crossed and say prayers for us, we are all going through a most difficult time now.
I just thought I would let ya see what else I have been doing today. This one was fun. After we got our trailers loaded we loaded our cabs full of soliders. I had 4 guys ride with me form the border all the way back to almost Saudie. I had a good time with them today. Luckly, I have tomorrow off, so I am going to enjoy it.
OK, ya’ll I have done my first HET load. Here is a picture for ya. Man it was hot and I was tired after this. Going out to do another today. Talk to ya’ll soon.
I thought I would let ya know that I am going to HET’s for a while. A friend of mine is in HET’s and they get to pick who takes their place while they are gone on R&R, Mike asked me to do it for him. He is Darren’s flatmate and he knows that my son is in BIAP and that I want to get there to see him. Our HET’s get to BIAP where the Iraqi Express does not. This is supposed to be for only 2 weeks but could turn into more. I don’t know yet. Yes, it is a harder job, more work than flats and is more dangerous, but I will hopefully get to see Kenny and more of Iraq than I have seen already. That is enough for me to take the risk, in my mind. I have been trying to get into BIAP since I got here and I just don’t think it is going to happen with the Iraqi Express, it will with the HET’s. So for those of you that are not going to like this decision because of the increased danger, I am sorry, but I want to see my son and as you all know, I am still playing tourist. There is a lot of Iraq that I have not seen yet. I have to do a local today with them, so I am going to let ya’ll go.
Unlike my first mission, this one was uneventful to be so eventful. No, we didn’t see any bombs or bullets this trip, but it was plagued with problems, one after another. There were some very good points to it though as you will find out later. Some questions I had of did I do the right thing on one mission with KBR were answered. And now that I have your attention. I am going to make you wait to find out what that was.
I believe that the rain has finally stooped. Two weeks ago we were rained on, but this mission it seems the weather got hotter and hotter every day. Our convoy’s are made up of DOD’s and TCN’s. Most of the TCN’s are good people and know what they are doing, so this makes the trip much easier. I wish I could say that for the TCN’s of other companies and other convoys. Just across the border, we started to pass A PWC convoy. Now you have heard me describe the TCN’s at times as being like 6 year old’s trying to get to the front of the ice cream line? Well, the PWC convoy was this way. They were cutting into our convoy and passing their own guys to get to the front. I forced one of them back into his convoy when he jumped in front of me. He gave me this shit eating grin as I passed him, but I think he lost it, when I waved him back into his line as I moved my truck over. I learned when I was here the first time, that this is just about the only way some of them will listen to you.
The next day was uneventful. I saw several old friends at Scania and was able to catch up on others. So many people that I knew from before are gone now, either back to the states, or to other companies. They are still doing mostly night missions north of Scania. But with us having dedicated escort units, we run when the military says for us to run. That means day, night, or when other convoys(KBR) are not moving. We hit Sword right at day light. Now remind you, this is the first time I have been back across the road that my last ambush happened on. The whole trip up, I had wondered how I was going to deal with it. The other ambushes, I had been back across the road in the same direction within, a few weeks. This one was months. I can’t say that there was not a lot of anxiety, but I can’t say that all was right. I was nervous. Eight months of reliving that night in my head had made this trip a very important one to me. I knew that if I couldn’t handle this trip, I would not be able to handle any other and I would have to come home, or just run around Kuwait. With us leaving camp that morning as late as we did, it was daylight by the time we got to the road. I was nervous, but I was calm. I have told many people that I am the type of person that doesn’t panic during the situation, I do it afterward.This time was no different. I was calm and alert.
All was quiet as we made our way north. Well, not really quiet, it was the beginning to what would be rush hour for Baghdad, but there were no bombs, bullets, RPG’s, or mortars. Just rocks up by Taji. I can handle that. I made it through the area in good condition and stronger in my resolve. Now I have that behind me and can go on doing what I love doing, supporting our troops.
Now, here is what I was eluding to at the beginning. We got to Anaconda. I unstrapped and unchained my load, pulled into the TDC yard and got off loaded. Then I was told that about 12 of us were going to get cans (containers). So I pulled around to where they directed and me proceeded to set the pumpkins(these hold the cans to the trailer) on my trailer. I was having a problem with one and was fighting with it when I heard this man yell “CINDY!!!!!!!” When I turned around, at first,I didn’t recognize who it was riding in the truck, hanging half out the window, yelling and waving at me. Then I recognized the voice. It is a voice that I will never forget. The last time I had heard this voice over here he was across the radio, telling me that he was hit and I was telling him he had to drive that truck to the safe zone. Yes, It was Roy Hawkins! I had talked to him several times while we were both in the states, but had not gotten to see him. I yelled to him,”Come see me!” The driver of the truck he was in came to an abrupt halt and Roy dove out. He came running towards me with open arms. When he got to me he picked me up, twirled me around and gave me the biggest hug I have had in a very long time. I thought he was going to squeeze me in two. We both laughed and hugged several times in the few minuets that we had to talk. He showed me the scares on both side of his knee where the bullet went in and out of his leg. I have to say, those were nasty scares, but in a weird way, very beautiful. Beautiful, because if I was getting to see them, then I was getting to see the man they were attached to. I can not tell you how great it made me feel to see Roy and for him to have the reaction he did. His reaction and his telling me that he was glad that I was back and this is where I belong, tells me that he feels that I did right by him when he was shot. Everyone else, including myself, could tell me I had done good. But the one that mattered most came from Roy. You can not believe or maybe even understand the emotions that run through me even now, as I write about seeing him. I smile and cry at the same time, but I am at piece with the events of that night, now.
