Iraq. Last man out tonight..

[santahog]

The news has the live feed of the last vehicles our of Iraq and into Kuwaitt.
The last time around, I had the novelty of that distinction.. I harped for weeks to get me some wheel studs. My right front wheel finally fell off on the way back to Saudi. My unit was the last ground unit to exit Iraq, (1st ID). I finally got to "Ride", hung behind a tow truck. My boss and I were the last two out of Iraq. At least they had the dignity to be able to "drive" out...
"Last Man!"..
Hooah.. C'mon home, guys!! Stay out of trouble..

[twyacht]

Saw a news clip about a 5 day layover for departing troops in Kuwait. Turning in gear, de-briefing, etc,...than getting on a commercial flight home usually with their duty weapon to turn in at their home base...

Too bad after WWII, the country was so united and joyous that it was over, the GI's, sailors, often just kept their rifles, pistols,..."stuff", especially if they knew someone.

My Grandfather, one of the last sailors leaving the Pacific theater, shipped home with a Mauser, a BAR, and two gov't issued 1911's....The BAR and 1911's were stolen from his apt. in the 70's. ...The Mauser was kept at his Sister's and I have that rifle today....

Oh the thoughts that run through my head, if the BAR were with it.

Time to get em' home.

[Conagher 45]

I just wish I knew what happened to my Grandfathers, Unlce Henry's .30-40 Krag carbine and Colt SAA  when he came home from Cuba in 1899.

[fightingquaker13]

You two think small, I want the SAW or the M-19.
FQ13

[billt]

Let the civil war begin!

[Sponsor]

[santahog]

Just before we made the jump back south, we got the word, "War Trophys okay". I had 5 AKs, with the bakelite mags that I wanted to take back. I got approval from CO., BN and BDE. Commander, as well as Armourer, Section Sgt. and Top.. (I was good, right?). I was a "rules guy". I knew the FMs, TMs, even the TB-Meds that governed my job.. A few days later, the word came down "No War Trophys".. Okay.. I dug them out of my CONEX and gave them to the Armourer, with a few choice words about getting it straight, (not addressed to him, personally, of course).. Three days later, I'm getting ready to band the lock and Some Battalion Commanders aid came asking, then demanding that I put some pots and pans from the Kuwaitti Navy in the box. (Again, I just lost 5 AKs, and I'm a "Rules Guy".) I told him no, and he got pissed! He threatened me.. I never cared about that. Standing up to bullies typically got me promoted anyway..

[Timothy]

Just before we made the jump back south, we got the word, "War Trophys okay". I had 5 AKs, with the bakelite mags that I wanted to take back. I got approval from CO., BN and BDE. Commander, as well as Armourer, Section Sgt. and Top.. (I was good, right?). I was a "rules guy". I knew the FMs, TMs, even the TB-Meds that governed my job.. A few days later, the word came down "No War Trophys".. Okay.. I dug them out of my CONEX and gave them to the Armourer, with a few choice words about getting it straight, (not addressed to him, personally, of course).. Three days later, I'm getting ready to band the lock and Some Battalion Commanders aid came asking, then demanding that I put some pots and pans from the Kuwaitti Navy in the box. (Again, I just lost 5 AKs, and I'm a "Rules Guy".) I told him no, and he got pissed! He threatened me.. I never cared about that. Standing up to bullies typically got me promoted anyway..

Though I'm a Navy puke, you and I would have gotten along fine!      I had a tendency to question orders myself....

Thanks for your service Joe!

[santahog]

Though I'm a Navy puke, you and I would have gotten along fine!      I had a tendency to question orders myself....

Thanks for your service Joe!

It was my blessing, still, to this very day.. Thank you.. You too..
Merry Christmas..