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Saturday we had the chance to see the Iraqi Air Force College - our equivalent of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. One of the Air Force staff that works there is an Air Force dental hygienist, so he invited us for a tour. Our base had been the original location for the college before the war. They are just getting things up and going again with the help of US Air Force advisors. The cadets attend classes like this one I even came to realize...read more
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I was able to experience my first sand storm since I've been here. It wasn't the thick swirling sand like you saw in the movie "The Mummy" - it was the fine particulate dust that just goes everywhere. It almost looked like fog the way it reduced visibility I've heard the storms can get much worse then this. This one was blowing sand in the evening - even the next day until afternoon there seemed to still be particulates in the air....read more
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On June 8th, 1917, The 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) was officially established. Since then, they have participated in most of the major wars that the United States have been involved in. The Big Red One sent the first American shell of World War I. During that war, 1st ID boasted five Medal of Honor recipients. First Division began World War II with the invasion of North Africa as part of “Operation Torch.” When the Germans surrendered in Africa, the Division moved on...read more
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Cobras Conduct Relief in Place / Transfer of Authority (RIP/TOA)
February 6, 2011
By: First Sergeant Robert Winchel
The Cobra Company has maintained their great reputation as team players as we transitioned into our operations in Afghanistan and relieved our 101st counterparts. What is usually expected during this period is that the outgoing unit has an “I just want to go home” attitude and the incoming unit “thinks they know it all.” What happened with us here is just the opposite. The outgoing unit welcomed us with open arms and ensured we were comfortable with the mission and...read more
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I am a medic in Afghanistan. We have a small platoon here providing medical support for our troop. Our day to day operations are pretty routine and in fact pretty dull. Unless we have an incoming trauma, we are training. As you can imagine it can get pretty boring. We get very stupid when we get bored. First there was the gallon of soy milk, lets just say none of it stayed in my stomach. Then, we tried a cinnamon challenge and that went just about as...read more
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It's less then 30 days to the Army Dental Corps Centennial. There will be a big celebration with lots of continuing education credit and fun down in San Antonio to celebrate the Dental Corps 100th Anniversary on March 3. That was the one negative aspect of this deployment is that I would miss it. Want to make sure to get the word out in case anyone else is interested in attending or purchasing some of the centennial momentos.
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Since being over here I've been able to see a lot of things that open a small window into what this place may have been like when the Iraqi's were here. This was the base swimming pool. Obviously not much swimming occurs here. The old sports stadium Iraqi Bomb shelters Old toilets Scattered around the base are old pieces of Iraqi military equipment set up as monuments/displays. There are still old neighborhoods left on the base. My guess...read more
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Service to one’s country is an endeavor that, I believe, all young men and women should experience. The personal growth and maturation that occurs while serving in uniform in a structured setting is difficult to accomplish elsewhere. The pride derived from uniformed service, the experience of selfless service, and the opportunities afforded to those that choose to serve can provide a solid, life-long foundation for all citizens of this...read more
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Here are some cases from this past week. A patient had come in complaining of pain coming from her impacted canine (see upper center - tooth that is diagonal at the root level). It had been bothering her for the past month, but when she had gone home for R & R - they just gave her some medication and told her they would take care of it later. See the bulge on the roof of the mouth First thing after pulling the gum back was to drill away the bone to reveal...read more
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As I have been deployed here in Iraq I've come to realize that deployments are actually a blessing for some people (notice I said some). I know it definitely isn't for everyone, and there can be some problems back home with deployments - but something I've noticed is that for some people it's a great thing. I have the chance to talk with a lot of patients, and as I ask them what they do - I have had quite a few of the Reserve Component tell me that they were...read more
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