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FILIPINOS DRAWING UNITY IN THE DESERT
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The chaos among the Iraqis, the bombing and the killing of local and foreign workers highlight the complicated work
of uniting its people to build this nation. While the best solution is yet to come, the Filipinos had already
delivered the means to the inhabitants and visitors of a small city in the Iraqi desert six months ago.
It has never been our mission, but the Filipinos of NMCB 133 just wanted to serve and do their job like the rest of
the men and women of the armed forces, the way they were trained to do. There's unity among us no matter how the
scorching heat and constant dust of Iraqi desert set us apart. It is in our blood to be sociable with each other,
playing cards, chess, and eating MREs, and native food whenever available. I can say we are the happiest group of
people despite of the miserable living condition. Oh, yes, did I mention food?
I know that Jenny and Flordel has a lot to do with this, even in remote area of this region, coming through the mail,
the Sky flakes, banana brittles, dried squids, and the like, were the most treasured luxury to arrive. What a envy for
the rest who got tired of eating MREs all the time. Of course, there must be a relief because the prospect of eating
hot meal is about to cross the perimeter of our camp.
Can you believe that? The Americans that are married to Filipinas were asking us to shoot the wild dogs for hot and
delicious meal which will be served for the first time. This is the highest compliment and perhaps the ultimate mission
for us to boost the morale of the camp by feasting on Iraqi game. But there is only one problem, the Commanding Officer
(CO) has to give permission to shoot.
One night from my mortar bunker I monitored on the radio an army soldier asking to shoot vicious dogs that are about to
attack him. The army security forces were always having problems with wild dogs trying to penetrate the camp at night
when our leftover food trash was piled up for burning on the next day. "Your request is denied. You are to use lesser
means, like bayonet, rifle butts, and rods without firing your weapon," was the reply from the Combat Operational Center.
The next day, late afternoon, there were several gunshots heard around the camp. The CO came running to our Easter
service in the tent to direct us to wear our helmet and flak jacket, because of possible enemy attack. Suddenly a squad
of army in their full battle gear came running to report the encounter with the enemy. There on the front line, we saw
dead wild dogs lying around. Yes! Finally, we will have hot meals. Well, actually, no.
The CO was furious. He mentioned about imposing disciplinary action against the whole platoon of army, including their
officer. The shooting was never condoned; therefore, the dead dogs had to be buried. Oh, well, the hope of having dog
stew was buried as well. Nevertheless, just as the desert heat rises in the summer, the desire for the ultimate hot meal
also intensified among us. Finally, it was a dream come true.
The Filipinos were part of the crew sent in a remote town, Al Jassan, near the Iranian border to rebuild a school.
There in a small village, where Iraqis attitude still suspicious of American intentions, the Filipinos went beyond
their acquired construction skills. The wandering goats around their tents became the heavenly sent relief, especially
to the two Ilocanos ( Me and Ancho ). A fifty dollar offer for a goat was rather expensive to the Filipinos, but very
attractive and appealing to the Iraqis. They even offer to slaughter and skin the goat and bring in the pots and pans.
The spices had to be modified, since the third world Iraqi supermarkets have less to offer. The sliced pineapples,
peppers, and hot sauce, were taken from the variety of MRE packs. Finally, yes, you guessed it! A mouthwatering
"calderetta" meal was ready to be served.
That night came great number of Iraqis to compete with Americans who were about to devour the most delicious meal
in the desert. There was no leftover, of course, it is just exhilarating and historic moment when the Iraqis,
the Americans, and the Filipinos were drawn to unite around the table to connect with one another. I do hope the story
will live on. The challenge, perhaps, is on the new group of Filipinos coming in. I got this news from CNN 29Aug03.
"Philippine officials said Thursday that a "humanitarian contingent" of almost 100 soldiers, police and medical
personnel has arrived in Iraq. The workers are to be stationed in Hillah and will contribute to the Polish-led
multinational presence in south-central Iraq. The 55 soldiers are to perform engineering work, including road
building and bridge repairs. Twenty-six police officers will help train Iraqi police. There also are five doctors,
including a psychiatrist, and nine nurses with emergency medical training."
Well, I'd like to share these photos to honor my fellow Filipinos who have served and to appreciate Jenny and Flordel
of her kindness in encouragement.
I am on the top of the Dump truck. I was the Fire Direction Center officer of our Mortar Platoon. I wears charcoal
suit over my uniform as we cross the Euphrates River.
Alex is riding with his fellow Seabees on a humvee with plywood top to shed from the sun. He's with the convoy
regularly travels between Kuwait and southern Iraq to deliver mails and supplies.
Leo lies with his girlfriend, his rifle, taking a long nap after traveling from Al Kut to Karbala. This is the
coolest place in the camp, our berthing space covered with tarp ceiling to trap the cool air inside the converted
warehouse. The mosquito at this time escape the cold by going above the ceiling.
So long, folks, we're back to the US with no one was hurt. God bless us all!
Rejoice,
Randy
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