Flashback Iraq…My Salute to the U.S. Marines!
Cpl. Sanchez, 2nd LAR, (c) www.artharris.com
By Art Harris, The Bald Truth, (c) www.artharris.com, all rights reserved
I arrived in a sandstorm, and left in a sandstorm, the raging desert winds etching stings and memories of war few can erase–friendship and gratitude I carry with me today on Veterans Day, and every day for the young Marines who looked out for me as an embedded journalist, and each other, rough, tough, ready to fight– and ever polite.
“Sir, could you please bend down so I could shoot out your window?” asked my driver, Cpl. Sanchez, as our 7-ton ammo truck came under fire one night in Nasirya. I scribbled notes, now illegible, as the men let me into their lives, some cut short, to write about their hopes, dreams and missions I’ll be sharing about these and other American heroes from time to time on The Bald Truth.
Not a day goes by I don’t think about the young guns of the 2nd Marines light armored reconn unit (LAR) out of Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, and how we raced across the Iraq border in March, 2003, my only weapons, laptop and cameras. As I salute them today, and all the men and women in uniform, I also wince about how we got off on the wrong foot–my fault–and my first brush with fear.
Then Marine Cpl Rey Narvais, (c) artharris.com
Marine on Guard, photo, (c) artharris.com
I crouched low in the seat, helmet on, flak jacket pulled tight. Cpl. Rey Narvais, 25, clutched the steering wheel, his M-16 at the ready.
He peered into the darkness, weaved around potholes, dodged a convoy of military trucks and cruised past a security checkpoint heading toward Highway 80 leading to Kuwait City. We were going backwards so we could go forward, on a crucial mission.
“They’re late,” I said, as Narvais whipped our Humvee across the median. Never had I been considered such a key player in a military action, even as a former NAVY PAO. But I had the contacts, and they weren’t going to deal with just anybody.
And if anyone wondered about messing with us, there were three more Marines in a Humvee behind us, one manning a .50-caliber machine gun. Narvais was considered one of the key enlisted men in 2nd LAR. By day, his job was to protect the first sergeant, but on this night, he was ordered to watch over me — and get us to the drop zone on time.
A lot was at stake. If we failed, I faced possible exile from the unit, or worse.
Heaven help me. I’d broken the company coffeepot.
“I didn’t mean to, honest,” I told a scowling Capt. Greg Grunwald. But the facts were not in dispute. I had plugged Grunwald’s prized coffeepot into a bad power strip, and now it was a confirmed kill.
For two long days, the officers and senior NCOs had gone without coffee. Wrath that had been focused on Saddam Hussein was now in my face. Hence, this mission.
I held my breath as we waited by the side of the road. The Humvee’s motor was running. One Marine took up perimeter security. I made a call on the satellite phone.
“They’re on the way,” I said, peering through night vision goggles for a glimpse of my gutsy colleagues who were braving the “anything goes” highway out of Kuwait — a road jammed with 18-wheelers pulling the heavy equipment of war.
“How far?” I whispered into the phone.
“You’re already there?” asked then CNN producer Sue Kroll (now with NBC) who kept field correspondents supplied with everything needed to cover a war: tents, batteries, and, er, coffeepots.
“You’ll see two Humvees, emergency lights blinking,” I said, climbing out to pace the highway. And wait. And wait…Narvais sidled up with his M-16, ever watchful.
“Hey!” rang out a familiar voice. I shook hands with my old friend and producer Henry Schuster who has since joined CBS 60 Minutes. He eyed my bodyguards and the gas mask strapped to my leg.
“I’ve authorized each of them to make a phone call home on your sat phone,” he said, passing the precious cargo to the Marines. “Looks like they’ve gone the extra mile.”
We drove back in silence and unloaded the prize. Marines started grinning, pumping my hand, plugged in the machine. Bingo! The aroma of fresh brewed Starbucks filled the tent.
I’m happy to report I was forgiven, all charges were dropped. The lean, mean fighting machine was back, running on high octane. Within days, we were heavily caffeinated, and off to war.
