What to bring to Iraq

[James T Thomas]

what you hold of value

"ManedWolf:"

The PDA will certainly entertain and distract you during any leasure time, but when you hear the "wings of the angel of death" hovering over your head, provided you are blessed to have enough time to hear that, you may find that some more serious reading or comtemplation is in order.

I've heard that sound. I've also heard the spooky sound of absolute silence in battle that is "louder" than gunfire. It's not just a movie phenomenon, but is "for real."

The old addage that there are "no atheists in a foxhole" hold true.

I will not bore you with "war stories," but may I tell you, hopefully for your own good that one's attitude may be the deciding factor for survival in a combat situation? I know, second hand, of men I knew, who had certain attitudes that are "inherent" -for want of a more accurate word; to the teen age years or early college, anyways. And that attitude, more than anything else, led, almost assuredly to their deaths. I'm not implying you personally, but that during serious situations, it is generally, the person who has seriously prepared that lives.
A "cavalier" attitude can easily get you killed.

I'm giving this advice for those young posters here, like the first one, who are simply asking for sound advice.

 

[Joe Demko]

The old addage that there are "no atheists in a foxhole" hold true

No, it isn't. Without derailing this thread and getting it locked, I'll just say that ManedWolf and I are on the same page. PM me if you want further discussion.

 

[wingnutx]

Compromise: You can put the bible on your PDA.

Fwiw, getting shelled never made me quit being an agnostic.

 

[DRMMR02]

I do believe in that sort of thing btw, and will most definately have a Bible with me

 

[Manedwolf]

The old addage that there are "no atheists in a foxhole" hold true.

No, it's really not true. Look. It works for you. That's fine. But don't try to tell me I'm mistaken or try to convert me...and we're good. Your book, your rules, follow'em and be happy.

For people into that, yeah, it's good advice. Whatever gives someone strength when they need it. But don't assume it's for everyone. Because it's not. The way I would make the suggestion is to say that it's a good idea for someone to take a small version of whatever book or literature of a belief system they believe in, if any, or some other object they can look at to remind them of what's important...be it a durable mini version of a photo of their family, a small heirloom, whatever.

If if works for you, great! Just reminding that not everyone thinks the same way. And not saying anything else on that, 'cause this is a good thread about stuff people need.

 

[stillamarine]

Visit Brigade Quartermaster www.actiongear.com When I was in A-stan they were awesome, they have been serving military personnel for 30 years and a lot of thier staff is vets and know the kind of things we want. Get a catalog to take with you (but I'd be surprised if you couldn't find quite a few in theater)

**note** While on deployment in the beginning of 02 I placed in order for some items and put them on my credit card. Few weeks later, I got my package with a note stating that my card had been declined and to please send alternate payment as soon as could. They had sent everything I asked for with basically nothing paying for it!! Of course I was moved and did send the money but I to this day feel that they have the best costumer service when it comes to service members.