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A Day at the Beach
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Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs (6/3/2003) — The sandy desert of Iraq is a far cry from the sandy beaches of Hingham, but the Massachusetts National Guard’s 1058th Transportation Company now calls both home. For almost two months, the truck driving guardsmen have endured the heat, sand and gunfire to help ensure U.S. Central Command can move personnel and equipment where it is needed. Missions to the interior of the war-torn nation last five to seven days, and continue as coalition forces occupy the country. The unit transports troops and equipment between Kuwait and Iraq for the 1st Armor Division and the 3rd Infantry Division. They were in the heat of the battle, at times, traversing the long supply lines that are still dangerous. “There have been several incidents with civilians protesting,” said Capt. Christine Hoffmann, company commander. “Children attempting to jump on moving vehicles in the hopes of stopping a convoy to loot the vehicles. We now have military police escorts to protect the convoys, since there are still small pockets of resistance.” The mission got murkier when a civilian vehicle struck four trucks in a 25-vehicle convoy. No soldiers were seriously injured, but the Iraqi driver needed medical attention. Even with incidents like these threatening the unit, Hoffmann is confident the 1058th will continue to be successful. The area is still dangerous, but training has minimized the risk to the company, said Hoffmann. The trucks have been equipped with special GPS tracking devices, durable laptops and antenna so vehicles and the company headquarters are able to see the location of the convoy and send emails. It’s not just their trucks that are moving. The unit has changed camps five times since coming to the Middle East, forcing many soldiers to live out of their duffel bags, but they realize the constant packing is due to their success and have kept a surprisingly positive attitude. Their newest camp has phone service, the sun dries wet laundry in under an hour and the company had a big Memorial Day picnic with hamburgers, hotdogs, horseshoes and semi-beach volleyball. The trip has also been free of any casualties, aside from a bumped head that required a few stitches, and the troops remain focused on what is important. “Any mission where everyone comes home safe is a good mission, despite the confusion,” said Spc. Angelynn Andino. The Mass. Guard troops have braved the 110-degree heat, camel caravans, desert spiders and a fallen regime that was set on killing them. Despite these difficulties, the 1058th has overcome and excelled as Massachusetts National Guard soldiers have for over 365 years. Last 10 Stories
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2004 National Guard Bureau |
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