Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Navy Lt. Micah Brewer, from San Marcos, Calif., plays table-top touch games while...... read more read more
By Dustin Senger
Area Support Group - Qatar
CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – "We just want to get things done in Iraq," said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Chamberlin, from Diamond Bar, Calif., at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Jan. 27.
Chamberlin was enjoying a four-day break from duties in Iraq by participating in the U.S. Central Command rest and recuperation pass program at the U.S. military installation. The U.S. presidential inauguration appointed Barack Obama as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces one week ago. Service members sustaining Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom eagerly await direction under the new administration.
"The insurgency has gone down and things are really improving," said Chamberlin, "But we want the Iraqis to be able to sustain themselves before we leave." According to Chamberlin, a lot of the Marines in his deployed unit were hoping McCain would win the U.S. presidency, but happy to see the historic moments unfold for African Americans and ready to execute orders under the new commander's guidance.
"We're all looking for firm leadership and policies," said Army 2nd Lt. Will Thomas, from Temple, Texas, who was reconnected with his wife by participating in the U.S. Central Command respite program in Qatar. The military couple received orders to separate locations in Iraq several months ago. "Over the last year, there was a lot of discussion about policy in Iraq – I think we've all come to the point where we're simply ready for direction and ready to support it... whatever it may be."
Thomas and his wife believe most of the Soldiers in their units were pro Obama during the election process; while the majority of those backing McCain found themselves excited about Obama after the inauguration on Jan. 20.
"I noticed a lot of excitement during the inauguration," said Navy Lt. Micah Brewer, from San Marcos, Calif. "We were all watching it on the televisions in the dining facility." Brewer was preparing to return to Iraq after spending four days at the Qatar relaxation venue. "There are a lot of unknowns right now," he said.
| Date Taken: | 01.27.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.28.2009 08:06 |
| Story ID: | 29365 |
| Location: | CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA |
| Web Views: | 367 |
| Downloads: | 317 |
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