————-
Rey earned a purple heart when an AK round smashed through the Humvee’s windshield and shattered glass hit his faced, bloody, but superficial wounds. After rotating home, he was selected for language school in Monterey, Ca., where he learned Farsi, then it was on to intelligence school. He did two more Iraq tours before getting out of the Marine Corps to spend more time with his daughter and raise a family. I’m indebted to Rey and all his fellow Marines.
November 12th, 2009 at 5:15 am
When I started reading your story, I was bracing myself for sadness and ended up smiling. Thank you for sharing some lighter moments experienced during this long war. My thanks to my brave Father and all of the veterans and active service personnel.
November 12th, 2009 at 8:45 am
Art, great article
November 12th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Art this is a wonderful tribute.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Art
I have a post script on the Statement Analysis of Shaniya’s mother: Law Enforcement had received this info Tuesday. They know she holds info.
November 13th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Some are just more ‘well suited’ to ‘driving a desk,’ I guess.
Nice ‘write up.’
November 13th, 2009 at 2:54 am
And, I still hope all that extra ‘gas money’ WE (aka US) spent, plus that ’stimulus package,’ is working over there…
Now, I’m gonna’ look for a song called “In The Long Run.”
Lyrics are always running through me, and sometimes just melodies.
I love to come back here and read some of the dumb stuff I’ve typed…and I like rereading some of the more intelligent comments, too!!!
November 13th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Hey Art! Nice article. And I’m not just saying that cuz it’s about me! hahaha. I’ll pass this one to Sprague. He’ll get a kick out of reminiscing.
———
Rey,
You are my hero, pal…will always be grateful for you and Sprague and all the men in 2nd LAR. You made sure I kept my head down, batteries charged and mop gear zipped up. We didn’t see any WMD, but i dropped a good 15 pounds wearing that suit. Almost looked like a Marine when it was over. Do you remember the name of the kid from Durham we lost? Pls send me any info about how I might contact his family on my private e mail. Congrats on your upcoming wedding and hug Briana. Love you guys…Always, Art
November 14th, 2009 at 1:20 am
Mr. Harris:
I am what they fondly call a ‘military brat’. Both of my parents were active duty (Air Force). My mother’s hitch was around eight years (RN:Captain), my dad was active duty 26 years (Hospital Administrator: Colonel).
When I was a young child, my dad was transfered to Turkey. We were treated very well by the people of Turkey. Two things were strongly advised while in Turkey: stay out of legal trouble and stay/remain respectfully away from Mount Ararat! Seeing how others thrive–so much is learned. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
Constantly, the Russians were assuring both the American Military and the Turkish Military that they (Russians) do not spy on them. It amused us. Not only could we hear their planes, they were visible.
While we were in Turkey, JFK was shot and died. It WAS the
shot heard around the world. I was a young three years (of age) and could not appreciate what the fuss was about, but, boy do I remember the chaos! I have memories of my dad putting his uniform on, and leaving for the hospital, high alert. Some orders were given. After a rough week of trying to figure out whether or not we would be leaving Turkey, things were sorted out, and it was determined that we would remain in Turkey.
A quick note to those who claim this is a volunteer military USA has. Come what may of them. It is these very people who have a great sense of duty–they make superior soldiers. For them, being in the Armed Forces is an election. No draft, be thankful.
It is a big misnomer that officers both active duty and retired are wealthy people. The professionals (there are many) receive far less pay from the military then what the market pays. These are people with a great love of duty. The next time you see a high ranking officer, keep in mind that their love for the USA, and proud sense of duty is driving them, not money. They could make many times over their salaries (same job) had they not elected to be in the Armed Forces.
Mr. Harris:
I am very proud to be able to say both my parents are buried in Arlington. My mother has her own head stone because of her duty. Thank you for that delightful article. Salute
——————
Melody–
Thank you so much for honoring us with your parents’ story and selfless contribution to the country. I’ve hitched many a ride on the AF when they did space availables for active duty military during my brief sting with the 6th fleet. Several port calls in Izmir, so familiar with your old neighborhood, an exotic, fascinating country, and important ally.
