Have Gun Will Travel... (Part 1)

As I write this I am sitting in a Starbucks cafe sipping on an iced cafe mocha.  From the inside I could be in any Starbucks in any city in America, but if I look out the window I see only the tan, monochromatic, dusty landscape that is Camp Virginia, Kuwait.  This base is like the modern equivalent of a wild west town.  It has the bare essentials.  No running water in the barracks, only port'o potties and a shower trailer with non-potable water.  Instead of street lights, there are construction lights powered by diesel generators to light the town.  In the middle is a kind of town square with a Starbucks, barber shop, some fast food trailers and an exchange.  More on this place later...

Our sendoff from Camp McCrady in South Carolina was great.  With our bags packed a massive storm moved in as we prepared to get on the bus to the airport..  A group of Motorcycle Veterans known as the 'Patriot Riders' were there to escort us to the airport.  I really appreciate those men and women for doing that.  Even though it started to rain pretty hard, they escorted us to the airport in style.  Once at the airport we were welcomed by a group of veterans, boy scouts, girl scouts, family members, and even a local beauty queen.  They had snacks and goodies for us to take with us onto the plane.  As we were called up one by one to board the plane we were flanked on both sides by veterans and well wishers as we walked down an aisle of American flags, handshakes and even hugs and thanks.  We loaded onto a chartered Delta aircraft that the flight attendants had decorated with American flags and the like.  'Please stow your weapons under your seat with the barrels facing outwards' cracked a voice over the loud speaker.  I have never before boarded an airplane with a rifle and a knife on my person.  I got a bit of a chuckle over that.   

Our first stop was Bangor, Maine.  We were greeted by a few veterans at the airport as we got off for our two hour layover.  After calling home I made it over to the bar which they had opened just for us.  The Captain in charge dictated a two drink maximum, so most of us ordered two drinks.  The bartender, god bless her, had a heavy pour.  I got back on the plane and fell fast asleep. 

Next stop: Shannon, Ireland.  Once again we had a two hour layover with a two drink maximum.  I have never been to Ireland before, but I have always wanted to go.  Even if it was only for two hours at the airport bar, I had to have my two pints of Guinness in Ireland.  For those of you who know me well, you know that this had to happen.  Our last beer for many months. 

We arrived in Kuwait at 10PM on Thursday, local time - starting our 'Boots on the Ground' clock (beginning the countdown to when we can leave).  We were ushered into buses and driven to Camp Virginia where we will spend the next few days before departing for our ultimate duty stations.