Reporting from Camp Taji

April 30, 2008 - Wow… I never thought I’d be so happy to move from across a war zone. As I reported, our flights were delayed, and eventually cancelled. We took a bus to Stryker stables to get a tent to rest. Thank God we did that. As we were resting – my cell phone rang. It was a Public Affairs Officer from Camp Taji. She’s also worked in television – so we can relate. She told me she’d arranged for a convoy to pick us up, and drive us across the war zone into Camp Taji. Driving clearly isn’t the best way to travel here. But, after delays, more delays, and then a few more delays, we were happy to just get out of Baghdad. Soldiers came to scoop us up in armored vehicles. I’m not sure of their exact names, but the vehicles have a gun on the roof and they’re pretty much indestructible. After facing off against sand storms and bombs, we like indestructible. In fact – bring on some more indestructible things, please. The convoy was late to leave  because there was some intelligence that insurgents were along our route and could possibly try to harm us. Lucky for us – the insurgents knew  better to mess with us. Riding in an armored vehicle with machine guns strapped to it is a pretty empowering feeling – especially after feeling so weak for so many days. I’m no match for mortars, rockets, or sand storms… But I can handle insurgents from the inside of an armored vehicle. The soldiers who picked us up run convoys often. It’s part of their mission. They’re so brave, and they went out of their way to make sure we felt safe. I have to tell you, crossing into the gates of Camp Taji was such an awesome experience. SO AWESOME. It’s quiet, there aren’t any bombs, and we have a building with solid walls to sleep in. I have been able to visit with some of the soldiers here, and they’re all so nice. Folks from Lafayette, Shreveport, Baton Rouge – all over the state. They’re excited to have us here – and I’m so excited that we’ll  be able to tell their stories – and let them say hello to their families back home. I’ve received so many encouraging e-mails from friends, my family, and from our viewers. Although I haven’t been able to respond to all of them – I want you to know, we’re going to go out of our way to get your family members on TV, and we’re going to make an effort to tell the stories of each and every person we encounter. I have to say, I’ve got a new found respect for the men and women who serve in our military. Honestly, I can’t imagine working somewhere where I’d have to put my life on the line each and every day. I also can’t imagine having to stay out here in the Middle East for a year. They’re doing it, though. And (I hope it doesn’t sound corny) I am so honored to be hear with members of the military. I’ve covered military stories for years – but never have I actually been embedded with troops. This experience has really and truly been an eye opener. It’s also let me know that when soldiers say they’re fighting to defend my freedom – they really are. They really and truly are fighting and risking their lives. Stay tuned, we’ve met some amazing people. We’re working on some amazing stories. And you’ll be proud that these brave men and women are our neighbors.

 

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