Appreciate your dropping in and sharing the truth about our dedicated military with The Bald Truth; we all need to send up prayers for our men and women, and thank them when we see them. Art
November 14th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Thumbs Up! A Salute to All US Military Soldiers, their families, Civilian Employees and to those who really know the inside activity of the Enlisted Military Personnel.
US Army, US Air Force, Navy, Marines, and best of all is the US Coast Guard where theire mission NEVER ENDS.
November 14th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
…hard to believe tobacco products are on that ‘wish list’…
Guess if they’re USDA that’s just O’tay!
November 14th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Art,
I was on the edge of my seat reading this article. Hearing about that night never gets old to me. In fact, it’s more fascinating every time I hear it! Thanks for the awesome tribute to our ever-so deserving military men and women. I hope to see you guys at our wedding.
~Brianna
———-
B: Thanks, Bri…you are marrying one of my young gun heroes, the boy who seems to have an angel protecting him and anyone nearby. Honored to be invited…Always, Art
November 15th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Coffee ain’t so bad after all, I think, or rather guess.
November 15th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Sure hope this ‘middle eastern’ thang doesn’t turn out to be like Vietnam.
It probably all boils down to a couple of kids that never learned how to share…but think they did.
November 15th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
And, then once they’ve won us all our freedom…what the heck are we all, or each one, to do to harness it?
Might be nice to teach simple english, or any other language, and math.
AND MIGHT BE NICE TO LITERALLY PREACH…
Whom bunches of peoples just want food…and a little shelter when it storms…
And clothing…gee, that’s just shelter, really.
Never mind…
November 16th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Mr. Narvais: #7
What a wonderful article about you! I commend you for your duty/service. Outstanding! Thank you, sir.
My best to you and your family. Happy Holidays.
November 16th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Tobacco, firearms, and alcohol…
LOL
Weird ‘tango’…
November 16th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
you should stick with this kind of stuff instead of the laundromat fodder thats on this site.
November 16th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
“Coffee and Confusion”
November 16th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
There is ‘food’ and there is entertainment that nearly elevates us from wanting more than we or US really need.
Can anyone really imagine what it’s like to feel so burned up by the desert heat that actually their brains and hearts fry?
I think a whole lot of people could do a whole lot more to move them and give them water.
November 16th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
My Dad almost lost his soul fighting…
He felt uncomfortable saying “I Love You.”
Yet, even before that…he was made a man whil’st just a boy.
“The Great Depression”…seems to have ‘Robbed’ him.
Yet, in reality…tobacco maybe killed him deader than a doornail.
November 16th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Palin on Oprah…just reminds me of what I’ve got tuned in right now…
“Fellowship of the Whales”
November 16th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Yeah, you gave me an inch and I took a mile.
Dang though, I know there’s a mighty force sleeping in the desert tonight.
So far away!
November 17th, 2009 at 7:08 am
I salute all of our Soldiers. Our great Warriors of Old and our Warriors of Now.
Thank you for all you have done and are doing even now.
America is proud of you.
May you be proud of yourselves as well. YOu have sacraficed much. We appreciate it all.
You are the Free & the Brave !
with the greatest respect,
your fellow American back home,
Debbie
November 19th, 2009 at 9:24 am
…so, ‘in other words’…
“THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA”…
Could transcend the ‘hype’ of making ‘all that’ superlative.
It’s almost as if “THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA” is hell-bend on ’selling’ ‘that religion’…keeping ‘the blood flowing.’
And we all know ‘for what’…
’scoops’ equal ‘viewers’ equals ‘money’ equals ‘power’ equals ‘more.’
November 20th, 2009 at 7:00 am
…there “The AP” go again dissecting.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Dear Art,
Have a happy holiday…
And, if might AD SOMETHING ELSE to this…
“…my only weapons, laptop and cameras.”
