Kuwait Story
One of my most memorable moments in the Oregon National Guard was when my unit was deployed to Kuwait in March 2002 to support the 332nd Expeditionary Support Squadron during Operation Enduring Freedom. I was stationed at Ahmed Al Jabar Air Base and was there during the 4th of July. The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday usually spent with family and going to Ft. Vancouver to watch the spectacular very patriotic fireworks. The MWR at Al Jabar did their best to make the day special with a bar-b-q by the pool, bingo, and a talent show. However, it was hard not to feel homesick. And due to the dry desert heat, tents, and thin walled barracks any sort of fireworks were banned.
As the day was winding down and most people were preparing for bed we were all called to an unexpected “Commander’s Call” at the far end of the base. No one was sure what this was all about but figured the commander wanted to give us one last inspiring talk before the day ended. As we gathered, the commander announced that the Kuwaiti’s wanted to present us with a gift. We all waited in anticipation to see what the gift was. Soon we heard the swoosh of something flying into the air, popping and then the sky lit up with color. The Kuwati’s were giving us a fireworks display! None of us were expecting that! Even though they weren’t as spectacular as Ft. Vancouver or probably any small town firework display in Oregon, they were definitely a sight for us. We all loved them. This unexpected gift given to us by a country that doesn’t even celebrate this day themselves was extremely emotional. I will remember it always. I’m very grateful that I was there to accept such generosity from our host country.
