My Desert Shield/Desert Storm Journal

I’m adding this journal from my experiences in Desert Storm to this blog. I consider this a treasure in the fact that it contained details about that event that had long ago faded from my memory and have caused me to go back and make some edits to previous posts correcting error from faded memories. I tried hard to not edit this document only correcting grammatical errors and the like. The flow of this document is pretty much what I was thinking and what I was thinking about during one of the most challenging parts of my life. In it you will see that the old saying that war is 98 percent boredom punctuated by two percent sheer terror is pretty accurate. This post is for the most part pretty boring with the exception of a few entries.

I arrived in Dhahran Saudi Arabia on 9 September 1990, following the deployment of the 101^st Airborne Division, Division Ready Brigade (DRB) starting about 12 August 1990, 10 days after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, 2 August 1990.

The timing of the Iraqi invasion couldn’t have been more inconvenient for me If they had planned it. I had just been Reassigned to the Alpha Company, 7^th Battalion, 101^st Aviation Regiment, 101^st Airborne Division (A-7-101 AVN) after a yearlong tour in South Korea. I returned to the USA on Memorial Day, 28 May and signed in to Fort Campbell the end of June. We’d recently moved into government quarters from southern Indiana.

Part of any permanent change of station for an Army aviator requires them to go through readiness training upon arrival at their new unit. I had only begun my readiness level (RL) training when the war started. I was Readiness Level 3 (RL3) which meant I could only fly with an Instructor Pilot (IP). The first fifteen days of August I didn’t fly, all I did was provide support for a DRB team getting ready to deploy.

The mobilization of even a brigade plus (The fighting unit and all the support units including ten, CH-47D Chinooks) takes a lot of planes (Five C-5B Galaxies for the Chinooks alone) and Air Force cargo places seemed to be making endless approaches and departures from Campbell Army Airfield.

While the DRB was heading to Saudi, the rest of us were preparing to follow. Endless deployment checks like vaccinations, ensuring you had a family support plan, wills, dental, medical and ensuring that you had all your equipment. We were issued desert camouflage uniforms and boots (Of course all our flight gear was still sage green flight suits and the desert boots couldn’t be worn flying because they had nylon in them.)

Now I’d just returned from Korea and my youngest son was barely a toddler (He was 3 months old when I left) and now I’m ferrying our remaining aircraft to Jacksonville Florida. I spent a day flying down to Florida with CW3 Jerry Nollie and I was signed of Readiness Level 2 day (RL2) during the flight allowing me to fly with a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and then a glorious 14-hour bus ride home. All this, so I could do it again a few days later. The second trip, I also got to stay in Jacksonville at a local Air National Guard base and move aircraft from the staging are to the Blount Island terminal where our Chinooks were loaded on to the cargo ship for transport to Saudi. I was there about a week and the home.

All of this lead up to our departure on 8 September 1990 and an oh so wonderful flight to the middle east on a civil reserve fleet Boeing 747. I first set foot in Dhahran about 0900 local time and the air temperature on the tarmac was 137 degrees Fahrenheit. This was Day One.

Part of the reason this journal starts at Day 40 was the uncertainty of the situation. We didn’t know if all these troops suddenly appearing were going to call the Iraqi bluff and they’d slink back across their border and let me also remind you we had absolutely no support infrastructure in Saudi Arabia before 2 August, so EVERYTHING was being setup as we went. This is how I ended up living in a parking garage for a half-completed airport that a Saudi prince was building as a gift for their king, hence, King Fahd International Airport (KFIA).

That arrival was amid an organized chaos trying to build something out of nothing. The sole virtue of KFIA was that the runway infrastructure and tarmac aircraft parking area was complete. I believe the Saudis liked having us there in part because it kept us somewhat isolated from the Saudi public both for tactical and social reasons.

I for fortunate enough that our advance units that were part of the Division Ready Brigade task force had already completed some site preparation for our arrival. We lived on the northern half of the second floor of the airport parking garage. The sole virtues were shade and that sanitary arrangements had been completed. There was a 30-foot section of roof where the first floor extended past the second floor, on that ten gravity fed shower stalls had been built. Outside, along a perimeter road, there was a row of four person latrines. In other places, facilities like a mobile kitchen trailer were setup and they were serving some B-Rations (Large canned tins of entrees, and sides) that service 40 to 11 depending on the item and could be heated in mass, in 55-gallon immersion heaters by just about anyone. So, we had the basics covered.

Our billeting area was latterly rows of parking spaces and we were assigned two officers to a space, and three enlisted personnel to a space, Rank has its privileges, I guess. The one thing that you learned quickly was to get enough water. Cases and cases of 1.5 liter bottles of water were freely available and I was pretty much resigned to drinking just about a case a day. (I averaged nine out of a twelve bottle case a day.) Making sure you have two to three days’ ration of water in your personal area was a priority.

This ends my introduction to my journal.

Day 40

Wednesday, 17 October 1990, 0700

This is the first of what I hope to be many entries in this journal. Today is the 40^th day of Operation Desert Shield for my unit. I just finished making a 180 calendar to help keep track of things.

It’s the average start to the average day here. Breakfast of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and listening to the news on armed forces radio. Nothing new in the Persian Gulf, the Cincinnati Reds won game 1 of the World Series (7 to 0, an upset) and my Commander-in-Chief, President Bush, is threatening to veto the House passed version of the budget.

I find all the budget squabbling very irritating especially since our government gives billions away in foreign aid every year. I haven’t heard a word on cuts on that. Always domestic spending and the defense budget. I’m getting irritated enough to write to the president and voice my opinion. I doubt it would have much effect but it would be soothing to my mind.

For the first time, we had a night that was cool enough to cover up. At home, I would

have been sweating bullets.

Last night I was in a mood. I wrote a letter to Jackie that will probably scare her to death. Talking about my duties and fears and feelings about the military. I also wrote Anna a letter and did my best to tell her how much I love her and how happy I am to be her husband. She will wonder about me!

I think I started this to keep a running record of what happens here and because I feel that war is imminent.  I hope I’m wrong but I can see no other way to resolve this. I think I’ll list the officers I work with because I’m so forgetful with names and I doubt all of us will go back to Campbell together.

WO1 Mark Auer

WO1 Jeff Lancaster

WO1 Jeff Brown

WO1 Arthur “Art” Yeames

CW3 Terry Bell

CW2 Bruce Van Den Eng

CW3 Russel Hillpot

CW3 Jerry Nollie

WO1 Jim Schroder

CW2 Loyd (Blaine) Anderson

CW2 Ricky Tackett

WO1 Jim Housand

WO1 Jim Herzog

WO1 Bill Leitsch

WO1 Roston Henderson

WO1 Tim Davis

WO1 Randy Nevens

CW2 Bob Lane

CW4 PJ (The Cobra) Kennedy

CW4 John Roberts

1LT Frank Flood

1LT Duane Cantey

1LT Cindy Dubots

1LT “Butch” Diotte

CPT Curtis Cole

CPT James Sutton

MAJ Norman King

CW4 David Clark

CW2 Pete Jimenez

CW2 Efrain Morales-Lopez

CW3 Jeff Vance.

CW2 Jim Richie

I guess in the future when I read this we’ll see if this list will mean anything.

Mail has been slow the past few days. Yesterday, a letter from Jackie and the May & June issues of Army Aviator Magazine. I haven’t had a letter from Anna or Mom for a few days so I figure there is a glut of mail somewhere and I’ll hit the jackpot soon. So far, the one-day record is six letters and a two-day record of ten.

When I’m busy, life isn’t too bad here. When I have something to concentrate on I don’t think of the things I miss. But with only one mission daily most of my time is spent waiting. Last week, I spent four days tracking and balancing the rotor system on 23780. I learned how to operate the equipment and interpret the data. We finished up with a nice flying bird.

We had a couple of interesting things yesterday. Bruce has a card table made (eight-sided) from a sheet of plywood. He painted it yellow with a smiley face. He then painted a bullet hole between the eyes. “Mr. Smiley Died”. Art had a skill game “Jenga”. We had fun. This Sunday we are having hamburgers, hotdogs & chicken. They wanted four dollars per person and I decided to pass. I won’t get excited about real food until I get out of here.

Day 41

Thursday, 18 October 1990, 1000

Well today was another first for A-7-101 AVN in Saudi Arabia. We participated in organized Physical Training (PT). I was surprised to see that most people were at least a little motivated.

I received a letter from Anna yesterday. She’s coping pretty well but like me, missing being together. I also received a package from Jeanette. She sent a nice variety of items: apple cider packets, a National Geographic and a serious load of sundries were of noting. I’ve been cleaning my tape player in an effort to get it to play up to speed. It’s working much better now. Later I’ll check the flight schedule in a vain effort hoping to fly tomorrow, but I doubt that will happen.

I spend a half an hour today explaining to Tim Davis ideas to make Tech Supply more effective and organized. We may start spending our Tuesdays reorganizing the Prescribed Load List (PLL) and getting an accurate Inventory/Location Survey. There has been some talk of problems with the mail. Slow outgoing mail, possible problems with the US Postal service delivering unstamped mail et cetera. One letter arrived well singed but readable. Anna mentioned Mom not getting letters (9 October) hopefully, by now, they are getting through.

Day 43

Saturday, 20 October 1990, 0400

Only a few things of note today (Last night). I received a nice care package from Anna, Tammy and friends say thanks. Roston Henderson completed his Aircraft Qualification Course (AQC) check ride. But by far the most interesting note was from Charlie Company. WO1 Alex Magg found out how much trouble you can get into by not saluting Major General Peay (The 101^st Airborne Division Commander) on the flight line. A full dressing down in front of the Brigade Commander and formal letter of explanation and letter of apology to General Peay due this morning. Another fine first for 7^th Battalion and our good name. We’ll probably be up and saluting in the shitter. Magg never impressed me and just proved me right.

Received letters from Sue, David’s class and Goldie and Elmer. I’ll answer them in the morning after I go back to sleep.

Day 44

Sunday, 21 October 1990, 0730

I just found out that the Reds swept the Athletics in the World Series. A good way to start the day. I got a five-page letter from Anna last night and answered it before bedtime. Today is the “new” company day off. There is a barbeque today too. Four dollars a person and I elected not to go. Just not that excited about hotdogs and burgers till I go home.

Hot and humid again today. I hope the wind shifts back to the north soon. I already had breakfast (PB&J) and I am in the mood to write. Forty-three days in, at least I’m sure I can leave in 322 more days!

The Commander again showed his lack of command presence by having the entire company show up at the mess tent at 1530 to be filmed for a tape to send back to Campbell. At 1315, it had been optional but apparently, he was a bit put off when nobody showed. He again has exceeded the low expectations I have for him.

Day 45

Monday, 22 October 1990, 0945

Received letters from Mom and Jane Ann (good thing I was laying down).

I also received a card from Cookie. I wrote letters to Mom, Jane and Tammy who is here now on the beach. I will write to Cookie and Anna today and more if I feel like it.

It’s another hot and miserable day. Humid air is still pouring in from the gulf. The company has also started three-day ground runs instead of 14. So, we get to pre-flight and get everything running then shut back down. The idea is to keep the seals wet and hopefully from failing.

Bruce Van Den Eng was getting dressed to do a run up when he noticed he had ventilated the rear of his flight suit. I sewed it up for him and he’ll give me a haircut later today.

The latest twist comes with an increase in our threat level. We just had a bomb scare/drill, I don’t know which. There is a terrorist threat of an attack on our base or the Air Force base in Dhahran. Tomorrow is the seventh anniversary of the Beirut bombing. Moslems place special significance on anniversaries and the number seven. We will even have to give the challenge and password to go to the latrine. Nothing like the threat of death to make the time go slower. Nervous guards and live ammo usually result in an innocent person being shot. I hope everything goes quietly.

I sat down and organized my letters and started tracking who wrote and when. It was getting hard to keep track of them.

Day 47

Wednesday, 24 October 1990, 2000

Received letters from Mom, Tammy and my cousin Tammy (Thompson) Jacques. PFC Jacques is here with her medical brigade and is apparently close by since her letter arrived in two days.

