Another night in Kuwait

Well, I spent all day waiting for transport to Baghdad, but my name wasn't called. So I had to lug my bags back to a tent for another night in Kuwait. Tomorrow, I'll be up at 5 a.m. and start the waiting all over again. I knew this was a possiblity, but I was hoping to avoid it. What makes it not so pleasant is that I'm unable to conduct on-the-record interviews or take photos here without a public affairs officer present. And, unfortuately, I need to put in a request 48 hours prior if I want to pursue a story hear. So I've mostly been hanging out and talking to a few soldiers here and there.

It has been a life-altering experience in one way: I brought a watch for the first time in more than a decade. A watch is a necessity here, and I don't know that I've seen anyone without one. For me, that's extra insurance that I'll remember those phone interviews next week.

I do know that the troops generally feel that "their story" has been lost amid so much media focus on the violence in Iraq. One Black soldier I spoke to said he felt that that neglect was even more pronounced for the Black troops, and that more needs to be written about their part in Iraq and the kinds of jobs they perform. Sounds like a task for the AFRO.

I did play a game of "21" with some of the soldiers this evening. They have a nice full-length lighted basketball court, and I've tended to stop briefly when people were playing -- usually later in the evening as the temperatures cool. Tonight my genes kicked it and I had to play a little myself. It was a nice friendly game with the normal verbal back and forth about who's better. And despite my bum knee and extra baggage, I didn't embarrass myself.

In addition to the basketball court, the base also has a souvenir shop, coffee shop, internet cafe, laundry and drycleaners, jewelry shop and a gymnasium. Soldiers can also watch movies or play video games at two different places. Life would be even more tough without these amenities, because so much of the soldiers' life here seems circumscribed by routine and waiting. They're either waiting to go into Iraq or, having been there, waiting for transport out. And some troops are waiting for transport to wherever they've decided to take a little R and R.

Hopefully, I'll be on the road tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing Bagdad and then catching up to the members of the 298th.