University of Minnesota Athletics
J Robinson Journal From Iraq #1
10/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
#1
Hi All
I couldn't sleep so I got up about 5:30 and walked around the post for a while. It is interesting when you have old memories and how they fit with the new world. The amount of equipment that is stored here is incredible. You would have to see it to believe it. The base in Kuwait was quite secure and the activity was like any Army base in the US, a lot of physical training going on in the morning.
About 10:30 I caught a ride on a couple of Blackhawks to head into Iraq. There is a lot of sand between the camps...nothing but sand. Not a whole lot to see in between. Saw a camel herd and a lot more sand. It is amazing the openness of the landscape.
We flew towards Iraq and when we went over the border the mood in the aircraft changed and it was all business. Currently I am at a large fire-base that has 5,000 plus soldiers. They have had me speak to several groups on my arrival, then a meeting with Minnesota alumni, and then talk to 3 other groups of soldiers after dinner.
The theme is the same that any commander would have given 40 years ago in VN. Remain alert and do not take anything for granted. A lot of the soldiers are young so the theme of you make a difference is important
Most of the labor force here is contracted (building, taxi, cafeteria etc) as in VN the Army built and did almost everything. Another noticeable difference is the number of females on all the bases. In VN there were just 500,000 men and nurses, it is noticeable when the army before was mainly just men. In addition at this base everyone is carrying a weapon at all time.
I got a chance to see Danny Morgan at one of the meetings tonight, so Jenny and Marty he looks great and is doing good. Packing some major heat to.
I have a full day tomorrow starting at 0700, that is 7 in the morning for you civilian's. The troops are very friendly and they care deeply about what is going on in the states and what the people back home think about the job they are doing.
Some really neat stories how they are helping the Iraqi's rebuilt their country
More to come tomorrow