Arriving in Baghdad

Today, we finally got a flight into Baghdad. I must say, it was one of the most exciting and terrifying moments of my life. We were required to wear bullet proof vests and helmets because we were flying over the “Red Zone.” It was scary enough knowing I was flying into Baghdad, but when military officials are going through the safety features of a C-130 and ordering you to put on bullet-proof gear – everything becomes a little more real. We landed at BIAP, and we tried to catch a helicopter flight over to the area of Baghdad we needed to be. However, because of our luggage, cameras, and equipment – the helicopters couldn’t accommodate us. We had to walk down a gravel road at the airport in Baghdad to get to a bus stop – yes a bus stop at the airport. Eric Breaux (our videographer) and I sat at the bus stop alone for about 30 minutes. Several buses passed by, but none were labeled properly. Our goal was to get to Camp Striker – so we could jump on board the “Rhino” which only runs at night. If you’re wondering what a “Rhino” is – don’t worry, we did also. It’s a bullet proof bus – sort of an enlarged version of the armored trucks you see stopping in at banks. “Rhino” transportation is less desirable because you’re more at risk to get attacked by insurgents here. And, even though the bus is armored – I wouldn’t want to test it’s abilities. Right now, we’re waiting for the “Rhino”, and it’s almost midnight. So – for about 10 hours, we’ve just been hanging out – and haven’t been able to find showers to use. We’re both a little cranky and both feel very tired and dirty. We did get to eat, though, so that’s good. Hopefully, we’ll have an uneventful ride on the “Rhino.” Again, we’ll have to wear body armor, and again, we’re nervous – not knowing what to expect. Getting hooked up with the 165th has proven to be a very, very difficult mission. I’ve called the officers with the media relations office in Baghdad to let them know we’re here. They’ve already closed for the day, so we’re not sure what we’ll have to do – or where we’ll sleep once the rhino drops us off. Nerves. That’s all I can say – nerves. I really didn’t think I’d be so nervous here. But, after talking with contractors and soldiers who are also waiting for the “Rhino,” I’ve grown even more nervous. They’ve all been talking about the multiple times they’ve been shot at, or had rockets launched at their bases – even over the past two weeks. At this point, I’m ready to get in – get our job done here, and get back home to the US. It’s comforting to know we’re only here for two weeks. I can’t imagine what soldiers must go through – knowing they’ll be out here for at least a year. Jets, planes and helicopters keep zooming by – and on an Army base – there’s little, if any, rest. Camp Striker is much more rural than the base we were at in Kuwait. Although there’s food, and a Burger King (I know – fast food), there’s a much different feeling here. There’s a lot of construction here, and there aren’t any bathrooms. I’m not a huge fan of “port-o-potties” to begin with, but when it’s 107 degrees…WOW. That about sums it up. WOW. That’s enough for now. Hopefully, the next entry will have tons of positive news, and great stories from our Louisiana National Guard. It’s clear everyone here is working hard – and what they’re dealing with has to be seen to be believed.

 

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