Day 2: December 30 - Baghdad (Arrival)
Made it to Baghdad . . . Our “hotel” (pictured left) is in fact a palace that was owned by one of Saddam’s sons. The Camp we are staying at is a dichotomy. The palaces are amazing, though the saying "all that glitters is not gold" comes to mind.
We’ve been told that the fixtures that look expensive (like chandeliers) are not made of crystal but are cheap plastic -- might explain how there could be so many palaces with so much glitter. There is an incredible man-made lake (which tragically had a negative effect on the surrounding agriculture since it basically drained vital resources from the community to meet Hussein’s personal needs). And then you see a Blackhawk helicopter . . . there are sandbags in all the windows. You remember where you are and what’s happening/happened. You go into the palaces the military are using and there it is again. Desks, computers, assets needed to run a war, and the desk is below the chandelier in the ball room. You see yourself in the goldleaf mirror that the sons properly used to primp. Weird . . . You don’t feel their spirit, but you know they lived here and can almost imagine them walking about living their lives.
The “hotel” hosts USO guests and VIPs. But in addition, as part of a USO program called “Operation Proper Exit,” there are soldiers staying there who have been severely wounded and have returned as part of their healing process for closure. When we checked in, the group managing the hotel alerted us that there were two soldiers here for that reason. Both soldiers had received burns over 80 – 90 percent of their bodies, which is why they told us -- since that could be shocking.
Next to my room is the dining room, and as I was leaving there was a group of soldiers sharing stories, chatting and laughing. As I walked by and scanned the group, it was hard to miss the two soldiers. It seemed as if they were just hanging out . . . sharing their experiences with their colleagues. There are no words to describe their injuries but what stood out is the laughter. I can’t imagine what they experienced and the journey they are on, but amid pain and trauma, they still had something to laugh about. It takes special people to be able to do that.
Day 3: December 31 - Baghdad (Team practice and pep rally)
Off to the first meeting between the pro players and the military players. Finally down to business! From the moment we arrived soldiers have been running up to the guys to shake their hand, to get an autograph . . . and the players continue to be so happy to share a moment with the troops.
While the pro players have been so engaged, I’m not sure they were really thinking about “seriously” playing the game. And then they met the military players, who were selected because they won a base tournament. These soldiers were FIRED UP!!! Of course they were excited to meet the pro players, but it’s clear they thrive on competition. The players got to the practice field (pictured below) and it all kicked in again . . . Tee Martin (QB) telling one soldier how he didn’t run the right route. Rocket Ismail showing another wide receiver how you should cut. All on a dirt field . . . in Baghdad. Whoa! The coaches came to WIN. They had plans, schematics, plays . . . the whole nine yards!
What makes this update so challenging to write . . . today was about energy, emotion, a spirit of competition and sportsmanship that I can’t capture here. Trust me when I say it was moving and inspiring.
Day 4: January 1 - Baghdad (Game Day)
Finally! After all these days we’re getting to the reason why we’re here. No game day is complete without a tailgate, so we went to one of the dining facilities on the camp where the game was being played. The drill was to get food inside and then bring it outside so players and soldiers could eat together in a “game day atmosphere.” From the moment we got there the pro players were being pulled in all directions. You could see the excitement and awe on the soldiers’ faces from a mile away. Here were their heroes amongst them.
I was scanning the area -- from player to player, table to table -- it snuck up on me. I started to well up. It’s a tailgate! Who cries at a tailgate? I’ve been to multiple bases by now, shared quarters with severely wounded, scarred soldiers who are looking for closure -- now is when I start to cry?!?!?! It’s still fresh so I’m not sure I can articulate or understand what moved me but as I write this I think it’s because in those few moments, I saw the soldiers leave Baghdad and Iraq. They were back at the University of Oklahoma or Tennessee or maybe they were home watching the game cheering or moaning . . . but this time with their heroes beside them.
Bruce Smith is an alum from VA Tech. As we were leaving the DFAC he told us that when we entered the dining hall, they were showing the VA Tech, Tenn bowl game on one of the TVs. Bruce had his lunch and was walking out but stopped at one of the TVs to check out the game. The soldier watching the game turned his head and paused. He looked back at the screen and back at Bruce. Turns out he and his wife went to VA Tech. He had no idea that Bruce was on base, let alone in the dining facility. The soldier told him that he and his wife talk about him all the time!! Bruce sat down and had lunch with him. Two guys chatting football, enjoying the game (they won by the way) and reminiscing about VA Tech.
Not sure the outcome of the bowl game matters, but for those curious, Coach Switzer’s team whooped Coach Bowden’s team (36 to 8). Brian Bosworth caught a touchdown thrown by Ty Detmer. The Rocket scored the only TD for the opposing team -- thrown to him by Tommie Frasier. There were bodies flying and everyone played full out. An incredible day and memory for the military team and the spectators . . . but probably even more so for me since this isn’t my world. Not the camaraderie of athletics nor the bond of serving together in the military. Maybe the players and soldiers came together so quickly because they both understand the importance of team and the need to rely on each other and the blind faith needed to all succeed together. A clip of Coach Switzer and Team Freedom is featured below.
We heard many, many times how much the troops appreciate these visits. I absolutely felt it – no question! However, since I really didn’t talk with any of the soldiers in depth, I hadn’t asked them how they felt about the game, the players, etc. Here are the words of Staff Sergeant Cecil Graham who was interviewed for a story by the Associated Press:
"We have to keep going over here. A lot of people don't know what we go through over here. A lot of people have their own assumptions. But like Coach Switzer and Tony said, to know that people at home have our back, it's a blessing. It's unforgettable."
Day 5: January 2 (Back to Kuwait and then on home)
Today we flew from Baghdad back to Kuwait. In trying to wrap-up, I find my thoughts swimming in a sea of memories -- funny moments and comments, touching and thoughtful exchanges and everything in between. I knew this would be an opportunity of a lifetime. Not sure how you exceed an opportunity of a lifetime but it did. Given the chance, I would go again and again.
Recent Comments