We’ve been playing Risk about once a day (I always lose), but it is a fun game.

The threat level has been reduced again after our threatened attacks didn’t take place. Personally, I feel they have relaxed too soon, but I’m not in charge.

I did manage to go to the other side of post today. The Air Force is occupying a section of the base that used to be quarters for contractor personnel. The contractors were moved out and the Air Force in. There is a local store there (Abdul’s) with some nice stuff. The business is so good he is expanding. Somewhere on base is a PX Concession. Maybe next week I’ll venture out and find it, but I’m well stocked at the moment so I’m in no hurry.

I thought my tape player was eating batteries, turned out it needed cleaning. I saved all the batteries and will start reusing them as the ones I’m using run down.

The Battalion Commander (LTC Wilmoth) has deemed we shall have a Battalion picnic every other Sunday. WO1 Brown was tasked to organize the next one. Each company will take turns so we have a new duty every two months.

No mail today but we often have a second mail call around 2130 so we will see. Tomorrow, PT at 0530. Fun, Fun!

Day 48

Thursday, 25 October 1990, 1745

Well I woke up to find PT had been cancelled but I went running anyway. (five miles) My right knee hurts some but no major problem. I managed to get my equipment inspected and a survival knife for my vest. Tomorrow I’m on the running backup for the logistics supply mission (Logbird). So, I may get to fly, if not then Friday.

Day 51

Sunday, 28 October 1990, 2200

It’s been an interesting few days. Yesterday, two pilots, myself and a crew of three departed the rear for our forward operating base. The code name here is Bastogne. (The 101^st is so original.) We’re flying a support mission for the Division Support Command (DISCOM).  We will work five days then be relieved by another crew. We are sleeping in the aircraft rather than fuss with a tent or deal with the people at DISCOM. We’re happy and comfortable and it’s a change of pace. Tomorrow we have to change an oil filter on the #2 engine so we’ll have a delay until the filter arrives.

Day 54

Wednesday, 31 October 1990, 1630

A busy day. Got up at about 0600, dressed, shaved, and went to our pre-mission brief. Spent the day on the ground as it was not my turn to fly. The #1 engine oil filter needed changing and we were lucky enough that CW4 Clark brought one with him when he came to recover 23770 which had LCT problems.

Shortly, I’ll go over to the compound and get dinner and mail letters to Mom, Anna, Aunt Gee and Jackie. I received three letters from Mom and two from Anna in the past few days. Mail is still fairly regular.

We should be relieved tomorrow and be back at the garage tomorrow night. I’m gaining a good reputation for fast loading and unloading of internal loads.

Day 56

Friday, 2 November 1990, 1330

We made it back to King Fahd after flying the day’s mission at Bastogne. 3.5 hours of flight time and 30,000 lbs. of cargo. We also flew some combat photographers who took some outside shots a few days ago. We’re supposed to get copies of the photos, we’ll see what happens.

Not much has changed. The command climate is still rather stupid. Day to day life is unchanged. I washed my clothes from up north and I’ll finish putting everything away later. Haven’t written a letter in a day or two so I’ll send out a bunch tonight.

The company has started some training again. NVGs for the Instructor Pilots (IPs) and Pilots-in-Command (PICs) tonight. I’m going to inquire about what I’m going to need to do to make PIC besides study a lot. I found a missing red sock of Timothy’s that was in the sleeve of one of my tee shirts. It must have been there for several months.

I intend to ask Jackie to send Anna a dozen roses just because she deserves them. I haven’t gotten her any flowers for a while, maybe it will perk up her day. It is nice to be back here but I’d much rather be back at home with my family.

Day 58

Sunday, 4 November 1990, 0930

Hot the mail jackpot again yesterday. Nine letters from seven people. Anna, Mom, Cookie, Volena, Jane Tammy J. and Aunt Gee. My mission today is to answer all those letters.

Jim Herzog was promoted to CW2 yesterday and I got my meager flight pay increase. I’m looking forward to 3 November 1994 when it goes from $208 to $650 a month. That will be a nice day.

Day 59

Monday, 5 November 1990, 1400

I finally managed to acquire a decent journal to write this in. I’ll figure out how to attach the earlier pages later. For the moment, they are clipped inside the back cover.

Received letters from Mom and Linda today and wrote replies plus a letter to Jackie. In Linda’s letter, she mentioned that the doctor had told Jackie to quit smoking and that she and Dad were talking about quitting together. I wrote to Jackie and encouraged her to quit and voiced my love and support. I hope that is enough. I would have a hard time dealing with losing her so soon. I hope Dad quits too.

Today started out with a 0730 company formation that I learned about at 0710. After a hurried shower and shave and a rush to get dressed I made it with about a minute to spare. The formation was so the Battalion Commander (LTC Wilmoth) could tell us officially that the Division has no idea when we are leaving and that he expects to be here for at least six to eight months. If war breaks out, who knows? He did assure us that we will be here for Christmas and New Year’s. The subject of telephones came up and we found out that at the moment there were no stateside capable phones in the Brigade. There will be one installed in the Brigade Headquarters for official use and emergencies. We can use the phones at Dhahran if we go to the PX etc. No benefit for me.

Captain Cole and WO1 Henderson are going on emergency leave due to family crises of one sort or another. I think Captain Cole's brother-in-Law died and Mr. Henderson’s grandmother had been gravely ill in the hospital. They should leave today or tomorrow. 1LT Diotte has been on emergency leave for about two weeks now and should be returning shortly.

I was supposed to start a 100% inventory of the company property book today but the Supply Sergeant (SGT Summers) was busy today and we decided to start tomorrow. Never do today what can be put off until tomorrow.

After I finish this entry, I plan on writing Gran and a few others. I’m in the mood to write so I might as well take advantage of it.

I’m learning a new card game, Cribbage. It’s a very different game with many twists and turns and a novel scoring method. Our resident expert is WO1 Yeames (Arctic Art) who is up at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bastogne with 1LT Dubots and WO1 Schroder.

The weather has remained clear and sunny with highs in the 90’s and lows in the 70s. The humidity is low so it is very comfortable and even cool at night. I sleep under a blanket at night.

I’ve started a new wish list of things to send. Number one on the list is a lawn chair. I complained to Mom about a sore finger from all my writing letters and told her if she found a decent portable typewriter in a fire job to send it. I was basically joking but I won’t complain if I get one either.

I just met WO1 Kurt Haldeman who I know from Korea. He is in Bravo Company and arrived here ninty minutes ago. He left Korea just two months ago. Another one gets the shaft. He also got the privilege of going to Air Assault School prior to coming here. A school I still hope to avoid. He got his family settled into housing before he left and is pretty well resigned to be here too.

Finished letters to Gran and Aafke and found out that the Commander (MAJ Normal D. King) wants us at the mess tent at 1800 to promote James A. (Jim) Herzog. He made CW2 yesterday but I guess the CO wants to make a production of this. Morale? Well, attending the ceremony promotion wasn’t mandatory so I didn’t go. I don’t think he’ll mind. The Commander tries to make everything for everyone. He just doesn’t seem to understand that we are not all real social animals, but that is my opinion.

One of our officers has made a pizza connection with some guys in the Special Forces (SF). Apparently, the SF make a daily run to Damman and are willing to bring pizza back from Pizza Sheik or something. The pizzas came and disappeared quickly. American food is at a premium. They are opening some food outlets as soon as contracts can be let. I doubt we’ll see one on this side of the base.

We had mail call a few minutes ago and I received a letter from Mom with a bible and Reader’s Digest and a letter from Jackie.

Day 60

Tuesday, 6 November 1990, 1400

I’m taking a lunch break after a busy morning. I left in to about 0700 before I drug myself out of bed. Since I hadn’t run for a few days I decided PT was a priority today. I ran the big loop today (6 miles, 1/8 of the perimeter). It was really nice. The early morning sun was warm and the westerly wind was cool enough to keep it comfortable. The loop affords a good view of the A-10s as the take off and land on runway 34R.

After my run and a quick shower, I flew a maintenance test flight (MTF) with Jeff Vance. I made it all the way to the aircraft (83-24125, The Jalapeno Express) before I realized that I had left my weapon and mask on my bunk. They were still there when I got back and I wasn’t even noticed.

I spent the last two hours doing an inventory of equipment in the aviation shops. In a few minutes, I’m going to tackle the Tech Supply hand receipt and call it a day for inventory.

Terry Bell made a run to Dhahran this morning and we now have pretzels and corn chips for a few days. AA Batteries and a few other popular items were not to be found.

Only one letter tonight. Mom talked about the packages she’s sent (3?) and about how she likes the frequent letters. I wrote her back and also penned what I hope is a fairly romantic letter for Anna.

I check with the Personnel Administration Center (PAC) today. Apparently, there is not Officer Record Brief (ORB) for me here in country. I will continue to pester them until I can get one. I’m not going to let this deployment screw up my personnel records if I can help it.

Day 61

Wednesday, 7 November 1990. 1330

Well, another less than exciting day so far. I worked about an hour on the inventory with operations and will try and finish their hand receipt this afternoon with a trip to the motor pool to inventory a trailer full of equipment. I also intent to coordinate with the flight platoons, maintenance and the motor pool to inventory tool boxes and tool sets. Once they are out of the way my major hurdles left will be COMSEC and weapons, all serial number.

Another minor detail. We finally have a Zip + 4 now: 09309-4720. We’ll see if it speeds the mail up any. No mail today. I’m kinda disappointed especially with my letters to people I met in Korea. I was hoping for a response from at least one to four of them.

2200.  Well now I’m coming down with a bug or something. I just feel lousy. Hope it passes overnight.

Day 62

Thursday, 8 November 1990, 0700

Fell a little better, but not much. Have been informed that if I wasn’t at PT or on profile, the XO had made a comment about being in sick call. I’m still deciding if I should waste their time. I don’t feel good I just don’t feel that bad. 1700. Well I feel better now and I finished the shops and operations inventories. Tomorrow Commo, Saturday the Flight Platoons and Tuesday the Motor Pool. Sunday is our day off and Monday I fly.

Received a care package from Mom about noon. Summer Sausage, Smoked Oysters, Crackers, AA Batteries and other goodies. Terry Bell, Jerry Nollie, Russ Hillpot, Jeff Lancaster, Cindy Dubots, PJ Kennedy and I made short work of the sausage. I’m going to send Mom our profound thank you for a delicious dinner.

Tomorrow, PJ goes to Fleet Hospital to have basal cell carcinoma removed from his ear and nose. He should be gone about five days. PJ is acting Platoon Leader while Captain Cole is on emergency leave. Now Terry will be acting Platoon Leader, USAR to the rescue.

2030. Received a letter from Uncle Buddy and a letter and package from DiAn. DiAn sent tapes, books, food and a very nice letter with a copy of an article she wrote when she worked for Connecticut Autobahn. One thing of note which I find eerie and a bit unnerving is today’s page from a daily devotional book DiAn sent. Here are a couple quotes: “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for our brethren.” 1 John 3:16 also the prayer: “Almighty Father, grant us your wisdom to discern the actions you would have us take on behalf of the poor and oppressed, Amen.” Last the thought for the day: “Where am I called to sacrifice for others?” I hope none of this has a greater meaning in a week or so. Rumor has it that is when we will attack Iraq. We will find out soon enough.

Day 63

Friday, 9 November 1990, 0730

Well, today I awoke to the smell of bacon and eggs. Terry Bell had a Coleman stove and some canned bacon mailed to him. He bought some eggs locally and is now filling the air with the smell of breakfast. Somehow the idea of a PB&J sandwich isn’t as appetizing now.

0900, My dilemma was ended with an offer to join the feast! We ate and talked and had an enjoyable meal.

After I ate, I finally became disgusted enough with my living area to clean and manage it. My area is nice and neat and my dresser reconfigured so as to keep dust out and be sturdier. My area looked good enough that Terry was shamed into cleaning his area.

