Finally moving on...

March 06, 2005

Everywhere I look, I see empty bunk beds.

Six hours ago, this warehouse was bursting at the seams with people and army green duffel bags. Now, it’s almost empty.

Bravo and Charlie Companies got the call a few hours ago that their flights out of Taji were leaving a day early. They leave tonight.

Some soldiers lie on bunks. Others huddle around a computer game. They are all waiting for the time to go. Their duffels are already gone, their bunks bare.

We visit and laugh. We talk about first memories, of friendships.

It doesn’t seem like they’re leaving.

Could it have been a year already?

When we moved into this warehouse about five days ago, today felt an eternity away. The days flew by as quickly as they have for the last year.

My group isn’t leaving today, but it will soon. That’s hard to believe, too.

It hasn’t sunk in yet.

Staff Sgt. Ken Baker of 3rd Battalion Headquarters Company just stopped by to chat. He said it feels a little weird leaving because this is what we’ve known for more than a year. Actually, for this brigade, it’s been longer than that. They moved to Fort Hood, Texas, in November 2003 and have been living and fighting together ever since.

“But I look forward to getting used to my family again,” he said.

These men are saying goodbye to one family so they can finally say hello to another.

As they walked out of the warehouse a few minutes ago for the last time, soldiers shook hands and patted shoulders and offered hugs.

“See you later,” said Sgt. 1st Class Chris Richey. “I don’t say goodbye.”

The next time many of these soldiers likely will see each other will be in Arkansas, months from now during the next weekend drill.

Not all of these soldiers will see each other again. The New York platoon that was attached to Bravo Company just left. They’ll head their own way soon, having served a year fighting next to Arkies and never having stepped foot in the state.

These guys are excited. They’re heading home. It will still be a while before they make it home. There are several stops that must be made first.

Arkansas.

It’s closer than it seems.

Posted by Amy at March 6, 2005 04:50 PM