Jim Heikkinen remembers Iraq

Once in awhile, the mood strikes.

A year after I have returned from the mid-east (and have since retired from the National Guard), my mind frequently pulls up images and experiences of Iraq and Kuwait. I just loved it there. A particularly vivid memory was the time I was walking about Camp Arifjan at 3am… dusty, noisy (generators that supplied power to the tents were on 24/7), and very hot. Soldiers of different nationalities walked about, some on duty, some lounging, some visiting with buddies. The port-a-johns were the point of interest for some. A natural artist frequented one cluster of these outhouses in particular, their interiors embellished with fantastic nudes expertly drawn with a fine-tipped felt marker. They weren’t posed in the imagined grotesque positions, just strolling or standing around, minding their own business. There wasn’t much incentive to visit these outdoor Louvre’s, as they cooked and simmered in the 120-140 degree shadeless heat. The decor helped, and if you waited until after dark to visit, you didn't have to hold your breath quite as long.

Men and boys (all the 3rd Infantry Division guys looked like kids in army clothes… very well used, army clothes. I was ashamed to stand with them in the chow line, I in my new-ish Desert Camo Uniform) went about armed with a variety of automatic weapons slung over their shoulders. To a West Virginia National Guardsman who had never before chambered a live round in a war zone, it was Heaven.

Regards,
Jim

Hi Jim,

Good to hear from you. I imagine that some memories will always be with you. Unfortunately, many fade ever so fast. I have gone back to my personal web site on occasion to read about our 25th anniversary and am often amazed at some detail that I had completely forgotten about. Fortunately, I wrote it down while the memories were fresh. Wouldn’t a few pictures of the drawings you describe be grand. Of course, who would think to take photos at a time and place like that?

Did you intend for me to add this to your collection on my site? I’d be happy to of course but always want to make sure of your intention first.

Dave

You may do with it as you wish, Dave. If I send you tidbits like this, you can safely assume that they’re for publication. Regarding the drawings, they were simply amazing. Too good, in fact, since there was a constant battle between the artist and a self-appointed censor who would draw clothes on the caricatures, to the great chagrin of all. Someday, perhaps, I’ll run across someone who did snap a few shots and wasn’t whacked by their spouse after they returned home.

Jim

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