I did find out that Robert Rowe, my driver that was shot from the last ambush has not returned to Iraq. I have been looking and asking for him. I guess, I will have to do it the same way I found Roy in the states. Call Halliburton’s EAP people and ask them to give him my phone number and ask him to call me. If I can get in touch with him, it will take care of the unfinished business I felt I had over here and I can go on and have more adventures running the roads of Iraq in support of our guys and gals.
Ok with all that done, we started our trip back south in the very early hours of the next day. During the briefing we found out that the convoy 5 minuets behind us the day before coming through Baghdad was hit hard. It was the convoy the 2 Americans were killed on Saturday. I have to say, I know that we all took a deep breath and then thanked God that we had had no delays that morning. Then we left camp. For the most part, the ride was quite. Not even any rocks this time as we passed Taji. But this soon became the trip from hell. One of our gun trucks rolled over, and landed on its side, skidding down the road. The guy in the turret is a very lucky man that it didn’t go all the way over. One soldier did get 6 stitches in his head. We pulled into Scania and he was stitched up and we pushed out again. Down what used to be dirt Tampa, its all paved now. Then another of our gun trucks, blew the engine. We hooked a tow bar to it and kept on moving. A few miles later, we met a convoy of TCN’s caring hooch’s. Now these are wide, and they don’t need ALL of the road. But as I have told you before, the TCN’s are not always the best of drivers. One took a little more of the road than he should have. One of the DOD’s got off the pavement and that kicked up a lot of dust. The TCN behind him freaked out and slammed on his breaks. That caused the military brown truck behind him to hit him. They are going to have to use the truck for spare parts now. It will never be driven again. The two soldiers that were in it are ok. But we had to sit on the side of the road for several hours while recovery came out of cedar to tow the truck into camp.
All this left us with only two gun trucks the next morning when we wanted to push on to Kuwait. I would run Cedar to Kuwait without escorts. It is the safest part of the trip. But they wouldn’t let us run with only two gun trucks. So we sat in camp till that afternoon waiting for a gun truck to come up from NAVISTAR. That made for a very long day. After we got to Kuwait we still had to unload. It was midnight before I got home. But I had my temper pushing me that day.
My being one of two female drivers, everything I do is being watched. IAP didn’t hire females to drive for a long time. The other woman is….well……she is not very feminine looking, if ya know what I mean. Most passing her in the hall or going down the road, do not know that it is a woman. I, on other hand, can not hide that I am a female. That brings a bit more upon my shoulders. There are lots of guys that are living in the dark ages and feel that women do not belong over here. As a matter of fact, one of these Neanderthals said as much to my face and in front of 4 of our escorts. Well, ya’ll know me. I let him have it. He told me that I couldn’t do my job. That because I was a woman that I couldn’t strap and chain down loads. I looked at him and said, “Do what!” “I have strapped and chained every load I have hauled, by myself. I have also unstrapped and unchained everyone of my loads.” He tried to go on and tell me that women are not as strong as men that there will be some loads that I can not do. Now, in part, I have to agree with him, the part that women are not as strong as men. The thing is, we all unstrap and unchain our own loads. But we all help each other strap and chain them down when we get loaded. No one does just their load. I do not sit in my truck and let the guys do it for me. I have and never will let anyone do my job for me. And if or when the day comes that I am not strong enough to chain down my load, I will not sit in my truck and let a man do it for me. I will allow him to HELP me do it. Well, I need to calm down again. Just thinking about it pisses me off. Then this guy had the nerve to come ask me, right before we pushed out of Cedar, if he was going to be called into the office when we got back. I told him no, I was not like that. What happens on mission, stays there. I did tell one of my flat mates and he said something to this guy’s flat mate and I got an apology this morning from him. I don’t think he really meant it, but I got it.
Well, this has been a long email and I have a dinner date with several of the guys. We are going to Applebee’s and then maybe down to Fahaheel for a bit. We are talking about going jet skiing tomorrow again, but i am not sure if we will since we went yesterday. I hope all of ya’ll are doing well.