(Historical note: The “dresser” was a stack of empty bottled water boxes and Terry and I

shared a parking space in the parking garage. Officers were assigned two to a space, enlisted personnel, three to a space,)

I spent most of yesterday inventorying toolboxes for first flight platoon. I managed to get over “The Runs”, now I have a cold, “Koff, Sneeze, Hack!) I’m making some progress kicking it too.

Received a letter from Jackie dated 1 November, and Mom’s package from the Wisconsin Cheeseman. Again, I will be going to eat good for a few days. Looks like today is going to be a write letter day. I only have one job to do today. Preflight 24155 for backup today, then its relax!

Sometime next week I should start Night Vision Goggle (NVG) training again. I guess after I’m Readiness Level 1 (RL1) then I may be considered for Pilot-in-Command (PIC). Hope! Hope! Hope!

Day 66

Monday, 12 November 1990, 2300

Busy day. Flew the logbird to Bastogne (Nyriah), Sukchon (Sulfa) and Forward Observation Base (FOB) Oasis to the west. Repair parts and mail were our cargo. We flew for five hours and I logged 1.9 of them. Jim Herzog was PIC and Jeff Lancaster was the other co-pilot.

I received one letter today from my pen pal in North Carolina (Johnny Wooten). He sent me a ghost story he wrote in school and a nice letter. I just finished writing him back. I’m just about over the cold.

Day 67

Tuesday, 13 November 1990, 0945

So far today has been a waste. I spent an hour waiting to see the Doc about tendonitis in my left elbow. Basically, he told me not to do motions that hurt and take Motrin. I was supposed to inventory the motor pool but the hand receipt records weren’t correct and the Motor Sergeant said “Huh?” “0900 tomorrow.” I said and gave up for today. I just got four letters this morning. Two from Anna and two from Mom. Both Mom and Anna said the have sent packages so goodies should be here soon.

Day 68

Wednesday, 14 November 1990, 2300

Today was filled with little surprises. First the inventory of the Motor Pool went without a hitch. The people were ready and my experience as a mechanic helped to identify equipment and saved a lot of time.

We had a briefing from the Commander about being prepared to scatter aircraft. Battle Crews, a Battalion Command Post Exercise (CPX) and the possibility of us supporting it. He also mentioned several plans to utilize our assets in the advent of combat and a possible need for rapid departure from here. He also mentioned that as of then there was no knowledge of any plan to attack in the division.

I received one letter tonight. A real nice letter from Darlene Pisani. I wrote here back and I hope she keeps writing.

Day 70

Friday, 16 November 1990, 1000

I just completed our final mission brief for our mission today. A six ship passenger haul for the division Tactical Operations Center (TOC). A fairly easy mission but the first I’ve been on in the unit. Should be a good day. Apparently, we’ll have a similar mission Sunday.

Received a seventeen-pound package from Mom filled with food and goodies. A load of banana nut bread set the record by being eaten in less than seven minutes (burp). She also sent some homemade jelly that is delicious.

Received a letter from Anna dated 30 October. It was a nice letter written on pretty flowered stationary. I slept well after reading it. Wish I could go home. 2100 Today’s mission went well. We had no aircraft breakdown, took off on time and arrived on schedule. The only problem was that the coordinates we were given we about 1000 meters from where they wanted to be. We wasted forty-five minutes on the ground figuring that out. We returned just prior to sunset.

The package fairy was good to me today. I got two boxes from Anna and one from Linda. I now have plenty of socks, batteries, food, paper and envelopes. Bill Leitsch was promoted to CW2 effective tomorrow, but since he’ll be flying a mission he was promoted this evening.

One interesting item we now have flares for our flare dispensers on the aircraft. Today, during the flight the second aircraft launched six flares. There was an apparent system malfunction. The catch was that when the flares fired the crew chief saw the smoke an thought the engine was on fire. Before they discovered that the engine was okay, the PIC has already shut it down and had to do an aerial restart. They had an exciting day.

The threat level was increased last week or so and we’re curious if this isn’t a prelude to action. The Air Force is running exercises close to the border. It is supposed that they are getting data and maybe trying to provoke Iraq. I guess we’ll see what happens. Tomorrow I write letters and take it easy if I can. I still have the inventory to finish.

Day 72

Sunday, 18 November 1990, 1230

Another lazy day. At 1400, we have a commo check for a mission tonight. If the aircraft on the mission break, they take mine and I go back here and sleep. NVG mission require 100 hours of goggle time to fly with zero illumination (Like tonight).

There was an interesting incident last Monday. One of our maintenance pilots (CW4 Clark) managed to strike a palm tree in flight with the nose and left chin bubble. Over $2,500.00 in damage from an unauthorized maneuver. It will cost him in more ways than one.

I had another good day for letters. Nine letters. Three from Mom, two from Anna, one from Goldie, Dean, Tammy and Sandy Scott. I’ve answered them all and now I’ve started writing others. Angie Minichiello, Aafke and a few others. I’m a little concerned about Aafke since she hasn’t written in a month. Everything was up in the air for her with Marks mother in intensive care and his pending deployment to Korea for a year. I hope she’s doing okay.

2000 Just had mail call. A letter from Jackie and a big envelope from Mom with a paper, magazine and Reader’s Digest. Art got a new cribbage board and he won the first game played with an eighteen-point run the second to last hand.

Almost every battalion has a TV and VCR now and they show movies at 1800 and 2000 nightly. Many people go every night. I haven’t watched more than ten minutes of a movies since I’ve been here. Just not in the mood. I’ll wait till I get back home.

I found out another interesting fact about Saudi Arabia. Only practicing Muslims may marry here. If two soldiers here want to marry they have to go to Bahrain. A much more liberal country. You can buy beer and dance in public there too. We have navy liberty there.

Called Anna this morning, we are getting some phone access finally. She cried when she heard my voice and was very glad (and surprised) to hear from me. We talked for five minutes, mostly about her female problems and the problems she is having with Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH). They don’t want to do her surgery and won’t give her a statement of unavailability. I told her if she needed me to get involved I would. It was great to hear her voice and just talk.

Day 74

Tuesday, 20 November 1990, 1230

Time to write and answer letters. The sparrows are getting braver and braver. I found out where birds go in the winter. Saudi Arabia for one. We have several sparrows nesting in the beams and they dart around a lot. Worked on the inventory some this morning and will dive in again this morning.

Received a Halloween card today from Jackie. Postmarked 9 October 1990. I don’t know where it’s been but it finally made it here. Also, received some insurance literature from United States Benefit Association. The exclusions are ridiculous and I think I’ll write them a letter. I found a dear soldier letter from a girl in Floyd Knobs who I’ll write to.

2345 Just finished letters to Anna, Mom and Carolyn B Colewick. Got letters from all but Anna. Few new events. B Company did $2500.00 damage to an aircraft during a NVG mission for division that should never had been flown. All the pilots were happy to have survived. Looking forward to the sleeping bag tonight.

Day 75

Wednesday, 21 November 1990, 1340

Well the boredom has ended for the moment. About an hour ago an Apache accidentally fired a hellfire missile while parked on the flight line. To make matters worse, the missile hit the ammo dump on the far side of the flight line. Tension is high and we all are wondering if anyone was killed or wounded.

Day 76

Thanksgiving, Thursday, 22 November 1990, 2200

Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured during the incident yesterday. The potential for a major disaster existed. I’m sure that changes will be affected to the arming of the Apache missile systems.

We started the day with a three-mile fun run that wasn’t very fun. We were irritated that the company commander made attendance mandatory. Dinner was pretty good but I spent most the day in a blue funk and read and listened to music. I was surprised at my depression and I’m trying to work through it.

I sent in an application for $100,000.00 level term life insurance from United States Benefit Association. $10.00 a month 50% payout if I die flying until age thirty-six. After that, 100%. Anna was supposed to increase my insurance but I don’t know if she did.

I got a card from Aunt Dovey so I need to write her. I also need to write to Anna. Have a feeling of foreboding that I cannot seem to shake. I hope it passes soon.

2300 Finished my letters and I feel better. My emotions are still all in a whirl but after writing the letters I feel more able to deal with them. If I’m lucky, tomorrow will be a letter day and I will be more sociable.

Day 77

Friday, 23 November 1990, 2230

Another day has come and gone. We’re still here and not at war. Managed to make some progress on my inventory today. Still a lot to do. I’ll be glad to be rid of it. Jeanette sent two packages today. All kinds of stuff. Food, books, candy, toilet Paper, cookie s et cetera. She also wrote several cute notes on items. It was a real lift to my spirits. I’m actually in a good mood now. Made several post cards out of Meal Ready to Eat (MRE) boxes and sent them to people. I hope they go over well.

Day 79

Sunday, 25 November 1990, 1000

I just finished a letter to Mom and one for Anna. I wrote last night. I got a bit wordy but enjoyed the writing. Good news is that when I return to Campbell I should be there four years. I don’t know if the time during deployment will count.

I was going to run this morning but didn’t feel up to it. Read a book instead, had ham and eggs for breakfast and basically stayed lazy. At 1300, its back to the inventory. I’m going to try to do the A92 tool set and finish the special tools. Once I’m finished with this I should be able to relax a little and study to be PIC.

The commander gave us an impromptu speech last night about why we are here and what may happen. Possible Iraqi threat et cetera. He put me on edge again.

Day 81

Tuesday, 27 November 1900, 0830

Receive Christmas and Thanksgiving cards from Goldie and Elmer. Wrote them a short letter in return. Jane Ann actually wrote a chatty letter and I wrote her one back. She’s been going to Alumni meetings and getting ready for her 25^th reunion. I told her to tell the class of “76” where I’m at.

Back to the inventory grindstone today. I’m trying to finish this before 1 December but it doesn’t look hopeful. We got another pilot in yesterday, no Sunday. Captain Rolfe. He’s a Canadian exchange officer unlucky enough to be assigned to us. His coming in puts our training back into overload. Another “D” model qualification. I don’t expect to start NVG training until January now. At the moment, we have two instructor pilots. PJ Kennedy is still in the hospital after having skin cancer removed from his nose. John Roberts is having some serious (Back?) problems and is grounded. As usual I’m on hold. Jerry Nollie is busy trying to get the company goggle current and keep them that way. So, I’m low priority.

2030, Still today. Making some progress with the inventory and still looking forward to finishing. Spent a while talking to Captain Sutton and had a good talk. At least he respects my experience and ability or he may be stroking my ego.

Got a really nice letter from Anna and also one from a pen pal in Tennessee from Chaplain Hatch. Time to write more letters.

Day 82

Wednesday, 28 November 1990, 2115

Well another day in the desert is done. Just finished readying a letter from Anna. She had just gotten the roses I asked Jackie to send, Anna was ecstatic and that made my day. I’m glad we made her happy. She’s doing so well and does so much. I’m a very lucky man to be married to her.

Haven’t been receiving much mail so I guess I should do some more writing. Usually, the day after I mail eight or nine letters I get about that amount from the people I wrote. I don’t mind, but letters sure make my day!

The Battalion now has a Day Room with TV and VCR so we can show our own movies. I’m also making progress on the inventory. I’m almost finished with maintenance and then it is downhill from there.

The daily poker game goes on. I was playing most of the night, every night, now I play an hour of so then quit. It is fun, but it gets tiring.

Day 83

Thursday, 29 November 1990, 1800

Another busy day started with company PT and nothing was real unusual. The pilots had been told PT was cancelled the night prior due to “Threatcon C”, I missed that. It was reduced to “B” early in the morning but the word wasn’t passed. Anyway, 7 officers made PT.

That was soon overshadowed by the news that 12^th Aviation Brigade had a CH-47D roll into a large drainage ditch in front of our parking line. It’s suspected that the jet wash from a taxiing cargo plane blew it off its chocks and away it rolled down the embankment. It is a serious accident, Class “A” or “B” and may have to be shipped to the states for repair.

To make things more interesting, we went to “Threatcon C” at 1400 and we were informed of a rapid forward deployment at 1700. Takeoff is at 1300 tomorrow. It has the makings of a busy day. We may be there for up to a week. All this is in response to a threat of a strike by Iraq after the United Nations vote allowing use of force after 15 January 1991. Most of the afternoon I’ve been nervous and all the info I’ve gotten hasn’t helped me feel better.

