OK, I may be wearing a dress, but I can assure you this was very normal for our current environment. Not too long ago the Iraqi Army Captain Omar (Captain Omar is not in this picture, but Staff Sgt. Ali is along with Charlie Company Captain S) invited us to his office for lunch. It was a wonderful lunch of chai and faloppas (sp). A faloppa is basically a sandwich made from the most wonderful flat bread which is cut open. On the inside they put cucumbers, tomatoes, and fried chic peas. It is a great sandwich and one I have now eaten many times.
The casual wear, provided by Captain Omar, is called a misdasha. Again, I have no idea if the spelling is correct and I would bet not before I bet for. The misdasha is common wear for the men of Iraq and understandably so. With the extreme heat here it is very cool and comfortable. The loose fit (not so loose for me) allows the breeze to flow under and provide some relief. In many ways it was sad to close down the Joint Security Station we were on because of the friendships we made with our Iraqi partners. The JSS was closed in preparation of all US troops leaving the cities on June 30Th.
Now I am on Camp Stryker Camp Stryker is a large base and walking here is the only exercise you need. I probably walk an average of 3 miles a day and that is going to and from the office and to chow. However, there are many benefits I am just now starting to enjoy. In my room I have AFN (Armed Forces Network)TV. It is so great waking up in the morning and watching the news. There are 10 channels in all which allow me to watch sports, movies and regular programming. The other advantage is the dining facility. It is huge and the food is terrific. In fact, it is too good. Way too many choices, good and bad. They have any kind of desert you would want or could think of and they have...get this...sweet ice tea. I am in heaven. Well not exactly, but I have learned it certainly can be worse.
For any of you wondering, my address is pretty much the same with some minor changes. It is now;
Alan Dale Hamilton
1-63 CAB LEP
Camp Stryker
APO AE 09322
Many of you have written and some I have not yet written back, but believe me I certainly appreciate each and every note you send.
Well, it is time to go, but remember keep our American Heroes in your prayers and thank God each day for the freedom we enjoy.
5 comments:
Love the dress Dale! It is definitely you! Now all you need is a surf board. Sure love and miss you!
Hey, Dale! It gets hot here, too, so do you think you could bring a few of those cool dresses back?? Maybe making them could turn into a cottage industry... Seriously, we all miss you, and we are excited that you'll be home in about a month:) Our prayers are with you.
Thanks for the reminder Earl. Iraq isn't on the news as often as it used to be.
Glad to hear the eating/living conditions are better and that you're getting some walking in.
Don't know about the dress, however.
@ Rick...you mean DALE!
Dale, I wish there were more coverage on our news about the close relationships that are formed by our working with the Iraqi forces. This is an aspect of this conflict that is often overlooked. These relationships will hopefully lay a better foundation of understanding for both of our cultures and how it is possible to work together for peace and security. Thank you so much Dale for keeping us informed and for your service to this country in your LEP capacity. See you when you get home in June. Stay safe.
Post a Comment