Now before anyone asks me what do I want or need I will give ya some ideas. the way we are living is like living in the states. They do not provide our meals, so we eat out or cook. The spices here a bit different and not real easy to tell what they are when they are in a bulk bin. So those a great to send. (Mom, you know what I use for spaghetti. Also, get me some ground mustard and cumin. I want to make my cheese dip on night when me and the guys are just sitting around watching movies.) Fig Newtons are hard to get here as well as Dr. Pepper. It looks like Mountain Dew is easier to get now than what it was the first time I was here. Some real Zippo lighter fluid would be nice as well. The stuff we get here is junk and evaporates very quick. (Mom, don’t worry about sending that zippo you held onto for me, I got another one) Baking stuff will work as well. they gave us pots and pans and most kitchen utensils, but to bake a cake or cookies or things like that, I have none. I have not looked for that kind of stuff yet. Maybe today I will look and see what they have. A couple of friends and I are going to Fahaheel tonight. Course, anything homemade, like cookies,(hint, hint Mom, date roll cookies, remember) is always welcome. Just remember to send enough for a bunch of people, I always share with the guys. Oh and Dad, all that apple butter and sweet pickles that you were going to send me last time I was here, you can send that now. Also, a couple jars of sweet pickle relish and cans of tuna. I am going to look for a few tools while in town tonight as well. We really don’t need much, but you know I always like to work on something myself. Since we have to do repair work our selves when out on a mission, as well as change our own tires, I am going to see what I can find in the way of a socket set. I know they have them, just have to find them. But if ya’ll can get light weight leather gloves that would be great. The ones they have here really suck. In the truck stops they have ones that fit a woman’s hands better and that will keep other from stealing them from me. Oh and dad, before you send that footlocker that I packed up, if you would grab me some more contact solution. I am using the Alcon Opti-free express stuff.
Now here is the other thing I would like. We are not allowed to toss food out to the kids on the roads, but sometimes when we stop, we all do anyway. We have all seen the older kids take it from the younger ones. So what I would like to do is get small stuffed animals to hand out. That is something that the teenagers wont bother. Then I can take and tie candy or small packages of cookies to them so as to make sure the little ones get it. so if anyone knows of a place online that I can order small stuffed animals please send me a link. Mom or Dad, I may have to have them ship them to you and then you ship them to me. Some places don’t ship to APO addresses. If ya’ll can think of anything else that you think would be cool to hand out to the kids, send me your idea’s. I have to be careful about what we hand out, because we don’t want to start the kids in this “throw me something or I will rock you” thing like I have seen before. This stuff will only be handed out when we are stopped on the side of the road and the kids come up to visit with us.
Here are some pictures from our jet skiing the other day.
I just thought I would give ya a bit of an update. As some of you know I hit the ground running. I was out on a mission 36 hours after getting into Kuwait. I have to tell ya’ll, it was good doing a mission again. I really enjoyed the trip. I was lucky enough to see a couple of good friends while out as well. When I got back several of us went out jet skiing. One of the guys took some pictures of us out on the gulf, but he is not here right now. So, I will have to get them from him when he gets back. The pictures you are getting today are from the trip to TQ. They are not the best I have had taken of me, but at least you can see that I am enjoying being back and am doing great! I really like working for IAP as well. It is nice to be treated like an adult and be able to have some kind of a life. I am not sure when I will get to see my son, Kenny. Doing the Iraqi Express doesn’t really take us into the camp he is at, but the bosses know that if they get one going there, I want on it. Other than that, I am doing well. I hope to see those of you that are still here soon. And to those back home, I miss you all.
Hi,
This is cindy’s mom, Linda. Cindy has wanted to go back to Kuwait/Iraq for some time now. She has a son in the National Guard that is stationed over there . She will be in Kuwait by the weekend. She got a chance to go and she took it. As my 83 year old mother says we will worry but we will leave her safety in Gods hands. All we have ever wanted for our kids is for them to be happy and I saw that in her when we took her to the airport to catch her plane.
God bless you all, Stay safe.
Linda
Hi this is her dad, she called me a little while ago, and she will be flying out of SC tonight sometime going to Kuwait, she said that she will send an email when she is able to get to a computer, we hope to get hers back form the shop in a few days and I will ship it to her at that time, so she will have it in a couple weeks we hope then she will be able to send email to keep us updated on things, thanks for all the support you have given her, and keep her and her son, Kenny, in your prays.
Thanks and love to all
Albert
I just wanted to let everyone that I am going back to Iraq this week. I got a call this morning asking me if I would go Wednesday. So, I will be flying to S.C. Wednesday and should be in Kuwait sometime over the weekend. I am not sure about the book deal right now. I know that my manager is not going to be happy that I am going so soon. But since the ghostwriter we are looking at lives in Paris, everything is going to have to be done over the internet anyway. I have sent and email to my son telling him that I will be headed his way soon. This job I am taking will get me far enough into Iraq that I could get to see him. This is better than the other job I was offered that would have me leaving in June. It is with the same company, but running a different mission.
I want to thank ya’ll for being there for me over the last few weeks in dealing with my son. It has really helped. Ya’ll take care and I will stay in touch.