Got my package from Anna. Lots of nice stuff and good eats. The squirt gun is nice. The seven layer bars went fast.

Day 85

Saturday, 1 December 1990, 1300

Another day in the desert. Our departure from King Fahd went along about normal. As we left we moved two M102 105mm howitzer batteries to Sukchon. The flight was rather uneventful. We set up camp under the stars and most of us were curled up and asleep in our sleeping bags before 2100. It was a clear night, cool and comfortable. I woke up before dawn and took several pictures of the sunrise, aircraft and the area.

Now that we’re here and nothing major has occurred we’re a bit more relaxed. Just after dark last night we played football in the moonlight. We had a lot of fun and relieved a bit of stress, not to mention kept warm. The low this morning was about fifty degrees. It’s starting to get warm and soon I’m going to wash up while I have the chance. At 1600, we have a pilot meeting and we may even find out more about what is going on.

Day 88

Tuesday, 4 December 1990, 0830

Another dubious desert day. Still sitting here outside oasis waiting for war or a recall to the rear. We finally got some mail from the rear yesterday. I got letters from Anna, Mom, Aafke, and Jane Ann. I’ve answered most and will write another letter to Anna today and answer Jane’s letter.

The crew of the aircraft is myself, CW3 Mark Hutchings, SGT Darryl “Smitty” Smith, SPC Douglas Brossard and PFC Dustin Robinson (Door Gunner). The helicopter is on of the better ones in the company 84-24173 “The Lucky Dog”. Nothing major is happening. We sit around and discuss different situations and how we will react, that’s about all. Yesterday, we built a fighting position upon the hill next to the bird.

Day 89

Wednesday, 5 December 1990, 2025

Well, our stint in the desert finished and we returned to King Fahd none the worse for the wear. A bit tired and very grungy. The flight back was uneventful except that we got lost following an error by the Tracor. As usual, my own instincts were correct. We just turned east and flew until we intersected route 1 and flew home.

We have received a lot of mail in the past few days and now it’s catch up time again! Letters from Anna, Mom, Dad and a package from DiAn. We’re supposed to have another mail call tonight but I doubt it will come through.

Apparently, we have a PX here on our side of the installation now. I’ll check it out tomorrow. I’m just going to relax and get my stuff in order tomorrow. Friday, I’ll probably jump back into the hand receipt night mare, UGH! Tendonitis in the left elbow is still a problem. I’ll probably have them look at it again soon.

Day 91

Friday, 7 December 1990, 0120

It is a quiet morning on Staff Duty Officer (SDO). I was informed I had duty at 1720 and needed to report at 1730. No big surprise. I got up at 0540 for PT only to find it was cancelled due to fog. I rested most the day and read the Princess Bride. Quite an interesting book.

So far, duty has been quiet and only a precautionary Landing (PL) by a copter from B Company and a eleventh hour request for a forklift from the Brigade S3 were notable events. Five and a half hours until I get to sleep. UGH!

Anna sent me a real nice musical Christmas card and letter with some pictures! 😊 That all look wonderful and I wish I were home.

2100. After five hours sleep I managed to salvage half a day. I spent some time planning a NVG training flight for tomorrow and cleaned up my area. Sorted dirty clothes etc. Received two very nice Christmas cards for Anna and a letter from Mom. I’m going to try and stay up late tonight to be prepared for my flight tomorrow. I get to prove my ability to navigate and fly under mission conditions.

Day 93

Sunday, 9 December 1990, 0220

Well it is early in the morning and I’m awake while everyone else sleeps. I was scheduled for an NVG flight tonight but that was cancelled. We were originally going to fly from 1930 to 2130 but Brigade decided that after a cobra crash two days ago that training had to be conducted during the NVG window, 23 % moon illumination and 30 degrees above the horizon.  The windows opened at 0140 this morning and 0230 tomorrow. ☹ So, I’m awake while Saudi Sleeps.

Feel pretty good and coherent, so I plan to write several letters. Mail is still just trickling in. We should get a large delivery soon. I’m sure people are writing but it is hard to be patient.

Morale was pretty low today. We are being pressured by the chain of command to have our living areas dress right dress and uniform. We were harped on about haircuts and uniform policy. Most of this does not directly apply to me. We also feel a lot of this stems from our lack of action. When tensions are high, people overlook this crap. I think the command should make some exceptions due to the lack of privacy.

Apparently, the is concern about future action. My goggle training for one. Again, it’s been mentioned how I could quickly become a PIC under less than optimum conditions and was recommended that I be as prepared as I can be. Comforting thought.

2215. As usual, after I write a letter to someone I get one after I mailed it. Today I got two boxes from Lydia full of books, magazines and neat stuff. I also got a package from Figi’s from Mom but the cheese had gone bad. Letters from Anna and Jeanette too. As of the moment, I’ve written eleven letters today. Two to Lydia, Tammy, Gee, Anna (2) Jeanette, Mom (2), Figi’s and Mark. I may write more after we fly. Mr. Nollie seems pretty intent on flying tonight even if it is just hovering. There may be some pressure to get me signed off. We need goggle co-pilots and PICs plus my battle partner is LT Dubots and she is a goggle PIC that way we have another NVG battle crew.

Day 94

Monday, 10 December 1990, 0600

Well, I survived my first NVG training flight. My navigation was a bit crappy but we did okay. I found the first two checkpoints blew the second two and found the last two. Jerry didn’t do so hot on the way back so I don’t feel so bad. Jerry said he felt comfortable with my flying and could sign me off if he wanted to. We may fly again in the morning.

It was a lot harder to see than I had first thought it would be. Zero illumination would be very terrifying. Many of the landmarks are hard to see plus everything appears grainy and distorted. It’s no picnic but it’s not impossible either. All in all, it was a good flight.

Day 95

Tuesday, 11 December 1990, 2130

Well today was a blow to morale. After we spent a couple months making our living areas a bit more comfortable we are directed by Brigade to make our living areas more military and uniform. It’s as if all this crap really affects how well we can fight. The total lack of concern for morale is surprising to me. We usually got away with more in the field on a Field Training Exercise (FTX) than they are wanting to give here. Apparently, our superiors have nothing better to do than fuss about the way we live.

We also got shots today. Flu and gammagobulin. I’ve already started to feel crappy and will have a headache tomorrow. I’m not officially a fully qualified Day/Night/NVG pilot. I apparently demonstrated to Mr. Nollie that I can manage to navigate and fly under goggles without killing myself.

Day 99

Saturday, 15 December 1990, 2150

It’s been a busy past few days. Spent Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and today working on weight and balance computations for internal loads for M102s and M998s. Looks like we may be hauling them internal under goggles.

Today, we had a briefing from the Battalion commander about our current situation and future plans. He gave us a general overview of what we may be doing in the near future to include being ready to deploy at a moment’s notice in thirty days or less. We have a practice mission Monday. We move to the pickup zone (PZ) tomorrow afternoon and have an early start in the morning. Should be interesting. I got a package from Mom today. I got her tape player and a tape Reader’s Digest and crackers. I’ll have to write her tomorrow.

General feeling here is that we will go to war. We will see.

Day 104

Thursday, 20 December 1990, 1930

I’ve been a bit lazy the past few days in making my entries. Today started bad and has gotten steadily worse. Shortly after getting up this morning, the commander informed me I had too much stuff and to get rid of the extra stuff. I’m now living out of my pack and two duffle bags again. The current rumor has us deploying forward as of 26 December. The company has started breaking down all the permanent and semi-permanent installations (IE: Maintenance tent etc.) I packed up a box of stuff to send home. Letters, book and stuff.

I received two card. Once from Volena and one from Darlene Pisani. Mom sent me a box of tapes and mailers. I’m listening to a tape from Anna and the boys which came in a box I got last night.

We’re having an in-ranks inspection tomorrow at 0630. I don’t know or care who is inspecting. We’re having an Inspector General (IG) inspection Saturday and Sunday and everyone is jumping through their ass. I’m sick and have had the runs all day. I hope I feel better in the morning.

Yesterday I was put on the Logistics Resupply Run (logbird) when the PIC of the original crew was sick. We’ve been assigned battle crews and aircraft and CW3 Hutchings is my PIC. We flew the logbird with Captain Evesque as the day Co-pilot and myself as the NVG co-pilot. It was a long flight and a very dark night (Zero illumination) for flying back. We spent 45-minutes lost flying back from Bastogne before we found our way back.

The platoon leaders just returned from Command and Staff and it’s a sure bet that more bad news is on the way. 2100. I was right. Clean your weapon, clean your mask. Pack you carrier with this, put this in your chemical suit carrier. Apparently, we will have a garrison inspection in a field environment, the bullshit never ends.

Day 105

Friday, 21 December 1990, 2215

The bullshit continues. We had a nice day of line up your bunks and change this and arrange that. We started with a 0630 formation and in-ranks inspection. It was practice for the practice inspection at 0800 for the real inspection at 1000. I may or may not be in it I haven’t been officially informed.

We spent two hours in a sensing session with the IG team. They wanted to know the attitude in the battalion and how thing stood on several subjects. We voiced our grievances and complaints plus praise where it was due. The Commissioned Officers also slammed the Battalion Commander for the way he runs the command. It was interesting. Well I have to get up early and it’s late.

Day 107

Sunday, 23 December 1990, 2245

Letters, Letters, Letters. Received nine letters the past two days and have been writing most of the day. Mom, Anna, Cookie, Mark Bleeker, Beth Maxwell, Uncle Buddy, Jeanette and a couple others. Darlene Pisani too.

Apparently, the IG inspection went well. No major disasters have been mentioned. I think the official out brief will be Thursday. We shall see then. One thing this did accomplish was we now have a written policy on how our living areas are to be arranged. If we’d had it from the get go it would have been easier but it is livable I guess.

Some days I just feel like I’m on radar. I don’t really think, just function. I can’t wait to leave this place and be with my loved ones. Anna has stood by me though all of this and I want to go stand by her. She’s the best. 😊

Day 109

Tuesday, Christmas Day, 25 December 1990, 2100

Another Christmas away from home has come and gone. Seven days to a new year and a possible war in Twenty-six. I did as little as possible today. Read books, ate dinner at the Mess Hall and played with Bruce’s Game-Boy.

Bob Hope did a show here this afternoon. I didn’t go because it was on the other side of base and I wasn’t in the mood. I’ve dealt real well with today by ignoring it. Surprisingly, I’m happy and in a good mood.

We are in the middle of the worst dust storm we’ve had since I’ve been here. Visibility has been less than three miles since lunch. Even now the moon is surrounded in haze and stars aren’t visible.

I got a nice card and letter from Jackie yesterday. Just in time. She sounded good and that is reassuring. I’ve been concerned. Tonight, I’ll write a couple letters and maybe start a tape.

Day 111

Thursday, 27 December 1990, 0630

Yesterday was eventful. At 0300 we had a bomb scare and evacuated the building. We spent over an hour standing out in the cold waiting for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) to remove a package under a stairwell. They blew it up but apparently, it was not a bomb.

After that it was a relatively normal day until the air raid siren went off at 1430. Current information (Rumor) says the Iraqi’s launched one or more SS1 (NATO Codename SCUD-B) missiles at the Syrian/Jordanian borders. If they’re trying to piss people off, it’s working. I actually don’t mind the false alarms since the early warning system is working better and better. The warning come before the missiles hit now.

This place is starting to come to life now. People taking showers and getting dressed for chow. We also have some workmen using an electric chipper on the concrete upstairs and the noise is very irritating.

Concern for the situation is increasing daily as the deadline approaches. Even people who were in Vietnam are concerned. After a few months of relative ease, I’m getting nervous like my first few weeks here. The good thing is at least I know here I am and have a good idea where to go. I just hope I won’t have to.

Day 115

Monday, 31 December 1990, 2250

The past few days have been quiet. Nothing of any major interest until yesterday. The Executive Officer (XO) thanked me for an excellent report on the 100% inventory. Then he made me the Supply Officer. Well, I’ve got job security anyway.