AND WORDS!!!
(So, too much useless ‘preoccupation’ with punctuation, I guess.)
December 9th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Farsi sounds like a pretty ‘neat’ language to learn.
Our greatest weapons, hopefully, someday will be words…with those ‘little sparks’ called punctuation for emphasis.
Ode to emote.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
These men deserve our utmost respect.
And, just like ‘eulogies,’ I’m not particularly very, good at “All That.”
Life is so short, and that nuclear arsenal in Pakistan…I sure hope by now is not gonna’ get into the hands of those ‘farmers,’ that…
Well, anyway hope ‘the strategy’ to surround works!
GO TEAM GO!!!!
December 21st, 2009 at 4:24 am
Ode to the Industrialist…
I’d rather recite and type this.
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.
Keep your sense of humor, you’ll need it.
Fire is the test of gold;adversity, of strong men.
You are what you think.
Genius is one-percent…inspiration and ninety-nice percent perspiration (I think!).
Start your retirement savings program in your twenties.
Those ‘friends’ thou has, and their ‘adoption’ tried, grapple them to thy sould with HOOPS OF STEEL (I really used to like hoops).
CALL YOUR PARENTS once a week (or at least try, or call someone else that you think gives a HOOT!).
None but the well-bred man knows how to confess a fault.
…or achnowledge himself in error!!! (needed to mispell)
If a man hasn’t discovered something that he will die for (then he ain’t no Jesus Christ), and he isn’t fit to live.
Never say (or type, or write) anything on the pone (or your computer) that you wouldn’t want your mother to hear at your trial…or funeral.
You see things; and you say, “Why?”…But I dream of things that never were/ and I say, “Why not?” (remember why Kennedy got shot?)
Pray daily & lister to HIM (I like all caps).
In all matters, be a gentle-BEN.
The only people who don’t make mistatkes are those who do nothing (well I am, at least typing this.)
DON’T FORGET HOW TO PLAY.
The test of a man or woman’s BREEDING is how they behave in a quarrel.
Temper your strength with sensitivity.
Sensitivity!!!!
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived FIRST forward.
The mind is its own place, and it itself can make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven (POSSIBLY this ‘Eden’ we call earth for she’s the only TRUTH we HAVE to call home).
There is no lesson learned from the second kick of a mule (except that it hurts just as bad as it did the first time).
America, love it or leave it…just take a tour over-seas unless you end up in Dubai, or some other paradise).
A cadet does not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do…neither does a grad…
NEITHER DOES A GRAD (but most often that’s what some do).
Red & yellow, black & white, we’re all precious in His sight.
NEVER QUIT OR GIVE-UP LEARNING.
No man’s last thought was ever, “I wish I had worked harder and spent less time with my family.” (UNLESS)
Life is too important to be taken seriously!!!!!!!!
Preserve us faithful to the ideals of The Citadel, sincere in fellowship, unswerving in duty, finding joy in purity, and confidence through a steadfast faith.
And last but not least…
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF…especially when you are on some mission driven into a battlefield and there ain’t nobody else.
(I didn’t PROOFREAD THIS and I’m sure there’s a bunch of typos.)
December 21st, 2009 at 4:38 am
Some quotes are from Bartlett’s Familar Quotations, 16th Edition…
Copy-written by Jim Herritage 1972, Editor
(And I took a lot of liberties with this…or REALLY my fingers did…after all “A Mind is a Terrible Thing To Waste,” even if you can’t spell ‘tomatoe.’)
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:28 pm
So, Art…when are you going to go ‘rogue?’
Reading foreclosures goes something like this…
“Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust…”
T’Wood be nice if the Lawyers and Bankers and “The News” got together and highlighted what ‘a minimum payment’ really means, instead of making in “Fine Print”!!!!
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Oh, well at least your doing a little, good with all that fine and dandy college education…reporting and writing ’bout drug addicts, and war, and lost kids.
