Recollections of a year in the Sandbox

Tool175 · Post by **Tool175** » April 2nd, 2005, 10:46 pm

Well I have been here in the Sandbox over a year now. It has been one hell of a year. Contract work is the last thing I thought I would be doing two years ago. I have lost two comrades, Christian Kilpatrick a well known and respected Ranger from 3rd Bn and Harry Pretorious, an Ops medic from the old S. African Paras. Thier passing was hard, and both were men that could be counted on. I have lost other men working on other programs within my company one of which was a young combat medic that had just finished a year here with the 173rd.

I have had IED's unleashed on me from as close as ten meters. I have had more Iraqi security than I can remember also killed within our teams. I have worked with numerous contactors from all over globe, S. Africa, England, Italy, Gurkhas are just a few that come to mind.

It has been rewarding and hard work. I see everyday the desire of the average Iraqi to live a life free from the tyranny of an evil leader, and to live without fear of terrorists. I would have to say the only dissapointment I have experienced here is that no matter where you serve there are always those douchebag assclowns that somehow get manifested with you, I just thank the man above that after a while we have been able to remove them from our teams.

All in all it has been one of the greatest experiences I have ever had, right up there with being a Ranger, so it will be 6 weeks off and then back to the Sandbox for another year, hell I still want that boat.

The Tool, RLTW!!!

Bell · Post by **Bell** » April 2nd, 2005, 11:59 pm

Stay safe bro. I'm glad ya got it all worked out.

RLTW
Bell

Mom in Texas · Post by **Mom in Texas** » April 3rd, 2005, 4:59 am

Take good care of yourself Ranger Tool175. You and yours will be in my prayers.

Also, thank you for the words..."I see everyday the desire of the average Iraqi to live a life free from the tyranny of an evil leader, and to live without fear of terrorists."

For those of us left to rely on the main stream media for news.....we don't see much of this reported.

Dud · Post by **Dud** » April 3rd, 2005, 9:42 am

Thanks Ranger Tool175,
As was stated by 1/75Mom, its great to hear that the people over there still desire their freedom. For those of us who are preparing to deploy, bombarded by the constant flow of negativity regarding this war, its always refreshing to hear of those things worth fighting for. Be safe in your journeys, and thank you for your service.

Dud

blueskiesalways · Post by **blueskiesalways** » April 3rd, 2005, 5:01 pm

Thanks Ranger Tool. Stay safe.