Mom sent me a Reader’s Digest, a paper, a letter and an bunch of goodies from Fiji’s. I’ve already eaten half and the rest will soon follow. So much for 1990.

Day 117

Wednesday, 2 January 1991, 0800

New Year’s Day was highlighted by being a normal workday. Letters from Mom, Anna and DiAn and a briefing by the Battalion and Brigade Commanders on our role in the operation in the near future. No specifics were involved but unless there are rapid changes soon I will be busy in a few weeks.

Of what I was told, I had already inferred most of it from bits and pieces of other data and a few good assumptions. As usual, the 101^st is being daring and I truly hope we avoid action or if we got it is mercifully short and fast. I should end up out in the middle of all this. 2200. Wrote and mailed a newsletter to fifteen people. It will be interesting to see if I live long enough to get a response.

Day 119

Friday, 4 January 1991, 1830

Yesterday was an interesting day. I flew the logbird with Mark Hutchings and Captain Leslie Weiher. CPT Weiher turned out to ne an excellent pilot only being weak in navigation and radio procedures due to lack of practice. She flew the day portion and I flew the night.

Our flight from Bastogne to King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) was relatively easy until we go half way home. We slowly flew under an increasing overcast sky in a very remote area and the effect was a loss of the horizon and little or zero ground reference. Twice I became disoriented and ended up flying on instruments while Mark watched and navigated. We finally picked up the airfield lights thirty miles out. After that we had enough light to see. All of this while slinging a 4K forklift underneath. It was quite a nerve-wracking experience but I learned a lot that may help me in the future.

Got a letter for Rita Hawkins yesterday. She’s a Corporal and working for the 22^nd Supply Command (SUPCOM) in Dhahran. Today I got three tapes from Anna and a card from Dean Bridgewater. He also sent some pictures of his kids. I was surprises to find his oldest is twelve, I guess I’m getting old.

We’re still making preparations to move out in a few days. I had to get rid of all of my boxes but one. ☹ I’m going to move most my books to supply and make the CO happy. I spent most of the day issuing parkas, flack vests and underwear to the officers and tomorrow I am going with my Supply Sergeant to Battalion Supply (S4) to try and procure some air compressors for our sheet metal shop. Just another busy day. Monday I plan to go to Half Moon Bay while I still have a chance.

Day 121

Sunday, 6 January 1991, 1023

Yesterday was fairly quiet and uneventful. The highlight was an enormous mail call. I got a letter from Anna, two from Mom and a Christmas card from the Schloessers.

Today we had a 0730 formation for promotions and awards. Since then I ate a little bit of breakfast and washed my laundry. We have been informed that if we have laundry in and we deploy it will probably be abandoned. I will do mine by hand now.

I was just beaten at my daily game of Risk and it’s time to write a few letters and check on my laundry.

Day 123

Tuesday, 8 January 1991, 2000

Four months ago today, I got on a plane at Fort Campbell and 23 hours later I was here. I got a letter from Volena yesterday, one from Anna and two from Jackie. Volena sent a picture of Tessa, she’s a cutie. Today was relatively quiet again. The big news was six Iraqi MI-8 (NATO Codename: HIP) Helicopters defected last night. Let’s hope this sets a precedent for their army. In a week, we’ll know whether or not it will be war. I’m ardently hoping for common sense to rule and the Iraq’s pull out. Hope! Hope! Hope!

We’re still preparing to deploy forward. Tomorrow I sign for all our goggles and then will hand receipt them individually. I feel sorry for the first dumb bastard who loses a set. I will hate the paperwork.

Day 125

Thursday, 10 January 1991, 1800

Another shitty day in the world of supply. Things are starting to come together. Just two long days and a headache that is driving me nuts. Spent yesterday and today testing and issuing goggles. By tomorrow evening I should be finished. Then I will get the laser specs ($800.00 a pair) and have to issue them too! The Commander even gave me an Atta-boy for doing a good job. Got letters from Jane Ann, Mom and a long letter from Arlena. That was a surprise!

Day 128

Sunday, 13 January 1991, 1238

Received a letter from Mom today dated 15 December. I figure I’ll still be getting Christmas mail through March. B Company had a CH-47 (84-24165) blow the number 2 engine while in flight. The bird was carrying a heavy internal load when the explosion and fire happened.

The aircraft landed safely and all crew and passengers got off before it burnt. Could have been real nasty. Doesn’t make us excited about hauling these heavy internal loads, the aircraft was a total loss and only had about fifty-six hours on it since rebuild. MW4 Dean Gardner was the PIC and he did a good job of getting it down safely.

We just heard that Congress backed the President on war powers and use of force. That’s one for our side. We hope Saddam will re-think his position now and beat feet while he can. Our people are anxious to get this finished the quicker the better.

We also got a new ZIP code 09660 for the 101^st Aviation Brigade. Now mail can get lost under a new number. I’ve been told I’ve three boxes in route that never arrived. I’m pissed!

Day 130

Tuesday, 15 January 1991, 2100

In about eight hours we will arrive at the official deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait. At the moment, nothing has been solved and war appears to be imminent. If we have a war I pray it is mercifully short.

Today was highlighted by calling Mom. She was very happy to hear from me and was on the verge of tears several times. We talked for about twenty minutes but aside from hearing my voice, I doubt she was very reassured. Like everyone else, she is terrified that I’ll get my ass shot off here and come home in a box as one hundred of my peers have already have done without a shot being fired.

I managed a minor coup today when we actually managed to get four pair of flight suits for some flight engineers. I hope to do better in the near future. I may be able to had receipt some from Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC). I also managed to lose one of my supply troops for about four hours when I let her see her boyfriend and she missed her pickup. We won’t make that mistake again.

I got a real nice letter from Anna today along with pictures of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Letters also came from Jane Ann and a newsletter from Speed Memorial Church. Jane gave the church my address.

This morning (0300 or so) some F-15s decided to do some low approaches and their afterburner’s roars scared the shit out of most of us. It was quite a show.

To top the day off, I have a “Killer cold from Hell” that is making bleak life here even more miserable. A headache, stuffy nose and sneezing aren’t’ making me very happy. Sounds like a Contact commercial, eh?

War Day 1, Day 132

Thursday, 17 January 1991, 1215

I’m sitting in a foxhole fifteen miles south of the airfield watching jets come and go waging war 150-miles north of here. We are also listening to the constant chatter of the news reports of the war. Here we’ve seen very little activity except for our deployment to a site away from the airfield.

We were given about two-hour notice to leave the airfield without any word on why. After we arrived at our site we setup and pretty much relaxed. About 0245 we were informed about the war and listened to the radio to hear what was happening.

After sunup, we ate and decided it was time to build our defensive position and setup our tent. Our position was dug into a small dune about four feet deep, six feet long and ten feet wide. After it was finished we setup our tent and ate lunch.

According to our initial briefing, we will stay here about six days and then we will deploy north along the border. As we have heard before things may change now that hostilities have started.

We have spent a lot of time observing the F-15s and British GR4s (Tornado) flying overhead to and from Iraq. For the most part it has looked good for our planes. However, we’ve seen a formation of three and a couple of singles which gives the impression that we’ve lost some planes.

Our crew members have occupied themselves by making a girl in the sand and some horsing around. We are still spending most of our time counting planes and listening to the constant radio reports.

Yesterday/today I got a real nice letter from Anna and Thank You cards from David and Kevin for the Micro-Machines they got for Christmas.

War Day 2, Day 133

Friday, 18 January 1991, 0700

Well, today has already had an interesting start. At 0430 I observed a brilliant flash high in the air to the east. I heard the rapport 30 to 60 seconds later. I was doing radio watch and I was listening to the radio found that (30 minutes later) it was a SCUD missile that was intercepted by a Patriot missile from Dhahran. It was strange that I wasn’t really frightened by all this.

At the same time, Iraq also fired 6 to 10 SCUDs at Israel hitting Haifa and Tel Aviv. The missiles had only conventional warheads and caused only seven minor injuries.

The name of the operation has changed from Desert Shield to Desert Storm. The planes are still going out and back. All day and all night. We got news that our Apaches started the attack last night by taking out five radar sites clearing the initial corridors for the jets to attack.

We also got information that some of our on-board systems are effective in combat. A MH-47D of the Task Force had three SA-7’s fired at it and all three were defeated by the ALQ156/M130 flare systems.

We have also started taking our nerve agent pretreatment tablets again. One every eight hours. I’ve had no apparent side effects so I guess it is no big deal. Pyrodostigmine Bromide USP 30 mg NSN: 6505-01-178-7903. I just entered that for reference in the future if I need it.

I find it really annoying that the news networks are using unconfirmed rumor and statements on the air due to lack of hard data. I’m sure that this has greatly upset people when there was not valid reason to be that desperate to get out on the news. I may even send them a letter saying so.

1815. I got a letter from cousin Phyllis today that came by way of Columbus, IN. Somebody there in the Post Office actually read the address and added a nice little note apologizing for the delay and a wish of luck. I wrote both Phyllis and the Post Office in Columbus, IN letters. I also wrote to Anna, Mom, Dad & Jackie, Aafke and Cookie. Since I haven’t gotten many letters, it’s time to write in volume again and generate some more letters. I imagine they will start coming in fast around the end of the month.

War Day 5, Day 136

Monday, 21 January 1991, 1840

Last night was nerve-wracking. Two to four SCUDs were fired at Dhahran and six at Riyadh at about 2200. Saddam doesn’t want us to forget he’s there. We masked at first then the all clear was given about fifteen minutes later. I slept like shit afterward. Guard at 0200 didn’t help. Tonight, I’ve got radio watch from 0000 to 0200 so sleep will again be elusive.

The roar of the planes continues day in and day out. Attacks on SCUDs, Republican Guards and airfields continue. Wednesday, we recover to KFIA for prep to move north. Thursday is laundry and cleaning, Friday we depart. Our operating base will be close to the Iraqi border and inside the Aviation Brigade area.

We’ve been briefed on the current op-plan and our objectives in Iraq. Primary and Secondary all subject to change of course. Could get very busy very quickly. So far, no helicopters have been lost due to enemy fire. I hope it stays that way. We lost an Apache to an accident though.

We’ve been warned to avoid flying near the Bedouins. Seems either some are pro-Iraqi or that Iraqi Special Forces are in disguise and firing small arms and SA-7s at passing aircraft. We are also advised that some may fire guns up in the air as aircraft pass in show of support and not to return fire unless they fire at us.

Saturday, I spent most the day sick. Probably dehydration. Late in the evening I felt better. Yesterday and today I’ve felt fine. Staff Sergeant (SSG) Standridge built a shower out of a number 10 can and I got good and clean yesterday. Unfortunately, I got dusted by an incoming helicopter today so now I’m covered with a fine layer of sand. Yuck! I’ll shower again tomorrow.

The past two days we’ve kept ourselves amused playing golf in this giant sandbox. We’ve got an 8 and 9 iron and several balls. It’s fun and a break from the boredom.

We won’t see any mail for up to two weeks until we’re settled in at our new base. I’m not too optimistic even then., I’ll get to mail letters Wednesday and Thursday then we wait until mail is setup at the new spot. I have a feeling that most quiet days will come to an end soon. Moon cycles will favor operations after the first week of February.

War Day 7, Day 138

Wednesday, 23 January 1991, 1545

We were supposed to depart for KFIA this morning but we’ve been delayed another day. Since I had the time I took a shower and put on fresh clothes. What a nice feeling! After four days, I felt pretty grungy and a lot of satisfaction is gained from a little thing! 😊

Last night I got to witness a volley of six Patriots go up and intercept incoming Scuds. It looked like a Roman candle from the distance except when the warheads exploded. It is a fearsome but reassuring site.

This morning we learned of the third attack on Tel Aviv. Over on hundred injured and three dead from heart attacks. As far as I know, Israel is still showing restraint even though this attack was much more damaging.

The sky has been overcast all day with a cool damp northwest wind. This is apparently the same system that was causing problems in the recon and acquisition of targets of opportunity up north the past few days.

