Our "Man In The Sand"

  

11702 comments so far (is that a lot?)http://www.parcbench.com/2009/07/20/our-man-in-the-sand/Our+%26quot%3BMan+In+The+Sand%26quot%3B2009-07-20+07%3A22%3A17Greg+Victor

Written by closeAuthor: Greg Victor Name:
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About: See Authors Posts (9) on July 20, 2009

Given this age of instant communication – isn’t it odd how little we hear from the actual military men and women out there on the front lines? We’ve been at war for most of the 21st century now, and I think it is time we got to know at least one of the brave professionals who do their duty with honor and courage. He will be our Parcbench “Man in the Sand,” and this column will keep you in touch with his point of view.

Let me introduce you to “Maverick” (not his real name, but “Top Gun” is a movie I think he likes, so he’ll approve). Maverick is in his mid-20s, single, and knows how to have a good time. While he’s sweating it out in the desert (where he is currently deployed in Kirkuk, Iraq), I’m sure he’d rather be golfing and kayaking. He has been on his current tour (not his first) for about seven months. Let’s check in and see what’s going on in the sandbox…

Greg: Welcome to Parcbench. Let me start by asking you this: Has your experience over there changed in any way since Obama became Commander-in-Chief?

Maverick: Yeah. We have pretty much given the Iraqi government full control of their country, which leaves me sitting on our f.o.b. most of the time with nothing to do.

Greg: What’s an “f.o.b.”?

Maverick: A base… “forward operating base.”

Greg: So in other words, even while at war, you all have enough free time to deal with Michael Jackson’s recent passing?

Maverick: Ha-ha! Yeah. Tons of time. The Iraqi higher-ups actually don’t want us helping them out now. From what I can tell, they just want to show that they are ready to run their own country.

Greg: Will you take questions from a concerned civilian? I have a question from a Parcbench reader…

Maverick: Sure.

Chris (a Parcbench Reader): Ask him about how the locals over there feel about the American soldiers. There is never enough coverage of how the not-crazy-people over there love us fighting the terrorists. Everyone I know who has been over there tells me stories of how the terrorists raid houses, rape women and stuff like that. Don’t you think anyone who says the locals over there don’t want a stop to that is full of it?

Maverick: Well a few of them like us over here. They’re very welcoming when we come to visit, but I would say a majority still don’t and never will like us. A lot of these people harbor and protect the terrorists. However there are some Iraqis who give us tips and help us out a lot.

Greg: And in return you show them how to moonwalk?

Maverick: Well, actually we don’t really do anything anymore. We just sit back while the Iraqi army/police go in and search/talk with the locals. We are just there in case they get attacked. We are just more of a presence. It allows the people to become more confident in their police/army and start taking them more seriously.

Greg: Is this OK, by the way — my interviewing you for a website?

Maverick: So long as I’m not named, I should be OK. The reason they don’t want us talking to the press is that a lot of soldiers might get in there and say some really stupid things.

Greg: I’m curious. Do you have access to view websites? For example, this website: www.parcbench.com?

Maverick: Yes. I can view whichever websites I want.

Greg: So you have access to lots of information?

Maverick: Yes. Anything we want. We bought our own satellite and run it through our platoon.

Greg: Is that allowed?

Maverick: I believe so. The higher-ups know about it and don’t say anything.

Greg: Seen any good movies lately?

Maverick: “Terminator 4,” “Up,” “ The Hangover”… and I’m waitin’ on a good copy of “Transformers 2.”

Greg: Thanks for checking in with us today. I’m actually heading to the grocery store now, and then the post office. Any requests?

Maverick: No, not really. I wanted a foot bath but I have someone sending me one. Ha-ha. These boots take a toll on my feet.

Greg: Before I sign off, do you have a question for our readers?

Maverick: Hmmm… How much do you think the war in Iraq/Afghanistan is actually affecting the economy? Since I’ve been over here, I don’t really feel the effects from it.

Greg: The point man has a point… If you have a question for our “Man in the Sand,” email it to me at: Greg@parcbench.com.

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