One of the keys to tolerating Iraq on this COB is to not think about Iraq. Well, at least, don’t think about it too much. Part of the ‘don’t think about Iraq’ approach is to bring a little slice of good old American commercialism with us when we go to war. A Soldier’s morale is higher when he or she can enjoy a good hamburger in the sand and 120 degree heat of the courtyard. Pizza Hut….Taco Bell…Burger King…they are all here on COB Adder. Now, there isn’t a drive through and you cannot phone in your orders but they have the all the markings of the real thing back home. The restaurants are in little trailers surrounded by blast walls and the employees are people from Iraq and Kuwait and other places…never an American. When your order number is called out over the PA system its hard to understand the thick middle eastern accent over the loud drone of the power generators.
I never eat at these fine establishments. It is my sense of cheapness that keeps me away from the fast food trailers. You see, your tax dollars (and mine) have already paid for a really good meal about a block away so I’m not going to buy my dinner. Some guys buy most of their food. To each, his own (or a fool and his money are soon parted). I freely admit that I am cheap…frugal, spendthrift…whatever.
Some of the bigger bases have even more things. In Kuwait there is Starbucks and a donut shop. No kidding! Starbucks surrounded by blast walls. At Camp Taji, just north of Baghdad, you’ll find a Green Beans coffee house and a Subway. Those sandwiches taste like the ones at home. I don’t know how they do it but they do.
I am saddened to report to you one war crime. A culinary war crime. Camp Taji has crossed the line with a Cinnabun. Yep, a Cinnabun! Now, when a soldier gets off patrol or finishes a day of dodging car bombs and rock throwing kids he may go for a slice of pizza or a cheese burger but not something from the Cinnabun! That’s too soft for me (but it does smell good). A few of us try to stay away from words that have punctuation over the letters. Any word that has a French accent mark like 'latte' ' or 'frappe' ' is to be avoided in a war zone.
I can just picture the testimonial in the commercial now; “Ya know Sarge, after a hard day of lobbing grenades and running Al Qaeda out of Iraq, there’ nothing I want more than a foamy Starbucks Latte’ with my battle buddy.” The Clydesdales are hoofing off to Belgium with tears in their eyes at the thought of such a thing.
But never fear good citizen. There are still a few of us old guys around. I hang out with a few old school cigarette-smoking salty soldiers that still order their coffee one way….black.
Anyway, thank you America for coming along to the war with us. Even if it is with just your food….and your foamy grande’ latte’.
SABER 02,
out.
5 comments:
Well at least they are trying to bring the U.S. to you there, even if they're charging you for it. That's unreal. And a Starbucks with all the blast walls is even more unreal but I guess that's what it takes with the "enemy" trying to kill all our good guys. I would be right beside you in the mess hall getting my paid for food. When I go to Starbucks I get tea. I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for the story and the photos.
I didn't think we were allowed to write about where we are....I enjoyed your post. Perhaps I will see you round the DFAC...LOL...as I am too cheap to pay also! Keep up the good work and be safe out there!
Ah, but nothing beat a Green Beans coffee as your CLP was getting ready to head out for a nice slow drive to Bucca.
All I can say is, "What the f'ck....seriously?
thank you so much for sharing your experience with everyone. it's very eye-opening. Good to hear they are trying to make everyone feel more comfortable over there. Wish you and your fellow soldiers safety.
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