Air activity here has been a bit different today. The fast movers are a fewer in this area and at least two F-15s and one F-16 landed at KFIA. A-10 traffic has been up and is still continuing now.

The crew members of a few planes are playing football outside. I just got clean so I’m not playing. We did get a few holes of golf in the morning and afternoon. I’m getting a bit better at my sand shots.

War Day 9, Day 140

Friday, 25 January 1991, 0945

Today is relax and recover day. We flew back to KFIA yesterday morning and I logged my first four tenths of an hour of combat flight time. We washed all our nasty clothes and hung them up to dry. We spent the evening in the terminal next to the luggage carousel. I even had my hair all sheared off again since I never know when I’ll get the next one.

The Saudi Air Force had a good day yesterday. An F-15 pilot took out two Iraqi Mirage F1s that were going to attack ships in the gulf. He was one happy camper. There is intel that the Iraqis will attack our ground forces with chemical artillery. They didn’t but they still may.

Mailed the letters we had written during the last week and I’ll write several more tonight. Next mailbox may be a few days away.

War Day 11, Day 142

Sunday 27 January 1991, 1800

It’s been quite a day. We flew 385 Nautical Miles yesterday, over 4.8 hours’ flight time. We are now in central Saudi Arabia. Ten Nautical Miles from the Iraqi border. For most of the day we’ve been digging a bunker in a small knoll just outside our tent. We worked about six hours digging through really rocky soil and low-grade limestone. We’re tired and sore but we have a place to go if we get shelled. Went to bed about 1900 last night and woke up at 0700. Finally, I got out of bed about 0900. Best night’s sleep in weeks. I’ll sleep good tomorrow too. We’re really pooped. It’s been a long time since I did that much manual labor.

Haven’t been briefed on any mission yet. We’re still assuming a large air assault to the interior of Iraq. The worst thing here is the lack of information. The best part is relative peace as the command has better things to do then fuck with us.

Apparently, Battalion has mail going again although I haven’t received any yet. Hop I will tomorrow.

War Day 12, Day 143

Monday, January 28, 1991, 1640

Major surprise! I got a letter today! A nice chatty letter from Jeanette. Her letter was the usual upbeat type, made me smile.

We completed our bunker today. Two days of hard work and now we have shelter from artillery and storage space for the rest of our equipment.

One thing we saw on our arrival here was a B Company bird punch off an A92 (Sheet Metal shop) Conex from about 80 feet. All that was left was a bunch of fiberglass splinters. It’s very dusty here and they apparently browned out and thought they were lower than they were.

We’re all tired and sore after two days of hard work but now we can relax until something else happens. Rumor has it that the bombing hasn’t been as effective as first thought and we have more troops to face than originally expected. Also, a Frog Missile battalion is located on the other side of the border.

Took a rather frigid shower but now at least I’m clean. The area here is very rocky and dusty, almost flat. The rises in the ground are only three of four feet. Nothing significant for miles. One person said it looks like mars.

War Day 15, Day 146

Thursday, 31 January 1991, 1215

The past few days have been rather unremarkable. Yesterday, I got a sprained left ankle playing a little touch football. Not really bad but enough to slow me down for a couple weeks. So much for football.

Received three letters today. Two from Mom and a card from Aunt Dovey. Glad to finally receive a decent amount of mail. Hopefully, I’ll get a letter from Anna soon.

Tonight, we fly to an artillery battery and let them practice night loading and unloading of their guns and trucks. It’s a real pain in the ass but it is a mission and we’ll get some flight time out of it.

Heard yesterday that some A-10s caught an Iraqi armored column out in the open and destroyed 24-25 tanks and numerous armored personnel carriers (APCs). Also heard that a 9K52 Luna-M (NATO Codename FROG-7) battalion near the border was hit and what wasn’t destroyed left the area. Hurray for our side. It also appears that a large part of the Iraqi air force has flown (Defected?) to Iran (100 planes or so) and are out of the conflict. It appears as if the Iraqi military has started to crumble.

War Day 16, Day 147

Friday, 1 February 1991, 1250

Yesterday was a long and busy day. We flew in the local Area of Operations (AO) for the first time. Navigation here is almost impossible at night. We got lost flying a traffic pattern at an artillery battery due to lack of references and the dust cloud we created. We were loading M998s and howitzers internally. We also had some minor damage to the aircraft during the training. Six different gun crews from B-2-320 Field Artillery. It was good practice for our crew and them. We arrived back here at midnight and were up until 0200 fixing our tent after we blew it oven landing. Night landings in the dust here are very difficult, feel your way down in brown out.

Apparently, the Iraqi’s attacked a small border town in eastern Saudi Arabia two days ago. Yesterday, the Saudis and Egyptians with US Air support retook the town and 100 prisoners of war (POWs). There have been a few other skirmishes along the border, but not much action. The Iraqis and French have been trading artillery fire all week just to piss each other off. We are expecting the offensive to start in two to three weeks.

My ankle is better. The pain has subsided and the swelling is better. All black and blue but not as bad as the last time. Looks like I need to look for an ankle brace again. Cleaned out the tent today and made another from five shelter halves to make a place for Snyder and Standridge. The Battalion Commander has decreed no people sleep on the aircraft due to the Iraqi threat of Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) against us?

Today is shower day and we’re all going to get clean all under. 😊 It’s warm and comfortable with a light breeze. For breakfast, we had a chocolate nut cake that Mark’s mom sent. YUM! There were also cookies and homemade caramel corn. Nice change from a Meal, Ready to Eat (MRE’s).

War Day 18, Day 149

Sunday, 3 February 1991, 1145

For the past four days, we’ve been subjected to Al Shamel. The great north wind. It started blowing shortly after sunrise and hasn’t let up since. Visibility is down to one-eighth mile with dust and sand. Walking outside requires a dust scarf and goggles. A good day to stay inside.

No major changes in the tactical situation. When we start the ground attack the major Air Defense Artillery (ADA) threat will be Surface-to-Air (SA-6, SA-7 & SA-8) hand held missiles. We’ve also been warned that the Iraqi’s will probably use Nerve/Mustard gas in their defense.

Received two letters from Anna yesterday including a Valentine’s Day card. She says Timothy has started potty training. Finally!  Hope he trains easily. Wrote both Anna and the boys letters and sent the boys a map of the Middle East that came in my National Geographic magazine that Uncle Buddy sent me a subscription to.

War Day 21, Day 152

Wednesday, 6 February 1991, 1230

The last few days have been lazy days. Cold and windy and dusty. Good days to stay snuggled up in the old sleeping bag and read. Rumors of probing attacks on Syria by Iraq are making us wonder again plus the sight and sound of fighters overhead as the fly by. We even saw a KC-10 refueling a flight of fighters. I was surprised to see it so close to the border.

Today we’re going to shower and change clothes and maybe do laundry if the water trailer gets back soon enough. We estimate two weeks before we’re involved. We shall see. No mail yesterday, hoping for more today.

War Day 22, Day 153

Thursday, 7 February 1991, 1914

Quite a bit of mail today. A box from Tom and Vicki MacCallum and letters from Beth and Jeremy Maxwell, Mark Bleecker and Aunt Geneva. Answered all the letters and managed to do my laundry too. Finish another book and managed very little else. We were briefed on a rehearsal of our Air Assault on Iraq. The rehearsal on 9 February, real? We’ll see what happens.

War Day 23, Day 154

Friday, 8 February 1991, 1000

Today looks like it will be a nice day. Started rather chilly but the wind is calm and it is warming up fast. My platoon leader (1LT Diotte) pestered me again about wearing my Load Bearing Equipment (LBE). I had told him previously I’d look for it and since he made and issue of it again today I got it out. I’ll wear it tomorrow (less canteens) and see if it makes him happy. He’s an okay guy but he’s an idiot and I have to work for him.

War Day 24, Day 155

Saturday, 9 February 1991, 1100

Another shitty day in the desert. We got up early today because we are backup for the practice assault today. One of the primary aircraft had two hot starts while trying to start their engines with a tailwind. They came to us and our #1 engine wouldn’t start.

After they went to the other backup aircraft a maintenance pilot (CW2 Vance) came over and we got the engine started. There is an apparent problem with the start fuel and they are working on it now.

Meanwhile, we are in the middle of another dust storm. Variable visibility (one-quarter to seven miles) depending on the size of the cloud around you at the moment. The dust is so bad we wear goggle and scarves over our faces and still end up cleaning dust out of our eyes, ears and nose. YUK!

Receive a letter from Goldie dated 17 January. She wrote it just a few hours before the war started. I’m going to write her while I wait to see if there is any mail today.

War Day 26, Day 157

Monday, 11 February 1991, 1920

Two letters today, One from Volena and one from Cookie. Volena sent a picture of Warren which I’ll mount with my pictures in here. She sounded like she’s doing well but like so many others, she’s worried about me and the war.

Cookie’s letters were dated 10 January and 21 January I also receive a letter from Anna.

I sent Cookie a check to buy Jackie some flowers and a little something for herself.

Tomorrow I will take my Pilot-in-Command (PIC) check ride with Jim Richie. This kind of makes up for getting bumped off my bird so Mr. Kennedy could give Captain Rolfe a PIC ride. We were miffed since it was a 9 hour remain overnight (RON) to Thadj. ☹ This will make up for it. Tonight, I’ll do a weight and balance and performance planning card (PPC) for tomorrow’s 0800 takeoff.

War Day 27, Day 158

Tuesday, 12 February 1991, 2020

My PIC check ride went smoothly with no problems. Flew to the First Brigade area and did some internal load training and several dual HMMWV’s at three different Landing Zones (LZs). I got my first real taste of working in a dusty landing area and making it work. Was complemented on a pleasant flight.

Three letters today, Mom, Anna and Jane Ann. Mail is coming faster (About two weeks) and going out about the same. Should be a good week for mail.

We now have a kerosene lamp which lets us stay up later and get more done. It’s clean bright and quiet. Tomorrow a shower.

War Day 29, Day 160

Thursday, 14 February 1991, 1700

Valentine’s Day. More and more letters daily. Arlena, Mom, Aafke and Jackie yesterday and Mom and Rita today. Rita sent a really nice letter and a copy of what she called her Morale file. The next several pages are what she sent. A definite boost to all of us.

(Text of one item I pasted into the Journal)

“One reason the Services have trouble operating jointly is that they don’t speak the same language.

For Example, if you told Navy personnel to “secure a building”, they would turn off the lights and lock the doors.

The Army would occupy the building so no one could enter.

Marines would assault the building, capture it and defend it with suppressive fire and close combat.

The Air Force on the other hand, would take out a three-year lease with an option to buy.”

The comment to the left is especially funny because it is so true. She also sent a poem dedicated to our wives written by a SPC Jose Velazquez of the 318^th Transportation Agency.

Air activity has increased. Rumor has is it up to 2,500 sorties a day and over 60,000 sorties so far. There are rumors of a ground attack starting as soon as the twenty-first. We shall see.

Apparently, we bombed a bunker with over five-hundred civilians in it in Baghdad. Our command says that the same bunker was a command and control headquarters and that the Iraqis were putting civilians in military installations to prevent attack. They are also putting military activities in residential areas. Either way it is a tragedy.

War Day 30, Day 161

Friday, 15 February 1991, 1600

It’s been another interesting day. Just after noon we had a formation and were briefed by the Battalion Commander (LTC Wilmoth). Basically, he inferred that the ground war could start in as few as six days. It’s kind of chilling and snaps you back to reality that we could end up in combat.

Baghdad radio announced that Iraq would pull out of Kuwait if we leave Saudi and Israel pulls out of the West Bank and Gaza and southern Lebanon. None of us seriously believes they will pull out, it’s just more propaganda and the press is going apeshit over it. The press are really pissing us off giving so much reaction to so little. Just what Saddam wants. I hope he does pull out and we do leave, but only on our terms.

Received only one letter today from Jane Ann. It was about a week older than the last one I got. She did mention Tammy’s phone bill had topped for a thousand dollars in the past two months. Her husband said it was worth it.