Wonder who paid for it?
And, hay I know you’re just trying to earn a living…but you’ve done that by now…I can only hope.
America ain’t a land, or really ‘great’ is she?
Unless we believe ’she’s more’ than “All That.”
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Yeah, I’ve noticed that space between your front teeth more than the lack of hair.
Wunder who your (correct) handlers are?
Oh, well (deep subject) ain’t no use believing in perfection…
(UNLESS)
December 24th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
And there the dang old AP go again…
Obama’s flyin’ high tonight I guess…or more than likely he’s resting after his ‘flight’ to Hawaii…
And you’d think ‘The Law of The Land’ would’ve been bolder, and braver and more outstanding than to only wish ‘a few’ of our service men and women a Merry Christmas.
Any chance, things will change or ever get any better?
Is this the best you can do?
December 24th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Gate’s mail is mighty plain and simple ain’t it?
December 24th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
There’s just gotta’ be more, more effort than all this.
Merry Christmas!!!
And May God Bless YOU.
January 17th, 2010 at 2:52 am
There may be more to being a mariner than we know.
January 17th, 2010 at 2:52 am
I’d just like to believe that there’s more.
January 17th, 2010 at 2:57 am
MORE THAN LEGAL ZOOM.
2 RIGHTS NEVER MAKE A WRONG, RIGHT?
OR IS IT, 2 WRONGS NEVER MAKE IT RIGHT?
DOESN’T JUSTICE MAKE A SENTENCE?
GUESS NOT.
January 27th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Freida–Just never had the gap fixed, but was once amused to learn Chaucer wrote about the “gap-toothed woman” in Canterbury tales as sensual…That’s who I quote everytime some cosmetic dentist pitches me to spend thousands to fix it. Art
January 31st, 2010 at 3:41 am
I’ve thought thrice…first ’bout all that ’stuff’ I bought at “The Gap” to keep ’someone young’ from being teased (or harassed)…you know that ‘peer pressure’ thang.
Then I thought of ‘if ain’t broken’…sure you know that.
Then I thought of baby teeth.
And now I’m gonna go look-up and search for ‘that’ “gap-toothed woman” tale.
It’s more than likely something worth reading, I hope.
And as always, if you’re looking for ‘a clue’ in some ’serious case’ you know you can always ignore me!!!
I just like to type.
It’s funner than work!!!
January 31st, 2010 at 3:58 am
Reminded me of a ‘Cheshire Cat!’
…and Alice.
Meanwhile in real life the boys at “The Citadel”…
Reminded me of blind faith.
A good thing, to have blinders on or one eye peeking out.
Each one was so respectful and knowing what I knew about my Dad…
Made me sad knowing what they might face…yet most of them had a mighty good family base…
So that light.
The ‘girls’ were just starting to get ‘adopted’ that year…was a mess!
lol
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:06 am
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.”
(Makes me feel young…Should’ve used ALL CAPS and a great, big exclamation mark or three.)
February 4th, 2010 at 12:39 am
My Daddy got ‘pinned’ by a famous man in the snow, slept with a snake, and got shell shocked in a trench, rode a motor cycle just behind enemy lines, helped save a bridge, and guarded men nailed to crosses still half alive…he landed in Normandy and made it (and me and many brothers) back home.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:45 am
Twas a real BOA…not twat you thought…just in case…you did.
Got pictures, heard the stories…wish I had more.
He never bragged…reminds me of a fort…he came back to a more than 40-hr. shift…he taught me how to fish and how to work like Dickens…but he never knew or took credit that he did.
FAITH TAKES A WHOLE LOT OF WORK AND ALWAYS MORE THAN YOU GIVE.
February 6th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
To think that we fight wars for this…freedom…and those that didn’t mostly, those ‘on top’ of the heap of humanity.
“Oh Give Me A Home”
Buffalo meat?
February 8th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
…and ‘those boys’ that came back from Vietnam with their Kool cartons of souvenirs…