Who came up with the idea to deploy my unit? I am part of Forward Support Company, 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade. It was my first time deploying, so I didn't know what to expect.
Other Soldiers' stories of previous deployments had me petrified. They talked about the living arrangements, getting blown up, and even shot at. I am Pvt. 1st Class Lameese Carmenar from Silsbee, Texas. When I arrived in Iraq it was May and very hot, but manageable. I consumed a lot of water to keep from dehydrating. I realized very quickly that extra food and water are necessities, when exposed to the sun.
The 14th Engineer Battalion was assigned to tents when we arrived in Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, Iraq. Tents sounded dreadful, but luckily they weren't that bad. Surprisingly, everyone made their own individual living areas. Eventually, the tents became an easy place to call home. Everyone knew their mission and what they would be doing within the first two weeks. Distribution and the Personal Security Detachment platoons were assigned missions that required them to leave the base often. I was in the maintenance platoon at this time, working as an equipment parts specialist, so I didn't expect to leave the desk much. Distro needed some help and I wanted a change so I requested to transition to Distro platoon. I was so terrified at the thought of being on the other side of the wire fence, all I could think about was receiving direct and indirect fire.
My platoon Sgt. knew I was nervous, so she spent a lot of time helping me understand the mission and my responsibilities better. She broke things down to my level of understanding, and assured me that I would be alright. She made sure I was trained to operate tactical vehicles for future missions, and I felt completely comfortable.
| Date Taken: | 03.03.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 03.03.2009 07:06 |
| Story ID: | 30667 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 341 |
| Downloads: | 242 |
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