I also wrote Anna a letter today and I may add to it with all the recent events of this afternoon.

War Day 31, Day 162

Saturday, 16 February 1991, 2130

Another interesting day in the war. Saddam’s call for peace also involved a SCUD toward Jubail. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? We’ve had high winds blowing dust all day. Tough to do anything. No mail either.

On the bright side, we now have a small kerosene stove along with our lamp and we can heat food, water or just the tent in just a few minutes day ot night. It’s amazing the little things that make life nicer.

Looks like I’ll have another surprise for Anna. I’ve been drinking cocoa with coffee mixed in for a few days. I’m already using less cocoa and will probably be a full-fledged coffee drinker by the end. Jackie will be tickled too.

War Day 33, Day 164

Monday 18 February 1991, 0800

We have a new door gunner, SPC Donald Hougland, from Ft. Carson, Colorado. His nickname is “Hollywood”. He’s and 11B (Infantryman) and this is his first time in an aviation unit. We’re trying to get him quickly integrated into the crew. I think he’ll do fine.

Got some mail today. A letter from Anna with more pictures and a box from Linda that was mailed on 10 December. It had the wrong ZIP code (09809) and was corrected with the wrong ZIP (09895) before someone finally got smart and found the right one.

We did laundry today. It is truly incredible the amount of dirt we got out of our clothes. They are drying on the blade ropes and I’ll get them in a little while.

It is a real nice spring day, Sixty-five to seventy degrees with a light breeze and sunny. It is hard to really believe war is on.

War Day 35, Day 166

Wednesday, 20 February 1991, 1640

Another day in the Neighborhood. Last night we had a thunderstorm with a drenching rain. After a sunny and breezy day, there is still standing water.

Yesterday we found out there was a M198 howitzer damaged during NVG sling load operations by C Company. Mark is investigating the accident and learning more about the hook systems and what happened.

This morning, a Cobra flying near the area here fired his 20 MM by accident and scared the shit out of all of us. Apparently, no damage was done. We’ve heard explosions in the distance all day and B Company was scheduled for an artillery raid into Iraq today. We haven’t heard results yet.

A few minutes ago, we had a short fuse mission for three aircraft to fly into Iraq to pick up prisoners of war (POSs). It’s turning into a more interesting war.

We’ve been given and official “G-Day” of 24 February. The 101^st, Marines, French and a few others attack. The 25^th everyone else. If we’re lucky, the war won’t last that long. More details to come.

Tomorrow, at 1100 we get Malaria, Anthrax and New NBC Pills. I’m not looking forward to more drug reactions, but is it still better than the actual hazards I guess. Again, we hope we won’t need them.

1830. Well, we just finished listening to the daily briefing from the Central Command Headquarters and got to hear about our Chinooks going to pick up POWs. Sometimes news travels fast. Two Apaches and two Kiowas were attacking thirteen to fifteen bunkers when the Iraqi soldiers (450-500) surrendered. At the moment, they are being extracted and later we should have all the scoop.

Tomorrow, we are scheduled for a gunnery range for our new door gunners and to check out our weapons. Should make for a long day.

1930. Well our three or four birds went into Iraq to the battle site. Apparently, the POWS had either already been transported or were somewhere else. They stayed a few minutes and left. They mentioned several other CH-47s plus Blackhawks (UH-60s) and gunships. We’ll find out more official news and data later. ZOG, LT Diotte, LT Dubots, Mr. Gilman were among the first 7-101 Aviation pilots to set foot in Iraq.

War Day 36, Day 167

Thursday, 21 February 1991, 1940

Spent most of today at a door gunner range south east of our assembly area. First, we flew our door gunners from A Company and had them fire. We dropped them off at base and Mark played Safety Officer as per the Battalion Commander’s express desire. So, I spent the afternoon writing letters but I did manage to log 1.9 hours.

Three letters today. One from Aafke, One from Richard that was dated 26 December and one from Tammy MacEchron. That was sent to my Korea address. I was amazed it made it here so fast since it beat Richard’s and he had the correct address. Who can understand the postal service?

Tomorrow, we get a detailed air mission brief from battalion on our possible invasion scenarios. Currently, we are at G3 and depending on events in the next few days we could be in Iraq as soon as Sunday per current information. That, of course, is always subject to change.

Saddam was making a speech over the radio at 1800. What we heard so far was  that the war would continue. He criticized president Bush for not accepting his peace offer and stated that we could not defeat the Iraqis as easily as we suspect. Unless he said something very surprising after we turned off the radio, I fully expect a full blown was by Monday.

2130. Life is getting interesting at the moment. I was writing a letter to Anna when we heard a loud rapport and felt the concussion. A few minutes later, the gas alarm was sounded. Later, we heard what we think was a large counter-battery fire. All clear has just been sounded.

There is already some rumor that the explosion was in incoming SCUD and that at about the same moment two Patriots were launched from a nearby battery. There was also a plane flying overhead about the time of the explosion and it may have been an accidental bomb drop. Regardless, I’m tweaked and a cup of mocha is on tap to soothe my nerves.

Well even the threat of attack doesn’t stop me when I’m determined to write a love letter to Anna. Thirteen and a half pages of romance and pent up love and desire. I hope she enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. 2320, time for bed.

War Day 37, Day 168

Friday, 22 February 1991, 1430

Last night’s “Strike” turned out to be a sonic boom from a fast mover. Still scared the shit out of me. All afternoon we heard artillery fire across the border. All our PICs are at a Battalion Air Mission brief. Tomorrow, we may move the to PZ for a Sunday assault. War is looking very real at the moment and I’m nervous as a whore in church.

Five letters this morning. Two from Pen Pals, two from people I’ve never met and at Speed Memorial church and a letter on a “Serviceable Condition Tag” (155 mm Charge) from Phyllis Travis. A novel item. 😊

It’s warm today with hardly a breeze. We’re doing some packing and such to prepare for a launch tomorrow.

1915. The president has issued a noon EST deadline for Iraq to initiate a withdrawal from Kuwait or else…. Looks like we’ll be kicking some ass and soon. The Iraqis are burning Kuwaiti oilfields and this as prompted the president’s actions.

War Day 39, Day 170

Sunday, 24 February 1991, 1745

I’ve got a bit of catching up to do. Life got pretty busy about 0900 yesterday morning. We had an air mission brief for today’s air assault. We (the crew from 23780) were put on for a “Fat Cow” mission on aircraft 24154 because that needed an NVG crew and 154’s crew wasn’t NVG qualified. At 1700, we departed for a location along the Iraqi border to wait as standby fuel support for Blackhawks inserting long range surveillance detachment (LRSD) teams into our operational area. They had one deep insertion that was close on fuel and if they’d run short we would have gone into Iraq to top them off. They returned without a problem so we flew to the PZ (My current location) at 0130 under zero illumination (as usual). We spent a short night and watched history being made when we woke.

The air assault began at 0800 for our battalion. We watched Chinook after Chinook take off with their loads. The PZ couldn’t be much worse to use. The wind was blowing the wrong direction and the dust was devilish. We’ve heard of a UH-60 mid-air in their PZ but our worst incident was a load dropped when the aircraft developed “Settling with power”. Two High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV’s) got crunched. A second small dozer load had a sling break but it was set down successfully. Also, a OH-58D crashed last night near the border. No word on survivors on the crashes. No word of any CH-47 accidents as of yet.

At about 1500, we got a call to refuel an aircraft short of the PZ. We flew out and found it and gave them 3,000 lbs. of fuel. The PIC was Bill Placid, he seems to always run short of fuel. After fueling them we flew to the Forward Area Arming and Refueling Point (FAARP) and topped off and returned to the PZ. We’ve been here ever since.

About 1700 the wind picked up and visibility was reduced to one half mile at times. Currently, it’s about a mile. The dust cloud across the sun revealed two large sunspots visible to the naked eye. It was an incredible sight.

Flying the tanker bird is a challenge. Full, we weigh 47 to 48000 lbs. It takes a lot of finesse to handle the dusty LZs and the landing at the Remote Refuel Point (RRP) was a touchy downwind one. The other exciting part was the landing next to a down aircraft close enough (100 feet) for the refueling hose to reach. I also did a rolling takeoff to keep from dusting them too much.

The amount of air activity is incredible. Well over two-hundred helicopters operating in this area alone. Two Infantry Brigades inserted plus support and artillery. Tomorrow, another Infantry Brigade even deeper. We will probably have to top off birds on the return trip that can’t make it back.

I got letters yesterday from Goldie, Anna and a letter from Mom and one from Uncle Buddy. Buddy sent a picture of Joseph, Debbie and Debbie’s Mom. Tonight, I answer letters by blue flashlight.

As darkness falls the air is clearing. God knows what will happen tomorrow. According to the news, we’ve captured over 5,500 POWs and reached all day one objectives.

War Day 40, Day 171

Monday, 25 February 1991, 2100

Flew to Iraq and back today. 4.0 hours back on 23780. Hauled a HMMWV and M102 (105 MM Howitzer) to an LZ 90 miles inside Iraq. Rain was the biggest problem. Next was being a flight lead not knowing half enough to do it. We made it okay. Found refuel in Forward Operating Base (FOB) “Cobra” and made it back. Our chalk two, 774 (Jimmy Housand and Randy “Homey” Nevins) had a bird strike. Big dent in the nose, that’s all.

Got letters from Jenny Dyche and Mom. Wrote back while I had time.

War Day 41, Day 172

Tuesday, 26 February 1991, 0930

Today started bad and has gotten progressively worse. It started early this morning when the wind started blowing along with occasional heavy rain. We had a 0600 pilot’s brief and we were informed that we were going to fly all available aircraft to FOB cobra for a mass artillery lift forward.

The mission has been delayed for high winds and bad weather and since then all hell has broken loose. First, our tent stakes started to come out and we had to run out and re-stake the tent. Next, we had a very heavy gust of wind (40 to 50 knots) and the center pole on our tent snapped. After a few gyrations, we managed to use a couple of camouflage poles to hold up the tent.

The next problem involved the wind lifting the rotor blades damaging the aft rotor head. The rotor head will have to be replaced. The aircraft is grounded and won’t fly until it’s repaired. Several tents and antennas have been blown over.

Takeoff for the mission has been postponed until 1000 but it’s doubtful that they will get off then.

I had written two letters which probably are in the desert somewhere now. I left them at operations to be mailed and a few minutes later the operations tent collapsed. All in all it’s been a shitty day. Aircraft 23779 received similar damage but worse. We have one rotor head on hand and it’s still up in the air which aircraft will be repaired. I’m hoping our will since it has less damage. Nothing will be done until the wind stops though.

War Day 43, Cease Fire Day! Day 174

Thursday, 28 February 1991, 1300

Again, I’ve been busy so it’s time to catch up. At 1100 Tuesday, Mark and I were moved to 23774 for a NVG crew and a possible early departure with loads to central Iraq. The weather didn’t ease up until 1800 when we were directed to fly NVG to FOB Cobra. We were very disappointed by that decision due to poor weather and exhausted crews. We launched at 1900 after a few delays with mechanical problems. We ended up chalk 5 of 7. We flew about 40 miles north and ran into some really lousy weather and turned back. At one point, the flight got separated into at least two sections and we had a near mid-air with Jim Richie. Five of us made it back by 2010 the other two about an hour later.

We finally flew north at 0900 Wednesday. After refueling we flew to PZ Redleg and got a mission brief and LZ flight routes etc. Our first mission was with 24157 (Captain Cantey & CW2 Anderson) hauling two howitzers/Humvee loads internal to an LZ (Guns) 30 nautical miles (NM) from Kuwait. The flight was uneventful except for 157 (lead) not being able to find the LZ and flying 15 NM north to an Iraqi airfield (which we didn’t know if it had been captured or not.) 10 nm short of the Euphrates river.

