USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ Pancakes on Wednesday ~ 23 July 2003

Canteen FRiends ~ Radix

[Soaring Feather]

Good evening Tonkin.

Thank you Military men and Canteen men for the lovely sunset.

[Kathy in Alaska]

The orange skies of Iraq after a dust storm reduce visibility to about 30 feet at Tallil Air Base in Iraq. Iraqis call storms like these “Shamals”, and they sometimes hinder the 726th Maintenance Battalion’s recovery missions. Mass. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Ring

Mass. Guard Unit Balances Maintenance, Support Duties

By Capt. Theodore A. Sobocienski
726th Maintenance Battalion

TALLIL AIR BASE, IRAQ -- At the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Yawkey Way, very few things resemble the Back Bay Fens of Boston, but the soldiers from the 726th Maintenance Battalion try not to notice. Simple things like naming the dusty streets of Tallil Air Base in Iraq can be very therapeutic.

The Natick-based Massachusetts Army National Guard unit, with the help of the 110th Maintenance Company out of Ayer, has been keeping the base of about 15,000 troops operating by maintaining weapons, communications equipment and vehicles. They have also assembled support teams that traverse war-torn Iraqi roads to recover damaged and disabled vehicles.

“This is the first time the unit is changing from a maintenance mission to a support operations mission,” said Maj. Mark C. Favazza, a Georgetown native and maintenance officer for the unit. “It’s challenging having to balance maintenance, quartermaster and supply missions.” The 726th covers almost 600 miles of open roadways, with teams stationed at stops all along the main supply route from Kuwait.

Arriving in early May, the unit has had to get used to bulletproof vests, loaded weapons and canteen water that quickly becomes undrinkable due to the heat. Fortunately, the soldiers have improvised, wrapping moist socks around their canteens to keep them cool and naming the blast-crated streets to keep their spirits high.

The unit has found a way to modify almost everything they have touched. Their office at the base now boasts new front and back porches, picnic tables circle the buildings, and they made improvements to the floors, power system and lights.

“The soldiers are doing great,” said Lt. Col. William Callahan, commander of the 726th. “I’m proud of the part the battalion has played in Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

Since arriving at the base, the battalion has completed over 200 maintenance job orders, and recovery teams have already conducted over 20 missions into areas of Iraq that are still considered hostile.

For the Marines also stationed at the base providing close air support in the area, the unit’s work has been vital to their success. It is a high profile job that the unit likes doing.

“Members of the battalion are proud to be doing their wartime mission,” said Callahan. “It’s a highly positive experience, being here in Iraq and helping out.”

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"I love my bear with purple hair!!"

Does she eat lots of pancakes?

[Soaring Feather]

Waffles!! With purple raspberries!

[Kathy in Alaska]

ROTFLMAO!!! That is so cute, ms feather. You are so good. Thanks. She almost looks embarrassed to have purple hair.

[Soaring Feather]

The bear was most likely given Gentian Violet. It is a deep purple liquid used to kill some forms of fungus. It is taken from the wild flower Gentiana. I have seen this plant growing along creek banks when I lived in the country. Very beautiful flowers.

Oh by the way the Purple Bear story is on FOXNEWS as I type.

[The Mayor]

Good morning, TM. Hope you've got your family all settled in back home, and that your road trip was all smooth sailing.

Thankyou for asking, All went well and we are getting settled in. It is nice to have us all together again, Finally.

[Argh]

Thank you, tomkow, but no burquas today, thanks!

[Argh]

A purple bear
From Bentfeathair.

I'm speechless.

[tomkow6]

I'm thinkin' about makin' BURKAS mandatory for Camp on Fridays.

[Soaring Feather]

Bentfeathair.

ROTFLOL!! Cute!!

[tomkow6]

 

Hi,  The Mayor !

Welcome to the Canteen!

Wanna buy a burka?

 

[tomkow6]

What are you doing?????

[tomkow6]

What are you doing?????

[The Mayor]

How did you end up like that anyway? You've been like that for a year or so. No escape?

[tomkow6]

What are you doing?????

[tomkow6]

What are you doing?????

[Soaring Feather]

What are you doing?????

[Soaring Feather]

What are you doing?????

[tomkow6]

What are you doing?????