After unloading our loads, we flew back to FOB Cobra and refueled. 157 let their #1 engine cook itself while waiting for fuel. We then went to the PZ and linked up with Major Delovan of B Company. We flew two external loads to the same area with us as flight lead. Our doppler tested malfunctioning and doesn’t interface with the Heading Select Indicator (HIS) most of the time. It also won’t hold variation in memory. We dropped off our loads at the LZ and our forward hook wouldn’t release using Electric, Manual or Emergency release. SPC Shouse ended up jumping out of the aircraft and manually releasing the load by hand. Forty-five minutes later we landed at the laager site at dark.

We ate and talked a bit and bedded down for the night. I listened to the BBC about tank battles and the liberation of Kuwait City. Earlier, near the LZ we heard (Scouts/Guns) on guard frequency talking about a helicopter crash at 100 knots after getting hit in a crossfire. On guy (Lance) was pretty broke up. The BBC also mentioned that the Iraqis had accepted all twelve United Nations resolutions and was requesting a UN Cease-fire.

We woke up at 0630 today when a refuel truck came up. By 0830 we’d had an initial brief and 0900 took off for refuel. We paired up with CW3 Hillpot (767) and CW2 Richie (155) went to Redleg PZ and picked up four Humvees between the three birds. Again, as lead, we flew to the LZ and back to refuel then back to the Laager site where I am now.

At 0800 this morning the cease-fire began. It appears the war is over. The only bad thing now is that we have to wait until dark so I can listen to the news on the radio. I’m hoping that we’ll pack up and leave in a few weeks. I’m really looking forward to going home.

Cease Fire Day 2, Day 175

Friday, 1 March 1991, 1400

It’s been an easy day so far. Got up at 0600 and flew a logbird mission to the Assembly Area. We finally logged our 25^th combat hour on the way back. Took a dump in the crapper, had lasagna for lunch and we are waiting for 780 to return and take it north. Apparently, the Battalion Executive Officer (Here) has different idea than the Battalion Commander (North) on who should fly 780 and where it should stay tonight. We’ll see what happens as it goes.

Word on the war is that we lost seventy-nine soldier, the Iraqis 79,000. They also lost all but Two-hundred tanks, five division and has 180,000 captured or surrendered. Kuwait is liberated and the 101^st will start to withdraw soon. We may be back at KFIA in two weeks and home in eight. 😊 Hope so.

At the moment, I’m sitting at my tent in the sun, in my lawn chair and will finish recommendations for awards for my troops for the Executive Officer (XO).

Cease Fire Day 4, Day 177

Sunday, 3 March 1991, 1330

We flew back to FOB Cobra yesterday and spent the night. Nothing of great interest except letters from Jeanette and Phyllis. This morning I changed aircraft with Roston Henderson because he was scared to fly with PIC Ricky Tackett. No big deal but I do feel like an outsider in this crew. It will probably be better tomorrow.

We’re waiting for orders to move the division back to Saudi. Basically, and all day standby and we’re about twelfth on the standby so I doubt I’ll fly today. Spent about an hour repairing a flight suit and eating a little lunch.

On the next page is a cartoon Phyllis sent me. I’d been wanting a copy and her timing was good. Today I got letters from Linda, Aafke, and Shannon Wilson so I’ve a few more letters to write.

Cease Fire Day 5, Day 178

Monday, 4 March 1991, 0715

Woke up today at 0530, got up, dressed, heated coffee water and breakfast. Watched a beautiful sunrise on what promises to be a warm day. Yesterday, news of peace talks was very encouraging also the fact that the captured news crew was released. News of a possible Islamic revolution has some promise too. Moslems were supposed to have taken the port city of Basrah.

I’m hoping to find out more of my status with my new crew on 24125. WO1 Henderson was moved to 23780 because he was having problems with CW2 Tackett. Originally, Tackett was to move and I was to be the PIC. Tackett voiced his argument against that and won, so Henderson moved instead. Originally, I was to be the PIC but with Tackett staying I don’t know. He mentioned splitting time and no one else has said anything one way or another. CW3 Hutchings and WO1 Henderson were under the impression I would be PIC. I hope to have it sorted out today.

My other problem started when I got to 125 and found a space heater burning in the aircraft. SSG Ortega did not take it well when I said no stove in the aircraft. He had a chip on his shoulder all day and kept complaining about Mr. Henderson after he left. Tackett, Goodart and Carter all seem receptive to me. Tackett is aloof as usual but seems happy with me although we’ve never flown together. I’m keeping a low profile and trying to stay out of Ortega’s way until he cools off.

LT Dubots just stopped by and informed me we’re backup for a 0945 mission, 0800 brief with me as PIC. This just might be a good day.

1430. Well the standby bird wasn’t needed so we didn’t fly today. Good thing we weren’t needed as the number two engine wouldn’t start and we had a lot of binding in the flight controls. Turned out the number two N2 actuator had failed and both slider assemblies needed cleaning. We were fixed by about 1300 but no other missions from Brigade have come to us. Looks like we’re number one for tomorrow though.

The problems with the crew seem to have eases and I don’t think SSG Ortega and I will butt heads anymore. I’m pretty sure he knows where I stand and what I expect and won’t try to run herd over me anymore.

Cease Fire Day 7, Day 180

Wednesday, 6 March 1991, 1700

Still haven’t flown my first mission as PIC. Weathered out for two days in a row. Rain and fog yesterday, sandstorm with gale force winds today. Visibility here has ranged from one mile to thirty feet. At 1530, it seemed like dusk from all the flying dust.

The really frustrating part of all this is that we could probably have moved back to Saudi if we had good weather. It’s so bad at the moment that we’re all putting off taking a shit until the wind stops or we can no longer wait, whichever comes first.

We spent most of the day playing cards, chess, Tetris and most of the crew is napping now. I’m going to try to write more letters but with no incoming mail it’s tough. We’re all going stir crazy staying in the copter for two straight days.

We’ve spent a lot of time harassing our door gunner SPC Carter. He’s and 11B and we call him “Grunt”. We kid him about getting a Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). He knows it is good natured and he’s giving just about as good as he gets now.

Cease Fire Day 12, Day 185

Monday, 11 March 1991, 0930

I’ve been busy and lazy the past few days. Flew missions on the seventh, ninth and tenth. The seventh was my first flight as a Pilot-in-Command! We finally left Iraq yesterday morning and have been at our field site in Saudi again since 0830. Since I changed crews I had to move to another tent. I still have half my stuff at the other one. Also, wondering, since someone took off with our copter without telling either assigned pilot and all our equipment is still on the aircraft.

I got seven letters on the seventh and seven more today. Apparently, Mail will stop again soon and not resume until we’re at Fahd. I have to make some calls from there and stop/reroute most mail before I leave country. I’ll be getting tapes and letters for months after I get home.

Latest word will have us home in three weeks. That would be great! I’m still not writing that home because it it’s true I’ll probably beat it home. Things are looking promising.

The sent our door gunner back on the eighth and we only have five copters left in Iraq. Rumor is we will leave for the rear on Friday.

I flew my farthest mission north on Friday. Two turns to LZ Kitty along the Euphrates river north of FOB Cobra. Not a lot to see but I did meet a few Iraqi nationals. Mostly they wanted souvenirs (Watches etc.) I had to laugh. Apparently, US goods are very popular.

Cease Fire Day 15, Day 188

Thursday, 14 March 1991, 1945

Another quiet day in Saudi. We’re impatiently waiting for orders to move to the rear. At the moment, A Company goes back first. But, that is subject to change at any time. It’s possible we may be home in as few as two weeks but most of us expect four.

Life is just a long daily wait, waiting for orders for this and that. Mail, boxes and new are about all we care about. I got a short letter and two tapes from Anna today. It was really good to listen to the boys and Anna. I shall write back to them soon., now in fact.

Cease Fore Day 16, Day 189

Friday, 15 March 1991 1300

Received a package from Anna and a letter from Mom this morning. We were also surprised by a hot breakfast. On the following pages are two articles from Albuquerque papers that explain the war pretty well. Especially, the 101^st.

Still no word on when we depart. Still just waiting for the word to pack and go.

Cease Fire Day 18, Day 191

Sunday, 17 March 1991, 1215

Just finished a letter to Goldie and Elmer. Had a company formation today. Nothing major was put out. Still no word on leaving. We did sling load several CONEXs out to the highway for loading to the rear. I got some really good pictures. Hope they turn out. Shot a roll and a half, dust clouds, the works.

I’ll probably go for a walk and visit the penalty box (latrine) later. Besides that, just waiting and listening to tapes and reading.

Cease Fire Day 20, Day 193

Tuesday, 19 March 1991, 2000

Still in the desert and still no real word on when we leave. Had a Battalion formation yesterday and we’re given the impression that we’d move out around 22-25 March but no firm word. We were also told the movement dates for the Division redeployment were 3 through 15 April. So, I guess there’s room for optimism.

It’s starting to get hot. Mid to high eighties today and looks like sixties for a low. We’re basically bored stiff waiting to leave and trying to be patient. No mail today didn’t help matters much. I did get a haircut today plus we had hamburgers for lunch. I also managed to cash a check for fifty dollars.

Cease Fire Day 21, Day 194

Wednesday, 20 March 1991, 1300

This morning we were given word that we depart tomorrow for KFIA. Tentative departure time 0800.  The Commander has gone for final briefings with Brigade and the Battalion commander. Our final mission brief will be at 1800 tonight.

We spent the morning doing our final packing and loading equipment. Took down tents etc. Tomorrow will be a long day, but on we’re all looking forward to.

Cease Fire Day 22, Day 195

Thursday, 21 March 1991, 1830

It’s been a good but long day. Woke up at 0430 took off at 0700. We flew 4.6 hours. It was a beautiful flight until we got twenty miles from Bastogne and the smoke from the oil well fires in Kuwait reduced visibility to one mile. Landed at KFIA at 1130.

We spent most of the afternoon getting settled in. I called Anna and Mom. I got cut off twice and the last time couldn’t get back through to Mom. I may get up early to make some calls.

Living in the parking garage again. This basement this time. We expect to be here two to three weeks then home.

We had our first really decent meal in two months for dinner. Spaghetti with meat, rolls etc. It was a well enjoyed meal. I’m going to write a little bit then hit the sack. Tomorrow another day.

Cease Fire Day 24, Day 197

Saturday, 23 March 1991, 0700

Last night was an interesting evening. I received a package. It was fairly large and pretty beaten up and wrapped in plastic. It was from Jackie, Tammy and cookie. Tammy mailed it to my Korea APO. Anyway, it turned into Christmas in March. I’ve got my Christmas tree, books, crackers, beef Jerky and neat stuff. The Pringles were the only real victim of excessive crushing.

I went and called again this morning. The line was clear and we had quite a nice talk. We talked about possible leave ideas and places, about the cars and about life as we know it. I talked to all three of our sons and can’t wait to go home.

I also received five letters. Geneva, Aafke, Linda, Anna and Mom. I still have to answer most of them. I told Anna I would write her letters and just give them to her when I get back. It will be faster that way.

Cease Fire Day 28, Day 201

Wednesday, 27 March 1991, 1100

We’re getting closer and closer to leaving. Over half the aircraft have been cleaned and inspected for shipment. The last one should be finished by tomorrow. The trucks and MILVANs are also being inspected along with individual baggage we fly with. Seems there is a lot more effort in redeployment than in deployment.

I just added a few pictures to the collection and glued some other stuff too. I finally acquired more rubber cement.

Spent all day yesterday taking back all the night vision goggles, laser glasses and flack vests we were issued before the war. It took twelve hours but it was all accounted for. Hopefully, in about a week will be down to the wait to depart mode. Most of my equipment is cleaned and packed and I do a little more each day. Slowly, I’m making progress.

Cease Fire Day 34, Day 207

Tuesday, 2 April 1991, 2030

Tomorrow we start flying our aircraft to the port. Current word is we leave Friday, maybe Thursday. This will probably be my last entry because I’ll be packed and don’t know how much time I’ll have. I’m just glad to be leaving.

NOTE: We left on Friday, 5 April 1991 and arrived at Fort Campbell, the afternoon of Saturday, 6 April 1991.  I was greeted at Campbell Army airfield by my wife and three sons, my father and step-mother, my grandmother, my aunt, my cousin, and four nieces. That was a good day.